Sidebilder
PDF
ePub

first in the army, was within 14 miles of the scene of night. He immediately communicated this aform action, when he heard of the defeat, and 300 regu-tion to gen. Winchester, and begged of him to order lar troops were also on their way. I remained at the the cartridges to be distributed among the men, de Rapids with one régiment only. In justice to gene-encampment to be formed in line of battle, and eve ral Winchester, I must observe, that I have under-ry preparation immediately taken to fortify it; but stood that the measure (marching the detachment to unfortunately the general could not admit the neces the river Raisin) was forced upon him by his officers; sity of these measures, and spoke contemptuously but, whatever may have been the cause, and however of an attack from the Indians, who had been routed great the calamity, both as it regards the nation and only a few days before. At this time the general was individuals, it is certainly not irreparable. By the quartered three fourths of a mile from the camp, unanimous advice of the general and field officers, I and most of the other officers at other houses along took this position yesterday, for the purpose of forc-the river. Col. Wells could not prevail upon his exing a junction with the troops in the rear, and to cellency to take any of these precautionary mea cover the very valuable convoy of artillery and stores sures, and being alarmed for the exposed situation that are coming from Upper Sandusky. Unless the of the camp, he immediately returned with all pos. weather is very unfavorable, I shall be at the Ra-sible speed, accompanied by capt. Langham, to the pids again in four or five days, and shall certainly Rapids, for a reinforcement, and meeting a detachr give the enemy an opportunity of measuring their ment previously dispatched by gen. Harrison, bad strength with us in another contest. For myself I re urned to within a few miles of the River Raisin, feel no doubt as to the result, and if I can judge of when the news of the defeat of Winchester reached the disposition of the troops, from the manner in them. It is also said that when the attack commencwhich they received an address from me yesterday, ed, gen. Winchester ordered a retreat; but from the a desire of avenging their lost companions and re- utter confusion which prevailed, this could not be trieving their country's disgrace is the predominant passion that occupies their minds.

I know not what proportion the prisoners of gen. Winchester's late troops bear to the killed; some of the French who have come in, report the latter at 500 and others at 800. The detachment amounted to near 1000.

I am, with much regard, dear sir, your humble servant, WM. H. HARRISON.

His excellency governor Meigs.

[The following is an extract of the letter alluded to in the commencement of the above letter of gen. Harrison. It was dated Lower Sandusky, January 19, 1813.]

MORE PARTICULARS

"DEAR SIR-I inclose you a hand-bill, containing our latest news from the army-an account of a most dreadful disaster to our arms; a disaster unprece dented in the annals of the present war, and enough| to appal the stoutest heart!

effected, and he then told them to take care every man for himself, and attempted to make his own escape on horse back, but was overtaken before he had gone a mile, by the Indians, and killed and scalped. His body was cut open and mangled in a shocking manner, and one of his hands cut off. Accounts further state, that capt. Hart,* of the Kentucky volunteers, had his men immediately formed in line of battle; and, with some others who fell into his line, was left making a gallant stand against the enemy; and, it is hoped, he has been able to obtain from them terms of capitulation.

