The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-07-05
THE ENQUIRER.
RICHMOND, JULY 5, 1903.
MANUAL OF INDEPENDENCE.

lie IolloWlnS is 4 nasty effort to reduce
the multiplied aggressions OF G.. Britain. COM
mltted since the peace OF IS, 10 small COM
pass. We shall presume to call it a Manual
, of American Independence emanating from
! the eDcroachments of the same nation, and
adapted to the present times. The reader
will perceive, that its basis is the Declaration
OF INDEPENDENCE, and the incompatible LETT
/ ter Of Mr.. Madison &c Mr.. Rose. itwcre
sincerely to be wished, that G. Britain was
{, alone i'll these aggressions. But such has been
:hc Contest or herself and her enemy, that
much Of what relates to maritime aggressons
applies also to France.
WE hold these truths 70 be SELF eviitl,tiirtt
that all Governments are equal in their
rights OF sovereignty; that they are endow-
ed with certain privileges, which none can
abandon without a REIMBURSEMENT of their
| independence; that amongst these, is the
| right OF navigating the seas, of regulating
its own commerce on this wide domain, SUBJ
Ject only to the exceptions of contraband of
war and actual blockade, and of preserving
entire the rights of its maritime ju,isdicti-
on; that when any Of these great rights are
invaded. 1t is the right of the sovereign pow
| er to adopt such cxpedents as are calcutta
ted to obtain redress and security.
Prudence indeed, the love of peace and the
zcar or cogent sacrifices are not to be incurred
for light & transient Causes. But when lone
tram OF abuses. and usurpations, pursuing in
Variably the same object, evinces design to
reduce US under absolute despotism, it is our
right, it is our duty to provide new guards
tor our future security. Such has been the
prudent suferance of these States and such
is now the necessity which coastrains them
to adopt some cogent measures Of redress
The history of the present king of Great
britain is history of repeated injuries and
usurpations, all having in direct object the
prostration of the dearest rights of these
states. As before the war of our revolution
he attempted to reduce US from the rank of
solonies to the humliating condition of slaves,
SO he has subsequently attempted to deprive
us of those rights of sovereignty, which were
sealed by the blood, and purchased by the
treasure of our Gallant Fore fathers TO
prove this, let facts be submitted 70 a can
did world.
He has permitted his cruizers to Law in
wait before ourharbors and intercept foreign
vessels, who have come within those ha rbors
TO enjoy the rights Of hospitality, and recipro-
cate the benefits of commerce
He has permittedhis ships of war, in Vio-
latior of our port laws, relating both to health
and revenue, toboard a merchant vessel with
in the limits ard under the a;s:hofit, Of these
United States, and actually to impress and
carry off number Of seamen and passengers
into the service Of the ships of war. On an
appeal to the commander of these ships, he
hrst failed to give up the actual offenders to
justice, and finally repealed the officer charg-
ed with the regular process for the purpose.
The commanders of his frigates have no.
vered about the entrance Of our harbors,
tor the purpose of annoying our outward and
inward trade, and have finally closed Sc
RIGS Of irregularities by attempting to ar
rest coasting vessel, and numbering an
American citizen on board, within less than
mile from the shores of our Country
With the same disrespect for the rights
of our sovereignty, his ships Of war have
fired upon, boarded and burnt one Of the
armed ships Of "a foreign power then in a.
nifty with us. within the territorial jurisdic-
ton and hospitable protection of the United
States
In every stage Of these expressions, we
have demanded redress SIS became the soye-
rcignty of an independent nation. Our re-
peated remoRstrances have been answered
only by repeated injuries. The authors Of
these outrageous attacks have either esca
ped without any animaGyersion, or after the
ridiculous solemnities OF q mock trial have
been honorably acquitted, OF in most cases,
been honorably recompensed for these outra-
geous violations of our rights by their pro-
motion to superior command.
10 crown the climax Of these insolent at
tacks, instituted by his ships Of war, an A.
merican frigate has been attacked anil cap
tured Oh our very coasts by British ship of