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Kentucky Gazette
Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
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On March 23, 1813, Delaware Governor Joseph Haslet responded to British Commodore J.P. Beresford's demand for supplies from Lewistown, rejecting it as a violation of U.S. law. Beresford replied, insisting on the demand and threatening to destroy the town if unmet, amid the War of 1812.
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CORRESPONDENCE.
From the Delaware Watchman.
HEAD-QUARTERS.
Lewis, March 23d, 1813.
Sir—As the Governor of the State of Delaware, and the commander of its military force, I improve the earliest time afforded me, since my arrival at this place, of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 16th inst. directed to the Chief Magistrate of Lewis.
The respect which generous and magnanimous nations, even when they are enemies, take pride in cherishing towards each other, enjoins it upon me as a duty I owe to the state over which I have the honor at this time, to preside; to the government of which this state is a member, and to the civilized world to enquire of you, whether upon further and more mature reflection, you continue resolved to attempt the destruction of this town?
I shall probably, this evening receive your reply to the present communication, and your determination of executing or relinquishing the demand mentioned in your letter of the 16th instant. If that demand is still insisted upon, I have only to observe to you that a compliance would be an immediate violation of the laws of my country, and an eternal stigma on the nation of which I am a citizen t a compliance therefore cannot be acceded to.
I have the honor to be, sir,
Your most obdt. servant,
JOSEPH HASLET,
Governor of the State of Delaware.
His Britannic Majesty's ship Poictiers in the mouth of the Delaware, 23d of March, 1813.
Sir—In reply to your letter received to day by a flag of truce, in answer to mine of the 16th inst. I have to observe, that the demand I have made upon Lewistown is in my opinion neither ungenerous nor wanting in that magnanimity which one nation ought to observe to another with which it is at war.
It is in my power to destroy your town and the request I have made upon it as the price of its security is neither distressing nor unusual. I must therefore persist ; and whatever sufferings may fall upon the inhabitants of Lewis, must be attributed to yourselves, by your not complying with a request so easily acquiesced in.
I have the honor to be, sir,
Your most obdt. servant,
J. P. BERESFORD, Commodore
and commanding H. B. Majesty's squadron in the Delaware.
To the Hon. Joseph Haslet, Governor of the State of Delaware.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Lewis, Delaware
Event Date
March 23d, 1813
Key Persons
Outcome
british commodore beresford persisted in demanding supplies from lewistown as the price for not destroying the town; governor haslet refused compliance.
Event Details
Governor Joseph Haslet wrote to Commodore J.P. Beresford rejecting a demand for supplies from Lewistown, citing violation of U.S. laws, and inquired if the British still intended destruction. Beresford replied via flag of truce, defending the demand as reasonable and threatening the town's destruction if unmet.