E 
 

 ipc 
 
 s>s>~-im' 
 
 Glass _ 41^ '3 hd 
 Book .ID. 3j^ 
 
=fl£;' 
 
Voice of the Teonmnry ! 
 
 nrtpnu«1» m ■! ■mniiir 
 
 PROCEEDINGS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 YORK COUNTY CONVENTION, 
 
 HOLDEN AT ALFRED, SEPT. lo, 1813, 
 
 BOSTON : 
 
 PRINTED BY MUXROK AND FRENCHj NO. 8, STATK-STHRST, 
 
 lSi2. 
 

 » < 
 
 ^^ 
 
 '/i^*i^i 
 V 
 
AGREEABLY to public notice, a Convention of more than SIX HUN- 
 DRED REPUBLICAN CITIZENS, represent in?; e\ery to\\ii in the 
 County of lurk, assembled at Alfred, on the tenth iastant, to consider 
 and resolve on tlie momentous subjects of public affairs. Deeply im- 
 pressed with the solemnity of the occasion, the convention in the first 
 place attended divine service, at whicli the Rev. Mr. Webster, of Bid- 
 dcford, acceptably officiated. The Convention then moved in procession 
 from the Church to the Court-house. So i^rand a spectacle, of the same 
 nature, was never before presented in the counly of York. At a time 
 Avhen faction boasts that disaffection pervades the A^hole mass of the 
 community, that none are in favor of public measures but tlse dependants 
 and expectants of the administration, to see sueh a body of tlie solid 
 yeomanry come forward to tender their countenance to the constituted 
 authorities ; and s«»lcuiiily pledge themselves in support of those meas- 
 ures wliicli have been adopted to save the country, x^as Irulv a pleasiui; 
 and sublime sight. Th.e convention uj)on being assembled in the Court- 
 House, chose the Hon. ALEXANDER RICE, Fresiclent and DANIEL 
 WOOD, Es(j. i*)fcretavi/, and appointed a committee consisting of a mem- 
 ber from each town, to prepare a Re|)ort for their consideration. The 
 committee reported (he following RESOLL^TIONS and ADDRESS, 
 which after being ably and elo(piently advocated, were unanimously 
 adopted, and ordered to be duly signed, and published in the Boston 
 I'atriut, Imhpendcnt Chronicle. Salem Jfegister^ and Eastern Jiro;us^ and 
 a ^o;)y to b.* tran luitted to the President of ihe United States. 
 
 RESOLUTIONS. 
 
 FREAMBLE. 
 
 The United States are engaged hi war for the vindication of 
 their rights upon the ocean. These rights must be mai?itainedor 
 our Independence must he surrendered. Every thing vahiable to 
 men in this world is now at stake. Our fate as a nation and as 
 individuals^ is to he decided by force of arms. At this awful mo- 
 ment^ public spirit sliould nerve every arm, and love of country 
 sivell every bosom. The suhli?ne spectacle of a xvhole people, 
 regardless of private animosities, rising as one man to save their 
 country, should now be presented to the world. JVith what dis- 
 
^tist and /lorror, then^ must xve witness and record^ at a moment 
 so portentous^ the degrading triumphs of foreign infuence ; the 
 extended combinations of domestic treason ? .\'o sooner is war 
 declared, than proclamation of universal disaffection is made ; the 
 country is inuudated witli seditious inflammatory publications ; 
 high public functionaries side against their country, and enlist 
 under the banners of faction ; civil war is threatened with all its 
 horrors ; our national and state Cofistitutions are menaced with 
 prostration ; a project to dissolve the Union is unblushingly an- 
 jwunced ; while a disastrous war, a disgraceful peace, are to be 
 among the results of these nefarious machinations ; and tJie eleva- 
 tion of a party into power hostile to the liberties of the people, 
 who are to rule over the whole or part of the United States, ac- 
 cording to circumstances, is to be the glorious consummation of all. 
 
