The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a Letter from West-Jersey

SIR,

"The French, since the last Peace, have been so much encroaching on the Trade and Territories of our British Northern Colonies, that we are anxious to hear of the Success of our Negotiations at Paris. As I have had some Opportunity, I have done all in my Power that our Commissaries be well informed, as I have been particularly applied to for that Purpose. I am fully persuaded that the Northern Colonies are of much greater Consequence to the Naval Force and Trade of Great-Britain, than the Sugar Islands, though it seems that there has been much Pains taken to make it appear otherwise.

There is no Comparison in the Quantity of the English Manufactures, that are annually consumed in the Northern Colonies, and in the Sugar Islands. Besides, the West-India Trade is a perpetual Destruction of Seamen, whereas the Northern Colony Trade, and the Fishery especially, is a continued Nursery for their Increase; and therefore it is my humble Opinion, that an exclusive Fishery alone, would be of more Benefit to the Nation than all the Sugar Islands put together; for whatever Nation has the greatest Naval Force will always command the Trade. This is evident from the Case of Spain, which has decayed in its Trade and Naval Force, ever since their Settlement of their numerous Southern Colonies. The French were made very sensible in the last War, of the Naval Force of the Northern Colonies, though it had no other Support but that of private Adventurers. The French think our Ministry will suffer a thousand little Injuries at a Distance, rather than go into another War, for they reap more Advantages by a Peace, which gives them fresh Opportunities to make Encroachments, in Order to lay Foundations to carry on the next War more to their Interest. I have heard it reported, that Printing-Presses are by all Means to be discouraged in our Colonies; I am amazed at it; I wish it may not be true. That the Colonies ought to be kept in Ignorance, is not the just Sentiment of a Mother Country towards its Children, but of a Master Country towards its Servants. Love us, encourage and educate us as Children, and we shall always give you the Honour, Love and Obedience, that is due to a Parent. But if you begin to consider us meerly as your Tenants, your Labourers, or your Slaves, we must of Course by Degrees lose all true Respect and Affection for you. I am, dear SIR,

Your most humble Servant,

PUBLICUS."