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road of publick opinion. They see other men, to whom nature has given superior intellect or industry, and higher degrees of knowledge, more respected and.commanding more attention, than themselves. They strike off into a new path, in hopes that the multitude will at least observe their divergence; inquire, where they are going; and perhaps the weak be induced to follow.

sweets, under such circumstances of ease and

comfort.

There is something so conciliating in their adWinter succeeded. There was nothing to almost be pleased with their appearance, and dress, so engaging in their smiles, I can now engage his attention abroad, and little to ex- tolerate their peculiarities. I even begin to ercise his habitually active mind at home. He think that what at first appeared to me igsometimes rode to town. ways returned like a man disappointed. Our knowledge of human nature and the most polWe found he al- norance and rudeness, is the most profound friends from Boston sometimes visited us. He ished perfection; what I took to be coldness If we take the trouble to trace the history of received their felicitations with satisfaction. dence and caution, which ever attend true enjoyed their society, gave them welcome, and and indifference have now become that pruthese innovators, we shall generally find they When they were gone, however, a depression wisdom. Thanks to that Spirit, who has at come under one description-men possessed of spirits succeeded. He attended to the fam-length conducted me to a land of philosophers! of some talents, and some reputation-engag-ily concerns. Every thing was soon in order. to a land, which I foolishly thought only to ing ardently, for a time, in support of establish- He looked upon his snowy fields-there was ed systems :-but, attaining no marks of dis- nothing to be done. Hinc prima labes. Dinexist in the imagination of the poet ! tinction; perhaps outstripped by associates in ner time seemed to be long arriving-he would the same pursuit, they turn back; and aban- walk to the sideboard, and take a little brandy doning a hopeless competition, seek celebrity and water, to remove the listlessness of vacant from the simple merit of moving against the tide. expectation. This propensity, from day to day, occurred at an earlier hour.

SIR,

FOR THE BOSTON SPECTATOR.

THE CONFIDANT, No. II.
To the Confidant.

**********, January 11.

WHERE sense of character, consciousness of danger, and the sufferings of those who are dear by the tenderest ties of nature, have ho avail, I can have little hope from the expedient of making an address to you. But I should feel guilty of a dereliction of duty, were I to omit any means, that might tend to restore the felicity of a numerous and once respectable family. If it be too late to remedy the evil immediately in view, perhaps the story I have to relate may guard others, seasonably, against a habit, which, once indulged, appears stronger, than the boasted powers of reason.

My father was born and educated in a country village. The patrimonial estate being insufficient for more than one establishment, the farm was allotted to a brother; my

father

was put

to trade. Naturally industrious, circumspect and enterprising, he was successful; and after seven years of persevering assiduity, he found himself in a situation to move into the capital, to enjoy a wider field of speculation. You well know, that the happy state of our country for a course of years favoured the pursuits of commerce. My father, though naturally cautious, by degrees, was tempted to incur hazard; fortune still favoured him, and in the course of twenty years, in which he engaged, he accumulated, what, in our country, is called a fortune.

The restrictions on commerce began. He saw the approaching embarrassments, which threatened his favourite and lucrative employment. He gradually contracted his business, and scarcely sustained any loss, but that which arose from the depreciation of value, in many kinds of property.

He had purchased a handsome situation, in this town, and ornamented it with convenient and elegant buildings. He removed here, with his family, and delegated to me, the principal agency in the remainder of his business.

Thus far, there has seldom perhaps been a family more happy; and my father agreeable to the wish of all his connexions, resolved to enjoy his competence, withdraw his attention entirely from active life, and pass the remainder of his life peacefully in the domestick circle. Through the summer of 1812, this delightful prospect continued. My father had found the superintendence of his own farm, a healthy, pleasant, and useful occupation. Early impressions had attached him to the country, and he often expressed his gratitude, that Providence had enabled him to return to its

I will not trouble you with the humiliating particulars of progressive intemperance. Spring came, and my father was scarcely in a capacity to perform, what, during the last season, was his principal amusement. But the busy scenes of summer alleviated our apprehensions. He took an interest again m his improvements; His forenoons were occupied in agriculturebut after dinner, though seemingly embarrasToo frequently, by the evening, his articulased how to pass the time, he seldom went out.

tion was affected.

