Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

From the Middlesex Gazette.

MR. DUNNING,

I perceive by your two last papers, that the Jacobins in this part of the state, have grown very busy about the politics of the country. It is very obvious what they would be at. The time approaches when we must make a nomination for representatives in Congress. In order to frighten us into their schemes, they tell us that the connection between the United States and France must be broken up, unless we will consent to lick the dust at the feet of our Sister Republic, as she used to be pleased to call herself. It is beyond controversy, that there is a co-operation between the French government and the anti-federalists in this country. The treatment which our commissioners have received, clearly proves this fact. They have probably been waiting to feel the pulse of the present Congress, in order to determine what to prescribe to us; and taking encouragement from the appearance of their party, have treated our envoys with great insolence and disgrace. We have not many democrats in this state, and what there are, generally, are very insignificant creatures. But they are breaking out in all the newspapers at once, in order to make us believe that the people at large are uneasy with the government, and ripe for sedition. For this purpose, as a most important step, and without which they know they can do nothing, they are addressing themselves to the Farmers, if possible to excite among them murmurs, jealousies and clamours, against the measures of government, and especially against our own representatives.— Before the landed interest, which is the strength and stability of our government, will pay any attention to such an incendiary as wrote a long piece addressed to the farmers, in your last paper, they will certainly pause, and make a few enquiries of themselves. Perhaps those enquiries may be like the following:

1st. What is this government, which we are told is about to crush and enslave us? We formed a Constitution a few years since, and adopted it. We very soon found the benefit of it Our farms were well cultivated, because we had nothing else to attend to—they produced plentifully, because they were well cultivated, and because God blest the labors of honest industry—this produce brought us a good price, and ready pay, because our country was at peace, and our merchants flourished—with the avails we paid our trifling taxes, supported and educated our families—discharged what little debts we owed, and laid up something every year. From whence then this noise about oppression? This outcry against the government? The government is the same. What does it all mean? Did not a party spring up a few years ago, and do all in their power to make us join the French and fight half Europe? We still recollect it.— Who were of this party! The newspapers told us a good many names which we have not yet forgotten. Have not these people been disappointed in their plan? Yes. Our government, bad as it is, has kept us out of war yet. Are not the same persons, who have all along endeavored to make us join France, the same who are now preaching to us, that we are upon the point of being enslaved?

2nd. Who are the people who have been so long trying to crush us, and bring us under a king? was it George Washington? He was at the head of our government eight years, and laid out the path which his successors are following. We have always thought better of him. He always appeared to love his country, and did more for it than any other man. But it is said our own representatives have joined in the scheme. Who are these representatives? did any of them come from Geneva, or Ireland, or France? Were they not born, and educated in the country among ourselves; and have they not families, relations, friends, and neighbors, which must all be enslaved. as well as we? For how long a time are they chosen? Two years. What will become of them then? They must come home, and be enslaved with the rest of us. We are well acquainted with our representatives. did we ever hear them say any thing about introducing kings into the country?

3d. Why is it we are so often reminded of France? What is France to us? Will the French buy our country produce, and pay for it when they have done? Do they show any disposition to pay our merchants for all the vessels and cargoes which they have plundered from them? If we form an alliance with them what may we expect?— Have not all the nations in Europe, with whom we have had much connection, been overwhelmed, pillaged, and destroyed? Is it not a strange thing in the world that in this country it should not only be no offence to abuse, villify and slander our own government, and countrymen, but that it should be deemed meritorious; but if any man dares to speak against the French, even for their haughty, proud spirit, their depredations, their bloodthirstiness, and all their other monstrous cruelties, he is abused, insulted, and perhaps beaten.? I might ask questions much longer, but at present I will forbear.