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cal bigotry, and not founded in common sense, it will control the feelings of but a small portion of society in a country, where it is so well understood that our political institutions are our own work, and constructed for no other purpose than publick benefit.

TO THE ADVOCATES OF WAR. WAR was declared on the 18th of June 1812, now two years and five months. It has been carried on, the administration must confess, for their own sakes, with all the energy of which they were capable; and certainly at a great expense of men and money. What have we gained?

The conquest of Canada was one professed object. But we are not in possession of a foot of Canadian ground-we have not a soldier over the Canada line.

The blockading system of Great Britain, and her claim to the right of impressing her seafaring subjects out of our merchant vessels, were the other avowed causes of war. She was to be compelled to abandon both. But after two years of war, Mr. Madison instructed his ministers to wave them; a proof that he despaired of accomplishing either.

By a waste of treasure, which has doomed us to a heavy national debt and destroyed publick credit; by the loss of commerce, our usual source of revenue to government and wealth to the people; by the loss of the lives of many thousand citizens; by the loss of domestick security and comfort, we have gained -positively, NOTHING!

Great Britain, acting on the defensive, has compelled Mr. Madison to give up his ground, his pretexts for the war; she has conquered and actually holds in quiet possession, the island of Tangiers in Chesapeake bay; Block Island, south of Rhode Island; and a hundred miles square of the District of Maine! tell you that which you yourselves lo know." Think of these things; the course of the war, thus far, and it has gone a great way, certainly merits your serious consideration.

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And if such be the past, what are we to expect from the future? Can we look for any thing better? Is not the prospect before our rulers strikingly worse, than when war was declared ?

We then had a surplus of money in our na tional treasury. Now, besides the debts which have been accumulated, government is not less than twenty million dollars in arrears! Our armies, which have ever been small, are constantly diminishing, and those of the enemy are becoming more powerful.

Our navy

officers and seamen, who, in the beginning of the war, won glory in battle on the ocean, are now doomed to skirmish on fresh water, and there so scantily supplied with means, that we are rapidly losing the control we had acquired. To recruit the army, conscript laws are projected by our rulers, and abandoned through fear. They have not funds to raise troops by pecuniary inducements, and they dare not use violence. Taxes are multiplying-the power to pay, decreasing; poverty and discontent are spreading over the country.

or to obtain some sort of security for those political rights, which are essential to our character, prosperity, and happiness, seems to excite their utmost indignation. In these reproaches, Richmond, in Virginia, takes the lead. Before we attempt to justify ourselves, we will throw in the teeth of these unblushing libellers, the following record of their own proceedings, from a paper published in this same Richmond, when the excellent treaty made by Mr. Jay, proved excellent by experience, was submitted to the Senate for ratification, by President Washington.

Richmond, July 31, 1795. "NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that, in case "the treaty entered into by that d-n'd Arch "Traitor J-n J-y with the British tyrant ، should be ratified-A petition will be present"ed to the next General Assembly of Virginia "at their next session, praying that the said "state may recede from the Union, and be left ، under the government and protection of One "Hundred Thousand Free and Independent "Virginians."

"P. S As it is the wish of the people of ، the said state, to enter into a treaty of amity, "commerce, and navigation, with any other "state, or states of the present Union, who are "averse to returning again under the galling "yoke of Great Britain, the Printers of the (at present) United States are requested to "publish the above notification."

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So much for Richmond, where the people of New-England are now stigmatized as a factious, rebellious people. Now, these proceedings we considered infamous, at the time, and entertain the same opinion of them to this day. We quote them, therefore, to silence these calumniators, not as an example which we follow. There is the same difference between the circumstances of the two cases, that there is between wilful murder, and homicide in self-defence. The act abstractedly may be the same, but the circumstances render one a erime, and the other a duty.

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person who will observe what preparations the enemy are making, will be convinced that new scenes of a most sanguinary nature are before

us.

GENERAL REGISTER.

BOSTON, SATURDAY, NOV. 26, 1814.

FOREIGN. We learn by the way of Halifax, that a fleet of men of war, and transports, full of troops, destined for America, sailed from Plymouth, on the 18th of september.

A London article of Sept. 22 says, that the expedition to America, instead of being suspended, as had been incorrectly reported, was increased, and would be forwarded with all possible despatch.-That whatever may be the state of the negotiation at Ghent, the war would be prosecuted with the utmost vigour until an accommodation was certain.

Two British Seventy-fours were about sailing for the Brazils, to bring the Royal Family of Portugal back to Lisbon.

It was expected the Congress at Vienna would commence its deliberations on the 1st of October.

