The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-09-15

great number ofpoirts reSuifipg jefenSs, together
with an unhappy disposition 20 eulrge exte AIDED
frontier by new eonquests, will probably demand al;
the military force 10 the power OF government for
similar objects.
This appears to be the determination a, this time
and the important Business OF guarding the coast,
must be left to the militia, or neglected.
But il these essential interests are dsregarsicd we
must not neglect ourselves aud that the pre-
sent occasion will furnish the hest reasons for mpro-
wing the militia in organization aud discipline, ant.
Tor obtaining ample supplies OF arms aud military
stores and placing ourselves the best footing for
defence. Ii also proper to avail ourselves ef eve
ny principle in the constitution for rendering our
means efectual and the least announcement.
Among other provisions in the Constitution il will
be found, that In time Of the States may organ
lie and support military force of their own, and
which cannot under any circumstances, be control
led by the General Government. and which may I'M
doubleday be appointed in all the defence of
our state. Whether such force will become imme-
d'ately necessary the General Assembly will
Judge; but as the subject be examined and a
plan partially dgested without expense and meas
ures commenced for the speedy execution of the
principle at early but future session. feel it my
duty TO recommend that subject to your eonsidera-
ton. -
In recommending this measure, it is far from my
intention to propose that the State troops should
any time during the war be withheld from aiding
the national and neghbouring state forces in the
common defence but TO increase the strength OF
those corps and particularly 10 apply that body oil
men to our own defence, should our frontier at any
| future time be unhapply abandoned.
Nor, will it be understood that whilst feel it my
duty to recommend the necessary prepaI aions tor
| arraying every description of constitutional and
military force which may be proper Tor our defence
that wish to urge step which may interfere with
| any liberal measure, which the General Govern.
| ment may take for the same object.
| o the General Government must and ought
TO look Tor our security, aad trust that the tine
Will come, when full knowledge of our resources
viii place the safety OF coast Oh that naval
defence which alone is capable of giving it complete
l security.
Although it has been thought correct in this
State, on ordinary occasions for the State Govern
ment to leave the National Councils pursue their
! own measures without interference; yet submit
to your consideration whether this is not an occa.
SION on which that principle should be dispensed
with and whether it is not proper that the Gcner-
al Assembly should, by plain and decisive address
to the PRESIDENT, express their opinion and that
| oil their constituents on the important questions
which have recently occurred.
| 1t is certainly necessary that the public opinion
should be known by the President ON the question
oil war, and 1t is presumed, when expressed by the
Legislature OF state that it will be respected.
! Many other matters may occur requiring youi
attention Mt this interesting crisis, and in all your
deliberations you may be assured of the support
which it may be in my power to give.
Whatever events, however, may take place, you
may be satisfied that the faithful preservation o.
the public peace, rigid and prompt execution OF
the laws under which we happily live, and which
LOT our security, together with strict adherence
| our form of government and of the Constitution o
the United States, will compose the basis of the
administration of government in this State.
| Trusting, Gentlemen, that the God of our Faith
ers will not desert this OCCASION and that ou
| sovereign is in him, have only to implore his guild
ance In all our proceedings and his smiles on all ou
| deliberations.
ROGER GRIswoLD.