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exalted and unmixt functions of interpreting and applying the law. If this maxim should appear to you to be founded in justice, you will provide by law for the appointment of proper officers to keep the records, and execute all the judgments of these courts.
The constitution having provided in part, for the organizing the militia, some changes will be necessary, in the existing law on that subject, and it will readily occur to you, that nothing should be omitted, which can give activity and energy to that body, on which we must chiefly depend for our safety, in peace and in war.
To support the station which we have assumed as an independent people, so long as we have enemies to that independence, within our own territory, some extraordinary sacrifices will be necessary; and as we have already commenced preparations for a military enterprise, which if properly supported, will secure our success and future prosperity; it is hoped that you will find no difficulty in obtaining by taxes, operating equally on all classes of our fellow citizens, the necessary funds for this momentous object.
Having been abandoned by a sovereign, whose system and principles of colonization grew up in the past ages of bigotry and persecution; our rights of self government, will not be contested, wherever the language and doctrines of enlightened civilians, and writers on the laws of nations can be heard; nor can the glorious conflict in which we are now engaged, with the remnant of dismembered and lawless forces, still occupying in hostile array, a part of our country, and pretending to represent the shadow of departed monarchy, prove unsuccessful. Our brave volunteers, conducting themselves with temperance and fortitude, like the patriotic chief who is to lead them, will teach the enemy, that Americans understanding the principles of liberty and a free government, are ever ready to sacrifice their lives in its defence; for our cause is too glorious, to be disgraced by fear or by submission.
When Charles the 4th, late sovereign of Spain, abdicated his throne, and was followed by the heir apparent, styled Ferdinand the 7th, to prefer an asylum in a foreign country, to defending the sovereign independence of his crown and subjects; the people of the Floridas, in common with the rest of the Spanish colonies, had they consisted of but one family, were restored to the original rights and natural charter of man; that of providing for their own preservation and government.
We are then entitled to independence, and wherever the voice of justice and humanity can be heard, our declaration, and our just rights will be respected. But the blood which flows in our veins, like the tributary streams which form and sustain the father of rivers, encircling our delightful country, will return if not impeded, to the heart of our parent country. The genius of Washington, the immortal founder of the liberties of America, stimulates that return, and would frown upon our cause, should we attempt to change its course.
There is a trait gentlemen, in the character of our emancipation, which must be approved by all who venerate the principles, and supporters of American independence. It was not gold; it was not the address or intrigues of foreign emissaries; it was not, even an aspect of complaisance, or a promise of protection from the country which most of us consider as our parent state, which led us to embark in so perilous an enterprize; but it was the resolution and patriotism of the members individually of our late convention, adhering steadily to their purpose of introducing a necessary reform, seconded by the virtuous military chief and brave citizens who surrounded them, that gave success to our arms, and a reputation to