The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

POLITICAL CONTROVERSY.

I am a Merchant of London, the late war interrupted my foreign trade, and left me leisure to contemplate the manner in which public business hath been conducted; the result of the whole hath fully and amply confirmed a remark made by one of the best and worthiest statesmen that ever lived, I mean Sir William Temple, viz.

"That it is to no purpose to reason from the personal character of the Prince, or the interest and honour of the people, in the future conduct of public affairs, or what they require; the weal or woe of both principally depend on the integrity and abilities of the Minister." For my own part, I could wish to increase my domestic relations, and extend my foreign connections, which is all my private view in thus writing, but with such a prospect before me, when the word of war hangs over us by a single thread, and the poison of civil discord rends our bowels, and wastes our vitals, I cannot resolve to engage in either of these grand concerns of life. It is therefore, the duty of all honest and virtuous men, to support and defend that Minister, whoever he be, that has endeavoured to banish distinctions of all sorts; except those of virtue and courage, in the service of our country, by which she was rendered the envy of surrounding nations.