The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1807-08-07
FOR THE ENQUIRER.
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SPIRIT OF THE TIMES,

The e2d OF June 1907, has become as memo.
rable in the annals Of our country, as the l7th
June, 1875, the day which ufhered in the bat
lie of Buuker's Hill. On both days, the blood
of Americans was fhed by the minions of def
pot, but with this marked difference. III the
frft inltance, we expected and were prepared
meet them as foes, animated by holy enthu.
fsim, which was ominous of that fuccefs,
which finally crowned the efforts of a nation
fruggling to be free. But in the latter cafe,
confding in treacherous friendfrip, reRipc
upon that good faith, which we ourielves have
invariably maintained towards all nations, with
whom we have intercourie. We have been
furpriZed by an act, which in the catalogue CT
national crimes, is unparalleled for its atroctv,
IFS wantonnefs, its bafenefs, and its cowardce.
the late attack OF tine Leopard, Britiih nip
Of so guns, and under cover of Iritilh fquad.
ron, on the Chefapeake, Frigate Of the United
States of SO guns, unre6lting and unpreparsd
for action, in time too, of profound peace,
and within our own waters, is one of thofe acts
which is calculated to aroufe every feptiment
of pride. indignation, and refentment, which
belong to the American character. The law
lefs and iniolent demand which preceded the
attack, ferved only as pretext, to manifeft the
hottie temper OF the Britiih government to-
wards us. The ACT itfelf, can be confidered in
fuch it becomes uG to meet it, with manly firm
nefs and to thew to the world that the period
has at length arrived, which will develope all
the energy of the American character. This
character is certainly mifunderftood in Europe.
a review of the conduct of Great. Britain to-
wards us for many years paft, rreGRibIy forces
the conviction, that Ne has acted automatically
upon the idea, that no ACT of hers, however
a,rocious, will provoke us to holtitics towards
her. That our love of peace, will enable her
to amufe us forever, with empty and idle ne.
gociation. Sbe has prefuned, upon the pacific
temper ot our government, and the mild fpirit
OF our political infitutions, which cheriGh
peace, as the BATS of national happinels; with
out adverting to another maxim equally facred
with us that to prefelve peace, WE NUT be
prepared for war and at all times ready to lay
down our lives, in defence Of thole rights, with
out which, peace itleif, is of no value. She has
progrencd from one a6t of violence to another,
until fhe has now reached the climax of injury
and oppreiIion, the murder of four American
citizens. Does fhe calculate, that we are no
more that people, who in the "grltle of infan-
cy" aetus lily wreited from her the bet bali of
her empire Aud is ihe mad enough, to pro.
woke us to deeds worthy the " bone of our
manhood" Yes! SIZE has impiou1y prefum.
ell that the genius of Henry, which once ami
mated our councils is entombed forever with
in the i'ent iepuchre that contains his aihes
SIZE has daied to believe that the Cprit whic h
animated our Mercer and Montgomery, ia bu-
ried with their bones, upon the heights OF
Quebec, and the plains ct Princeton! Fatal
u,iuGon She knows not the temper Of free
men. She is ignorant of the energies of re-
publican government. She has perpeltated an
d6i, which calls aloud Tor vengeance from a
whole nation. 1t is no longer deed which