The Caledonian

WHO IS JOHN MATTOCKS AND WHERE WAS HE IN THE LAST WAR?

The old Democrats can answer this question. But that their younger brethren may not be deceived by the false charge of Federalism against Mr. Mattocks, we annex the evidence of his Republicanism, copied from the files of the North Star—in other days a democratic paper. Gen. Mattocks was afterwards a member of Congress under Monroe and supported his administration. But we will merely add the evidence of his Patriotism and Republican principles.

From the North Star, Dec. 27, 1811.

"The unanimity and energy of Congress in discussing the great and important concerns committed to them, is a source of unfeigned consolation. So far as we have obtained a knowledge of the proceedings, they have been in concert with the feelings of their constituents, at least the republican portion of them, of which the following communication is an evidence:

"At a numerous and respectable meeting of Republican citizens of the North Eastern District of the State of Vermont, convened at Guildhall in the County of Essex, on the 20th day of December, 1811, for the purpose of taking into consideration the state of our Foreign Affairs.

Hon. Azariah Williams in the chair.
Gen. JOHN MATTOCKS, Secretary

Resolved unanimously, That while we feel a just resentment at the commercial restrictions of France, we have beheld with the deepest indignation the determined continuance and vigorous execution of the British orders in council, unparalleled in their hostility and subversion of the first principles of our Independence.

Resolved, That while we view with doubtful apprehension the views of the British Cabinet in the present late adjustments of the indignity offered to our Government in the atrocious attack on the Chesapeake, we approve of the prompt acceptance of the proposals of the British Minister, proposals which emanated from a conviction as we believe, that the late decisive policy of our administration and the tone of public sentiment, imperatively demanded atonement at the shrine of Justice.

Resolved, That nothing short of immediate satisfaction for injuries received; or active preparation for, and declaration of WAR, will satisfy the long enraged people, jealous of their rights, tenacious of their Liberty and irrevocably determined to submit no longer to diplomatic chicanery, insult, and injury."

From the North Star, Jan. 17, 1812.

"Spirit of the Times."

"At a meeting of a large number of respectable citizens from the different towns in Caledonia county, State of Vermont, holden at Danville during the sitting of the County Court on the 14th inst. The meeting was organized by appointing the Hon. Isaiah Fisk, Chairman and Maj. Wm. A. Griswold Secretary. The business of the meeting being explained by a few appropriate remarks, the reading of the President's late message to Congress, and the report of the chairman of the committee of Foreign Relations being read—a committee consisting of the Hon. John Cameron, Dudley Chase, Hon. Wm. A. Palmer, Gen. Wm. Cahoon, Gen. John Mattocks, Gen. Reuben Blanchard, Col. Israel P. Dana, Col. Edward Fifield, Maj. Abel Butler, Maj. Wm. A. Griswold, Capt. Rowan Fyler and E. Eaton, Esq. were appointed for the purpose of drafting resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the citizens present; who after withdrawing a short time returned & reported the following Preamble, and Resolutions, which were unanimously adopted.

[Here follows a preamble setting forth the oppressive measures of Great Britain toward the United States, and Resolutions approving of war and the action of our Government which we must omit for want of room.]"

From the North Star, June 27, 1812.

Brigade Orders

"Information having arrived that a declaration of War has passed both Houses of Congress against the King of Great Britain and it being considered that this brigade includes a large frontier country, sparsely inhabited and that those settlers who are in remote and lonely places may be subject to the ravages of the enemy and perhaps immediately require the aid of some part of the militia of the brigade under my command; and considering also, that at this interesting period of our public concerns, it is of the highest importance that the military force of the country should be arranged in the best manner our resources will enable us to do.

Here follows directions when to meet, &c. and the order closes as follows:

"And the Brigade General does most expressly recommend to the commanding officers of their respective regiments to cause to be impressed upon the officers and soldiers under them 'the absolute necessity of having their arms which they do possess in the best possible state of preparation for actual use.—It is also further recommended, to have the town companies examined and the law enforced against delinquents; and further it is ordered that the commandants of the several regiments recommend it to their Captains to endeavor to cause every soldier to keep himself supplied with some portion of ammunition &c. especially with balls suited to the calibre of his musket.

J. MATTOCKS, Brigadier General."

Dated Peacham, June, 25 1812.

Does any one want further evidence as to where John Mattocks was in times which tried men's souls?