The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

Portland, Aug. 25.

SPIRIT OF THE TIMES.

Although it was positively asserted in the Portland Gazette, that Ten persons only dissented from the proceedings in Town-Meeting, more than TEN TIMES TEN persons have subscribed the following address;

TO THOMAS JEFFERSON, Esq.

PRESIDENT OF THE U. STATES OF AMERICA.

Sir,

The subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Portland, in the county of Cumberland and district of Maine, beg leave to assure the political guide and guardian of our beloved country, of our entire confidence in the wisdom and prudent policy of the measures of his administration, and of our willing acquiescence and cordial co-operation in them. We cheerfully submit to the privations occasioned by necessary restrictions on foreign commerce, and rejoice in the sacrifice which continues the peace and independence of America, averts the calamities of war from her shores, and preserves the state from the resistless maelstrom of European ambition, whose fatal jaws has whelmed the nations. We sincerely reprobate the murmurings which have reached the ear of the Executive from several maritime towns in the commonwealth of Massachusetts, tending to excite in the people a spirit of repining and distrust, to destroy their merited confidence in their rulers, and to encourage disregard and disobedience of the laws. Believing that the public safety and honor and the prosperity of the citizens are the desire and endeavor of the government; we feel assured, whenever the state of foreign relations may justify the measure, and not sooner, that the people will be relieved of the constraints to which their civil obligations require their patient submission.

Be pleased, Sir, to receive assurances of our respectful consideration and reverential love.

Portland, Aug. 16, 1808.

Those citizens who wish to add their names to the above address, are informed that it will be lodged in the Post-office, until Saturday next, for that purpose.

Communicated for the Argus.

Ephraim Mower,
Edward Bangs,
Nathl. Harrington,
Nathan White,
Thos. Nichols,