Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1810-07-20

an enthusiast in faver Of the french reVo'
LUTON. ia the early part Of il, but has Ions
since abandoned the favorable Opinions ~
1.had entertained respecting il, and mas view 1
ed the progress of France towards aniVef
sal dominion with jeaiousY and regret.
= How far the good will OF this govern
nent and country towards Great Britain
may be worth, in the estimation OF his ma
ssiesty's government, the sacrifice OF the or
ders in council and Of the impression whict
| they might be expectedto make on France
it would be presumptuous in me to venture
ITO calculate, but aun thoroughly persuaded
I,hot al THAT PRICE it might be obtained
L have endeavored by the most strict and
| diligeue enquiries into the views & strength
Of the federal party to ascertain to what ex'
tent thew would be willing and Able to re.
sist the measures of the party in power, and
how far they could carry the opinions Of
this country along with them in their at
semp,s 20 remove the embargo, without re-
curing to hostilisies against both G' bsl'
cain and France. -,
Upon mature consideration Of this sub
iecl am persuaded that great as the desire
is which generally prevails for the removal
of the embargo, that the federalists woald
venture to recommend that IS should
not be Withdrawn, without proposing some
measures Of greater energy as substitute
Some have hinted at the propriety OF at
once declaring war against France but few
of those who have been most clarnorous a.
eafnst the embargo have yet offered their
opinions As to what course ough: to bepur-
sued. although sll-have declared against the
submission to the restrictions upon their
neutral rights. ~.
when the small niiiirnb.r Of those Who
have pointed out the propriety of going to
war with. France, alone, is considered even
of the federal party, | cannot believe that
such a measure would succeed !
All the leaders of the democratic party
in congress and OUT Of it, declare that they
only propose the continuance ofthe embargo
Tor short time, and that if the voice OF
the people at large is for more active resist
ance, that they shall be willing and ready
to but forth the strength Of the country, for
that purpose. These declarations are to be
be found in the speeches, some, printed CO.
pies of which I have ssnt herewith +; you
VIII find, however. thatin some of them q
great stressis still laid upon the effects to
be expected from the embargo in coercine
the beIligerents, particularly Great Britain.
to relax in her restrictions, from 'he eils'
tire IS AID Inconvenience which is likely to
be productivity the want Of the produce o.
this country.
This reliance upon such consequence.
from the embargois greatly, indeed almos
entirely diminisht d in the opinions of mos
people. and conceive hat' the only reaser
i by the ruling party wish il to be con.lnues
| arises from hope that time might aaore
| them ar opportunity Of better judging ths
| probable issue Of events in Europe, parti
| cularly of the success or failure of Bona
par,e in Spain.
II may be doubted whether the privation
and inconvenience produced by the 'emhar
SO IN this country, will not compelthe Con
I eress to take some hostile measures, IN or
der 10 have pretext for its removal of g
| tfifling a nature, however, as to leave 1t &
/ the belligerents to overlook them, if the,
! please, and to save the ruling party iron
the necessity of going Into war measures a
/ great expence and danger not only TO thei
i own popularity and power, but Perhap:
even to the safety Of the union. I propos
to have the honor of Offering some remark
Fupon this subject in the next number OF m
dispatches.
/ With the highest respect.
] have the honor to be, Sir,
Your most obedieht humble servsn
sD.'M. ERSKINE.