Carrying river, the place to which gen. Harrison has fallen back, and which is his present head-quar "Gen. Winchester has been at the Rapids since the ters, is 18 miles this side the Rapids, and 52 beyond 10th-he has pushed a detachment to the river Rai- Fort M'Arthur. From Lower Sandusky to the Ha sin. I have not learned the precise object. I shall pids is about 40 miles, from thence to River Raisin, set out this morning, and reach his camp this night. 34-from thence to Fort Malden 18. The late enI have strong fears that colonels Lewis and Allen campment of the troops at the River Raisin was about may be overpowered." three miles from the lake. Upon the requisition of gen. Harrison, gov. Meigs In a letter to the editor of the REGISTER, from a gen-has called out two regiments of Ohio militia, to ren tleman of great respectability; which letter also dezvous at Pranklinton, on the 10th inst. to fill the enclosed the preceeding information, and has re- ranks in place of those whose time of service will ference thereto : then expire. Other and larger drafts will no doubt CHILICOTHE, 31 Feb. 1813. be speedily made to reinforce the army. Gen. Hurri son, it appears, is, notwithstanding the disastrous fate of Winchester, determined to prosecute the campaign vigorously, and with as little delay as possible. There can be no doubt but that the fall of Winches ter was owing to his imprudence in remaining with We have several accounts of particulars, in addi-so small a force m an exposed situation.only 18 miles tion to what is contained in the inclosed, which, from the enemy's "strong hold," from which they from the source they are derived, may, I expect, could march to his camp, on the ice, in four hours, be relied upon as nearly correct. Gen. Harrison was The procedure was altogether subversive of gen. at Lower Sandusdy when he received information of Harrison's plans, and contrary to his arrangements, the detachment having been sent to the River Rai-which were known to Winchester. But it is painful ein by gen. Winchester. He dispatched a letter to to dwell on so distressing a subject, the bare recol gov. Meigs on the 19th ult. soon after, expressing his lection of which, will, even many years hence, awak fears for its fate, and immediately set out for gen. Jen a latent pang in the sympathetic breast." Winchester's camp, accompanied by his staff, where In addition, we learn from other sources, which, the same day, marched with 250 men to the River however, we do not consider so responsible as the Raisin to reinforce col. Lewis,and take the command. Preceding, that only 700 men were killed, wounded The next morning gen. Harrison dispatched a batta-and missing; that general Winchester's hand, chaplion from gen. Perkins' brigade, which was at the ed off, was thrust into a wound it his body; that napids, as an additional reinforcement to Winches-the enemy's force consisted of about 200 British to

he arrived late in the evening. Gen. Winchester had,

ter.

We are further informed that on the evening

before the defeat, col. Wells, of the U. S. regulars, Capt. Hart had a company of about 100 young men' who was at the River Raisin with the advanced de-the flower of Lexington and its vicinity-and was taclament, learned from some of the French inhabi-imself one of best men that ever lived." He is the tants that the enemy would attack the camp that brother-in-law of Mr. Speaker Henry Cloy.

manage the artillery, (6 pieces) and 2000 allies; The enemy's squadron have made several captures, but we have that colonels Lewis and Allen were among the slain. not heard of any valuable vessels being taken by them. It appears the present design of this squadron to blockade the All accounts agree in the the great confusion that Chesapeake in the most rigorous manner. The ship Emily, from prevailed from the loose manner in which the de-Baltimore, with flour and a British license, for Lisbon, was turned back, with the following endorsement on her register, “I hereby achment was encamped, being confident in securi-certify that the bay and harbors in the Chesapeake were yesterday ty. For the next publication, we expect many in-put under a strict and rigorous blockade, J. B. Warren, admuat teresting details, which as usual, as well for pre-of this paper, but we presume sir John made the writing on the of the Blue, commander in chief." There is no date to the copy ent information, as future reference, shall be carefully laid before our readers.

In consequence of the manœuvres of the British feet in the Chesapeake, (see naval department) the legislature of Virginia made an immediate appropriation to meet the expences, and several volunteer companies of cavalry, riflemen and infantry, immediately proceeded from Richmond and its vicinity, to Norfolk, accompanied by some of the United States regulars. The governor has gone to Norfolk to take the command in person. Only one spirit was found among the people on this interesting occasion.

sth inst. Some suppose this is done in expectation of a Frenca fleet,and to prevent notice being given them. Some believe it a flour speculation in favor of the British agents, sending that commodity to Spain auP ortugal, and flour on the news of it fell in Baltimane two dollars a barrel. And others think that the knight is really de signing to do something.

American Prizes.

WEEKLY LIST-CONTINUED FROM PAGE 366. "The winds and seas are Britain's wide domain, "And not a sail, but by permission, spreads!” British Naval Register. 335. The British king's packet Townsend, 9 guns and 28 men, besides several assisting passengers From the 20th to the 27th of January, 58 persons taken by the Tom of Baltimore, after a hard fight, reported themselves to captain Forsyth commanding in which 7 or 8 were killed and wounded on board at Ogdensburg, as deserters from the British. the packet-none hurt in the Tom. The Townsend New-York, Feb. 5.-About three hundred of the being torn almost to pieces, was ransomed for £1200 United States' troops have left the camp at Green-sterling. The captain of the packet speaks in the bush in sleighs for Sackett's harbor, in consequence most honorable terms of the conduct of capt. Wilson of information having been received that the British and the crew of the Tom, as well during the fight as were preparing to make a descent upon that place for their gentlemanly behaviour after it was ended. for the purpose of destroying the flotilla there.

