Edwardsville Spectator

LIVERPOOL, SEPT. 11.

"My principal reason for addressing you by this opportunity, is the report prevailing here this day, of some war on the part of this country being in contemplation, and most probably with the United States, which I trust, for your sake, will prove quite false. Improbable as such an event may at first appear, it becomes less so when coolly considered, with all the concurrent circumstances of the times. This country cannot permit Spain to ratify the treaty of cession of the Floridas to the United States; this must involve Spain in a war with the Union; she cannot defend her still remaining, transatlantic possessions against America; therefore England must do it for her. Moreover it is argued, and plausibly so I think, by many among us, that not only England, but many continental powers are bent upon supporting Spain, if necessary, against America;--besides which, they deem it politic to check, in time, the rapidly growing Colossus of North America, shewing plainly an unlimited ambition after extension of territory; such, as, if crowned with success, may prove dangerous to other European powers besides England. Another reason in support of the probability of the said event rumored is the present situation of public and private credit in the United States, which is said to be at its lowest ebb, and the conclusion is that the government could not therefore make any effort commensurate with the exigencies of the occasion, and that thus a disunion in the Union might be created.

"If our Cabinet have these views, and the conviction is most natural, that the aggrandizing disposition of the United States government, cannot for any length of time avert a breach with them, unless Great Britain wishes to see, besides the Floridas, also Cuba, Mexico, and other Spanish colonies, under the dominion of the United States--and all the British possessions in the West Indies, worth having, in jeopardy, at the very opening of any future war with her jealous and threatening rival, then an early rupture with the United States assumes, indeed, much probability.

"Two days ago 10 and 12 guineas were given at Lloyd's, London, to receive 100l.--if press warrants were issued in 10 or 12 days or a fortnight,--20 guineas to return a 100l. if war between Spain and America was declared in six weeks or two months, &c. I give you the report as it prevails here, with the reasoning suggested on the occasion, and which certainly, makes the dreadful event much less improbable than it appears at first. You will, of course, draw your own conclusions from all I have stated and consider my communication in its proper light; my wish is to be useful to you on all occasions. It is ascertained that all the Packets at Falmouth preparing for service, have been suddenly ordered to sea; this argues at least that something of moment is on the tapis with government."