A small squadron is soon to sail from Halifax for Martinique, to take the British garrison from that island to Bermuda or Halifax.

Sout 1200 troops and seamen arrived at Quebeck, from the 26th to the 29th of October; likewise large quantities of munitions of war, clothing, &c. several hundred shipwrights, and a million of dollars [not_in Excheque bills] towards the support of the army.

The Transport ship Sovereign, Capt. ----, bound from England to Quebeck, was wrecked on the 18th of Oct. on the Island of St. Paul, in the Gulph of St. Lawrence-she had on board 9 officers and 186 soldiers of the 49th, 58th and 81st regts. 2 sergeants, and 21 women and children, in all including the captain, mate, and 19 seamen, forming a total of 239 persons.— Only thirty-seven lives were saved.

DOMESTICK. It is now ascertained that Fort Erie was evacuated and destroyed on the 5th of November, and the Canada side of the river entirely abandoned. The most deplorable accounts reach us through every channel of the state of our army. The Utica Patriot says, our loss in three months, by the sword and disease, on the frontiers of Canada, is estimated at from four to seven thousand men ! We know it to be a fact, by the information of a spectator, in whose accuracy we can confide, that a hundred men have died in a day A democratick member of Congress writes that "the army is without pay, cloth

"We poor fellows on the frontier, are scarcely able to get a potatoe once a week, and then have to pay nearly the weight in gold for it, to the pickpockets and swindlers who abound in this country."

The British Treaty promised security and prosperity, and they followed its ratification. The present measures of our governmenting, and blankets." One from the spot, writes, thatthreaten total ruin, and it is rapidly advancing. Yet the Hartford Convention is not proposed with a view to effect a separation of the States, like the Richmond proclamation. As our fathers convened to demand the rights, which belonged to them, as British subjects, our patriots will demand the rights of American citizens, as defined in our Constitution, of which we are deprived, by a wicked administration.

SINCE the despatches were sent to our ministers at Ghent, in answer to their communications, we have not observed any hint, as to the import of Mr. Madison's instructionswhether they are to return or to enter upon the discussion of the respective claims. We are inclined to the dreadful conclusion that our ministers are ordered to return. Mr. Madison, undoubtedly gives the cue to the leading democrats of Virginia, his own state, and the late proceedings of their Legislature with respect You, who are advocates of war, what are to the British claims, in our opinion, afford but your hopes ? On what are they founded ? too strong reasons to presume, that the negoIs it not the worst of policy; is it not mad-tiation will be immediately closed, and that our ness to continue this downhill struggle?

INCONSISTENCE-IMPUDENCE. THE Madisonian party in many parts of the Union have attacked the New England Convention, with great violence; that we should think of attempting a redress of grievances,

ministers, not appointed to other offices, will come home.

The Newhampshire militia, placed by the state gor. ernment under the command of the United States' officers, like our's, in the same predicament, have been dismissed, without pay, or shammed off with Exchequer bills.

The report mentioned in our last, of a second victory by General Jackson, proves unfounded.

A court martial, for the trial of General Wilkinson, is appointed, for the 3rd of January, to sit at Utica, in New York.

Letters from the army speak of General Izard with great severity.

The British, about a fortnight since, took from 15 to 20 sail of small vessels, with about 30,000 dollars. We are very happy to learn, that measures have been taken by the people in the county of Cheshire, N. H. for a meeting at Walpole, to appoint a delegate, from that county, to the Hartford Convention.

James Balfour, Esq. Governour of the state of Virginia, is elected a senator in the Congress of the United States.

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At a general Court Martial holden at Washington, Capt. Dyson, of the United States corps of Artillery, has been tried for having "misbehaved himself before the enemy, and having shamefully abandoned fort Washington" during the approach of the British last August," which it was his duty, to defend ; and for marching his garrison from the same, in violation of his duty, and contrary to his orders." Captain Dyson has been sentenced to be dismissed the service of the U.States, and Gen. Scott has approved the decision. That part of the prisoners, taken by the British, lest summer, who were sent to Bermuda, have been

Then the war will begin it will begin, for,
as certainly as the campaign of next summer
opens, it will assume a character which will
make this devoted country forget, that it has
been three years at war. We do not say this,
to excite terrour, for political purposes; any brought back to Chesapeake bay.

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gone to sea.

The Washington City Gazette states that from the first of June to the twentieth of October, 12,607 men were recruited for the army of the United States. Captains M'Donnough, Crane, Warrington and Blakeley, have been promoted to the rank of Post Captains in the United States navy.