Since the concerns of Autumn, have closed,
his propensity has returned with accumulated
force. The excessive and vexatious irritability
of the morning is only succeeded by a fatuitous
gaiety, which, in spite of forced smiles and
unmeaning assent, fixes a deep-seated melan-
choly on every heart. Our friends have not
yet wholly forsaken us; but society has lost
its charms, for the kindest, the best of fathers,
in the self-delusive indulgence of his accus-
tomed hospitality, becomes a spectacle: the
candour, the delicacy, the affected blindness
of our friends can neither conceal their impa-
tience, nor our wretchedness. The tremor of
the hands, the dilatation and stare of the eye,
and other alarming symptoms, announce the
danger of a sudden stroke, which may bring a
speedy but awful close to life; or render ex-
istence shocking, both to the possessor and
spectators, above all to those whom nature,
duty, and habit have bound to him, by the en-
dearments of a long-cherished affection. My
father is not more changed in character, than
my mother is in spirits. My sisters and my
self are withdrawing from all the pleasures of
society; by this sacrifice, we spare the sensi-
bility of our friends, but there is no flying
from our domestick sorrow.

I was gratified with the suggestion in your
paper, and hope that you, or some of your
correspondents, may be able to "minister to
a mind diseased" such counsel, as will awaken
the sympathy of a parent, and recal a man to a
consciousness of the offence against heaven,
which every rational being commits, who de-
bases his noble nature, spurns the best bless-
ing conferred on his species, and hurries to
criminal form of suicide.
his grave, by the most disgraceful if not most
Yours, &c.
PHILOPATER.

LETTERS TO LEINWHA,

Teacher of Morality in the Recesses of Latin-
guin, from a Wanderer in the West.

LETTER 11.

ALTHOUGH the inhabitants of this country are slow to confer costly benefits, they are by no means deficient in affability or politeness

It is scarcely three days since my arrival, and I have experienced every mark of attention and fondness, which could have distinguished a friend returning from a far distant country. The master of the caravansary where I abide, seems every thing relating to me, that I have actually so generously interested in seen him more than once minutely examining my effects. He has even asked me innumerable questions concerning my kindred, and country; and when I told him the loss of my possessions, he seemed as much distressed as if ally taken it so much to his heart, that since my poverty had been his own; and he has actuthat moment I have not seen his face in my which has so excited his sympathy, he seemed apartment. Before that unhappy information with strangers; and to realize his friendship, indefatigable to make me forget that I was he was not only himself my constant guest, but introduced others, who soon became as joyous and glad as their hospitable lord. They would wish me many good wishes before they had drunken their "wine," and even continue in my bed chamber till the day had gone. Some of them were of so happy and contented a disposition, that they would slumber on the floor till the night was far spent, or entertain me families, so that among so much well disposed with little stories about themselves and their retain my melancholy; and I assure you company you will naturally suppose I cannot there is nothing I am so anxious about at present, as the manner in which I shall return their

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civility, and shew them the high sense I have of their extraordinary conduct.

would be thought too much like adulation to You know, my friend, in many countries it but here, where art has not fettered reason, speak compliments to a man in his presence; where unnatural refinement has not taught the understanding to disguise the feelings of the heart, nothing is spoken but the language of nature; they have no cause to conceal their real sentiments, and therefore speak as ingenulate whiteness of my eyes, the cerulian hue of uously as they think. They praise the immacmy feathers, the length of my head, the breadth of my feet, the shortness of my stature, and beauty of my native language which they do not understand. When they do this, my heart exults in the honour of my country!

apparent want of knowledge concerning other I am not however a little surprized at their nations. When I tell them there are many millions like myself in the kingdom of Latinguin; when I describe our manners and our Customs, our religion and jurisprudence; when I describe the cenotaphs of Anong-Tong, and the learning of its philosophers, they seem lost in admiration and shout aloud for astonishment.

