National Gazette

Extract of a letter from a merchant in Liverpool to his friend in Norfolk, dated July 28, 1793.

Every thing is in an unsettled state here, and a war between this country and America appears inevitable; indeed we may say that hostilities have already commenced, as the British cruisers capture all American vessels to or from France, unless loaded with tobacco or in ballast. Should the Americans be inclined to submit to this (which I expect they will not) they will shortly not be permitted to trade any where but to England; and I am much afraid there will be another struggle for liberty against tyranny. The Americans will have many crowned heads to contend with: and, in my opinion, they cannot too soon put themselves in a state of defence; and, as it always best to nip every evil in the beginning, I think it would be very proper for them to turn their attention to something like their old associations, concerning manufacturing, raising sheep, flax, hemp, &c. and immediately pass a non-importation act, from this country on all British goods from any port, which I expect will have a good effect, as the trade in this country is almost at a stand, and the manufactures in great distress and at present only supported by the American trade.

About 10 days ago I was in the cloth market at Leeds: where there were at least 20,000 pieces of cloth exposed to sale and not one bought, and I was assured that they were sold by people in distress, and at very reduced prices. In Manchester they are equally bad, and many thousand supported by subscription, and in the utmost distress; yet the ministry are infatuated and seem determined to involve this country in still greater evils.

There are about 20 sail of Americans in this kingdom brought in as prizes. The American brig Hope, from Charleston to Bordeaux loaded with coffee, sugar, and tobacco, was captured by the Royal Anne of this port, and sent in here yesterday—the captain was detained on board the Anne, and the crew, as soon as they arrived here, sent to jail. The mate of an American brig that has been brought in here has been bribed to swear that her cargo is French property, and the bribery can be proved—from 500 to 1000 guineas is frequently offered to captains and mates to swear against their own vessels.