The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-03-08
FOR THE ENQUIRER.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS, CONCERNING
THE EMBARGO.
No. IL.


perhaps be suspected that entertain a par
TALLY for the one OF tie other of the bellige-
rent nations. believe myself, in this ques-
ton, to be influenced solely by regard to the
welfare of my own country. But as protes-
tations and denials are easily made, shall
ask only to be judged according to my works.
Xviii endeavor to treat the subject, not only
with impartiality but with Gberality.
Candor requires it to be admitted, that the
most active opponents and paftisans of the
different questions, may be not only virtuous
men, but genuine patriots. This affords an
apparent contradiction. In the present state
of public irritation, it cannot be easily re-
Conciled 1t is therefore q task not only be-
You'd my expectation, but beyond my hopes.
All that can be hoped is, that every friend to
his country will cultivate temper of for
bearance and patience, and spirit of libe-
rality and Cancellation.
This recommendation know will be trea-
ted, by some, as an unattainable object-by
others with ridicule and contempt, but if e.
very man, who has influence will take into
consideration that our public situation, re-
quires the union of all the talents, virtue &
experience of the country, he will perhaps
be induced TO obtain the union of these, by the
only means which can produce it,
also know, that to effect such an union,
will be attended with many difficulties; and
although may not succeed, perhaps it may
be accomplished by some other, more popu-
lar or fortunate pen. 1t is indeed an bject
worthy OF the most lofty and ambitious minds,
as well as those who are always ready to sa-
critice private to public interests.
do not allude to such an union as NAV be
produced by charters, parchments, records,
obligations, bonds, &c. but an union of heart
soul, and spirit; an union which will ANAL
gamate & bring into cooperation, all the ia
Aents, virtue and energy of the country.
1T the reader will allow credit for the prin-
ciples avowed, and objects acknowledged, he
will patiently consider, not only such arpu-
.ments as are advanced, but such as may &C
cur to his own mind. This is a small request
1t IS all that ! ask. ! can safely trust to time
and reason for favorable results
1T upon reflection, it shall be discovered
that we owe forbearance, patience and conci-
nation to one another; if we find it nccessa-
ry to cultivate these, in order to promote orr
own welfare, and secure our political rights,
shall We not ind sufficient CHARITY for the err
Tors or even faults o. distant nations. Nav
we not suppose that their conduct towards us,
proceeds from motives and causes which
may oe defended !? Ought we, who cannot
Dear with the frdilties of our neighbors and
friends, to expect more from distant natl
ons
Let us not then, cultivate implacable re-
sentiments, or prejudices against either Let
as remember that the nations of Europe have
been long engaged in war that they alter
nately accuse and recrminate that each
1mputes to the others designs of boundless
ambition each supposes itself aggrieved :;
and each engages in the most destructive
wars, not only with bravery, but with the ar
dor OF personal resentment
While such feelings exist, while the judg-
ment is easily mised by the angry pas
slons, 1t is not surprising that the acts of
neutrais, however innocent they NAV be,
should be misconstrned and that, from this
cause only, each nation mised by an ardent
and inconsiderate zeal, should exercise ri
gor against neutrals, which their own rea-
son at cooler moments would reject
% such causes may be imputed, the obnox-
1ous and oppressive conduct of the belize
rent powers; and TO the same causes, we
may lmpute the political cxpediency, perhaps
necessity of an embargo
we cannot pretend to know what NAV be
the hnal designs of either nation towards us.
nor ought we to impute to either more than
Its own acts authorize. So far as they are
promulgated, Great-Britain appears to be
piamable The DEGREES of Napoleon, though
oppressive, refer to, and are justified by the;
previous conduct of Great-Britain, and are
20 terminate whenever that power will Dur-
reasonable.
FROM the manner in which the decrces of
NaPoleon are published; it is very evident,
II truth is due to his promise, that we NAV
lH1pute to Great-Britaih alone, not only the
general injury to our commerce, but the e.
WIS OF the embargo and that il Great Bri-
tam by the injustice and precipitancv of her
own measures, had not put it in the power
OF the emperor Napoleon, TO throw the whole
Diane, not only of the war, but of the embar-
30 upon that government, then the enemies
OF france, might be heard with reason and
with patience
Ii the conduct of Great Britain had been
moderate, Just and defensiblc, either TO the
rest OF Europe, or to the United States
and the present war on the part of that
nation was dictated by necessity then the
people of the United States might indeed he
told, that Great Britain afforded the last and
-onty Barrier, by which they could be preser-
yea from the general humiliation and sub
Jugation of the word.
Wide indeed from this view are the facts
Every man, conversant in the modern affairs
OF Europe, knows, that Great Britain ;s
me sole cause of those destructive wars.
winch have long ragged in Europe that the
argument justified by prominent facts. is
and has been uniformly against that power, .
ana that the gigantic strength Of Napoleon
Cy. P''i-
- Whiie the argument is so much in favor If
france while there is nothing to favor the
preiehsions OF Great Britain as much as