The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1809-05-03

tHcCtSu W oPuih az paying trlpueC CAaSeCu
only by way of retaliation asains. France.
Had the ouncils Of the Union been under
the control Of those disinterested patriots, at
the issuing of the Berlin decrccs in Novem-
Der i8os--they would as they now assure us
have seized that happy moment to unfurl the
Republican Standard against the imperial
banners. The time would then have. come
for the alliance offensive and defensive with
our parent State, We might even have en-
joyed the opportunity of sending our quota of
men to the Intended relief of Dantzic. We
might have made preparations for the projcc-
ted diversion in Swedish Pomerania, and as
that was (among the mysterious ways of Prov
idence) destined 10 fail,we might at least have
contributed to the amicable robbery of the
Danish fleet, and lent our aid to the glorious
operation of Col Congreve's rockets upon the
dwelling houses and churches Of Copenhagen.
In the cource of the last year we; should
have participated in the liberation Of Portu-
gal----a due proportion in the expenditure of
American blood and treasure would have en-
titled us to Joint agency in removing anoth-
cr obstacle to the Supreme dominion Of Britt
ain over the seas, by conquring for her bene-
fit the Russian fleet and the Convention of
Cintra would have figured among American
Treaties, to prove that like our noble co-adju-
tors from the Island of Bliss, we were not less
skilfhl in navigation that irresistiblein action.
But the most illustrious Of our triurnphs
would have been reserved for the present
moment-Tc join the forty thousands Bri-
tains, who from the borders of Portugal and
from Corunna penetrated Into the heart of
Galicia, to take Marshall Sault by surprize.
We, to do Justice to the common cause must
have sent about $4,000 Americans-and If
they, could not have reaped many laurels in
their advancing march, what forest Of them
would they have pruned upon their retreat |!
In this ever memorable retreat, we too might
have boasted of our Generals, fallen like the
immortal Uolfe in the arms Of victory. If
our forces had left their commander behind,
to be buried in the dead of night, and in the
hurry Of embarkation he might have had the
honour to be cast into the same grave with
Sir John Moore. If our transports had been
obliged to cut their cables and fly, before the
men could be embarked, our generous Brit
ish allies would certainly have taken our VIC
torious troops on board some Of their men Of
war, and sent them home. Just about this
time the signal announcing their approach
might have beenll flying at Fort Independence
who are they and what is theft call to a spot
so seldom trodden by female feet They
were inothers--they were 5wiyes-But they
have justlanded from the British men Of war
| Their sons and the husbands are not to be
found. They too, like the immortal Wolfe,
have follen in the arms of victory.
| The passage from Corunna is ianger to
Boston than to Portsmouth. The wounded
| Of the victors whom it was possible to EN-.
| bark, and whom it was not found indispensa'
bic to leave behind to the mercy of the van.
quished French, were SO much crowded on
! boart the men of war, that hundreds of them
have never had their wounds dressed since the
battle. Boston like Portsmouth must be con-
verted into a hospital, not a house in the towr
but will have its patient. The patriotick la
dies must scrape lint, and our humanity a
home will be as conspicuous as our valor a
broad. Subscriptions for the relief of ths
wouded are open at all the Banks and Insur
ance Offices, but it is feared the contributions
will not be adequate to the necessities of thu
sufferers.
From such or similar state Of nationa
prosperity and glory, we have been preclue,
kby that abominablc subserviency of our admin
istration to France, which disgracefullyr refuse,
to unfurI the Republican Standard against he
banners. But brave and honourable men
men who mould their principles and conduc
! upon the bright example of.British virtue,wil
never despair of the Country. There is ye
time to retrieve our character by unfurlinI
the Standard. We may yet come in as la
bourcrs Of the eleventh hour. Let the projec
OF the partial topfedracy be pursued. Le
New York, on sufficient pledge Of good be
: haviour be admitted 10 the new combination
! Let the standard be anfurled not only agains
|, | the monsthr Napoleon, but against the rem
nant of his slaves the Virginia negro driver.
Wa may still latter ourselves with the hop
! of Nsiding with British fellow subjects, tn
/ i aniabic honours Of precious coAquests fror
) our friends, and triumphant rctreSs from OH
|. foes.