Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

ALEXANDRIA.
WEDNESDAY, November 18.

"TO SHEW THE VERY AGE AND BODY OF THE TIME
HIS FORM AND PRESSURE."

The intelligence from Russia, brought by the Lark, is certainly more unfavorable, if true, than was to have been expected. It will be recollected however, that it comes in the questionable shape of a French Bulletin. It is said, upon the authority of an intelligent passenger in the Lark, that the public mind in England, was prepared to hear, that Alexander had sued for peace! We are willing to believe, that this information is to be understood with some restriction, and that the great body of enlightened politicians in that country entertain a different opinion. It was but lately that the most sanguine calculations were made by the English politicians upon the success of the Russian arms. These calculations were founded upon a general view of the extent of the Russian empire—the variety of its resources—the character of its inhabitants—and the mode of warfare which they had adopted. It is difficult to conceive with what propriety the loss of a partial battle, or the destruction of a deserted town, can change an opinion grounded upon so general a view.

The Russians avoid a general engagement, because by so doing they damp the ardor, and exhaust the patience of the enemy. They retreat, as he advances, because by retreating they draw him still further from his supplies, while they retire still nearer upon their own—they burn their towns, a dreadful alternative, but an effectual one to disappoint the great Bandit in his hopes of plunder. In short, the plan which they have adopted, discovers an intimate acquaintance with the character of the enemy and so far has met with a degree of success which promises all that could have been reasonably expected in the first campaign.

Their officers are equal in skill and in courage to those of the enemy, and their soldiers are superior in strength and constitution. Let the Russians remain true to themselves, and we believe that they will yet triumph over the remorseless Tyrant who seeks to enslave them.