[351] Orders of Admiral Sawyer to the Captain of the "Little Belt." American State Papers, Foreign Relations, vol. iii. p. 475.
[352] American State Papers, vol. iii. p. 473. In the absence of the British admiral, the senior officer at Halifax assembled a board of captains which collected what his letter styles the depositions of the "Little Belt's" officers. Depositions would imply that the witnesses were sworn, but it is not so said in the report of the Board, where they simply "state." In the case of honorable gentlemen history may give equal credit in either case; but the indication would be that inquiry was less particular. The Board reports no question by itself; the "statements" are in the first person, apparently in reply to the request "tell all you know," and are uninterrupted by comment.
[353] The proceedings of this court are printed in American State Papers, Foreign Relations, vol. iii. pp. 477-497.
[354] Annals of Congress, 1811-12, p. 890.
[355] Dec. 17, 1811. American State Papers, Naval Affairs, vol. i. p. 247.
[356] Niles' Register, vol. ii. pp. 101-104.
[357] Russell to Monroe, May 30, 1812. U.S. State Department MSS.
[358] Russell to Monroe, August 15 and 21, 1812. U.S. State Department MSS.
[359] See Jefferson's Works, vol. v. pp. 335, 337, 338, 339, 419, 442-445.
[360] Madison to Russell, Nov. 15, 1811. U.S. State Department MSS.