Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-03-16

No. 4.
Windsor, Yeyaa's. FEB. 10, 1909.

Ny last (No. s. was written at Burling-
| ton, the principal town in the northern part OF
the state of Vermont. am now at the prInci-
pal town in the eastern section.
The hillacy of mems opinions, when they act
under the influence of sensibility & are strong
" excited by those hopes which always animate
4 rising party, led me to doubt the correctness
OF the opinions which received IN the northern
section of this state; which, from lis contisuity
to Canada, and necessary intercourse with Mon
treal, has a stronger interest in promoting 4
good understanding with his majcstsss govern
ncnt Therefore, since mr. dsFast ure from Bur.
hngton, have sought every favorable occasion
OF c0nversing with the democrats on the probS-
bic result Of the policy adopted by the general
government The difference of opinion is thus
expressed:
The federal party declare, chat in the e.
vent Of a war; the state OF Vermont will treat
separately for itself with Great Britain and
support 70 the utmost the stipul.tions in which
1T NAV enter without any regard to the poll
icy OF the general government. The demo
crsts on the other hand assert, that, in such
case as that contemplated, The people would
be nearly divided into equal numbers, one
OF which would support the government if it
could be done without invoking the people
in a civil war; buy at all evcu's would risk
every thing in preference TO coalition with
Great Britain. This difference of opinion is
not To be wholly ascr.1ci to the prejudiccs
of party. The people in the eastern section
ct Vermont are not operated upon by the
same hopes and fears as tsrsse on the bor-
ders IF the British colony. These are not
dependent Upon Montreal Tor the sale of their
produce nor the supply Of foreign commod;-
| ties. They are ro- apprehensivc of any Sc
! rious dangers or Inconvenience from state
of wars and although they admit that the
governor, council and three -fourrhs OF the
representation in Congress are OF the federal
party, yet they donot believe that the state
would stand alone and resist the national &c
vernnent. They do not however deny, that
| shouid the state of Vermont continue to be
represented as it is at present, it would in al
| probability unite with the neighboring states,
in any serious plan of resistance TO war,
which it might seem cxpedient to adopt.
! This j think is the safer opinion for you to
RELY on; if indeed reliance ought TO be pla-
ced on any measure depending upon the will
| OF the rabbIe, which Ia ever changing and
must ever be marked with ignorance. Ca
price and inconsistency. As the crisis APP
! proaches, the difficulty OF deciding upon an
| hazardous alternative viii increase and I'M
| fortunately there is not in Vermont any man
OF commanding talents, capable of attract
ing genera onfdrnce of infusing into the
people his'own spirit; and, amidst the con-
III ion of conflicting opinions, dangers and
commotion, competent to lead in the path of
duty or safety. The Governor is an indus
trious, prudent man, and has more personal
influence than any other; but his abilities
| are not suited to the situation in which CT
vii war would place him.
am, &c.