The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1804-12-08

with no compensation for the fcrviCe my foie
object will h. to render myielf uiGful to my
country, and my hghet qualification Is fiicCee<l
in the undertaking. There art probably many
cafes OF the kind not known to the Executive,
or even brought into the Conrts, where the pro-
perty is either vacant, or held OH various s,rc-
texts for the benefit of the occupants o. ab.en-
tees. In cafe the fubiect is entered on, il may
be deemed adviiable to go through with it.,
and with that view to trace the cafes in eve
ry county, which may be done By the Tx
chcators or other fItable agents. IF the
power is tranGnitted, it will he proper TO ac-
company it, with a ftatement of the title
TO each tract, the number of acres, its pro-
bable value, Sc. &c. My public duties will
probably put 1t out OF my power 10 execute
this irut, in perfon, in the detail; where necef
fairy will appoint an Agent whole charges
ihall be as light as ! can make them, and in al
cafes will fupervie and be relponible for
his conduit. 1t poiible that by this meafure
a comfortable fun might be raiied for the
Commonwealth. Be6des the cafes depending
in the Courts, which are deterving of attention,
/ remember one from Norfolk, Of which inior
nation was given by MIR. Lee, who Represented
ii to be of great value. In every initance where
the party had received compensation from this
government, on the principle that the property
had been conftcated, l ihould fuppofe that the
claim might be extinguifhed for mere trifle. Ii
may be deemed prefumptuous in me, to eXprefs
with as to the application of the money which
may be thus raifed, in cafe the idea is adopted
and executed with ficcefs. The wifdom of
the Legislature will, doubt not, define it, to
fome humane and uieful Object. Had a feat
in the Legislature, and vote on the application,
it would be 10 the purpofe OF public infruction.
1t is an opinion which l have long entertained,
=, L
ton tends 20 confirm, that however free our
political intitutions may be in the commence
ment, liberty cannot be long preferved, un-is
the fociety in every ditrict in all its members,
potieles thatportion of ufefulkuowledgc,w which
is necefary to qualify them to difcharge with
credit and effect, thofe great duties of citizens
on which free government refs. The reipon-
iihity of public fervants, however well provid-
ed for by the contribution, becomes vain and
ufElefs, if the people in general are not compe-
ten judges in the courfe of the administration,
of all the queAions which ii involves. If it was
wife, manly and patriotic in us to eitablih a
flee government, it is equally incumbent on us
10 attend to the necedary means of its preiefva-
ton. The money thus raifed might form the
commencement of a fyRem, which under favo-
rabe aufpices, Especially the humane patronage
of the Legislature, might be inatured hereafter
and extended throughout the Commonwealth.
You will execute the liberty 1 have taken TO
make this fuggeltion, and be afiured that it will
give me great and iincere pleaiure to have it in
my power, while remain abroad, to render FER
vice to my country and my friends, in this or a.
ny other mode in which they will be pIeaied to
command me. Be 70 kind as to preient my
mof friendly regards to the gentleman at your
board, and believe me to be, Dear Sir,
With great reiped and efteen,
Additionally Yours,
(Signed) JAMES MONROE.
JOHN PAGE,