all cases of difficulty and danger. In fact, Sir, Your obedient servant, (Signed) Commodore Daniel T. Patterson, No. 24. J. LOOMIS, however stated to me that he was not acquainted with artillery, but that he thought the distance was too great to do execution. On this subject we unfortunately differed totally in opinion, as we were within point blank range; he however ordered his men to desist from further operations; I then told him that the gun vessels would attempt the passage of the fort in the morning, without his aid. At 4 A. M. on the morning of the 27th, we began warping the gun vessels to a proper posi tion, at 5 getting within gun shot, the fort opened upon us, which we returned, and after ascertaining our real distance with cold shot, we commenced with hot, (having cleared away our coppers for that purpose,) the first one of which entering their magazine, blew up and completely destroyed the fort. The negroes fought under the English Jack, accompanied with the red or bloodying the US. army in the Creek nation, to convoy flug Commodore Patterson to the Secretary of the Navy. New Orleans, August 15th, 1813. SIR,-It is with great satisfaction I do my self the honor to transmit herewith, a copy of the report of operations of two gun vessels, under the command of sailing master Jarius Loomis, despatched a: the request of major general Gaines, commandtwo transports, laden with ordnance, stores, and provision, up the rivers Apalachacola and Chatahoochie, to fort Crawford, for the use of the army; as also, copies of the major general's letter to me, and of my instructions to Mr. Loomis. You will perceive by Mr. Loomis's statement, that the unprovoked and wanton aggression committed by a party of negroes on his boats, as also their hos tile disposition and conduct to the army and the his was a regularly constructed fortification, built under the immediate eye and direction of colonel Nicholls of the British army; there were mounted on the walls, and in a complete state of equipment for service, four long 24 pounders, cannon; four long 6 ditto; one 4 pounder field piece, and a 54 inch brass howitz, with three hun dred negroes, men, women, and children, and about 20 Indian warriors of the renegado Choc-gun vessels, on their approaching the fort, taws; of these 270 were killed, and the greater part of the rest mortally wounded; but three es caped unhurt; among the prisoners were the two chiefs of the negroes and Indians On examining the prisoners they stated that Edward Daniels, OS who was made prisoner in the boat on the 17th July, was tarred and burnt alive. In consequence of this savage act, both the chiefs were cuted on the spot by the friendly Indians. From the best information we could ascertain there were,' evinced in the strongest manner their intention to dispute his passage past their fort, rendered it necessary to silence their fire and capture the fort. The very able manner and short time in which this was so effectually accomplished, with a force so very inferior, reflects the greatest credit upon Mr. Loomis, and the officers and men under his exe-command; the 9th shot and first hot one, producing the explosion, and unless the fort had sur rendered or been destroyed, it would have been impossible for the army to have received those supplies, of which they stood in so much need, and without which their operations against the hostile Indians, must necessarily have been materially retarded, if not totally suspended, and it was from the very great importance, as detailed by general Gaines, that those stores and provisions should reach the army in safety, that I felt it a duty incumbent upon me, when thus called upon, to afford the requisite convoy for their protection 2,500 stand of musketry, with accoutrements complete. 500 carbines. 500 steel scabbard swords. 4 cases containing 200 pair pistols. 300 qr. casks rifle powder. 762 barrels of cannon powder, besides a large quantity of military stores and clothing, that I was not able to collect any account of, owing to an engagement made by colonel Clinch with the Indians, in which he promised them all the property captured, except the cannon and shot. The property captured on the 27th July, ac cording to the best information we could obtain, and at the lowest calculation, could not have been less than $200,000 in value, the remnant of the property, that the Indians did not take, was transported to fort Crawford, and to this place, an inventory of which have the honor to transmit for your further information On sounding the river, I found it impassable for vessels drawing more than four and a half feet water, consequently, colonel Clinch took the pro vision from the General Pike into flats, and light ened the Semilante, so as to enable her to ascend the river as high as fort Crawford. On the 3 August, after setting fire to the remaining parts of the fort and village, I left the river and arrived at this anchorage on the 12th current. I cannot close this letter without expressing to you, my entire approbation of the conduct of sail ing master James Bassett, commanding gun ves sel No. 154, for his cool, deliberate, and masterl