Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

July 30. Every thing bears the most serious aspect in Holland, and from every appearance we are led to conclude that the Dutch are undoubtedly upon the eve of a civil contest! the ferment is universal, and the two factions seem every where ready to run to arms. The people are forming themselves, throughout the whole country, into bodies of troops, supported by voluntary contribution, and are constant and regular in their hours of exercising themselves, and rigorous in their discipline.

The French agents, ever active to promote mischief, mix in all companies and spirit up the people to resistance, both by open encouragement and by secret proffers of effectual support in maintaining their pretensions. They are caressed and attended to by all, while the English, who happen to be in the country even on business or amusement, with difficulty escape insult from their supposed adherence to the Stadtholder. We found this temper very unpleasant in travelling; exorbitant charges were often made with wanton insolence, and we were obliged to submit in silence.

We could not perceive any probability of either party submitting to the other, or any prospect of an accommodation being brought about. There seems to be no medium. The Stadtholder must either become absolute, or the office must be abolished; neither of which is likely to happen without the different parties first coming to blows.

The people are greatly supported by the French interest, and the Stadtholder, besides the powerful party he possesses by the adherence of the old families, is supposed to be assisted by the Courts of London and Berlin. He is however greatly wanting in that firmness his situation would require, and this unfortunate defect, which is by no means common in the family to which he belongs, continually counteracts the endeavours of his and our party to restore tranquillity, while it encourages the leaders of the opposite party to push matters to an extremity.

If a rupture should take place, which, it is the opinion of all, is at no great distance, it will be very difficult for England to avoid interfering in the quarrel. It seems impossible that England can suffer a Prince, nearly allied to the family upon her throne, to be overpowered by her natural enemies and rivals, who must in consequence acquire sole direction of the politics, the money, and the force of the United Provinces. If an event, so much to be dreaded, should happen, all the horrors
Rumours of a general war would be renewed, and all those calamities which are its constant attendants would render Europe a scene of distress and confusion.

There is no doubt, therefore, that it is for the interest of the whole, and of every state, to avoid this alternative, and every thing ought to be done to bring matters to an amicable issue, by means of the interposition of the different powers around, although France, trusting that England will not on any account enter into another war, will most likely prevent any offers being accepted, which will not leave the whole controul with her.