We are informed, (says the Baltimore Whig) that general Armstrong intends joining the army of the centre, in order to promote the enterprize of the troops by his presence; his son a youth of about 20 years of age, was in the affair of Queenstown; he headed a company of 36 men, 14 of whom were killed and 16 wounded, he received four wounds, one with a musket ball and three with buck-sot.

From the London Pilot of November 28. PORTSMOUTH, NOV. 27.-"Passed by last evening, from Quebec bound to Londen, the ships sir George Prevost and Eurotta. The latter, it is said, has rivr HUNDRED AMERICAN SCALPS on board!"

NAVAL

336. The British king's packet Nocton, from Rie Janeiro for London, with $70,000 in specie on board, captured by the U. S. frigate Essex, near the equa tor The packet has been retaken and sent inte Bermuda-but the cash is on board the Essex.

337. Brig Barrosa, 6 guns, from Cork, with an assorted cargo-a prize to the Rolla of Baltimore has arrived at Martha's Vineyard. The Barrosa is valued at £40,000 sterling.

338. Brig Recovery, a prize to the U. S. brig Argus, has arrived at New Bedford. We have no particulars.

339 Schooner Mary, with an assorted cargo, from Porto Rico for St. Jago de Cuba, sent into Charleston, by the Eagle of that port.

The United States schooner Nonsuch (lately a pri340. Brig Peggy, of Barbadoes, from St. John's, vateer from Baltimore, and a very warm and valua-Newfoundland, for St. Lucia, taken from under the ble vessel) under the coinmand of lieut. Mork, sailed convoy of two British sloops of war, by the Hunter from Charleston, on a cruize, on the 25th ult. privateer and sent into Boston. It is expected that Admiral Cockburne, in the Mariborough 74, sail-some others of the figet were taken, for the privateer ed from Cadiz on the 25th Nov. for the American was wonderfully impudent in playing round and about them. The Peggy is one of the many Ame rican vessels that the British peaceably captured be fore the declaration of war.

station.

We learn that the Wasp and Frolie are fitting for sea at Bermuda; and a letter from that place says a new admiral has arrived on the station, and that the present British force consists of 12 ships of the line, 20 frigates, besides sloops of war, brigs, &c.

341. Ship of 500 tons, 8 guns, coppered, laden with coal, plantation utensils, &c. from Bristol, (Eng.) for the West Indies, sent into New-London by the Growler privateer.

342. Brig Andalusia of 250 tons, 10 guns,captured on the coast of Africa by the Yankee privateer, and sent into Savannah. The Brig had 90 slaves on board, who were landed on that coast.

The citizens of Norfolk have been expecting a visit from the British squadron, consisting of two 74's, three frigates, a brig and a schooner, commanded by admiral Warrené A person lately ar ved at that place from Bermuda, has deposed "that these vessels had taken on board, bombs and shells, as he understood, for an attack upon Nortolk," and his testimony is credited there. The squa dron at our last accounts from them was in the bay and had been in and out several times. The very valuable schooner Kemp from 343, 344. A schooner and sloop, taken on the coast France, passed it a few nights ago, at anchor on the Horse shoe, so. close as to hear the sentinels; but was not discovered. At the of Africa, by the Yankee privateer, and released, tale they were coming up, the U. S. frigate Constellation was an- after dispossessing them of four hundred and fifty-two chored in Hampton Roads, and was supposed to be one of their ounces of gold dust. chi f chjects-the tide was cbb, and she was fast aground on Willoughby spit. But the flood made and the ship was afloat before the enemy appeared. She was immediately brought up the river, and moored between the forts. The troops were all at their quarters-the 54th regiment of Virginia militia was mustered and muinerously attended; the gun-boats placed in the most eligible situations: and all possible things done to make the expected contest as hurt- Thursday, February 4--The house having resolves ful to the foe as they conid. The militia of Hampton also seized itself into a committee of the whole, was employed their arms, and but one spirit was manifest in the whole people in discussing the bill reported by the committee of Two distinguished citizens of Norfolk have been deputed to make| the proper representations to the general and state governments. foreign relations respecting seamen.

