The New Hampshire Gazette

PORTSMOUTH, December 8.

It has been so repeatedly and confidently asserted that the Spanish possessions on the Mississippi are ceded to France, that we are compelled to attach some credit to the report.--Should the information prove correct, it is proper to consider what effects will follow. It is certain that the restless disposition of the French, will render them less peaceable neighbors than the Spaniards. Should the French government send to that country a great number of men who have been engaged in their armies, their military character will render them formidable, in case of any dispute, respecting territory or trade. In case of a war, or even in peace, they might propagate principles among the blacks, which would endanger the safety of their masters. But even admitting that the French should take possession and live quietly, their active enterprizing genius would ultimately raise a formidable rival commerce. It is well known that the lands along the Mississippi produce, in vast abundance, most of the staple exports of the northern States; and from the vicinity of the mouth of that river to the Leeward islands, the inhabitants will be able with ease, to supply them with flour, pork, beef, lumber and many other articles, at a less price than the Northern States.--If the French possess the mouth of that river, or some principal port, they may be able to supply their possessions in the West-Indies, and occasion a prohibition of the same articles from the United States. It is by no means probable that the French can be united under the same government, with the United States, or with the people of the country above the Ohio. In case of a rupture then between the United States and the French settlements, the latter must be conquered or they will have the whole commerce of that river, in their power-they may obstruct the navigation or seize the shipping--it is of immense consequence to the United States, that such settlements should be prevented. Supported by France, the people might be extremely troublesome and even formidable. The navigation of that vast river, must be free, or endless wars will ensue-it is therefore very interesting that the whole of the territory on that river and its tributary streams, should be under a single government.