The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1807-07-03
FOR The ENQUIRER.

RftioH' rthating to tie agcrT.ns Of Graf Britain,
s'07 ne rig6' and iata1.fs Of tie Unifef Sta.s.
UNITED WE CAN STAND, DIVIDED We uALLrALL
The meeting Of the citizens of Richmond a the
Capitol, for the parpofe of cenidering the aggrei
ons OF the Bri,ifh Marine, will ever be day of
proud triumph for Virginia national character
ieems to be fully aroufed, and no voice is heard,
which does rot breath determination to fupport
our lnder?ndancy and honor.
Every one had anticipated an mprefIion of indp-
nation and firnnefs, fu;able 70 the occsGon-eyery
circumstance indicated animated declaration &
ayowal OF patriotic fen,iments ; but fuch an indp-
naht, and yet honorable manifestation of national
lee.ing, was more than equal the moi laug,;ne
anticipation.
The rsfolusions which were offered, were receiv
ed and Imported by fueh burlis of appau(e, a. TO
prove that fsuation honorable to the neetirp and
neceary to the American intcre generally prevail
ed.
In the competition of there rerolu,ions embracing
concerns of the greatea magnitude, AID relating 70
deeds o! great attrocioulneIs, concerns which might
involve the tate md proirerity of this country for
ever 1t UNREASONABLE 70 prefure that every .x
preihon or word Mould meet the int:re appreciation
of every Individual who might be preent Nor
ought it to be expected. y collection Of people, con
fitting OF all c!aiIes Of politicians, one Of the moi
numerous, as well as respectable which has ever
been congregated in this city, could no, at all even
hope that every word, nay tina, every idea ihould
be preciieiy that which he would have f.le6ied, or
that upon deberation lone other terms MIG III not be
fubflituted.
II ough, to fufIice that the obieas were manfnlly
expreed, that the patriotifm OF the meeting was full
~ met by the fcope of the expeditions and i, oug ut
to affCrI general Joy to find that if there were any
errors, they related only the Grens,h and energy
III which the fentmenfs were conveyed.
IL was Of the hghett importance that unanimity
ihould prevail. II every nice objection had been
weighed by grains and icruP!es, the audience being
wearied with triies might have d(per.ed, and the
fortunate location Of expreaing fuch fentiments by
luch an alemblage would not have again occurred.
The PROPERTY and independe ucy of this country
depends not, in other parts of the world upon the
prudent councils aud energetic of government
hat in the union and confentanr of the people
Upon the oeeafion before US, there pre-exiiing
imPrefion that fuch fentiment generally prevailed
The event verified the truths, and the paTre of the
| refoutons with the manifestation of the public feel
ing, will aorda new epoch to the American charac-
ter.
Let every American, whether native or naturliz-
ed. bear in mind thee few words" UnheJ zpe Rsnd
dfviied Fall taH" Let every patriot and politi-
cisn endesvor to ineucae the important and incon-
| trovertible truth, by all the means which he may
poii,fs. Let it be with him political alpha and o.
| emanate from words trihes And Ter us all agree
that at fuel time bis, svny rice e6cnee ould no.
6fSy its comment,
This important epoch in the annals and affairs of
the United States, having commenced by an honeR
declaration OF ientiments, truly patriotic and By Il
manifestation Of unoR, will be properly appreciae ed
by the Britih rulers. All that now remains is that
every public print, every man of talents or influence
ihali zealorhy devote the means which they may pof-
IA r,,lr,x Irh. n, 4
on
From the foregoing oberyation,it may be Inferred
that there is iome far obe6fionsto the manner
IN which the reioutions have appeared AS il is of
the hgheit Importance that every eaufe of difunon
fhouid he removed, and that all America aouId be
aauated it were by but one af, it will be proper
20 anticipate thoie objections, by candid examine
tion.
| 1t will be alleged that the authority by which the
attack OF the Leopard made, did not enins,e
from the Britih government. BY fore il is doubled
whether the act OF Capt Humphreys proceeded
from the orders o. Commodore Douglais and there
from Admiral Berkely, ought to be confdered. in the
Preent at- OF things, as the a4 OF Re Britilh 90
vernment.
Although it is generous and liberal fentin,ept.
| to preiune that the attrocious deed of which we
complain, wasnot authorized by the government Of
Great BriNain and befpeaks temper OF forbearance
who entertain it yet the public interens now re-
quire, that this honorable temper fhoud no,
be permitted to gain advocates or PROTOTYPES.
! II is, indeed, IN be hoped, that the government,
Of Great Britain will find eparate rs char
aetsr ard credit, from a which does not admit Of
vindcatinn. This they may do or attempt If they
CAM tut iurely, il does not bshove an American, ali
injured as his country is, to become volunteer in
their unrightsous caule
| Nor can it be doubted, that ffroRg aGer,iops and
Pi1uiible arguments will he employed by the abea
Pens but however peoous ana elaborate tbeie areu.
mentc may be- it will be polibie 70 to d(entsn-
gle theurfelvss, to fatisfy accurate enquirer
that it was not, to all the purPofes OF national con-
cern an ael Of the government, and conequently an
act Of the nation.
Perhaps irem motives Of la,e policy, Admiral
Berkeley may either ddown the orders. ALLEGED to
have been received by Douglas. or take uyos him
felt the entire reponfbii;y. he character Of Ad-
miral Berkeley is not known e. u.s. Their fore we mail
got know how to appreciate fuch an ,Gunrp ion, but
Judging from the general eondu # he other Giip,
under MS command, nothing appears to eiH.tle hin,
to our refpea or confidence.
Let the declarations OF ADMIRAL Bsrke'ey be then
what they may or even Il the BritIfh government