 In such a state of things what remains to be done ? Shall an 
 immense majority of the people be silent and suffer the clamors of 
 faction to pass for the unanimous expression of public opinion ? 
 JFhile the air is rent with the venal outcries of foreign agents 
 and the frantic ravings of domestic conspirators, against the 
 •measures of government, shall not the voice of reason and patri- 
 otism be heard in their favor ? — That our rulers ?7iay be able 
 to place a just and certain reliance on the energy and public 
 spirit of their constituents; that mutual confidence, among the 
 American people, may be universal, the patriotic stand which 
 each section of the union mci.ns now to take, ought to be publicly 
 and solemnly proclaimed. 
 
 Therefore, RESOLVED, By this Convention, that in 
 this hour of peril, it is the duty of all descriptions of faithful cit- 
 izens to fly to the standard of their country. 
 
 Resolved, That the war in which we are engaged, is, on the 
 part of this country, sacredly just — that it has been absolutely 
 ibrced upon the nation, that the only way to obtain a safe and 
 lionorable peace is to prosecute it wtth that determined spirit, 
 that patriotic unanimity, that resisdess encrg\- which belong to 
 an high miiukd and powerful people, who for the maintenance 
 of their rights, have appealed to arms. 
 
 Resolved, That Great Britain, since the American revolution, 
 has never ceased to regurd this country with a jaundiced eye ; 
 that the achievement of our independence, our commercial pros- 
 
pcrity, our republican government, have excictd in her rulers, 
 towards us, a deep and deadly hatred ; that she lias never ceased 
 to cherish the proud hope of our final subjugation to her views 
 of universal maritime domination. 
 
 Bi'solvcd, That the English government is at this moment 
 uncjutstionably making large calculations on our divisions ; that 
 she lias been led, as appears by official documents, to count as- 
 suredly upon a powerful British party among us, who would be 
 able to prevent the sword of this country from being draw n 
 against her, however enormous might be her outrages upon our 
 rights and honor. " If contrary to all calculation our rulers 
 should be found to possess sufficient energy to resolvcon war,"* 
 this party w^as, at once, to compel them to thro^v away the 
 sword and submit to Great Britain. 
 
 Resolved That it is now the settled plan of our incensed, re- 
 lentless, implacable foe, by means of her trade, her emissaries, 
 her agents, her spies and incendiaries ; by bribery and corrup- 
 tion C by arraying one half our citizens against the other in 
 a contest for supremacy ; by the hopes which the chances of 
 war hold out to faction ; at length by open civil discord, to con- 
 vulse this country to its centre, to drench this land in blood, 
 and finally by a dissolution of our Union, or by the exaltation 
 of her pa/iy into power, by the destruction of our Republican 
 Institutions, or in either case, by an humiliating, disgraceful 
 peace, effectually to break dow-n the spirit of this people, and 
 ultimately to render this nation the mere instrument of her 
 greatness, the mere appendage of her extended empire. 
 
 Resolved, T\\^\. it is a fact too plain to be disputed, and which 
 must forever disgrace the page of our history, a fact not to bo 
 paralleled except in barbarous ages, or among the most corrupt 
 luUions, that these ruthless schemes of conquest and ruin, these 
 diabolical measures to sink the name of our republic, and 
 lay our country low in the dust, are in fatal consent widi the 
 conduct of a large portion of our own citizens, who lend them- 
 selves to the view^s of the common eiiem}-, who ha^ing objects 
 of their own which cannot be accomplished w ithout foreign aid, 
 or in a time of national disaster, flatter themselves that the period 
 l^.as now arrived which is to crown their proudest hopes. These 
 * See Henry's Correspondence. 
 
polkical criminals, these traitors to their country, have long I'or- 
 mcd a combination so powerliil ; whose devotion to England, 
 whose hostility to their own country, have been so ^vell known 
 ill Europe as well as America, that the British Government 
 sent to these men, as we all know, a secret but solemn embassy 
 to form an alliance for the accomplishment of the most horrible 
 purposes. Circumstances put a stop to this negotiation. Late 
 appearances indicate that, in some form or other, it may have 
 since been fully consummated. 
 