The Steam Frigate was moved from New York, last Monday, to Jersey, to receive her steam engine.

It is probable that the democracy of New-England will be represented by one member, in the next Congress-Mr. Parris, of the 7th eastern district, Maine. CONGRESS. Mr. Calhoun, in the House has prɔposed a new plan for a National Bank, in which the gov ernment is to have no shares, and the vaults very little cash. It was debated, but no decision taken.

The military committee have brought forward a new classification bill, in the Senate.

Mr. Madison has issued a Proclamation for a national Fast, on the 12th of January.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

We feel much indebted to "THE WRITER" for his regular and valuable assistance.

We are very much oblige! to "REUBEN" for his Translation, and should be very happy to hear from him, and "E." frequently.

LITERARY AND MISCELLANEOUS.

FOR THE BOSTON SPECTATOR.

THE CONFIDANT, No. XIV. To discharge parental duty with fidelity and good judgment is one of the most important and difficult offices attached to the social character of man. It is a duty, in the execution of which, more frequently perhaps, than in any other case, the best intentions are apt to fail of success, if not aided by unremitting vigilance, and acute discrimination. The line between almost any virtue, carried to an extreme, and a kindred vice, is so indefinite, that in cherishing the one, we often inadvertently mould the mind into the other. The hue of the moral temperament is so various in different subjects, it is impossible that there should be any general system of moral discipline; and in adapting specifick rules to particular cases, there is danger lest, mistaking the nature of those passions and affections which it is our wish to regulate correctly, we so man. age them as to defeat our own intentions

While the child is immediately under the eye of the parent, indulgences and restrictions may be qualified by observing their o per tic. But this advantage is seldom enjoyed by one portion of our offspring, except in the very early part of life, when many of the most dangerous passions are latent, and the mind is, of course, insensible to those temptations which multiply, as intercourse with the world becomes more extended. To qualify a youth for the active scenes of life, he must general ly, in some capacity or cther, be removed from the domestick circle; be deprived of the security of paternal wisdom and experience; and left in a considerabie degree to the exercise of his discretion, before his understanding is fortified by a knowledge of good and evil

"Lord of himself;-that heritage of wo, Tat fearful empire, which the human breast But holds to rob the heart within of rest." To this prem ture privilege, the youth, who. is consigned to the University, arrives at an early period of age, under the most critical and trying circumstances. After all the wholesome restraints, which wisdom and enlightened piety have devised, with the best instructers, to direct the literary pursuits and form the morals of the tyro, it is impossible but that he

should be left at considerable liberty to follow the bent of his own inclinations. It is necessary that it should be so, for the development of the mind and character. Here the parent must relinquish his immediate charge: but during this suspension of his personal guardianship, much depends on his prudence, as to the scope he may choose to give to those propensities, which, when rightly governed, constitute a generous, noble spirit; and when abused, lead to indolence, dissipation, loss of reputation, destruction of morals and constitution. The scale, on which the finances of a young gentleman at college are regulated, is a very important consideration. Excessive parsimony in the parent damps the ambition of the child, curtails him of his innocent and commendable amusements, humiliates him in his own estimation and in the opinion of his companions; while on the other hand, unlimited indulgence tempts him to neglect his studies, and every pursuit that is useful; and to value himself on distinctions, which debase the mind, render him ridiculous, and surround him with heartless, riotous spungers, who will use his blind extravagance, without friendship or gratitude, for their sport and profligacy.

THE WRITER, No. XXVIII.

A CLOSE attention to the history of any country, and a study of the primitive manners of its first inhabitants, is a very useful as well as entertaining employ for the mind; and if a proper improvement is made of events, which are recorded in the annals of past time, much good might be attained by their instructive lessons, and much evil averted.

The errors, whether moral, or political, of our predecessors, may be viewed in immediate connection with their pernicious effects; and thus warn us with serious and forcible admonitions, to avoid the evils which perhaps they may have suffered from inadvertency; whilst their virtues, and their wise institutions should be cherished, and improved, and imitated. Merely as amusement, the history of antient customs and manners afford a perpetual and inexhaustible source of rational pleasure; and a knowledge, highly entertaining and interesting in the study, might be made to contribute to social enjoyment, by becoming a fruitful subject for sprightly and pleasant conversation. This kind of knowledge is peculiarly adapted to conversation parties, as it may be introduced occasionally by way of contrast, comparison, or anecdote; and in this familiar garb, would be received without that awe and reserve, which usually accompanies the stiff robes, or venerable costume of learning.