conduct, and the support I received from him in The service rendered by the destruction of this fort and the band of negroes who held it and the country in its vicinity, is of great and manifest importance to the United States, and particularly those states bordering on the Creek nation, as it had become the general rendezvous for runaway slaves and disaffected Indians, an asylum where they were assured of being received; a strong hold where they found arms and ammunition to protect themselves against their owners and the government; this hold being destroyed, they have no longer a place to fly to, and will not be so liable to abscond The able manner in which this enterprize was conducted, cannot but impress the hostile Indians also with a dread of our arms, and increase the confidence of those whojare friendly; add to which, that the force of the negroes was daily increasing, and they felt themselves so strong and secure, that they had commenced several plantations on the fertile banks of the Apalachacola, which would have yielded them every article of sustenance, and which would consequently, in a short time, have rendered their establishment quite formidable and highly injurious to the neighboring states. The English union jack, and red, or bloody flags, under which they committed their unprovoked hostilities against the American flag, are in my possession, and i shall have the satisfaction of forwarding them to the Department, by the first safe conveyance. It appears very extraordinary and remains with the English government to ex. plain he authority for the flag being thus hoisted by a band of outlaws, as also their officer, colonel Nicholls, having placed so strong a work and with so large a supply of arms (most of which were perfectly new and in their cases) ammunition, and every other implement requisite to enable the negroes and Indians to prosecute offensive operations against the United States; in possession of negroes too, known to be runaways from the United States and that too, sometime after peace had taken place Herewith is transmitted a copy of the inventory of the articles saved from the explosion, designating those furnished the army for public use and those brought off and deposited here I regret extremely the loss of Mr. Luffborough, killed in the service, who though much indisposed, and having sent in his resignation to the Department, very handsomely volunteered his services and accompanied the expedition; Mr. Loomis reports his conduct in the highest terms of probation. feel very averse to suppose that the British government, generous England, would tolerate in its subjects, the spoliation of this property, belonging to the pacific, industrious, and defenceless planter, not only of a friendly power, but (excepting in certain cases) I conceive, they would not permit it towards an enemy; I pronounce it as undeniable, that this laudable maxim has ever been so religiously observed by civilized and enlightened people, tha until now it has always been considered as an inviolable principle of the laws of nations. This abuse or disorder, most excellent sir, from its important nature, demands from your excellency, the most prompt and efficacious remedy in your power, in order to do away those appearances of hostility, which such unusual proceedings manifest; as well as to avoid the conse⚫ quences which must result from them, and which, for my part, I shall endeavor to obviate by every means in my power, requesting Y. E. again to order the restoration, without restriction, of the aforesaid Spanish property, which I now demand of you, officially, for the second time. Permit me to offer to Y. E personally, my sentiments of high consideration, whose life I pray God to preserve many years. (Signed) I avail myself of this occasion with great satisfact to recommend to the partia ar notice of|| His the Depa ment, sailing masters Jairus Loomis and Jan Bassett, commanding the gun boats on this expedition as highly meritorious officers. I cannot but lament exceedingly the great loss of lives occasioned by the destruction of the fort, though caused by their opposition to a passage of the river and hostilities most wickedly commenced upon a friendly flag, under which not the slightest aggression would have been offered them. The course pursued in this service, and the sult will, I trust, meet the approbation of the sident of the United States. I have the honor to be, DANIEL T. PATTERSON. No. 25. Governor Kindelan to G. Cockburn. St Augustine, E. F. JOB KINDELAN. 