 J^csohcdj That a British party has undeniably existed in 
 this country since tha days of tke Revolution. This party receiv- 
 ed a powerful accession by the return of the refugees after the 
 war. No sooner were the Tories strangely taken into public 
 fa^'our than this party aspired to po^ver. — Strong now by their 
 activity, tlw^ir wealth and talents, having seduced from the lo\c 
 of liberty manv distinguished individuals, having attained to 
 places of high public confidence, an occurrence took place 
 which seemed to establish their fortunes beyond the reach of 
 accident. The excesses, the fatal termination of the French 
 revolution had excited universal disgust and hon'or. It had 
 the effect to produce a surprising iniiuence upon political senti- 
 ments in this country. The impopulai'ity of republican prhici- 
 j)lcs soon became apparent. JNIonarehical and aristocratical o- 
 ])inions, it was evident, daily gained ground. Our own revo- 
 lution itself became unpopular. To believe that there could be 
 no such thing as a government of the people, and that a limited 
 monarchy, under sonie name or other, was the best form of 
 civil polity, became the order of the day. The pulpit, the ros- 
 trum, the press, resounded the doctrine. Colleges and Acad- 
 emies lent tlicir aid. A large party \\■^s soon formed on this 
 ground. Loathing the name of Frenchmen, they soon learnt 
 to adore their enemies, the English. Our former oppressors 
 were suddenly converted into the chosen people of God. I'-ng- 
 land became " the bulwark of our icligion." The batdes which 
 slie fought were for the libcrlics of the world. The leaders of 
 the old 13riLish faction had the address to place themselves at the 
 head of this party i.nd to amalgamate it with their own. The 
 clergy had been artfully secured. They were invited to asso- 
 ciate piety witli all the talents and wealth of die country. And 
 
the cloak of religion was borrowed for the whole concern.-* 
 These parties thus consolidated, thus arrayed, thus directed, be. 
 came irresistible, bore down all opposition, and ere long obtain, 
 ed a decided ascendency in our pubUc councils. f American 
 principles, however, soon had their turn to reign. This great 
 party, which had chosen to term itself federal, and which had 
 entangled in its toils many of our best citizens, now declined 
 ■faster than it arose. Driven from the public councils ; contin- 
 ually sinking in reputation and in numbers ; gradually deserted 
 by all who would not sacrifice their country on the altar of fac- 
 tion ; having lost all hope of po\ver but by revolutions, public 
 convulsions, or national disasters ; burnt up with ambition, de- 
 voured by chagrin ; the remains of this party, thus formed, thus 
 exalted, thus fallen, is now dwindled and reduced to a disap- 
 pointed, remorseless faction, whose bitterness exceeds the bit- 
 terness of gall and wormwood ; whose venom the poison of the 
 Upas or the Asp. But for the eflbrts of this faction, t^ic Em- 
 bargo would have saved the country. Great Britain ^vould 
 have receded from her la\vless usurpations. And long before 
 this the sunshine of former prosperity would have burst upon us. 
 Unable to prevent a declaration of war, this faction are resolved 
 it shall end disasterously. The good people of America are 
 then to discover that they have no friends but those f^eut poli- 
 ticians who shall have had the magnanimity and patriotism to 
 sell tlK;ir country to England. 
 
 This faction now plots state confederacies ; rebellions backed 
 by state authorities ; revolutions and new governments ; and iie 
 members of this iiiction are to lend their aid if necessary to 
 guide the destinies of these new empires. 
 
 Resolved^ That we can consider the project of a state convention 
 at Boston ; of a convention of states at Hartford ; the refusal of 
 the governor of this Commonwealth, as well as of Rhoec- Island 
 
 t In vain did President Adams attempt to l;alance thi-i itic'ioU: i.n'| r« 
 strain it williin any bounds. Because lie would not saci iUee the to: • tiy to 
 its views, lie himself was to he privately sacrificed. Mr. Adams v.as not 
 aiaou^ the last tt) discover that he was not designed, in reality, fcr the next 
 l>residency. And he mai^iKiiiiiuously t^loried in the elevation of M ^ Jeft'er- 
 son to the chair, because, aiihouyh a rival candidate, his election etfcctually 
 overthrew the tory anli-^allico-auglo faction, and secared the triumph of 
 Vujerican principles. 
 
