The New York Journal, And Weekly Register

Extract of a letter from Halifax, via St. Johns, dated Feb. 3, 1787.

"The acclamations of joy in this land, rage (in consequence of the distracted state of your country) beyond all description; and they firmly believe that the English court have taken an effectual step to disunite you, by the wise appointment of that sagacious politician and General, Lord Dorchester, to the governments of the British territory in America. The unsettled, unhinged situation of the States (for which you are deservedly ridiculed) and want of encouragement, only keep me and many others in this hateful and illiberal country; for my attachment to your cause (if properly conducted) you can never question; but your present imbecile measures, I heartily reprobate; and depend that Guy (as is his duty) will not be wanting in exertion to avail himself of the imbecility and distraction existing in your land—Pray, where are the men, the SOLDIERS and PATRIOTS, who gained so much honor throughout the world—by their gallantry and wisdom—in the days of the war, "the time to try men's souls," as your Amor Patrie writer Common Sense said; where, I repeat, are they gone—that you seem so much to need skilful navigators—or are you too republican to call in their aid—fearing, as they have been soldiers, that they will misrule you,—or in other words, be too severe in their discipline?

"Some government of stability and energy, I sincerely wish you,—and as it ought to proceed from yourselves (without any foreign interference whatsoever) better a monarchy than an ideal republic—for I cannot but coincide with the two lines, which graces the title page of your judicious theoretical constitutions, viz.

"For forms of government let fools contest,

"That that's best administ'er'd is best."

"Were my power and talents adequate to my serious wishes—I would endeavour to prescribe a mode for your honor and happiness; but when I reflect on the multitude of wise men and good patriots among you, I blush for my presumption in adventuring my sentiments thus much—nor should I have touched on so abstruse a subject, but from a conviction that I was imparting honest sentiments to a proven friend.—One reason assigned for your disunion, extravagance and insurrections in this Emporium of "royal loyalty" (terms assumed by the Philistine refugees) by those who wish your national respectability, is, that those who were your avowed and most implacable enemies, during the bloody and arduous war you was engaged in,—are admitted among you again,—many of them in office,—and having extensive connections of opulence among the English—are neither wanting in intrigue nor wealth, to effect almost any purpose in the United States;—which appellation, now, by your own misconduct (and I believe originating in the above causes) has become contemptible in most of Europe; and which your old mother country is sedulous in diffusing. Your situation, though critical, is not irremediable—and if timely application and spirit is shewn—you may soon laugh, in your "turn."

Your luxuries, your effeminacy, &c. contribute also to precipitate you to contempt and poverty—which, by this time all among you ought to be sensible of,—and tend to rouse you from your torpor and supineness."