Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-05-30


hearts OF the colonists are ready to sink in
! despair At length the turbulent commo-
ton OF the angry pillows subsidies and
waited by friendly breezes, the little Arr
lgonauuc fleet arrives in the peaceful Che
ISapeake. | see it ascending you maies>
TIC river; see its white pinions waving.
In the favoring gale; see its slow and
cautious approach i see the feather tine
tGred chiefs, with their weapons of war
falling from their hands, in S lent amaze,
crowding each shore, and viewing with
terror and dismay spectacle so novel,
whilst our forefathers debark ON the des-
tined land OF liberty
Then they laid the foundation of re-
public, whose glory shall be immortal.
Yet how often were they overcome by the
weight of their suflerings ?-How often did
they look back upon their abandoned coun-
try How often cast their ewes to Heaven
lmPioring protection ?--As often did
SMITH, the noble SMITH, raise their droop-
ing spirits, and cheer them with the hope
OF better days.-The name of SMITH shall
DC revered, as long as honor, bravery, and
fortitude continue TO be respected.
But the colony was destined to be be-
reaved of its father, its protector. The
misiortunes of this great, intrepid man,
and the preservation of his life by the a.
miable Pocahontas, will long claim the de-
scriptive powers of genius When surprise
ed and surrounded by the Indians, he dis
played the most heroic courage, and des-
perateiy repealed the attacks Of his aston
Shed Toes, until he was obliged Indignantly
to yield When condemned TO death, by a.
council OF ms savage enemies, and led to
the place of execution, he betrayed not the
smallest emotion of fear. Already was his
head placed upon the fatal block already
"a, ~ -I,,l
to deal the deadly blow when the tender
Pocahontas, with streaming ewes and dis
! hcve!ed hair, threw herself at the feet OF
| her father embraced his knees, and with
agcnizing signs implorcd him to spare the
| life OF the prisoner. Vain were her en-.
| treaties; the savage king was memorable.
| In the distraction Of grief, Pocahontas ar
rested the impending bow and snatchingr
the victims head from the block, there pla-
ced her own-Strike, said she, IL the mutc,
! but expressive language OF nature-Strike,
IT you thirst for blood, but spare the stran-
ger. Even the warrior bosom of Powha-
tan was melted by this affecting scene. FL
! hal love triumphcd over savage revenge
Smith was restored to new life. Such was
the power of untamed nature over the ie-
male heart.
Amiable Pocahontas ! thou possessedest
charms which would have graced the mos
civilized society.
Thy form was fresher than the morning
rose,
When the dew vets its leaves, unstain'd
and pure,
AS is the lilly, on the mountain snow.
The modest virtues mingled in thy ewes,
Still on the ground detected, darling all
| Their humid beams into the blooming
! flowers
| Or when the mournful tale to thee was
told,
! OF others woe',---
Thrilling in thy though, they, like tina
dewy star
OF evening, shone in tears"
I Yes, her heart was compassionate and
feeling but when animated in the cause
OF humanity, she evnced courage which
feared not the hardest enterprise.
Here, in the midst Of deserts, in the
breast of an untoutured Indian, we discov-
or the brightest virtues that adorn hui
man nature. Here too, did the free born
soul Of the uncultivated Fowhatan nobly
defend those prmaeval rights, which he
held from NATURES charter Oft did he
saw, :; was born a King * Heaven, which
babe these lofty oaks lift their green shields
against the fiery sun, to fence their subject
plain, did laean, that | should, with as firm
an arm, protect my people against these bold
Invaders" Such was the language of rae
turc such q c source ofh.s vindicGve rage /;
OF that inccssant warfare which reduced
tho colony 20 the verge of destruction.
Soon after the great Smith had been de-
prived Of the command entrusted 70 him,
torn by intestine dissentions, and borne
down 10y variety Of evils, our antes-
tors determined TO abandon the
scene Of their misfortares. Every thing
is prepared for their departure they
embark the sails are uniuricd without
enc sigh, without one tear, they leave the
unhappy strand Virginia appears lost
foreNer-that germ OF liberty which was
here planted seems utterly destroy Cd
the prospects Of great ana Furnishing
nation springing up in the Western World,
arc now no more. But no heaven born
hope darts from beyond the cloud Of des-
pair rubed in the white ermine Of &C.
liestiai purity, and beamiug the sCraphic
smiles Of angelic Lenignity, Sic cres, Vir-
ginians, return to the gcnia' sol! of 'Ice-
dom--Thc sine Will come, ~ hcE yCur CoJn-
try shall enjoy ;he fruits Ct your abors.
Virginia shall rCud asnndtr the trammcls
oppl ession, and RISING 90 political pre-
emiutrcC among he nations ~ the Garth,
present TO an admiring world, tle speCta-
. &c of a great and republican people,