8 
 
 aiid Connecticut to afford to government the aid of the Militia ; 
 the bold proceedings of State Legislatures ; the alarming project 
 of state armies, only as so many fearful omens that desperate 
 measures are in serious contemplation ; a state of things in 
 wliich the general government is to be resisted by the sword ; 
 when this country is to present a scene of universal desolation, 
 and this land is to be converted into a field of blood. 
 
 Resolved^ That it is with profound regret we observ^e minis- 
 ters of religion suffering themselves to be dragged into these 
 murderous projects. All men are liable to become fanatical, 
 some are so by constitution. We would regard with tender- 
 ness and candor the aberrations of our most useful class of citi- 
 zens. But when we see pretended heralds of the mild and 
 beneficent gospel of Jesus Christ, throwing off all regard to com- 
 tnon decency, outrageously insulting the majesty of the public, 
 sanctioning by their discourses the vilest defamations, proclaim- 
 ing from the desk the most palpable untruths, exciting among 
 their lellow citizens, bitterness, rancor and hatred ; endeavouring 
 to quench e\cry spark of patriotism, and put a stop to the first 
 risings of public spirit, stirring up insurrection, rebellion and 
 civil war, we can view them only in the light of public incen- 
 diaries, the decided adversaries of their country, the open aux- 
 iliaries of the common enemy, and men who have forfeited all 
 claim to public respect and public support. 
 
 Resolved^ That we regard with high approbation the conduct 
 of many distinguished individuals of the opposition, (among 
 whom we notice with great pleasure an eminent citizen of this 
 state,) who on this terrific occasion, have seceded from their 
 former friends, denounced their horrible projects, and joyfully 
 restored themselves to the favor of their countrv. 
 
 Resolved^ That a tribute of national aj^plause is due to the 
 Hon. Joseph B. Varnum, William Widgery, Kben. Seaver, 
 Ch tries Turner, Isaiah L. Green, AN'iHiam M. Richardson, 
 and Francis Carr, F.squires, for their independence and patri- 
 otism in voting for a DECLARATION OF WAR. 
 We regard the abuse and insults which they have received, 
 as outrages upon the whole community ; and instead of 
 of proceedini; from ebullitions of public resentment, as the mere 
 artificial contrivances of a few unprincipled actors behind the 
 scenes, to render the war impopular and odious. 
 
9 
 
 Resolved^ That sliould any overt attempt be actually made, 
 as has been repeatedly intimated, to break down the Constitu- 
 tion of this state, and to dri\e from their seats the patriotic 
 Senate of this Commonwealth because they cannot be bent to 
 the views of faction, wc shall feci it our duty immediately to 
 FLY TO ARMS ! Let those who prepare to execute this pro- 
 ject, weigh the matter well. Its perpetration will be resisted 
 by a physical force which they will be unable to meet. They 
 must abide the consequences ! ! 
 
 Resolved, That at this day of danger and alarm, it is rather a 
 time for actions than for professions ; that exposed as we are to 
 external, and menaced as wc are by internal foes, it is our sacred 
 duty to be prepared for all emergencies ; and as the Governor 
 has refused to call out the militia when demanded by the Pres- 
 ident agreeably to the Constitution ; as we have an extensive 
 frontier by sea and land, exposed to the enemy ; as desperate 
 measures seem to be resolved on by faction ; it is therefore 
 hereby recommended to all the friends of our rights and liber- 
 ties, resident in this county, whether exempted from military 
 duty or not, forthwith to arm and equip themselves for military 
 service, in those cases where it h is not been already done, and 
 hold themselves in readiness to act at a moment's warning. — 
 And it is further recommended that each town form one or 
 more companies, as aforesaid, appoint their officers, and tender 
 their services to Government to support the /uxl's, suppress 
 insurrections, and repel invasions ! 
 
 Resolved, That the capture of our North Western Arm}-, so 
 far from operating as a disheartening occurrence, will, we trust, 
 produce an universal conviction that the war in which ;\e arc 
 engaged must be vigorously prosecuted ; th.it ])ublic spirit 
 must be effectually addressed ; something like adequate com- 
 pensation be allowed the brave men who are to fight our battles, 
 and the sleeping energies of our country be c.illed into imme- 
 diate action. 
 
