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In 1807 the British frigate Leopard, unexpectedly and without provocation, fired into the United States frigate Chesapeake. In addition to this, other insults were offered to the American flag, and they became so frequent that an immediate declaration of war was anticipated. Under these circumstances volunteers in the several states offered their services to President Jefferson. Among these was a well-uniformed and drilled company at Wilkes-Barre, called the Wyoming Blues, commanded by Captain Joseph Slocum.
The services of the company were tendered to the President in a patriotic communication signed by its chief officers, to which they received a flattering reply from Mr. Jefferson, in his own handwriting. We give these letters as follows :
"To Thomas Jefferson, Esq.,
President of the United States
Sir :
As it has been the unanimous voice of our fellow soldiers, of different volunteer corps in the United States, to offer their services in defence of their country in this momentous crisis, ' when every nation is looking with an envious eye at the peace and prosperity of the United States,' and more especially Great Britain, who ought to be the last to enter the list ; but, proud of her navy, she bids her armed vessels enter into our harbors and rivers, and impress our fellow citizens while peaceably employed in the commerce of their country. Not content with this, she orders the commanders of her frigates to fire on the armed vessels of the United States, within the jurisdiction of the same, while peaceably pursuing her course to the place of her destination, murdering our fellow citizens, while she is holding out the olive branch of peace, which brings to our recollection the plains of Wyoming, in the revolutionary war, strewed with human gore by the savage hirelings of her perfidious government.
Therefore we, the undersigned, being appointed by the light infantry company called the Wyoming Blues, and through us the said company offer their services, in defence of their country, whenever the government of the United States deem it expedient to call them in defence of the country.
Joseph Slocum, Captain
Isaac Bowman, Lieutenant
Benjamin Perry, Sergeant."
" To Messrs. Joseph Slocum, Isaac Bowman, and Benjamin Perry,
a Committee of the Light Infantry Company,
called the Wyoming Blues:
The offer of your service in support of the rights of your country, merits and meets the highest praise, and whenever the moment arrives in which these rights must appeal to the public arm for support, the spirit from which the offer flows, that which animates our nation, will be their sufficient safeguard.
Having required, from the governors of the several states, their several quotas of militia to be ready for service, and recommended at the same time the preparation of volunteers under the Acts of Congress, and particularly that of the 24th of February, 1807, the acceptance and organization of such volunteers has been delegated to them.
Tendering, therefore, the thanks of our country so justly deserved for all offers of service made to me, I must add that it is necessary to renew them to the governor of the state, for the purposes of acceptance and organization.
I salute you with great respect,
Thomas Jefferson
Sept. 19th, 1807."
(Stewart Pearce)
