Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-05-30


While Arnold was at Portsmouth,
Mr.. Jefferson, with Baron Steuben, or.
ganized plan Of military and naval ope.
rations, to be assisted by the commerce.
al ships then in James river, which were
well calculated to make cap,iyes Of Ar.
mold and his forces; but the arrival of a
superior British force, not only disap.
pointed this well meant enterprise, but
gave raason TO fear, that Virginia was a.
bout 10 become the theatre of war. The
plan was abandoned, and after some time
the vessels were either captured or de-
s'royed, and marauding parties ola pow
erful foe made executions and committed
depredalions in different directions.
One OF these parties, headed by Ar.
mold, appeared at Manchester opposite to
Richmond. The warehouses and other
buildings were burnt. During the con-
Migration, the writer of this saw Mr.. JEFF.
terson frequently, in different conspicu.
Gus situations on tie hills of Richmond.
About the same time the vessels already
alluded to, were destroyed few miles
below Richmond, SO ihat nothing preven-
ted detachment Of the British from eros.
sing and falling upon Richmond in the
rear, and as little 10 prevent The Gro ssiog
OF another party at Weslham, about six
mics above Richmond, from either OF
which Mr.. jeifcrsonmight have been ex.
posed 10 capture.
Although these things were evident TO
the weakest understanding, ii DID not APP
pear that Mr.. Jefferson ielt any .uncom-
mon soiic:tude Tor his own safety. so far
from II ne engaged 10 n,inu,e attentions
10 many things which appeared to be he.
cessary, aud either gave orders or uer
formed particular acts with apparent
equanimIty. lie acted not like a man
wno feared for his personal safety. bu,
IKE one whose own anxiety for the pub
lie interest induced him 10 employ him
sell In mInutia. Every eye witness viii
admit that no man could manifest nn,e
ardent desire 10 serve the public interest.
Perhaps it was MIR. Jegerson's greatest
lau.t that he did not sjuk. himself com.
petent TO discharge those military du,ies
which his situation required, and there
lore he did not call his Faculties into aefi.
on. The part which he played Showed
that he was not restrained by the fear of
danger. His conduct in all other things
shews that he did rot want talents. He
had great occasion to distinguish him.
self in the field, and abandoned it 10 O.
Tiers, and this is all.
This rapid sketch is thought necessary
TO give to the reader competent Know.
iecge OF those events, as well as 10 Law
before him the department of Mr.. Jeff.r.
son while he seemed 10 direG the one.
ra,ions ofthe militia,
These events happened in April or
May 1871. The legislature were con.
veped 10 meet at Charlottesville. There
they were surprised by the cavalry of
larieton and compelled to dispense, they
next met at Stanton, and some time in
The month of June at Stanton. Mr.. JEFF.
ierson,. while engaged in treating with
some Iodian chiefs became the subieel
OF denunciation, and gen. Nelson to whom
Mr.. Jefferson had con6ded the command
OF The militia was elected governor with.
out oppostion.--Such was The popularity
oil the new governor, that the appointment
appeared to give new life and yigor to the
dropping spirits Of The people.
Inc Chief complaint alledged against
Mr.. Jefferson was, that he did not act with
sufficient energy. The truth wa, this.
Mr.. Jefferson regulated all his conduct.
according TO the constitutional powers of
his Office. He did not consider himself
authorised 10 execute any importan, mea.
sure without the advice of council. Such
he deemed his duty. Such was certain.
Iy his oath. This will be evident to any
reader who will examine the different ar.
ticles OF that instrument.
A governor Of Virginia, with a full
knowledge of bis duty and powers, and
a friend to The chartered rights of his
country, would not be willing 10 transcend
his powers, unless upon occasions of in.
dispensable necessity. So far as respect.
ed military operations, this necessity did
not exist, because the militia had been or.
dered out, and the command had been
entrusted to general Nelson. Upon o.
Their occasions it was necessary to take
the advice of council. This was inpos.
sible, because the councillors, eight in
number, with small exception, had fed
hither and thither Mr.. Jefferson was
therefore deprived Of the constitutional
means.