The Virginia Gazette

For two seasons past the trade of our great June market, our coasts have been infested, our vessels taken, and our property plundered with impunity by French and American privateers, while our active Ministry look with the calm eye of indifference upon the annihilation of the trade of three millions of people.

So much for the boasted supremacy of the British navy, and the almighty protection of a British parliament to the kingdom of Ireland.

It is thought that the entire submission of the two Carolinas will follow the reduction of Charlestown; should so desirable an event take place, it will be of singular advantage to this kingdom, by opening an immediate trade with those provinces. The northern parts of Ireland will be particularly benefited, as the Carolinas are the chief market for linens, plain and stamped.

Peace with America is, indeed, "a consummation devoutly to be wished," by every order of men amongst us. Philosophers and men of humanity desire it, from a love to human kind; the politician wishes for it as tending to establish our empire, and enabling us to turn our arms to the chastisement of our numerous European foes; our merchants long for peace, that they may in safety enjoy the newly acquired advantages in trade: and even the little mind whose views are bounded within the narrow circle of self-interest, must desire it, as contributing to his individual happiness.

This blessing, so ardently sought by all who love mankind, who love their country, or who love themselves, is not now far off; the late success at Charlestown will hasten it.

For this desired event, Congress will now perceive, that they struggle in vain against the strength of Britain, and must listen to honourable terms; to this nothing will so much contribute as concord and unanimity at home; let them therefore see that Britain and Ireland are firmly united.

Let the same packet that carries them the news of a horrid insurrection in London, urged on by wicked incendiaries, but finally overcome and suppressed by vigour and activity, carry them an account of the intrepid Irish volunteers, firmly united with Britain to defend the empire, against every attack of open hostility, or covert association of domestic incendiaries.

It is a certain fact, the veracity of which we can assure our readers, that the late disturbances in London, have been a most fortunate event for this kingdom, by over-ruling every opposition in his Majesty's Privy Council, to the passing of some of the Irish bills, which the illiberality of some people in our sister kingdom, made them imagine detrimental to their honour and commerce.

It is really a matter worthy the observation of speculatists, that the American war, and other mal-administration of the affairs of Great Britain, ever since the year 1776, has operated uniformly to the advantage of Ireland.