Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

WAR.

Immediately after the above, in the same paper, is the following general orders. It is something very remarkable, that we hear nothing from Natchitoches for this week or two, if the Spaniards were so furiously bent on war, they must be fools to have delayed their march, until the American forts were reinforced by fresh troops; but a sly fellow has let the secret out. A tool of Wilkinson can go from the frontiers of Nachez, a distance of 150 miles, and then proclaim the appearances to be threatening, which in a day or two passes through fifty editions of letters to every quarter of the union. The publick indignation roused at the shameful violation of our territory is ready to burst on the head of the unsuspecting Spaniard. The voice of the nation thus imposed on loudly demands the increase of the forces in that quarter, and Wilkinson "with his chosen bands" prepares to bravely face the foe. And when he gets out to Natchitoches it is very easy to march out of the jurisdiction of the United States. The great road to the Spanish mines lies before him. We have said before and still believe the American army in a considerable degree the tools of the general. The officers of the army are with a few exceptions, men ambitious of fame--with nothing to lose and much to gain-men who could not make their living as citizens. The soldiers were principally idle vagabonds, and mostly foreigners, without any principle but interest. That this is correct we appeal to those who have seen our army-nay the very structure of an army in peace justifies it.-- Who but the slothful and drunken would consent to be cooped up in garrisons, under the lash of superiors, when they could be free and by industry double their monthly stipend of five dollars? who doubts but that the officers are seeking for promotion, and would not an excursion on a party of plunder, with the promise of principalities, be some inducement to men who depend for a livelihood on the sword alone?

A standing army is a curse to every country.-- Totally estranged from the community, fame is their god, bloodshed and havock their delight. On such materials what an easy matter it is for an intriguing commander to impress the immortal glory and
boundless wealth of a favourite enterprize. As to men having a compunction to embarking in an unprovoked warfare against their species, it is a mere lullaby. Soldiers generally burn for carnage, and it is not of much consequence to them, who are the sufferers. Friends or foes are disregarded. The arms paid for the protection of the state are turned against it. Not so when the militia are aroused to a sense of danger, their families, property and steady habits insure their exertions.

To return after this digression to the case before us. Why is gen. Jackson in such a hurry? He could not have had any instructions from the governor for this act. He must be unauthorised to disturb the community in this manner. But no doubt he hopes to find some ready to volunteer with Burr in his crusade against Spanish America, if that be his object.

(We do no more than copy the above, for we cannot approve its sentiments.)