The nations of Europe, in search of historical anecdote, may travel back a long march of many centuries, and the ready pen of history will furnish them with the singular customs, as well as with the wild and warlike achievements of their ancestors, for more than a hundred ages. In this extensive range, they are amused with fabie, as well as satisfied with truth; and although the "seal of instruction” will be impressed but by one, the mind need not be so fastidious as to reject the entertainment of the other.

In our new world, compared with the antiquities of Europe, almost every thing, with which history can present us, is recent. A close acquaintance, however, with the events of our own country will be found to be useful and entertaining knowledge.

The Massachusetts Historical Society have published twelve volumes of "Collections,"

which are certainly entitled to a place, and ought always to be found in the library of every one who is desirous of that kind of knowledge and entertainment, of which we have been treating. Whatever is contained in these volumes, relating to the history of the country, since its discovery or settlement by civilized nations, may be regarded as truth, but where they touch upon the traditions of the original inhabitants, we are agreeably amused with fable.

To exemplify these facts I shall present my readers with two extracts from the "Collections," the one related as historical, the other as fabulous. They will each of them serve to shew, to those who have not yet possessed themselves of these useful and entertaining volumes, that, although their contents are principally of a more sedate and instructive cast, yet there will sometimes be found what is humorous and fanciful.

In the historical account of the Isle of Shoals we find the following petition : "The humble petition of Richard Cutt and

Cutting, sheweth that John Renolds, contrary to an act in court that no woman should live upon the Isic of Shoals, has brought his wife thither, with an intention there to live and abide; and hath also brought upon Hog Island, a great stock of goats and hogs, which doth not only spoil and destroy much fish, to the great damage of several others, and likewise many of your petitioners; but also doth spoil the spring of water that is on that Island, by making it unfit for any manner of use, which is the only relief and sustenance of the rest of the Islands; your petitioners therefore pray that the said Renolds may be ordered to ands forthwith. Also that the act of court, remove his said goats and swine from the Islbefore mentioned, may be put in execution, to the removal of all women from inhabiting there. And your petitioners shall eyer pray, &c.

ORDER OF COURT ON THE FOREGOING.

Whereas by the foregoing request, the gen eral complaint of the chief of the fishermen and others, of the Isle of Shoals, that it is a great annoyance and prejudice for Mr. John Renolds to keep his swine and goats at the Isle of Shoals; it is by mutual consent of this court ordered, that Mr. Renolds shall, within twenty days, remove his swine and goats that he hath at Hog Island, from thence, or any of those Islands that are inhabited with fishermen. And as for the removal of his wife, it is thought fit, if no further complaint come against her, she may as yet enjoy the company of her husband. Dated 20 Octr. 1647.

Why a resolve or ordinance should have been made to prevent the residence of women at the Isle of Shoals, is left to conjecture. That there was, in fact, such a resolve seems to be recognized by the court, in their order on Cut, and Cutting's petitions against Renolds. There are many instances to prove that the legislature of these times exercised some extraordinary powers to preserve the morals of the people. On the records of Maine, is a precept from the court to a constable of Saco, to forbid a certain man, who was reported to be a married man, who had left his wife in England, from paying his addresses to a Widow, or even to go into her company; and upon his persisting after such notice, to carry him before a magistrate, to give bonds to comply with the order." His. Col. Vol. 7. Fabulous traditions, and customs of the Idians of Martha's Vineyard

"The fist Indian that came to the Vineyard was brought thither with his dog on a cake of ice. When he came to Gay heal, he found a

very large man whose name was Moshup. He had a wife and five children, four sons, and one daughter; and lived in the den. He used to catch whales, and then pluck up trees and make a fire to roast them; the coals, and the bones of the whales are now to be seen. After he was tired of staying here, he told his children to go and play ball on a beach that joined Noman's land to Gay head. He then made a mark with his toe, at each end of the beach, and so deep that the water flowed in and cut away the beach; so that his children were in fear of drowning. He told them to act as if they were going to kill whales, and they were all turned into killers (a fish so ca!led.) His wife mourned the loss of her children so exceedingly, that he threw her away, and she fell on Seconet near the rocks, where she lived some time, exacting toll of all who passed by water. After awhile, she was changed into a stone. The entire shape remained for many years; but when the English came, they broke off the arms, head, &c. but the most of the body remains to this day. Moshop went away no body knows where. IIe had no conversation with the Indians, but was kind to them, by sending whales and other fish ashore for them to eat; but after they grew thick round him, he left them." His. Col. Vol. 1. The imagination of Homer, probably from less materials than these, has given us his rocks of Scylla, and the Cyclops' Den.

