Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1812-03-20

countrv 20 throw the whole blame and res
possibility Of war from its own shoulders up
on those ofthe British ministry. Ii in this,
the party attac he'd to France should calculate
with correctness, and the commerce OF new
England would greatly suler-the merchants
being injured and discouraged, would not only
acquiesce in the restrictive systems, but even
submit to war. On the other hand, should
the smalftrafic permitted by a non-intercourse
law be lucrative and uninterrupted, the PEG
pie would be clamorous for more, and soon
compel the government TO restore the friendly
relation between the two countries. WhIfe 1
offer my opinion upon this subject, l cannot
bat express a strong hope that if any terms
should be proposed by either government 70
which the other might think properto accede,
that a princinai motive to the adjustment OF
differences should be understood 10 arise from
the amicable disposition Of the eastern { ates,
particularly ofthe state of Massachusetts,
This, as it would increase the popularity of
the trends ofG. Britain, could not fail TO pro-
mote her interests. If it could not be done
formally and officially, nor IN : correspon
dence between ministers, still perhaps the adj
ministration in the Parliament OF O.. Britain
might take that ground, and the suggestion
would find its way into the papers both in
England and America.
Ii cannot be too frequently repeated, that
this country can only be governed and direct
ed by the influence Of opinion as there is no
thing permanent in its political institutions,
nor are the populace under any circumstances
to be relied on, when measures become incon-
venient and hurdensome. l will soon write
again, and am, &c. A. b.
Boston, March 7, 1909.
S1R-I have now ascertained, with as much
accuracy as possible, the course intended to.
be pursued by the party in Massachusetts that
is opposed to the measures and politics OF the
administrator of the general government.
/ have already given a decided opinion that
a declaration of war is not to be expected
but, contrary to all reasonable calculation,
should the Congress possess spirit and indie
pendeuce enough to place their popularity in
jeopardy by SO strong a measure, the Legs
lature OF Massachusetts will give the tone TO
the neighbouring states will declare itself
| permanent'until a new election Of members
invite a Congress, to be composed Of Delegates
from the federal states, and erect a separate
government for their common defence ana
common interest.
The Congress would probably begin by b
rogating the offensive laws, and adopting a
plan for the maintenance of the power and au
thority thus assumed. They would by such
an act be in a condition to make or receive
proposals from Great Britain and | should
seize the first moment to open a correspond
ence with your excellency. Scarce any other
aid would be necessary, and perhaps none
required than a few vessels. of war from the
Halifax station, to protect the maritime towns
from the little navy, which is at the disposal
of the national government. What perma-
nent connection between Great-Britain and
this section of the republic will grow out of a
civil comnlotion such as might be expected,
no perA is prepared to describe but it seems
that a strict alliance must result of necessity.
At present the opposition party contine their
calculations merely to resistance and | can
assure YOU that at this moment they do not
freely entertain the project of Withdrawing
the Eastern States from the Union, finding it
a very unpopular topic although a course Of
events, such as | have already mentioned,
would inevitably produce an incurable aliena-
ton of the II. England from the Southern
States. The truth is, the common people
have so long regarded the Constitution ofthe
u. States with complacency, that they are
now only disposed in this quarter to treat it
like a truant mistress, whom they would for
a time put away on a separate maintenance,
but, without further or greater provocation,
would not absolutely repudiate.
It will soon be known in what situation rub
lie affairs are to remain until the meeting of
the new congress in May, at which time ako
this Legislature viii again assemble. The
two months that intervene will be a period of
much anxiety.
In all | have written, / have been careful
- - -. IL
enthusiastic confidence entertained by the OPP
position, nor of the hopes and expectations that
animate the friends of an alliance between the
northern states and G. Britain. | have alb
stracted myself from all the sympathies these
are calculated to inspire; because, notwith-