Berkeley And Jefferson Intelligencer

From the American Daily Advertiser.
THE PRESENT CRISIS.

So, it seems, Napoleon the Great has resolved, that there shall be no longer any Neutrals; and has graciously proffered the advantageous condition upon which he will take us into the League, "which all other Nations seem to have entered into against themselves:" whilst an Arch-Enemy is alternately playing them off against each other. I thank his Imperial Majesty for shewing his teeth so early—for letting us into the secret of his sublime views, before it was too late to counter-act them.

Good People of America! Fellow Citizens of the United States! (whether in or out of Congress) are you willing to act as cat's paws, for the purpose of enabling Bonaparte to reach the British Possessions in America? What think you of the tempting proposal of driving off your Enemies the English, to replace them with French Friends. Do you incline to rob Peter to pay Paul! Have you any mind to jump out of the frying pan into the fire?

If you have, say so; and let the President and Congress go on, to break with Britain, though we are bound, in these perilous times, by the ties of common interest, and common language;—and she begs our pardon for an affront which she disclaims. Let them make a firm league with the potent Emperor who aspires to conquer the world; and stipulate with him, for the precious privilege of being the last devoured.

But if you have no mind for the bargain, and I trust you have not, as you value the chance of your own safety, and universal destruction, beware of the insidious friendship of the Destroyer. Remember the fate of Venice—of the Swiss—of the Dutch—of Austria—of Prussia—of all the Republics, and of half the Monarchies of Europe; and forget not that it was not so much French Arms, as French Intrigues, that worked their downfall.

Such friendship may God in Heaven avert! And He will avert it from the only civilized nation that worships Him, without the interference of power and prejudice, if we be but faithful to Him and to ourselves.—He has placed between us a thousand leagues of ocean; and while we remain united at home, we have nothing to fear from abroad. Should the Conqueror of Europe land on our shore, as an Enemy, I trust he may be driven off again—but if we suffer him to gain footing as a Friend, adieu to The Liberty and Independence of America.