The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

In a Boston Paper of September 27th, 1773, we find the following Piece, inserted by desire of a constant Reader, viz.

Know not which is the most happy Man, he that seldom errs in Judgment, or he that after frequent Mistakes, on conviction is willing to rectify them.

On the conclusion of the last War. I had occasion to travel over some parts of the Province of New-Hampshire.--- I then thought it a most contemptible Province, shut out ( as it were ) from all Commerce with the other Provinces of New-England ; and as such I have represented it : but I do myself the Pleasure, and that Province the Justice to repair the Injury I have done it-- and to retrieve their Character by informing the Public, that I have taken a Tour. lately, into that Province. and can now give a quite different representation of it-- it's being a frontier Place. during the last War., without doubt exposed it to the ravages of the Enemy, and prevented the Settlement of it ; but at present. what Country settles faster ? but not to be tedious. I set out-from Portsmouth with an envious desire to see Wolfeborough, where his Excellency the Governor takes up some part of his residence. When I came there, my admiration was as much excited; as my expectations were disappointed.-- His Excellency has erected-a very magnificent Building, on an eminence by a most beautiful pond-the Soil is very fertile. I was surprised to see how much Land the Governor had got under improvement in so short a time. He is certainly public spirited, and by moving from the Metropolis to the Wilderness, he has set an example to this people, more influential than Words or precepts ; to abandon the crowded City, and make populous the Wilds of the Land.

From the Governor's Seat I directed my Course to Connecticut River -- I had the curiosity to visit the infant College in Hanover, which has been shamefully calumniated by some, & as extravagantly applauded by others ; on that account I endeavoured to inform and satisfy myself. & I shall transmit nothing to the public Eye. but what I absolutely know to be Fact. I must confess I was prejudiced against it before, but I no sooner got acquainted with it, than my prejudice dwindled to nothing.- The design of that Seminary is truly noble and benevolent ; the situation of it very friendly to study, and quite free from temptation : the President appears to be a warm Advocate for Religion, and a hearty Friend to Literature. As the sage Cato of old at & gave his little Senate Laws : so methought the Reverend President at & defended his Evening religious Lectures. and most paternal Admonitions to his listening and attentive Students : the artless and obliging Behavior of the Youth. recommended them highly to my Esteem.

I rejoice to find the Province well affected towards that School of Learning : it stands in great need of Assistance ; but I know that generous Province will not neglect it : they cannot neglect it. It is their Child, and a promising Child too ; they can't re- ject its Solicitations. when it stands with its Arms spread like a little Infant to its Parent and pleads for assistance. with tears of artless Innocence. I can't but think whoever despises that College, is either grossly misinformed or at heart, an Enemy to Religion.

One thing more I must not omit. i. e. the kind disposition of the People in these new Plantations ; I find more hospitality, more Friendship, and consequently more happiness. in some of these humble Cottages, than I have found in the magnificent Houses of the Great. The Public won't understand by what I have said.in commendation of that Province and College, which I think they highly merit, that I am bigotted.--I am not --I am no Party-Man ; but a Citizen of the World. I rejoice in the prosperity of all the Colleges and Provinces of New-England.- Oh, that the Inhabitants may be holy and happy !

VIATOR.