18th February, 1815. No. 28. General Jackson to governor Mazot. Head Quarters, Division of the South, Fort Gadsden, March 25, 1818. S SIR, I have ordered a supply of provisions to be sent from New Orleans, via Pensacola, to Fort Crawford on the Conaco This route has been re-adopted as the most speedy one of provisioning Pre- one of my garrisons, which must be maintained during the present contest against our mutual enemies the Seminole Indians And I cannot but express a hope, that no attempt will be made to interrupt the free passage of my transports to that post. I am not disposed to enter into any controversy with you on the right which our government may claim to the free navigation of such water courses as head within her limits, but flow through the territory of his catholic majesty; preferring to leave these subjects to be settled by those legally authorized. But as it is necessary for me to make use of the Escambia river, in passing up provisions to the garrison at fort Crawford, I wish to be distirictly understood, that any attempt to interrupt the passage of my transports, cannot be received in any other light than as a hostile act on your part. I will not permit myself for a moment to believe, that you would commit an act so contrary to the interests of the king your master. His catholic majesty, as well as the United States, are alike interested in chastising a savage foe, who have too long warred with impunity against his subjects, as well as the citizens of this republic; and I feel persuaded, that every aid which you can give to promote this object, will be cheerfully endered I am, with sentiments of respect, Your obedient servant, Most Excellent Sir,-The support and protection which the subaltern officers of the troops under your command, now on Cumberland Island, afford to the runaway slaves of this province, under my charge, inviting them to desert their masters, and enlist as soldiers, with the tempting promise of the liberty which they will enjoy, when once they are transported to H. B. majesty's colonies, has filled with consternation the peaceable inhabi tants, subjects of H C. M to which may be added, the aggravation offered them, by the manner in which the restoration has been eluded, as to an swer the claim which their masters make person ally, by saying, that they might take those that would accompany them voluntarily, is the same thing as to refuse their restoration; for where is the slave that will voluntarily return to slavery, if left to his election? For my part, even if there did not exist that good understanding, concord, and friendship betwixt our respective nations, I shouldi "Jose Mazot, governor of Pensacola. (Signed) ANDREW JACKSON, Major general commanding. True copies of the documents deposited in this command. Pensacola, 2d May, 1818, in the absence of the secretary (by indisposition.) (Signed) BUENAVENTURA DUBREUIL. No. 30. General Jackson to governor Mazot. SIR,-After I left this post for St. Juan, to disperse and destroy the mutual enemy of Spain and the United States, a small schooner with men and supplies arrived at Pensacola, and was taken possession of, and detained by my officer left in command. This vessel has been liberated, with all her effects, except some cloathing of the United States, (unacccompanied with any invoice,) and which has been detained as supposed to be a part of that taken in the boat, within the territory of this republic, in which lieutenant Scott, of the United States army, with his command, were so inhumanly massacred. between this post and the hostile Indians, there is too much ground to believe, that the Indians have been encouraged, aided, and abetted by the officers of Spain in this cruel war against the United States. Proof positive exists that the Indians were supplied with ammunition by the late commandant of St. Marks. The United States cloathing being found on board of a vessel, in the employ of the government of Spain, sailing from Pensacola, direct for this post, compels me to call on you for a statement in what manner you came possessed of said cloathing. In the month of May last, yielding to a spirit of conciliation, I gave permission to the schooner Victory from New Orleans, to pass up the Escambia to the American fort with a cargo of provisions; prompted by the same sentiment, I gave a similar permission in January last, to captain Call, of the schooner Italiana, to proceed to the same place; and subsequently, pursuing the same friend ly and concilitary feelings, I allowed lieutenant Eddy, belonging to the garrison of the fort above alluded to, who had been commissioned for that purpose by major Youngs the commandant, to supply himself here with sixty barrels of provisions. The cargo of the schooner Italiana being I regret being compelled to state to you, that still deposited here, I conceive that the introduc from the papers and other proofs taken at St. tion of the further supply requested by your ex-Juan, the quantity of American cattle found at cellency, is not necessary at present. Notwith- St. Marks, and purchased by me from the comstanding this, as I infer from your excellency's let-missary of the post, and the intercourse kept up ter that the said provisions are now on the way, and am disposed to grant the same indulgence as heretofore, while it is not less my duty to enforce the established regulations and restrictions, which require that the supplies should be consigned to a Spanish trading house, which will undertake to forward them and secure the payment of the royal import and export duties. I will give permission for them to pass in like manner as the first, it being however well understood, that neither now nor hereafter, the United States can pretend to or acquire any right in consequence