The Virginia Gazette

From the PENNSYLVANIA PACKET.

It is the spirit of a people which constitutes the strength and duration of resistance, while that is unsubdued, all danger is practicable, all success is certain. In cases of extreme adversity, unusual efforts will be made, and forgetting the difficulty, will be considered only the necessity of the enterprize.

It must strike the enemy as with an apoplexy, to be informed, that the women of America, are attentive to the wants of the soldiery, and from a noble benevolence and patriotism of mind, have determined to contribute to their relief. Panegyrists contemplating this instance of female excellence, will say, in the language of figure, "They fought from Heaven, the stars in their courses fought against the British."

It is the fortune of some times to be replete with action, and happiness, to be rich in signal instances of virtue. One age shall glide away undistinguished and unknown, while another rises bright and shall be for ever remembered. The era of the present revolution will have many things to boast, but of none more than the patriotism of these females. This will give it a brightness above all others, and when posterity shall survey the firmament of our history, they shall admire the lustre spread upon it by this achievement.

With what invincible fortitude, with what glow of enthusiasm, must it inspire our army, to be assured that the fairest part of the creation, that the beauty of the world is engaged in their behalf; that these have become their guardians, and in the dreary interval between the emission of money and the collection of taxes, have mediated their assistance! It will revive the airs of romance, when every Lady assisted in the ceremony of Knighthood, to the champion who was about to draw his sword in her defence.

It is difficult, on a subject so brilliant and exhilarating, not to admit the warmest language; but certainly while a spirit like the present continues to operate, even amongst those whom nature hath formed with finer fibres, and a more delicate texture of nerves, while heroick fortitude is discovered, and the means of war are supplied, in a manner so extraordinary, the capitulation of many cities, should that happen, will not be considered as an irreparable misfortune, like the picture of Venus giving aid to Diomede, the women will re-inspire the war, and ensure, finally, victory and peace.

It is not the quantity of money that may be collected, but the idea of favour and affection discovered in this exertion, that will principally give life to our cause, and restore our affairs. For this reason it ought to be applauded, and if it shall kindle as it ought to do, from one end of the continent to the other, the best consequences may result from it. An idea of this nature, has been mentioned in many places, and it only remained for the inhabitants of some one place to institute the measure and give it countenance. This honour has awaited the females of this city, and it is not doubted, that the females of other cities, and of the inland country, will follow their example.