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Editorial
January 2, 1808
The Enquirer
Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia
What is this article about?
The editorial reports on US naval orders to discharge foreign deserters from American ships, citing recent discharges from the Chesapeake. It praises the government's recognition of the impropriety, notes the order prevents further issues without authorizing extradition, which would violate statutes, and warns of critical situations if not handled properly.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
We understand from very respectable authority that orders have been recently issued to all naval commanders in the service of the United States directing that they are to discharge from under their command, all foreign seamen, which they shall be satisfied are deserters from any foreign service. It is we presume in consequence of these orders that two men have been discharged from the Chesapeake within a few days past, one a British seaman and the other the French seaman who was particularly noticed by us a short time since.
We are happy to perceive that our government is sensible that the employment of deserters from foreign service is wrong. and although this order cannot remedy the mischief which has happened, it may be the means of preventing further mischief.
It is true the present order does not authorise the delivery of the seamen to the officer demanding them, it however goes far enough as relates to the conduct of the American officer. The delivery of deserters to the nation they belong to is a matter of special negotiation or legislative authority. In this state it would be in the teeth of a positive penal statute.
We venture to assert that if lieut. Sinclair had been authorised to discharge the deserters from the Halifax British sloop of war, that our country should not have been in the very critical situation in which she is placed.....Ib.
We are happy to perceive that our government is sensible that the employment of deserters from foreign service is wrong. and although this order cannot remedy the mischief which has happened, it may be the means of preventing further mischief.
It is true the present order does not authorise the delivery of the seamen to the officer demanding them, it however goes far enough as relates to the conduct of the American officer. The delivery of deserters to the nation they belong to is a matter of special negotiation or legislative authority. In this state it would be in the teeth of a positive penal statute.
We venture to assert that if lieut. Sinclair had been authorised to discharge the deserters from the Halifax British sloop of war, that our country should not have been in the very critical situation in which she is placed.....Ib.
What sub-type of article is it?
Military Affairs
Foreign Affairs
What keywords are associated?
Naval Orders
Foreign Deserters
Us Navy
Seamen Discharge
Government Policy
Penal Statute
What entities or persons were involved?
United States Government
Naval Commanders
Chesapeake
British Seaman
French Seaman
Lieut. Sinclair
Halifax British Sloop Of War
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Us Naval Orders To Discharge Foreign Deserters
Stance / Tone
Supportive Of Government Policy To Prevent Mischief
Key Figures
United States Government
Naval Commanders
Chesapeake
British Seaman
French Seaman
Lieut. Sinclair
Halifax British Sloop Of War
Key Arguments
Orders Issued To Discharge Foreign Deserters From Us Navy
Employment Of Foreign Deserters Is Wrong
Order Prevents Further Mischief But Does Not Authorize Delivery
Delivery Of Deserters Requires Negotiation Or Legislation
Violates Penal Statute To Deliver Deserters
Proper Discharge Could Have Avoided Critical Situation