Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-02-13


under whose guidance he had been the
seourse OF tyrants, now waves the banner OF
liberty IN hostility, his legions are given to
the edge OF the sword, or to captivity, and
{ himself to shame and anguishof soul those
very legions which had moved down as
stubble the regular defenders of dcspotic
thrones, become themselves stubble to en-
6attlea batriots.''
Extract from an able and spirited pamphlet
4 on the present state of our affairs, called
: Cursory Sketches" It abounds with
lucid remarks and plain truth, couched
1 IN vigorous language. tits calculated to
arouse that fervent and patriotic spirit, so
necessary to deter our administrator
from their headlong and ruinous schemes.
The rulsrs OF free people have always
been obliged to accommodate themselves
to the general voice--So be 1t:
! IN addition to the testimony exhibited,
let me ask my fellow citizens, TO what O.
ther motive than love of France are we to
ascribe the presidential conduct towards
Spain a nation the first in Europe, who
took us by the hand in our contest for indie
pendence,* always kind neighbor, until
reduced to French vassalage and what is
infinitely more important, exhibiting On the
great theatre of the world, the most affect
ing spectacle that ever was presented to
mortal view, and claiming by the most no.
bic, and to freemen the most endearing ties,
the assistance Of the human race, to uphold
her IN hcr mighty battle. Where was ever
oppression SO severe? Where was ever
perhdy SO perhdious? Where were ever
the rights of God and man SO insolently, so
cruelty invaded? And whare, let me ask,
with pride I ask it, did ever the oppressed
exhibit, under such demand for vengeance,
like benlhcencc to the vanquished'?
On so interesting an event to the cause
OF freedom, it is natural to suppose that the
chief of nation of freemen would have
taken pleasure in testifying BY every prop,r
evidence, his solctude for the success of
twelve millions of m,n, fighting for every
thing dear to humanity; and that the resto-
ration OF commercial intercourse with op-
pressed Spain, could nat fail to present it
self to his mind, with all the force it SO Just
y derives from kindred feelings and true
policy. This presumption is fortified by
the recollection of his readiness to involve
his own country in war during Washing
tons administration, lest the murderers Of
Louis XVI. his wife and family, with all
the good and virtuous Of that i'll fated coun-
try, should be arrested in their cannibaI ca
reer. But alas (! the gallant maltreated
Spaniagd has dared to lift his sabre against
has imperial and royal majesty!
9 lie shuts his ears to the revival Of COM
merciaI intercourse, lest our surplus provi-
sions might be waited to the ill supplied
camps OF the enemies of France he shuts
his ewes to the tragical scenes OF the French
soldiery, throughout their peaceful deluded
country and he becomes indignant, when
oppression having reached its achme, the
oppressed, with one heart and one hand,
turn upon the rude despoiler. Why? Be-
cause hated Britain prospers in proportion
as Europe regains her pristine independ
ence.
Noble Spain glorious Spaniards =
purpled is thy soil by the innocent blood Of
its own children that of the proud conque-
ror, brought low, flows only in open bat
tie. The instant your victorious bands re- |
turn the sword to its scabbard, clemency (
presides and the wounds inflicted by your
heroes in self defence are closed with balm |
and honey. Go on mighty nation, CONT
hue to be as merciful as you are brave; the
honorable and virtuous of the human race
I'LL take deep interest in the vicissltudes
your fortune while their prayers will.
y offered with fervor and humility to the
Almighty Ruler Of the universe to pour
upn you the continual dew OF his bles-
s1gs."