The Virginia Gazette

The political world are now waiting in anxious suspense for the effect of the memorial which Sir Joseph Yorke has presented to the States General. This memorial contains a very just picture of our present situation; and though it is addressed particularly to the states, it concerns every power in Europe who has experienced the friendship and assistance of Great Britain in the hour of their distress; and it may be justly said, what power in Europe has not at one time or another felt the friendly interposition of Great Britain? Shall it then be said, that while that power is threatened by her insidious enemy with annihilation, and long combinations are formed for that purpose, those powers which she has heretofore succoured and snatched from destruction, menaced from the same baneful hand with arms across, forgetful of past favours, stand with arms across, forgetful of favours, of the calls of humanity, and see the Guardian Angel insulted by that proud ambition that aims at Universal Sovereignty, and which wishes to destroy the balance of the world! Forbid it gratitude! Forbid it honour!

There is no country where an alarm of dangers spreads so soon as in England; nor is there a country where danger is so soon forgotten. When the publick knew that the united power of the Houses of Bourbon was going to fall upon us, they were amazed: The nation seemed inclined to exert itself in an extraordinary manner to repel an invasion; the Parliament rejected the plan for doubling the militia, lest it should damp the volunteer ardour of the nation. The first impulse of fear is now worn out; and the people at large seem as perfectly unconcerned as so many sheep on Banstead Downs.