San Domingo 74, admiral Warren; Dragon 74, capt. Collier: Statira 38, Stackpole; Juron 38, Saunders; Maidstone 36, Burdett-Sophia brig and Syren schooner. The Belvidera of 38,1 and Laurisuurus of 24, lurve since joined.

Proceedings of Congress.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Friday, February 5-On motion of Mr. McKim, Resolved, That the committee on naval affairs be Tinstructed to enquire in the expediency of relin

Tuishing, in favor of the officers and crew's of the taken in striking out the remainder of the section public armed vessels of the United States a greater and carried-yeas 84, nays 37.

portion of the value of prizes, than they are now by Mr. Pitkin then offered an amendment to be first Fow entitled to. And also to enquire into the expe- section, which goes to the exclusion, of foreigners, diency of providing further encouragement to equip-natives of the British kingdoms, during the war, ping and employing private armed vessels of war Wednesday, Feb. 10-A letter was received from against the ships and commerce of the enemy, and the secretary at war inclosing a list of contracts for that the committee have leave to report by bill or furnishing rations, &c. otherwise.

The house then went into committee of the whole on the bill respecting seamen, as yesterday.

Mr. Desha spoke against the bill; and Messrs. King, Rhea and Pickens in favor of it.

After spending a little time on Mr. Pitkin's proposition, without a decision a convention with the senate was formed to count the votes for a president and vice-president of the United States, for 4 years from the 4th of March next, when it appeared that Saturday, February 6.—Mr. Cheves from the com- James Madison had 128 votes and De Wit Clinton 89 mittee of ways and means, in pursuance of the in-votes for president-majority 39 and Mr. Gerry structions of the house, reported a bill to remit the had 131 votes, and Mr. Ingersol 86 votes for viceclaims of the United States in certain goods, wares president-majority 45. And the president of the and merchandize, captured by the private armed senate proclaimed accordingly. vessels of the United States-Twice read and committed.

Mr. Bassett, from the naval committee, reported a bill supplementary to the act for increasing the nary of the United States.

[The bill proposes to authorize the building of six sloops of war, and four others for the lake service, and to put out of commission, after the completion of these vessels, such of the gun-boats, as the public service may not require.]

The bill was twice read and committed.

THE CHRONICLE.

We have the 29th bulletin of grand [French] army, dated at Moldeschenow (about 25 leagues from Wilna) Dec. 3. It details at great length, the operations of the troops in returning from Ruk sia, into winter quarters, as they have it. Indeed it was apparently impossible to sustain so great an army the present season in such an inliospitable climate as that of Russia, the country being ruined and treat, all things considered, if the various accounts of his difficulties destroyed, as it was, by the Russians themselves. Bonaparte's re are to be credited, is as much to his honor, as a military man, 25 any other thing he ever accomplished. The bulletin plainly points out some of those difficulties; as, for instance, it adimits they lost 30,000 horses by the cold; assisted, no doubt, by the want of forage. Exclusion of foreign seamen. The cavalry was so completely dismounted that the officers could The house again resolved itself into a committee scarcely form four companies, of 150 men each, in which generals did the duties of captains, and the colonels those of sub-officers.of the whole, Mr. Bassett in the chair, on the bill Hence, it must necessarily be supposed that the loss of artillery, regulating the employment of foreign seamen in the baggage, &c. was immense, and that the distresses of the wounded armed vessels and in the merchant service of the were dreadfully severe. The army was constantly barrassed by the Russian forces, chiefly by ambuscades of Cossacks, who picked up United States. many stragglers and kept the whole line in perpetual alarm and Mr. Ridgely made a speech of some length ex-anxiety. The loss of men during the campaign is not stated, but plaining his ideas on this subject, and concluded of the army was safe; and, by the liberal supplies received, enabled it must have been very great. It would appear that the remainder with moving an amendment, the object of which to act on the offensive, if need should so require. Large supplict was, to provide that no person not a native should of provisions and stores reached it from Wilna, 20,000 horses were collected-the artillery had repaired its losses, and all things wete be employed in the service of the United States, resuming their customary aspect. until the period of probation of five years, required by our laws, should have been completed.

Mr. Bibb having remarked that this amendment only went to explain a provision of the bill not now. Berhaps sufficiently clear

The French papers say that the plan of the Russians to prevent the army from reaching its winter quarters was profomadly con ceived; and attribute its defeat to the superior genius of the empe ror only.

