Southport Telegraph

Primary Location

New York

Event Date

17th Ult.

Key Persons

Outcome

the matter was postponed for the purpose of giving opportunity for further discussion.

Event Details

One of the most exciting debates in the legislature of New York during the present session, occurred in the House on the 17th ult. Mr. Hoffman moved that the Judiciary Committee be instructed to bring in a bill, 'to enter a nolle prosequi on the indictment, and to grant McLeod a discharge and safe conduct to his sovereign.' Mr. Hoffman supported his motion in a speech of great length, in which he justified the attack made on the Caroline and its consequences. Mr. H. maintained that the 'rebels' gained possession of Navy Island, and were officered—supplied with men and ammunition from the United States. He quoted largely from national law in support of the course pursued by the British authorities, and in justification of the destruction of the boat on the American shore. 'Standing where he did, in the face of the whole country, he (Mr. H.) would ask where the man was in this State who would not have obeyed a similar order of the local authorities. If sedition and rebellion should erect itself in this State—if a boat should be seen daily plying from the Canadas, furnishing those in arms with the means of warfare, and orders should be issued by the authorities of this State to destroy that boat, was there any man, who would for a moment refuse to obey that order.' Mr. H. was sustained by other members, and opposed by others with great warmth. The debate was exceedingly interesting, and marked with much vehemence in the several speakers.