Berkeley and Jefferson intelligencer. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va.) 1802-1810, 1805-02-01

~ 80 49, NA yoASNA a. w
reminds US ola quaint distich-
Great Brunswick's Duke with forty
thousand men,
Marched into France, and then march,
ed out again. -
Our Acct has reached the coast Of Tri-
poll just in time to quit it.
1t was Of the greatest importance that
the ships Of Our squadron should arrive
in the Mediterranean, as Mr.. Jefferson
would express it, "in the least possible
time )" but instead Of being dispatched
asthey could have been put in readiness,
they were detained until they could all
proceed at the same time which produ-
ced another delay, as every novice knows
that squadrons or fleets can never make
as much expedition as single ships nor
can it be al!edged that this measure was
necessary for their defence against the
arms Of an enemy. Had one or two of
the friga,es arrived in proper time to CO.
operate with Commodore Preble, We
might not have to regret the failure Of an
enterprise from which we were taught to
expect SO much nor to lament the use.
less sacrifice of the lives Of so many of
our fellow-eiizens.
Let the Admiral and his sapient Naval
Secretary reconcile this mismanagem
to their Wanted system of economy.
Let them inform the people how much
money has been expended in the late ex-
petition against Tripoli, which is only
not disgraceful to those Immediately con-
cerned init, bat is certainly far from re-
Hecting honour upon the American 60
vernmsnt, or from terrifying the Bashaw
into American terms. Let them, in
their next financial estimate, state the
probable expense in maintaining in the
ports of Malta orSicily, during the VIM
ter season, in a state of inaction, feet
which, had it been sent out at proper
season, might ere now have been at an
Choir in the ports of the United States,
after having accomplished the object of
its commission. .
We have no doubt that If a chance of
eGecting any thing presents itselfto Com
modore Barron, he will al all himself of
it: but such circumstance, rather to
be hoped for than expected. will not in
Validate any of those objections which
we have suggested, but will rather
strengthen them. 1t will prove that the
same thing might have been effected long
ago. and with a saving of money, of
blood, and of honour. The ships Of
war, says Mr.. O'Brien, can do nothing
without the gun-boats and bomhards,
and the season is too far advanced for
them to remain on that dangerous coast.
Let US not, therefore, aattcr ourselves
that, deprived of,he means of doing any
thing. Capt. Barron is to effect miracles
For whatever he may do little praise
can be assumed by the warriors at Wash
ington-" If he succeeds the merits all
his o~n."
Our readers may, if they think pro-
per, make short comparison between
the conduct Of the present war against
the petty and despicable pirates Of Tri-
poll, and Of the war, under Mr.. Adams,
against another nation Of pirates, the
kStttObC NtAA
Of France. When the aggressions on
our trade. on the part of the French,
were carried to such lengths as to be no
longer suAerable, the administration
OF the United States was not deterredby
the very considerable force which France
had in the Yves. indies,. nor by the aw-
full terrour OF her name in Europe, from
adopting effectual measures to curb and
toPunish her insolence. All the strength
which il could command, was immedi-
ate!y put in commission and tone of
diGnihed sentiment, was backed by a
force active and respectable. The con-
sequence was simultaneously experien-
ced BY our trade F; one proof Of which
was that premiums for insurance to and
frothth- West Indies, which had been,
on the single outward or homeward risk,