TO GENERAL DEARBORNE.
November 5, 1808.
I enclose you a charge by Mr. Hanson against Captain Smith and Lieutenants Davis and Dobbins of the militia, as having become members of an organized company, calling themselves the Tar Company, avowing their object to be the tarring and feathering citizens of some description. Although in some cases the animadversions of the law may be properly relied on to prevent what is unlawful, yet with those clothed with authority from the executive, and being a part of the executive, other preventives are expedient. These officers should be warned that the executive cannot tamely look on and see its officers threaten to become the violators instead of the protectors of the rights of our citizens. I presume, however, that all that is necessary will be that their commanding officer, (General Mason,) finding the fact true, should give them a private admonition, either written or verbal, as he pleases, to withdraw themselves from the illegal association; at the same time I would rather it should be stated to General Mason only "that information has been received," &c., without naming Mr. Hanson as the informer. My reason is that some disagreeable feuds have arisen at the Navy Yard which I would rather allay than foment. No proof will be necessary to be called for; because if the officers disavow the fact, it will be a proof they have that sense of propriety to which only an admonition would be intended to bring them. I salute you with constant affection.