 Resolved, That wc principally rejoice in the brilliant victory 
 lately achieved by the skill and courage of our brave seamen 
 r.ndcr the conduct of their gallant and able commander, under 
 the sanguine hope that greater dcpendeu'-e Mill in future be 
 placed on a naval force ; and that while no time is lost iii pusli- 
 
10 
 
 ing on the war by land, tlie conviction will soon be unixersal, 
 
 that THE DATILES FOR COM.MERCE MUST BE FOUGHT UPON 
 THE OCEAN. 
 
 Resolved^ That \vc have the firmest confidence that the ear- 
 liest opportunity will be embraced by government to procure a 
 safe and honorable peace. When war could not be avoided 
 with safety or honor, our rulers declared it at the risk of their 
 popularity. They have every inducement to make peace which 
 can influcFiCe men. But would the leaders of the British party 
 rejoice at this event ? Would they hail an immediate satisfac- 
 tory settlement of all our difficulties with foreign nations ? — 
 Would they delight to see the country basking in the sunshine 
 of former prosperity ? That an immense majority of the party 
 opposed to the war would, we have not the smallest doubt. — ' 
 Not so with their leaders ! Ambitious, unprincipled, they can 
 see no way to greatness, but in their country's ruin. Thcv 
 leave nothing undone which can embarrass the government and 
 prolong the war. Every patriotic statesman, every ad^•ocate of 
 the rights, interests and honor of his country, is mercilessly 
 hunted down. They rend the air with their ceaseless clamors ; 
 they load every breeze with the poisonous exhalations of their 
 defaming breath. Is all this to induce Great Britain to sue for 
 peace, upon just and honorable terms ? ^Yc know the contrary. 
 An inunediate return of prosperous times would be regarded 
 by the leaders of the British faction as the greatest misfortune. 
 It would be the destruction of their inlluence ; the ruin of their 
 projects ; the death-blow of their fondest ho[)Cs. 
 
 Rtsolved^ That the deprivations and public burdens, iiieident 
 to a suite of war, will be cheerfully borne by the republican cit- 
 zens of the county of York. Tlieir patriotism is not to be 
 <[uenehed l)y the pressure of jniblic calamities. The republlcun 
 citizens of this county w ill stand by their country to the hist 
 cent of property and to the last drop of their blood. 
 
 Resolved, Tl"u\t we need only to be seriously engaged in this 
 conflict, anl \'ictory will crown our arms. The nation need 
 only be roused, to carry on the war triumphantly. ^^ e ha\ e 
 only to employ the means which heaven has put into our hands 
 to obtain a spced\', a solid and a lasting Peace. 
 
 ^VLKXAXDKR RICE, Promlnu. 
 
 1)ANT1:E wood, Secretary. 
 
ADDRESS 
 
 TO Tim CITIZENS OF YORK COCYTl. 
 
 FELLOW-CITIZENS ! 
 
 IN times of danger and calamity, our Fathers were 
 wont to meet and reciprocate their patriotic sentiments, and to 
 improve, inculcate and disseminate those principles which are 
 essential to liberty. In case of threatened or actual War, their 
 patriotism was \varmed, their zeal animated, their exertions 
 augmented, and their strength became equal to the day. Hence 
 have they subdued the wilderness, vanquished the sa^•agcs, re- 
 sisted the oppressor, and effected their Freedom and Indepen- 
 dence. 
 
 Since our dismemberment from the British Empire, we ha\c 
 been the envy and admiration of the world. For thirty years 
 liad we enjoyed, with little inten-uptioii, peace, prosperity, and 
 happiness. Spectators of those cruel and vindictive wars, 
 which desolated Europe, we could feel for their distresses, dep- 
 recate the spirit which dictated them, but could entertain no 
 wish to be involved in their calamities. Pursuing tliat system 
 of neutrality which Washington adopted and enforced, we had 
 a right to "expect from the belligerents, that respect for our 
 rights, which was due to us as an independent nation. From the 
 wise, pacific, and impartial policy of the American Government, 
 the tyrants of Europe could expect no aid to their ambitious 
 views. Each wishing to involve us in an unprofitable and de- 
 structive contest ; each affecting to suspect us of partiality to 
 his foe, and each jealous of our peace and growing pros|K'ritv. 
 our course was critical, difficult, and dangerous. To :ivr)icl 
 
