Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-04-25
FOR THE ARGUS.
CONCERNING THE LATE COALITION
AGAINST BCNAPARTE.

iauon, Or mas oeen the author oil so many
great events as Bonaparte. He has been
The subject OF eulogy and Of invect;ve--of
hope and offear--of terror and confidence
Ibis enemies impute to him, all the worst
attributes>of man, and his friends are in-
fiuenced by confidence which has no liz
mits. Under, such circumstances, it is
= not matter OF surprise, that the public
prin's should occasionally exhibit him in
all the extent OF difference, with the aids
ofhyperbole and exaggeration, each one
icing aStuated by the passion which pre-
dominates in his own bosom.
The commercial and social intercourse
which exists between the United States
and Great Britain, and the projects of
some Americans to strengthen these ties
by a political union, have afforded many OPP
r-~,nnities Tor The intriguers aud deluded
zea!ots 10 propagate opinions of discomfort
and horror against Bonaparte. Unlortu-
na.e.y too for the cause of truth, there are
but few editors of papers, who have been
disposed to admit articles OF explanation
or vind;caticu--whiIe ON the other hand.
pubiicalons, which, if believed, could not
Tail TO excite horror, have been circulate
ed.
Even few individuals who have been
disposedito counteraG these errors, have
either been deferred by the fear of excit.
ing agains, themselves, or for
isiting The conntenance and patronage
OF soue popular men who were known TO
advocate different opinions.
While a powerful Fremh army hover
ell on The coast of England, it was natu.
raj TOR all those who felt AN interest in the
welfare OF that nation, or who feared that
Bpnapare aimed at universal empire, to
express such sentiments as we're dictated
by their hopes and fears--and it was a ma
turaI transition to extend the same feel
ings towards all those who co-operated
with Great Britain. Hence il has hap
Pened, that great deal has been spoken
aDd published II different parts of the u.
nited States, showing the best wishes for
the SUCCESS ofthc coalition--nor will it be
r here dshie9, If the previous conduct of
Bomaparic had given reason for such fears,
iha, the cppo;iIion was improper. While
these things were going on, there were q
lew who expressed and supported d fer
emf opinisns who denied the existence
OF such projects, and foretold, not only,
that the coRtcdera,ed armies would be O.
verlhrown, but that Bonaparte would be
governed by his former engagements made
to the French people, and promulgated to
the world.
The late events all shew that the en-
,peror OF France, nths memorable war,
forgot not his former promise--"fha he
rad, i,Gced, contcnded far The rehose of
france and fAe haffiiness Of the Iooytd," and
Notwithstanding all his conduct before
the late successes, clearly manifested tina,
this promise was never forgotten; vet the
enemies of France and the defamers Of
the emperor, pretended 10 believe thar his
projects had for their final object, the CON
quest OF Earope aud the subjugaticn of
the world. In consequence OF these de
Illusions, yell was raised which passed
from one to another; the Impressions
spread far and wide; general prejudice
was excited, and no voice which was in.
tended to oppose the torrent Of error was
heard, and IT heard, was regarded; so
Tar from IT, there was wish that he should
be not only defeated, but destroyed.
Let us row enquire who are they for
whose bepeiit the accusers of RonaDarte
desire his power TO be DESTROYED, his pro.
jeefs to be frustrated, and France to be
dismemberedf 1t is for the fugitive and
parracidal Bourbons. And why do they
cry aloud for the restoration of the Bour.
bons, and desire once more TO reinstate
the ancient aristocracy, who have so often
shea,hed their swords in The vitais OF their
country Do these politicians wish To see
France once more covered with viS,ims
anu drenched with blood the inhabitants
clothed in sack cloth and ashes; and whole
becaiombs Of human yie,ims imFnoiaiet.
10 make way for, and secure the reign Of
reseance, tyranny and violence Let their
wishes be what they may, such surely
would be The results.
tits time that these tleluded erthnsiasis
should pause. Let them cast their eyes
nper'tbe blood stained pages oreigh, cen.
turies OF oppression. Let them ietrace
The ssnguMsry steps of their fayori,es, the
Capets. Let them behold the vindjcliye
swords of The fugitive nobles e.. yated by
iTpIacahie arms. and dreGled by a ven
Eeance which had no limits, agains: q
~hoie nation; nation which had risen,
Claimed s enforced, 10 opposition to tyran-
meal rsuFpation, its ancient and long los,
I'LL a