Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-08-12

of the u. States, with his answer {. tb.
publication of which was DELAYED in con-
sequence of the answer reaching Rich
mond whilst the company we're station
ed at Norfolk.
To the President ofthe United Safes.
SIR,
WE, members OF the Richmond rroop
OF Cavalry, have heheld with deep rep.ret
our country again upon the verge ofwar, in
consequence of the recent base & dishonora-
bic outrage committed on the flag and sea-
men Of the United States, by squadron
ct the British navy, under the command of
Commodore Douglas n other times. and
under other circum stances than those
which now menace our land, such conduct
as this on the part Of Britain, might posi-
big have met no other regard than silent
contempt; bn. at n period like this when
orr dearest liberties arc attempted to be
wrenehed from US. our best rights tram
pied under foot and on gallant seamen in
humanity butchered; when every base art
rs employed for the treacheous purpose of
propping NJ the most detcstable measures
ever attempted to be forced on free natl
on, we should deem ourselvesin the double
capacity of citizens and soldiers. as access
saries 10 their perhdy, were we To remain
silent and inactive. The history of the
few last months, presents to the view of
the American nation OH the part of Britain,
rapid succession of uneXampled ins,lts
and injuries, and chain OF the NEST com
piicated acts of deliberate treachery, on
preston, robbery and murder. the world
ever saw. For the offers of friendly peace
on behalf Of our government, they have
rendered the sword and for safctv-Death
They have seized our vessels laden with
provisions; adopted new system ofblock-
ade; and interpolated into the law of natl
ons, pretended principles and rights not E.
ven to be found III the rufTian Catalogues of
English Kings. They have not only block
aued our ports and impressed our seamen
from our vessels within theIwaters and in
risdictioh of the United States: wantonlv
and basely violated the faith of nations and
the laws Of war but they have licensed
the intruments of their hostile expressions,
10 rob US OF our property, insult our nation.
ard spill our blood committing cruelties
where there was no retaliation land mean
as atrocious) because they knew there was
no retaliation. They pretend to sneak of
peace, and while their breath is still warm
with the word tits employed again to sound
the charge to battle. To this excess OF in
iamy they nave added mean hypocrisy and
deceit. We believe, sir, that these wanton
and inhuman injuries to nation at peace
with the world these humanity attacks mn
on our unarmed and unsuspecting citizens,
these violations of treaties, attractions of the
law OK nations, and rights of man; and pre-
neditated nutrages OH the ceilings of huma-
nifty, have been perpetrated with the know
ledge, appreciation and by order of the Bri
fish government who rather than depart
from their present measures, trample upon
the most sacred obligations and defy the u.
states to arms. We view therefore this
last fagitious outrage as an open declara-
tion of war, and as one of those MANY evils
which like congregating streams, fiji up a
mighty torrent, to burst upon it's hapiess
neiShbors. Mistaken impudenCe-Dothev
suppose that the citizens Of this mighty
republic, are so lost TO every principle
Of national honor, virtue and public
faith, as 10 suffer their rights thus to Inc.
violated with impunity. No we trust.
They Will be taught ere long, that nation
resentment once raised cannot easily be APP
peased, and that though we are weak in
aggression, we are mighty in defence. That
country who in its infancy, shrunk not from
the uplifed arm of Britain in her fullest
might, will not when thus assaiIed decline
the contest in meridian manhood, but will
sooner dare to combat this aged warrior
whose pround advantages of commerce.,
wealth and power, have so long marked her
as the mistress of the world The mem.
bers of this company are opposed to every
thing like violence and depreCate the hor-
rors of war, but they believe there is a point
beyond which forbearance would be cri
minal and cowardly. They believe also,
that these unhallowed attempts on the part
OF Grcat-Britain, have been aimed at the
foundation and Liberties of their country,
and that 1t becomes essentially necessary
instead or drawing tighter the bonds of
unicn betwiXt the two nations, to rent A.
sunder the ignominious mischief, and bold
as the step may be, to surrender liberty,
only with life. BY acts Of alienation and
not by ties OF friendship have we four times
been rescued from the grasp of Britain.
We have heretofore felt the advantages of
alienation, aud never was there time,
when in our opinion, such conduct more
powerfully pressed itself upon the adoption
Of our government. We have tried 100
long the friendship of their government,
they have IN return too often shed our blood,
ii therefore becomes NECESSARY, that Anne
RIGA should once more convince this proud
intruder, that she has probably deemed
falsely of that spirit it once knew SO well
how TO dread, and that like a wanton bov
It has rashly awakened sleeping lion.
1t remains, however, sir, Tor YOU and the
representatives Of the people to adopt and
pursue such measures, az the situation.
safety and honor ofthe nation shall re1uire'
IN the wisdom and fTnncSs IF which inca.
suresI permit US respectfully to assure you,
NJ NH.NN