The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

From the London Chronicle.

To the Printer.

SIR,

Were it not for the pleasure of communicating it, I would not give so single rub for a heart full of joy. Give me leave, then, to tell you and your readers how much I partake in the transports which now warm the breast of every true patriot. Happy times, Mr. Printer! glorious prospects! But as the bulk of mankind are not very apt to look before their noses, permit me to point out a few of the numberless blessings which must necessarily flow from the late wise and generous measures.

Every one knows what the public expenses lately have been; what our debts and taxes are: and how much economy is wanted. But, abstracted from the expense of the war, be pleased to observe what we shall save. The barren sand banks of East Florida (which I would with all my heart give to the devil) the frozen deserts of Nova Scotia, the extensive regions of Canada, Newfoundland, and St. John's, cost not a little for the support of their civil government, troops, stores, &c. all which will be saved: for I do not suppose any one is silly enough to dream of preserving them after this. And, pray remember, a penny saved is a penny got. But this is little. The West India islands must follow the fortune of America. Of this I believe every man is sensible that knows any thing at all of the matter. Observe what a saving is here again--Governors, Lieutenant Governors, Chief Justices, &c. troops, cannon, ammunition, Admirals, ships, sailors, &c. &c: Bless me, Mr. Printer, we shall get quite rich! But this is not all. After having got so happily rid of the West Indies, we will of course have one half (I speak at random) fewer ships and sailors: it would therefore be the highest folly to think of keeping any thing in the East Indies. So much the better, say I--that's the very thing--for here again we save the enormous expense of supporting those distant settlements. But, what is much more, we are now arrived at that happy period when a fleet is altogether unnecessary, having got rid of all these cursed dominions which have been troublesome to us. Our ships may be sold, and will bring something considerable; but what is that, compared with the saving that will arise from the suppression of the Admiralty Office, dock yards, &c. &c. I shall mention but one thing more--the army. In the circumstances I have described, an army, as well as a fleet, must be altogether useless. A most happy circumstance indeed! There we save-- Lord knows what! Commanders in Chief, subordinates, &c. &c. &c. camps, contracts, offices of war, ordnance, &c. &c. &c.

I know very well, Mr. Printer, what objection you will make to this happy scheme. After our navy and army are gone, you say; what is to protect us? You think you have puzzled many a poor devil; you never was more out in your life. Why then I say to you, and all the good people of England, let your insignificance protect you. R. S.

P. S. Pray, Sir, answer me two little questions. Is it the way to beat France, to keep 30,000 men in America, with their hands tied up, & little better than prisoners? Supposing we do beat France, what are we to get by it? Perhaps you will say as much as usual--Glory and broken bones: Mighty good!