Virginia Argus

The well known direction of Curran, to select a single victim, if we would give an impressive idea of a system of suffering, is founded on an intimate knowledge of human nature. Without general, confused and distracted, and of course, faint conceptions of distress, we have thus brought before us a picture which we can realize, and adequate energies will bear testimony to its effect.

The following statements from the New York Columbian are not merely distinct, but authenticated beyond the shadow of doubt. Let every honest man read them; and then ask himself, was it myself, my father, my brother, or my son, should I not execrate the government, which should refuse to interfere in my behalf, or in the behalf of my kinsmen? Let him then learn, that 62 proved cases of ... Then let him place his hand on his heart, and ask if one case would not sanctify the contest it should cause. - Ed. Balt. Pat.

BRITISH CRUELTIES!
OR,
"Britain fighting for the liberties of the world"

6257 Impressed Seamen! - Evidence laid before Congress, Jan. 15, 1812.

The original documents containing the names and particulars of each seaman, are left with the printer, where any doubting American may call and be satisfied. These documents shew, that it is not a fable, as federalists say, but a sad reality, that 6257 American freemen have been carried into slavery! And yet, wonderfully to be told! we have a Peace Party in America.

I. Beekman Ver Plank Hoffman, of the town of Poughkeepsie, do certify, that I am a lieutenant in the U. S. navy; that I was on board the Constitution frigate in the action & capture of the Guerriere; that after such surrender, I was sent on board, and after taking out the crew, fired and blowed up the ship; that eight impressed American seamen were among the crew of the Guerriere, who were liberated at Boston. I was also onboard the Constitution in the action with the Java, and was sent on board that vessel, and after the crew was removed, set her on fire and blew her up. Amongst the crew of the Java, thirteen American seamen were found, three of whom had entered the British service and were left, the other ten were liberated as Americans.

Dated Poughkeepsie, April 16, 1813.
B. V. HOFFMAN.

Dutchess County, ss.

Richard Tompkins, being sworn, saith, that he is a native of New-Paltz, opposite Poughkeepsie, that he sailed from Wilmington about the 28th of April 1810, on board the Warren, Wm. Kelley, captain, for Cork. On the homeward passage, in September following, he was impressed and taken on board the Peacock, a British sloop of war, and compelled to do duty: That while on board that vessel, he made many unsuccessful attempts to write to his friends, informing them of his situation. He further saith, that after he heard of the war, himself and two other impressed American seamen, who were on board the Peacock, went aft, to the captain, claimed to be considered American prisoners of war, and refused to do duty any longer. They were ordered off the quarter-deck; and the captain called for the master at arms, and ordered us to be put in irons; we were then kept in irons about twenty-four hours, when we were taken out, brought to the gangway, stripped of our clothes, tied and whipped, each one dozen and a half lashes, and put to duty. He further saith, that he was kept on board the Peacock, and done duty till the action with the Hornet—after the Hornet hoisted American colours he and the other impressed American again went to the captain of the Peacock, asked to be sent below, said it was an American ship, and that they did not wish to fight against their country. The captain ordered us to our quarters; called midshipman Stone to do his duty; and if we did not do our duty, to blow our brains out- "aye! aye!" was answered by Stone, who then held a pistol to my head, and ordered us to our places. We then continued at our places, and was compelled to fight till the Peacock struck; and were liberated after an impressment of about two years and eight months.

his
RICHARD TOMPKINS.
mark

Poughkeepsie, April 17, 1813.
Read over and signed in the presence of
JOSEPH HARRIS,
JOHN S. FFEAR.

Dutchess County, ss.

James Tompkins being sworn, saith, that he is a native of Ulster county, opposite to Poughkeepsie; that he sailed out of N. York in the month of April, 1812, in the ship Minerya, bound to Ireland; that on the homeward bound passage in July after, this deponent, with three other American seamen, Sam. Davis, Wm. Young, and John Brown, were impressed, and taken on board of the British ship Acteon, David Smith, captain. We were taken on Saturday evening; on Monday morning we were brought to the gang-way, and informed we must enter on board ship, and live as the other seamen, or we should live on oat meal and water, and receive five dozen lashes. This deponent says, himself and the other three impressed with him, did refuse to enter, and each of them were then whipped five dozen lashes. On Wednesday following we were again all brought up, and had the same offer made to us to enter, which we refused, and we were again whipped four dozen lashes. On Saturday after, the like offer was made to us; and on our refusal we were again whipped three dozen lashes each.— On Monday following, still refusing to enter, we were again whipped two dozen each.— On Wednesday following we were again whipped one dozen each, and ordered to be taken below, and put in irons till we did enter; and the captain said he would finish the damn'd Yankee rascals till they did enter. We were then put in irons, and laid in irons three months. During the time of our impressment, the ship had an action and captured a French ship. Before this action we were taken out of irons and asked to fight, but we refused; and after the action we were again ironed, where we remained till the ship arrived at London. After arriving there we first heard of the war with America and that the Guerriere was taken. This deponent took his shirt Samuel Davis and Wm. Young took their handkerchiefs, made stripes and stars for the American colours, and hung it over gun, and gave three cheers for the victory. The next morning at 6 o'clock, we were brought up and whipped two dozen lashes each for huzzaing for the Yankee flag. Shortly after this we were all released by the assistance of the American Consul and Captain Hall, who knew ... This deponent further saith, that they all had protections, and shewed them, and claimed to be Americans, at the time they were impressed.

JAMES TOMPKINS.

Sworn before me this 27th day of April, 1813, at which time the said James Tompkins shewed me his wrists, which, at his request, I examined, there appeared to be marks of scars on both of them, occasioned, as I supposed, from his having been in irons.

Wm. W. BOGARDUS,
Justice of the Peace.