Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

We have before stated, that the first ostensible cause of the war, was the orders in council—these repealed, a new cause for continuing it is found the right claimed by Britain of searching for her subjects on board our vessels on the high seas—these points have been fully discussed. We have stated these as the ostensible causes of the war—as if there was another and real cause of the war. We verily believe that these were only colorable pretexts, while the real cause was a desire to keep alive the jealousies and animosities consequent on our revolutionary struggle, in order to perpetuate power in the hands of those who now hold it. But the project seems to have failed in a considerable degree. Our native citizens begin to be alive to their true interests—and president Madison owes his election again to the state of Pennsylvania, ruled by foreign emigrants, a majority of the native citizens were against him. They cannot wish for perpetual quarrel with the country of their ancestors. They cannot wish to see that nation destroyed, so long the seat of arts, of science & of commerce—the nurse of liberty, when liberty was extinct every where else the pattern of rational piety, benevolence and charity. They cannot wish to subject such a people and such a country to the iron sceptre of Napoleon: They must anticipate their own subjection to the same tyranic slavery. When Europe shall groan under his chains, it is cause of dreadful anticipation to our country, to find the friends of the present administration, rejoicing in the successes of this ferocious conqueror.— Can any sincere friend to liberty, justice, or national independence, feel pleasure in beholding a bleeding and prostrate world at his feet. If Americans— such be your feelings—you must be already fit for any other government than that which you possess. We fear that we have exhausted the patience of our readers. Yet much remains to be unfolded, but we will close with a few monitory remarks, which, to follow through all their frightful consequences, we leave (in hours of sober reflections) to our fellow citizens. A dissolution of the union may be one consequence of this war. A close alliance may follow between the maritime part of the United States and Britain. Think, oh Virginia, if such an event should take place, where then will be your power—what will be your condition and that of your southern neighbors.

A Friend to Liberty, Peace & Union.