But their knowledge is doubtless of a more

valuable kind. Whilst others have been balancing the scales of empires, settling the disputes of Europe, and lumbering their minds with the history and affairs of nations which. they have no need to meddle with, they have

been attentive to their own interest.

Whilst some have been scrutinizing foreign cabinets and prophesying the fall or elevation of a minister, perplexing themselves with victories, invasions, illuminations, and slaughter, they have never deviated from their own path, nor thought of any thing but what related to themselves. The death of a great man, which would have hung the arms of any other nation in black, rung every bell in Latinguin for two days, and darkened the very atmosphere with monuments and "mausoleums" would here (disinterested and serene nation!) only excite the repetition of some moral sentiment, occasion a slight inquisitiveness concerning the attitude in which he expired, whether he retained his senses in death, and to whom he has disposed his estate. Happy are they who have overcome the restlessness of curiosity, and learnt to render their sympathy and feelings subservient to philosophy and reason!---Farewel.

POETRY.

FOR THE BOSTON SPECTATOR.

JAMES DUTTON. A TALE.

Founded on fact.

HARD on the confines of a distant village,
His farm laid out in meadows, orchards, tillage,
James Dutton peacefully resided,
And, like his neighbours, led a frugal life;
Between his farm, his children and his wife
Were all his cares divided.

Jem had one failing, though it was not great,
Nor anywise allied to vice or cheating,
'Twas that he liked, too well for his estate,
Elections, trainings, town or parish meeting.

It happened, one election day,
Whether November, April, May,
Or March, I cannot tell ye;
Just as the sun was going down
Jemmy went jogging up to town,

On his old mare, hight Nelly.

He just had reached the tavern door,
When people from the election pour,

And round are thick collected;
As full as eggs with meat are cramm'd,
Within the tavern soon are jamm'd
The Electors and the Elected.

The sun was set, the gloomy hour was nigh,
When darkness struggles with retiring light;
When Mother Nox came blundering up the sky,

And Phoebus, nodding, bade the world good-night.
Here 'midst the bar-room's noise, its filth and tipple,
The wittenagemote of the village meets,
For statesmen here are found, who, to a tittle,
Would fill with dignity the highest seats.
Here patriots oft assume the publick cares,
As, by experience, is fully shewn,
And of the nation kindly settle the affairs,
When from confusion they can't save their own.

Such merry rogues their greatest pleasure found
In drinking flip with foaming velvet crown'd,
Essaying perpendicular;

Not like the Romans, who, as Horace vouches,
Drank with their mistresses on cushion'd couches,
Of old Falernian Particular.

Now, gentle reader, be not much alarm'd,

I tell ye truths, no, 'faith I am not joking;
To be by tipplers of our rights disarm'd,
Is hard, unjust, and quite provoking;

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And should be whipp'd like truants, soundly whipp'd, Here hiccoughs, with his speech began to wrangle,

Then sent to school,

And taught another lesson.

Jem was of the old fashion'd, syphon breed,
In drinking bouts he followed change, not need,
Whene'er by liquor tempted;

Or like a sponge, that's by absorption fill'd,
Drank himself full, in no resistance skill'd;
Or, else, the pitcher emptied..

Some restless spirits, to their great disgrace,
(How oddly nature manages some matters!)
Form'd on the promontory of his face
A little rising settlement of Squatters.

Now the mind's eye, Whether it lie

Or in the diaphragm, or in the head, or toe, Or whether

In all these together,

Why neither I nor any man can know ; But if you wish to aid its vision, Whatever be the place or region

You have assign'd it,

And wish more light should on its pupil shine, Pour down the throat a glass, or two, of wine, 'Tis sure to find it.

But frequent draughts the mental shutters close,
Obscuring reason's light,

Like piling spectacles upon the nose,
They only blear the sight.