RELIGION NEVER TO BE TREATED WITH LEVITY.

Addressed to Youth.

TMPRESS your minds with reverence for what is sacred; let not wantonness of youthful spirits, no compliance with the intemperate mirth of others, ever betray you into profane follies.Besides the guilt, which is hereby incurred, nothing gives a more odious appearance of presumption to youth, than the affectation of treating religion with levity. Instead of being an evidence of superior understanding, it discovers a pert and shallow mind; which, vain of the first smatterings of knowledge, presumes to make light of what the rest of mankind revere. At the same time, you are not to imagine, that when exhorted to be religious, you are called upon to become more formal and solemn in your manners, than others of the same years; or to erect yourselves into supercilious reprovers of those around you. The spirit of true religion breathes gentleness and affability. It gives a native unaffected ease to the behaviour. It is social, kind, and cheerful; far removed from that illiberal superstition which clouds the brow, sharpens the temper, dejects the spirit, and teaches men to fit themselves for another world, by neglecting the concerns of this. Let your religion, on the contrary, connect preparations for heaven with an honourable discharge of the duties of active life. Of such religion discover, on every proper occasion, that you are not ashamed'; but avoid making any unnecessary ostentation of it before the world.

ANECDOTE.

WHEN Dr. Shebbeare stood in the pillory in London for writing a libel, the weather proving rainy, a porter was employed to hold an umbrella over him. The man afterwards applied for pay, and was presented with a shilling. This sum he thought inadequate, and pleaded for more. The Doctor observed, "You stood but one hour, sir, and surely I have paid enough."

Tis enough for the work, I

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Translated from the Latin of Landivar. THE fairest of the tribe, who move On airy pinions through the grove, Is that, whose feeble note, when heard, Proclaims the well known Humming Bird. The slender finger of the fair Exceeds this tenant of the air. Its little frame, so frail and weak, In size, will scarce surpass its beak; And with this weapon it defies The rude attack of enemies. In its fair plumage we behold, In gay succession, rays of gold, And now alternately it seems To catch the brightest solar beams. Oft in its flight, on rapid wing, It cuts the zephyrs of the Spring,'. And oft the air re-echoes shrill The murm'ring whispers of its bill. Oft it collects, from hour to hour, The honey of the opening flower; And when fatigued, it finds repose Amid the fragrance of the rose. But oft it leaves this dainty fare, And fluttering, treads the liquid air Suspended thus, it now inhales The fragrance of the vernal gales. So quick and sudden moves its wing, We scarce can see the airy thing. So soon its flight, our anxious gaze Now scarce can trace its various ways, While now it seems, to human glance, Suspended in the wide expanse.

When "chill November's surly blast" Proclaims the end of Summer past, And Winter, with his icy chains, O'er the wide waste, tempestuous reigns, Then, then this little songster flies, Far from our rude inclement skies, And, poised on airy wing, it finds Protection from our blust'ring winds. It seeks a recess, where the storm No more shall low'r around its form, And like the Swallow, finds repose Till Spring once more its charms disclose.

But when the vernal breeze again Is heard in whispers o'er the plain, And wide extended meads are seen, Arrayed in Nature's loveliest green ;

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VOL. I.

DEVOTED TO POLITICKS AND BELLES LETTRES.

BOSTON, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1814.

NO. XLIX.

POLITICAL.

FOR THE BOSTON SPECTATOR.

ers, than to the English; but with all their ha-
tred, even if they could flatter themselves with
an easy conquest, they would not leave their
own country to the unmolested possession of
the British nor to the devastation of their own
slaves, for the sake of compelling us to com-
bat a foreign nation against our interests and
inclination, were it practicable.

NO DANGER OF CIVIL COMMOTION.
So far as we are able to learn the predom-
inant sentiment of the people in this part of
the country, there is much more of impatience
to realize the happy consequences, expected "But we are a divided people; there is a
from the approaching convention, than of alarm, considerable party among us, who are devoted
lest it should lead to any thing that might oc- to the administration and its measures.
casion regret. But as the threats of southern
ernment will have their aid, in support of its
democrats are circulated in the servile prints mandates. We shall have neighbour arrayed
of the party among us, and some honest pec- against neighbour, brother against brother,
ple, for ought we know, may fear that our do- father against son. By destroying one anoth-
mestick tranquillity is about to be exposed-er, we shall prostrate our own strength, and
to such, if this ever reaches such, we would
become a ready prey to any invader."
offer a few remarks.

From what quarter can we expect danger or difficulty ?

