I have noted above the advantage, which they possess, who have cultivated particular articles, among which is tobacco, a staple of the Ancient Dominion. I think it right, therefore, to mention, before I close this tedious epistle, that shortly after the war of independence, America produced annually about one hundred thousand hogsheads, of which there was a regular demand for about eighty thousand. The quantity made now is I believe diminished, and the magazines of Europe being empty, the demand is increased. But these circumstances will change in the space of two or three years, and then the planter of tobacco will again groan over disappointed hopes, as he did thirty years ago when I was in Virginia. I am, &c. GOUVERNEUR MORRIS. TO THE COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE, PHILADELPHIA. Gentlemen, Morrisania, August 27th, 1816. I received your favor of the 21st instant last evening. From the moment that many federal members of Congress voted for war taxes, I considered that party as lost. When, at an earlier date, men of tried talents and integrity were laid aside, because their zeal in your cause had rendered them obnoxious to your opponents, observers concluded it was no longer a question of principle, but of power. This idea is fatal to a party, which claims confidence on the score of principle. I believe that all which can now be effected by your most strenuous efforts, is, to keep your antagonists together. Your association cannot, in the nature of things, be a secret; and, when known, will rally them, if previously divided. I believe, therefore, the best course you can pursue is to leave them the whole ground. The country is suffering and will continue to suffer. If you come forward, Democrats will stifle their feelings to support their party, not so much because they love it, as because they hate you. If you leave them to themselves, they will split and abuse each other. Charges, which in their mouth will produce distrust of their leaders, would in yours increase their confidence. But, gentlemen, let us forget party, and think of our country. That country embraces both parties. We must endeavor, therefore, to save and benefit both. This cannot be effected, while political delusions array good men against each other. If you abandon the contest, the voice of reason, now drowned in factious vociferation, will be listened to and heard. The pressure of distress will accelerate the moment of reflection; and when it arrives, the people will look out for men of sense, experience, and integrity. Such men may, I trust, be found in both parties; and, if our country be delivered, what does it signify whether those who operate her salvation wear a federal or democratic cloak? Perhaps the expression of these sentiments may be imprudent; but, when it appears proper to speak truth, I know not concealment. It has been the unvarying principle of my life, that the interest of our country must be preferred to every other interest. I am, &c. GOUVERNEUR MORRIS. VOL. III. 31 In February, 1801, an act was passed making some new arrangements in the Judiciary system, as it then existed, and especially providing for several new Circuit Courts and new Judges. At the next session of Congress a resolution was introduced into the Senate for repealing this act. The two following speeches of Mr Morris were delivered on this occasion against the repeal. |