The New Hampshire Gazette

From the CITIZEN.

SIR,

It is reported of King Charles II. that when any victualling contracts were agreed on, he always ordered samples of the bread, beef, or pork, to be laid before him; and retiring to his closet, by himself or with a friend, he always used to have his favourite dogs sent for; and by throwing the provision among them, by that simple circumstance, was ever able to find out which was best, sweetest, and wholesomest, for his good Subjects.

This Prince, who knew by various distresses what it was to be a man, often said, that one hour in a day was sufficient to be a King; and I am truly of his mind; for Kings as Kings are often deceived, but as men they stand the same chance as others.

I have no proof, that victualling contracts are ill performed, but by hearay; and that is not to be depended on. Common Fame is a liar, and I hope common sailors are the same when they grumble, as they often do, on account of ill provided stores.

The only way to prevent an Englishman from languishing after his country, is to feed him so well with the produce of his country, as to make him believe himself to be at home. And I can easily, very easily, imagine a piece of Suffolk or Hampshire beef, to give a double flow of spirits and courage, when eat before the walls of a French fortification in America; when the garrison, perhaps, are at best languishing over pulse, roots, and animal food, in a state of putrefaction.

This would still more be the case, if our good friends and allies at Cork, its own self, did not assist their and our enemies so very bountifully; insomuch that we often want ourselves, when the French are rioting in our products and manufactures.

The moment an embargo is laid on in Ireland, the natives all cry out—We are undone! The English are our task masters; they ride us to death; we are bitted and bridled; and a beggar on horseback will ride to the devil, according to a very old saying.

Ireland is a conquered country, enjoying more liberties and immunities than any place under the globe, in that situation. They are ungrateful to say this, as of late years our indulgence has rendered them silently rich; and as it often happens in private life, I wish the younger brother does not, in the end, buy out the elder.

But to return to my first point. When I can prove any fraud in victualling, which my honest dogs shall be my guides in, as they were guides to the King, I mentioned in the beginning of my paper, I will as kindly declare it through the channel of your Paper, as any vice I know of.

Palace yard, Westminster,

Your constant reader,

F. T.