Supposing the federal government subsists long enough to keep up the form of war, next summer, (which is doubtful,) and the eastern states be HAPPILY RELIEVED FROM THIS CALAMITY-which is now the wish of every man who is not ready to see our whole community involved in poverty aad distress-what can' our apostate rulers do, that should give us any anxiety? Congressional anathemas, Presidential proclamations, might assail us; but they are as harmless as the prattle of our children. They will, break no bones, nor spill a drop of

Such questions must occur, before we can be in danger of any civil commotion, from the efforts of those who live among us and must ever share our happiness, or misery. On this score, therefore, we discover no cause of anxiety.

We have, it is true, in our very bosoms, a nest of vipers, who are sucking the blood of the people, and fatten upon the distresses of their fellow citizens-the pensioners of the Gov-administration and plunderers of the people. These are the men who are writing in slavish journals; who would still push us on in our downhill course, and who denounce every attempt at self-preservation, as the blackest of crimes. But they are few, and they are impotent and what is more, their interest to hold us in slavery to their employers will soon vanish! The wages of these hirelings are now distributed with a failing hand; the inev itable bankruptcy to which the general government is speedily approaching, will leave its pensioners to the common doom of private citizens. Ask the officers and agents of the federal government how they find the treasury, and you will discover that the streams which supply the zeal of our pretended patriots already run low. They will not fight for those who cannot pay them; they will cease to oppose the friends of the people, when they cease to have a prospect of reward. No-let us have peace with all the world New England and whatever por

If a civil war were to happen between the minions of southern despotism, among us, and the advocates of our constitutional rights, the former must of course be the assailants. The friends of New England freedom and prosperity have no hostile views towards any human being or party. Now the voluntary, unnecessary risk of life is a step in which few men will rashly engage. Before our Madisonians would take the field, against their fellow statesmen and kindred, they would certainly inquire what was the object of those, whom they proposed to assail; and they would find that

The object of the Hartford convention is not to gain advantages for any party or

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blood. If not, re-printed in our newspape men, but to avert the impending ruin of the abroad-Chion may chooze it, pursue the

for publick amusement, the knowledge of their existence will not reach the people.

But shall we not have a civil war? Will not government send armies among us, to impress us into their cause, or cut our throats? If they cannot send any force to expel the British, who are in possession of a large por tion of our territory, how can they send a force to crush the whole population of these northern states? Will the advocates of our rulers say, they have had the power to protect us, and have neglected us, from choice? We presume not. They have no army at command, to disturb our peace; their exchequer-bill bank, if it pass, will never enable them to raise

one.

whole community. The respectable characters
who compose that body are not convoked to
act for federalists, and against democrats, but
for a large section of the country, borne down
beyond endurance, lately the fairest part of
the Union, flourishing and happy :-now en-
dangered, harassed, impoverished, and at last
left to contend with one of the most powerful
nations on the globe, not only unaided, but op-
pressed by our own rulers, and spunged of the
very means of subsistence, when the utmost of
our whole resources would but ill capacitate us
for the struggle they command us to sustain.
If their attention be turned to peace, or, what
is the same thing, local neutrality, and they
can effect it, it will not be a peace for federal-
ists alone. Democrats will equally share in
this most desirable of all publick blessings.

A conclusive proof that the military resources of the general government, as such, are exhausted, is its entreaties that the individual states take upon themselves their own defence. What state, if a summer's campaign of foreign war be commenced, can possibly volunteer the subjugation of New England? What state will not rather need assistance to maintain her own security? We have seen a few British troops advance to Washington; the only resistance they met with, was from Baltimoreans. Two or three ships visited Alexandria-they disposed of that city at pleasure, and the mighty state of Virginia, durst not, or would not move a finger for the safety of its inhabitants. Baltimore was threatened. Four thousand troops were ordered for its defence, from Pennsylvania. If common sense did not teach us, experience has proved, that whilst the war lasts, every Atlantick state will have ample employment for all its physical force. We fully believe, and that from their own repeated declarations, that the southern Madisonians feel more hostile, to the New England-of

When it becomes a question of forcible opposition to the plan and measures of the Convention, shall we find any among us who will draw the sword and hazard their lives, that they may still be deprived of their commerce and habitual occupations; that they may be dragged into the field to maintain a contest in which we have no interest; that they may be taxed to the bread they put in their mouths and the garment which shields them from the cold? Will they draw the sword, for the privilege of being kept in constant alarm, perhaps of seeing our towns laid in ruins and our shores desolated? Could even a passive wish succeed, would they wish, after seriously examining the subject, to defeat the purposes of the Convention, when it must be certain, that if it results in any good to those who favour it, the benefit of their labours will be diffused alike, among every class and description citizens?.