of these indulgences, which are perfectly gratuitous, and grant- The good understanding that so happily exists ed solely in consequence of existing circum between his catholic majesty and the United stances, which, as your excellency states to me,||States, formed a just ground to believe, that his prevent the arrival of supplies to the said fort agents would have discountenanced this cruel and Crawford through any other channel; in additionsavage war, waged against the citizens of this you are pleased to remark, that, you are not dis-republic; too weak to comply with her treaties posed to enter into any discussion with me on the with the United States, or chastise her own sa subject of the right which may be claimed by vage subjects waging war against a friendly na the U. States to the free navigation of the Escambiation. It was scarcely to be believed that her offiTo a discussion of this nature I am no less averse cers would have been detected in aiding and athan your excellency; because it is one not with-betting this enemy, assisting her with intelliin my province, and because it is my duty, as a subordinate officer to conform to the ori ers of my superior; therefore, until I receive orders to the contrary, I am bound, in reference to this point, strictly to adhere to the existing treaties between the United States and Spain. On referring to the last treaty of amity, limits, and navigation, I per Asylums have been granted to the persons and ceive nothing that stipulates the free navigation property of our Indian foe, (fugitives from the terof the river alluded to; but, on the contrary, that ritory of the United States.) Facilities deemed the sovereignty of the king my master in and over by me necessary to terminate a war, which, under all the territories, coasts, rivers, posts, and bays, existing treaties, should have been maintained by situate to the south of the thirty irst degree of Spain, for feeding my troops, and liberating the north latitude, is solemnly and explicitly acknow-subjects of Spain, imprisoned by the Indians, have ledged by the United States And if, in consid'e all been denied by the officers of his catholic maration of the present extraordinary circumstances, jesty. All these facts prove the unjust conduct of farther momentary concessions are required, I re-Spanish agents in the Floridas. It cannot be quest your excellency to have the goodness to tonger tolerated; and although a republic fond of apply for that purpose in future to the authority peace, the United States know her rights, and at on whom they may depend, as I am wholly unau the expense of war will maintain them. thorized in this matter. God preserve you many (Signed) JOSE MAZOT. Pensacola, 15th April, 1818. To his Excellency Andrew Jackson. years. gence of our movements, and purchasing of him the property depredated of us. America, just to her treaties, and anxious to maintain peace with the world, cannot, and will not permit such a savage war to be carried on in disguise any longer (Signed) ANDREW JACKSON, VOL. VII.] THE NATIONAL REGISTER Congress of the United States. consolation to reflect that whatever of zeal or ca SENATE. Saturday, February, 27. The bill from the other House, to authorize the people of Missouri to form a Constitution, &c. was resumed; and, with the various motions relative to it, gave rise to a long and animated debate. Mr. Wilson moved to postpone the further consideration of the bill to a day beyond the session; which motion was decided as follows: YEAS.-Messrs. Burrill, Daggett, Dickerson, King, Lacock, Mellen, Morrill, Otis, Roberts, Sanford, Storer, Tichenor, Van Dyke, Wilson.-14. pacity I possess, has been devoted to the discharge of the duties of my station. Your approbation is more than an ample reward. Permit me, as the moment of separating is approaching, from all for a season, from some perhaps forever, to tender you all an affectionate farewell, and to pray that, upon your return to your respective homes, your reception may be such, in all your relations, as may make you happy. Mr. Gaillard next rose and replied as follows: Mr. President: Next to the satisfaction arising from the consciousness of faithfully performNAYS.-Messrs. Barbour, Crittenden, Dana, Eaton, Ed-ing our duty, the favorable opinion of those with wards, Eppes, Fromentin, Gaillard, Goldsborough, Horsey, Johnson, Teake, Macon, Morrow, Nobie, Palmer, Ruggles, Stokes, Tait, Talbot, Thomas, Williams of Miss. Williams of Tennessee.-23. So the motion was negatived. On the question to agree to a proposition to strike out the restriction against the introduction or toleration of slavery in said new state, a divi sion of the question was called for, and the ques tion was taken on striking out the latter clause of said restriction, as follows: " And that all children of slaves, born within the said state, after the admission thereof into the Union, shall be free, but may be held to service until the age of twentyfive years." And decided as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Barbour, Crittenden, Daggett, Dana. Faton, Edwards, Eppes, Fromentin, Gaillard. Goldsborough, Horsey, Johnson, King. Lacock, Leake, Macon, Morrow, Otis, Palmer, Roberts, Sanford, Stokes, Storer, Tait, Talbot, Taylor, Thomas, Tichenor, Van Dyke, Williams, of Miss. Williams, of Ten.