Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-10-30


different cyphers having been used, AMI n
considerable time having elapsed since the
correspondence had ceased. His answer
was evidently given to that part of the ques-
ton which related to the cypher, and to
| that part only. Yet from this trifling in
cident have his enemies endeavored to- draw
the strange conclusions that he was unwil-
| ling to acknowledge his having correspond
ed with the Saron de Carondelet; that the
| objects of that correspondence were crimi-
nal !; and that upon oath he denied or con-
cealed the truth. How obviously uncandid
| and unjust are these conclusions !. and how
desperate are these attempts to torture
circumstance which is clearly consistent
, with the purest innocence into proof of
guilt
The charge of forgery is no better sup
ported-Mr Duncdn'S evidence satisfacto-
| rily explains that subject, and acquits Gen.
Wilkinson of any evil intention in emitting
certain parts of the cyphered letter, at the
time VIXEN copy WAS sent to the Presi-
dent of the United States. 1t, strictly
| speaking, there was any improperly III
those omissions, the general was at any
rate, perfectly free from deliberate or in-
territorial incorrectness of Conduct; and,
perhaps, all circumstances considered, the
advice OF Mr. Duncan was most prudent
ana proper SINCE no attempt was iuduS
To deceive the President, to whom a full
communication OF the substance OF the let
ter WAS made by means of Mr. Briggs the
confidential messenger; and 1t was wise
TO guard against the improper construct
ons to The injury of the general, which
might at that critical time, have been
put upon certain passages in the letter by
the Unaffected persons and coadJutors OF
Burr in the Orleans Territory, If It had
fallen into their hands. That letter was
very cuuningly worded by Col. Burr, and
doubtless was designedly SO expressed, IN
order that Wilkinson, If he should refuse TO
join him, might be subjected, lin case he
should communicate the letter TO the go
vernment) to the suspicion OF having been
concerned in the plot. Ee hoped therefore
che general would be deferred FROM expos
ing his viilainy through the fear of in
Turing his own reputation: but the patrio-
tism of Wilkinson triumphed over all his
articles.
The Generals Withholding small part
OF that letter from the Orleans Legislature,
when he was examined before them, was
iustiiiabie, on the ground Unnecessary poll
CIV, at that dangerous period, when Burr
was hourly expected at the head ota large
army, and 4 s,ronS party opposed to the
general and DESTROYS of thwartinB all MS
plans existed in that body. Ii the passe sc
!, Z" YOURS p )st marked the 13th, of May was
duly received" had been shewn 10 that car.
ty, they would H.. .-ev" advantage OF !,
, TO rc~r-r7io tie whole Legislature to con
,S:ie. the general as = paTtizan of Burr, and
jealousy and suspicion would have defeated
all his measures for saving the city and
territory from destruction. If thu LeBisia'
ture Of Orleans had had right 20 demand
' Of gen. Wilkinson full and unreservet
: communication OF every CirCumStance that
i ever had taken place between yfaron Buf1
= and llimaelf, he would not have been aXcus
able in conccalng any part or the letter
from them but all that they requir
$ ed, or have 4 right to require from
V him, was such information as related to the
plot and that information he doubles
gave them, fairly, without withholding
j particle. He was surely not bound to lay be
, fore them passage which could be OF no ser
= vice TO the public and would certainly injurt
', himself; the letter post marked thc 11;h o
u MAY (whatevcr was its purport) not beinj
in his possession but in the power of CO.
J" Burr, and it being therefore out ofhis pow
J. CIR by producing that letter - remove TN
ie suspicious which would have attached {
y his character. IT must he recoiiccted to
e that the General did not declare TO the lie
7, gislature, that the paper he produced /
III them was the whole OF the cyphercd let
sc ter, exactly IS me received it from Nj
u SwartwouJ, but permitted them to see an
le to know tina: part ofit was withheld fror
T. their view.
~ His conduct therefore in the whole trans
sc action was prudent and correct and it az
"a pears that this charge against him ha
>; been as easily rcfutcd As any of the rest
Y Tile aurora o6irs Mefoi.oNiag remark
IL on the Proclamation recently iSSucdb
o. the President
CT The Presidents Proclamation, which "
c publish this day, it is presumed will She
70 that the srccu!ations which we have repea
D! eddy given TO the public on the pro
W poets of the country as to Eeaee Or sod
le were not lightly taken up nor hastily utte'
u ed.
lIS There are in the British provinces oful
- per and lower Canada, upwards of a
VS. persons who have at different times desc
81 ted from the military service OF the Unite
III States.
L., A circumstance more important in Il
III general view Of affairs, is the TACT that the
"a are now in the prisons Of Canada, abo
lth 1lOpersons. vim. uDOu el,c late call of p co