Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

To the Citizens of Maryland.

Under the present awful visitation of providence, is it not the duty of every rational man to economize and provide for the worst? Flour is now from 10 to 11 dollars per bbl. and corn 62 1/2 cents per bushel. In vain will those who have to buy, defer it until the new crop comes into market --such has been the inclemency of the season that half crops of corn will not be made, generally, and in many places not a fourth, under such circumstances what is to become of the poor? I have enquired of a number of gentlemen from different parts of this, as well as the adjoining States, and find the accounts almost generally desperate. Inasmuch that where some have a little to spare, others of their neighbors will want it. Under such gloomy and dreadful prospects, it might be hoped and reasonably presumed, that every person who values the necessaries above the luxuries of life; and who has any idea of the probable scarcity of bread, would certainly decline distilling grain of any kind, until the prospects of life change for the better. If liquor must be had, there is an abundance of fruit and cider which may be distilled. After riding frequently through the country, making much enquiry and general observation, such are my ideas of our present situation--God grant that I may be mistaken. But our present prospect of calamity is not of the ordinary or usual kind; heretofore, if one County or State failed in Crops, by drought or other disasters, they have generally been relieved by their neighbors, who have been favored with good seasons-- It is not the case at present; the cold weather and drought have been general, I believe, through the whole country, and of course we have little to expect from abroad.

Should the different Editors of Newspapers have convenient room, and feel an interest in the welfare of their readers, I hope they will be so kind as to give these observations a place; they may possibly do some good; they can do no harm.

A FARMER.

*The first planting of corn, in many places, stood very bad, and even now seems to be a month later in ripening than usual; the severe frosts have already destroyed a great deal of fodder, and it is impossible that late corn can come to maturity. Perhaps this scourge is necessary to remind us of our great dependence on that All Merciful and Supreme Being, to whom we are so much indebted for past favors.