Daily National Intelligencer

THE SELECTED VICTIMS.

Henry Blaney, an Irishman by birth but 14 years a citizen of the United States, has lately returned to N. York. This brief narrative of facts is taken from his statement:

Blaney was taken prisoner at Queenston, and was one of the 25 men transported to England to be executed for treason, (on the absurd ground of perpetual allegiance) in fighting for America, his adopted country. Of the 25, however, Abraham Fulsen, though designated as an Irishman, was a native of the United States--but having on some occasion at Montreal or Quebec, feigned himself to be an European in order to recommend himself to the friendship of an Irish regiment in Canada, that pretence was used against him, when he was placed among the number of 'decimated.'

On the passage from Quebec to England, they were kept on half allowance, constantly abused, and threatened with being thrown overboard. At the Nore, they were kept during the months of January and February, forced to remain on deck without clothes the whole day, and to lie without hammock or blanket through the night. Attempts were frequently made to seduce them into the British service, but such overtures were treated with scorn by them all, except Fulsen, who entered, and went on board the Namur. Scurrilous invective was lavished on these faithful men, who refused to betray their country. The following sort of dialogue occurred more than once:

King's officer.--You had better conclude to join the service of your king and country.

Blaney, (for the rest and himself).--We have no king, and America is our country.

K. O.--Then by G--d you may expect to be hanged--you are d--d Irish Yankee traitors.

B.--We can't help it; but we're not traitors.

K. O.--I advise you to think the matter over again; you are in an awful situation; you had best make up your mind.

B.--My mind has been made up 20 years ago. I'll never serve a despot.

Threats and obloquy were in such cases regularly repeated.

Facts like these might convince John Randolph and the Hartford Convention, that principles engraven on the heart are far better security for fidelity than the accident of birthplace, which men can no more choose than brutes, reptiles, periwinkles and other shell-fish. The sufferings of these men, in a chill and humid climate, without a single change of clothing; their squalid condition and contemptuous treatment, give them claims on the notice of Congress, who we hope will enquire at the next session into all these matters, make them of national consideration, and reward the faithful.---Columb.