Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1810-12-07
Extract of a letter from Lisbon. dated
October So. 49,

has SO Tar decidedly gained the advan-
raee, and Inspired the people with rreas
confidence OF his ability to keep III. en-
envy at bay.
FROM THE BOSTON PATRIOT.
'ihe elementary principles of cur rights ON the
Ocean.
we have taken a suf cient survey of
the parent Country to perceive that nm
III she thoroughly changes her presenr
system we must look In vain ei,her
20 nsf theory or practice for the correct
principles OF our maratine rights.
Let us then take a. ground that nj.
ther England nor her advocates. how.
ever Pertinacious,, will ever dare o.
Penly 10 dispute. Let us take for
granted, that, as ind pendent Amer.
cans, we are under no obligation to
go to Cock Pin 10 enquire of the
k'ng,s toll-gathersr, (nicknamed his
deputy juege OF Admiralty wha. are
the terms OF PASSING Inc comn,on b:rb-
way otnatIcns, whIchhis modest aastrr
CLAIMS as ms own turnpike. Let sir
William Scots onsc Ace be instruc.
ted BY his inejssty's orders in GOWN
cii' III 1t becoi"e as enlightened and
correct as iss cabinet keepe,s ;, G..
jane. Bur let honest Amer;
cans. II they Wis. to remain so. seet
srrer guides in their own reason and
investig stiou.
The first principles 81 our maritime
rights are extremely simple and obv;.
Gus 70 those who are not siisnosed ,a
forego the use of sGcir unde fs,andins
IN c'vility o those imposing sobbis,s
"nose inseresl it is t. deceive them.
The COP of nature has made tbs
ocean incapable OF permaaen, and ex.
elusive occupation. Ihs winds rbd
the waves declare tossman, that h;s re-
sIdence upon it mutt I've transient. Il
Is ordained to De Che common b;eh.
way OF nations, equally free TO all. as
the bountitul elements that bear n, q.
yer its surface.
lhis IS leading principle, founded
IN the immutable law Of nature and
recognized by the great writers of
every age, and every civilized nation.
whether christian or hea,hen-whe,her
philosophers, civilians, or poets.
Another principle growing out Of
this and the nature sof municlpal gov.
eminent, is equally clear and uniycr.
sally admitied--That the vessels of
every nation, whether of war. and
commissioned az such, or merchaut-
men with their accustomed papers.
bear within their walls the soyereiontv
OF the nations to which they belong.
From these elementary principles Of
the law of nature and nations, are de.
rived those rules ofright and maxims
OF comfy, which regulate the inter-
course of civilized nations on the h,ob
seas--which make the ocean a grant
republic, whose subject are all nations
and whose just and liberal laws ex end
their protection to all the tenants In
of its equal rights,
90 analogous are the rights Of the
common domain Of, the ocean to ,hose
't a Tree highway by land, that one
nay be ,aptiy and Familiarity illustra-
ed by The other. The principal dif-
81 ence is--the former is governed bv
he universal law Of nature and na,;.
ms, al mankind being its subjects.
Vno choose to avail. themselves of i,s
occupancy tie Rttek is regulated by
ne municipal lawy of%the country 10
which it Belongs.
Every one has right to pass and
ePass me common highway, and in
nat mode which he I'm most for his
Bat none are permitted
o appropriate any portion off to their
wq permanent and exclusive use.
tat portion OF the highway, whieL
ne traveller transienily ooc1pies Tor
ne TAR purposes of spec Ding his iourSs
), becomes for the time being. excln.
'veiy aiis own and all are bourd :,
esPecs his right.