Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

As to the enslaved Batavians, I am filled with sorrow, that any thing should happen, which will add to their accumulated misfortunes: Happy would it be, if instead of supporting the arm by which they are borne down, they would exert their power, in throwing off that despotism under which they groan.

When in ancient history I travel through the victorious course of Alexander and Cæsar, my feelings elevated by the heroism and splendor of their actions almost make me forget the evils they produced; but upon a moment's reflection—I sincerely rejoice at any event which stopped their career in mischief and folly. Just so my feelings are with respect to the Cæsars and Alexanders of France.

To see a nation impelled to arms, by the unholy fire of Jacobinism, proceeding on conquering and to conquer, prostrating governments, and begetting new republics, by the generative influence of powder and ball; may afford a thoughtless gratification to minds enamoured of novel and wonderful transactions, But to persons susceptible of serious reflections, and who look at the consequences of actions it will be a melancholy consideration.

Must we never be permitted to declare truth, because we once thought France contending for liberty? Is there a Papal sanctity and infallibility attached to the French revolution, and may it no longer be examined? People ought not longer to be deceived by a name. I can say with others, that the French fight bravely, achieve famed victories, die without fear, and manfully kill and banish their countrymen by hundreds: But for what is all this? For the mere names of Liberty and equality!

O names how much abused! What destruction has not been wrought, through the influence of the enchanting sounds—virtue converted into vice and vice into virtue:
Anarchy has been thought government, and mild government rank despotism!

It is a subject much to be regretted, and one that ought not to be contemplated by Americans without pain, that any of our countrymen have become so super scriptly philanthropic, as to love any foreign nation better than their own; and to be willing to sacrifice our well earned peace and independence, to the ambitious schemes of visionary reformers.

I thank God that notwithstanding the almost invincible enchantment of modern liberty, I still retain a supreme affection for our national government, administered as it now is, and would willingly spend the last drop of my blood in its defence.

AMERICANUS.