The New Hampshire Gazette

CIRCULAR.

SEAT OF GOVERNMENT

THE importance and utility of a permanent Seat for the Hon. General Court of the State of New-Hampshire, has, we understand, been suggested by many of its honorable members, and the necessity of which is so obvious to all, that it needs no arguments to demonstrate its high importance. But a question will naturally arise in the minds of some, what town or place is the most eligible? This question is very soon solved. A few years since, when a similar one was agitating in the Hon. General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, it was argued that Boston was the capital of the Commonwealth, and should receive the encouragement of every citizen; and although many of its members had to travel more than three hundred miles from the extreme parts of the District of Maine, yet most of them trading largely with the merchants of Boston, would have to perform those journeys from necessity; but now from convenience and pleasure, for at the adjournment of the courts, daily, they could transact their mercantile affairs, without the least inconvenience. And it gave distant citizens also, (who had no other business, than to attend court.) the pleasure of seeing the metropolis of the State (which perhaps would not otherwise be the case,) and of becoming acquainted with the habits and dispositions of the citizens, which, by no means, are inferior considerations. The same arguments will apply with greater force, as it respects this State, and a multitude of other arguments might be adduced to shew the great importance and utility of having the permanent seat of government for this State, in the metropolis. And Portsmouth being the Only seaport in the State, it seems as tho' Providence had marked it out for that particular encouragement of its government and citizens, and as claiming their highly merited consideration and attention.

It is also suggested by many citizens of Portsmouth, that should they meet the encouragement of the honorable General Court in appointing this metropolis as a permanent seat for the government of New. Hampshire, this town would be at the expense of purchasing and presenting to the state, a most beautiful and elevated situation in its centre, which is a little retired from the noise and bustle of the public market and parade, and which commands a delightful view of the river and harbor, as well as of the town; and is one of the most airy and salubrious situations within its vicinity. It is also sufficiently large for wings to the Capitol for public offices, committee rooms, &c. and also for necessary out houses. There are several lots besides the one in contemplation, which are now clear of buildings, and could be obtained.

And as to boarding the members, accommodation could be obtained in respectable families for more than five hundred gentlemen, at as low a rate as in any town in the State.— Many families had made provision for several gentlemen, previous to the present session of the Court, at four dollars per week (or even at a lower rate, provided any were boarded for less) who now have not a single boarder.

In fact, this town holds out every inducement, and every encouragement to the honorable General Court, to establish their permanent seat of Government in this place, and to make provision at their present session for building a new and convenient State House, which would accommodate each branch of the government, and be an ornament and credit to the State. The many advantages the citizens throughout the State would derive from having the seat of government in the seaport and capital of the State, is incalculable. And it is hoped the honorable Court, will take these few hints into their wise consideration, and favorably decide thereon.