(A.)
_Sir John Borlase Warren to Mr. Monroe._
HALIFAX, _September 30, 1812_.
SIR: Having received information that a most unauthorized act
has been committed by Commodore Rodgers, in forcibly seizing
twelve British seamen, prisoners of war, late belonging to
the Guerriere, and taking them out of the English cartel brig
Endeavor on her passage down the harbor of Boston, after
they had been regularly embarked on board of her for an
exchange, agreeable to the arrangements settled between the
two countries, and that the said British seamen so seized,
are now detained on board the United States frigate President
as hostages; I feel myself called upon to request, sir, your
most serious attention to a measure so fraught with mischief
and inconvenience, destructive of the good faith of a flag
of truce and the sacred protection of a cartel. I should be
extremely sorry that the imprudent act of any officer should
involve consequences so particularly severe as the present
instance must naturally produce, if repeated; and although it
is very much my wish, during the continuance of the differences
existing between the two countries, to adopt every measure
that might render the effect of war less rigorous, yet, in
another point of view, the conviction of the duty I owe my
country would, in the event of such grievances as I have
already stated being continued, not admit of any hesitation in
retaliatory decisions; but as I am strongly persuaded of the
high liberality of your sentiments, and that the act complained
of has originated entirely with the officer who committed it,
and that it will be as censurable in your consideration as it
deserves, I rely upon your taking such steps as will prevent a
recurrence of conduct so extremely reprehensible in every shape.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir,
your most obedient and most faithful humble servant,