-31. NAYS-Messrs. Burrill, Dickerson, Mellen, Morril, Noble, Ruggies, Wilson,-7. So it was agreed to strike out that clause. YEAS-Messrs. Barbour, Crittenden, Eaton, Edwards, whom we are associated, affords the highest gratification that can be received; and the present vote of approbation, together with the many acts of kindness I have experienced from this honorable body, have excited in my mind feelings of gratitude which neither time nor circumstances can ever efface. Thursday, March 4. It is scarcely necessary to give the journal of the two Houses of yesterday, since the list of acts will show what was not done, as well as what was done. The bill providing for a state government in the Missouri territory, and the admission thereof into the Union, was received from the House of Representatives, with a message that the House disagreed to that amendment of the Senate thereto, which struck out the prohibitory clause concerning the toleration of slavery in said state; whereupon, On motion of Mr. Tait, the Senate resolved to adhere to their said amendment. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, February 26. The House, on motion of Mr. Simkins, resolv. ed itself into a committee of the whole, Mr Smith of Md. in the chair, on the resolution from the John-Senate proposing an amendment to the constitution of the United States, so far as to make uni form the mode of electing electors of President and Vice President of the United States, and Representatives to Congress. NAYS.-Messrs. Burrill, Daggett, Dana, Dickerson, King, Mellen, Morril, Morrow, Noble, Roberts, Ruggles, Sanford, Storer, Taylor, Tichenor, Wilson.---16, So it was decided to strike out this clause a'so; when, Before finally acting on the bill, the Senate adjourned. Wednesday, March 3. On motion of Mr. Burrill, of Rhode Island, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted: Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of the Senate be presented to the honorable James Barbour, Senator from Virginia, for the dignified and impartial manner in which he has discharged the important duties of President of the Senate since he was called to the chair. Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of the Senate be also presented to the hon. John Gaillard, Senator from South Carolina, for the dignified and impartial manner in which he discharged the important duties of President of the Senate during the time he presided therein. Mr. BARBOUR, in reply, addressed the Senate as follows: Gentlemen: The sensibility produced by this new evidence of your kindness and approbation, is beyond my power to express. I would rather refer to your own bosoms as furnishing a more correct standard by which to appreciate it. I have Mr. Simkins offered a few remarks in favor of the resolution, and of acting on it definitely, as it had passed one branch of the legislature, and had been so long before the public that every mind was made up and could decide on it without a protracted debate. Mr. Tucker of Va. prefacing his motion with a few remarks in its support, proposed to amend the resolution so as to apportion the number of electors of each state to the number of representatives alone, and not to the number of Senators and Representatives of each state. Mr. Cobb spoke against taking up a subject of such great importance at this late period of the session; and hoped the committee would rise and lay the resolution by. Mr. Tallmadge offered a few remarks, chiefly against the amendment proposed by Mr. Tucker. Mr. Barbour of Va. opposed acting on a proposition at this late hour, which went to change, in a great degree, the frame of our government, and entered into a brief view of the effects of the resolution. In the course of his remarks he referred to a further amendment which it was the intention of Mr. Tucker to offer, providing that, in the event of the election of President devolv- || territories from whence they came-a list of such ing on the House of Representatives, according to the provisions of the constitution, the election shall be determined by plurality of votes instead of a plurality of states. as shall have resigned, or have been dismissed, and at what period; also a list of such as shall have been commissioned in the army, with the date of their commissions; and of such as shall have resigned, with the date of their resigna Mr. Williams, of North Carolina, replied to Mr. Barbour, speaking briefly in favor of the resolution. tion, and of acting on it immediately. Mr. Taylor, to get rid of a subject which there was not now time properly to consider, and to which he was also opposed, moved that the com mittee rise. The motion was lost, yeas 66, nays 66-the chairman voting in the negative. Mr. Holmes spoke a short time against the amendment, which went to weaken the influence of the small states, in the event of the Presiden tial election having to be decided by the House, which he was opposed to, although from a large state himself; and