Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1814-09-17
T. F. ADDISON.
!. Military Secretary.

MAYOR OF NEW YORK'S ADDRESS.
The following extracts are from the Adj.
dress o. Dez,if Clinton Esq, 10 the Grand
Jury Of ne city Of NJ York. They breathe
very proper spirit, in a very proper stiIe.
The fall Of the Capital will not produce
the prostration of the country. Its energies
remain unimpaired = its resources in full WIG
or, and all that is requisite is, that the spir.
ito} the nation should ascend to the emer,
gency Of the pressure, and that its physical,
strength should be properly arranged and
skilfuliy directed. Whatever diversity Of o.
pirion may exist with regard to the original
character OF the war, we must all agree
that it has now become, On our part, a war
OF defence. The enemy has officially an
nounced his intention to destroy and lay waste
such OF Atlantic towns and cities. as
are exposed TO his attacks. The exactions
on Alexandra, and the smoaking ruins of
the national edifces at Washington, admon-
ish US al what we are to expect if we shall
meanly .sncCnmb or ipglorlously retreat
In such cause, involving our personal
character, the welfare of our families-the
prosperity ct our Country and the honor OF
me nation, 1t becoTes us not to hesitatc a.
bout our course. Whatever we may think
or whatever we may have thought of men
and measures, whether favcrably or unfa
svorably, there can be, there ought to be no
difference OF opiDion--no collision Of action
when the safety of our country is at stake.
For her sake, for the sake of al! that is near
and dear tous, let US sacrifice, upon the al
tar OF patriotism every feeling--every pas
sior--every prediction that may enfeebie
resistance and impair exertion. For this
purpose il is necessary, absolutely necessa-
~, that, there ehopli Re, ~ ,ea.t. truce
TO the animosities of party--tha we should
join hand and heart in the great work Of pat
riotic exertison--and that we should merge
All personal, all local. all party consi3era>
lions in the great duties we owe to our
country. If thisis done with zeal and good
faith. we have nothing to apprehend.
This state alone can furnish 100000 men
capable of bearing arms. If but portion
4 81 his force rs brought into acton, under ia
dicious guidance, we can easily repeI all
hostile attacks. But ii, Instead of putting
our shoulders to the wheel, we call upon
Hercules for assistance--if we rely upon the
energies of others. not of orr own-if, like
the men of Athens, we go about inquiring
what news, instead of acting with vigor--
and if. like Jews of old. when the sacred city
was besieged, we commit ourselves to the
fnries OF civil discord instead of warning a.
sainst the commoa enemy, then indeed, will
we be worthy of the name of Americans and
of tie rights Of treemen. Then will the
hand of the divine chastisement be upon Us.
Ard then will the sun of American glory,
which is now rapidly descending to the no.
rison, set in clouds and darkness, and be
extinguished forever.
Let Us, then, exhort you, when you go
from this place, to prepare yourselves for
the crisis---to arm and to discipline your
selves for the defence of YOUR country; and
to encourage all within the sphere of your
influence to follow your example. If any Of
yot have pledged your lives, your fortunes,
and yorr sacred honour, in support of the
present contest. let me tell you, it is high
time that yon should redeem your pledge !;
and il any ofyou have not, let me also tell
you, that it is sacred duty, to make your.
selves ready far the sacrifice whenever it
shaH become necessary.