(C.)
Extract of a letter from Major General Pinckney to the Secretary of War, dated
Headquarters, Charleston,
November 4, 1812.
"Information having been given upon oath to Lieutenant Grandison, who at present commands in the Naval Department here, that six American seamen, who had been taken prisoners on board of our privateers, had been sent to Jamaica to be tried as British subjects for treason, he called upon the marshal to retain double that number of British seamen as hostages. The marshal, in consequence of instructions from the Department of State, asked my advice on the subject, and I have given my opinion that they ought to be detained until the pleasure of the President shall be known. The testimony of Captain Moon is herewith. I hope, sir, you will have the goodness to have this business put in the proper train to have the President's pleasure on this subject communicated to the marshal."
The Message and documents were, on motion, referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Wednesday, December 23.
Another member, to wit, from Louisiana, Thomas Bolling Robertson, appeared, produced his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat.
Increase of the Navy.
The bill from the Senate to increase the Navy of the United States, was read a third time; and the question, being stated, "Shall the bill pass?"
Mr. McKee spoke at considerable length against its passage, and concluded by moving to postpone it to Monday, with a view to obtaining further information on the subject of the materials, &c.