12 
 
 contests in ulticl. we hud no interests, and at il.e same tniie to 
 
 seeure o r commereial privileges, we had taken the preeaution 
 
 o define them by treaty' with most of the nations ol Ku -pe 
 
 R„. irom the close of the American Revolution, Great lint- 
 ain h"; pTr'iednt violating our "cutramy, by foreib.v entering 
 our vessels, and taking our seamen. We had msisf d that on 
 Te/nTX the fia^ should protect those -.vho sa,led under U 
 
 tlnf for one natioif forcibly to take the seamen from the ves- 
 Tlsof moXr is an act of hostility-that though Britain has 
 rLhttXo"«."6/Vc«., who have not becoine naturalized 
 tn the United States, this is not the way to obtain them - 
 •PhouTh these doctrines had been most conclusively enforced 
 by min of ^t %.ies in the United States, Great Briuun had 
 wikedh and w mtonly pursued her arbitrary practice of fo ciblj 
 ra&mouryessefsitsea^Britishsubjeetsnattn^ihz^^^^^^^^^^^ 
 \^nn^ foreismers of all descriptions, and even nati\e citizens. 
 Thus was t^mercham embarrassed in his voyage, the captain 
 den rival o the services of his crew, the poor unfortunate v,e. 
 tmdrtTed/rom his eountry, his w/., A", '•/"*"'•, "" . ' " 
 /Lr to mao-nify the pride and power of the British nation 
 
 Aginst thSo-utrlge up'on the rig'^-.f /'-.J^-X^Ttal \h 
 h-.d at ill times, and under eyery administration, protested, i nc 
 offltce had b come insupportable, and demanded immediate 
 :to,K™ent_Vet it is said 'that we ought '» -;d-- - "^'f" - 
 able diswace, and submit to the indignity of the slaven oi our 
 citize s^ Scr than enforce a spirit of resentment. To such 
 deLn-X- and slavish doctrine, this Convention cannot s ib- 
 fcrTbe They ^e satisfied that this injury alone wou d justify 
 • r^trnpt ancfvigorous retaliation. But to ^-se insults ,o our 
 national honor-these attacks upon the ''b^'X °f «"^ ^^;'"^^' 
 are added others of a deeper malignity. ^ ' ° ,f;,.°;'' ^^"'^^ 
 merce had stiffered bv the grosser passions w nth vv. r exc. s, 
 Uwas rosnerous and lucrative umil the 16d, ol May, 1806 
 when l' ngllJnd declared all the coast, ports -d-ers from 
 Bri-st to the Kibe, inclusive, in a state of blockade. 1 luis by 
 . mere do^la a ioi , without the possibility of inxestment and 
 a^Ist every nrinJiple of national law, one thousand miles of 
 Lt'c:Lt"Kl':oiJoftheprina,«lpor^^^ 
 were subjected to a paper blockade, and th. channels 
 
