The Newport Gazette

The following card, no comment.

PHILADELPHIA, April 21.

Extract of a letter from an American gentleman of eminence, in France, to his friend in this city, dated Jan. 28.

"All the powers in Europe are disposed to favour us, because their interest manifestly leads them to it. But, unfortunately, that very interest inclines them to act with caution and not involve themselves in a dispute with our enemy, till they are sure we shall be able to maintain our asserted independence. The success which the British troops have had, though less, even as it is magnified by themselves, than in reason might have been expected, so furnishes them with still stronger ground for circumspection. We have however received assurances, that most of the ports on the Atlantic are open to our cruizers and our commerce, on terms of neutrality: and 'tis expected in a few months a direct commerce between companies in France, Prussia, and perhaps Holland, on their own bottoms, and at their own risque, with the American States, will be established. In a little time therefore, we have the fullest confidence of establishing an immediate interest in our independency, and opening a certain path for every supply that you can wish.

In the mean time, as great objects like these are more easily compassed in imagination, than in fact; I hope no reliance upon them will prevent our countrymen from executing the most unremitting efforts to repel their invaders. A reliance upon themselves will be both more certain and more honourable: but they may with the greatest certainty trust, that if they foil the efforts of England the next campaign, they frustrate them for ever. Events will most assuredly ripen to our wishes in the course of another year. Time and protraction will be fatal to the views of our enemies. Those manoeuvres therefore of war which tend to embarrass and delay the progress of the enemy will be the salvation of our country. From Russia you may be assured Great Britain can have no aid. In Germany he is collecting recruits at an incredible expense, and it is probable will draw from thence upon the whole 17,000, two thirds of them are to be light horse. It is the general opinion of the great military men here, that you will find infinite advantage in being superior in light cavalry, which will enable you both to protect your country from their incursions, and to cut off their convoys, harass their march, and impede their progress. They think too that your young men of enterprize and intrepidity should be directed to practise the partisan war, which is most admirably calculated to compass your great object, protraction."