Virginia Argus

Mr. Editor-

Your friends and republican acquaintance must be highly pleased in perusing an article which appeared in the Columbian, 30th June, on the subject of Mr. Morris's Bourbon oration. If he is susceptible of a blush, he cannot conceal it on reading those remarks.

"It is done--the agony is over--the Bourbons are restored." Laconic indeed! No doubt the royal orator meant to distinguish himself on an occasion, so interesting--so brilliant--so pleasing to the friends of kingly power.

"The agony is over!" An admirable selection of a term noticed by Latin and Greek writers; they tell us the word in these languages, agonia, and agonisma, signifies a struggle and strife for life; and if I mistake not a Latinist, Lactantius, if my memory is not incorrect, says, it is expressive of a struggle in birth, a gasp and strife for existence; and sometimes these words are applied to Combatants who exert all their powers for victory.

The restoration of the Bourbons must, indeed, be expressed by apposite language and terms. The great king's man could not do less on this royal occasion; &, Louis XVIII surely has now a strong claim on the generosity of his celebrated orator. Whatever agony may have been felt for poor Louis XVI, he could not gasp again into life; that however, makes little odds amongst these noble souls. The king is restored to his own again in part. The banditti who plundered the royal furniture of the beheaded Louis, may be called to account for it, and restore it to the king again--notwithstanding it was purchased for "a song" by the hon. Gouverneur Morris, while our ambassador to France!!! Suppose the king should send for all those valuables and demand them, alleging that they were stolen goods--that the sale was illegal? How could the orator refuse the restoration, at the request of Louis XVIII.

The mantle is thrown off--the garb has fallen--a disciple of Washington has, in the face of all America, declared his sentiments--that he eulogises the restoration of fallen or depraved kings, to their ancient rights and dominion. What next, Mr. Morris? The tories will expect from you some consistency; and surely it cannot be very strange to hear you declare that king George ought to be restored to his right in, and dominion over this country. How exhilarating, to all royalists and British devotees to hear such a man applaud and celebrate the restoration of kingly power!

Sir, I hope never again to see the name of Gouverneur Morris coupled with the venerable George Clinton, in a public work published in our city. The contrast is degrading as well as truly disgusting to the friends, as well as memory, of that excellent citizen, firm republican, and patriotic chief. Governor Clinton detested both the power, as well as crimes of kings.

CATO.