The New Hampshire Gazette

For the N.H. Gazette.
" THE INTERESTS OF PORTSMOUTH."
Notwithstanding all the publications in a certain paper to prove that our fellow citizens in the interior harbor much malice and bitterness of prejudice against " the ancient town of Portsmouth," we have, ever believed there was much " smoke," and little fire, a " great cry and little wool."--for we look in vain for any cause of such prejudice: it is unnatural that there should be any, and we entertain too exalted an opinion of the people of New-Hampshire, to imagine, for a moment, they could have any disposition to make warfare against their only seaport !. The ties of interest, friendship and consanguinity, forbid it. The first settlement of our fathers was at Portsmouth, and from them have sprung an enlightened and virtuous race of people, who populate our state. Scarce a town in it that does not number some of her citizens connected by consanguinity with some of the people of this town. The inhabitants of seaports and the country, in their trade and commercial dealings, are mutually dependent upon each other.
If the N.H. Patriot has publicly announced, Portsmouth is a pleasant town-her citizens generous and hospitable, patriotic and just, and the stranger receives kind attentions." it must be admitted there can be no real foundation for any prejudices against this town. We believe there are none-that all the talk and noise about opposition and enmity to Portsmouth has been made wholly by one or two state " buzzards," with the insidious design to injure the town, or to induce our friends in the country to direct their trade to other seaports, inasmuch,as it was declared, "goods can be purchased at a certain town on the banks of the Merrimac, on better terms than they can be either in Portsmouth or Newburyport." We are happy to learn that no more is to be published respecting prejudices against this town.
Portsmouth doubtless feels under a load of gratitude for the kind hint the last N. H. Patriot has given, that the wealthy citizens of this town would promote their interests by erecting a Canal to connect the great lake with a branch of the Piscataqua. The idea is not entirely new. It has long been a subject of discussion and deep meditation, and not a few entertain sanguine hopes that the grand object will, at no distant day, be accomplished. But as a large portion of the State, collectively, would derive greater advantages from this Canal, than our town, we see no good reason why the whole load of honor and expense should be thrown upon Portsmouth alone. The object has our best wishes; but we would respectfully recommend that the inhabitants of the counties of Grafton, Strafford, and other places interested would lend their aid in this noble undertaking ; that the State Legislature, looking to the good of the whole, would extend to it its powerful patronage. It is believed that Portsmouth, in proportion to her interest and means, will not be backward in the common cause. The farmer, who conveys his produce a great distance to market, has as deep an interest in the erection of this canal, as the merchant who buys it. Greater undertakings than this in other States, patronized by their legislative bodies and opulent individuals, ought to stimulate our citizens to effect an object which would do honor to the state and be of incalculable advantage.
Our friend in the Patriot, who says he is "now about to discourse on a few of our capital errors," will pardon our suggestion, that it is an injury not only to an individual but to a town to be overrated. Portsmouth severely feels this in her proportion of the state taxes. as well as in other respects. This town, during the last ten years, has suffered from various causes. When peace took place, her wealth was overrated Many flocked into town. Too many immediately engaged in merchandize.- The market was overstocked with goods, From that time until recently, there has been a gradual declension.
Perhaps even now we are too sanguine that the tide has turned. But a belief is indulged that commerce is becoming more prosperous through more regular channels; that the people in the interior are discovering that it is for their interest to trade with and support their only seaport; that real estate is rising in value, and better times are commencing. During the last twelve months, this town has displayed a public spirit full in proportion to her ability. Two Bridges have been erected, one of which: is a splendid achievement and will be of great public utility, The other, also, will be of permanent advantage. Much also has been done to improve the appearance of the town by making and repairing public highways. We notice also the laudable ambition of individuals who have added to the beauty of the town by the erection of elegant buildings.
The want of the necessary means has been the serious obstacle that has prevented our citizens from attempting to connect the waters of the Lake with those of the Piscataqua. But we trust the time has arrived, when, not only the inhabitants of Portsmouth, but of a large portion of New-Hampshire, will feel alive to accomplish an object, which would reflect honor upon the State, open a new channel of wealth to the farmer and the merchant, and be of great utility to the community.
A CITIZEN.