1 
 
 commerce with near thirty millions of people, ol)structcd To 
 tins was succeeded the Frencli Berlin decree of the ^ist No 
 vember, 1806, blockading the British Islands and their depen' 
 dencies. Hou'ever ridiculous might have been the attempt to 
 enforce this monstrous edict, at a time when a French shin 
 durst scarcely venture upon the ocean, it was caught at as a 
 reason for prohibitmg our commerce xvith the enemies of 
 F.ngland, and at length of blockading most of the ports of j-'u 
 rope iM-om this time America has been the sport and prev'of 
 the belligerents. Our government have reasoned, remonstrated 
 and protested m vain. Adverse to war, disposed to make aw 
 sacnhce to peace, short of the honor and independence of the 
 nation, and finding that we had nothing to expect but outra-e 
 and violence on the ocean, we withdrew from the scene of con 
 tention, and attempted the experiment of subsisting upon our 
 own resources. The clamors of our own citizens rSKiJred the 
 Embargo MielTectual, and a Non- Intercourse was substituted 
 to cease to operate against that nation which should first cea J 
 to violate our rights. At length Trance offieiallv notific'l ,^ 
 hat her edicts were repealed, and with her our com mere a f re! 
 lations were restored. From that time our commerce has bc'en 
 subjected to the rapacity of the British cruisers. In vain Inve 
 we attempted to negotiate. Arguments, clear and irresistibT 
 have been evaded by empty professions, pitiful pretences rnd 
 contemptible subterfuges. At length we were g ven to imder 
 stand that the Orders in Council must continue, umil t le 
 Jnrf' wr '^'"'^ ^n^^^^^d, m cases ^;here th.ev did not 
 affect us. What was to be done ? So early as 1809, Concre^ 
 I3y a vote, nearly unanimous, declared that the United States 
 ought not to submit to these hostile edicts. To add to all this 
 the merciless salvages had been instigated to acts of barbarous 
 and vindictive wadlu-e, and the tomahawk and sealping-knJc 
 had been raised against the defenceless inhabit:uits of" the fron- 
 tiers. And to fill up the measure of British iniquitv, a spv had 
 been detected m atteuipting to seduce the eiti'.ensVrcm-tl;e^ 
 allegiance, and to tfleet a dissolution of the Union, 
 the L ^>^^^^^tion having for more tlian twent^- >ears witnessed 
 the impressment of our citizens, and for nearlV'six vears en- 
 ciured the most ^v■anton and outrageous aggi-ess'ions oii'ouf com- 
 
14 
 
 merce, having demanded, and even solicited, redress vvidioiit 
 tlic most distant ]:)rospect of obtaining it, we have been COM- 
 PELLED TO RESORT TO ARMS.— In a war so just, for 
 the protection of rights so essential, and after the endurance of 
 insults and aggixssions so aggravated, was it expected that a 
 murmur would escape, on account of the war '? Could we enter- 
 tain a suspiciou that there were those who would refuse their 
 aid in prosecuting diis war '? Is it possible, diat it has entered 
 into the hearts of the most desperate and \\icked, to raise the 
 standai'd of rebellion, and kindle the flames of a civil war, 
 rather than contcid for the preservation of those rights and lib- 
 erties which were purchased by the best blood of our fathers '? 
 
 It is witli mortification and regret that this couA-ention per- 
 ceive that there is a desperate and malignant faction among us, 
 organized to embarrass the government in prosecuting the war, 
 to aid and encourage the enemy, and effect a sepai'ation of the 
 Northern from the other States. — Within the memory of many 
 of us, the British nation was destroying our property, burning 
 our cities, barbarously butchering our wives and children, and 
 attempting to fix the badge of slavery on us and our posterity. 
 Now, we fmd among us, her advocates from the pulpit, the bar 
 and the bench, applauding her candor and magnanimity, inag- 
 nifyhig her power, palliating her aggressions, and justifying her 
 for die wounds ^.he is inilicting on our countiy. — It is with that 
 indignation \vhich the io\e of country sliould always inspire, 
 that we perceive that the sacred desk has, in many instances, 
 been prostituted to b:-.:>c and treasonable purposes. \\'hen men 
 so respectable and influential as the clergy, pervert their sacred 
 office, and in time of war endeavor to persuade men to acts of 
 opposition and rebellion, it becomes us to watch, with unnsual 
 solicitude, over our rights ; and withdraw all countenance and 
 support from men who have pro\cd themselves un\vorthy of 
 tlieir oflice. 
 
 At this time it is ])articularly essential that you be watchful 
 over your liberties. Most of the heroes of tl\e revolution have 
 gone to reap the reward of valor and patriotism — Your \\ ash- 
 ington is not with you, to animate by liis examples, or instruct 
 by his precepts — Already, are his predictions beginning to be 
 realized — Already you ha\e the testimony of a respectable, 
 honorable, and Iwnc^it federalist, hat a State Convention 
 
15 
 
 tion is summoned for the purpose of taklnj^ into considera- 
 tion THE EXPEDIENCY OF DISSOLMNG THE 
 UNION — The storm of civil discord is gathcrinj^, the thun- 
 der roLirs at a distance, and the lightning gleams on thj dim 
 mantle of night — Prepare to meet, to resist its fury. 
 
