Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE. --

To the Gentlemen of Family, Fortune and Education in New-Hampshire.

GENTLEMEN,

WHILE the ambition of Princes, the jealousy of States, and the avarice of unprincipled Courts, have an existence; national contests will undoubtedly take place: and as no earthly tribunal has an acknowledged right to redress the injured, or to punish the aggressor, an appeal to arms is the only remedy.

It therefore becomes the duty of every people, to prepare for making this dreadful appeal, with some prospect of obtaining reparation for injuries received, or defending themselves against the attacks of an ambitious or insulting foe.

We have lately emerged from the shades of tyrannical power; have established an empire, to which the fertility of our soil, the extent of our territory, salubrity of our different climes, invite the industrious and oppressed of every nation.

America has now become an object, to excite the envy of other powers, and to fire the resentment of those restless tyrants, who may justly dread an increase of numbers in a country, where their own subjects can be protected from their lawless domination: we should therefore take the proper and necessary measures for defending ourselves against every attempt, which envy, ambition or unjustifiable resentment may stir up against us.

Common prudence dictates, that more attention is requisite, for guarding treasures of great value, than things of small account. A rich and valuable country is more likely to be attacked, than a barren, and uncultivated desert, a defenseless town than a fortified city, a careless and undisciplined body of men, than an army conversant with the evolutions of war.

I confess myself to be one of the number, that experienced too great a share of fatigues in the war, to wish ever to see America involved in another: but to conclude that an event will not take place because we are averse to it, betrays a weakness that will not admit of an excuse: and to postpone the preparations for war until the moment of an attack, is a species of national suicide. If a man was at this time to predict a speedy war in America, he could expect no better treatment than Ahab gave the prophet, who foretold his fall at Ramoth Gilead: because we are no better reconciled to the one than Ahab was to the other: but it surely cannot be amiss to say that considering the conduct of Great Britain, the spirit she discovers in with-holding our posts; the war that has lately been kindled in Europe; the nations that may there be involved in it; and the disposition of one of them respecting America: it is at least possible that we may even against our inclination, be drawn, or driven into it: as it cannot be denied that this event may take place, let me ask whether it is not our duty to prepare to defend ourselves in case of necessity? and whether the time of peace is not more proper for those preparations than the time of war?

I have already taken the liberty to address the people of this state in general upon the subject, and if my endeavours have the desired effect, the train-band of New-Hampshire will soon be able to act the part of soldiers, when the safety or the interest of their country calls them to the field.

But my zeal for the security, and honor of the State, compels me to call upon you in particular: and lest it should be made a question for whom this address is more especially intended, I will explain myself, by saying that it is designed for gentlemen of family and fortune; for persons of the most reputable and honorary professions; for gentlemen, who have received academical honors, and are by law exempted from appearing in the field; and for those, who have formerly held civil or military commissions: and the first part of it, particularly for such of them as are in the bloom and vigor of life.

You gentlemen will readily grant that in case of invasion, the whole force of the State should be called forth (if necessary) to repel the attack; and that this force in order to insure success should be well instructed in the use of arms: But many circumstances have hitherto operated against our having some gentlemen of the first talents and capacity in the field, to acquire this necessary knowledge; the thought of serving on foot and doing duty with persons of inferior rank in life, has perhaps induced many to submit to the fine imposed by law; and others to excuse themselves by the exceptions in the militia acts: yet I will venture to assert and call upon your own feelings to justify me; that, in case of invasion, your bosoms would glow with patriotic ardor, a military zeal would instantly possess every corner of your minds; and that you would then wish to be in the place (however great the danger) where you could render the most essential service to your country: but believe me my dear friends, the most consummate bravery, without that knowledge which is acquired by practice, will be of but little advantage: the most heroic valor cannot supply its place, or undaunted courage serve as a substitute. The man who means to fight his country's battles, must before the day of action be accustomed to the use of those weapons, with which he intends to annoy its enemies; lest he should like the Israelitish hero be compelled to lay aside what he had not sufficiently proved.

I know that the law ranks many, in whose valor and activity the country would place the highest confidence, with the number that compose the alarm list: but I am persuaded, that the active and aspiring souls of many among you, would suffer a species of imprisonment, in that kind of service; among persons, many of whom (although of the most respectable characters in life) yet borne down with the weight of years and only enjoying the feeble remains of a military spirit, have not a sufficiency of bodily strength to carry their wishes into execution.

You will pardon me therefore, if I take the liberty of pointing out to you my much esteemed friends, the posts of honor, the place for exercising all your talents; and where you can be of the most essential service to your country.

The Legislature of the State has established a regiment of light horse; and the executive authority will undoubtedly appoint some gentleman to command it, whose talents and reputation will do honor to the corps: Permit me, sirs, to mention some part of the duty of this body.

They are, in case of invasions, to scour the country; to watch the motions of the enemy; to observe their movements; judge of their designs; and give intelligence.

