The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1810-06-12

the farmer sold at price which rewarded his
lahour. lhave formerly stated to you that while
the orders OF England remained in force, the re-
peal of the Embargo would afford very little re-
lief to the people. This statement was fully
proved by the event 1t must be recoiected that
until the change which took place by the British
Orders OF April last, the price of produce was as
low as it had been during the existence of that
measure but the moment the American mer
| chant was permitted to search the continent for
market, our produce advanced in price, and we
have felt the benefit. When the Embargo was
laid, all American vessels were obliged to carry
their cargoes to England and pay tax upon
them, before they were permitted to send them
10 their proper market. They were shut out from
every port closed against the British flag, and IL
able to coniscation, FOR having the necessary pa
pers on board to entitie them to admission into
foreign port. These monstrous principles, which
struck at the existence of our trade, anuiiilated
the sovereignty of the American nation, have
been abandoned. In consequence OF this alter
alton, the Shipments to Denmark, Sweden and
Russia have not been short of Is millions of dol
lars-a great part Of which has consisted of to-
bacco. Through these and similar channels, the
continent OF Europe has been supplied to the
great advantage OF the farmers.
How long our trade will continue secure to
| its present extent, cannot be conjectured the
changes IN Europe are so rapid to defy antici-
patton, and they all affect our commerce.
France has seized and confscated American
property to vast amount, alter it had reached
her ports. The same conduct will probably be
pursued, even by those nations who have hereto
lore paid some respect to the rights OF property
There have been rumours of favorable neeocia-
tons with France, but the costinuai seizure of
our property, and the reasons assigned for it, in
4, duce me to believe the expectation is unbound
ed. The French government ha, declared that
| the commerce of all nations will be cxclud ID
from Europe, except those who defend them
inst tlo nrIsar IF
believe this declaration lbs been or will be in flu
ture the rule her conduct, unless France, is
lett to designate the kind ofresistance 1t can
not be denied that the United States have made
every effort to coerce England to respect her
rights. Why then has not France changed her
policy, made PREPARATION for the property she has
plundered, and done them complete Justice D
cannot admit the force ofsuch inconsistent pre-
texts, no matter by what nation thew were Offer
ed. IT they profess friendly dispositions, let
their sincerity be tested by correspondent acts.
! When Congress met in November, a great di-
versity OF opinion existed as to the proper course
which ought to be pursued towards France and
4 England. There was sufficient cause of war a
gainst both OF them: France had not onIy burnt
our ships on the ocean, but had seized and con-
! hscated them even without the form of trial.
England, tho she had modified her orders in
council, had Perfidiously violated an arrange
ment made by her minister, and completely exc
cuted on the part ofthe United States. Her min.
lister, Mr. Jackson, had moreover acted in man j..
ner which excited the indignation of every class
OF the American people. The President howe
ser, thought It prudent TO hold out farther in
JUDGEMENTS to those nations to negotiate, and
! gave that information to congress From the
best view which could take OF our .itua
ton, Thought it would be improper to declare
| war, and rs believe that would not ultimate
ly be decided upon by the government, a lust re.
gard TO The interest OF the farmers, required an
explicit declaration of that effect, that thew
might reap tue benefit ofther crops, and not sa >
crifice them to purchasers, who, while thew a.
Harmed them at the prospect of War, purchased
with a full knowledge that the event would not
take place. This was the more necessary mas
much as the embarrassments of our trade had
involved the people in debt, from which they
| would be eXtricated only by the PORTABLE sale
OF their produce. In this hope have been dis
| appointed. 1 am sincerely happy to find that the
prices for tobacco &c. have been LIBERAL and have
enabled the people to save their property. 20 re-
plenish their pockets, and give them the means
| OF contributing TO the wants ofthe government,
whenever war shall be decided upon The OBJ
jections to immediate war were, to nv mind.
numerous and satisfactory. The repeal of the
embargo, and the arrangement with MIR. Frs
kline had exposed all our ships and property to
the grasp ofthe enemy; and without previously
calling them home, the whole interest, for whose
protection war would be commenced, would be
4
consideration, the unwillingness ofthe CONNER.
cia states TO second the exertions of the govern
ment for the defence of commerce, induced me
| to think war would not terminate prosperouslv
and might endanger the tranquility of the coun.
try. have therefore been decidedly opposed to
war, but have uniformly supported every inca
sure with was calculatedto keep up spirit of
| opposition to the encroachments of France and
England, to nurture the growing manufactures
| OF the United States, and to place them in the
best state of dcfence at the same time that |
| have been willing to restrict the commerce of the
British and French with US, have been anxious
! to modify the laws so as to allow every facility
to the expectation of our own produce, that its
value might be enhanced to the planter.
Under existing circumstances, it appeared to
me most prudent to employ the naval forces of
the United States to protect the commerce, and
authorize the merchants to arm for their own de.
fence. Could any thing be more clear than the
right of set-defence Is it polite to suffer G.
very picaroon with which the ocean is covered
to prey upon our defenceless property at plea
sure Common sense requires that those ". O
are attacked should defend themselves it is up
on this principle that men defend themselves a.
ganst Highway robbers and pldnderers and if
they have not the means of perfect security, they
should nevertheless use them to the full extent
they are capable. This policy has not been adoD
ted from fear OF the consequences to which IL
would lead, though all must perceive that much
property could be saved, and injury avoided, with
out running any risk of mischief. Small as the
naval force of the country is, the judicous EN-.
ployment Of it would give entire security to ma
ny branches OF our trade against those who offer