Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

COMMUNICATION,

The expression that Archduke Charles would prove the best negotiator for this country was probably enough never used by the gentleman to whom it is ascribed by a Jacobin gazette. However that may be, it is almost as easy to vindicate as to misrepresent it.

In the first place the Archduke Charles would not leave the terms entirely to the French themselves, which the more than half Frenchman whom the party would employ directed Mr. Jay to do in 1782.

But the question really is this, Do the successes of the Austrians tend to the good or evil of this country as it respects France? If the uncontrolled power of France has excited her to abuse the rights of the Italian and other states. The same cause has led her to attempt to cut off the trade of England with this country. This is the true motive of all her conduct, as the declarations of the French themselves have clearly proved. Now do our patriots choose to avow their unabated wishes that France may go on conquering and to conquer till the trade and independence of America are as low at her feet as that of Tuscany and Sardinia!

With less power she will no doubt effect more moderation and treat neutrals better in proportion as she comes down again from the imaginary throne of universal dominion to that level which will oblige her to respect the rights and fulfil the duties prescribed by the laws of nations. Not wishing to see my native country, plundered and oppressed as it is, I wish success to those who are fighting our despoilers and robbers. May France keep her independence and gain finally that liberty which she has so much abused and outraged; but may her power never be so augmented as to put our rights and sovereignty at her mercy.