Daily National Intelligencer

FROM THE AMERICAN (PHILADELPHIA) CENTINEL.

MISREPRESENTATION OF OUR
COUNTRY.

The gross manner in which this country has been misrepresented in Europe particularly in Great Britain, has been productive of benefits as well as disadvantages; and has occasioned the actions of our army, navy, and militia, during the late war, to be regarded with a degree of astonishment by the people of the old world that could not be accounted for in any other manner. Our "fir built ships" have dispelled the magic charm of invincibility that was thrown around the navy of that nation, which looked down with contempt upon our infant republic, and seemed to think that a degree of success which seldom has attended a country so steadily as herself, placed her above the reach of human power. The success of the British arms in Spain and France seemed to have made that government believe, that it was only necessary to show a few of their red coats to the raw and undisciplined army and militia of America, and victory was certain. So perfectly did this infatuated nation seem to have been deceived by the reports of her agents, whom corruption of lavished treasure taught to falsify our country, that she gave to the authors of the most wild and extravagant tales, the highest rewards; and the troops and vessels of the United States had the advantage of finding a course of conduct generally exist among the British, founded on the fatal error of despising their enemy, the pernicious effects of which were exhibited by repeated defeats. The numerous and brilliant victories of the Americans seemed, towards the close of the war, to have made a deep impression on the navy and army of Britain particularly the former. But, fortunately for us, the enemy passed in the usual manner from one extreme to another, and they occasionally appeared to be vanquished by their terrors, before the engagement commenced. The termination of our glorious war in so honorable a peace, may in some measure, be ascribed to the above causes: which, no doubt, contributed in no small degree to the depression of British courage.

Europe, which had seen the almost unparalleled success of British arms and British gold in the old world, looked with amazement at the splendid achievements of the Americans and the frequent decided and bloody victories over those troops and commanders, who seemed to have been born for victory, and who spread devastation, terror, and destruction wherever they appeared among them. Respect for the infant nation, which they regarded as almost surpassing the bounds of human prowess, was the natural consequence; a respect, which, in candor, the American citizen must admit, is excessive; although his heart swells with pride, and glows with feeling, at the brilliancy that surrounds the character of his country. The transition from one extreme to another, is by no means difficult; indeed it seems natural to persons who are fond of extremes, to pass from one to the other with the same facility that a pendulum, after arriving at one extremity of an oscillation, vibrates to the other. The general diffusion of a correct and honorable account of these United States, appears of great importance to the happiness and prosperity, quiet and peace of our republic, and would, no doubt, contribute greatly to the satisfaction of Europe and to the interest of many of her redundant manufacturers and farmers. Under these impressions, it is a matter of sincere self-gratulation for us to understand, that some gentlemen from France, of the greatest erudition and talents, are about to establish a press, to be edited in the French and English languages, one of the great objects of which is to diffuse correct information respecting this country, through the different nations of Europe. The evident tendency of such a work will be to raise the American character: to attract to our shores distinguished and useful citizens in the sciences, arts, manufactures and agriculture of Europe. The widest field for European enterprise is upon the United States. From Maine to New Orleans, almost every climate is offered for the introduction of every article of cultivation known in the different nations of the old world. The cultivation of the vine, the olive, and all the different articles of agriculture, and the manufacture of the oil and various wines, &c. that are to be found in the different nations, by a skilful selection from our different climate, may be transferred, established and domesticated in America. This country is blessed by nature with more extensive advantages than any other; and the admirable system of her civil and political institutions, is eminently calculated to insure happiness and comfort to all who reside within the protection of her laws and the limits of the territories. To be known and understood are only necessary to insure to us the introduction of the most extensive improvements from Europe, and an influx of valuable artizans and cultivators, who in the course of a few years would add greatly to the wealth and already eminent advantages of the country. When we shall be properly known and duly estimated by the world, our prosperity and peace will be little interrupted by unjust attacks and unprovoked collisions. The nations of the world, perceiving that the republic pursues an enlightened, liberal, and generous policy towards them will feel no disposition to interfere with her arrangements of business or government, and we shall be permitted to live in friendship with other countries, and happy and contented among ourselves.

CAIUS.