Virginia Argus

SALEM, (Caroline,) Sept. 11, 1812.

Mr. Pleasants,

Sir-As it was by my solicitation, that Mr. Gray was prevailed upon to attend the Meeting in Richmond on Saturday last; and as his address seemed to be well received by the Citizens of Richmond, I have prevailed upon him to give me the substance of it in writing. If you think it will be of any service, you are at liberty to insert it in your useful paper.

Your's, respectfully,

WM. GUIREY.

Mr. Chairman,-I hope the Citizens of Richmond will not blush at my youth; and, as a stranger, will pardon my freedom. The day has now arrived, when the courage of the American Patriot and the faith of the Christian are to be brought to the test: It is, therefore, with joy I arise to express a few sentiments on this occasion. I was born in the year 1790, in the state of New-Hampshire-My father was almost (if not) the only republican who resided in the town where I was brought up. I well remember, that in the reign of terror, or the Adams administration, one evening he said to his children-"My sons, it is secretly whispered, that I am to be massacred in my bed; therefore, be not surprised if in the morning your father is a Corpse; but follow my patriotic example, and take nothing but death in exchange for your liberty. View the people of the United States as your brethren: view Kings and Bishops as usurpers and tyrants; and ever watch them with a jealous eye." Into these principles I drank deeply at an early period of my life: and since the declaration of war, nothing has kept me from the service of the United States, but a conscientious impression of its being my duty to officiate as a minister of the gospel.

Mr. Chairman-Within a short time, I have travelled over New-England, and from its extremity to the river Oemulgee, which separates the land owned by the U. States, from that which is owned by the southern Indians. I am well acquainted with the people of New-England, and can assure you, that, notwithstanding the reports that may have been tossed from one southern state to another, by the enemies of the government, relative to the people who inhabit the five New-England states. I will pledge myself, that a majority are in favor of the existing government, and at the call of their country, would cheerfully come forward to support the present administration, and offer their lives a sacrifice upon the altar of justice, with as much devotion as ever the Priests of Aaron offered to the God of Israel a turtle dove. Be assured, Mr. Chairman, that should the affairs of our nation arrive at this acme, it will be seen that the spirit which actuated the Patriots who fought at Bunker's Hill, is now extant in New-England: then shall it appear, that this spirit did not fall with those who fell, nor does it sleep with those who now sleep, under the monument erected to their memory. Perhaps some may say, why do you, being a minister of the gospel, meddle with political affairs? I answer; because I, as a minister of the gospel, enjoy the benefits of our excellent republic; and wish these benefits secured to generations yet unborn.

Mr. Chairman-In a time like the present, which is the most commendable, for a minister of the gospel to view with indifference, the great concerns of the nation, or to come forward in support of its honor? I wish it to be known, that while some designing ministers disgrace the sacred desk by scandalising and opposing the measures of government, there are others who can visit their closets and invoke the benediction of Heaven upon the American arms, because we think the American cause is just.

Mr. Chairman-I arrived in this city at a late period last evening, and by the solicitation of a friend, have staid to see the proceedings of this Meeting. I feel a disposition to offer something for the benefit of my brethren, who are soon to experience the hardships of the field-who are soon to meet the painted demons, together with their more savage brethren, the English. Sir, the English are the inveterate enemies of my country; they are the people who hurry on the merciless tribes to massacre the fair sex and the innocent babe, who cannot expend the least act of resistance.

Mr. Chairman-As I am on a journey, my finances are small, yet I feel willing to offer something: and sorry I am, that I can offer no more than the small sum of twenty dollars-I pray you, sir, to accept of it; small as it is, it is the offering of a true American heart.

Mr. William Guirey.