The New Hampshire Gazette

MESSENGER OF PEACE

Extract of a letter from Washington, dated the 10th inst.

"Mr. Nathaniel W. Strong is appointed Bearer of Despatches to London, and from which he will proceed to Messrs. Adams and Bayard, who are appointed commissioners on our part to negotiate at Gottenburg with the British government—Mr. S. is to sail in the cartel from New-York."

It may not be improper as an important election is approaching, to offer a few remarks on the subject.—In the present situation of our public affairs, every person who holds dear the freedom of his country—who is a friend to its peace and tranquility—who reveres the sacred principles of the heroes of the revolution, and who is determined to transmit unimpaired to posterity, our free republican institutions, should be cautious on whom he bestows his suffrage.

The federalists claim a right to the suffrages of the people because they are the exclusive friends of peace;" but by what has this friendship or the "greatest of blessings" been evidenced? Has it been by their systematic opposition to the government of their country—by their apologies for the outrages of our declared enemy—by their exerting every mean in their power to obstruct the views and measures of government, and thereby prolonging the war, or, by their exultation when any disaster has attended our arms and chagrin when we have been successful? At the time when "the finger of Heaven pointed to a war with France" were these men, as at present, so sensibly affected with the horrors of a state of war? No. It is war with the British nation, and not a state of war, they so much deprecate. We have not yet forgotten that one of this consistent party, a few years since, recommended "that the republican banner be unfurled against the imperial standard."

Love of country should form a prominent feature in the character of the men on whom we bestow public offices—this we cannot discover in the leaders of the federal party.—Unanimity in the support of men for high offices, who are firm supporters of their country's rights against the encroachments of the common enemy, would do more to effect an honorable peace, than the greatest coercion by arms, in our power." It is a fact, that the success of the federal party in this country, is a "consummation most devoutly to be wished by the British, as by that means they think, (with what justice we leave to the decision of Americans,) a subserviency to their views and interests would be effected.

It is with pleasure we understand that the Hon. WILLIAM PLUMER, the able and patriotic statesman, who has before filled with dignity the gubernatorial chair of this State, will, at the ensuing election, be supported as the republican candidate, and we cherish a sanguine hope, that New Hampshire will retrieve her tarnished honor, and notwithstanding the intrigues and cunning of faction, once more place at the head of her affairs, men whose only country is America, and whose only aim is the good of their fellow citizens.