The Virginia Gazette

The following letter was sent by Robert Morris, Esq; to the Chairman of the Supporters of the Bill of Rights, resigning the office of Secretary to that society.

GENTLEMEN,

The post which I have held in your society I shall ever esteem to be one of the greatest honours of my life, and the only sort of place I ever desire to accept. With what zeal, or abilities, I have promoted the common cause of liberty, you are best able to judge: Such as these have been, they still shall never be wanting to the same purposes, when I conceive myself capable of exerting them, to effect. Some success has, without doubt, already attended the operations of our society; but my own judgment is, that an unhappy necessity will require operations of a different nature, before we shall have fulfilled the duty, which, as patriots, we owe to our country. In an age, spiritless and abandoned as the present, it is something to have proceeded thus far. It is through our means that the claim of a free representation has not long ago been crushed in its birth. Hitherto it has been suppressed by the mere dint of superior force: and now waits impatiently to be vindicated by the noble resentment of an injured people. Through us the persecution of an individual, who by the name of countryman has every title to our support, has been rendered almost ineffectual: and the abettors of it, however dignified, have become the scorn and hatred of the people. It has not been my fault if that Gentleman has not been sufficiently rewarded for all his troubles; I wish to see him superior to his enemies, easy in his circumstances, as I know him to be independent in his principles. This he deserves from the humanity, the gratitude, and, if we have a desire not to see a similar proscription repeated in our days, from the good sense of this nation. As for those perpetual candidates for power, pension, or office, both within the senate and without, I equally detest and abjure them all, whether they are possessed of present confidence or not; I hold them enemies to the liberty of the common people, impostors in politics, and the scourge of this kingdom.

Much is wanting to give a prospect of success to our opposition against the ministers of government. We are not without abuses, but without the legal means of reforming them. The whole frame of administration is corrupt. It is a farce to call the Parliament a complete and adequate representation of the people; against this more than the Middlesex election stares us in the face: It is in vain therefore to resort to them, or postpone our hopes to the feeble remedy of a septennial choice; a choice, placed in such hands, as never to come expressive of the sense of the community. Petitions and remonstrances have been tried without effect. There remains however the good courage of the English nation, which I hope (though there has long appeared too great a deficiency of spirit) will never fail to show itself when the measure of oppression is fully completed. I am in little doubt, that both the periods will soon arrive; till which, though I should wish to prevent the occasion, I shall reserve myself, being of opinion, with those respectable ancients, who held it criminal not to take a part in the commotions of their country,

Having given this account of my principles, and the reasons for my conduct, I must now resign the office of Secretary, which I have been honoured with in your society from its commencement. I shall always be proud of being associated with men, who I am persuaded, have effectually removed themselves, by the decisive part which they have taken against the most favourite and determinate measures of the court, from trust, honour, or employ, whilst the present system of affairs continues. The support of Mr. Wilkes, that victim to a woman's wrath, is a test to which the great leaders of parliamentary opposition will never submit. They behold in him an insurmountable barrier to the expected gratifications of all their labours. We have seen them separate themselves from him and from his cause (unless where they could make it subservient to their own ambition) as they would from an infection; and whilst they continue separated, I shall look upon them as interested men, more studious to do themselves good than their country. These are not the persons from whom we are to expect subscriptions, solemn covenants, stipulations and confederacies. Such are the instruments and resources of more honest men, for which the time already approaches; but to which these never will be driven, unless in mere despair of obtaining places; a matter which it is not impossible may soon happen, through the happy obstinacy of the superior powers; and thus they, who never could be virtuous before, be rendered so, from the want of other temptation, in despite of themselves and their own evil inclinations.

For my own part I will confess, that the cause of Mr. Wilkes, as an injured and persecuted individual, has been the first and hitherto only motive of my appearing in public. I have the satisfaction to say, that I leave this cause in a better situation, at least, than when I found it: though not the vanity to think, that much of our success (which indeed ought to have been greater) has been owing to my endeavours. I am resolved however not to act any longer in the office of Secretary. I should not have undertaken it at first, but in expectation that it would have soon fallen to the lot of others in turn. I have repeatedly desired leave to resign, and as constantly received no other answer than your compliments upon my conduct. I must now therefore resign without leave, because I cannot continue in my office with the same alacrity I have done, being tired of my share of the burthen, and having something else to do. As for the odium which may have fallen upon my name, from the conspicuous part I have appeared in, I shall esteem that my greatest reward; being satisfied it will come from a quarter whose enmity will be my greatest honour. When you proceed to the election of another Secretary, I hope your choice will fall upon one much more worthy than,

Gentlemen,

Your devoted and obedient humble servant,

ROBERT MORRIS,