The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-02-25
To me Editor .f the Eu1,,irc,

10 fHG EdH0r " the Enquirer.
Through the medium of your paper, pro-
pose to make a few observations to the pub
hc, respecting the propriety of declaring
War against Britain. 1t is too we'll known
to the citizens Of America, that Britain and
France have for many years shackled her
s.a0c Oil tie nigh seas, ny imposing OIL her
Neutrality restrictions that no Independent
NATION on earth ought to submit to-The
lmpressment OF our citizens to fit out their
SHIPS OF War, and many other acts of hosti-
Lty and lwanton outrages, too innumerable
here to be calculated, whilst America has
shewn the most uneXampled forbearance.-
DePrecating war as an evil, she has pro-
ceeded by way OF negotiation through her
Ministers, to convince Britain of her pacific
dispo stion, and that her Orders in Council
and Blockade. were measures that had ami
Inflated her trade OH the high seas. The
French DEGREES might also be considered as
having the same bearing on our Neutrality,
producing similar effects
n just representation being made to the
Emperor OF France by the American Minis
tex al the unjustncss OF those DEGREES, thew
we're rescinded as far as relates to America.
britain has retained her Orders in Coun-
Gil Notwithstanding the many frie ndly ap-
piIcatlons that have been made to her to
revoke them.
Congress laid an Embargo, as the best
mode calculated to retaliate ON Britain, and
1t is believed this measure would have pro-
uuced the effect, had there been virtue e.
houSh IN the people; a portion of whom a.
vailed themselves, under this measure to car
ry on the smuggling business i'll so atrocious
manner as not only to aggrandize them
selves, but to defeat the object contempla-
ted by the government. The Non-Inter-
course wasthe next step taken by Congress
hut l.n,
the desired effect, owing to the same causes.
Thus the government res,rted to every
possible concliatory measure in preference
TO War: Then, from the conduct of Great
britain towards America, can it be possible
| 10 hnd any one alive to the feeling of true
American, that will not join in War Mea-
sures! Congress has finally passed the
Army Bill for the purpose OF raising 25, 600
regulars not one too many for the emer-
gency. 1t we are TO have War, efficient
measures are necessary; Volunteers next
ought to follow-Tbe number Of $4,000 are
nor too many. 1t will be recollccted, thatin
case OF War,oursea-board is to be protected
ana our fortihcations we'll manned besides.
II there IS descent made into Canada, we
must have Notifications made there The
Militia IN the mean time to be well trained
to bring up the rear. 1t is the greatest folly
on earth to hear politicians talk of Militia
encountering well disciplined regulars. If
Britain sends AN Army to America, they will
be her chosen and selec.cd bands. The Mi
litia, although they chiefly consist of men
possessing the greatest confidence, with ia
miles and fortune, have not an opportunity
OF being well trained even under the best
ldisciplindrians, because they only assemble
once IN two months and have only time to go
through few evolutions, moreover they are
endeared to their families, and after a few
months service become restless ana wish to
De at home. Two honorable gentlemen from
this , ate in Congress, Randolph and Shef.
| icy, stand opposed to war measures they
presume to see multifarious number of e.
Wis, they fabricate spectre in every bush.
they think they behold Cromwell lust AT
iheir rear, whilst the same phantom presents
to their view Murat and RobeSpierre
with tie French Guillotine suspended fo,
their necks. One Of those gentlemen, Mr.
Shelley, IN his speech on the third reading
Of the army Bill, says, the y. States have
had great cause Of war several years iack
0lt that the sitsation of our country viii no,
justify Z, because enc ezpence viii burthen
the people. J am ono .of those. who believe
that the citizens of America will forego any
lpriyatians and inoonvenionces to defend ,hei,
mo2t iaYaiVasis Fish,s The spirit 81 '7C