Martinsburgh Gazette

Mr. Gaston's Circular.

We take the earliest opportunity of presenting to the readers of this paper, Mr. Gaston's circular to the people of his district. It will be very well, after having perused this letter, for each man to lay it aside. The gentry who talk about every point being gained, will grow bolder the oftener they are permitted to pass without contradiction. In Mr. Gaston's lucid statement, every man will find at hand the means of letting their neighbours hear the truth. The consequences, resulting from the useless struggle which has at length ceased, are plainly pointed out. If they are more serious and lasting than was expected, it is because the representations heretofore made by those averse to the war, were not properly weighed. Many people thought, that when the war was over all its burdens would be removed and its losses repaired! Alas! the sins of nations, as well as those of individuals, are visited upon the third and fourth generations! The war has ceased; but we still smart beneath its curses. The tax gatherer will long go his rounds; and certainly each man, at every visit, must say to himself "this tax I pay for a war which was waged in folly; which has closed without obtaining one of its objects: and from which its infuriated conductors could not be diverted by the most solemn representations." Let this, then, be to me a warning. Let it teach me never to trust wholly in the professions of men; but to examine with strict eye the tenor of their conduct. I thought I was supporting republicans. I find I have been fostering demagogues and tyrants. Henceforth I shall be more cautious.

(Raleigh Minerva.