It appears that some of the attacks of the Russians were of the most furious nature. Their success was various; but every attack had a common effect in adding to the distresses of the French. The It was adopted without a division. whole country round Moscow, and for many leagues adjacent to The most important amendment made to the bill, the march of the army, is now a desert; every thing that could possi bly administer to the comfort of the French being destroyed by the was the agreement of the committee to a motion Russian forces, at an immense sacrifice of lives and property of their made by Mr. Robertson, to strike out the eighth sec-own people. A Paris paper says, that 120,000 men to reinforce tion of the bill, which our readers will recollect pro-quires, if in the desert country the Russians will be able to sustain the grand army, had reached the Nieman; and very naturally en rides that the bill shall not have effect except as to themselves,with a view of acting against the French in winter quaithe seamen of such nation as shall have made ters. reciprocal arrangements as to the seamen of the United

States.

[blocks in formation]

The house forthwith adjourned.

As usual, the British printers have killed Bonaparte several times during this campaign-but the bulletin represents him as being in full health; it is the latest accounts we have of him. Great parations for the spring campaign had already commened. A rul

we fear that Alexander, the only prince in Europe that we have the least regard for, totters on his throne, through his alliance with our

enemy.

that the army was in a good condition at Wilne, with an abundance

of all sorts of supplies.

Monday, Feb. 8.-After some business of but lit-turned to that city on the 18th, and was received with the thunder Later-We have Paris dates to the 20th Dec. The emperor retle importance was disposed, the house received a of cannon, and great demonstrations of joy. It also would appeas confidential message from the senate, and the doors were closed. When the doors were opened a resolution was received from the senate for appointing a Joint committee to ascertain and report a mode of examining the votes for president and vice-president of the United States, and of notifying the persons elected of their election.

The said resolution was concurred in by this house; and the house then adjourned.

Perpetual motion-Charles Recheffer requests the public to sus peod their opinion on the report of the committee appointed by the legislature of Pennsylvania, to examine his machine, as he is preparing a publication on the subject, in which he pledges himself to prove, from incontestible facts, that his machine is no imposition nor himself an impostor, as they have taken upon themselves to pro

nounce him.

Rufus King, esq. has been appointed a senator of the United States for six years, in the place of John Saith, esq, whose puigd of service expires on the 4th of March nest. The votes WereTuesday, Feb. 9.-After other business, the confor Mr. King, 68-and for Mr. Wilkins (rep.) 61--blank ballots, 3. Joyful intelligence. We learn that the time of liberty has bests sideration of the bill relating to seamen was resum-rekindled in the provinces of Caraces, and trust in heaven the re ed. A motion was made to strike out the first clause public of Fenezuela may yet be established. The patriots are in great force in the neighliochood of St. Martha, from whence 25 of the 8th section, from the beginning of the same vessels had sailed with the flying royalists. to the words "United States," (see page 362) and negatived, 56 yeas, 69 nays. The question was the

of Massachusetts in favor of balding a ship of the line, will not It is understood the report of the joint committee of the legislature prevail in the house of representatives..

No. 25 OF VOL. III.]

BALTIMORE, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1813.

[WHOLE NO. 77.

Hæc olim meminisse juvabit-VIRGIL

Printed and published by H. NILES, South-st. next door to the Merchants' Coffee House, at $5 per annum. lished by H.

George Washington,

TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, ANNOUNCING
HIS INTENTION OF RETIRING FROM PUBLIC SERVICE.*
Friends and Fellow-Citizens,

I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external as well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty, or propriety; and am persuaded whatever partiality may be retained for my services, that in the present The period for a new election of a citizen to circumstances of our country, you will not disapadminister the executive government of the United prove my determination to retire.

States, being not far distant, and the time actually The impressions with which I first undertook thre arrived, when your thoughts must be employed in arduous trust, were explained on the propor occadesignating the person who is to be clothed with sion. In the discharge of this trust, I will only say, that important trust, it appears to me proper, espe- that I have with good intentions, contributed to cially as it may conduce to a more distinct expres-wards the organization and administration of the sion of the public voice, that I should now apprise government, the best exertions of which a very you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious, considered among the number of those out of when in the outset, of the inferiority of my qualifications, a choice is to be made. experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the

with both.

