Camden gazette. (Camden, S.C.) 1816-1818, October 03, 1816, Image 1
IN LIFL'S DISASTROUS SCENES, TO OTHERS TN
CAMDEN
Number 27.
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\VI!A1' YOU WOULD WISH BY OTHF.Ki DuNETO YOU
' . ' ~ t D A K W I N .
GAZETTE.
4 lwrs<J?y, Ootota r 3, 18lf>.
Voluiffe T.
SOME "ACCOUNT - -
Of the discovery of Amtricay and its settle
ment, connected with a short sketch of e
venia that have occurred since,
? ~ fCONTINtra?^
\w are now led to the contemplation of
a subject, which has excited our indigna-^
tion, kindkd the latent spaikof patriotism,
and shewn to the world a thirst for revenge/
and a wish to defend the rights of our
country. Prosperous in the enjoyment of
an uninterrupted peace, for several years.
Hnir commercial enterprise became a source
of envy, jealousy, and persecution. Te
nacious of ner supposed birthright, ling
land instituted schemes for giving a check
to our hopes, by curtailing foreign trade.
Trance evinced an equally unjust disposi
tion, and l he seizure of our property in an
acknowledged friendly port was followed
by confiscation. Thus was pacific Ame
rica again annoyed by the injustice of for
eign powers, and a retrenchment of spoli
ations could only be accomplished by im
posing an obnoxious embargo. Involved
in a long ahdTumous war, they ot course
laboured under all the extremes of nation
al exigency, to which belligerents are ex
posed, and long accustomed to the sover
eignty of the seas, they hud lost sight of
- that right and justice which the law of na- _
tiona so wisely requires. They had vio
lated our flag, seized our vessels, taken
our seamen, and as 1 have already said,
confiscated our property, not in the exer
cise of an, acknowledged right, establish
ed upon the law of nations^ against an ene
my, but a municipal prerogative on the one
hand, and in violation of unprecedented
decrees on the other. Remonstrance and
expostulation were vain ; personal impor
tunity availed nothing ; and national inter
position was wholly ineffective.
The discussion, agitated with such
warmt h be Iw ee n our government and the
French and English, claims our attention
also. Their unprecedented edicts were a
source of gieut complaint to us. Under
the specious garb of retaliation, they im
posed blockades, to the destruction of neu*
tral commerce, unsanctioned by the legi
timate customs and usages of civilized
powers* In vindication of those novel,
arbitrary, and unjust prohibitions of trade*
both belligerents tkw to priority of ag
gression in the competitors, as a shield of
protection from national infamy. France,
011 l^r part, finding her coast nominally
blockaded, from Brt*t to Eibe by an Act of
May, \1806, on behalf of England, de
clar^iKhat power and her dependencies in
a like state of blockade. Not contented
with her decree*, Great-Britain by an Act
of May, 180/, proposes, in a most so
phisticated manner, our carrying on a
trad8 through her ports, to France, by
paying a duty previous to clearance of ves
?els, prohibiting indirectly thereby a com
mercial intercourse, because the* decrees
of t Berlin and Milan expressly forbade the
entrance of a neutral ' vessel quitting an
Engflih |>oru In the corres]x>ndence ol
Mr. Fostkr and Mr. Muwrof, we find
the former alike deaf to reason, remon
strance and fact, endeavouring to maintain
the legality of the Act of May, 1806, al
though unsupported by an adequate naval
force. Hence it appeared that national was
supplanting individual depravity ; chicane
usurping the honest and unambiguous
throne of reason and candour From the
very threshold our exUtance have they
endeavoured to rob us of that freedom
which shines efTulgently, irradiates the
minds of slaves, and kindles a desire to
1 eahze its benefit^ Here then let us paust
lor a moment ; view their conduct from
our euiliest exiatanee, a net see whether
they have ever received us as brethren in
an.ity or not. The reflection is painful
iudeed. fmluenced by policy and po^
scssed of Hit! mu-,i (.imi^eruus dupliiit),
Ihey have been friend* when convenient,
Enemies w he'ii advisable. Our prosperity
rankles about their hearts, and suggests
a deadly opposition. This has caused the
Mood of the innocent to crimson the glit
tering tomahawk of the relentless savage,
and mouldering scalps yet bear the dread
ful tidings to our common father.
u America, alter a peace of nearly thir
ty years duration, found her children some
what enervated under an enjoyment, winch
hud lasted almost too long for her prospe
rity, and she began to fear the corruption
of older countries. Her subjects were
denied the respect their fathere claimed ;
they knew not what were their resources
beyond an overflowing treasury, and an
increasing population. Their capability
of resisting the tempest which, at some
pe riqfci or other, visits every nation, could
only be estimated by the uncertainty of
conjecture. They praised the valour of
foreign heroes, and sung the glories of dis
tant lands. The farmer smiled upon his
abundant crops, and the merchant exultid
at his crowded harbours; unacquainted
with want, and allured by the serenity of
peace, they wished not for glory. But the
day did come to chasten and instruct. The
fulfilment of time and the destiny of na_
tions brought war to this asylum of peace.
