The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1840-08-07

direct the public opinion, it is not improbable, that
rather than submit to continuance of the difficult
ties and distress to which they are now subject,
they will exer. that influence to bring about scpar-
alton from the general union. The earliest inior-
nation on this subject may be of great consequence
to our government as it may also be, that it
should be informed how far in such an event they
would look to England for assistance, or be dis
posed TO enter into connection with us.
In passing through the state of Vermont, YOU
VIII OF course exert your endeavOrs to procure all
the information that the short stay you will prob
ably make there will admit of. j. ii. CRAIG.
JoHN HENRY, ESQ.
EXTRACT FROM LETTER Nov.
TO his ercellency the Governor General, &c. in
ansuer 10 his letter Of instructions.
Montreal FEB. 10, 1909.
AS the present moment seems favorable TO the
interference of his majesty's government in the
mcasurespursuedb by the federal party in the north
ern states and more especially as the assembly of
Massachusetts is now in session, think it better
to set forward immediately, than wait for any fur
thcr explanation of the means of carving on a Sc
cret correspondence which the frequency of safe
private conveyances to Canada will render il almost
wholly unnecessary
will be careful not to address your eyccllency
in the body of the letter, nor sign my name to any
of then'-lhey will be NEARLY designated by the
initials A, b. J. Ivy.
EXTRACT FROM LETTER No. VI.
Burlington FcrmOai, Feb, II, 1909
Sir have remained here two DAYS in order
fully to ascertain the progress of the arrangements
heretofore made for organising an efficient oppose
ton to the general government, as well as to be-
come acquainted with the opinions of the leading
people, relative 10 the measures of that party which
has the ascendency in the national councils
On the subject Of the embargo laws there seems
but one opinion namely, that they are unncces-
sary, oppressive and unconstitutional II must al
so be observed that the execution of them is so in
vldous as to attract towards the officers of govern
ment the ennl'y of the people, which is of course
transferable to the government itself; so that in
case the state of Massachusetts should take any
bold step towards resisting le execution of these
laws, it is highly probable that i, may calculate
upon the hearty cooperation of the people of YER
mont.
q learn that the governor of this state is
now visiting the towns in the northern section of
it; and makes no secret of his determination,
as commander in chief of the militia, to refuse
obedience to amy command from the general
government which can tend interrupt the good
understanding that prevails between the cit
liens of Vermont and his mnjcstys subjects in
Cnnadaef1! II is further minated, that in case
of war, he will use his influence to preserve the
state neutral and resis, with all the force he
can command, any attempt to make it party.
need not add that if these resolutions are car
rcd into effect, ,CJfSlhc state of Vermont may BE-
considered as an ally of Great Britain.
There is every reason to hope, lhailrJnlhc
northern states in their distinct capacity viii unite
and resist by force war with Great Britain
In what mode this resistance will first show it.
self, Is probably not yet determined upon and
may in some measure depend upon the reliance
that the leading men may place upon assurances
of support from his maiesy's representatives in
Canada and as shall be on the spo, to tender
this whenever the moment arrives hal, can be
done with clect--lhcre is no doubt lmt;r- Pail
their measures may be made subordinate 10 the in
tcnlions of his maiesiy's government 1; Great
pains are taken by the men of talents and nc'Ii-
gencc to lI}Dconirm the fears of the common
people, as To the concurrcncy oflhc southern dem
ocrats in the projects of France and every thing
tends TO encourage the belief, that the DIssoLU-
TON OF THE CoNFEDERACY will be acceera-
ted by that spirit which now actualcs both poIiti-
cal parties. ! am &c. b. A.
EXTRACT FROM LETTER No. VII
Uindsor, Permopi, Ftb. 10, 1909.
Sir-My last was written at BurIingon the prn-
rlpal town in the northern part of the state of YER
mont am now at the principal town in the east
ern section.
The federal party declare tina, in the event Of II
war, Il ohe state of Vermont will treat separate
~ for itsef with Great Britain and support, 10
the utmost, the s'ipulaiions into which il may en-
ter, without any regard 10 the policy of the general
government Should the state of Vermont con-
tinuc to be represented MS il is at present. it would
in al. probability unite with the neighborng states,
in any serious plan of resistance to war, which it
might be cspcdcnt to adopt-'rhis think is the
safer opinion ioryo to rely ON; iindeed reliance
ought to be placed on any measure depending upon
the will of the rabble, wich is ever changing, and
must ever be marked with ignorance caprice, and
INCONSISTENCY" am, &c. A. b..
EXTRACT FROM LETTER No. X.
Boston .Mdrch6, 1909.
Sir have now ascerianed with much accn-
racy as possible the course intended 10 he pursued
by the measures and politics of the administration
oflhc general government
i have already given decided opinion that u
declaration ofwar is not to be expected but con-
trary to all reasonable calculation, should congress
possess spirit and independence enough to place
their popularity in jeopardy by so strong meas
ure, TIE LEGISLATURE OF MASSACIIU-
SETS WILL. GIVE THE TONE TO TIE
NEIGIIBORING STATES WILL DECLARE
ITSELF PERMANENT UNTIL A NEW ELEC-
! TlON OF MEMBERS INVITE A CONGRESS-
To BE COMPOSED or DELEGATES FROM
THE FEDERAL STATES, AND ERECT A
SEPARATE GOVERNMENT FOR THEIR COM
MON INTEREST," A.. b.
EXTRACT FROM No. XIII
Boston, .Nprrh 20 1909.
am fully persuaded that the farce which ha.
been acting at Washington will terminate in full
proof Of the imbecy and spiritless temper of the
actors. war attempted without the concurrence
ofboih parties, and the general consent of the north
ern atates, which constitute the bone and muscle
of the country, must commence without hope. and
end in disgrace. rr SHOULD, THEREFORE,
BE THE PECULIAR CARE OF GREAT BRIT
| AIN TO FOSTER DIVISIONS BETWEEN TJIE
NORTH AND SOUTH and by succeeding in
this she may carry into effect her own projects il
Europe, with total disregard TO the resentment
of the democrats of this country.
! am &c. A. b.
EXTRACT FROM No. XIV.