The New Hampshire Gazette

LONDON.

The safety of a nation depends upon the activity and unanimity, with which all and every member, shall contribute towards its support, in their several stations; therefore, whoever do, at any time, (either by factious cabals, a contempt of Authority, or a backwardness to concur in the councils and services, taken and enjoined for the glory and defence of their country), deprive the common wealth of their aid and assistance, expose it to the intrigues of an enemy, and to the fatal consequences of a ruinous war.

How inglorious was the late repulse at St. Cas? which might have succeeded to the honour of Britain, had not the plan of operations been, in some measure, defeated by the licentiousness of their choice, who forced the managers of that Expedition to transfer the command upon one, entirely ignorant of the situation of the hostile shore.

The only method to deliver this island from the terrors and Vexations of French invasions, was found by experience, to turn the tables; to invade their coasts, and to destroy their shipping; without which they could never be able to embark their forces. Ought not then every man that served for pay to have with cheerfulness embraced all opportunities, to push so salutary a measure for the publick good; and to be made answerable for the miscarriage, to which they contribute so much by refusing to submit to the royal command?

It is, at least, most unreasonable for any one to enjoy a commission, and receive the publick money; that will go upon no service, but what he himself pleases to dictate to his superiors.

Had all our commanders assumed this air of authority; or desired to be excused, when ordered to carry the British standard to the torrid and to the frozen zones, what must have become of our councils, and of those measures which have added conquest to conquest; and, if pursued with equal vigour, must command a glorious peace, or crush our enemies in a state of inability to give us any trouble.

By destroying that hydra of the state, that Monster Party, which assisted the locusts to devour the public treasury; our domestic divisions have subsided, and unanimity and integrity in our councils, have produced union and confidence in the subjects; the want of which was always in favour of our enemies.

While it appears that the national money is applied to national uses; and that our constitution is preserved both from foreign and domestic attacks, the ministry will never be disappointed in the necessary supplies.

Nor did this nation ever give more convincing proofs of their zeal, than in the present war. The greatest sums have been demanded: and our enemies are confounded to hear that the subscriptions come but little short of double the money wanted to carry on this just and necessary war. Every one upon the faith and confidence in a good minister, being desirous to convince the Enemies of Britain, that the ancient Spirit of the nation is renewed; which is to prefer our country to every other consideration.

Such a spirit diffused over all ranks and degrees in the nation cannot fail of its due influence. It strengthens the hands of government. It carries terror amongst our enemies. It infuses courage and obedience to authority into the officers of our fleets and armies.

The present administration form designs worthy of the British arms, and not for private emolument; nor to gratify the desires of a commander in chief. And we have the pleasure to see the good effects of these measures, in a ready compliance to the royal command paid by the conqueror of Louisbourg; who was so far from excusing himself from the nomination to so hazardous a service, in that distant and intemperate climate, and against the strongest fortress of the enemy, upon any pretence whatsoever, that he waived his privilege as a Lord of the Admiralty and member of parliament; and preferred that commission, which exposed him to the greatest dangers, in the cause of his King and Country, to every other consideration; being thoroughly convinced, that every one, who holds a commission in the pay of his country, ought either to throw it up, or to undertake the service, upon which he shall be sent. A principle, which should be well attended to both in our navy and army; or it might not be impossible to point out many officers that would be able to find plausible excuses for staying at home, when the affairs of the nation required their actual Service in distant climes.

But it is with the greatest pleasure every well wisher of his country hears, that there, at present, reign such an emulation amongst our officers for distressing our enemies, that they seek the most dangerous commands.

The heir apparent to a coronet, an honorable gentleman, * whose fortune and noble relatives have blessed him with every pleasure this world can afford, (except his being in actual service against the enemy of his country's peace and commerce) invites his fellow subjects in rank and fortune, to leave the places of their indulgence and ease, at this time, when their country stands in need of good and faithful officers to fight her battles; and voluntarily offers himself to seek the enemy in their American fortifications.

*The Hon. George Townshend.

Such an officer as this, raises the credit of that courage, for which our ancestors were so famous throughout the earth; and gives us great expectations from an army with so distinguished a character at their head.

From this time we may date the restoration of that courage, which conquered France, and for many ages was the Admiration, as well as terror, of the rest of Europe.