Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1813-01-21
FOR THE ARGUS.

4 'Si%pSh4JNS .l0F TutSf0S an .1rUIJ.
In times of public liisa ster or solicitucie. a.,
very man, If he be competeue. o1rht to .,iTtrd
AID; and whether his talents NAV be rloS-
nsetuuy employed in reflection or action. so
they ought 70 be devoted
Sucu times now exist the natior is en-
gagged IN war l. has nos been prosecuted
with quccess; and thsr- are many who saw
tpat It's issues are dlsgracetul. Let this point
DC decided as il niay tho politic.ea and pa
trIot Will hook forward. They al, incline
20 act with prcmpttude and energy. They
wit examine the past for examples apd les
SONS tor future government. They will de-
vote their faculties rather to promote sue
cess t12n expose past errors. For even
| though the exploit and successes on land.
nau been equa. 10 those on the ocean the
| military and naval eXertions Shonld not be
| abatsd.--l-et us then leave the past, 20 the
historian Let uSf'rm a new national ANAL
! Sh'naiion: Let ms u-e our political opponents
| IS useful Instruments: Let al! America be
Identified by generous enthusiasm to pro
mote the public interest; 70 select the most
proper means "a dresd first the strength 4:
the resources and the whole national soul;
'ina whilst =yeEy vsics maybe re. voted 70 re
| promotion OF the general wish. some few
may give fortunate suggestions from which
the public veal may be promoted and per
| mancntly secured.
With such feelings and for such purposes
| approach the temple of liberty, nor Will |
stop AT the vestibule Under the auspice,
and sanction ofthat inspiring presence will
enoeavor to dedcate my soul and nv pen
to my country's good. Yes, will submit pro
positions OF the greatest consequence, as
well to our national char2cSeI' and mmed
axe prosperity, as to the permanency Of our
free and happy government. They will APP
pear to be intimately connected with the.
great principles of our government. Their
object Will be to insure the immediate esta-
blishment of a competent force, and Will not
fail to excite the emalous rivalship of every
patriotic mind without regard TO local OF
political distinctions.
The fundamental principles of our GO
vernment have declared general equality
OF right, ans common prudence as well as
Justice require, that now more than at auv
osher line they should DC respected, other
wise a continuation ct disaster, may be suc-
ceeded by disgrace. In such Course we
shall be engaged in war, against the live,
OF our own citizens and the resources of on,
people. In such a course we may expec,
nothing better than the catas,rophes OF De.
troit, Queens Town, aud BGifaioe, where
the bravery and enterprise OF our citizens
and soldiers have been pdraized by a STATE
OF things, over which they had no control
One remark more before the intended pro
positions are presented in detail.
take it for granted that Congress intend
to offer such inducements, as will allure in
to military engagements, the best bl,od and
taieats of the country ] also presume that
honors and rewards will be held out to the
most meritorious; and that all honorable
means will be used to excite the enthusiastic
military spirit which made us a people. -
With such anticipations submit the follow.
ing propositions -
/. Let authority be vested In proper cha.
racters to receive the engagements Of those
who are wiling to become their eountry's de
tenders.
2. Let a liberal donation be made to al
who may engage
9. When a sufficient number have engag
ed 20 form a company, let them chuse their
own officers,
q. IN case Of vacancy in a company, one
OF the serjeants or corporals 10 be promoted
TO the rank Of ensign.
s.. After s or 10 such companies are form
ed, let them eucamp together, aud aftet
threc or four weeks let the commissioned
officers chuse field officers.
D. After three regiments shall be thus Of
feared, let the colonels, majors aud captain
chuso a brgadier-gereral.
7. In like manner let the field officers auC
brigadier generals chuse generals of diysi-
| on.
g. Every officer and soldier when about
| to vote shall declare most soiemnlY upon hi
honor, that he VIII, vote for the man whom
he thinks most worthEard qualified for com
| mand.
These simple propositions ifTeduced to
practice, Will excite emulation; thus. vii
bring out the best talents Of ths country
thus, will open door for promotion an,
| give q vide scope for the. greatest success
and fame. Every man who engages in th