The Virginia Gazette

BOSTON, APRIL 29.

...new-born nation of America, in the negotiations for peace, than a proper care of the fishery. It is particularly the life of the New England states; and we can no more do without it, than our brethren at the southward can without rice, indigo, tobacco and flour. But the importance of the fishery is not confined and partial; it is general, and extends to all the states: For what is this nation without a navy? What are ships without men? And what nursery of seamen is comparable to an extended fishery? It may therefore be relied on, that a branch of traffic so absolutely necessary to some states, and so essential to the grandeur and security of all, will be particularly attended to by those who have hitherto so gloriously conducted us through the war. Even those among us who are most disposed to peace, scruple not to say, we had better continue the war indefinitely, and to the last extremity, than not secure the fishery to the extent we have always enjoyed it. France, and all the European powers who mean to trade with us, are deeply interested in this point. For the means of remittance is the means of trade, and without the fishery, our commerce with Europe will be much confined. In this view, even Britain herself must wish for the sake of her own advantage, and the vent of her own manufactures among us, to see us in the full possession of such a branch of remittance.