Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

THE PROSPECT OF PEACE

We have not been able, after the most diligent enquiries, to ascertain any material facts, in relation to the nature of the despatches brought from England by the Bramble. Opinions are all that can be had, and they are so various as to preclude every thing like probable inference. A rumor was yesterday in circulation at Washington, of the nomination of Mr. King, as minister to England for the purpose as was added, of entering upon the negociation to which our government have been invited at St. James's. This report in the present nervous state of the public mind, has excited no inconsiderable agitation. In a few days however, it is to be hoped, the people will be relieved from the painful state of suspense, in which they are now placed, in regard to this and every other matter connected with the last dispatches. In the mean time, no prudent man will enter into extensive mercantile speculations. Thousands may be ruined by their credulity. All aver, is rumour—and what man in his senses would stake his fortune upon the faith of Rumour,

"Who speaks of Peace, while covert enmity,
Under the smile of safety, wounds the world;
Makes fearful musters, and prepar'd defence,
Whilst the big year, swoln with some other griefs,
Is thought with child by the stern tyrant War,
-- And no such matter?"