Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-03-21
From tie Bal';n.ore Federal RspaSiican.
Mr.. pICKERlNG's ADDRESS
TO THE
PEOPLE OF TIE u. STATES.
NO. /.
1NTRooucTIoN.

tho past anti present CONDITION CT our
country, aud exhibit the characters OF
men who have produced, or greatly in
F., fuerced that condition, it is proper
that l should place before you plain
representation of my own--Eor YOU
ough' 10 be satisfied, that the writer
who asks your attention, possessed the
means of acquiring an adequate know
ledge OF his subject, and integrity TO
present II with truth.
My name has for so many wears,
been the theme of reproach with NY
enemies, and their publications having
been in fact. though not in form ad-
dressed to you. as the proper tribunal
to decide on the merit or demerit OF
my conduct in pubic life, Justice
would require that prior TO final iudg-
ment, should be heard in my own
defence. This right, however, should
wave, were nay personal interests or
reputation alone ar stake. Content
with the esteem OF men of the first dis
itinctioD among my countrymen, for
their discernment, virtue and patriot.
ism, and with an approving conscience,
| would not again, on my own account,
take the trouble to repel the SANDERS
with which bad men continue TO as.
SAIL me. AS it regards myself, these
libellers miss their aim. Far from
wounding my feelings, their malevolept
Ireproaches bear witness that am NOT
destitute of merit. The unwearisd,
malignant efforts of these men to de
stroy my reputation, demonstrate tina,
the truths I have heretofore exhibited.
have annoyed them and their employ.
ers; while, perhaps, they anticipate a
display of more truths, the proper eff
iects of which, by revivins their Sian.
ders, they May hope 10 defeat.
Indeed, fellow citizens, have gone
but little way, in spreading before
you the errors OF your rulers; would
to Sod they were chargeable with no
more than errors. Certain it is, they
have plunged our country into state
OF degradation and disgrace, 8, brought
upon it caIan tiles never before sxperi.
eoced. Il is time they were stripped
of their digguises, add exhibited IN
their naked characters to your view.
ibis is one great object in my present
undertaking. For no hope can DE en-
teriained of an advantageous change
IN the condition OF our country, until
you shall be convinced thai the leaders
Of tie party, which for ten wears past
have governed it, are not worthy of
yonr confidence. / embark in it with
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS {to say nothing of
the time and labor must bsstow up.
on ~ III exposing them, | shall una.
vcidably expose the nakcdness OF my
country; when, if compatible with
truth, | would infinitely rather speak
the praises of both. But 70 authorize
even a distant nope of producing gene
raj conviction, lain truths, however
noortifying, mus, be rold and the be-
lief OF them can alone rescue our coun-
try from impending ruin. Perhaps
Tor entertaining this apparently forIorn
hope, may be charged with vanity.
But If truth is. beforehand, to be pre-
snmed urayaiiirg, why then the cause
of our country is to be given UP In des-
pair. But until ruin actually over
whelm us, will not despair.
IN the prosecution of the work, ]
viii present TO you faithful pictutes,
drawn from the life---irom the words
and actions of msn. will Law before
You facts. And where the nature of
the case renders facts unattaihable. ]
viii state the circumstances which fur.
nish the ground of rational belief.
And because the nuexampled state OF
things demands that facts which are
the basis of my address, should IRE
seuted to your consideration, with
whatever weight the testimony of a
known witness can inpart, and believ-
ing 10y statements 20 bs true, and my
reasoning just, shall subscribe them
with my proper name. Should there
be any errors. they viii be uuinteutioh.
al; and when fairly exhibited, as frank.
ly confessed
am aware that shall draw UPON
myselfa host of slardercrs, who from
ali quarters viii fallppon zoe without
merty.--@rhty, destit1te alike of facts
ans srguments, will inpudently pro
no'inee my statements 10 be untrue
my reasoning false and nv characts
too base to merit vcur attention, And
II YOU yield TO their bold assertions
! tgsfbn,,e Il