Kentucky Gazette

KENTUCKY GAZETTE.

"True to his charge—"

LEXINGTON

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1813.

PEOPLE.

It has always been remarked that a people display greater resources in war than a tyrant. The reason of this is obvious: in ages, no part of the people when an emergency arises, it being the concern of the whole people, they will, if necessary, call forth their whole resources, because it is their immediate interest. Not so in the government of tyranny:—there being no one's concern at stake but the tyrant's—the people whom he rules care nothing for public events because they can neither direct them, nor profit by them. The little Republics of Greece, owing to the superior talent of free government, were enabled to resist with success, for a long time, the attacks of millions of vassals. The Republic of Rome carried her victorious eagle over Europe, Asia and Africa. France during the short existence of her republic, defeated the combined attack of all Europe, against her independence—even in the moment of revolution, when the country was nearly split to pieces with innumerable factions. But our own country affords the most illustrious example of what a people can do. When our revolution commenced we were without arms, without military skill, without a settled system of government, and almost without clothing for the army. But the resources which a people in any situation, can always exert, supported our fathers in this contest for their independence and liberty, against the most powerful military and naval kingdom, at that time on the face of the globe.

As the history of all free people proves that their constitutional resources are greater than those of any monarch; if they happen not to be exerted in moments of difficulty by the representatives of the people, it is the fault of the representatives and not of the people—for the people are ever ready to make the greatest sacrifices and exertions in their own behalf.

The war in which our country is now engaged is of as vital importance as the war of the revolution. By the war of the revolution we established independence and free government—by the present war, we are to maintain those choicest blessings of Heaven, or to lose them: If by the lack of energy in the representatives of the nation, or by their perfidy, our affairs are mismanaged, and the prediction of kings and priests becomes confirmed that "man is incapable of self government," it would be as vital a stab to the cause of liberty, as if the president and congress were to cede this great continent to the British.

In this light and no other can the present contest be viewed by the friend to republican institutions, whether he be federalist or democrat, inimical or friendly to the war in its origin. If we sacrifice the character of republican government in this war, what may remain to us, will be scarcely worth enjoying.

With the exception of the eastern traitors; the people of the U. States have manifested a lively disposition to prosecute the war with vigor: and we believe it is a libel upon them when it is said they will not make every necessary sacrifice to bring the war to an honorable issue. We know that some sensible and honest men fear that the result will prove otherwise: If any thing can diminish the patriotic ardor of the people, it will be the half-way measures of some of their representatives. We are conscious that the great mass of the American people will cheerfully submit to the most energetic measures, if necessary.

The Kentuckians alone have sent to the field since the commencement of the war, upwards of seventeen thousand men, as will be seen by the following statement. And tho' the Kentuckians have met with two severe defeats wherein many of the flower of the country were slain, yet we believe we speak truth when we say that the same patriotic ardor animates this state, which distinguished her at the commencement of the war.

Troops marched from Kentucky since the war began:

TO THE N. WEST.

Aug. 1812. Commanded by Gen. Payne and col. Wells, 2,506

Commanded by cols. Poague, Jennings & Barbee, 1,800

Sept. Commanded by col. Richard M. Johnson; 500

TO THE WEST.

Commanded by gen. Hopkins, 5,000

TO THE N. WEST.

March 1813. Commanded by general Clay, 1,500

April. Commanded by col. Richard M. Johnson, 1,209

July. Commanded by col. Owens, 600

Sept. Commanded by governor Shelby, 4,000

Commanded by capt. Butler, 75

17,175

In addition to this list there were about two hundred men marched from this state by capts. Hopkins, Graham and Price, which brings the number up to seventeen thousand three hundred & seventy-five. We cannot say that this statement is precisely correct. it may not be enough, or it may be too much by a few hundred.

What may not be expected from a people who are so patriotic? It was predicted by some that the ardor of Kentucky would abate within 12 months after the declaration of war: more than 12 months after the commencement of the war, we see governor Shelby leading on 4,000 of her sons to the field of glory.
It is a singular circumstance, that the Indians who were led by Tecumseh to the very same field of battle where they had lost so many of their brethren. Does this seem as if our patriotism had abated? Let Proctor and his red brethren answer the question.

It is said that the people will grumble at the taxes. With a people who profusely yield their blood for the benefit of their country, withhold their treasure in the same glorious cause? It would be a paradox of the absurdest character.

The truth is that a people is the most powerful enemy in the world, and whoever thinks differently will be eternally deceived, for the experience of ages and the true character of human nature are both against him. Let our councils profit by the advantages they enjoy and remember that they are directing the destinies of the best organized Republic that man was ever blessed with.