Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-10-04
To The people Of .4lsaandria:


cemher last, for the purpose OF taking INTO
consideration the expedieucy OF petlt'onlng
CONGRESS 10 recede us TO the state OF Virginia,
was witnessed by me with the deepest NOR
ti6cation-a modification as great. thought,
as apy event could inaict, until learned that
in opposition TO The almost unanimous recon-
mendation of the merchants OF Alexandra,
the president had appointed citizen of Viz
e;ni, 10 be cur collector. But ought we 10
comnlain that the executive branch OF the GO
v.rnment Of the United States has treated
without disregard our recommendation Are
ws moi slaves? and is not freedom superior
TO slavery? Ought not those to govern, WHO
value as they should the rights OF treemen-
men VINO are contented 10 live deprived OF
every political right? These are questions
we ought to ask ourselves.
Where now is the force OF those arguments
which in December last were urged with 50
much warmth, and received as the offspring
of granular wisdom! We have been weigh
ed in the balance, and found wanting" The
gentleman who has received the appointment
is very respectable individual certainly
Int where is that overwhelming weight OF
character, where that universally acknow-
lodged title to his country's patronage and
support, which should authorize the perfect
disregard which the president has shown to
The almost unanimous wish of all those with
whom the collector is TO transact business,
and among whom be is to reside =? 1t is not
TO be found
VIII any thinking, well instructed man,
suffer himself to be persuaded that, IT Alexan-
dria formed an integral part of Virginia, IN
fluencing Gas in that case she would unques-
tionably do) in great measure, the feelings
and opinions ola considerable portion OF that
commonwealth. the government OF the UNI
ted States would consider as nothing the ex-
pressed wishes of the whole body of her mer-
chants and most influential men?
fancy il will be conceded such would not
be the case yet it seems difficult, TO say the
president did wrong in disregarding the OPT
Mons and feelings OF men who could make
such decision as we did in town meeting.
We had rather be slaves (and without inau-
ence of any sort, OF course) than enjoy free
dom with its consequent power, if that enjoy
ment bring with it possible increase OF tax
alton, and the necessity OF sending hive or SIX
records in year 10 the town OF Frederlcks-
burg for ultimate adjudication. 1t such be
our fixed resolution, should we not submit
with alacrity, and endure with patience,
when our master decides, without any regard
TO what we think and feel? 'Tis matter, to
be sure. not of our own choosing, and TO us,
at least, perfectly irresponsible.
We ought TO be consistent, "as in duty
hound" and not let single murmur of dis
content ruale the tranquility of our submis-
sion-or boldly claim a~partieipa.iou in the
rights and interests of the state and general
governments.
Are we not political anomaly in Anglo
America a sort of non descripts-neither
meal nor fish! W no supports US? Who
feels for US Who pstronizes us? Where
is our public spirit ? No government mo-
new is spent among us--no government teeIs
for or patroaizes us. And that we have no
public spirit, will not the world believe, if
we longer submit: to our present political nom
entity Let us awake, and by distinct
proclamation of oar wishes, and estimation
of ourselves. show both to the general ard
state governments that we will not in future
deserve 10 be treated as nothing.
ONE OF THE PEOPLE.
IThe sppointmen; of collector has not been
officially promulgated. Our correspondent,
at HE time of handing US his communication,
assured US that the appointment had been
made. Subsequent reports do not confirm
his assertions. His remarks are certainly
premature.] Ea' Ou<e"s'
The report Of the departure, OF Mr.. Cob
bett in the ship Hector, is contradlc,ed
THE TRUE DIGNITY OF MAN.
Pascal. in his Thoughts says that the