Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-02-03


mode of indemnity. Inow began to enter
tain a suspicion taat Mr.. Burr was proiec-
ting an unauthorized military expedition
which, to me, was envcloped III mystery;
and, DESTROYS to draw an explanation from
him, suffered him to suppose me resign
ed to his counsel. He now laid open his
project ofrevolutionising The western coun-
try, separating it from the union, establish
ing a monarchy there, of which he was to
be the sovereign, New-Orleans to be his
capital; organising a force ON the waters
of the Mississippi, and extending conquest
to Mexico. i suggested number OF impe-
diments to his schcmc-such as the repub-
lican habits of the citizens of that country,
and their affection towards our present adj
ministration Of government the want of
funds ; the resistance he would meet from
the regular army of the u States on those
frontiers and the opposition of Miranda in
case he should succeed to republicanise the
Mexicsns
Mr.. Burr found no difficulty in removing
these charlottesville said he had, the prece-
ding season, made tour thro' that country,
and had secured the attachment of the prin-
cipal citizens ofKentucky, Tennessee and
louisiana TO his person and to his measures
declared he had inexhaustiblc resources
to funds assured me the regular army
would act with him, and wouldbe reinforced
by 10 or 10000 men from the above men
toned states aud territory and from other
parts of the union said he had powerful a.
gents in the Spanish territory--and, as for
miranda, said Mr.. Burr, we must hang
Miranda. He now proposed to give me the
second command in his army. Iasked him
who should have the chief command? He
said, General Uiikfnson. / observed it
was singular that he should count on Gen.
Wilkinson the elevated rank and high
trust he now held as commander in chief
OF our army and governor Of province,
he would hardy put at hazard Tor any pre-
carious prospects OF aggrandizement Mr..
Burr said gcu. Wilkinson balanced in the
confidence OF government, was doubtful of
retaining much longcr the consideration he
now eniOved, and was consequently prcpar-
ed to secure 70 himself permanencv.
asked MIR. Burr, if he knew gen Wilkiu-
son He answered yes: and echoed the
question. ! said knew nm wen. 'W hat
do you know IF him said MIR Burr. y
know, 7 replied, that gen. Wilkinson will
act as Licutsnclf 60 no mar in existence.
You are H. an orrcr," said Mr.. Burr
I" WiLkin8on Kill act ag HcHtcHG7t 10 me-
From the tenor of repeated conversations
with Mr.. Burr [ was induced @ believe the
plan of separation the union which he had
contemplated had been communicated to
and approved ofby gen. Wilkinson, Though
now suspect it an artlul argument Of Sc
duction) and lie often expressed full con-
fdencc that Ike generals influence; the of-
fer of double pay and double rations: the
prospect OF plumber and the ambition e -
chievement would draw the army into his
measures. Mr.. Burr talked Of the estab-
Gshnentofan Independent government west
o. the .Aliegh2ny rs n matter Of inherent,
constitutional right OF the people change
which would eventually take place, and in
the operation of which the present crisis
peculiarly favorable. There was, said
he, no energy in the government to be
dreaded, and the divisions of political opi-
mons throughout the union was a circuIn-
stance of which we should profit. There
were very many enterprising men among US
who aspired to something beyond the duh
pursuits OF civil life and who would volun-
teer IN this enterprise, and the vast terri
tory belonging to the United States. which
offered 10 adyenturers, and the mines OF
Mexico would bring strength tohis standard
from all quarters. listened 10 the expo
sition Of col. BIrr's views with seeming &C
quicscence. Every interview convinced
me more and more that he had organised
deep laid plot of treason in the west, in
the Accomplishment of which he felt fully
contiden:. Till, at length, I discovered
that his ambition was net bounded bv the
waters of the Mississippi and Mexico but
that he meditatcd Ovcrthrowing the present
government of our country. He said, fhe
could gain over the marine corps, and Sc.
cure the naval commanders, Truxton, Pre-
Bile, Decatur, and others. he zvouM tuyr
Congress neck and heeLs out ofdcors as
SaS8fnatc the President seize or ne t-eo.
SuTy and the nary, and declare him ielffI,
protector 2fda energetic g2vernfr ent t.
honorable trust Of oorrupting the marine
corps, and of sounding commodore pr.bJc
and capt. Decatur col. Burr PROPOSED ro-.
fdingto ne. Shocked Al this proposition
dropped the mask, and exclaimed ao,ins,
his views. He talked ofthe DEGRADED sif,,-
alton OF our country, and the necessiiv Of ?
bfo7v by which its energy and its dicritv
should be rcstored-said, If that blow could
be struck here AZ this time. he We cont
dent of the support Of the best blcoI oF
mer'ca. told col Burr he dec we'd him
selfin presuming that he, or any other man
could excite party in this country who
would countenance him in such a plot ~
desperation, murder and treason. He re.
Piled, that he, perhaps, knew better the
dispositions Of the influential citizenr 81 This
country than did. told him. ono s.i;tar,
word would destroy him. lie asked. vb,t
word ! answered, USurber! lie smiled
at my hesitation, and quoted some great
L.