The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1810-02-23

narchy, which probably has never been re-
linquished. Your committee. however, co
not disguise their belief. that neither an ex-
hausted treasury, nor ruined commerce,
nor depepulated sea coast nor the mise
ries of a war, without possibility of success
or definition of object, would constitute the
principal disasters OF a rupture with Great
Britain.-The spirit and resources of the
country, when reused and collected, are un-
der blessing OF Providence, sufficient for its
defence, and would in time be applied to this
object. But the consum n,ation OK the public
calamities would be found in an allianc, with
that desolating & gigantic despotism, which
has crushed the governments, and subvertcd
the liberties OF Europe and whose genius
is not more hostile to every republican insti-
tuition, than 70 the spirit OF commerce. by
which such institutions are cherished and
preserved. Nothing but mysterious infa
tuation can induce an administration to seek
an alliance with government, whose hosti-
lity to the United States has been manifest
ed, not merely in misconstructions of doubt
ful points OF national law, and in the unguard-
ed expressions of its public ministers, but in
an open violation of treaties and contempt
OF neutral rights; not merely in illegal cap
lures and casual injuries for which repara-
tlon has been offered, but I'm an UNMARRIED Sc
ries OF insults and aggressons, of sequestra
tists OF property upon land, and of plunder
ing and burning of our ships upon the ocean
not merely in the impreSsmcnt uf seamen,
claimed as her own subjects, but in the cap
tirity and confinement in dungeons of cu,
acknowledged citizens without colour of pre-
tence. The calamities of such war would
be indeed aggravated by the dangers and in
amy OF such an alliance and our success,
IT success Could reasonably be expected,
would hasten the period in which we should
hnd ourselves Compelled, without anv inter
Vening barrier, to grapple Oh our own soil
with an'snemy who has long made war upon
us in every possible form but that of actual
INVASION; and who reserves his most faith
full allies for his most exemplary victims In
conclusion, your committee are persuaded
that no honorable means should be left un
attempted to institute and pursue a negoci-
alton with Great Britain for the accommoda
ton OF difference, and that the whole system
OF commercial restrictions should be aban
doned, before the natural sources OF cur re.
venue are entirely exhausted, and the course
OF trade so diverted by new habits, and SO
concealed by evasions as to produce perma-
nent and irretrievable ruin. And they ac
corelingly recommend the following resolu-
tons, which are submitted.
ELIJAH BRIGHAM, per order.
WHEREAS FRANCIS JAMES JACKSON,
Minister Plenipotentiary from the Court of
Great Britain, having full powers to nego
cIate and conclude treaty for the amicabc
adjustment of the controversies unhappily
snhsisting between the United States and
that nation, after being duly accredited by
the executive of the United States, has been
suspended from the exercise of his functions,
TOR some expressions contained in his cores
he .NT 7 t..
states, which are alledged to be derogatory
TO the honour and veracity of the Executive
government And the Legislatures of some
OF our sister states having declared their as
sent TO the construction given to the said
correspondence, and their appreciation of the
dismissal of the said British minister-And
the Legislature of Massachusetts having ex-
ahmed the said correspondence, and being
unable to discern ia it any passages or words
which, In their Judgment, can be fairly con.
strued tc convey disrespectful and offensive
imputations-And whereas the doings of the
said Legislatures. combined with the reso-
lutlons OF Congress. have tendency to wi.
den the breach already existing. and. to re-
move still farther the prospect of accom- M D.
dation'-And whereas this Legislature, while
| they are always ready, at whatever hazard,
| to embark in a just and necessary war, and
| to support the National Government with
the whole force and resources of the state.
are nevertheless persuaded that no lust
cause exists for rupture with Gre at Britain.
and that its effects, detrimental to both ma
| tons. would tend to the impoverishment of
| this commonwealth, to the destruction of its
commerce and to the aggrandizement Of a
power, already formidable TO the liberties of
| mankind-And whereas we deem it a DUTY
TO use all the means III our power to allay the
existing irritations. and prepare the way for
the restoration of a friendly intercourse be.
tween two nations, whose interests are in ma.
ny points essentially united
Therefore Resoiped.
That the Legislature of Massachusetts is
affected with sincere and profound regret at
the late unexpected and sudden termination
OF the correspondence between the American
secretary OF State and Francis James JACK
son, his Britannia Majesty's Minister, for
which they can perceive no Just or adequate
cause.
Resofved, That it is our anxious wish. shat
the honour of the United States, to resume
the negotiations between the two countries,
tor obtaining reparation of real injuries, and
to establish peace and unity, so essential
to the interest and happiness of both, upon
permanent basis.
ReSolUed, That acts of embargoes and
non-i.tercourse, and the whole system Of
commercial restraints adopted and contem-
plated by the late and present administra
ton, are impediments to restoration, of our
amicable relations with Great Britain, and
have proved in the highest degree pernci.