Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-02-23
February goth, 1908.
PETERSBURG, Feb. 90.
BARTER.


PETERSBURG, Feb 90.
BARTER.
Many are inclined TO disbelieve the au-
thenticity of the letters from Washington,
respecting the proposed barter of seamen
/ Tor Idndsnen. Be it so. Their publication
at least shew how the land hes, and has
had one good effect. The merchants are
compelled, since the question IS brought
home to themselves, to acknowledge that
they have their doubts as to the Justice of
the demand-and we cannot but coneratu
late the public on the visible alteration which
the publication of these letters has produ-
ced on the mind of many thorough going
Briton who, till lately, justified every 'mea-
sure of their beloved sovereign-while ma.
ny, in the language of Mr.. Randolph, ex-
claim, zUho thanks them TOR IL!
The following is the letter alluded TO on
Saturday:
E-rtracs ola letter from, member 1,c Con-
greaS, to a gentleman in this tOgvn, dated
February 9, 1908.
In my letter of the 4th, promised to
write you again, on the subject of citizen
ship, one of the prominent points of contro-
versy between our country and Great Bril-
tam. The rumor which | then stated to
Prevail here, OF bartering LGndSmeR for sea-
fGr1ng men, has excited much agitation a.
mong those who are called his maiesty's
natural born subjects. A scent from the
Rose, it is said, has transpired on that sub
ject, which gives it a consequence with
them, which heretofore it had not obtained
Meetings q will not say caucuse8, as that
term seems lately to have lost its meaning
IN your state) are constantly held by these
people, and committees established to cor
respond with his majesty's natural born
SUBJECTS, In the several commercial cities
and towns in the " s. recommending to them
10 meet and confer with each other on this
very interesting subject The several cham
bers OF commerce have been ably and pa
theticaNy addressed, requesting them TO
come forward to Congress with memorials
and circumstances, in their behalf
You would be surprised to observe the
change of political sentiment, and diversity
OF opinion, which this class Of people every
day exhibit ; some advocate the proDrietv
OF the principle, contending, that as his
majesty rs now deserted by his allies, and is
fighting the battles Of America, and a. khe
7vorId. his natural born subjects ought there
fore TO rally around the THRONE, nee ~
tAeir iegeGnce.
Others very candidly acknowledge, that
they came to this country with a view to
make money; that they always intended to
return HOME, but that they cannot see the
necessity of their being converted into an
article of traffic, and bartered off, ike .Hsses
and Mules!
third party declare, that thev came to
this country as the land of liberty the asy-
ium Of the oppressed of all countueS a
land, where virtue and genuine patriotism
form the distinguished characters among
men; land to which they are determined
to adhere, as long as they possess life.
To give you detail ofthe various re-
marks made on the subject, would be too
tedious, | entertain no doubt in my own
mind, but these people now begin TO repent
their countenancing, or in any degree ad-
uniting his majesty's claim 10 his natural
born su6jecfs and it is supposed, that APP
plication will be made to the parliament of
Great Britain, for an abandonment OF the
principle OF their part, in such manner as
To admit of declarations OF expatriation in
their public Offices
But, my friend, must not omit another
rumor which prevails here, and which il
IS said grows in some measure out of these
corresponding committees. The rumor is,
If the pending negotiation should fail, the
Rose is to sheG ITS fragrance over the ma
jesty Of the people, in the stile of Genet. of
famous memory. I have no doubt but
correspondence is by this time opened with
your town and Richmond. BE on the alert,
and let me know what is doing
am yours, &c.
The French say the Algcrinns arc cruz
81 l..