No. 3.
BURLINGTON, (Vt.,) _Feb._ 14, 1809.
SIR: I have remained here two days in order fully to ascertain
the progress of the arrangements heretofore made for organizing
an efficient opposition to the General Government, as well as
to become acquainted with the opinions of the leading people
relative to the measures of that party which has the ascendant
in the National Councils.
On the subject of the embargo laws there seems to be but
one opinion; namely, that they are unnecessary, oppressive,
and unconstitutional. It must also be observed, that the
execution of them is so invidious as to attract toward the
officers of Government the enmity of the people, which is of
course transferable to the Government itself; so that, in case
the State of Massachusetts should take any bold step toward
resisting the execution of these laws, it is highly probable
that it may calculate upon the hearty co-operation of the
people of Vermont.
I learn that the Governor of this State is now visiting the
towns in the northern section of it, and makes no secret of his
determination, as Commander-in-Chief of the militia, to refuse
obedience to any command from the General Government which can
tend to interrupt the good understanding that prevails between
the citizens of Vermont and His Majesty's subjects in Canada.
It is further intimated that, in case of a war, he will use
his influence to preserve this State neutral, and resist, with
all the force he can command, any attempt to make it a party.
I need not add that, if these resolutions are carried into
effect, the State of Vermont may be considered as an ally of
Great Britain.
To what extent the sentiments which prevail in this quarter
exist in the neighboring States, or even in the eastern section
of this State, I am not able to conjecture. I only say with
certainty, that the leading men of the Federal party act in
concert; and therefore infer that a common sentiment pervades
the whole body throughout New England.
I have seen a letter from a gentleman now in Washington to his
correspondent in this place; and, as its contents may serve to
throw some light on passing events there, I shall send either
the original, or a copy, with this despatch. The writer of
the letter is a man of character and veracity; and, whether
competent or not to form correct opinions himself, is probably
within the reach of all the knowledge that can be obtained by
the party to which he belongs.
It appears by his statement that there is a very formidable
majority in Congress on the side of the Administration;
notwithstanding which, there is every reason to hope, that
the Northern States, in their distinct capacity, will unite,
and resist, by force, a war with Great Britain. In what mode
this resistance will first show itself is probably not yet
determined upon; and may, in some measure, depend upon the
reliance that the leading men may place upon assurances of
support from His Majesty's representatives in Canada; and as I
shall be on the spot to tender this whenever the moment arrives
that it can be done with effect, there is no doubt that all
their measures may be made subordinate to the intentions of
His Majesty's Government. Great pains are taken by the men of
talents and intelligence to confirm the fears of the common
people, as to the concurrence of the Southern Democrats in
the projects of France; and every thing tends to encourage
the belief, that the dissolution of the Confederacy will be
accelerated by the spirit which now actuates both political
parties. I am, &c.