Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

For the NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE.

Messieurs Printers,

A Writer (in your paper of the 4th instant) under the signature of An Inhabitant of New-Hampshire, has with some degree of address, artful endeavour'd to apply the first Character, pointed out in my former piece as a Candidate for the Presidency, to a gentleman who was not even thought of--nor can with any propriety be supposed was the one meant :

It is well known (especially by a certain junto, which that writer apparently represents) that HE has been inflexibly firm, ever since his being first in office, to the great mortification of our internal enemies ; and would, if an opportunity had presented to them, have been one of the first objects of their resentment ; as their tender mercies (at best) would be cruelty with a vengeance toward any of the revolutionists : and to those more particularly that have been greater courages to such unnatural beings, who would gladly have plunged the whole country in misery and ruin ; so that they could but have reap'd a mere temporary benefit. Base degenerate souls !

and yet they tell us (by their representative) that the character which they satirically attempt to impeach, is actuated by a principle from which he never varies ;" meaning interest, I suppose ; -If so, it is a noble principle, that can convince a man it is his interest to assist in the salvation of his country, and chastise those that endeavour to enslave it---A much happier people should we be, if we had many more such interested men !

With regard to the latter character spoken of, even the tongue of slander dare not insinuate, that he did not take an early and very active part in the contest with Britain--and that he has not with the strictest integrity sacredly adhered to every principle that constitutes a true patriot ;-- thereby gaining the confidence of his fellow-citizens :--Nor was he at any time known to have deserted the councils of his country, in its most trying scenes. But as nothing can be alledged against his patriotism, the Inhabitant of New-Hampshire, in order to tarnish the lustre of his character, says, that he "emerged into political existence" by becoming the "hero of many tragicomical scenes"--this, he (doubtless) intended should be construed mobs ! taking it for granted, this is the idea he meant to convey, every revolutionist must be sensible that the emergency of those times rendered such mobs necessary ; and it is happy for us that WE had such a hero.

-He goes on to tell us that by "vociferating for liberty, and mouthing at t---s" he has made his fortune : Could we suppose that to have been the case (which I much doubt) pray who is more deserving it ?--Thus much has been said respecting those characters which that writer tells us can "only pass without censure, when they pass without observation,"- -but I am persuaded every good whig will readily put a negative upon such a pitiful assertion, as it appears to be the production of an illiberal, ill-natur'd and malicious heart ; and must be obvious to every one of the smallest share of sagacity. that his whole performance is intirely calculated to wink out of sight the character held up to public view as unworthy the first office in the State.

What confidence can be put in one that was during the late war. a conspicuous friend to the adherents of Britain ?--What confidence can be put in one that left his post at a time that required the greatest fortitude, resolution and firmness ? --What confidence can be put in one that took every opportunity to exclaim against our public measures ?--What confidence can be put in one that did (when surrounded by a number of citizens to hear his oratory) declare C-g--ss were a pack of R----s; and on being asked why he did not go and be the honest man among them-- replied. that he should be a Speckled bird if he went ? After all that has been said. I shall leave the public to judge, what dependance can be put in such a character for our Chief Magistrate. Yet. notwithstanding which. he is cry'd up by some. as THE MAN most suitable ; and unwearied pains are taking to make the people swallow such a pill bitter as it is !~-Beware of such doctrine, O ye friends to liberty ! lest by an "ill-timed zeal" you make yourselves work for repentance.

As I would ever wish to be open to conviction where there is any degree of truth advanced, I must do that character the justice to declare, that (from the exalted opinion generally entertained of a certain honorable body before mentioned) the assertion of his being a peckled bird, cannot be doubted- -therefore do most readily grant that he would be speckled enough ! ! !

I despise the mode of resentment, which, instead of holding up facts, descends into that of low irony, casting up mire and dirt ; as it not only misleads the credulous, but renders an author contemptible.

A CONSISTENT REPUBLICAN.