Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-01-19

>ney nave not been uhmind;ul of him who was chO-
sen as The instrument 20 effect Il; for | have now
IN my posse sion letter from the Superior of the
Convent in which she SAYS That, secluded from
the concerns of the world, they had not until late
ly, heard that Gen. jackson was expected as a
guest in the City; but that, as soon as il was
l:Own, the Community had directed her 20 show
their participation in the JOY OF that event by OF.
iering subscription TO the fund provided for his
(Ihis anecdote was received
with marks c: the highest emoton) This feeling
is not, gentlemen confined 10 the walls of the Con-
vent. At this moment the city represent is filled
by the inhabitants of the country; bv strangers
from the neghbofing States by deputies represent-
ing those which arc more remote; and a scene is
exhibiting which would have done honor TO the
classic days OF Greece. The names of their he
roes wercrccited at the celebration OF their Olyn-
pic games; but none, that remember, were in
vited by the cities which they saved, 10 meet the
representatives of other States on the anniversa-
~ OF their victory, and on the very field Of their
rcnown.
fear, gentlemen, that fatigue YOU The
theme which you have encouraged me TO begin,
has seduced me, l fear, into an unreasonable pro
liNiy; but | shall take the slightest hint 70 in
tcrrupt il. (Cries of no no! go on 20 on Air
L. proceedcd)
We have taken 4 rapid view of the military o.
pcfauons. Let us examine what followed. From
the state OF things which have described, tho
most energetic measures were necessary to ensure
the safety of the country. Supplies; and arms
must be procured, troops must be raised intelli-
gence must be prevented from reaching the enc
my; and source of danger was TO be guarded a.
gainst, which, although for the honor of the coun-
try am most happy to say was perfectly magma
ry, Yet the commanding general was justified in
beieyip TO exist. Before his arrival the Govern
or OF the State (under honest but mistaken impress
sions) had contideniiaily advised him. that dsacc-
ton existed in alarming degree, in the STATE;
and that The legislature itself not free from sus
picion With the impression which this notice was
calculated to produce, his arrival for the first
uine IN the country, unacquainted with the Ian
guage spoken by majority Of the people, he
thought himself obliged to assume such powers as
alone could defeat the schemes of disafecton If it
existed, and TO provide the means of Defence which
the Government had neglected totally TO do. This
could not be done while the civil power was suf-
Tered to perform its usual functions; and he tooki
after severe elaboration, the decisive step of pro-
claiming martial law. He knew the responsibility
ne ncurredi he knew to what he exposed himself;
that II ever there was an act OF deliberate selfde-
Youon, 1T was the one for which he has been re-
preached as an unjustihable assumption of powers
lie was persuaded that the country would be lost
unless he sacrificed himself and risked what he
valued infinitely than iie-riskedhis reputa-
ton tor patriotism, and regard TO the constitution
ct his country for its preservation. He DID this
deliberately. He knew the risk; God knew his
purpose, and his own conscience approved it. AL
tho he took the responsibility yet others particpa-
ted when the danger pressed, i'll acknowledging
the necessity under which he acted. The lcgis-
laturc assumed the power Of the general govern
ment and laid an embargo. The Judge, without
ball. discharged persons committed for capiaI OF.
fences. And none of the authorities intimated any
dlsaPprobaton OF his proceeding, while the danger
lasted. When II ceased TO press them, as he had
anticipated, TIE darker passions began to work.
Ihey assumed the garb OF attachment to the laws
and the constitution, and he was brought before
courtt0 answer for the acts by which the coun-
try had been saved. There ne silenced the muir
murs OF an indignant audience; he Gained the az
Prehensions oithe judge who was about to condemn
hin; and offered 10 interpose his person to protect
the tribunal from disturbance There he would
have entered on his defence; he would have stated
the necessity under which he acted; and raised the
great question, whether acts done against the letter
OF the lazy, not only TO preserve its spirit but its
very existence, were to be punished by the law
acts from which no private aggrandizement, graft
ncatlon, or emolumcnt could accrue to him who
did them, but from which he could expect nothing
but personal Inconvenience and Vexalion. He was
not permitted To proceed, and was condemned 10
pay heavy tine, which he Immediately discharg-
ed, and for hch he refused the unanimous offer of
the inhabitants TO be reimbursed. And when, in
spite oil his exertions he was borne in triumph by
the grateful citizens; he used the first interval
which the expression oftheir applause would per-
INIT, TO address them He told them, that two great
lessons might be learned from the events which
had happened since he had been among them.-
ne hrst was never to despair; however inadequate
might be the apparent means, never to des-
pair Of the defence of their country; never
10 refuse any sacrifice that nigh; he necessary for
its preservation; and whenever the danger was Dasl
to submit cheerfuIly to the operation Of the laws
ven when they punished acts which were done
TO preserve them. That, Tor hisoWn part, he knew
that what he had done could only be testified by
necessity; and TO prevent that necessity from being
made the preteXt for oppression, ii was perhaps
right that he who resorted it should undergo the
penalty OF the law, and find his indemnity in the
appreciation OF his own conscience, and the eyi-
dence that his acts were done only to serve his
country.
Il is impossible to describe the burst Of ap-
pause with which these words worthy of a
Roman Of the republic were received; and they
have sunk deep into the minds Of all who heard
them.
(!ierc the speaker was again Interrupted with
marks OF interest and appreciation that lasted con-
siderable time. lie at length procccded)
have spoken of the courtesy which character
lied his communications with the enemy; and will
relate one circumstance, which not only proves
that, but humane disposition, attentive to the
danger Of the humblest individuals even in the
enemy's ranks. Among other volunteers who
served under him, a brave man, one distin-
guishcd as General in the armies OF the Rcpubli-
can France III Ombcrt,-whO, with handful Of
men, invaded Ireland, and had nearly penetrated
TO It's capital. This gentleman had obtained per-
mission TO raise Independent corps, and in order
10 fill it, had, by some Incorrect representations
induced some OF the English prisoners to enlist
when It was known 20 General Jackson, he dsap-
proved OF the proceeding. A cartel had been sign
ed for the exchange Of prisoners, and each one
who should be kept under pretence Of such enlist
ncnt would prol0ng The captivity of one Of our
fellow citizens. Moreover, the English prisoners
who had signed their names for enlistment, com
planned OF some deception; but their act was known
to their fellow soldiers, and they feared punish
mcnt If they were exchanged.
Under these circumstances, the General conGd
ing IN The maguauiuity and generosity Of the Bri-