Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-07-18
Dmnlnla Argue.
II &c IL Nj O N d:
SATURDAY, nULY IS, 1907.

CONSIDERATION the violation OF the law OF natl
onscommtted by the commander of his Bril-
fannie Maiesty's ship Leopard, on the fri
gate Chesapeake The Hon. John Tyler,
was unanimously appointed chairman and
Edmund Christian, was unanimously APP
pointed Observation-Disclosures commit
tee of seven WAS appointed, to wit: Field
ing Lewis, Wyatt Walker. John MinSe,
John. Christian, John Bradley, Cornelius
Egyaon ard Gary Wilkinson, to enter into
such resolutions as they might think pro-
per on this important subject and make
report thereof to this meeting. And the
committee having retired for short time,
returned with the following report:
We the committee having heard with
great concern and Indignation OF the IA
grant and inhuman violation ofthe laws of
nations and of God, committed by the COM
mander OF his Britannia Rlajesty's ship
Leopard, In the unprovoked attack on
the frigate Chesapeake, commanded BY
Commodore Barren, by means whereof
several of his men were murdered, and
many wounded; conceive It our duty to
express tothe world our sense of the iniu-
ry done to the honor and independence of
cur country ...r
RESOLVED therefore, That notwithstand-
ing the difference of sentiments which has
sometimes prevailed in cur councils con-
cerning 0ur domestic policy, we have still
just forbearance for each others opiii-
ons, when they do not depart essentially
from the principles of the republican go
vernmcnt under which we live that we
will Mt ali times be ready with heart and
- hand to unite in the sacred bonds of friend
ship and love of country, in the defence of
which we are determinedto stand 6rm and
undaunted in the hour Of danger, to repel
the aggressions of disappointed fec,
whcnsoever he shall dare to commit them
within the reach Of our avenging arm and
although our country has not a navy suifici-
ent to combat on the sea with that tvran-
mic highway rohher of all nations, vet we
have the means within ourselves to bring
that naughty government to a right sense of
its situation and true interest. by withhold
ing our supplies, not by partial but by ge-
neral measures and by interdicting her
commerce with this cc,mtry.-Too long
have We sought for peace and friendship
with that government, by the pursuit of
measures, just and honorable, and as long
have we been insuted by the deceitful APP
pearance of friendly negotiation, while G.
very outrage is continued with impunity
on our rights which nefarious conduct
we apprehend has arisen from suppositi-
on of our fears of the event of conflict,
much to be deprecated by those who have
just regard for the feelings of humanity,
but from which we will not shrink, when
soever it shall be found necessary for the
safety of the nation. The die is cast
blood has been shed without crime or of
fence; the crisis is formed, and we must
decide whether the laurels which we have
plucked from the brow of a tyrant shall
continue to flourish in the fair fields of A.
Merica, or be suffered to wither, and fade,
and perish forever No, by the great God
Of Nature we swear that we will defend
cur liberties * independence, our national
honor and public virtue, TO the last drop
OF our blood to the last breath of vital air
We owe it To our forefathers and patriots,
by whose blood they were sealed TO protect
and maintain them; we owe il to ourselves,
who enjoy so many blessings resulting from
them, to preserve them inviolatc, and we
will hand them down to our latest pnsteri-
~, as the best gift of Heaven. Treason
Shall mt appalus, traitors shall not be un-
punished, nor shall the wicked authors OF
such deadly crimes succeed in their endea-
vors to divideus. England has furnished
her honor and virtue in this respect as in
many others, and her glory has passed
away like tale that has been told "Her
sun is set never to rise again." What
sort offcelings must Englisrmen have One
hour to be in habits of peace and friendly
intercourse, not only with Commodore
Barron, but with the citizens of Norfolk
Chat hospitable port from which no stran-
ger returns unsatished) and in another with
In view Of our harbors, 10 commit so deiibe-
rate and wicked murder on an ujlsuS-
peCting, upoffending crew Slaves and tools
Of fool and tyrant, we fcretel your couD-
try's destiny; what has it to boast of now
but treachery, bribery, hypocrisy and
murder? We will plant dagger in the
heart tit. The vengeance of your own
people shall be upon it Proud and revenge
ful government, thou art hated and de-
spised by the civilized worlds we will de-
ty all your menaces, and disappoint your
reasonable machiDations, against our in
ternai peace and unanimity. Tn our infan-
cy we withstood your maliguity, and in age
we viii deieatycu in the fcldand in council
your commerce has not corrupted the'great |
mass OF our people, we can exist withou.
1t, and viii return to habits Of economy, !
industry, and our own internal resources. |
The same spirit exists in our country which /
was knitted by our fathers in the late revo- |
luton, and again it shall be famed into |
hame which never shall be extinenished |
until Just and honorable atonenent Is I
made ioi all the offences committed on cur |
rights. But what atOncment can be made !
lot the murder Of a free man I'm this (
case there IS no reciprocity, the death Of I
thousand slaves cannot be p sufficient
HNrTTnrn Al a.