Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-08-21
EREsTlNG RELIC.

INTERESTING RELIC.
A friend in Caroline sends us The original
MSS. Of an old Circular of Edmund Pendleton TO
his constituents, Of which the following is copy
Though written sevenly-wo years ago, The MSS
is as bright and distinct as ever, and The
penmanshp exquisilely beautiful. This docu-
ment is particularly valuable, as il was written
Two wears before the Rcvoution-as il has refer
ence 10 The destruction OF the Tea al Boston and
the meeting of the Continental Congress, and
shows the patriotic and undauned Steps taken by
our ancestors in preparation for that glorious
event Can any American study The fearless and
sell sacrificing spirit, which animated the en-
lah,ened and viruous author Of this paper and
his brave compee.s, ard no! resolve 10 make new
exerlions 10 preserve in all their purify the sloTi-
Gus fruits of The Revolulion7 Such patriotic sa.
cf6ces can never again be equalled. Let the pre-
sen, age initiate them as closely as possible:
To The Respectable Free-Holders Of Caroline
County.
Gentlemen: In order 10 execute the commands
YOU bonored me with, | met The Delegates from
other counties at Williamsburg on the first of
prevented from attending b. The sickness OF him
self and family, but am authorised by him 10
saw. he highly approves 81 what was done. In
considering The present most dangerous and
alarming stale oil American affairs, new papers
came 10 Our knowledge, strongly confirming our
suspcions OF tie fixed intention vi the British
Parliament 10 establish their right OF taxing
America which would leave US the most ahlect
slaves, holding our lives and properties al the
will of others, unconnected with US by those
strong ties oil being chosen by and accountable to
us. united with us in one common interest, and
bearing themselves share Of any burthen they
impose.
The heavy hand OF Power lifted upby PaTlia-
nent against our brethren of Boston, had none
ether provoca.on than their having made no.
die stand against This destructive plan, by destroy
ing tea which they could not Otherwise GET rid q,
Tic use of il, aud submission 10 The tax, or iur-
nl>h preience for hostile proceedings against
them.
formerly though. those brave people wrong
in dtslIoying The lea, but an acquaintance win
he whole subject has induced me 10 change my
opnion;-for, considering that the East India
Company, who lad a monopoly OF The trade
from the Eas,to Britain, in exclusion OF all Other
subjects, were restrained by their constitution
from vending lea in America, being forced 10 sell
their commodities al public sale in Britain, mat
other merchants might reap proht from retail,
ing Them al other markels;-Ihat they procured
an act Of Parliament for the very purpose oil
sending this tea;-ihai they were enreaed by The
American agents 10 for5ear, and yet persisted IN
sending il :-These things, together with The Sc
we're acts Of Parliament against Boston which 50
rap!Giy followed the destruction Cf the lea, leave
no room 10 Gaub; bot The plan was preconcerteG
between the vi inslry and the Company, IL force
submission 10 The taX; and, in that view, the de-
s,royine OF The tea was no, only UNSUITABLE but
m riloriouS act. The Inhabitants of Boston,
therefore, are suffering in The common cause Of
all America If left 10 struggle alone, they may
fall, and the other colonies, one after another;
whereas their united wisdom and efforts may
save The whole collect which, we Judge il es
seniaI that Congress Of Representatives from
all should meet al Philadelphia, and have ap-
pointed seven deputies on the part OF this colony
10 act therein. Their appointment. and general
institutions will he laid before you, and hope
meet YOUR appreciation
Great numbers Of merchants, manufacturers
and others in Britain, being deeply interested in
The American trade, in order 10 stimulate their
endeavors with their Parliament TO procure Us
redress. we Judged il would be Of the greatest
utility to stop all imports from Britain after The
mend this measure 10 you with that energy which
your most inn ouant concerns require. Some in
convenences you will no doubt be subject 10, but
they are temporary and small, when compared
with the great question, whether we shall be free
men or slaves; TO obtain favorable delermina-
ton of which, we ought TO make much greater
sacrifices, if necessary.
The stopping Of our exports, a necessary part
OF The same plan. could not be adopted al so early
a period without Justice 10 our British creditors,
and great iuiury To the tobacco planters. II is,
heFefoie, postponed 10 the ION # Augnsl next, 10
aiin,d an opportunity Of dispo>iug of,he g'owine
crops. Il will he cur true interest hereafter 10
cultivate grain and such articles rs will make
The basis Of manufactures The association will
he laid before you, and as unanimy alone will
secure lis success, ii will give me pleasure TO see
il signed hY every man IN Inc county.
These measures, il is strongly hoped, may re-
lieve Boston and all America from their present
distress and dreadful apprehensions, but as their
operation cannot be immediate, and the poorer
inhabitants OF Boston, whose bread depended on
their daily labor, now stopped, may IN The mean
time, il not relieved, be starved into compliance:
SOUND POLICY, as well las CHARITY, Gallon
us 10 assis, them. A subscription for this purpose
will now be offered you with the alternative OF
grain or money. | will not presume 10 say how
much ought 10 he done by any. Lei every mans
ability and the feelings OF his own heart Tor
brethren in distress, be his guide on The occasion.
Finally LAYING aside all contentious among
ourselves, lie, Us cordially unite in the practice OF
irugalily, industry, and every vrlne on this great
occasion. Particularly as there appears 10 be
suspension Of The Courts OF Justice, lei Us be-
come law TO ourselves, and pay our just debts
10 The utmost of our abilities. | would have
waited on you, but am preparing Tor my journey
to the Congress
lam with great respect, gentlemen,
Your affeclionale and faithful servant,
EDMUND PENDLETON.