Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

Communications.
Lovers of Peace.—Hear me.

THE month of May has commenced, in the course of which the all-important election of Representatives in our Legislature is to be made—all-important as it respects the dignity the order and the happiness of this commonwealth, and as it respects the peace and prosperity of the United States. We have every reason for believing that the great question of War, depends on the complexion of our state of administration the present year. We have seen and are daily seeing the solemn preparations for hostilities and bloodshed. Congress are raising armies—borrowing money—commissioning officers, and purchasing the implements of War—on every side we behold danger approaching, and the calamities incident to war crowding on our view.

Do the Farmers require these measures? No—nine tenths of them are opposed to them. Do the merchants require or design them? No! they only beg that Government would unshackle them, and leave them to pursue their own business. Who, then, are thus bellowing for war? Those huge patriots who have nothing to do, and who are longing to receive a support from the public: they are men who will go all lengths to obtain offices and gratify their own ungovernable ambition. We are so happy in the enjoyment of the bounties of Heaven that we cannot be at rest—we must be trying foolish experiments, and exposing to loss our most substantial comforts, in the uncertain and wild pursuit of phantoms or impossibilities.

You who Love peace, and who prize the ten thousand blessings which your heavenly Father in his mercy has showered upon you, awake from your unconcern, and let your Rulers know that you do not want war—that it is a dreadful calamity: and tho' the young, the blustering and the inexperienced may boast of their courage, and express their warmest desire to take the field and die in the bed of honor, that its desolations will multiply the widows and the fatherless, and steep their couches in tears.

Lovers of Peace!—'tis in your power to avert the impending storm: by convincing your Rulers that they are lost to a sense of their duty and their Country's happiness—that more must be lost by war than can be gained. Again I say 'tis in your power to arrest the hand, tho' already uplifted. You see what effect the election of Governor Strong has already had at Washington.—till his election was ascertained every paper announced that war would soon be declared and the mortal combat ensue. To day we are informed that Congress are to have a recess for about three weeks—during which time our elections will be completed—if the Federalists should command a handsome majority in the house of Representatives—our wise members of Congress will return to Washington—conclude the session with some pitiful measures and leave the people—not to go to War—but to languish under the Embargo to the end of the ninety days—we hope they will have too much sense as well as respect for their constituents and care for themselves too, to continue their cruel and useless restrictions any longer.

Friends! be advised—lay aside the warm feelings of party—think—what duties are before you as good and peaceable Citizens—and as you go to you respective town meetings to elect your Representatives for the ensuing year; pause a moment and ask yourselves this question. "If Washington were alive and were going to give his vote how and with what motives would he act on the occasion."