Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-02-12

~. An exact account OF the circumstances at
tendins that memorable act. in its preparation and
it's progress through Congress; with copv from
the original draught, in tho hand toriting of the
I4uthor; aud parallel column, in the same hand
shelving the alterations made in the draugh. by
Congress.
The Memoir will be considered not little en-.
riched by the Debates in Congress, on the great
question OF Independence, as they were taken
down by MIR. Jefferson at the time, and which,
though in compressed FORM present the substance
OF what passed on that memorable occasion. This
portion OF the work derives peculiar value from
its perfect authenticity. being all in the hand wr-
ting OF that distinguished member Of the body :;
from the certainty that this is the first disclosure
TO the world OF these Debates; and from the prob
ability, or rather certainty, that like knowledge
Of them - not to BIO expected from any other
source. lhe same remarks applicable 10 the
oeoates IN the same Congress, preserved in the
game manner, on two OF the original articles of
Confederation The first is the article fixing the
rate Of assessing the quotas OF supply to the CON-
mon Treasury the second is the article which de.
cares, that in determining questions each COLONY
should nave one vote. The Debates on both are not
oniy interesting IN themselves, but curious also in
relation To like discussions of the same subject on
subsequent occasions.
". views OF the connections and transactions
OF the United States with foreign nations at diff
'erent periods; particularly narrative, with ma
ny details, personal and political of the causes and
cary course OF the French Revolution, as ex-
hbited to the observ alton ofthe Author during hi
dp;oma"c residence at Paris. The narrative.
with the intermingied reflections on the charac-
ter and consequences Of that Revolution, fills a
considerable space in the Memoir and form We.
ry important part of it.
W. Within the body Of the Memoir, or re-
tered to as an APPENDIX, are other papers which
we're thought well entitled 20 the place thew oc-
cuPy Among them, are, 1. A paper drawn up
IN the year lTTt "a 'Instruc tons to our delegates
IN Congress" Though heretofore in print, il will
be new to most readers; and will be regarded by
al as The most ample aud precise enumeration of
British violations that had then appeared or per-
haps, that has since been presented in a form at
once so compact and complete 2. A Penal
code, being part OF Revised Code of Laws, pre-
pared by appointms nt of the Legi stature of Vir-
gina m l776, with reference to the Republican
form OF Government, and TO the principles of hu-
mainly congeniai Herewith, aud with the i'm.
proving spirit oil the age. Annexed to the sever
al articles, are explanatory and other remarks of
're hu'nor' worthy OF being preserved by the aid
oil the press. 5. historical and critical review
OF the repeal OF the laws establishing the Church
In tirginia which was followed by the "Act for
establishing Religious freedom" This Act, it is
wen known, was always held by Mr. Jeffe son
TO be one OF his bs st efforts in the cause of liberty
TO which he was devoted: and it is certainly the
strongest legal barrier that could be erected a.
gainst connection between Church and State, so
'a'ai ~ It's tendency TO the purity of both 4.
"a" eiaoora'e paper concerning money Unit, pre-
dalton Of the system adopted by Congress for
coinage and money Of account. For other paric-
u'ars, not here quoted the reader is referred to the
volume itself.
The termination OF the Memoir, at the date
mentioned, by the Author, may he explained by
tue 'aoorious tasks assumed not dec lined by him.
on his return to private lite; which, with his great
age did not permit him TO reduce his materials in
TO state proper to be embodied in such a work
The other volumes contain l. Letters from
10 his death, addressed IN a oFl
individuals; and comprising range of informa-
t'on and IN many instances, regular essays onatib-
Jeotsot History, Politics. Science, Morals and Re-
Hgon. The letters to him are omitted EXCEPT in
very few instances, where the whole or part of
letter had been filed for the better understanding
oil the answer. And where differences, from the
teno' oil the answer, might in any way affect the
correspondent his name does not appear in the CO.
py MED. The Historical parts OF the letters and
the entire publication, have the rare value of COM
aug from one OF the chief actors hmse f. and of
being written not Tor the public eye, but in the
freedom and confidence of private friendship
IL. Notrs OF conversations, whilst Secretary of
State, win President Washington and others high
IN office; and memoranda of Cabinet Councils
committed TO paper on the spot, and filed; the whole
with the explanatory aud miscellaneous additions,
shelving the views and tendencies of parties from
the year 1879 to 1900.
Appended 10 the publication. is Facsimile"
oil the rough draught of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, in which will be seen the erasures in.
teIiIneations additions of DIR. Franklin and ar
Adams, two OF the appointed Committee, in the
handwriting Of each.
The Editor, tho nc cannot be insensible to the
genius, The learning the philosophic in spir alton
the generous devotion TO virtue, and the love of
country, displayed in the writings now committed
70 The press is restrained, not less by his incompe
tency, t:an by his relation to tbs Author from
dwelling on themes which belong to an eloquence
that Gao do justice to the names Of illus,rious ben
Glaciers to their country and to their fellow men,
From, J0h1lStone's Life Of Dr. P1TrJ
preside MI ~