trated by a government we have ourselves created.[1] Why should we dwell longer upon the unwarrantable treatment we receive, the unconstitutional attempts upon our constitutional rights. Our condition is stripped of all doubt and uncertainty. Our chief resources have been and still are to be taken as tribute; but for our defence we are to look to ourselves.* * *
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
In General Assembly, October Session, A. D. 1814.
Whereas, this General Assembly, having long witnessed, with regret and anxiety, the defenceless situation of this State, did, at their last session, request his Excellency the Governor to communicate with the Executives of our neighboring sister States upon the subject of our common defence by our mutual co-operation:[2] And whereas, those States, feeling equally with us the common misfortunes, and the necessity of united exertions; have appointed, and invited us to appoint, Delegates to meet and confer upon our calamitous situation, and to devise and recommend wise and prudent measures for our common relief.
Resolved, That this General Assembly will appoint four Delegates from this State, to meet at Hartford, in the State of Connecticut, on the 15th day of December next, and confer with such Delegates as are or shall be appointed by other States upon the common dangers to which these States are exposed, upon the best means of co-operating for our mutual defence against the enemy, and upon the measures which it may be in the power of said States, consistently with their obligations, to adopt, to restore and secure to the people thereof their rights and privileges under the Constitution of the United States.
[Acts and Resolves of Rhode Island, October Session, 1814, 50–54.[3]]
- ↑ The Federalist Governor and House of Delegates of Maryland, during the year 1813 had repeatedly called attention to the defenceless condition of the State. Finally the House addressed a Memorial to Congress against the war. (Amer. State Papers, Misc. II, 231–233. See also Niles, IV, 219, 220; V, 260, 375–378; VII, 326–327.) It was communicated to Congress, Feb. 2, 1814, but a motion to print, after a sharp debate, was defeated in both Houses. Annals, 1813–14, 616–622, 1203–1228. For action of the House of Delegates, Dec. 17, 1814, on conscription bill, see McMaster, IV, 245.
- ↑ Niles, VII, 181.
- ↑ I am indebted to Mr. Clarence S. Brigham, Librarian of the Rhode Island Historical Society, for verifying the text of these resolutions.
