The Virginia Gazette

They write from Leghorn that General Paoli lately made a speech to the Corsican youth, to animate them to defend their country. "Every nation (he said) which, like our own, has been zealous for its liberty, has experienced vicissitudes which has immortalized its name. If to maintain liberty nothing was to be done but to desire it the whole world would certainly enjoy it, but this valuable jewel can only be acquired by a virtue and a courage that overcome all obstacles. The condition and prerogatives of a free people, as they are so considerable that no just idea of them can be conveyed, are the astonishment and envy of the greatest men. We are now at the most critical of epochs: If we do not withstand the danger which threatens us, our reputation and liberty are at an end; in vain have we consoled ourselves with the thoughts of our own heroism; in vain have our ancestors taken such pains, and spilt their blood. No, ye famous and magnanimous defenders of your country, who have sacrificed your lives to obtain and preserve your liberty, fear not that you will be dishonoured by your descendants; they have resolved to tread the footsteps which you have marked."