They are to have the charge of all important dispatches, and to be intrusted with the most secret and interesting messages. In time of action they are to cover the flanks of the army; to attack every force which attempts to surround it: to charge any part of an enemy thrown into confusion, and complete their disorder; they are to pursue and harass a flying enemy and make prisoners, by cutting off the retreat of such of them as may separate from the main body in their flight.

Much more might be said upon the utility of this important corps, but enough has already been hinted, to prove, that this post offers the fairest field for a display of military valor, and for reaping the laurels of heroic merit.

I am not unmindful of some objections, which may be made by some among the characters I have taken the freedom to address: having commanded formerly as officers, and now acting as privates, is among the foremost with one class: and perhaps serving under officers who have no better talents or pretensions than themselves, will have its weight with another.

But however fashionable the first objection has become in modern days, it had no weight with the virtuous citizens of ancient Rome. The greatest commanders that the world ever produced, when their command expired, cheerfully served under those, who but the preceding year were subject to their orders. With respect to the second objection, I can only say, that my earnest desire is, that each man in this important regiment may have all the qualifications of an officer; and that the corps may become one of the most respectable in the world, on account of the worthy characters of which it may be composed: but as all who have merit cannot be in commission, some must act as privates, but here let me ask; whether these objections, and every other, which can possibly be raised, will not lay with greater force against joining the alarm list? you will there have to do duty on foot, and probably with persons brought up in a very different line of life; but in this corps you will avoid the fatigues of serving on foot, your duty will be separate from that of the infantry, the persons acting with you, will be gentlemen of your acquaintance, the companions of your social hours, whose fortunes and reputations are equal to your own.

If examples were wanting, a very striking one presents itself in Pennsylvania, where the first gentlemen for family and fortune in the city of Philadelphia, serve as privates in the Light-horse.

And the advantages of having such gentlemen, acting in that capacity, in time of danger, is almost inconceivable. With how much more safety can an army repose, or a country rest, when they know that the motions of the enemy are watched by gentlemen of vigilance, judgment and fidelity; than if only observed by persons, who have not talents to judge of their designs, or perhaps capacity to realize, the importance of their own trust? With how much more certainty, can we rely upon their intelligence, than upon that which we receive from persons of inferior abilities? and, with how much more confidence, can we commit secret messages and dispatches to gentlemen of the first reputation, than to persons, whose want of fidelity may lead them to desert: or, whose want of attention or capacity draw them into the snares of a vigilant and artful enemy. By these hints (however imperfect) you will see the very great advantages, which your country may receive from your services: and, as I am convinced, that neither former commissions, or exemptions by law can stifle the patriotic flame in your bosoms, or keep you from the field in time of danger: let me entreat you to join that corps, where you will do the highest honor to yourselves and be of the most essential service to your country.

Your fortunes will enable you to equip yourselves in a proper manner, and to devote the necessary time to training your horses, and acquiring a knowledge of manoeuvres. Every meeting will be an agreeable interview, between friends and acquaintance of the first rank and fortune; every parade day will give delight to your fellow-citizens, and on the days of battle, victory will hover over your standard; and your own conduct proclaim you the terror of your country's foes.

Having offered my sentiments to those gentlemen who are in the bloom and vigor of life, I now take the freedom to address that very respectable class of citizens, who compose the alarm list. A body consisting of persons between fifty and seventy years of age, of whatever rank in life; of military officers, who have served with great credit; civil officers in the highest esteem; gentlemen of the first wealth and reputation, who have passed the meridian of their days; and of
Gentlemen possessing the greatest literary talents.

These are the characters, which make up this venerable band.

To you, my much respected and worthy friends, I can say nothing for your instructions, many among you possess military knowledge in the highest degree, and know from experience, that every thing that has, or can with propriety be said upon the necessity of disciplining troops, and accustoming them to the use of arms, applies, as well to your corps as to others, although many of the individuals need no instruction; I therefore flatter myself, that those gentlemen who have had military experience, will use their endeavours to teach those who are not instructed.

Many of you, whom the law ranks in the alarm list, I am sensible have held very important military commissions, and are now capable of acting with honor and reputation, in any office or department : But either from inclination, from advanced life, or perhaps from unavoidable neglect, are not now in commission ; and consequently in the time of danger, must appear in this respectable body. Permit me therefore to intreat your assistance for the public good ; let me request you to assemble, and nominate your officers, and recommend them to the President and Council for commissions ; this is nearest the mode which the law has pointed out, and I can see nothing in the constitution that alters it.

If you should think proper to assemble frequently for exercise. it will afford me the highest satisfaction ; not because I suppose all the individuals want to be taught ; but, because those that are experienced will impart their skill to others ; and the example will have the most salutary effects.

Your own judgments will direct you, whether to adopt a uniform or not ; and if you should, whether cloth of our manufactures will not do honor to you and be of the greatest advantage to the State ?

I beg leave to assure you, that every measure which you may adopt to advance military knowledge, shall by me (while in office) be acknowledged with great gratitude: and must (in my opinion) be viewed by all your fellow citizens, as so many marks of your attachment to that country, which you helped to make free.

John Sullivan,

Durham, Feb. 24.

(Major-General.)