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path of their own prosperity; in obeying this
first and most imperious dictate of nature, they
may go on with confidence; "there are none
to make us afraid."

SUPPOSE THE WAR IN EUROPE IS
RENEWED.

IT is most probable the deliberations of the grand Congress in Vienna will result in the establishment of a general continental Peace. Should it happen otherwise, no doubt our government will consider it an inducement to continue the war, for it seems to be their des-tiny, or rather their policy, to choose that which is most opposite to the true inierests of our country. The advantage of being neutral, when Europe is involved in hostilities, was amply experienced by the United States, in the days of their highest prosperity; the incalculable loss we sustained by adopting Bond-parte's" continental system," which was te sacrifice our commerce, can scarcely be coceived; but this we know; it gave a blow to our national happiness, from which this age will never recover. If our government would restore us to peace, and in case of a European war, as in the administration of Washington, observe a strict, honourable neutrality, we might do much towards recognizing our for

mer channels of intercourse with the word.

We might do something towards re-establish- ing our consequence among nations; something towards discharging the monstrous debts Mr. Madison has accumulated; redeem our national credit, and find profitable employ· ment for the characteristick activity and cɔ-terprize of our citizens.

But if a continental war should bræk anne

again, particularly if Great Britain be a party in the contest, it will be found that the hopes of our administration will revive. They will court the favour of her enemies, and the absurd, and untenable doctrines which our Executive has recently abandoned, will be resumed. We trust it may be the will of Heaven, that the world shall have a respite from slaughter, and that the incurable folly of our rulers will not have this, temptation to debar us from the blessings and advantages of peace. But in case they are brought to the trial, we rely on the firmness of the popular will, at least in this section of the country, to persevere in its desire and determination to see this fruitless, desperate contest closed, and our tranquillity and security speedily re-established.

GENERAL REGISTER.

BOSTON, SATURDAY, DEC. 3, 1814.

FOREIGN. The schooner Chauncey arriv ed at New York, last week, on Friday, from Ostend, which she left on the evening of the 1st of November, with despatches from our ministers at Ghent to government.

The representatives of the several powers of Europe assembled at Vienna, on the first of October, and the congress was opened in due form, when the several parties, to use the language of their official declaration," having maturely reflected upon the situation, in which they find themselves, and upon the duties which are imposed upon them, conceive that they cannot better perform them than by establishing, forthwith, free and confidential communications between the plenipotentiaries of all the powers." The general meeting was therefore adjourned, on the 8th of October to the 1st of November, that all questions in which the whole body had not a comic interest, might be discussed by the respective partics, immediately concerned.

Nothing could be more natural than such a course; yet the adjournment gave rise to innumerable conjectures, unsupported by any thing that appears in the Declaration. Among the rest, the most interesting, were there any truth in it, which we disbelieve, was a report that a rupture had taken place between France and England, and that an army of 80,000 men, to be placed under the command of Lord Wellington, was ordered to Belgium-and that the popular voice in France was-War with England or a New Revolution." None of the papers contain any information to render such rumours plausible.

The news from America down to the repulse of the British at Baltimore, the capture of their fleet in Lake Champlain, and the retreat of their army from Plattsburg had reached England, and given the opposition fine scope for invective against the ministry.

A Ghent paper of Oct. 21. says that "Sweden has peremptorily refused to give up Swedish Pomerania, until she is indemnified for the expenses of the war against Norway, which the King of Denmark has not been able to effect, agreeably to the treaty of Kiel.

The rigorous administration of Ferdinand | brilliant natural capacity, to some other quarhad not yet established tranquillity in Spain: ter, where his minority might be advantaon the contrary, it seems that the spirit of dis- geously devoted to letters. New-England, affection increases. A considerable insurrec from several considerations of convenience, tion had taken place in Navarre, headed by was preferred to Europe, and at the age of General Mina. The vice-roy, Ezpeleta, has fourteen, Charles was sent to this town, and been ordered to proceed against him, with all placed under the immediate care of an the troops of the line of Navarre and the cellent and accomplished scholar, to be preneighbouring provinces. pared for the University.