I beg you at the same time to do me the justice eyes of others, has strengthened the motives to to be assured, that the resolution has not been taken diffidence of myself: and every day the increasing without a strict regard to all the considerations weight of years admonishes me more and more, that appertaining to the relation, which binds a dutiful the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it citizen to his country; and that, in withdrawing will be welcome. Satisfied that if any circumstances the tender of service which silence in my situation have given peculiar value to my services, they were might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of temporary, I have the consolation to believe, that zeal for your future interest; no deficiency of grate-while choice and prudence invite me to quit the ful respect for your past kindness: but am support-political scene, patriotism does not forbid it. ed by a full conviction that the step is compatible In looking forward to the moment, which is intended to terminate the career of my public life, my The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acthe office which your suffrages have twice called knowledgment of that debt of gratitude which f me, have been an uniform sacrifice of inclination to owe to my country, for the many honors it has conthe opinion of duty, and to a deference for what apferred upon me, still more for the steadfast confipeared to be your desire. I constantly hoped, that dence with which it has supported me; and for the it would have been much earlier in my power, con-opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting sistently with motives which I was not at liberty to my inviolable attachment, by services faithful and disregard, to return to that retirement from which persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my I had been reluctantly drawn. The strength of my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from inclination to do this, previous to the last election, these services, let it always be remembered to your had even led to the preparation of an address to de-praise, as an instructive example in our annals, that clare it to you; but mature reflection on the then under circumstances in which the passions, agitated perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with in every direction, were liable to mislead, amidst foreign nations, and the unanimous advice of per-appearances sometimes dubicus-vicissitudes of forsons entitled to my confidence, impelled me to aban-tune often discouraging-in situations in which not ddon the idea. unfrequently want of success has countenanced the The precepts of WASHINGTON, in his farewel spirit of criticism-the constancy of your support address to the American people, will always claim was the essential prop of the efforts, and a guaran unqualified attention; but in these times of diffi- tee of the plans by which they were effected. Proculty should be listened to with peculiar reverence. foundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it to His sagacity foresaw that our "external and internal my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows enemies" would attempt, to weaken the ligaments that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of the CONSTITUTION; he beheld, in prospective, of its beneficence, that your union and brotherly the very things that are now passing in our country affection may be perpetual-that the free constitu to excite jealousies, to paralise the hands of the tion, which is the work of your hands, may be sagovernment, and effect the infernal object of a se-credly maintained-that its administration in every veration of the states--and he cautioned us in the department, may be stampt with wisdom and virtue most solemn manner, to "frown indignantly upon that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these the first dawnings" of such designs. Little did he states, under the auspices of liberty, may be made think that his name would become a cloak for the complete, by so careful a preservation, and so pruvery doctrines he so much abhorred. lent a use of this blessing as will acquire to them The present period is peculiarly happy for the in-the glory of recommending it to the applanse, the troduction of this inestimable paper. A season of affection and adoption of every nation which is yet grateful recollection, the anniversary of his birth-a stranger to it. day, is at hand (Feb. 22)--and in honor thereof, and

Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solicitude as well for the real value of the address, as to shew for your welfare, which cannot end but with my the base hypocricy of too many that pretend to love life, and the apprehension of danger, natural to that his precepts, we now insert it solicitude, urge me on an occasion like the present,

VOL. III.

Z

to offer to your solemn contemplation, and to recom- al navigation, it looks forward to the protection of 2 mend to your frequent review, some sentiments maritime strength, to which itself is unequally adaptwhich are the result of much reflection, and of no, ed. The East, ma like intercourse with the West, inconsiderable observation, and which appear to me aheady finds, and in the progressive improver ent all-important to the permanency of your felicity as of interior communications by land and water, will a people. These will be offered to you with the more and more find a valuable vent for the commodimore freedom, as you can only see in them the dis-ties which it brings from abroad or manufactures at interested warnings of a parting friend, who can home. The West derives from the East supplies possibly have no personal motive to bias his coun-requisite to its growth and comfort-and what is şel. Nor can I forget, as an encouragement to it, perhaps of still greater consequence, it must of ne your indulgent reception of my sentiments on a cessity owe the secure enjoyment of indispensible former and not dissimilar occasion. outlets for its own product.ons to the weight, infu

Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ence, and the future maritime strength of the At ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of lantic side of the union, directed by an indissoluble mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attach-community of interest as one nation. Any other tenure by which the West can hold this essential ad

ment.

