Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-02-03

Ayes--Niessrs. Taylor rspcaker1 Cheatl,sss,
Harrison, Chamberlayne, PoindeXtcr, Opie,
Graves, Wyatt, Hudgins, Smith, Washington,
Upshaw, CSbel, Watts and Nelson Noes
Messrs. Johnson, Scott, Wolfe, Ticzvan, and
Campbell.
\ new resolution was added, which follows
the rest; M that The preamble ard resolutions,
as adopted by the legislature of Virginia, are
in these words:
The General Assembly ofVirginia have he
held, witk deep scnsibility, the fragrant viola
tons, which the great bclligs rents of Europe
have practised upon the rights of neutrality, as
established upon the principl OF universal
law, ami sanctioned by the acquiescence of tie
whole civilized world for many ages. These
violations have driven all the nations ofEurope
into war, alike une xampled in its ravages and
its consequences And whilst the United States
have kept out of its vortex, and most scrupu-
lousy adhered to the duties devolved upon
them, by treating all with equal impartiality !;
they have, from year to year, INDUCED the illu-
slve hope that reflection would bring back the
aggressors to n sense of justice, and returning
| reason would ensure to the long violated lInmu-
mites Of the persons ind property of their citi-
zens an exemption from the war committed up
on theiR. France has paused in her career OF
hostility, and thereby afforded to her rival, Eng
land, an opportunity Of performing her solemn
promises without comPro mitment of her
pride; and IT was expected by the government
and people OF the United States that the proofs
oi this pause, presented in an unquestionable
shape TO the British ministry, would have been
promptly followed by repeal of the orders in
councils but fatal experience has produced the
painful conviction Chat ia thin lust expectation
they have been mistaken. And regardless of
Ill principle, the bold avowai has been made,
by Great Britain, that the permitted admission
OF her fabrics into the continent of Europe,
through neutral vessels, was an Indispensable
preliminary to the termination of her aggrcs-
sions condition which the United States
have no right To demand in relation to the pro-
duce OF their own soil or manufactures, and
which their honor forbits them to demand at
the instance and for the benefit OF another
With a knowledge of this avowai and the daily
evidence that Great Britain e. ecutcs her orders
IN their living spirit, which is war upon us of
the most aggravated species, further indul-
gence OF hope is allied with disgrace, and for
bearance becomes criminal. And, although this
assembly confdc i'll the patriotism Of congress
and the executive ofthc United States 20 assert
the rights OF the nation, in the manner its hon
or requires; and, as regards themselves, this
expression OF their opinion may be supcrauous
yet, influenced BY the examples of preceding
legislatures, 1T times less momentous than the
present and apprehcnsve that their silence
Will be misconstrued into Indifference or dis
trust more especially as the minister plcnipc-
tertiary of Great Britain in his correspondence
with the government of the United States, re-
Gently published, has opposed to the act of the
executive, and the evidence or which it was
predicated, presumed disagreement, as to the
tact upon which he decided, and the Justice of
the measure that he had adopted by all the
legal Authorities Of the United States :" and be-
cause we believe the measures of hostility pur-
sued by the British government, against us are
persisted in, in the belief that we are a divided
people This assembly declare their conviction
to ne, that not only AL the legal authorities
OF this state" bnt the people also, from whom
the former derive their powers, concur in the
sentiment of confidence in the government of
the union, and firm resolution 10 support it in
the redemption Of It's plightcd faith "to main
tain the rights, honor and independence OF the
United States" And actuated b. sacred re-
gard for the constitution and liberties of Unit
ed America, sanctioned by the wisdom of their
fathers and consecrated with their blood they
VIII not withhold the testimony of their conf
dcnce and the solemn assurance of their COOP
Grafton TO meet the crisis with the firirness of
men and the determination of freemen. There
fore,
l. Resolved, That this Assembly, speaking rs
they believe they do, the voice of the people of
this commonwealth, have viewed with approba-
ton, the uniform zeal with Which Just remon-
strances have been made by the general govern
ment for the purpose of obtaining from Great
Britain, by honorable negotiation, redress of
the many wrongs inflicted upon us by her orders
IN council, and other measures equally hostile
to the interest OF the United States
g Resofved, AS the opinion of this assembly.
that however highly we value the blessings of
peace, and however we may deprecate the evils
of war, the period has now arrived when peace,
as 1se noSV haze it, is dsgraceful, and war honor
able.
3. ResOived, That this assembly will support
the general government in all constitutional
and Legitimate measures which may be adopted
in vindication of the rights and interest of the
people ofthe United States, and in support of
the character and dignity of the government
thereof; and for these purposes, We pledge our
lives, our fortune and our sacred honor.
A. ResolOeS, That the executive of this state
be requested to transmit the foregoing pream
BILE and resolutions to the executive and lceis-
latiyc departments of the general government.
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