Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1845-11-25

the question is asked too often by far, what is 10
be The course OF England and Franco
The principles of the illusrious Washington,
expressed in his letter to Patrick Henry, Of the
date OF the 9th of October, l795, in which he in
vited him 10 accept Of the office OF Secretary OF
State, should be familiar TO every American cili-
Zen. The original is now before me by The favor
OF friend, and from il | extract ne following,
ilalicising The words undcrscored ~ the original
autograph letter:
81 can most religiousy aver, have no wish
which is incompatible with the dignity, happiness
and true interest OF The people OF this county
My ardent desire is, and my aim has BEEN Gas
far as has depended upon the Executive Depart
menD 10 comply strictly with all our engage
ments, foreign and domestic; but 10 keep the u.
States free from political connexions with erery
other country-to see them independent of all, and
under The influence OF n0ne. In word, want
an American character, that the powers Of Eu-
rope may be convinced we aci Tor cuIselrcs and
moi for Others This, in my judgment, is The only
way 10 be respected abroad and happy at home;
and not by becoming the partzens Of Great Bri-
tain or France, create dissensions. disturb the
public tranquility, and dissolve, perhaps forever,
the cement which binds the Union.
II am satisfied that these sentiments cannot be
otherwise than congenial 10 your own-your aid,
therefore, in carrying them into effect, would be
fialtering and pleasingto
"Dear Sir,
'Your most obedt and
Every humble servant
&c. WASHINGTON"
"Patrick Henry, Esq"
And further let me here introduce paragraph
from a letter OF one OF the most distinguished and
eloquent statesmen of America, Fisher Ames OF
old Massachusetts. have been fortunate to light
my eye on this autograph letter Of Mr. Ames,
written 10 Alexander While, OF Winchester, Vir-
gina, a member of the Old Congress, dated May
"a, 1894, and never before published. After free
ly and fully discussing the state Of the nation, he
proceeds 10 say
"We have STILL however, TOO much Of them, (al-
luding 10 foreign inlerference) Great Britain
has conducted herself in manner not 10 be
borne, and confidence in the French ought 10 have
its limits. would not offend any of them by
needessly showing distrusl, but would not ha-
card America by really laying il aside. Let them
all keep al cirli distance"
The great and wise principles here laid down,
should never be abandoned. The Father OF his
Country wished 10 establish an Amozcan charac-
fer-that we should act for ourselves, and not for
Others and not only make the sentiment known
but maintain il before the world. Our nation
al movement - onward. uOSe IL Huulc VIII
are in the habit Of predicting The dissolution OF our
Union, may have believers abroad, out they have
no proselyles al home.
There are some, who, for peculiar considera-
lions, desire the abandonment of our claim 10
Oregon, and speak of a separate Republic.
humbly conceive that they will have but few 10
Join their standard; either ready 10 parcel out our
territory 10 foreign power, or counenance The
establishment Of an Independent sovereignty on
its soil The strength and durability OF the ma
lion is in The magnitude Of its surface. Tempo
rary exclements in one section are spent almost
before known al the extremies.
In expressing the opinion, that The title OF The
United States is good 10 the entire OF Oregon,
and the hope that the nation will never abandon
its claim, would not be considered as entertain.
ing The desire that il should act precpitalely; but
with dignity and courage, which avoids all ex-
lremes. Very respectfully,
WILLIAM COST JOHNSON.
believe the Commissioner made q Subsequent re-