Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-05-04


But the force of reason ingrafted civilization
on our primeval manners, and shall this same
civilization reduce US back again to what we
were Oh no there is power above
that will control the destines of man, and per-
haps make US the agents of his power to de-
stroy this homicideal policy, Matched in the
ffuition of imps ofhell.
% The highly respectable source from which
We have received the following communica
ton induces US to insert it without comment
as the writer has some knowledge on the
subject, and we believe would not make an
assertion but what he could substantiate -
The motives of our correspondent cannot be
questioned:
Commanica.ion for the Aiexandyia Herald
THE WAR OFFICE.
Alter peace of 80 years, it seems as if the
people of the United States believe. as well as
every branch of the federal government, that
war with Great Britain is inevitable, and eve
ny measure of Importance taken by Congress
this session proves the fact as we'll as it proves
their zeal and their patriotism, that war is the
object. 1t is then emphatically asked why we
have no organized force adequate to our OBJ
Ject why such delay in raising and organizing
an efficient force to carry on eifectual war;
state no delay has taken place in Congress or in
the head of the war department other than that
which has arisen from circumstances over
which neither wisdom nor talents could have
had any controul. The secretary of war in
crisis like the present, placed in most re-
sponsible situation, and the want of an intimate
knowledge of the complicated and accumulated
duties and details of the war Office, upon the
verge of war, naturally produces an impression,
not founded in correctness, that unnecessar :,
delay has taken place in organizing military
force. would ask the persons who have made
complaints ofdelay in this department, to point
out the number, nature and extent of the du-
ties which have been omitted or neglected.
Preparations for war have progressed slowly
unfortunately SO. Ii has arisen from the novel
ty OF our situation, the nature of our free go
vernment, which prevents hasty and precipi-
tate war, and not for the want of industry or
talents in the Congress of the United States or
in the war department; and altho' we NAV not
Mt this time have force sufficient toinvade the
possessions of our enemy are in a state of
very great security upon our seaboard, in our
fortlhcations, upon the Canada line and Detroit
as a force has been assigned to these places and
which will be in place before any blow coyld
be expected from our enemy even if war was
declared tomorrow; and altho' am not con-
nected, directly or indirectly, With the war of
lice, my situation and duty has given me
view of the proceedings of that department, and
do not hesitate to say that an examination of
the subject would satisfy any reasonable, un-
Prejudiced mind thatthe secretary of war wants
neither talents nor industry, and that he has
discharged his duty with rs much fidelity, a.
bihty and dispatch as any individual could who
has not had more experience At this very mo-
ment the greatest difficulties are overcome, ard
rapid progress IS making in the organization
OF an efficient force, who will do honor to them
selves when brought in the field to serve
their country, aud the time for declaring war
need not be deferred on account of the war de-
partment. The commencement of war in the
United States will always be more or less tardy
but when once engaged in it, the impulse &
operations will be irresistible. 1t is to be Ia
rnented, therefore, that so many individuals.
who cannot see in detail the great and impor-
tant duties of Congress and the administration.
should make their indiscriminate complaints &
censures l wish to see the administrator act
with wisdom and energy, as they have done-I
wish to see Congress act with ability and pru-
dence, independent of consequenees-an all
should recollect that the secretary of war has
always been distinguished as a man of talents,
as n man ofcorrect principles, as a man of the
revolution, and every allowance should be
made for seeming delay in the operations of
his department, and uAtil he is known to be de-
iicient, support him. I may be under the neces-
Sity OF making other statements