Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

HARTFORD, December 21.

Extract of a letter from an American gentleman, now in Europe, to his friend in this city, dated London, October 15, 1784.

Yesterday I arrived here ; having made, since my first landing here, a tour of more than 800 miles. In this tour, I have, as I proposed, visited all the principal manufacturing towns, which are truly numerous : and finding a ship that will sail in a few hours, I have only time to communicate some of my truly feeling sentiments for the future well-being of our country. The longer I am here, the more sensible I am that the Americans are much happier than the people in England and Ireland ; especially the middle and lower classes of people who are loaded and oppressed with taxes. Indeed the people here as well as in other provinces, are critically observing us, to see how we conduct as to government, and unanimity in our federal operations. My traveling, generally without being known as an American, has given me opportunity to hear the sentiments of many different classes. They all say, that, if we remain united, support our credit and pay our debts, we shall be the greatest and happiest people in the known world. Indeed most of the conversation in any company is concerning America.

Many in England think we are divided and shall be more so, as they say the people refuse to pay their taxes. Americans may think their taxes high, but they may be assured, they are not half so high as in England and Ireland. I hope they will all cheerfully pay their taxes, for were the Americans who complain, to travel in England and Ireland, and see how the poor are oppressed with taxes to support bishops, place-men, pensioners, &c. in luxury and idleness, they would return home, cheerfully pay their quota of taxes. and think themselves the happiest people in the world.