Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1811-08-08
THURSDAY MORNING, august 8.
Washington, sth mo. 18th, 1911
FRIEND SAMUEL,

us, who instead OF turning their hearts to
the cultivation of "peace and good Will
towards all men, are using every exer-
ton to involve this ma ton in q War.
What rendereth this matter the more un-
fortunate as we'll as surprizing, is, that
these exertiOns. although mostly made by
foreigners, fail not to produce consider
able effect among the unsuspecting part
nj the commuaity, who are deceived by
the MISREPRESENTATION Of facts, and the
occasional publication OF statements cal
led lies in certain newspapers ana plac-
inc the most uncharitable construction on
every act and saying Of British minister,
they feel the unholy spirit OF revenge to-
wards the whole British nation. Now,
Samuel, would eandidly enquire OF thee,
what would be thought in England oil
set Of Americans who should be continu
ally urging the British government to de-
clare War against this their native coun-
try2, Would not the very mechanics OF
birmingham and Manchester point at
them with the finger Of seorn Would
thew not be hooted at as destitute OF every
social affection-as abandoned wretches,
devoid of all moral feelings? They sure
w would and yet, strange to tell, by
sueh men as these our deluded country
men submit to be guided in their decisions,
contrary to the plainest dictates OF pru-
dence and common sense.
The persons whom have endeavOred
to describe, betray an unnatural joy In
the dim hope of war afforded by the
news which hath lately been received
Instead of mourning over the sad pros
meet of desolated cities, instead OF eonsol-
inc with those of their fellOw-citizens who
have suffered by the late admiralty deel-
sions, they exclaim with transport, 10
poar tents, O Israel although, could L
consent to lay wager, would venture
one that not one in ten ofthem knoweth in
what part of the sacred writings the pas
saoe ia contained. Doth not this Jealous
fnry manifest hardness of heart Doth
II not prove that these War-hawks have
mo friends whom they value or esteem
either in the country 1chich they hare tet.
or in the one 1chich they hare adopted !
And are these the men to he trusted IN
the most important eoncerns-il the hour
ofperil and dismay? l could wish the Sc
rious part Of the nation to ponder on these
things.
A publication appeared in the newspa-
ner here last Seventh day which was not
mueh relished. allude to the old cry,
Samuel, that the Federalists wish for
separation of the states. 1t is brought
forward again at this tine with view to
influence the approaching election in Ma
ryland: and there is little doubt but it
will be strcnuously repeated in prints OF
certain description until that election IS
over. 1t will then be laid aside until the
ensuing season {; for like some other A
meriean fabrications, it 1con't 7cear long.
How the election which have mention
ed will terminate, is uncertain but it
the administration have lost the Smith In
terest, the people called Federalists cal
cuIate on complete triumph. Should
this be the case, the political aspect OF
the Senate will be changed, and it is
thought James Madison will not be pes
tered by the legislature Of Maryland with
any Bringing supplications to continue IN
the chair of state.
But what most offended my neighbor,
Ephraim Smooth, in the publication al
luded to, was that part which related to
George Washington. for whose character
Ephraim entertainment very high respect.
After declaring that Washington's merit
was not " superior to that of many hero
during the revolutionary war, & ofcourse
that he was not the principal character
on that trying occasion, this writer ad-
deth: "Had we said HALF AS MUCH
of jefferson, the REAL AUTHOR in
the council of the charter of our liber-
ties, which Washington so ably ASSIST
ED to support in the field, We should
have been accused of biasphemy."
Thy bowels, Samuel, would have yearn-