If, then, Jem's opticks needed such repairs,
(Though all agree they did not, by the by,)
"Twere better far by half for his affairs,

Had he but wiped his glass, not wet his eye.

Jem now had got 'bout half seas over,
And for the first time to discover

About his bow a rotten plank;
With cargo light, and deck high crowded,
His ship ill stow'd, in fogs inshrouded,
Was out of trim and crank..

By twelve, in country towns an hour rather late,
Each guest departed for his own abode,
And Jem, his reckoning paid, in dizzy state,
Mounted his pacing beast, and off he rode.

Now Mistress Nox had thrown aside
Her old blue blanket long and wide,

With rents and patches fill'd,
Through which, by time and moths and worms,
Holes, called the stars, as thick as plums

In puddings, had been drill'd ;
Which serve, as some folks say, to let in light,
Us wandering mortals to direct by night;
While others, full as wise, the opinion scout,
And say they serve but to let darkness out.
Instead of this, all nature now lay hid,
Between a black, thick-quilted coverlid,
Through which, by pin or needle-hole or stitch,
No ray of light could pierce,-'twas dark as pitch.
His course thus late, as Jemmy homeward bent,
To this side now, and then to that inclining,
Here he drew diagrams as on he went,
And there, he tried his hand at serpentining,
Upon the road he had not gone

Above a mile, when strange to say,
Where was his home he'd quite forget,
And in the dark he'd lost his way.,

And quite disturb'd his punctuation,

While with his horse's back he form'd an angle.

Like an Italick note of admiration!

While vainly peeping for some well known mark Homeward to guide him in a night so dark,

Alarming thoughts now seized him,

From which, so late, 'twixt twelve and one o'clock,
Though he escap'd the ghost, old Hamlet's cock
Would very much have eased him.

When, sudden, to his great delight, from far,
As shines a distant, twinkling, fourth-rate star,

A cottage candle met his view,

Which o'er his mind a tranquil joy produces,
And "like light gushing from a thousand sluices"
Again his sinking hopes renew.

To save his credit and his home to find,
And keep his neighbours to his failings blind,
Jem for this scheme his cunning task'd ;
"I'll ask them, where does Mr. Dutton dwell &
"And as I'm drunk, and in the dark, they'll tell,”
Said he," and think a stranger ask’d.”

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VOL. I.

DEVOTED TO POLITICKS AND BELLES LETTRES.

BOSTON, SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 1814.

NO. V.

POLITICAL.

FOR THE BOSTON SPECTATOR.

On the DUTY of an early resistance to unconstitutional or oppressive laws.

Ir will be observed, that I have selected the term duty, in preference to the word right, because I think it one of the most solemn and imperative obligations of the citizens of a free republick.

It is a much greater proof of the loyalty, than of the wisdom or foresight of the people of this country, that they are afraid to examine, and still more afraid to exercise those privileges, upon which the security of their freedom can alone depend.

It is my design to inquire into the nature of the duty of resistance to unconstitutional laws, as applicable to a country situated as ours is.

I need not display what little historical knowledge I may possess, by shewing, that every country, which has lost its freedom, may trace it to the neglect of an early resistance to the first encroachments of its rulers; and also that every country, which has for any great length of time preserved even the shadow of freedom, must attribute it to the vigilant exercise of this only effectual and salutary check. All history is filled with examples on this subject, which it would show more pedantry than wisdom to detail. I need only refer to the illustrious examples of our own progenitors, who with a jealousy watched, and with a becoming spirit and firmness resisted, the very first infringements of their constitutional rights. Through that vigilance, and owing to that spirit, under the blessing of Divine Providence, we now are enabled to boast of our

Sydney still warmed the bosoms of the trans- | produce a change of measures? It is a solemn
atlantick Englishmen. He had by his side the truth, written in indelible characters on our
eloquent orator of England, the accomplished annals, that party passions will continue pre-
voking the bravest and hardiest and most en-
Burke, who warned him of the danger of pro-dominant under all possible changes of exter-
nal or internal political relations. You may
terprising subjects whom his majesty could change your rulers as often as you please, but
boast in his dominions. The voice of Chatham the party policy will be the same.
too was heard in St. Stephen's chapel-a
warning voice, which resounded in the ears of
a tyrannical ministry, and which made St.
James's tremble, assuring the ministers and
the crown, that the people of New England
were not to be despised, and could not, with
impunity, be deprived of their inalienable
rights.

