The New York Packet

May 22. After all the struggles which the Dutch have had to gain their liberty, and to maintain it, they seem to be now in danger of losing it by their own intestine quarrels. No war is so hostile to liberty as a civil war, and no constitution so liable to be changed by it as a republic. Nor are there in any wars, since mankind have become civilized, such cruelties exercised as in civil wars. They are in general carried on with such savage ferocity, and barbarity, as disgrace human nature. If France or Prussia interfere in this war, and it is more than probable that one of them will, it must wear a serious aspect in a very short time. And if either power does, the other will not be long behind hand; nor can England be an indifferent spectator. He argues weakly who contends, that England has no interest in the preservation of the present constitution which has preserved her independency. What the war, if it goes on, will produce, time only can show; but it is a war that must engage our most serious attention.