I say, also, let us go and redress ourselves; you will have the whole nation with you. On no question since the Declaration of Independence, has the nation been so unanimous as upon this. We have at different times suffered great indignity and outrages from different European Powers; but none so palpable, so inexcusable, so provoking, or of such magnitude in their consequences, as this. Upon none has public opinion united so generally as this. It is true we have a lamentable division of political opinion among us, which has produced much mischief, and may produce much greater than any we have yet felt. On this question, party spirit ought to sink and disappear. My opinions are well known, and are not likely to change; but I candidly, and with all possible sincerity, declare my conviction to be clear, that there will not be a dissenting voice in the Western country if this course be taken; that so far as my own abilities go, they shall be exerted to the utmost to support it; and I know that my friends on this floor with whom I have long thought and acted, have too high a regard for the national honor, and the best interests of their country, to hesitate a moment giving the same pledge of their honest determination to support and render these measures effectual, if taken: call them ours, if you please, we take the responsibility, and leave the execution of them with you. For, as to myself or my friends, no agency is wished, except that of uniting with you in rousing the spirit, and calling out the resources of the country, to protect itself against serious aggression, and the total subjection and loss of the Western country.
Mr. R. then read his resolutions, which are as follows:
"Resolved, That the United States have an indisputable right to the free navigation of the river Mississippi, and to a convenient place of deposit for their produce and merchandise in the island of New Orleans.
"That the late infraction of such their unquestionable right, is an aggression hostile to their honor and interest.
"That it does not consist with the dignity or safety of this Union to hold a right so important by a tenure so uncertain.
"That it materially concerns such of the American citizens as dwell on the Western waters, and is essential to the union, strength, and prosperity of these States, that they obtain complete security for the full and peaceable enjoyment of such their absolute right.
"That the President be authorized to take immediate possession of such place or places, in the said island, or the adjacent territories, as he may deem fit and convenient for the purposes aforesaid; and to adopt such other measures for obtaining that complete security as to him in his wisdom shall seem meet.
"That he be authorized to call into actual service any number of the militia of the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, or of the Mississippi Territory, which he may think proper, not exceeding fifty thousand, and to employ them, together with the military and naval forces of the Union, for effecting the objects above mentioned.
"That the sum of five millions of dollars be appropriated to the carrying into effect the foregoing resolutions, and that the whole or any part of that sum be paid or applied, on warrants drawn in pursuance of such directions as the President may, from time to time, think proper to give to the Secretary of the Treasury."[69]