I dare not trust myself, in this moment of excitement, produced by this proud recollection of better days and far distant times, to draw a picture of the events of the present day. The nation is too cold and too sunk in abject submission to relish, or enjoy, or perceive the beauties of such a picture.

I rather reply at present to the objections, which are urged by the tools of administration against the application of the doctrine of resistance, and against our imitation of our sainted ancestors, under our present circumstances.

Unable to deny that the oppressions are more grievous, more manifold, more intolerable, than were the half-penny tax on tea, and the stamp duties, repealed as soon as laid, they tell us that our government is a government of our own choice, and therefore represents the majesty of the people. That, whatever may be our sufferings, we are bound to submit.

The only remedy is a change of our rulers, or an appeal to the judiciary, appointed by the very government that inflicts the wrong.

Let the

ist. If our government is more free than was that of Great Britain, so also is the right more explicit and more clear of resisting departures from the constitution-Mark me! fellow citizens, I say only, manifest departures from the constitution.

To this, I have various answers. rights and privileges as a people. Had they people judge between me and the hirelings of stopped to calculate consequences, and to ex-administration, which of us is in the right. amine their power, we should now probably have been loaded with carriage taxes, land taxes, and excises—we should have had the Boston port bill extended to all the colonies and possibly, though I do not think it probable, even our coasting trade and fisheries would have been subjected to as rigorous a system, as that under which we are now groaning. Happily for us, and honourably for them, a different spirit prevailed, and the only question with them was, Are the birth-rights of Englishmen invaded?

Our ancestors did not wait to see their intercourse by land, as well as by sea, invaded; -they did not stop till the hand of power, always strengthened by submission, exerted itself in the interception of domestick intercourse, and arrested their money and effects in the common and ordinary course of business. Even Lord North, with all his high ideas of prerogative, would not have ventured to authorize the meanest and basest of his minions, upon an indefinite suspicion, to gratify his private spleen, or his private interest, by seizing without oath, without evidence, and without formal complaint, the property of great corporations or of private citizens in a course of regular commercial transit. NO. He knew better the temper of the people with whom he had to do. He believed that some small portion of the spirit of Hampden and

In the British constitution, admirable in fact, but existing only in the breasts of parliament and the people, their ablest vindicators of the rights of freedom and of the people have not dared to define the cases in which resistance may be lawful. They have touched it with a cautious and a trembling hand.

In our constitutions, every thing is defined. The sovereign is bound down to precise rules. If he infringes them, on that point, so infringed, be ceases to be sovereign. The right to resist an unconstitutional act is as perfect, as the right to make a constitutional one. It is as solemn. It is as imperious and the citizen, who suffers such violation to pass unnoticed, is as guilty as the legislator who makes it.

But, 2dly. Is it true that the rulers in a free country are less likely to abuse their power?

Does experience warrant the opinion? Does reason justify it? Are the passions dormant in republicks?

If the rulers are temporary and liable to change, is not the party as long lived as Methuselah? Does a change of men necessarily

Neither the cupidity or thirst of power of any despot has ever been so apparent or so dreadful, nor have they ever carried a single ruler to such desperate extremes, as we have witnessed in our age in France and in this country.

But will it be said that the majority only governs, and that it is right they should govern?

What? Do you claim for the majority the royal prerogative, that they can do no wrong? Cannot a minority be oppressed? Cannot the passions of a majority induce them to violate the constitution, and to deprive the minority of their rights? Is it true, that men cease to have passions, because they are numerous and strong? Are they more just, because the responsibility is divided? And if they do wrong, have the minority no remedy?

