Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

DESERTIONS from CONGRESS.

MR. FENNO.

As you were so obliging as to publish, some days since, some strictures on those members of Congress who have fled from their duty at a time of unexampled difficulty and danger, I must request the publication of some further observations on this interesting subject. Although I could not flatter myself that any remarks I have made or shall make, would either recall the fugitives to a sense of shame & duty or prevent the desertion of others, yet I had hoped that the perplexing and alarming situation of our country ripening fast to some great event—the embarrassed state of public affairs, in a great measure unprepared for the serious state of things that seems to be rapidly pressing upon us—the indispensible necessity for wisdom, celerity and energy in our measures and provisions, and the painful anxiety and uncertainty that agitates the public mind would have had some influence in holding men who have voluntarily assumed public responsibility, to the faithful discharge of those duties and a faithful guardianship over that country whose fate rests in their fidelity. Great God! what shall we say and think of men who will desert such high and interesting duties and leave their country to take its chance; to stand or fall as it shall happen; to be a prey to its foes who are never caught napping, who never desert their attack on its prosperity and safety, to gratify some trifling whim, to answer some paltry purpose. Such men are more unworthy of public confidence, are more deserving public indignation than Gallatin or Giles, or the most inveterate foes of the government. If we are ruined, let these men answer for it to their consciences and their country. But can they not be compelled to do their duty? Is it at their option to leave us to destruction or not? Why do not their constituents send them back to the seat of government with reproach and indignation? This must be done—I would have them sent back like the criminals they are. Do they not betray their country—do they not give her up to ruin? And is this no crime—no treason? Ten senators are now absent with very little prospect of their returning, at least as to the greater part of them.

Absentees, May 9th, from the Senate.
One from Massachusetts
Two from Vermont
One from New-York
Two from New-Jersey
One from Pennsylvania
One from Delaware
One from Tennessee
One from Georgia.

The Printers of the United States are requested to republish the above.