Not merely the distant war of maritime
contest, nor bonder shushes that invite
the venturesome spirit as to a tilt or tourna-^
ment ; but war pressing into the heart
of the country with all its horrours^
till it rejoiced round the fire-sheeted
capitol and the home of a president.
Scarcely had the favourite bird dropped
the olive-branch from his talons, and dis- i
played his arrows, before he soared above
the ocean, and victory thundered beneath
him; his far darting eye flashed upon the
flag of Britain, -and it drooj>ed and fell from
the mast-head. There was not even com
petition. 1 he %trife was the justice of
David against the strength of Goliah.
Fortune was in the breeze, by which these
foundling colonies ascended on high to lead
captivity captive, and the world gazed in
absolute amazement, at the repetition of
what could not depend upon chance, nor
arise from aught but the chivalry of free
born heroes' prospering in the pleasure
of the living God. Ilow proud was that
day for America, which was to swell the "
calendar of her gallantry, with an almost,
endless list of intrepid spirits, who pro
claimedjier glories at the cannon's mouth,
ov?r evefy sea ; and added to the roar of
the great cataract on her frontier, the rival
ling ethoes ol victory ? '1 he so are realiti
es which in her fondest dreams she did rtot
dare to expect, and which will teach the
most impressive lesson to the lovers of
peace.
The causes of war, whatever they may
he, arc always regarded in differq^ lights',
b j different persons ; prejudice lends her
aid to fix a stigma upon the justftst mea
sure, wherever hopes have been diss ppoint
ed, or expectations blasted. Aftent or dis
approbation may be expressed for the
soundness of th policy. This contention
I leave to those who are fond of discussion*
Hook to the moral consequences, and re
gard it as un effort of the national charac
ter. If it were only a contest upon a point
6f honour, 1 still should consider it with \
favour, because the effects would be the
same, and the country's enthusiasm would
i 6c us^reat. For I sincerely beiieve th.?t
wars oiiginate in a higher Fiat than the de
clarations of man. I believe they are the
agents of an Almighty providence, which
disposes ot the affairs of this woiid in con
foimiiy to a vast scheme of bene fits*- which
-I he limns-of
cmbt'iCe. Tl'ieV are always vrith
good, and in the leasonableness of just cal
eolation, i hey are the price we should pay
for its enjoyment. America, as bhe must
le^l it to De such, must apply her wisdom
?o make every advantage of it.* She has
felt the privations of war : her citizens
have become mured to campw they have
r learned To walcli Itie piogressTTf an ene
my without emotion, to meet him without
; dismay, and to die without fear. Defeat
has taught her sagacity : practice has gi>?
en her skill ; confidence has been followed
with success. By repeated trials she has
been enable to separate the gross part of
lur dependence from the pure, and to stand
in an unshaken attitude before the foe.
She has spent some valuable blood, and
| much treasure : the property of many of
her citizens has been desolated ; her com
merce has been stagnated ; hei^x#<fources
I crippled, and herselt involved in heavy
debts. Such are the ordinary evils and
advantages of all wars. 15ut let us look
siiil farther. In every man's bo^om plows
a stronger attachment to his cuutury : the
perils he has encountered give a double va
lue to this sentiment and he cherishes it
with the devotion of religion. The hus
bandman. between the handles of his |
plough, contemplates the high favour he
enjoys in the possession of the annual pro-'
_duce of a soil lor which he fought and bled,
livery subject of the nation celebrates with
rapture the glories of his cbifiitTy in the
actions of some favoured heio. The re
cords of the time transmit to posterity on
a blazing page, the subjects of panegynck,
and every heart throbs in most harmonious
hvmpatby with one general, united, lively
feeling of veneration for the country.
Opinions of foreign origin, which a long
peace b ad engendered 'and extended over
?"V very-portion of the territory* ytf'e rendered
disreputable ; the production* of all other
countries less favoured than our own, do
mestick virtues more admired, and domes
tick worth more proudly recognised. The
surest road to national happiness is found
in attachment to country. To promote an
universal sentiment of patriotism, should
be the great aim of every lawgiver, be
cause the most genial iniluence of the laws
is derived from the affections of the people;
what they approve from considerations of
utility they will exact; what is suggest
ed b the patriotism of the law-giver, will be
Chetished with fondness by patriotick sub
jects Thus the great link which in all
countries connects the happiness of the so
vereign and subject, is the mutual esteem
which exists between them; the unsuspisci
ous confidence of virtuous men; a firm re
liance on the integrity of both
War is the touch-stone of merit. The
capability of the man 'to withstand the
shock of tempestuous times* is demonstrat
ed by his deportment through the danger.