Mr. Tucker supported his amendment by a few observations; and concluded by renewing the motion for the committee to rise; which motion was carried; and, after discharging the committee from the further consideration of the subject Mr Taylor moved to lay the amendment on the table; which motion was decided in the firmative by yeas and nays, as follows: For laying it on the table Against it So it was laid on the table. On motion of Mr. Robert Moore, 79 73 Resolved, That the said Secretary be instructed to report as aforesaid, whether any, and if any, what legislative provisions are necessary for the more convenient organization and government of said Academy: the better to ensure a strict obedience to all proper orders, and a suitable respect for the rights of those whose duty it may be to yield obedienee. On motion of Mr. Spencer, the committee of the whole on the state of the Union, was discharged from the further consideration of the resolutions submitted by him on the subject of the Bank of the United States, and the resolutions were ordered to lie on the table. Saturday, February 27. On motion of Mr. Holmes, Resolved, that the Secretary of the Treasury afbe requested to inform this House what sums of money have been paid to the Attorney General of the United States for extra services, designating the services, and the fund from which the money has been paid. United States, by the hands of Mr. J. J. Monroe. The following message, under the date of yesResolved, That the Secretary of the Navy beterday, was received from the president of the instructed to inquire whether, in his opininn, the public service will require any aid from the United States in removing the obstructions occasioned by the Sand Bar at the entrance of the harbor at Presque Isle, or Lake Erie, and make re. port at the next session of Congress. Mr. Moore also submitted the following resolution, which was rejected. The treaty of amity, settlement, and limits, between the United States and his Catholic Majesty, having been, on the part of the United States, ratified, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, copies of it are now transmitted to ConResolved, That the Secretary of War be in-gress. As the ratification on the part of Spain structed to inquire whether the public interests will be promoted by subscribing for shares in the turnpike road from Pittsburg to Waterford, in Pennsylvania, and make report at the next session. may be expected to take place during the recess of Congress, I recommend to their consideration the adoption of such legislative measures, contin- . gent upon the exchange of the ratifications, as may be necessary or expedient for carrying the Mr. Rich, having obtained the floor, remarked, treaty into effect, in the interval between the that he rose for the purpose of submitting a mo-sessions, and until Congress, at their next session, tion, the object of which was to call upon the Se-may see fit to make further provision on the subcretary of War for information, to be communica-ject. JAMES MONROE. ted at the next session of Congress, in relation to The message was read, and referred to the the Military Academy. He said he had been in- committee on foreign relations, and permission duced to submit the motion from a belief that, given to the committee to sit during the sittings either in the organization of the government of of the House. the Academy, or in the administration of it, there were some defects; and from a further belief that Congress were not possessed of the information necessary to enable it to judge, whether the coun try received a fair equivalent for the large expenditures which were annually made upon that institution. He then submitted the following re-read. solutions, which were adopted. Mr. Holmes, from that committee, subsequently reported a bill, authorizing the president of the United States to take possession of East and West Florida, for the transportation thence of the Spanish authorities, and providing for the temporary government of the territory, &c. which was twice The House resumed the consideration of the Resolved That the Secretary of War be in-amendments of the Senate to the general approstructed to report to this House, at an early peri od of the next session of Congress, a copy of such rules and regulations as shall have been adopted f the government of the Military Academy, to gether with a list of the cadets which were at tached to said Academy, on the first day of Janu ary, 1815, and of such as shall have been appointed between the said first day of January, and the 30th of September, 1819, exhibiting the date of their several appointments, with the states and || priation bill, and concurred in all except that which was disagreed to by the committee of the whole yesterday, and so reported to the House. The amendment was an appropriation of 5.300 dollars to be repaid to the owners of the British vessel Lord Nelson, which was captured on lake Ontario twelve days before the declaration of the late war, brought in and sold by agreement, and the moneys placed in the hands of the court; the capture was afterwards adjudged to be illegal, |