The Virginia Gazette

Extract of another letter from London, March 12.

"The Parliament was dissolved yesterday, and every body is engaged in electioneering, both in town and country. Wilkes is returned once more, and having obtained his pardon, as they say, and I am apt to believe, by the interest of the Duke of Northumberland, that he might not interfere with his own Lord Percy's election for Westminster, is now a candidate for the city of London, and the cry of Wilkes and Liberty is beginning to be re-echoed in our streets. I cannot think he will by any means succeed, yet it is impossible to say what the majority of the Livery-men may accomplish.

"Bating the unavoidable bustle, occasioned by the elections, we are in a state of perfect tranquillity. No talk of the least change in the Ministry, or any material alteration of any kind, or in any department whatever. Lord Chatham remains in statu quo.

The King's speech, you see, is a very good one. I heard him deliver it, which he did, as he always does, with great propriety. He is much and deservedly beloved, for surely there is not an honester or better natured man in his dominions; and, if some factious spirits do not interfere, I have no doubt but every thing will go on very smoothly. The great object is the reduction of the publick debt, and the encouragement of every branch of commerce, upon which the national credit wholly depends. I think things seem all to be somewhat composed in America. I cannot say what people, who take a partial view of either side of the Atlantick, may imagine; but this I am certain of that our prosperity and security depend upon our union, our firm and lasting union, let who will say to the contrary.

"Before next packet sails the elections will be mostly over. Much money will be expended, much riot will prevail, but there is no help for it: it is, in some measure, the unavoidable consequence of our liberty, which will every now and then run into licentiousness. But still, take us for all in all, we are the happiest nation this world ever contained; and I trust in Providence that though our publick affairs may now and then wear an unpromising aspect, and unworthy men may sometimes force themselves into power, yet I hope, before matters come to extremity, the nation will come to their senses, and not suffer a fabrick, the work of ages, and the envy of the rest of the world, to be materially injured. In this hope I for my own part remain, and am very happy."