Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

Federalists of Portland!

THE time has now come, which is to determine, whether those proud honors which have always distinguished the most flourishing town in the District of Maine, are to be humbled in the dust; or whether, like Sampson, unsuspicious of the dangers which surrounded you, and too confident of your powers, you have been lulled into sleep, while your enemies have been watching to deprive you of your strength. Their arts have been successful. Already has your bright fame which before 1807 shone with such splendor, been tarnished by the unhallowed touch of democracy. ...

Federalists of Portland!—Will you not make one effort to restore its former glory?—Are not the best interests of your town; the prosperity and dignity of the state, dear to you? If so. arouse—collect in the majesty of your strength, and oppose a mighty barrier to the foes, who are wishing to destroy them.....Federalists of Portland!-
Can you bear the reproach, which your supineness has suffered, that the metropolis of Maine, once the head-quarters of good principles, has at length become corrupt? The defenders of her glory have forsaken their posts The besiegers who have been prowling in darkness, have seized the favorable opportunity; and by your negligence. entrenched themselves in your Citadel!
Will you not convince the world, that altho' for a moment you have neglected your duty, you are conscious of the error, and are now determined to return with fresh vigor to the post you have deserted.

If energy was ever required, now is the time ... Now is the opportunity to save yourselves and your country from impending destruction....... Think, Federalists, what will be the situation of this once happy State, should the enemies of law, liberty and religion remove your present wise, good and independent chief magistrate from his seat, and introduce to this honorable office, hitherto honorably filled, a man, which, to say the best, silence would be the best trumpeter of his praise!— What would then become of your rights?—The sanctuaries, which has hitherto preserved their peace, would become polluted. ... .You have but lately had an example, how little they are regarded by that ignorance and profligacy, which would then profane the temple of Justice!

Think of the evils which will attend a change, and such a change, in the first office of our government. Think of the blessings which will surround you, your altars, your firesides—all that is dear to you by having rulers who place "judgment to the line, and righteousness to the plummet; who despise the gain of oppressions, and shake their hands from holding bribes," instead of those, whom ambition only prompts to elevation; who study not what is right, but what will gratify the dregs of society who support them— Now is the time to manifest your love for merit; to show your attachment to TRUE LIBERTY.—Let firmness, Spirit and unanimity lead you to the contest.
"Unite heart and hand,
"Like Leonidas' band,
"And swear to the God of the Ocean and Land,
"That ne'er shall the Sons of COLUMBIA be Slaves,
"Whilst the earth bears a plant or the sea rolls its waves