The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

PHILADELPHIA, May 30.

To beget confidence in, and an attachment to, a new federal government, let us attend to the characters of the men who are met to form it.

Many of them were members of the first Congress, that sat in Philadelphia in the year 1774. Many of them were part of that band of patriots, who, with halters round their necks, signed the declaration of independence on the 4th of July, 1776.

Many of them were distinguished in the field, and some of them bear marks of the wounds they received in our late contest for liberty. Perhaps no age or country ever saw more wisdom, patriotism and probity united in a single assembly, than we now behold in the convention of the States.

Who can read or hear that a WASHINGTON has again quitted his beloved retirement, and obeyed the voice of God, and his country, by accepting the chair of this illustrious body of patriots and heroes, and doubt of the safety and blessings of the government we are to receive from their hands?

Or who can read or hear of Franklin, Dickinson, Rutledge, R. Morris, Livingston, Randolph, Gerry, Sherman, Mifflin, Clymer, Pinckney, Read, and many others that might be mentioned, whose names are synonymous with liberty and fame, and not long to receive from them the precious ark, that is to preserve and transmit to posterity the freedom of America?

Under the present weak, imperfect and distracted government of Congress, anarchy, poverty, infamy, and SLAVERY, await the United States.

Under such a government as will probably be formed by the present convention, America may yet enjoy peace, safety, liberty and glory.

It is said, that the first step towards discharging the important duties of the federal convention, will be the appointment of a delegate from each state, as a committee to receive communications from the other members, and to arrange, digest and report a system for the subsequent discussion of the whole body. This plan is admirably adapted for the dispatch of business, as it cuts off a field for long and desultory debate upon first principles, and, by collecting materials from every quarter to form a solid and comprehensive foundation, leaves little besides the easy task of raising and adorning the superstructure to the collective labour of a popular assembly. When indeed we consider the critical situation of the country, the anxiety with which every good citizen regards this dernier resort, and the decisive effect it must have upon the peace and prosperity of America, through every thing should certainly be given to prudence and deliberation, not a moment can be spared to useless forms or unprofitable controversy.