Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-03-16
A. 2.
No. 6.

! am, &c
Boston, March 9, 1909.
SIR,
In my letter No. 6, I took the liberty
to express my opiiion of the probable effect
OF the non-iDtcrcourse law intended to BE-, en-
acted; and OF the mode by which Great Bri-
tain may defeat the real intention of the AZ
merican government in passing H. But az
the sorto IMMUNITY recommended might, in
its application to every species Of commerce.
that would be carried on, be deemed by G.
britain greater evil than war Itself, a mid
die Course might easily be adopted which
would deprive France of the benefit resulting
from an intercourse with i.mer.Ca, without
in any great degree, irritating the maritime
states.
The high price of all American produce in
France furnishes a temptation which ner-
Camille avarice will be unable to resist. The
consequence is obvious But If, instead of
condemnng the vessels and cargoes which
may be arrested in pursuing this prohibited
commerce, they should he compelled to 20
into British Port, and there permitted to
sell them, think the friends of England in
these states, would no: utter complaint.-
Indeed, have no doubt that IL, IN the prose-
cution of a lawful voyage, the British cruiz-
ers should treat American ships in this MAN
ner their owners would IN the present state
ot the European markets, think themselves
very fortunate, as it would, save trouble and
expense OF landing them in neutral port,
and from thence reShipping them to England
now the best market in Europe for the pre-
duce of this couatry The government Of the
u. States would probably complain, and Be-
naparte become peremptory but even that
would only tend to render the opposition in
the northern states more resolute and aCceie-
rate the dissolution of the confederacy. The
generosity and justice of Great Britain would
be cXtollcd, and the commercial states exult
in the success of individuals over a govern
ment inimical to commerce, and to whose
measures they can no longer submit with pa
tiei.t aciuiescence.
he elections are began and I presume
no rSilance on industry will be RENTED to
insure the success Of the federal party.
am, &c.
Alb
p S. Intelligence has reached Boston, that
a non-interCourse law has actually passed, &
that Martinique has surrendered 70 the BriA
fish forces.
10. 9.
Boston, March Is, 1909.
SIR,
You will perceive from the accounts
that viii reach YOU iii the public papers both
from Washington and Massachusetts, that
the federalistS of the northern states have
succeeded in making the Congress believe,
that with such an opposition as they would
make to the general governm snt, q war
must be confined to their own territory, and
might be even too much for that govern
ment to sustain. The consequence is, that
III.
the session commenced, it has been suffered
to end without carrying into effect any OF the
plans Of the administration, except the inter,
diction Of commercial intercourse with Eng
land and France--an event that was antics
pated in my former letters.
Under what new circumstances the Con-
gress viii meet in May, will depend on the
state elections and the changes that may in
the mean time take place in Europe. With
regard to G.. Britain, she can scarce mistake
her true policy in relation to America. If
peace be the first object, every act which
can irritatc the maritime state, ought to be
avoided; because the prevailing disposition
of these will generally be sufficient to keep
the government from hazarding any hostile
measure. IF a war between America and
France BE- grand desideratum, something
more must be done an indulgent concilatory
polacy mustbe adopted, which will leave the
democrats wishout "a prctext for hostilities
and Bonaparte, whose passions are too HOB
for delay, will probably compel this govern
ment to decide which Of the great bellige-
rents is to be its enemy. To bring about a
separation of the states, under distinct and
independent governments, is an affair Of
more uncertainty; and however desirable.
cannot be effected but by series of acts and
long continued policy, tending to irritate tho.
southern and conciiiate the northern people.
The former are agricultural, the latter a.
commercial people. TIE mode Of cherish
ing and depressing either is too obvious to re-
quire illustration This, ! am aware, is an
object of much interest in G.. Britain, as it
would forever secure the integrity Of his Ma
jcsty's posscssions OH this continent, and make
the two governments, or whatever number
the present confederacy might form into, as
useful and as much subject to the influence
Of G.. Britain as her colonies can be render
ed. But IL is an object only to be attainedby