 How do you relish the expressions of joy which you hear at 
 a little British success ? What do you think of tlie m:ui who 
 rejoices at the misfortunes of his country ? It is not three years 
 since the federalists were complaining that the government were 
 destitute of energy, and embargo and non-intercourse were 
 submission. Now war is the worst of calamities. When 
 Mr. Madison made the arrangement with Mr. Erskine, they 
 said that this ought to have been done before, and that it was 
 what England had always been willing to do. When England 
 refused to ratify this arrangement, they blamed Mr. Madison 
 for doing it all. They affect to deprecate a treaty with France, 
 as the prospect of effcctmg one increases, and to wish it, as the 
 prospect diminishes. — The republicans do not feel indifkrent 
 to the wrongs and insults we have recei\ed from France — They 
 are satisfied that unless atonement is made, war ought to, and 
 must ensue — But the aggressions of one nation are no palliation 
 for those of another — And with what consistenc}- can the pro- 
 fessed friends of peace wage a war with both nations at once ? 
 Has not the constitutional authority of the United States a right 
 to select one of two enemies, each of which has given us am- 
 ple cause of war ? 
 
 We love peace — we deprecate war — but \vc apprehend that 
 a peace purchased by the surrender of our essential rights, would 
 render us contemptible in the eyes of the world, and in\ itc ag- 
 gression, rather then prevent it. 
 
 What then is to satisfy the opposers of the Cio\crnment ? 
 Power ! Power under the auspices and guarantee of Britain ! For 
 this, they would barter the dearest rights of their Country — 
 For this, they would wade through blood — It is for this, they 
 justify the enemy, condemn their own govcrimicnt, and rejoice 
 at the success of England, and the misfortunes of America — It 
 is for this, we think, the Governor has been induced to refuse 
 the mihtia, and ministers oi' religion have con\erted the desk 
 into a theatre of abuce, ribaldry and vulgarity. Desparing of 
 
16 
 
 governing the whole, this party would se\'er the Union, that 
 they might govern a part. 
 
 Arc you prepared to cut the cord, which binds us together, 
 and re- unite us with Britain ? Are your Southern brethren, 
 who fought by your sides, and shared ^\ithyou in the distresses ■ 
 and glory of the Revolution, to be abandoned for the vain and 
 dazzling splendor of royalty '? Will you raise your hands 
 against your brethren, and involve your country in all the liorrors 
 of a civil war, merely because certain Gentlemen in Boston 
 \vant power ? No, Fellow Citizens, the fire of Patriotism is 
 kindling in your bosom — You will indignantly frown at, and 
 manfully resist every attempt to weaken that Union, from which 
 you have denved so much prosperity and happiness. What 
 boon are we to obtain by a dismemberment of the Union ? 
 After brother has murdered brother, parent child, and child 
 parent ; after cities arc involved in flames, monuments of wealth 
 and grandeur tumbled into ruin, and the temples of the Most 
 High prostrated in the dust ; m'hat new privilege will 
 
 HAVE BEEN SECURED ? WhAT VIOLATED RIGHT PRESER- 
 VED ? What better government established? Weak 
 and unable to protect ourselves, we should be compelled to call 
 to our aid, some foreign nation, and surrer.der our liberties, as 
 the price of our protection. 
 
 Let us remember that, for thirty years, we have enjoyed the 
 rich fruits of our glorious Revolution — That our rulers are 
 chosen by, and responsible to us — That we are not taxed with- 
 out our consent — That our lives, liberties and property are sec- 
 ured to us by wholesome laws, imder the Administration of 
 intelligent judges and impartial juries — And that our worship is 
 free and our religion requires no human "bulwark'' to defend 
 it — Let us unite to detect, suppress lind resist plots, conspira- 
 cies, rebellion and treason, and to defend the honor and glor)' of 
 the American name ; remembering, that a vigorous prosecution 
 of the war, is the only way to affect a speedy, safe and honorable 
 peace — And looking to the God of armies, for his divine 
 protection, we have good reason to hope and believe, that he, 
 who has so often "made bare his arm for our salvation," will 
 lead the United States to victory, glory, peace and 
 happiness. ALEXANDER RICE, Fresiderif. 
 
 DANIEL W GOD, Sn-retary