If his reputation does survive the conflict,
it appears like the gem which has under
gone the oideal, more brilliant ai d more
durable; like the cannon which has b<-cn
proved, mage fit for the battie. In the stein
encounter, all minor geniuses sink from
tKeir ephemeral elevation into nothing, and
Instate is freed from its conne ion with^
men who bad t>nly wit enough to bcon <f
factious vit'ains. or despicable {pinions.
At the conclusion^ a war the cares of men
are naturally directed to a reparation of
those fortunes which inevitable neglect, or
the ravages of the enemy. *may havfr. im
paired. This is the season of incftastry;
repose ?oon follows these efforts, and noth
ing of war is left but its remembrance ?
the sweetest remembrance which engages
the attention of men: let those, who have
the power, prolong this feeling ; for in that
revtfembiance is found a more agreeable
substitute for the real existence of the war
and the greatest stimulus to honourable
action. 44 My father fVll, on board the
Constitution," W6uld cry the tar of a future
day, while he prepared for fk?ht. The tear
of memory would steal down his cheek
and his fathtrv's spirit would conduct the
animated son to victory and triumph. The
memory of heroes of the present day, will
enliven the dormant spirit of future Arm r
icans; and the hallowed emulation of a pa
triot would lead on American armies to a
succcssful rcsistancc of the proudest band
that could be scut ig:wnst them. Ameiicans
where are your warriors who have already
fallen? Aie they lost in the envelope of
the tombs? Or dots their better part still
live in memory ? Docs not the sainted
spirit of your romamick P.ke, present itself
belote your admiring vision, rolled in the
baa wer of your conquered enemy ? JsftStL
your Law i lull be l'oi'goileh ? Fame tells
the story of his death with sorrow. H&ppy
hero 1 he has leceivedthe condolence of his
friends and his enenjjfes. Pardon me, rc-^"
s per. led thaihi^r'tfrou hadst no enemies.
It was thy country's foe bewailed thy loss,
as sincerely as thy country's friend. Ex
piring in a hostile land, a foeman's vene
-ratTOTr^vas reserved" to thee. Great was
the sacrifice thou madest, and worthy the
lairest nation on the globe. Thine was
the self-devotion of a Roman soldier, and
the greatness of an American. While I
close thy obsequies, let not the kindred
virtue of Columbia's Ludlow be neglected#
Venerated spirits, may the course ye have
winged 10 heaven be ever clear and bright
above thy count r>'s head: may thy protect^
ing forms, with those into whose presence
ye have flown, still hover round the altar of
your Independence, and when your coun
try 's youth are animated with that ardour
which carried you to glory, may their
most enraptured dccents, be devoted to the
memory of Pike, of Lawrence, and of
Ludlow.
u 'Tis a tribute I owe to merit wherever
it is found, at Itast to drop one tear to its
excellence. 1 claim here that privilege.?
I am not alone ? I have a nation's feelings
on my side, and 1 ask a nation's sympa
thy."
A man in New York has been
sent to the Penitentiary six months
for stealing newspapers at the sub
scriber's doors. The oft'ence is
mean enough ; yet the punishment
is too severe.
In a Southern paper James Brick is an
nounced as a candidate for Congress. It is
highly probable that he is a follower of Mr.
Clay. ? Mr Potter of Rhode-Island is not
elected to the next Congress. *
Carolina Observer.
? ? *
jf Sentiment.-? If you ask me, said La
vater, which is the real hereditary sin of
human nature, do you imagine I shall an
swer pride, or luxury, or ambition, or
even egotism ? -No, 1 will say Indolence .
He who conquers indolence will conquer
all the rest.
An old coquet and slandere^, is like a
rose bud in winter, the flowers and leaves
are decayed and nothing remains but the
thorns. *
INDUSTRY.
He that by the plough would thrive*
Must either hold himself, or drive.
Remorse.
Kcmorie if ai the heart in which !t growth
If that he gentle, it drop* balmy dewt
Of true repentance ; but if proud and gloomy,
lr is a poi?on-trc<?, that pierced to the inmost
Weeps only tears of ffoiton !
SHERIFF SALE.
By virtue oj Sundry Execution s to me di
rected, vrid be told on thejlrst Monday and
Tuendaij in October tiextr before, the
court house in Camden , within the legal
hours of sale.
One Jot situate on York-street
with a Blacksmiths shop thereon ? also, the
lease of the lot, building and improve
ments thereon, situated on the south-east
corner of Broad and York-streets, likewise
a prime negro boy that has worked some
time at the Blacksmith's tiade, all levied
on as the property of Alexander M'Rae, at
the separate suits of Seth Tibbies and John
Doby. ? Conditions cash, purchasers to pay
for Sheriff titles and bills of sale.
FRANCIS f>. LEE, Sheriff.
Camden Sept. 16, 18 16.
Just Printed,
And for nalc at thin Office, price 12* cents ,
A DISCOURSE,
Delivered at a conference held in Camden,
B Y
Grorjrc JUa ghcrrijy Elder , Al. E. C.
Sept. 1 ??