Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-07-08

tional resentment equal to what has been
manifested by every class of citizens, on the
news of the murder of our seamen on board
the Chesapeake nor has there been AN
occasion equally villainous since that peri
cd tojustiiy such loud expressions OF public
indignation. i3 Hj..t
In this, as in all free governments, there
are local attachments to- political men, and
some difference of opinion as to political
measures; but on the present occasion,
with the exception of a few tory charac-
tiers, there is but one sentiment and one
voice.
The people Of America are for hcace !;
because happy in our government, and the
native feiicities of our country, we have no
Inducements to go to war. Liberty, plenty,
and extensive territory are the portion of
Amer cans, and none OF the Sc do we wish to
incrt ase by the hazard of war Impressed
with these sentiments, we have gone great
lengths to preserve peace with the Europe
AN nations. We appeal to candid world,
and even to the heoaie of England them
selves, whether we have not given the most
ample evidence Of a pacific disposition, and
have preserved the most honorable and
strict neutrality even since the present war
in Europe.---Englandh has not ceased TO OPP
press our commerce and insult our natio-
nal dignity, but it was reserved for the cap
tain of the Leopard TO consummate the
baseness of his nation, by firing OH one of
our national ships in time of peace, and
when unprepared to fight, in killing and
Wounding our citizens, who are i'm the dali
ly habit of giving these ungrateful people
every comfort our shores afford. There is
point, beyond which patience cannot be
eXerted, nor forbearance extended At
that period, fellow citizens, we have now
arrived. At a time when every bosom
swells with Indignation, it is natural enough
20 ask, WHAT CAN BE DONE?
The sentiments express will not be con-
sidered as debating to the government, than
whom no man loves and respects more than
myself They are reflections that natural
ly rise out of the subject under considera-
ton On this subject then say, we appeal
to Heaven for the Justice of cur cause and
the wrongs we have received. We must
confide in the wisdom and justice of Jeffer-
son and his worthy associates: We must
be prepared and determined to support
them in any and every measure they may
pursue for the honor and happiness of our
country. If impertinence should enquire
---what can government do To such l
would answer, they can do much. We
Cannot fight them by sea, nor do we wish
20 do it if we POSSESSED the means. We
HOooSSS3 hOWNNSI, SuSIluol HCdIS Ol
furnishing these tyrants.
We can lay an embargo.
We can enforce and extend the non.impoy.a-
tion act TO every article OF Brush pl oduce and
manufactures.
We can suspend The payment Of British com.
snercial debts.
We can seize the stock held by British sub
Jects in our banks and funds.
We can, and hope will. at all events, pass p
law prevent British me, chants and aliens from,
ttansacting business in this country other than
by the agency of American citizens.
We can stave and Iuin by suspension of in
tercoursej the British West Indies.
We can create bankruptcy and ruin among
the British merchants.
We can derSnge and ruin their manufacto.
ries.
We can reduce the British revenue ID million
OF dollars annually by deprvmg them of an ex-
travagant convoy duty.
We can make the British people know that
all the miaeres they may feel in Consequence Of
4 suspension Of intercourse with u.s. is 10 be att
tributed to the wicked and impotic conduct OF
their own ministry.
All this, and niacb more our government can
do by the scratch OF u pen-by Ienouncnc ali
intercourse with a government who has silewr,
10 Tie world they are totally unworthy Of our
confidence and connection.
But should any of all those measures caIl "a
restore the British ministry a sense OF Justice
and war must be the ultimate resort, We wisl,
Ihem 10 know that America can be to Brian one
of her most formidable Toes.
We have wealth,
We have courage and they know it.
We have experience.
We have powerful population, who when
they fight do so for themselves aud not for a ma =
ter
We can with ease deprive them Of the Cana
dss and Nova Scotia and deliver that people E. on
CALLING yoke which they are now wiling and
only want an opportunity to throw of.
We can expeI them from the conunent Of a
EneTica.
We can hauass their West India commerce
by chain Of privateers, from the Gulph Of ST
Laurence to that Of MexicU
These, ny fellow-l itzens, are some of the
powers the Cor Of nations aRd Of na,u,e has Dos.
sesstd you Of; and thus can you avrnge yourself
on a nation alIeady given UP by the Con of Pro
viderte 10 judicial blindness, 70 work their own
destruction with gfeeUiness.
But let me not say any thing 20 fan the fame
which now burns In your manly breasts--rAthei
would / recommend patient waiting for the
measures Of that man who has never disappoin,
ed the just expectations Of his country.
FRANKLIN.