The meeting of Parliament was fixed for the 8th of November.

ex

Possessing in a high degree that precocity of intellect, which is not unfrequent among Sir E. Pakenham was to sail immediately the natives of the south, he made rapid progfor America, to assume the command of the ress in all his exercises; and at sixteen enlate Gen. Ross. It is said that Sir George tered College, not only well prepared in all Prevost is ordered home. Eight hundred the requisite qualifications, but improved by British sailors were impressed in the Thames, miscellaneous reading, and enjoying the adabout the middle of October, for the purpose vantage of having anticipated most of the clasof manning a number of sloops of war, to sical studies of his Freshman year. This gave cruise for American privateers, in their seas. him much leisure for amusement, the first The London papers contain official accounts danger that beset him; for without losing his of the capture of Washington, and of the fail-ambition for literary reputation, but little apure of the attack on Baltimore. Troops con- plication was necessary, for the present, in ortinued to assemble at several ports, and em- der to acquit himself with honour; and there bark for America; 3000 were ready, at Ports- were not wanting those, who could readily mouth. suggest diversions to occupy his hours, not necessarily devoted to study.

An English paper of Oct. 27th states that the night previous, Despatches for North America were sent from the Secretary of States' office to Portsmouth, to be forwarded without delay.

American Negotiation. It is unnecessary to repeat the speculations with which newspapers and letters are filled on this subject. The simple fact appears to be, that the respective ministers remained at Ghent, with little to do but to amuse themselves, exhibiting mutually, the common offices of civility, waiting for Mr. Madison's instructions, which before this time they have probably received.

The solicitude of his parents, during the two years of his preparation, had been relieved by frequent letters from his tutor, commending in the warmest terms of approbation, his assiduity, his talents, and the regularity of his department. The fondest hopes of the father were gratified, and, both as a token of his satisfaction, and in order that Charles might support that respectability which is every where attached to affluence, he placed at his control twice the amounts of his indispensable quarterly expenses. The openness and generosity of his disposition, his social and convirial turn of mind, were already known; and no sooner was it ascertained that he was indul

DOMESTICK. The Hon. ELBRIDGE GERRY, Vice President of the United States, expired suddenly at Washington, on the 23dged with a very liberal allowance of cash, of Nov. and was interred on the day following,

We have nothing new from the enemy, nor our own army, since our last.

CONGRESS. The National Bank was the principal subject of debate, in the house, last

week. The bill was committed to a select committee, on Friday the 25th. On the same day, the consideration of the Tax bill was re

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FOR THE BOSTON SPECTATOR.

THE CONFIDANT, No. XV. CHARLES DECADENCE was the son of a very wealthy and respectable Virginian planter, residing in the interior of that state. If it be true that the importance of moral habits dervalued in that part of our country, it was and religious impressions are generally unnot the case in this worthy family. In the inimbued with principles of honour, but with fancy of young Charles, his mind was not only reverence for virtue; and, while a tutor was employed in the house to initiate him in the first branches of useful knowledge, his parents spared no pains in encouraging his naturally amiable disposition, and in discountenancing the least appearance of a vicious or unmanly propensity.

A Vienna article of Oct. 14th states that "although the Congress is not to open till the 1st of October, there are every day conferthe 1st of October, there are every day confer-naturally ences between the different plenipotentiaries of the allied powers."

The Chronicle of the Congress" of Oct. 16 says " We learn that already, the greater part of the concerns of the North of Europe are settled. The South demands, for certain reasons, greater deliberation."

that commonwealth, as afford the means of The want of such literary institutions, in acquiring a liberal education in the arts and sciences, rendered it necessary to send the youth, who had given sufficient evidence of a

then he was solicited to make one in every party of pleasure. Charles was, for some time, select in his associates; he neither rode out, nor visited the metropolis but with those, who, like himself, could take such relaxation without sacrificing their literary distinction. But it was his misfortune to be able always to take the lead in this yet innocent kind of dissipation, which procured him a degree of obsequiousness from his fellow students, flattering to the mind of an inexperienced youth. The consequence he had already obtained by his merit, was increased by his disinterestedness in contributing freely to the amusements of his friends; and he now began to be courted by a selfishness which he was too noble to suspect, and to be lured by a kind of popularity, which, had he not mistaken, he would have despised. He did not yet wholly neglect his studies, but inattention had reduced his standing to the level of common abilities. He merely passed without censure, in his class; but in his diversions, profusion gave him eclat.

Charles now found his allowance unequal to his disbursements, and wrote to his father, that, to move in the space of young gentlemen request was granted, though with the expresof fortune, his funds must be increased sion of a serious hope that he would manage with discretion.

The

The prodigality, which he now displayed, attracted the attention of the college authority. He was privately admonished of his danger, which for a few weeks checked his career; but the accomplishment of the regular exermind was unbent, and incapable of its former cises now required assiduity and labour-bis application. When found among his old comrades, he was hailed with applause, and pressed with solicitations. He could neither quit

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