Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-12-09

terests, as well as by respect for heir
rights, to consider the British order
as a ground for serious complaint and
rcmonstrance.
Should it prove that the decree had
not the meaning ascribed to it, and
particularly, should the respect of
france for her treaties with the u.
States exempt their trade from the o.
Peration of the decree, the order of
the British government will stand ex-
posed 10 still severer comments. Ii
viii take the character Of an original
aggression, will furnish the French
government, a like ground with that
assumed by itself, for retaliatinp mea-
sures, and viii derive very urfsvor-
able feature from the consideration.
that 1t was palpable infraction OF a
treaty Just signed on the part ofthe Bril-
tsh government, and expected, ut the
date oil the order, TO be speedily rati-
fed on the part of the II. States.
The necessity of presenting the sub
lect in its true light, is strengthened
by the operation which the British or
der will have on vast proportion of
the entire commerce of the II. States.
Motto dwell on the CARRYING branch Of
the commerce between the ports and
countries of Europe, and which the
Immunity given by our flag in conse-
quence of treaties with the enemies of
Great Britain, to British property,
and not enjoyed by the property IF her
enemies, has hitherto been advantage
Gus to Great Britain and without en-
curing into the effect of an appli a
ton of the interdict, to the other quar-
ters of the GLOBE, all Of which are evil
dently within the comprehensive terms
o. the order, II cannot be overlooked.
that the character and course of near
" the whole of the American COM
merce within the ports of Europe, o.
Their than of Great Britain. will fall
under the destructive operation of the
otder.-It is we'll known that the car
goes exported from the United States.
Frequently require that they he dispo-
sed OF, partly at one market, and part
~ AT another. The return c rgoes are
still more frequently collected at diff
terent ports; and DOT unfrequentlv, at
ports different from those receiving
the outward cargoes. In shis 1ircui-
tous voyage, generally consisting of
sever Il links, the interest of the un-
derakers materially requires also eli
;her trade or a freightage between
the ports visited IN the circuit
RESTRAIN the vessels of the l.. States,
Therefore, from this legitimate and GUS
tomary mode of trading with the con-
tinert o! Europe, as is contemplated
by the order, aud 10 compel them on
one hand to dispose of the whole of
their cargoes at port which may want
but part, and, on the other hand, TO
seek the whole of their returns at the
same port, which may furnish but
part, or perhaps no part of the articles
wanted, would be n proceeding as
rulnous TO our commerce, rs contrary
to our essential rights.
These observations, which are made
IN conformity with the sentiments of
The president, cannot fail, sir, to have
III the weight with an enlightened and
friendly government, to which thev
are entitled and the president per-
suades himself, that the good effect of
the truths which they disclose, will
be seen in such measures as will re-
move all ground for dissatisfaction, and
demonstrate on that side the sincere
disposition to cultivate harmony and
beneficial intercourse, as is felt and e.
WINGED by the United States and their
government.
| have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed)
JAMES MADISON.