The Enquirer

GENUINE PATRIOTISM.

The town of Marblehead lies adjacent to the sea, and presents every facility which could induce its inhabitants, (were they so inclined) to violate the embargo laws. It contains a population of from six to seven thousand, who gain their subsistence chiefly from the products of their industry on the ocean; nine-tenths of the people are republican, courageous and enterprising. They have now on hand 800,000 quintals of fish, the value of which is equal to 1,200,000 dollars. And yet, notwithstanding their contiguity to the sea, and the immense mass of their staple commodity in keeping, there has been no solitary instance of their evading the acts laying the embargo. Marblehead, during the revolutionary war, furnished a fine regiment, which fought manfully in behalf of independence. It was of these brave men that Gen. Washington used to say, "I CAN ALWAYS RELY UPON THEM."

Of the propriety of this remark, some opinion may be formed, when I tell the reader that 900 widows in that town, mourned the loss of their husbands, who fell in the contest with Great Britain. From these men, as sincere as they are intrepid, the following letter and proceedings cannot be regarded as the effusion of party spirit. In my opinion, the government, at this great crisis, could receive no higher encomium upon the wisdom of its measures... Monitor.

Marblehead, Dec. 7, 1808.

Joseph Story, Esq.

SIR,

Having heard that government intends employing some cutters and gun-boats to prevent the evasions of the laws of the country, we, with humility beg leave to suggest to you our opinion, that on this coast (that is to say) from Cape Cod to Cape Sables, any cutters which government may send will not so well answer the purpose; the gun-boats will be useless, for they would not, in this inclement season of the year, be able to keep at sea without a great risk. From the knowledge we have of our fishing vessels, we think they will answer every purpose and be a saving to government to employ them in defence of their laws. We also beg leave to offer government as many vessels of this description as will fully prevent any evasions whatever from any ports or places between the above mentioned Capes—or wherever otherwise wanted. Knowing as you do, the peculiar situation of the people of this place, that they have now on hand two years catching of fish, and no vent for the same. Notwithstanding this, they look upon the measures of government as the only means of retaining our future commerce.

They, therefore, feel disposed to the utmost of their abilities, to support the general government with the risk of their lives and property, and beg leave, through you, to tender their services, to man and have manned, any vessels which it pleases for the service of the United States.

Herewith we transmit you the doings of the town.

With due respect, we remain,

Sir your humble servants,

W. STORY,
NATHAN B. MARTIN,

Committee

JOSEPH PEDRICK.

At a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Marblehead, legally convened at the town-house, in said town, on Tuesday, the 7th day of December, 1808, at half-past two o'clock in the afternoon,

Capt. Richard James, Moderator.

The following resolves being read, it was unanimously voted that they pass:

Resolved, That this town continues steadfast in the faith that the embargo law was a law of wisdom, and that the President and Congress of the United States, are entitled, and shall receive our warmest thanks for their early attention to the independence, liberty and just rights of the Union, and particularly of the commercial part thereof.

Resolved, That this town will use all the energy they possess, to carry into full effect all laws the present Congress have or may enact for the support of our just and equal rights as an independent nation, against the unjustifiable, tyrannical and imperial orders and decrees of the belligerent powers of Europe, by proffering to our country, our property and services.

Voted, A committee be appointed to transmit to Joseph Story, Esq. our representative in Congress, the doings of this meeting.

Voted, The above committee consist of the following persons, viz. Captains William Story, Nathan B. Martin and Joseph Pedrick.

Attest,

JOSHUA PRENTISS, Town Clerk.