Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1814-06-04
THE sTATE OF THE WAR

oince the arrival OF the late Intelligence
OF the successes ofthe allies in France. the
most extravagant demonstrations of inv
nave been exhibited by the opposition in
TINS country, and the most alarming predic.
tlons OF disasters to America from the tr; !.
umpnant and overwhelming power of G
britaiA' nave been by them uttered and
Pnoiished. The Federal prints have une-
quivocaily told us, with exultation. that We
should now have TO strike our fiap in ear.
nest to the enemy, to whom Continuance
OF our hostility would be of little importance
and who would not be inclined to make
peace with US, unless we merely submitted
to her claims, and even to more than she
has hitherto claimed. Having thus pour.
trayed our supposed awful condition i'm these
gloomy colors, the base sycophants or an.
Shsh power dare to chucke at the prospect
OF American degradation, and to rejoice
nat administration will, as they intimate
be compelled to give up the war with dis
honor and disgrace.
We shall leave the unsephisticated iudp-
lnent and feelings Of our honest connttV.
men OF all parties to decide upon the CHAR
acter OF America thus regardless of their
duties as men and citizens, thus Needless of
the admonitions of reason and conscience
deaf to the voice of honor and patriotism
Future ages will review with astonishment
and Indignation the conduct of the federal
leaders during the war now existing. But
our present purpose is not to Comment nm
'heir language and actions; it is to she W
That although the successes of our enemv in
Europe are calculated to render him more
arrogant towards us, and consequently TO
protract the war, this country has no reason
10 despair at the aspect of things, and that
we must still, as heretofore, rely chiefly
upon american skill, courage and patriot.
ism to vindicate American rights. and to
rescue American Independence from The
thraldom OF British avarice and tvranny
The means of effecting these important Ss
indispensable ends have not been, cannot be
taken from US by any events in Europe.
lhey may be weakened English triumphs
IN france may demand greater exertions to
enable US to resist and subdue English pow,
CT operating against our interests but that
man IS an IDIOT, a knave, or a coward. who
can tnink that the disasters of France will
disable america HON protecting her SOW
reignty and ner interests. Such a spnno
sltion can only be entertained by those yyho
teel the greatest contempt for the character
and resources Of the country, as well az a
dastardly and criminal admiration of IN.
power of the enemy.
What were tue means by which the Ame-
rican government and people expected to
prosecute the war with success The in
vasionof Canada with large military force.
the destruction Of the naval power of Bril-
tam on the Lakes, the enterprise, skill and
courage OF our public aud private cruizers
on the ocean. None of these m cans of sue
cessful warfare nave been wres,ed from ms
by the victories of the allies in France. sun
posing those victories to have been as great
as the English and Federalists depict them
These triumphs, untoward as they NAV he
10 the Independence of France, and adverse
as they are in some degree to the tnmed,.
are Conclusion Of a peace between America
and Britain, have not at all deprived ms
OF our military force, no- of the ,nate,iaIs
tor increasing it. They have not raisea mr.
any extraordinary barrier to the subiugat;on
Of Cadada they have not weakened on,
navy On Lake Ontario; they have not tar.
hlshed the courage or the exertions of o,r
gallant seameu on the lakes OF ocean: thev
nave not Invested our officers or solder IS
their inherent vaior and patriotism. Letus
men not conceive so lily of our own resour
css as 70 assert that we have been depend