National Gazette

Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Cork, to his correspondent in this city, dated January 10, 1793.

"This country and England is at present in a state of perturbation: the people publicly disapprove of abuses that have crept into the constitution and the conduct of the present ministry, particularly since Paine's Rights of Man has made its appearance: almost every one is turned politician, they complain of unjust representation, and ministerial influence, which by the bye is gone beyond all bounds. This very year there has been twelve thousand per annum in pensions added to the Irish list. The Papists likewise insist, in positive terms, to have all the penal laws against them, abolished; for which purpose, they have convened a national meeting in Dublin, and have chosen a number of delegates to form plans for carrying their designs into effect. Most of the corporated towns have advised their constituents to oppose such innovations, and have published resolutions to that effect. What the end will be, the Almighty only knows! It seems they have a promise from the English minister that has encouraged them to take such steps, which it is supposed he has done to strengthen his influence. Societies are forming fast here, and in every other town, to preserve their rights it is supposed, more than to preserve public order. England too is in a state of fermentation, they are arming fast, it is supposed to go to war with France—the people are totally averse to falling out with France—they have declared by printed resolutions, they will not support a war against a people fighting for their liberty. Government are so alarmed, they are taking every step to strengthen their hands; the parliament is called three weeks before the appointed time, they have planted cannon on the tower, are raising a militia, and are strengthening all their places of defence; the consequences are in some measure felt already, as credit is greatly hurt, and a damp in trade and business, that is, what is carried on between the two kingdoms."