by a comparison of its conduct with
that of any legislative body in the United States. The
assertion, that any member of it entertained the silly opinion,
that a capitulation, if any became necessary, was to be brought
about or effected by the agency of the houses, any more than by
that of a court of justice, or the city council of New-Orleans,
is absolutely groundless."

A proposition was made by the governor to the legislature, to suspend
the writ of habeas corpus, in order that men might be pressed for the
service, particularly naval, of the United States: the legislature knew
it to be a dangerous measure, and thought it unnecessary.

"Coming from every part of the state, the representatives had
witnessed the universal alacrity with which Jackson's
requisitions for a quota of the militia of the state had been
complied with; they knew their constituents could be depended
on; they knew that Jackson, Claiborne, and many of the
military, were incessantly talking of sedition, disaffection,
and treason; but better acquainted with the people of
Louisiana, than those who were vociferating against it, they
were conscious, that no state was more free from sedition,
disaffection, and treason, than their own; they thought the
state should not outlaw her citizens, when they were rushing to
repel the enemy. They dreaded the return of those days, when
Wilkinson filled New-Orleans with terror and dismay, arresting
and transporting whom he pleased. They recollected that in 1806
Jefferson had made application to congress for a suspension of
the writ of _habeas corpus_, but that the recommendation of the
president was not deemed sufficient to induce the legislature
of the Union to suspend it: that of Claiborne, as far as it
concerned Jackson, was not therefore acted on. The members had
determined not to adjourn during the invasion, and thought they
would suspend the writ when they deemed the times required it,
but not till then."

That the refusal to put an uncontrouled power over the persons of the
citizens, to withdraw from them the protection of the law, did not
proceed from an unwillingness to obtain for the service the force
required, is made manifest by the substitute adopted. "A sum of five
thousand dollars was placed at the disposal of the commodore, to be
expended in bounties; and, to