Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-09-30
PRESIDENT JkFFERSON'S AN
SVER,

DIV En-,
To the dissent of the Republicans from the
proceedings OF the town OF Boston, rela-
tive 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 wish IT'S removal. A di-
vision of sentiment was not unexpe cted.
On no question can a perfect unanimity be
hoped, 0r certainly it would have been on
that between war and Embargo, the only
alternative presented 70 our choice; for the
general capture Of our vessels would have
been war on one side, which reason and in
terest would repel by war and reprisal on
our part.
Of the several interests composing those
of the United States, that of manufactures
would of course prefer to war, state of
Inon-intercourse, so favorable to their rapid
growth and prosperity. Agriculture al
though sensibly feeling the loss of market
for its produce, would find many aggrava-
tons in a state of war. Commerce and ma
vigation, or that portion which, is foreign,
in the inactivity 20 which they are reduced
by the present state of things, certainly eX-
perience their full share in the general in
convenience but whether war would to
them be preferable alternative, is a ques-
ton their patriotism would never hastily
propose. II is To he regretted however,
that overlooking the real sources OF their
suffsrings, the British and French edicts,
which constitute the actual blockade of our
I foreign commerce and navigation, they have
with too little reflection imputed them to
laws which have saved them from greater,
and have preserved for our own use our
vessels, property and seamen, instead of adj
ding them 20 the strength of those with
whom we might eventually have to con-
tend.
The embargo, giving time to the bellige~
rent powers To revise their unjust proceed
ings, 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 ex-
pedient of avoiding war and should a re !.
peal of these edicts snpersede the Cause for
it, our commercial brethren will become
sensible that it has consulted their inter-
eSts, however against their own viii. It
will be unfortunate for their cosntrv if i'm
the mean time, these their expressions of
impotence should have the effect Of pro-
longing the very sutferings which have pro
duced them, by exciting q fallacious hope
that we may, under any pressure, relinquish
our eqsl rights of navigating the ocean, go
to such ports only as others may prescribe,
and there pay the tributary exactions they
may impose; an abandonment of national
independence and essential rights revolting
I to every manly sentiment.-While these e.
dicrs are in force, no American can ever con
sent to a return of peaceable intercourse
with those who maintain them.
! am happy in the approach Of the peri
cd, when the feelings and the wisdom of the
nation will be collected in their represen-
tatives assembled together. To them are
committed our rights, to them cur wrongs
are known and they will pronounce the re-
| medy they call for and hear with plea
sure from all, as well those who approve
as who dsapprove ofthe present measures,
! assurances of an implicit acquiescence in
their enunriatiOn Of the general WIN.
| beg leave through you 70 Communicate
this answer to the address on which your
signature held the first place, and to add
the assurances of my respect.
TIL: JEFFERSON.
Col. EDWARD PRocToR.