The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1807-07-07

The caufe of freedom and iuilice at length
prevailed The hegc of York, and the capture
of the Britifh army under Corn wallis, put al,
end to war, which had ragged amnngit US for
fsvcn years, attended with the mott baleful cir.
cumftances. The point for which we had been
70 long contending, was az length conceded,
and Uaited America was acknowledged free
and independent. Yet, though fuccefs attend
ed her Efforts, fhe had TO mourn the lois of ma
ny of her poblef fons, who fell bravely fighting
in her caufc. Could the honrit and intrepid
folder, whole name amidR hoR of patriots,
10 now forgotten who, during the inclemency
of winter, bare!ooted, and with tattered gar.
ments, trod the flnty ground, encountering all
the milrrics Of fatigue, and hunger, and the
dangers of war, and boldly met that death
which deprived his help CTS family of fupport (;
could he, whcfe habtation is now beyond the
ftsrs, hear my feeble voice, would tell him in
the plain language of gratitude and of troth,
that his children are now enjoying thofe blef>
fings, to the attainment of which his cxerrions
70 greatly contributed, and tina. his fame lives
in nation's happinefs. To thofe, rhofe names
are recorded in the facred page of hinory let
us offer our veneration let Tvs tell them, that
rs long rs the American revolution ihall be re-
mcmbered as long as vh.ue has a feat upon
earth, their glorious actions ihall be founded
in a nations cars. To the noble chief, who led
us frt m the dawn OF our revolution to its IL
luftIious clote, we perhaps chiefly indebt-
ed fer our prefrnt Handing anonsG the nations
of the earth. Hs led us with caution but it
was The caution OF the watchfu Eagle, who,
from fome mountains fnmmt, views the mott
ons the uniuipeaing Gepherd, and VIXEN he
is luled into fatal ftcurity, darts with the "a.
pit!ity of lightning on his defined prey, and
1dfely beara aoit his prize. A novel and fub-
lime fcene was prefented TO the political
world; mighty nation ATTENDING for the
purpofe of eitah'ifhlng legitimate govern.
menr To behold two rival factions Contend
ing which il,al give tyrant to their ration, to
ice them Infatuated with all the malienity of
patty rancour, and hurried in;o acts Of the NOT
tiato;ical cruelty, involving their country in
all the horrors OF civil war (; is no uncommon
fight but for nation Peaceaby to be afIem-
hlsd, tor the purpofe of erecting government
founded on the BATS of equal right, was phe.
n0rnsnon reirrved to be exhibited by the Ame-
ncAn people. Fair ditcufiion now took place
OF that fangn'nary conteit, which, III its ourfe,
had fwept of iuch numbers Of the human
race. A contribution was enahlthed, which has
aniwered our hghef expectations. The lber-
ty of the prsfs unverial federation in mat
tiers ofreligion impartial trial by jury the fe.
paraion oil the legislative, executive and judicial
~ functions the differentiation of the military
TO tie civil authority, are its holy attibntes.
Will tbefe excelencies continue forever
This is an important enquiry. H.Rory teaches
us, that ihoie governments, in which the peo-
PIE pofitis the fovereignty, mott of all o.
theirs liable to decay. Greece aud Rome were
once great republics. The arts and licences
fourilheG among them; by their virtues they
becam: powerful; hut by means of corruption
they funk into Ravery. The poiterity of the
lively. ingenious and ardent Greeks, have de.
generated into flaves OF the ferocioas Turks,
remarkable only for iyroraEce and barbarfm
The intrepid, heroic aud patriotic Romans be-
came etfeiniaate Italians. Hifories of all coun-
tries furnith Us with examples OF the proncueis
of men in power, to deiert their truft, and be.
come the rTilavers of the people. Is our con-
Hituton 10, that it will guard us aganit every
tpecies of attack AgainR the gradual efforts
of men in power agaiait the perncious effeets
of corruption againlt The relllcfs ambition Of
dfappointed individuals; againft the Hydra
Ireal)n, which nourifhes itlelf by draining
the blood of our citizens, and Plungiug them
in all the miieries OF anarchy aud confulion !?
VIII ii like the adder inf Ct deadly wound on
fhc fiFh rude hand that dares profane It Will
it protect us againf the iufuit and opPreiIion
OF that deceiifnl and proud foe, our victory o.
yer when ia former times, are now conve-
red to celebrate ',woeful experience anfwers in
the negative. Yet even in the infancy OF war
political eX!ltence you have had awful and fr-
lena warningss Let Us, felow Citizens, eEjea-
NoT 70 avert tht!e cvlls. Let us rdllc our ihIeId
before the mighty blow is ftturk, which III eat
ems to aicbieve oar ruin. The tranhtion from
liberty to tlavery is caiy, but it is the mott ar
duCus of al things, for people whole rights
arc once profrated ar The foot of dcfpotifm, 10
recover theai. The nations of Europe, FOR
r:ny centuries pah, have been bowed down
with the oppref,iye burden of kings & mobiles ;
with the intervention Of but few revolutions in
flror Of the people, they have quickly rcap
fed to their former miferable itate. Let us not
lofe the golden me ment; Let US encourage an
indefatigabIe waichfuinefs among ourfelves ;
)e, the fractures of fcienoe be laid open. Infill
int minds Of your youth the love of virtue.
make theu acquainted with the excelIences of
your government, with it's fundamental princ-
pie, the yJoqereigaty Of Ire people, with its e.
quail and exact iufice to all. Compare it with
thOie of the various nations of the earth, with
the lofty maiefy of their rulers and he degra-
dcd rate Of their fubitc1s. Lei them know thefe
tOings and they will not fail 70 admire it.
Above all things nourifh patriotifrn. Your
country again demands yonr sfIiRance. Crest
Britain has again commenced her fynsm Of
bloodhrd ard endcavors TO force you into
compliance with her brutal demands. Our
repeated applications fNr rcdrsfs have been an
fwered with repeated injuries. No longer
place confidence in perhdious government,
which amufcs you: with negotiation, while it
tlErs u tplttlt and Dreis