Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-07-11


Prior to the efforts of the Americans for
freedom, the inhabited world presented To
the republican, n melancholy prospect.
Mankind had long groaned under the most
insnpportable slavery. In vain did the va
rious nations of the earth occasionally,
discover their agouies, by murmurs and
complaints; in vain did they endcavor to
rise in arms against their cruel oppres-
sors; each attempt only tended to produce
more violent commissions, and terminated
in rivetting more closely the chains Of des-
potism. Expelled from the ensavcd
states of Europe, the genius ofliberty found
spot. where corruption had not taken en-
tire sway. Assisted, rather than injured,
by the neglect of their parent state, the
British colonies in America, had risen to
considerable Importance; and soon began
to attract her atte1tiGa---COmmercial re-
strictions were laid upon them; and ep-
deavors were made, TO retard their adj
vance to wealth and power. In spite of
( these, they progressed rapidly. The rays
tof science began 10 illumine the minds of
their citizens, and signs Of increasing fond
ness for freedom and opposition to tyran-
niCal laws were soon discovered. The in
terest OF Great Britain prompted her TO
smother the flame which was kinding.
! The destructive svS,em, she had pursued,
the ruinOus and expensive wars she had
| engaged in, had involved her in a vortex
! Of difficulties Her citizens We're borne
down with taxation, and her government
| seemed on the verge of bankruptcy She
| began TO be at loss for means of relief !;
when, like hungry and ravenous wolf
preparing to seize ics prey, She quickly
turned her eyes to the peaceful inha5i-
tInts OF this infant country Toraise mo-
ney by taxing them was deemed happy
! eXpedient; and the colonies were c0ntem-
! plated as sources of immence revenue.
| Forgetful of the ties of kindred unmind-
tut OF the wars we had engaged in, on her
! account of the treasures we had eXNend-
ed and of the riches, our commerce had
! poured into her bosom she assumed TO
herself the power of taxing us In ali cases.
| Passive obedience and unconditional SAB
| mission were the terms held cut TO us, hv
the Parliament Of that country. Had we
yielded, our situation would have been de-
! plorable. Our lives and property would
have been entirely at the disposal of ma
ton, which felt no interest in our welfare,
but was occupied wholly in its own tggran-
di2ement. We should nave had no check,
no security whatever. We determined to
resist. Impeilcd Nv the same hatred to
|
forefathers desert their.na,ive land. com
NIT themselves to the bosom of the merci.
less waves, and enc ter all the terrorS %.
a tempcStuous ocean, which forced them
to seek an asylum in wild beset with
| beasts of prey and savage men, more Cru
el than tine beasts themselves and All
mated by the same invinciDle spirit, W
determined To risque 1 contest.
Lexington presented the first scene OF
war: at that spot, a me was kindled,
which spread its ravagcs over our cOun-
try. An inhuman attack was there made
by the troops OF Britain, on our defenceless
and unarmed militia. The alarm was
heard and few Of our eXasperated citi-
zens drove the veteran troops of Britain
to precipitate retreat.
Bunker's hill was next the theatre OF
action. Here the Americans posted them
selves; and the British army sensible of
the Importance of the situation, deter
mined to dislodse them. Our militia, mot
amounting to half the number of the Bri-
fish troops) had passed the sleepless night
in throwing UP Entertainments, and were
barrassed with fatigue when the attack was
Commenced---E opposed to brisk and in
cessant fire; they remained fearless and
undaunted; not q man was seen to desert
his post. Their enemics approached al
most within the reach of their bayonets
at that moment the Americans common.
Ced Il deadly fire, and threw the assailing
host Of brave and skilful warriors, into
the utmost confusion. Twice did they rail-
ly and return TO the charge but were as
often repealed by the intrepid valor of our
countrymen. They succeeded at last, by
superior numbers but not until the grea-
ter part had fallen on the field of battle
( This action was glorious to the Americans,
and important in its consequences. The
Britons were confident of success they
were inspiritCd with the idea, that
victory over raw aud undsc;plincd
troops, would be obtained with the utmost
facility. They had considered themse yes
IS superior beings, the issue of contest
with whom would be certain destruction to
their opponents. But this engagement re-
moved the vel by which their vision had
been obscured. 1t taught tho that "thc
vengeance Of an oppressed and insulted
"peUple, is as terrible rs the wrath of hea-
sven"
} Let me not pass over in silence the expe-
ditiOn to Canada, conducted by the valiant
} and noble minded Montgomery which,
though it terminated fatally 60 its gallan,
leader and the greater pare Of his army,
} affords striking proof Of the perils and
dangers frecmcn will encounter to main
tain their rights Terrible were the suf-
! feriugs Of our soldiers during the war, and
astonishing was the maguauimity with