Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-11-15
Dirgtnta Argus.
RI c H M 0 N d:
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER Is. 1905.
Extract of letter from JOHN CLoproN,
Esq Member of Congress from this Dis
trict, to the Editor, dated
IYnahineton Nom 10


Washington, .Nov 10, 1908.
Ihe general expectation, that an early
attempt would be made to obtain a repeal
OF the act laying an embargo, and the seve-
raj acts supplementary thereto, has not been
disappointed. Yesterday aresolution hav-
ing that for its object, was presented-and
after some discussion, referred to COM
mittee of the whole house, and made the
order of the day for Monday next.
think, from the temper of the house
manifested on the OCCASION, that there is
the greatest prospect that the resolution
will be rejected, on final decision, by a
large majority. / shall be much deceived
in appearances, If that should not be the
case.
While the belligerents make no change
in their measures, so hostile to neutral
trade -and so disgraceful to it, if submit.
ted to, what is the true course, which our
duty to our country points out in such crf-
MS 2 Surely, it is rigid adherence to the
measure, which those hostile and iniaui-
tous proceedings on their part, render me-
cessary to be taken, in vindicaton of our
national rights This was the alternative
resorted to on our part, rather than war
Shall then the embargo be raised during
this state of things--an armed com.
mediately thus hurried into a war ? Or shall
our trade he opened under no security what
ever. and carried on with tame submission
TO all the abominable restrictions. imposi-
tinns OF foreign tribute, licences. &c SC. !?
AZ the very thought of such a course as the
last mentioned one, all our h arts should
burn with indignation-and the feelings of
our souls should all be combined in choosing
any other course. Winch, therefore. iS
now to be preferred! a continuance of the
embargo or "a war? | sincerely believe that
the embargo ought still to be preferred and
BY persevering in the measure, with patti
ence and manly firmness, trust, we shall.
ere long, obtain our purpose without a war.
do not know whether those, who wish a
| repeal, do, at the same time. contemplate
the permission of defence, in case the trade
should be opened; but 1t is to be hoped that
they do.
On no occasion, whatsoever, have acted
under clearer convictions that the line of
conduct, which / design to pursue, at this
aii-important crisis, is dictated by my du :.
ty 10 my country. An indignant sense of
1.-The wrongs inflicted on. that country. CO.
operating with those convictions, will. T
trust, ensure a strict conformity to such a
course. OF this, l feel confident. under a
( be'ief that it has pleased the great Creator
to bestow on me that firmness of ,nind.
which enables ii to pursue what it
believes to ne right, how much soever il
may be envroned with difficulties, or how
ever critical and trying the times may be.
| fhe sentiments here expressed on this mo.
mentous subject, are analogous TO those fire.
quently expressed by me heretofore. They
are avowed with frankness, as they are
cherished under a sense of their being foun-
ded in duty.
VOTES for ELECTORS of PRESIDENT s.
VICE PRESID EMIT of the United States.
taken from OFFICIAL RETURNS made
he