Paul Hamilton to John Rodgers informing Commodore Rodgers that war has been declared against Great Britain - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC00758
From Archive Folder	Documents Relating to 1812
Title	Paul Hamilton to John Rodgers informing Commodore Rodgers that war has been declared against Great Britain
Date	18 June 1812
Author	Hamilton, Paul (1762-1816)
Recipient	Rodgers, John
Document Type	Correspondence
Content Description	The Secretary of the Navy informs Commodore Rodgers that war has been declared against Great Britain, officially starting the War of 1812. Indicates that Rodgers is entitled to use his four vessels for attack and defense. Asks him to await further instructions from New York, but permits him to attack British cruisers near Sandy Hook, if the opportunity arises, after which he should return to port. Instructs him to relay these orders to Commodore Stephen Decatur.
Subjects	War of 1812 Military History Global History and Civics Navy
People	Hamilton, Paul (1762-1816) Rodgers, John (1773-1838) Decatur, Stephen (1779-1820)
Place written	Washington, D.C.
Theme	War of 1812; Foreign Affairs; Naval & Maritime
Sub-collection	The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Copyright	The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module	Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
Transcript	Show/hide Navy Depart June 18th. 1812 Sir I apprize you that war has been this day declared between "the United Empire of Great Britain and Ireland & their dependencies" and the United States of America. You are to consider the vessels under your command as entitled to every belligerent right, as well of attack as defense. For the present, it is desirable that, with the four under your command, you remain in such position as to enable you most conveniently to receive farther more extensive, and more particular orders, which will be conveyed to you through New York; but as it is understood that there are one or more british Cruisers on the Coast, in the vicinity of Sandy Hook, you are at your observation, free to strike them--returning immediately after into Port-- you are free to capture or destroy them -- [inserted above:] extend these orders to Comre. Decatur. Respectfully yrs Paul Hamilton Command. John Rodgers U.S. Navy [4] [address leaf:] Navy Departt. Paul Hamilton Commre. John Rodgers of the Navy of the U. States New York -- [Docket by recipient:] Honle. the Secretary June 18th. 1812

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