Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-08-17

required. While It is to be regretted that
any difference of opinion existed us to be ca
ses in which the militia might be demanded,
1t became my duty to obey the constitution
of my country.
In a state of things so novel as that which
now exists--in the interesting crisis of war
with foreign nation, wherein the property,
the security, the liberty and lives of the peo-
pie are jeopardised, a war which was op
posed by SO much talent, worth and respect
ability i'll both houses of Congress, it might
have been anticipated that the justice and
eXpedicncy of the measure would have been
questioned and denied by many: Still no
such state OF things exists as to justify the l.
dea otseeking redress except i'll constitu-
tional manner.
do therefore call upon the good people
OF this state to deem themselves, in this day
OF unprecedented difficulty, as to become the
members of free and independent nation
TO promote concord among themselves-to
yield prompt obedience to the constitution
OF the United States and the laws made in
pursuance thereof--to cherish the Union of
these states-to discourage every species of
outrage towards the rights of person or pro-
perty-to dlscountenance every appearance
oil menacing the lawful authority of the state
and nation, and to promote a spirit of sub
mission to the laws of the land.
While this spirit is thus recommended,
the people are to be protected in freedom of
speech, freedom of the press, and in freedom
OF elections. These important rights are
not to be surrendered, nor impaired in any
event. To examine fairly, and truly to ex-
hibit the nature and tendency of the mea
sures of Govcrnment-to lift up a voice of
warning against any system of policy which
seeks personal elevation or aggrandizement,
or which is calculated to promote the pro-
JeCts OF foreign or domestic tyrants, or to aid
combinations OF enemies at home or abroad
against the peace, liberty and prosperity of
the nation, and thus to enable the people
Justly to appreciate the measures of Govern
ment, and to exercise discreetly the rights
of election, is the duty of Freenen. In the
exercise of these and all other rights every
man is to be protected by law; and for his
entire security the faith of every well regu-
lated community is pledged.
With these impressions hereby declare
tn the people OF this state that they may, at
all times, rely OH the protection of the laws
and the power and disposition to execute
them, and that the force of the State will
be exerted on any proper occasion Gf con-
trary to the expectation such occasion should
occur) to afford security to the rights of in
dlviduals, to preserve internal peace, to pro-
mote order, and to maintain the privileges
of the state. And enjoin it upon all magis-
trates and other peace officers, upon all en-
trusted with the execution of the law, and
upon all officers and soldiers of the militia
to be in readiness to aid in the above objects /;
and | furthermore eXhort all those capable
of bearing arms to be at all times prepar-
ed and equipped in obedience to the lawful
authority of the state and nation, TO repel
INVASION, and resist aggressons on the liber-
ties and privileges of the United States, of
this State, or of any individuals or portions
OF The community.
Given under my hand at Hartford, this
sixth day of August, in the year OF our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and
twelve, and Of the independence of
the United States of America the
thirty seventh.
ROGER GRISWOLD.
BY His Excellency's Command,