The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-07-08
mo. 90.


prize of France and her allies, has from d
| variety ot causes become ;.lmost extinct and
! that they materially depend for theilYecessa.
ry supplies Of provision & other articles offc-
| reign merchandise, and for the trarsporta-
ton of their colonial produce, upon the unl
acknowledgements of American merchants
| independent of the acknowledged integrity &
patriotism Of our public agents, rspel The alb
Surd idea that the recent measures originat-
cd from partially to either country or from
any subscrviency to their views. Every IL
bcral and candid mind will ascribe the inpo-
sing an embargo to sincere desire to avoid
AN interference in European broils, to pro-
tect our seamen and TO secure the property
OF our citizens in the event of an unpropiti-
Gus termination OF our negotiations with any
,ot the bciiigerents. What patriotic citizen
VIII murmur ut the temporary privations
and Inconvenience resulting from this mea-
sure, when he reflects upon the vast e,spen-
ditures OF national treasure, the sacrifice of
the lives OF our countrynen, the total and
premature suspension ofcommerce, the Cor
ruption OF morals, and the distress and mi
scry consequent upon our being inyo'veo IN
war between the nations of Europe the
evils which threaten US, call for magnani-
nous confidence in the efforts of our nation
aicouncils to avert them, and for firm and
unanimous determination TO defend every
thing that is dear TO us, to maintain our
rights and national honor Beinp thus cir
cumstanccd, it becomes our duty to be ASST
duous in providing for the welfare and secu
rity OF the persons and property of the cti
zens of this state
1t affords me sincere satisfaction to inform
YOU, gentlemen, that the detachment and or
Sanization of our quota Of one hundred thou
sand men has been accomplished, and re-
turn thereof for the war department must be
by this time completed. The patriotism dis
played on this occasion by every description
of our fel.ow-citizens, merits the greatest ap
plause. All the artillery and cavalry of the
detachment. and most OF the im!f;iii: ~, aud
thousands beyond the compliment required.
have rendered their services with prompti-
tude and zeal. This generous conduct af
fords pleasing evidence of the alacrity of
our militia in advancing to the defence of their
country, and of the valor which they will
display in supporting its honor and freedom.
Since our last meeting, the general go
vernment have ordered the port and harbor
OK Charleston to be fortified. The forts
Johnson and Mechanic are nearly completed.
and those OF Nloultrie and Pnckney are pro-
crossing, so that in q short time we shallbe
free from the danger of any sudden naval in
suit.
The situation of our foreign relations is
such, that it is impossible at ibis moment tn
conjecture what will be the result By the
embargo, we are subject TO every suffering
and privaticn incident to war, except acu-
al invasion; but fany thing can save us from
war, which is very doubtful, it is the gene
raj and faithful execution of the embargo.
and the misunderstanding every meas,re
which may tend to render our citizens mat
tcntlve or opposed to it. am confident Won
VIII, gentlemen, view it with me in this LIGHT.
and that properly weighing the difficult and
delicate situation in which the genera! &c
vernment is placed, this strong but prudent
and necessary. and indeed unavoidable mea-
sure, will be the means of strengthening and
INCREASING your confidence in their wisdem
and patriots care OF our national concerns.
CHARLES PINCKNEY.
Columbia, June 90, 1903.