T. M. HARDY, Capt.
This letter was received indignantly. No answer was given. It was a fact well known that no torpedoes have been fitted out at Stonington, and that the inhabitants are unfriendly to the system; but neither individuals nor the town have power to prevent their resorting to that place. The condition sine qua non, is truly tragi-farcical. Neither the town of Stonington or the State of Connecticut, had any legal power to comply with it, which Capt. Hardy well knew. And if Stonington Point with its rocky foundations had been in danger of being blown up, scarcely a voice would have been raised to have saved it on such disgraceful terms. The first duty of a citizen we are taught in Connecticut, is to obey the laws. Mrs. Stewart is under the protection of the government of the United States, and the petition of her husband for a permission for a departure is in the hands of a proper authority, who will undoubtedly decide correctly in the case.[9]
Our countrymen at a distance, from the importance Capt. Hardy has attached to the circumstance of Mrs. Stewart's being sent off to the British squadron, may possibly apprehend that she has received insult, or signified some fears for the personal safety of herself and children.—So far from this being the fact, no lady ever experienced greater civilities from the citizens; as no one has better deserved them. And her feelings during the proceedings at Stonington, demanded the sympathy of her friends.
By the terms offered by Capt. Hardy, it was impossible to discover whether he was most doubtful of his ability to accomplish the destruction of the town, or desirous of a pretext to save it. He assured the gentlemen who accompanied the flag that this was the most unpleasant expedition he had undertaken.
The truce on the part of the enemy having expired at 8 o'clock on Thursday morning, a flag was soon after observed at the battery to be coming on shore, and there not being sufficient time to give information of the fact at head quarters and receive instructions, it was determined by the officer then commanding to send a boat off to receive the communication. Mr. Faxon, of Stonington, took charge of the boat, met the flag, and offered to convey the dispatch agreeable to its directions. The British officer, Lieut. Claxton, questioned his authority to receive it; enquired whether Mrs. Stewart would be sent off; and said he would go on shore. Mr. Faxon replied, that he knew nothing of Mrs. Stewart; and that if he attempted to proceed for the shore, he would undoubtedly be fired on. He continued his course, when a centinel was directed to fire forward of the boat, but the ball passed through the after sail. They immediately put about and steered for the ship; the lieutenant swearing revenge, for what he termed an insult to his flag.
An explanation of the circumstance was immediately transmitted by General Isham to Capt. Hardy, which he received as satisfactory.
At the moment, a flag had started for the Ramilies,[10] from the civil authority of the town, which was received on board; by which was sent the following letter:—
Stonington Boro', Aug. 14, 1814.
To Thomas M. Hardy, Commander of H.B.M. Ship Ramilies.
Sir—Since the flag went into New London for Mrs. Stewart, and family, General Cushing, who commands at New London, has written, we are informed, to the Secretary of War on the subject, and it is our opinion that the request will be complied with. But whatever may be the result of the communication from Gen. Cushing, you will be satisfied it is not in our power to enter into any arrangement with you respecting her.