The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-09-30
JEFFERsoN,s ANSWER

PRESIDENT JEFFERSON'S ANSWER :
10 The dissent IF che yehnslicans from the
esftroceedings Of the feyvn Of Boston, re-
= Edfipe TO the embargo.
have duly received the address Of that
portion of the citizens of Boston, who have
declared their appreciation of the present
suspension OF our commerce, and their dis
sent from the representation of those of the
same place who wished it's removal A di-
lylsion OF sentiment was not une Xpected.-
On no question can a perfect unanimity be
hoped, ~ certainly it would, have been on
that 6efgacea s;ar ard embargo, lar oniy az
| teTnaftres presented 20 OR choice for tue
| 6 enerGi CAPTURE Of on, pcSssis would have
been war Oh orc side, which reason and in
tcrest would repei by sror and s'ehrisoi on,
our fGr,
OF tic several interests composing
those of the United States, that of manufac-
lures would of course prefer to war, state
oil non-intercourse, so favorable tn their IA
pid growth aid prosperity agriculture,
although scrs'hiy feeling the loss of mar
i.ct for It's produce, would find Inany aggra-
vations' III a state OF war. Commerce and
navi z ;.ton, or ,hat pos ton which is foreiyn.
in the inactivity to which they are reduced
by the present state OF things, certainly ex-
! perience their full share in the general in
convenience :----hat whether gra7. would To
them be a h:cfcrcbie alternative, is a cues
ton their patriotism would never hastily
| propose. Il is to be regretted, however.
that overlooking the real sources of their
S;HertngS. the Er;tish and Trench edicfs
which constitute the Gcti;ak Blockade Of orr
foreign commerce ana fiovigafion. they have
with too little rejection, IMPUTED them to
la7os 7rh;ch haUelsaved them fi.on, greater.
and have preserved for our own use our
vessels, property and seamcn, instead of adj.
ding them TO the strength of those with
whom we might eventually have to con-
| tend.
The embargo, giving time to the beliige-
| rent powers to revise their unjust proceed
inss, and to listen to the dictates of Justice,
OF interest and reputation, which equally
urge the correction of their wrongs, has a
vailed our country of the only honorable
expedient of avoiding war: and should
repeal OF these edicts supersede the cause
tor 4, Oil Commercial brethren will become
sensible that it has consulted their interests,
however against their own will 1t -4yiX be
unfortunate for their country, if ia, the
mean time, these, their e.ctlressions of iuha-
tiemce, should hare the effect Of hroionging.
me very suferings svh;ch haze is,.odnced
them, by enciting a faHacious hote that zoe
nay, Hndc7-any pressure, reiinsuish our e.
qnof right Of navigating the ocean, 20 TO
such ports only as Others may Prescribe,
and there fay the tributary er0ctions they,
may f1afose /; an abandonment Of national
indcfiendence. and essential rights, revol,-
ing 10 every manly sentiment.--WHrIE
THESE EDIcTs ARE IN FORGE, NO AME.
IRlcAN CAN EVER CONSENT TO ARETURN
IoF PEAcEABLE INTERCOURSE WITH
THOSE WHO MAINTAIN THEM.
am happy in the approach, of the Pc,
Rod, when the ceilings and the wisdom of
the nation will be collected in their repre-
sentativeS assembled together. To them are
committed our rights, 20 then, OR zvronPs
are kno7vn, and they will pronounce the Re-
Imedy they call for: and hear with plea
snre from all, as well those who approve. as
who disapprove of the present measures,
assurances of an implicit acquiescence in
their enunciation of the general will.
Ibeg leave through you, to communicate
this answer to the address on which your
signature held the first place, and to add the
assurances of my respect.
Tn: JEFFERSON.
Col EDWARD PRocToR