Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1810-01-09
[ia i-s Gents Singlr.l

think that it would be well to pub,:sh
extracts from the correspondence,
which contained the insult. Admir-,
! ing, sir, that no offensive illusions had
been made, the general tenor q Mr..
Jackson's letters. and the condi,iors
therein contained, were, in my mind,
a cogent reason fer stopping al, Sur
ther communication with him. But,
say some OF the supporters Of TIE Bril-
fish. minister's conduct, ".hsre are
scarcely two pefsons who agree rs &C.
the precise parts of the CORE spandepce
winch offended the administration.
Admit this, and what is the plain in-
ference! Why that many parts ofthe
correspondence were INDIGENOUS. and
therefore the necessity for stopping all
further communication became the
more necessary. If, si-, men of com.
mon understanding point to many of
iensive passages, or such as would be
SO considered, if applied to individuals
In private life, then most assuredlv.
the Insul, is aggravated thereby, and
the measures taken by the administra-
t'on to prevent a repetition, were per-
fectiy correct, and meet the decided
appreciation OF every Am erican, witha
iew exceptions.
some persons are continually harp
ing on the Berlin decree: had that
been resisted. say they, all would now
have been well: but they do not take
INTO view, the infraction of our rights
on the ocean by the impressment of
native Americans; the infringe ment
OF our neutrality, by attacking hellige-
rent vessels within the jurisdiction
OF the Y. States ;the bringing too of
our vessels, by firing into them even
within oar own waters; all this, from
ne British, antecedent to the Berlin
decree, was perfectly correct, perfect
~ Just, no resistance was then talked
OF oy these gentlemen. What would
have been the consequence had French
cruisers committed he same outrazes
on our sovereignty and rights WAY,
sir, there would have been general
hue and cry f ON one end CT the uuion
TO the other, what is congress ahoate
Why dent they protect our merchaat-
men, seamen, and flag, from French
insults! Why temponzs with these
disturbers of our tranquility; why
not declare war az once? this, Sir,
would have been their language.
We have doubtless, just cause ofwar
with both nations but, which has done
us the most Injury? and when did thar
injury commence? These are ques-
tons that deserve some consideration;
it therefore requires discretion and
hrmness to conduct our Affairs in the
present crisis O. the world. We have
been slow to anger, but, tru1t that
we are not the less sensible OF what IS
due to ourselves as an independents ma
ton. Letus join, heart and hand In
support of the administration and
should an appeal to arms be the NH.
mate step, let us shew ourselves wor-
thy the name of Americans. 1t is TO
be regretted, that men, because tRey
have been disappointed in their amh;-
tous views, should look at all the pro-
ceedings Of our government as through
a glass darkened it is time 10 bury
all those petty. party animositics which
grow out OF these disappointments. in
oblivion. Let no party be known bue
the American. 1t is consolinc re-
Fiction however, that seven eisb,hs
at least of those persons denomira-
ted federalists, are decidedly in avor
oil thecoursc the administration has pur-
sued in the case of the British niniste,.
& are perfectly satisfied Of the rresi-
denfsimparliaiity towards F-ance & G..
Britain ; he has shewn his moderator.
by still leaving door open for the nd
Justment of existing differences, Which
clearly evinces his amicable dispositi-
on and magnanimity, and will, doubt
lesst be the means of uniting all honest
mem should the ultima ratio regum be
adopted.