He who denies the first, is strangely ignorant of the history of Robespierre and Governour Gerry; and he who denies the last, has little idea, or an imperfect sense of the nature of civil liberty.

I may pursue this topick hereafter with more direct application to the present state of the United States.

Ir has always appeared to me, that appealing to the people against taxes, was a pernicious practice, unless it be proved, and constantly kept in view, that the taxes are unnecessary, or used for purposes injurious to the community. It is warring against civil society, and in a manner which, considering the natural. selfishness of man, is always likely, either to disgust hian with government, or, what is as bad; at the only means by which it can be supported. If we have civil and political institutions, it is clear we must minister to the necessities of those, who abandon their personal concerns to serve society. If we would not expose our liberty by our weakness, we must contribute to the means of defence.

Born under an established government, and: educated in the constant enjoyment of its blessings, we are apt to think those blessings a of which we never know the want, we think part of our nature-or like other enjoyments. nothing of their value; and when the agent of government asks us for money, we seem to be paying it for nothing.

All opposition to the present administration must have in view the substitution of a better. We should therefore cherish no habits in publick sentiment now, which would tend, in such a desirable event, to demoralize the communi'ty, and render them factious. Mr. Jefferson studied the weakness of his countrymen, like a philosopher; write away, said he to the incendiary Callender-your books, barked by the tax-gatherer, will produce a great effect. He was not mistaken, but no honest man can wilfully follow his example.

must suspend our murmurs until we inquire. When government lays burdens upon us, we

what is the whole amount? Is all this money faithfully applied for publick purposes? Are those purposes wise? Is the professed object essential or even necessary to our security and happiness? If so, it must follow, that we only experience a less evil to avoid a greater and we should be willing in that case to be taxed, until taxation became as great an evil, as that which government propose to obviate.

Our rulers are not only loading us with heavy taxes, probably as heavy as they dare in that shape, but incurring an enormous publick debt, by loans. What is the amount?

Round numbers in MILLIONS give no distinct idea to the mass of the people. One million is more than they ever saw; it expresses vaguely a VAST SUM-twenty, thirty, forty millions, does no more. Putting it all on waggons, and stringing it on the road from Boston to Philadelphia, gives us about as precise a notion of what we have to pay, as a schoolboy conceives of the distance round the globe, when he has learned how many barley corns would encircle it. Can we not obtain a more practical understanding of this important subject?

Every man in Massachusetts knows what state tax he himself pays. Then let him likewise know, that the proportion Massachusetts would have to pay of the publick debt arising from this ONE YEAR OF WAR,* if now levied and not borrowed, would equal the whole state tax, for SIXTY YEARS! The war is but begun-Congress are constantly devising new projects for increasing expense; as we value our own happiness and that of our children, it is time to inquire, for what purpose are these enormous demands?

Walk the streets of our cities and capital towns, you see men every where with the badge of their dependence on government for support, or emolument. Go to the publick houses through the country, you every where see the recruiting officer. Go back to the frontiers, you will find the road, alive with straggling fragments of armies; and caravans of provisions, transported through the wilderness, at five times their original cost. Contemplate this picture, from Maine to Georgia; from the Atlantick to the lakes, and imagine whether such immense machinery can be set in motion, or supported at rest, without mortgaging you and your children.

Most of these appearances result from war. And for what is this war? The true answer is; to secure office to men, as the instruments of our passions, who had not personal character enough to obtain promotion by the suffrage of our reason. But the ostensible motive is enough-We are at war, say our rulers, to compel the British to relinquish the right of impressment. Of impressing whom? Americans? No-British seamen. This is all Great Britain claims. This, her statesmen say, they will enjoy, in common with other nations and this the people of Great Britain say, they will perish, or maintain.

