Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-09-16
wAsH1MeroN Cry, Sept. 10.

From Fredericktown we hear, that Genl
Wilkinson has objected to three Of the men,
bers of the Court Martial, viz. Colonies Bur
beck and Freeman and Major Bachus; and
the exceptions were admitted by the Court.
Messrs. Stoddart, Swift and Armistead, sup
ply their places, they having been summoned
as supernumerary members. Col Williams
excepted to himself, but the Court overruled
the exception.
On "Wednesday last Gen. HRkinson sur
rendered his sword, after a few observations
addressed to the Court, which excited the
sympathy of friend and foe. His old associ-
ates in arms displayed much sensibili,y on the
occasion.
The Court was expected to have been
sworn in on Saturday. Some doubts had a.
risen as to the Interpretation of that clause
OF the articles of war which limits all inves-
tigation of offences to the term of two years
from their commission. The General, we
understand, waves the privilege of this rule.
Mar. Intel.
. The NAvY.-There is question, of great
importance in the future policy of our gov
eminent, which, we think, Congress will at
length be compelled to decide-ShaH the u.
States COMPLETE and MAINTAIN a Wauy /? Tt
is question which has never yet been fairly
metby the National Legislature but which
ought no longer TO remain in suspense. If
we are to have a Navy, in the name of our
country's honor, let it be placed on a more
respectable footing than it now is. With all
the paraphernalia of Navy Department
we have at present but little of its utility, and
at great comparative expense, we have a
force not adequate, perhaps, fit were double
its present magnitude, to compete with the
petty squadron now on our coast, much less
with that under Sir Joseph Yorke, which is
said to be on its passage. To send our pre-
sent naval force TO sea, therefore, in case of
a declared aad active war, would only be
wanton sacrifice Of some of as brave spirits
as ever animated man, in contest in which
defeat would be almost unavoidable. On the
Navy Question, it is not our purpose to ex-
press an opinion; but to impress or our rea-
ders and brother editors, the necessity Of pre-
pairing their own minds and that of their re-
representatives. for decision of question, to
which their attention cannot but have been
impressively called by the scenes lately and
now passing on our coast. We have nodoubt
that an early day after the meeting of Con-
gress will be assigned for a consideration Of
this subject which, however, Congress NAV
be disposed to wave its decision, cannot lon
ger be overlooked, consistently with the in
terest or honor Of the naton-ib.
Bingham'S I1strucfions-Th British
prints lay much stress on the tenor Of the in
structions of Admiral Sawyer, under which
Captain Bingham cruized. These instruct
ons, as published, shew indeed decent re-
gard for the rights of the United Slatcs--but
nothing more. But were they the only in
structions If we refer TO the conduct of
Captain Bingham we should imagine not /;
still less should we suppose 50. if We refer to
the late insolent conduct Of the 1'artatls-
And, If they were, they speak so far as
they go ia favor Of Admiral Savers un-
Outstanding and knowledge ofhis duty.--But
their very precision and general propricty,
surprising them to be the only instructions,
add another shade Of enornity TO the offence
Of Capt. Bingham. Why, if such were his
Instructions, did he so directly disregard
them by commencing an attack en- our YES
sci? If he be rot broken for dscbedcnce Of
orders, then viii it be evident they were not
his own instructions because bis conduct
was palpable infraction of them. such as
could not escape exemplary punishment III
they we're to have been his only rule Of con-
duct. We have frequently reflected with
establishment on the hardihood Of Bingham
IN attacking vessel, as he did. which he
says he knew to be of SO superior a force
But II the intimation contained in the New
York Columbian be correct, then is the mys-
tciy solved, & the wretched nsoxication Of