The unity of government, which constitutes you Vantage, whether derived from its own separate one people, is also now dear to you. It is justly so; strength, or from an apostate and unnatural connecfor it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real in-tion with any foreign power, must be intrinsically dependence, the support of your tranquility at precarious.

home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your While then every part of our country thus feels prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly an immediate and particular interest in union, all prize. But as it is easy to foresee, that from differ- the parts combined cannot fail to find in the united ent causes and different quarters much pains will mass of means and efforts greater strength, greater be taken, many artifices employed to weaken in your resource, proportionably greater security from ex inds the conviction of this truth; as this is the ternal danger, a less frequent interruption of their point in your political fortress against which the bat-peace by foreign nations; and what is of inestimateries of internal and external enemies will be most ble value! they must derive from union an exemp Constantly, (though often covertly and insidiously)|tion from those broils and wars between themselves, directed, it is of infinite moment that you should which so frequently afflict neighbouring countries, properly estimate the immense value of your nation-not tied together by the sanie government; which al union to your collective and individual happiness; their own rivalships alone would be sufficient to pro that you should cherish a cordial, habitual and im-duce, but which opposite foreign alliance, attachmoveable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves ments, and intrigues, would stimulate and embitter. to think and speak of it as the Palladium of your Hence likewise they will avoid the necessity of those political safety and prosperity; watching for its pre-overgrown military establishments, which under any servation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing form of government are inauspicious to liberty, and whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can which are to be regarded as particularly hostile to in any event be abandoned; and indignantly frown- republican liberty: In this sense it is, that your ing upon the first dawning of every attempt to alien-union ought to be considered as a main prop of your ate any portion of our country from the rest, or to liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear enfex ble the sacred ties which now link together the to you the preservation of the other. various parts. For this you have every inducement of sympathy to every reflecting and virtuous mind, and exhibit These considerations speak a persuasive language and interest. Citizens by birth or choice, of a com-the continuance of the union as a primary object of mon country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of AMERICAN, which be patriotic desire. Is there a doubt, whether a comlongs to you, in your national capacity, must always Let experience solve it. To listen to mere speculamon government can embrace so large a sphere?exalt the just pride of patriotism, more than any tion in such a case were criminal. We are autho appellation derived from local discrimination. With rised to hope that a proper organization of the whole, slight shades of difference, you have the same reli-with the auxiliary agency of governments for the gion, manners, habits and political principles. You respective subdivisions, will afford a happy issue to have in a common cause fought and triumphed toge-the experiment. "Tis well worth a fair and full exther; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint councils, and joint efforts, of cor- to union, affecting all parts of our country, while periment. With such powerful and obvious motives mon dangers, sufferings and successes. But these considerations, however powerfully they ticability, there will always be reason to distrust the experience shall not have demonstrated its impracaddress themselves to your sensibility, are greatly patriotism of those, who in any quarter may endea. outweighed by those which apply more immediately vor to weaker its bands. to your interest. Here every portion of our country finds the most commanding notive for carefully guarding and preserving the union of the whole.

a

In contemplating the causes which may disturb our union, it occurs as matter of serious concern, The North, in an unrestrained intercourse with racterising parties by geographical discriminations that any ground should have been furnished for chathe South, protected by the equal laws of a com--Northern and Southern-Atlantic and Western o mon government, finds in the productions of the lat-whence designing men may endeavor to excite a beter, great additional resources of maritime and com-lief that there is a real difference of local interests mercial enterprize and precious materials of manu-and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire facturing industry. The South, in the same inter-influence, within particular districts, is to misrepre course, benefiting by the agency of the North, sces sent the opinions and aims of other districts. You its agriculture grow and its commerce expand-cannot shield yourselves too much against the jeaTurning partly into its own channels the seamen of lousies and heart-burnings which spring from these the Vorth, it finds its particular navigation invigo-misrepresentations; they tend to render alien to rated; and while at contributes in different ways to each other those who ought to be bound together by nourish and increase the general mass of the nation-Ifraternal affection. The inhabitants of our westera

« ForrigeFortsett »