The Patowmac Guardian, And Berkeley Advertiser

There is a strange idea that prevails in the world, that wars are necessary at the return of different periods in the age of a nation; and on this principle there are those who justify a pleasing anticipation of this most capital of all misfortunes: It will however be generally found on examination, that this insensibility to the misery of our species, arises from an unprincipled love of Gain—for what are wars in general, but robbery and murder on an extensive plain?—The two principal inducements to all the wars which have deluged the world in blood, have been avarice and ambition. The first has given rise to predatory excursions, and extending the limits of particular States and Kingdoms: The latter has led to that species of war, which while it diverted the attention of the people from contemplating their domestic misery, enabled the tyrants of the earth to rivit the chains of slavery—and extend the limits of their despotism: Hence wars, however successful, and however advantageous to individuals, are always a losing business to the people.