Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-02-07

however, is the great barrier to defend ,rs
from Gallo despotism
FOR THE MONITOR.
MR.. ROBERT FULTON.
INVENTOR OF THE TORPEDO, INTRO
WE'D STEAM RoATs, &c. sc.
DEAR SIR,
|, Sensations arising from ha-
loitual reverence and respect for superior
genius and talents, induces me to address
you on the present occasion. The FIRST i'm.
preston made upon my mind, on reading
an account OF the astonishing effects of your
torpedo IN destroying brig of 200 tons az
blast, was, that we should by the appli-
cation OF this wonderful machine, he abye
to destroy the whole British navy. shonid
they have the temirity to venture into our
waters, and thus completely secure our
selves against any attempt to DESTROY
our seaport towns with their shipping.
But the great consolation Yielded by CON-
templating the advantages TO be derived
from this mode of defence in case of war
found deeply mingled with regret for the
lindiscrlminate destruction of so many thov-
sands OF our fellow men and this regret
INCREASED to painful degree, when refiec-
ton brought into ful, view the different des-
COM
pose the crews of British men of war. a
great proportion of them are the oppressed
and degraded though naturally noblehear-
tea H.6ernians, compelled by a combinati-
on OF the most detestahle causes, to fill up
4 space, and act part at which their We
ry hearts and souls revolt; and VINO. &c
hey were encouraged, would instantly
prove their devotion to the rights and Ii.
berries OF mankind, by embracing the first
opportunity to fiy to our standard. and de-
tend those principles under the protection
OF our government and our country.
Another portion of their crews are tbe
honest and oppressed Englshmen, 1.-THE de-
voted victims of despotism and a tyranny
which have long overwhelmed their much
TO be deplored country who also languish
to be emancipated. and to enjoy the pure
air of freedom with US and lastly, there
are our own brothers, friends, and fellow
citizens, cruelty torn from under our flag.
from their property their come xions, their
| liberties, and all that is valuable and dear
to man in civilized society; and inhumap-
ly compelled to linger out their DAYS under
the curses, reproaches and stripes of those
barbarian officers, who eXult i'm depressing
them. And shall We place the Torpedo
under their feet at moment when their
hearts are palpitating with joy at the sight
of their own, or their fathers chimney.
send them too, to an endless eternity, and
thus forever blast the prospect and the
hopes of the fathers, the mothers, the wives
and the children, whose prayers, and whose
tears are now recording at the throne. NJ
an all powerful and an avengipg God
Under the influence of these considers.i-
ons, permit me Sir to suggest another plan
upon the practicabiIity and effects of
which, 1 beg the favor of your opinion.
PLAN.
we will presume on a law 10 be n,ee,5
by congress, offering as reward to The
crews OF Brush men OF war. who shall raise.
upon their officers, take the sbins. br;nr
them into our ports, and deliver them ~,
to the government. bounty of two tb onsan9
dollars gun, 70 be divided equally amm-
those OF the crew, (marines aud s.;Jo,ssS
VINO shall have aided and assisted -
bringing her into port. And for the co,,
pIete security and comfor; able maintena,,c.
ct those who may chuse TO become 90
Gems ofthe United States, and reside in ,h.
interior, further compensation NV he
gwen TO each man of one hundred do,,arer
ana 100 acres OF land, or the value ther4aS
IN money, and in cases where anv az *,
olncers may JOIN with the crew, there shall
pc an additional reward, besides their
/ foF
tne non-ccmmissioned officers, iucind;n,,
those Of the marines. 200. dollars. and qos
acres otland, for the commissioned officers
200 dollars, and 200 acres of land.
And III cases where ships are saksr
rom the officers, and run on shore AID
stranded, the crew, or those OF IL i1zb;rt, d,
gevolted, and used the shin 70 be dps,rbll
ed. shall be entitled % all thev Can r,sEs 5
out OF the ship her tackle, guns. Sect tbris
bounty in money and land shall be the "a n,s.
as IN cases where the ships are broues sias
70 port and delivered up to the goye s,n.
In order 70 excite such rcvoI,;n.,c. -
acts OF humanity and forbearaneeS I'D 80
lhe,r oihcers, It may be fur,iev enacted
that wien revolt is not OPP sses1 win, fs,c.
ana arms by the officers os rhe shro, sca's.
~ OK them shall be killed by the crew
.,usn n'auce or revenge, the person or
f0''O"' PerPe!ra'Ing such eriyns, shall have