Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

To the Printer of the New-Hampshire GAZETTE,

SIR,

RESPECT is due to the station of rulers, and whoever, or whatever is found possessing the highest offices in government, demands the obedience and support of the people. But, if at any time or in any country, an interested man, having raised himself, contrary to the wishes of his fellow citizens, into an high office of legislation by the base arts of manoeuvre and intrigue, offers himself to the same citizens as a candidate for the same office at another election, forms new arrangements, places his hands on the heads of his creatures, emissaries and dependants, and teaches them their implicit monosyllables, YEA and NAY; it might not be altogether amiss for that people to turn their thoughts to the reverse of his character. It will be no infringement of their right of election, no designation to a particular office, to describe a good officer at full length, with all his endowments; and, since he is only their servant, to be created by the breath of their nostrils, it might not be improper to enquire how he is to be distinguished, how formed and moulded into being.

Let us suppose a number of men to be found among this people in their dispositions generous, obliging and disinterested—of good learning and education—well acquainted with the letter and spirit of the constitution—just and honest in all their dealings independent in their circumstances, yet careful only to protect, not to increase their fortune—making virtue and merit the recommendations to their friendship—aiming more at the character of good than great—void of all ambition, but the honest ambition of doing good to mankind—having passed through many offices in public life with uniform integrity and independence—not servile nor imperious, when out of power, nor contemptibly gracious when in it—of a stability of character deserving the confidence of their countrymen—indifferent as to their choice of public or private life, but careful to adorn both—lending a ready ear to the poor man's cry, and as much delighted in giving succour to the meanest individual, as in conferring an obligation on men of wealth and power; viewing them "in the inspired, royal style," as flesh of their flesh, and bone of their bone—not wishing to intrude themselves into office, nor desirous of a place because they want it, but because the place wants them.

Gems of this lustre, stars of this magnitude and brilliancy are to be found, we trust, in good plenty in our political firmament; and if honesty and integrity alone have ever been considered as supremely essential to the happiness and well being of all administrations, how must this happiness be accelerated and increased by the well-timed union of this band of virtues!

As nothing will tend more to alarm the fears, and excite the opposition, of, a bad officer, than the prospect of an honest successor— there is no political event which claims a more general attention, nothing which ought to be nearer the hearts and wishes of a virtuous and free people.

A COUNTRYMAN.