Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-07-01
PETERSBURG, June II.
TOWM MEETING.

TO NV NETTING.
ON Friday, in consequence OF the intel
! ligence previously received from Norfolk,
of the violation of our national dignity by
an armed ship of his Britannia majesty,
in attacking, without any previous deela-
ration Of war, the Chesapeake frigate be-
longing to the United States. and in cold
blood, NUMBERING THREE, and des-
perately wounding sixteen, AMERICAN
! CITIZENS, the inhabitants of Peters
burg assembled at the courthouse, to ex-
press their feelings on the alarming occa-
sion. The meeting was uncommonly nu-
merous, and but one sentiment animated
every bosom. A dignifed and manly de-
Iportment was observed, evincive of the
interest which the citizens felt for this
daring and unhcard of outrage The re-
solutions adopted were such as became a
free people, jealous OF their rights, and
watch 'ul over their dearest interest Not
a murmur was heard to disturb the awful
stiffness which pervad the meeting while
the resolutions were reading Every
tongue was mute-every ear attention and
when the question was put by the chair
man for adopting the resolutions, loud
universal burst of appreciation re-echoed
through the meeting
Any thing further would be Unnecessary
the resolutions, and the insult, sDe- k for
themselvcs.-We will add one obserya-
tion-the adherents of England would do
well 20 observe a profound silence and
1t rests with them TO confirm and strength
en- that dignifed moderation of the citi
zcns of Norfolk, and the public generally,
while smarting under the grossest injury
and Insult, that was ever yet heaped on an
independent nation.
The citizens having assembled to the
number of three or four numbered, appoin
ted DR.. John Shore, chairman, and John F.
May, secretary. After several resolutions
were proposed, they were referred tn a
committee consisting of Messrs John T.
May, John M'Rae, Joseph Jones, Archi-
bald Thweatt, Archibald Baugh, Robert
Birchett, William Clark, John NJ. Ranis-
ter, John Wilder, and John M'Creery,-
who shortly after, made the following re-
nrrt:
The citizens of the town of Petersburg,
Partic paG & n the feelings of their fell
low citizens Of Norfolk-iled with the
same horror-elCctrihed by the same
spirit OF dignatiun-assembled at the
courthouse, June 80, 1907, for the Dur-
pose OF taking into consideration the late
unprecedented outrage of Great-Britaip.
in demanding the privilege of searching
public armed vessel of the u. States
compelling Il submission to that de-
mand, by attacking the said u States
frgate, within our Jurisdiction, when un-
prepared for misunderstanding and
numbering our fellow citizens, and for
chilly seiz and carrying away four Of
the crew of the said frigate-
1st ResotVcd, That when events occur
of nature interesting to the public at large
it is the duty Of the people to express their
sentiments for the information and guild
ance of the government, proClaiming a
manly appreciation where it is due, and
the strongest and most determined repro
baton of acts, hostile to the interests and
derogating from the dignity and indepen-
dCnce of our country.
I'd. That by the laws and usages of natl
ons, a national ship is always exempt and
free rom examination or, search, by anv
foreign vessel or power
Sd. That this prenieditated outrage is
considered as tantamount TO a declaration
Of war on the part of Great-Britain, and
as eviucive of an irrcconcilab,e hostility to
Ibis nation.
lth. That we entcrta'na confidence, that
the government of the United States will
adopt the most decisive aud vigorous mea-
sures 70 obtain reparation ,or the injuries
and wrongs sustained from the government
Of Great-Britain.
5th. That this meeting Will consider as
Infamous, all those who may furnish sup
plies of any kind to British armed vessels.
9th. That no pilot ought 20 conduct any
British armed ship into our harbors or wa
ters.
9Th. That we will heartily concur in
Of all intercourse with Great
Britain, until such intercourse can be en-
ioyed ON terms OF reciprocal respect and
9Th That we will pledge 70 the govern
ment Of the United States, our fortunes and |
BUR blood, for the support of all measures |
which may be necessary and proper to VIM |
icate the rights Of our country.
9th. That we will, for the space of 80 |
lays, wear Grape on the left arm, as tes- !
imonial Of our respect for the memory, ani !
'egret for the loss, of our brave tars
10th. That the proceedings of this meet
ny be published in the papers os this town