I transmit, also, a letter from Captain Jones, who commanded the sloop of war Wasp, reporting his capture of the British sloop of war Frolic, after a close action, in which other brilliant titles will be seen to the public admiration and praise.
A nation, feeling what it owes to itself and to its citizens, could never abandon to arbitrary violence, on the ocean, a class of them which give such examples of capacity and courage, in defending their rights on that element; examples which ought to impress on the enemy, however brave and powerful, preference of justice and peace, to hostility against a country, whose prosperous career may be accelerated, but cannot be prevented by the assaults made on it.
JAMES MADISON.
Washington, Dec. 11, 1812.
The Message and papers were read, and referred to the committee appointed 9th November last, to consider that part of the Message of the President of the United States which relates to the Naval Establishment.
Thursday, December 31.
Death of the Representative, John Smilie.
A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate of the death of John Smilie, late a member of the House of Representatives, from the State of Pennsylvania; and that his remains will be interred this day at two o'clock.
Resolved, That the Senate will attend the funeral of John Smilie, late a member of the House of Representatives from the State of Pennsylvania, this day at two o'clock; and, as a testimony of respect for the memory of the deceased, they will go into mourning, and wear a black crape round the left arm for thirty days.