Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-09-02


In this country in regard TO yourself, not
withstanding Mr.. Fox gave every possible
reason to believe that your sine ana non
instruction upon the subject of impressment
would never succeed. l call it your sine
qua non -instructfon, because the subject of
impressment was the cynos re of your en-.
bassy and it was never expected that you
would form any treaty unless upon this
basis. You were not without cotempora-
ries in the diplomatic world at this time,
and men too, who likewise moved out of
the sphere of their instructions. What be-
came of the Russian minister who was
guilty of this violation in Paris? NJ. D'Ou.
bril- had been considered by his country as
man of distinguished talents and incor-
rup,ible patriotism and was therefore Sc.
lected for tins important Office. To use
the very language in which he is spoken of,
1t is said, that it was essential that the
person charged with this negotiation,
should be well acquainted with the actual
state of political affairs; that he should
have clue to all the negotiations, and un-
derstand the interests of all allies. Talents
were necessary, and it was known he pos
sessed them. Principles were necessary
and he was thought to be influenced by the
very best. 1t was proper that the nego-
allies, and not be OIL Gus to the French. NJ
D'Oubril united in his person those quail.
tiles which were necessary for the negoci-
| ator, what was expected from him, he ap-
peared to promise by his past conduct,
and those. are tie only means by which
men, can form their judgment of the flu
ture." This man however was induced
from some motive, which we shall never
be able to asce rtain, TO sign a treaty which
was rejected IN Hmine by his country.
| In order to shelter himself from the thunder
| of his offended emperor, he advanced the most
qulxotic trimpery that can be possibly concei-
we'd. That he was forced by Bonaparte under
the most alarming pen lties and inspired by the
most cheering hopes to subscribe the treaty,
| which was afterwards refused. The iustifica.
ton which this man makes, is unexampled in
the most eccentric memoirs Of diplomacy. He
declares that i'll acting contrary 10 his instruc.
| tons, he wss surrounded, circumvented
wearied and provoked; that many threats were
uttered, harsh and insulting tone was used
towards him, that tNc negociafors were assem-.
! b!ed at two O'Clock in the morning, that the
conference had lasted for sixteen hours, that he
was alone against number who relieved one
another that lac had become fevepish that hi.
head bewildered, and that it was under
these circumstances he signed" 1t is far from
my intention to Insinuate any comparison be.
tween YOU and these men, although the same
tact exists in each case. NJ oil ect is tn shew
m what light the violation of treaty making in
strucsions is viewed IN other countries, AID 10
shew that the administration, so far from wish
ing to impress these dark hues and lineaments
| upon your character, is extremely solicitous tc
shield you from accusation by bestowing the
highest cnoomiums upon your cond lct. Ifthe,
had ever felt this envious inclination 10 dim;n
sh your popularity, there surely could not be &
more inviting opportunity, and more recent nm
| answerable precedents than might be urged al
dis very time. You will not, hope, use tn,
language of General Clarke who, when re
minded by the British minister of some or.
communications and Informal IN ierst an tugs, re
piied with an affected ar, that they were en-
urely des Romans pokitiques
/ These are serious circumstances in regard
TO yourself, and require the most serious consi
liberation 1t would be no cx;rayagant opinio,
to say that you are gratefully indebted to Tin,
administration for the evidence Which the,
have furnished of their high and unalterable es
lteem, and it would be less so, to say that yo,
Will richly deserve the fat of denunciation, j
yod refuse to satisfy the people upon the sim
pie questions which are stated in these letters
Your high-toned followers in the minority ma,
fret and declaim in your behalf but ifthey do
mark the consequence--it will be your rain. 1
is with reluctance that l am led to speak o
this party again, and particularly to hint a
some Gifts prominent characters, but YOUR wei
fare demands it.
When think of party formed entirely o
vindictive passion and heart aching resentment
with that description of men in its van, VIII
are described in the phrase of Mirabeau, as Ina
wing gained certain reputation nobody know
how fear that to speak in appropriate terms
should offend the old 7,raiaish delicacy of tn
times. The spirit of '95 which gave thing
their proper names appears TO be forgotten, an
Is succeeded by the most courtly politeness 4
using expressions witho decision, & thought
without meaning. But, sir, it is necessary tina
you should be told that there are men aroun
you, who, according to the critics distinction
nave more pride than vanity, more self-impor
lance THAI popular esteem, and less of true hc
nest republicailism than either | shall now +
nish with the delightful consolation that hav
at least attempted to do my duty. Your reaso
will do the rest have only used the priv
iege which belongs to every man in this cour
Try:
"Where even the Peasant boasts these right
Z" to scan
And learns to venerate himself as man"
TIMOLEON
a minister who acted for sometims in COZ
junction with Champaign
tits astonishing thatin all the parliamer
tary discussions unpon the orders Of cour
! ~. l.. r.. T.