Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-04-28

more hostile to vs. than the Monarchy is.
The resources of that country ape so great
their Merchants, Capitalists, and princi-
pal Manufacturers are so rich, that they
can employ their manufactures and store
their productions for long time, perhaps
longer than We can, or will bear to hoard
ours.
In 1894, upon these principles, and for
these reasons, thought it my duty to de-
eide in Senate against Mr.. Madison's Re-
solutions, as they were called, and have
seen no reason to alter my opinion since.
own l was sorry when the late non impor-
tation law passed.-When a war with En-.
glandwas seriously apprehended IN 1894, /
approved OF an embargo as a temporary
measure to preserve our seanen and pro.
|psrty ; but not with any expectation that it
would influence England. / thought the
embargo which was laid a year ago, wise
and prudent measure, for the same reason,
VIZ. to preserve our seamen and as much OF
our property as we could get in but not
with the faintest hope that it would infu
ence the British councils. AT the same
time, confidently expected, that il would
be raised in few months. have nos
censured any of these measures, because
knew the fond attachment of the nation to
Them but think the nation must soon be
convinced that they will not answer their
expectations. The embargo and the non
importation laws, think ought not to last
long. They will lay such foundation of
disaffection to the national government as
will give great uneaslness to M. Letter.
son's successor, and win produce such dis.
fractions and confusion as shudder to
think OF. The naval and military force
to carry them into execution would NAM
tam war. Are you then for war, you
VIII ask! will answer you caudidly:
think a war would be a less evil than a ri :
gorous enforcement Of the emoargo and a
noh-intsrcourses But we have no necessity
to declare war against England or France,
] or Doth. We may raise the Embargo, re-
peal the non importation law, autnorize
our merchants tn arm their vessels; give
them special Letters of Marque to defend
themselves against all unlawful aggressors !;
d take, bum or destroy all vessels, or make
prize OF them, as enemies, that shall attack
them. In the mean time, apply all our
resources to build irigates some in every
principal sea port. These frigates ought
not to De assembled in any one port to be-
come AN object of a hostile expedition to
destroy them. Taey should be separated
and scattered as much as possible, from
New Orleans 20 oassamaquoddy. / never
WAS iond OF the plan OF building line of bat
tie SHIPS. Our policy is not to fight squa.
Or ons at sea bur to have fast sailing fri
gates To scour the seas, and make i'm
Pressions OIL the enemies commerce: and
IN this way we can do great things. Our
great sea-ports and most exposed frontier
places ougnt not to be neglected III their
lforthcations; bur l cannot see for what
purpose an hundred thousand Militia are
called out, or why we shosid have SO large
an army at present. The Revenues apple ed
TO these uses would be better appropriated
to building Fr.gates. We may depend up
on IL, we snail never be respected by for
e'gn powers, until they see that we are
sensible OF the great resources which the
] Almighty, IN his benevolent Providence.
has put into our hands. No nation under
the sun has better materials, architects.
or mariners for respectable maritime
power.--l have no doubt our people. when
tney see necessity for the defence. and 10
support their Union, Independence and
National Honor. When our merchants
are armed, II they are taken, they cannot
blame the government. Ii they fight well,
4 and Capture their enemies, they will &C.
quire glory and encouragement at home ;
and England OF France may determine for
! themselves whether they VIII declare war
1 believe neither will do it, because each
VIII be afraid of our joining the other. II
either should, i'll my opinion, the other will
resclnd but If we shoald have both &c
hight, 1t would not be long before one OF
the otaer would be willing to make peace
and see not much difference between
lighting both and fighting England alone.
MY heare is with the Spanish Patriots,
and should be glad to assist them az tar
as our Commerce. Can supply them.
conclude with acknowledging that we have
received greater injuries from England
than from France, abomnable as they both
have been. Whatever the government
determines shall support as far as my
small voice extends.
am, sir, with respect and esteem.
Your humble servant,
JOHN ADAMS.
~. b. Fhe tribute and British licences
must De prohibited under adequate penal.
ties.