The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1810-05-15
domestic.

SloNAL DISTRICT, COMPOSED OF THE
COUNTIES OF MEcKLENBURS, LuNEN-
BURG AND BRUNSWICK:
Feilo7u Citizens,
In conformity with the
principle of representative accountability,
which has always guided and will continue
to influence my conduct, it becomes my duty
to lay before you. a faithful view of the prin.
clpai proceedings of the session of Congress,
now about to terminate.
The subjects connected with our foreign
relations, which have occupied the attenti..
on of the National Legislature at the pre-
sent session, have been alike difficult and
important. When, we assembled in No
vember last, we learnt from the Executive
communications, that all the means within
| the power of that department had, been Sc
dulously, but fruitessly employed, for the
purpose of obtaining the observance, by the
two great European belligerents. of the le
gItimate maritime rights of the y. States
Negotiation in every form had proved una
vailing; and whilst France in contempt of
her professions of friendship, had declined
the adjustment OF our differences with her,
on the basis of just reciprocity, Great Bri-
tain had not only perfdiously d;savowed, &
violated the commercial arrangement which
had been recently entered INFO by her &C
credited minister at this place, with our go
vernmeHt but had dispatched here another
| minister, who instead of rendering terms of
accommodation, or repatriation for injuries.
scandalously prostituted the privileges of
his situation, by want only insulting the
Chief Magistrate Of the United States, and
calling in question his yeracity! Both those
nations, and particularly France, moreover
still continued as they now do to authorize
and sanction the wrongful seizure and con
III CFr
stances the illegal arrest and confinement of
cur citizens.
Converting under circumstances such as
these, Congress could have adopted TO course
CT policy exempt from embarrassments. In
deed none but the immediate agents in Ie-
gislation can duly estimate the difficulty that
was experienced in attempting TO select
system Of measures suited to the existing e
Emergencies. In ordinary times the right
exercise of the supreme legislative authority
can only be expected from combination of
talents and Patriotism. But in the present
unparalleled state Of the world. when sin
gle conQueror has in the lapse of few
years, acquired the absolute dominion Of
almost the whole cpntnent of Europe.
and las nearly expelled FROM that GUAR
ter of the globe all American products,
and neutral merchandise, or else outrapiDg
the laws of civilization has seized and con
verified them to his own use and when the
tyrant OF the oceanh has licensed his thousand
ships OF war tc plumber and to pirate every
sea in this state Of things So vitality affect
ing the whole foreign commerce Of the U.
States. perhaps the most consummate human
wisdom would be baffied in an endeaver to
devise SYSTEM which would completely ex
tricate as from the evils that surround us If
therefore. it shall hereafter be discovered,
that Congress have taken any course which
ought to have been avoided, or have omitted
any measure which subsequent experience
may determine, should have been pursued
he liberal part of the community will readi
ly perceive some extenuation at least, in the
lunexampled difficulty of the public affairs
| am free to acknowledge that some things
have been done, and much has been oDiffed.
contrary to my own judgment: Yet fee no
disposition to censure gentlemen, with whom
have been associated, and from whom
have often and perhaps enormously differed
in opinion.
Having made these remarks, which, uDon
mature reflection, consider due TO the occa
sion, Will proceed to concise detail of our
proceedings. The first measure adopted at
this session in regard to our exterior con-
cerTS, was a Joint resolution of the two Ron
ses. manifesrng their Indignation at the in
solent conduct of the late British minister.
Francis ]. Jackson, towards the executive
government; approaching the prompt and
lperemptory dismissal of him, aud pledrne
to the President the energies and resources
Of the nation, in any conflict that might arise
in consequence a. the digDiaed position he
had taken in behalf of his country. A yarie
Ity of considerations suggested tic bropriety
of tbs step. Had hostilities cnstied from
the ruptare, the means of conducting The ner
on our part rested with the legislature. Tn
that point of view, therefore, its co .operau
on with the executive was peculiarly desira
bic. The resolution was likewise important
inasmuch as 1t added to the executive de
termination, the sanction Of the legislative
opinion, and thereby furnished STRONGER
admontion to Great Britain, that the Aiie.
rican nation knew how to appreciate its own
character.
The counteraction Of foreign aggressions on
oar comnercs engaged the early attention
OF the House of Representatives. Thew
accordingly in the month of January, pass
ed a navigaticA bill, containing number oil
provisions, having for their primary objects.
the exclusion, except under specific linita.
tons, OF the ships and merchandise Of G. b. !
and France from this county the imposi !
ton on the commerce OF those nations Of !
such general restrictions as it wond have
been W our power to enforce and the cen |
cession TO our own citizens Of the unrest-ain
ed privilege OF cxportation. BY ADOPTING
this system it is believed we should have he $