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Domestic News
June 23, 1812
The Enquirer
Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia
What is this article about?
On June 3, 1812, citizens of Savannah held a public meeting at the Baptist Church, adopting resolutions expressing support for U.S. war measures against Britain and possibly France, recommending possession of East Florida, and requesting naval, military, and fortification aid for defense.
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NATIONAL SENTIMENT
SAVANNAH, June 5.
An adjourned meeting of the Citizens of Savannah, and its vicinity, was held at the Baptist Church, on Wednesday the third day of June, 1812, for the purpose of receiving the report of their committee, appointed on the 30th ult. to draft resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the meeting in relation to the present and impending crisis of our national affairs.
The following preamble and resolutions were reported by the committee, and, after discussion, adopted by the citizens, viz.
The citizens of Savannah, in public meeting assembled, feeling alive to the reiterated insults and unparalleled injuries, which have been heaped upon our government and its citizens, by both the great belligerents of Europe; but which a love of peace has heretofore induced our beloved country to submit to, in the vain hope that those nations would return to an observance of such fundamental principles of national and natural law, as ought ever to obtain between civilized countries: and knowing that our government have been unjustly and artfully defeated by those belligerents in the pacific and honorable attempts which it has repeatedly made to have its multiplied wrongs redressed—are desirous of expressing to the constitutional representatives of the republic, their solemn and deliberate determination to unite in all such measures as may be necessary, in support of the honor, rights and sovereignty of the nation.
Therefore,
Resolved, That the nation has abundant cause of war against both belligerents; but it is demanded against Great Britain, by the present crisis, to the end that our rights, as a nation may be preserved inviolate, and transmitted unimpaired to posterity; and unless our injuries, which are now the subjects of negotiation, are immediately redressed by France, we recommend hostilities against her also.
Resolved, That the virtuous and pacific conduct of the general administration having led to further & additional acts of outrage & perfidy, forbearance, if longer continued, would prostrate the dignity of the government, and render contemptible this the only free nation upon earth: This meeting, therefore, highly approves the defensive attitude which has been adopted by our government, and will at the hazard of their lives and fortunes, cheerfully support it in such measures, as are or may be adopted for the defence of these United States, their territories, citizens and flag.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, it would be wise and prudent in the government of the United States, from the present disorganized state of East Florida, to hold possession of that province—and, by the aid of a competent force, to obtain its early surrender; not only as a measure rendered expedient by Spanish spoliations, but as a measure of precaution against foreign occupancy, and for this still more important consideration, that the safety of our southern frontier greatly depends on an absolute dominion by the United States over that province, to be held subject to future negotiation.
And whereas, we have an extensive and exposed sea coast, with a southern and western frontier equally exposed;
Resolved, That our representatives in both houses of congress be requested to apply to the general government, for an adequate naval and military force, to aid in the protection of our cities, harbors, sea board and frontier, generally.
Resolved, That the erection of works at Fort Wayne, adjoining Savannah, by the general government, on the ground lately purchased by it, is highly and immediately necessary, for the safety of the citizens and their families: and that our senators and representatives be requested earnestly to represent the same to the executive of the United States.
Resolved, That these resolutions be published, and that copies be transmitted by the Chairman to the President of the United States, and our delegation in congress.
After the adoption of the foregoing resolutions, the following resolution, was also adopted by the meeting, viz—
Resolved, That the citizens tender their thanks to their chairman and secretary, and to their committee, for the patriotic resolutions reported by them.
WILLIAM S. BULLOCK, Chairman.
THOMAS MENDENHALL, Secretary.
SAVANNAH, June 5.
An adjourned meeting of the Citizens of Savannah, and its vicinity, was held at the Baptist Church, on Wednesday the third day of June, 1812, for the purpose of receiving the report of their committee, appointed on the 30th ult. to draft resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the meeting in relation to the present and impending crisis of our national affairs.
The following preamble and resolutions were reported by the committee, and, after discussion, adopted by the citizens, viz.
The citizens of Savannah, in public meeting assembled, feeling alive to the reiterated insults and unparalleled injuries, which have been heaped upon our government and its citizens, by both the great belligerents of Europe; but which a love of peace has heretofore induced our beloved country to submit to, in the vain hope that those nations would return to an observance of such fundamental principles of national and natural law, as ought ever to obtain between civilized countries: and knowing that our government have been unjustly and artfully defeated by those belligerents in the pacific and honorable attempts which it has repeatedly made to have its multiplied wrongs redressed—are desirous of expressing to the constitutional representatives of the republic, their solemn and deliberate determination to unite in all such measures as may be necessary, in support of the honor, rights and sovereignty of the nation.
Therefore,
Resolved, That the nation has abundant cause of war against both belligerents; but it is demanded against Great Britain, by the present crisis, to the end that our rights, as a nation may be preserved inviolate, and transmitted unimpaired to posterity; and unless our injuries, which are now the subjects of negotiation, are immediately redressed by France, we recommend hostilities against her also.
Resolved, That the virtuous and pacific conduct of the general administration having led to further & additional acts of outrage & perfidy, forbearance, if longer continued, would prostrate the dignity of the government, and render contemptible this the only free nation upon earth: This meeting, therefore, highly approves the defensive attitude which has been adopted by our government, and will at the hazard of their lives and fortunes, cheerfully support it in such measures, as are or may be adopted for the defence of these United States, their territories, citizens and flag.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, it would be wise and prudent in the government of the United States, from the present disorganized state of East Florida, to hold possession of that province—and, by the aid of a competent force, to obtain its early surrender; not only as a measure rendered expedient by Spanish spoliations, but as a measure of precaution against foreign occupancy, and for this still more important consideration, that the safety of our southern frontier greatly depends on an absolute dominion by the United States over that province, to be held subject to future negotiation.
And whereas, we have an extensive and exposed sea coast, with a southern and western frontier equally exposed;
Resolved, That our representatives in both houses of congress be requested to apply to the general government, for an adequate naval and military force, to aid in the protection of our cities, harbors, sea board and frontier, generally.
Resolved, That the erection of works at Fort Wayne, adjoining Savannah, by the general government, on the ground lately purchased by it, is highly and immediately necessary, for the safety of the citizens and their families: and that our senators and representatives be requested earnestly to represent the same to the executive of the United States.
Resolved, That these resolutions be published, and that copies be transmitted by the Chairman to the President of the United States, and our delegation in congress.
After the adoption of the foregoing resolutions, the following resolution, was also adopted by the meeting, viz—
Resolved, That the citizens tender their thanks to their chairman and secretary, and to their committee, for the patriotic resolutions reported by them.
WILLIAM S. BULLOCK, Chairman.
THOMAS MENDENHALL, Secretary.
What sub-type of article is it?
Politics
Military
What keywords are associated?
Savannah Meeting
War Resolutions
National Crisis
East Florida
Fortifications
What entities or persons were involved?
William S. Bullock
Thomas Mendenhall
Where did it happen?
Savannah
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Savannah
Event Date
June 3, 1812
Key Persons
William S. Bullock
Thomas Mendenhall
Outcome
resolutions adopted and published; copies transmitted to president and congressional delegation; thanks tendered to chairman, secretary, and committee.
Event Details
Adjourned meeting of Savannah citizens at Baptist Church to receive and adopt committee report on national crisis. Preamble and resolutions affirm support for government against European belligerents, recommend war with Britain and possibly France, urge possession of East Florida, request naval and military protection, and call for fortification at Fort Wayne.