The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

Whilst the balance of affairs remains in suspense, the mind of the multitude are divided on the subject of war or peace. War with all the world, says an old English proverb, and peace with Spain. War, says the British seaman, who wishes to fill his pocket with spoil, for the honour of old England War, says the arrogant London politician, that we may assert the glory of the flag. War, says the Antigallican, to smother our domestick feuds, and humble the pride and power of our natural and perfidious enemies, the French. Peace, says the merchant, who has got a surfeit of privateering, that we may ship goods in our own bottoms, save freight and insurance, and deal securely with all the world. Peace, says the humane timid, that we may avoid shedding our fellow-christian's blood, and spare our own. War, says the Yellow Admiral, and half pay Captain, that more vessels may be put in commission. War, says the fat provision-broker, and slaughter-butcher, that we may play the double game of victualling British fleets and garrisons, whilst we omit not sending rich cargoes of beef and butter to a certain latitude, where the enemy's privateers will be sure to find them. Thus are mankind divided—and though the welfare and honor of the kingdom be the pretext for their various wishes—personal ease, or an interest, which many prefer to it, are the ruling motives.