Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-07-18
Irnportat,t

WE are authorized to state, that, in con-
sequence of information received that the
British squadron had departed from Hamp-
ton Roads, and had taken station Oft our
capes, the Executive have suspended the
march TO Hampton of the 500 militia order
ed out from Gen. Whites brigade. They
have been permitted to return to their res
Pectve homes, with orders to hold them
selves III readiness to take the field at mo-
ment's warning.
The two companies of Infantry, and the
troop of Cavalry already stationed at Hamp-
ton, will be continued. We are moreoter
authorized to state, that, in consequence of
the above information, and of positive as
surances from Gen. Mathews, that the mi
litia already called into service from his
brigade, aided by the Cavalry from Peters,
burg and Richmond, will be amply suflici-
ent to repel any attack that can be made
by any force which can be spared from the
British squadron the Infantry from Peters,
burg and this place, will be immediately
discharged MAJ or Amber, under whose
command they marched TO Norfolk, is au-
thorized to charter one or more vessels
for the use OF such of them rs may think
proper to avail themselves of that mode of
conveyance. All the other forces now un-
der the command of Gen. Mathews at Nor
folk, will be continued, until more substan-
tiai evidence is obtained ola change of dis
position on the part of the British squad.
ron. Those forces together with the troops
stationed at Hampton, will occasionally be
relieved at Short periods by other detach-
ments of militia
A GREAT deal has been and ought TO
be said about the spirit of I776. At that
time our countrymen, poor and few in num-
Der, had the tirmness to contend for their
rights against a nation which was supposed
to be the most powerful in the world.
UhskilPd in war, with 10 army but undis-
ciplned militia, and without d navy, they
boldly encountered in battle the veteran
troops, and dcfied the formidable naty, Of
Great Britain. Unskill'd in government
according to the system of European poll
ticians, accustomed TO colonial subsection
and attached with filial fondness to their
mother country, they threw off all the ties
of degrading habit and misplaced affection;
subiimely dared to declare themselves in
dependent and sovereign, and devised new
systems of government founded on the pure
and admirable principles of equal rights
and free representation of the people
In support of those principles, they put G.
very thing to hazard and entered into a
tain, and proved successful, only by means
of the most infexible bravery, fortitude
and perseverance. All this was done by
the spirit of 1776: but we trust we shall
not be accused of depreciating the glory of
THOSE days when we say that, in our opini-
on, the spirit Of 1907 is equally fervent and
energetic, as truly republican and patrio-
tic, and much more generally ditfused a.
mong the people of America.
In the year 1776, the Tories (wao an
swer to the description of the .dngio-fcde-
7-oHSts now were more numerous than at
present. Many good men who had been
unable todlvest themselves of the prejudices
OF early youth in favor of his sacred Ma
jesty the King of Great-Britain, and of
their fears of his redoubtable armies and
navies, were opposed to the American Re-
violation as dangerous and useless expert
ment. Many others were leagued against
1T by theirprivate interests and British con-
nections, and not few were corrupted by
British brides and promises The people
ut that time were therefore very much di-
rided, and the patriots of t776 had TO con-
tend with internal enemies almost as dam
gerous as their eXternal--But at present
the state of affairs is widely different. The
number of Tories and .IHPio-federdiiStS
is small indeed the great body Of the peo-
pie being united in their county's cause
though small party exists under the name"
Of Fedcrahsts, who differ from the rest in
their opinions concerning the policy of GER
tain measures, and in disappearing the
worthy men who are now ut the head Of
the government. A prodigious majority
consists of Republicans, well acquainted
with their rights possessing considerable
knowledge both of the theory and the prac-
flee of a free government; and determine
ed to maintain it against every opponent
The Federalists themselves are as warm
rs the Republicans in defence of their coun-
Try and vindication of its honor against G.
very foreign nation and all at present a.
gree in their hatred of British TYRANNY,
Deriidy and outrage.
The spectacle of nation thus inspired
with love of liberty, thus enlightened with
respect to its rights, so slightly divided into
parties, and those parties vieing with each
Otberin displaying their patriotism and pub
lie spirit, is surely the most sublime and
consoling to the mind of philanthropist
that ever existed True It's that we have
not now the opportunity Gas in 1776) of dis
playing our fortitude by taking up arms I'M
der every disadvantage, without money,
without troops and almost without resources
This is glory peculiar to the heroes Of that
period, from the necessity Of earning which
upon the same painful and laborious condi.
tions, their posterity are now, and VIC hope
will forever be relieved. They have LEFT
us the rich LEGACY Of their tolls and VIZ