Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-12-08
DOCUMENT, No. 8, ACCOMPLISHING THE
GOVERNORS LETTER.
London, November %, 1908.
Dear Sir,
recollect that while had the honor

/ recollect that while had the honor
to serve the Commonwealth In the Executive,
Ii appeared that there were many cases of con-
testagion between the state and British sub
jects, growing out OF our revolution and treaties
with this country, for tracts of land and lots
lying In several OF our counties and towns, some
OF which were of great value. Several of these
controversies were OF long standing, and atten-
ded with great expense, while the result was
quite uncertain. 1t has occurred to me, that it
might be advantageous to the state to compro-
mise these disputes with the parties, by the pur-
chase OF their claims, for some reasonable cqui-
valent It is presumable that they would pre-
fer selling them, at a very moderate price, a
half or less of their value to be paid by install
ments, which might be satisfied out of the lands
alone, to the prosecution of doubtful contro-
versy, which keeps them SO long, even in case
OF 4 favorable issue, from the possession OF the
property. 1t might also be more satisfactory to
the state to adjust these controversies by AMIGA
BILE compromise; than by legal decision, since
the former is mode that will content every one.
If the state is disposed to adept this mode, and
thinks proper TO repose the trust in me, I will
accept 1t with pleasure, and undertake to exc
cute 1t In the best manner IL my power. ] shall
wish no compensation for the service my sole
object Will be to render myself useful to my
IN the undertaking. There are probably many
cases OF the kind not known to the Executive
or even brought into the Courts, where the pro
perty is either vacant, held on various pre-
texts torthe benefit OF the occupants or absentees
In case the subject is entered on, it may be deem
ed advisable to so through with it, and with
that view to trace the cases in every county
which may be done by the Escheators or Other
suitable agents. 1.-THE power is transmitted, i
VIII be proper to accompany it, with a state.
n1ent OF the title to each tract, the number of a.
cres, its probable value, &c. S>>. Ny public du
ties viii probably put il out of my power to exc
cute TINS trust, in person, il the detail; where
necessary will appoint Agent whose charg
IS shall be as light as | can make them, and II
all cases will supervise and be responsible fol
his conduct. 1t IS possible that by this measure
4 considerable sum might be raised for tn,
Commonwealth. Besides the cases depending
N the Courts, which are deserving Of attention
t'remcmber one from Norfolk, Of which infor
NATION was given b. Mr. Lee, who represented
IT to be OF great value. In every instance where
the party had received compensation from TIL.
government, on the principle thai the propert,
mad been coniiscated, should suppose that The
CLAIM might be e2Itiaguishcd FOR mere ty:Ge L
may be deemed presumptuous in me. to express
wish as TO the application OF the money which
may be thus raised, i'll case the idea is adopted
and executed with success. The wisdom Of
the Legislature viii, ! doubt not, destine it t
some humane and useful obicc;. lad I sea-
In the Legislature, and a vote on the app!icati5
1t would be to the purpose OF public instruction
1t is an opinion which Lavc ,ong entertained
one which every days experience and obselva
ton tends to confirm, tIat how ever free ON
political institutions may be in the commences
msnt, liberty cannot be long preserved, unless
the socet}i IN every district IN al its members
possesses that portion useful knowledge, viii
Is necessary to qualify them, TO discharge with
credit and elect, those great duties OF citizens
on winch Tree government rests. The resBon.
slolilty OF pu5hc servants, however we'd provid.
ed Tor by the constitution, becomes vain and
useless, it the people in general are not con,pe-
tent Judges IN the course of the administrator
OF all the questions which it involves. If it was
wise, manly and patriotic in to establish a free
government, 1t IS equally incumbent on us to
attend to the necessary means OF its preserva-
ton. The money thus raised might form the
commencement OF q systsm, which under favo-
rabie auspices, especially the humane PATRONAGE
OF the Legislature, might be matured hereafter
and extended throughout the Commonwealth.
You will excuse the liberty I have taken to
make this suggestion, and be assured that it viii
give me greet and sincere pleasure to have It in
my power, while l remain abroad, to render SER
vice to my country and my friends, in this or
any other mode in which they viii be gyleas-
ed to command me. Be so Kind as TO present
my most friendly regards to the gentlemen at
your board, and believe me to be, Dear Sir.
With great respect and esteem,