OCR Text |
Show 276 LIFE OF GEN. JACKSON. CHAP. adopted by the first, and greater vigilance be exercised, VIII. in future, by the latter." ""18"1'4". ' Never ' perhaps, all the circumstances considere. d, did any general advance to the defence and protectiOn of a people situated i~1 his own country, where greater room was had to distrust the success of the event, and believe all efforts hopeless. That there should be found, at all times, and in all places, an inconsiderable few, who would not withhold their assent to a change in the form of any government, under which they might live, is not a circumstance to excite surprise. Some might be induced to it, if for no other reason, to alter a condition in life, which, if not improved, could not be worsted ; and in our country particularly, where foreigners are so freely and readily admitted to all our rights and privileges,many of whom being allured not by any attachment, but from motives of cupidity alone, shall we ever have to regret, perhaps, a want of union and energy, at those periods, when they shall be mostly needed. But that disaffection should ever be found in our national councils, is an increased source of regret, and makes it to assume a character of deeper danger. When, therefore, general Jackson was informed by the governor, that the legislature, instead of discharging, with alacrity, diligence, and good faith the duties which had been confided to them by their constituents, had, under the garb of privilege, endeavoured to mar the execution of measures the most salutary, he might well suppose the coun~ in danger, and suspect a want of fidelity i1~ her Citizens. Althpugh we would gladly draw a ve1l over_ tl~e conduct qf this body, and forgive the error, yet It IS LIFE OF GEN. JACKSON. 277 difficult, nor is it necessary to forget that heretofore, at CHAP. a moment of expected danger, they exerted themselves VIII. against the establishment of any system of defence ""'-' . . 1814. General Flournoy at that ttme commanded. Appre-hending invasion, he applied to the governor, for what aid the state could alford. His constitutional resources were attempted, and an effort made to draw out the militia : they resisted the requisition ; and that resistance, so far from being discountenanced by the legislature, then in session, was promoted and encouraged, by their assuming to themselves the right of declaring the demand illegal, unnecessary, and oppressive. When popular resentment is once awakened, and opposition to measures, however proper, once begun, the slightest encouragement impels it on ; but when the highest authorities become abettors, and, by their conduct and expressions, give it sanction, the delusion is increased, and soon swells beyond the bounds where reason can control. Thus supported, the militia stood their ground, and resolutely resisted the call ~o defend their country. This example had already mduced the conviction that they were privileged persons, and had reserved to them, on all occasions, when called for, the right of determining if the call were regular, w_here they would prefer to act, and be governed accordingly. When, tl1erefore, the first requisition made by Jackson, was attempted to be filled, a number nmde a tender of their. services, as· volunteers ; but on th1s condition, that tl1ey were not to be marched from th: state. The reply made showed they were to act :th a general who knew nothing of temporizing po-y, and who would 150 the entire length that safety |