The Portland Gazette

Mr. Shirley—A singular circumstance occurred a few days since. The writer whilst travelling a short distance, called at a public house to take some refreshment, and perceiving some gentlemen amusing themselves with reading newspapers, took one likewise. While the company were thus engaged, three more gentlemen strangers came in. From reading the papers, we entered into some conversation with respect to the candidates for Governor the ensuing year. It was soon ascertained that the company was composed entirely of federalists, and that there was one from every county in the state except Hancock and Somerset. They were all unanimous in regretting that no federal candidate had been proposed to the choice of the people. The arguments in favour of the measure were numerous and cogent. They severally observed that it was the ardent desire of the federalists within their respective circles of acquaintance that some candidate should be named: and Ezekiel Whitman was the person almost universally mentioned. It was understood that many towns throughout the state were determined to support him—and this was the determination of all present, and to give information as far as possible. It was believed that the name of Whitman need only be mentioned to unite almost every federal vote.

A FEDERALIST