Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

Portland,
Monday, September 29, 1806.
Of Peace.

Will peace take place between England and France? is a question asked by almost every one that feels an interest in the passing events of the present day. The week past has brought many rumours which renders it highly probable that a general peace will be effected in Europe the present season; but no one will expect that we can pronounce with certainty on this subject whilst those who are situated near the theatre of the contending parties, remain in doubt. That Lord Lauderdale has proceeded to Paris with full powers to negotiate with Bonaparte, is a fact, and it is not probable that the English Cabinet would have sent an Ambassador, unless the overtures from the French Government were such, as to afford a reasonable prospect for a termination of the war.

Should peace take place, it will very greatly affect the interest of this country; it will be felt first by the mercantile class of our citizens, and from them extend to the farmer and mechanic. Every kind of American produce will experience a fall. These are no small considerations, but we may expect difficulties from another quarter, of a more serious nature. Tho' we are not disposed to excite unreasonable alarms, yet it is well to recollect that our national disputes with the European powers remain in an unsettled state; will Bonaparte when unrestrained by the naval force of England, be more moderate in demanding our money; or will Spain be more disposed to comply with the wishes of Mr. Jefferson, and settle the boundaries of the land of Salt Mountains.