It is on this ridiculous pretence, that we are waging an unjustifiable war. For this we are deprived of the hard earned fruits of industry -arrested in the occupations of our choicedenied our accustomed means of supporting our selves and our families--and for this we sit down quietly and see a tremendous publick debt growing upon us, which will either make our future existence a scene of fruitless labour, or lead to civil commotions, which cannot be contemplated in prospect, but with the deepest anxiety; "It is the cause-the cause, my countrymen,' which ought to make us blush. Were our contest for our liberties-for our property-for * Our expense must go on, at least, a second year.

our religion; for any thing that is dear to us, an appeal to the sword would be honourable; and even to fail, would not degrade us. But to be chained down to ruinous idleness, to be forced to give up our property-to see the prospect of future prosperity receding from us and ours--and all this for the sake of interfering in the relation between a foreign government and its subjects-these are considerations, which ought to make us regard tame submission to exorbitant taxes, and a swollen publick debt, as not only a disgrace, and hardship, but a crime. While we are taking the bread from those who depend on us, to feed the vagrant, offscourings of dramshops," as Mr. Troup calls our soldiery, let us remember too, that the purposes of this expense are at once ruinous, fruitless and wicked. And while we see before us, a system of taxation commenced, which will beggar the poor and impoverish the rich, let the odium of our oppression rest on the wanton profligacy, which has plunged us in a war, unsupported by principle, and marked by the frown of heaven, in the disgraceful and disastrous consequences, which it has produced.

to

THE publick may judge, if a doubt remains, as to what is to decide our fate, with respect to war or peace, by the immediate change of tone, in the democratick papers, on the news, that Bonaparte was personally safe at Paris, and had obtained a decree for a new army. He is again eulogized to adoration, and the spirit of our government, in taking measures continue the war, are welcomed as good tidings. We are far from saying this disposition is general, among those who rank as friends of the administration; but if Bonaparte can take the field again, all murmuring, wherever it is indulged, must be suppressed. We shall all have to busy our minds to procure the means of paying our increasing taxes, and let murmurs sleep with the spirits of our fathers.

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DOMESTICK. The British have turned their attention, actively, to the mouth of the Mississippi. Forty men, from the sloop of

war, Herald, have landed at fort Balize, and destroyed it The Herald and two brigs of war remained at the Balize.

President of the United States sent a message CONGRESS. On the 18th instant, the to Congress, enclosing a series of documents relating to the Russian Mediation. On the 20th infamous letter, covering a statement from he sent another message, respecting Turreau's Mr Monroe, informing that he could not find any such letter on the files of the department. This is perfectly ridiculous, when the whole country knows, that after TURREAU had ordered Mr. Jackson to be dismissed, and he was dismissed, the letter was withdrawn, lest it

should be found on the files of the Department The official translation, however, is

of State.

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The answer of

STATE LEGISLATURE. the Senate and House to the Governour's Speech have both passed, after ample debate, and been communicated to his Excellency. These are papers worthy the very respectable. and patriotick bodies, which have produced them As far as language can, they will meet the wishes, and accord with the feelings of a very large majority of the suffering citizens of this commonwealth.

Mr. Otis's Resolution, we can now say, after having waited to collect popular opinion, has been received by all classes of federalists, perhaps with more heartfelt satisfaction, than any publick measure for many years. It has revived hopes of security in those who had feared, that every right, even personal liberty, would find no guardians in this good old state, once so famous for the manly, independent spirit of its citizens. Their gratitude to Mr. Otis is unbounded, and the Legislature have confirmed the confidence reposed in them by their constituents.

To Readers.

THE daily increase of subscribers to the Spectator, satisfies the Editor that it is read; and his confidence in the understanding of his readers induces him to believe they must have discovered, tha the first political paper, in each number, is froin the pen of an able correspondent. For once, however, it is hoped the comunication "On the duty of an early resistance to unconstitutional and oppressive laws" will be perused with particular attention.

Towards the close of the second paragraph, in the last Confidant, the compositor omitted the words deeply in navigation, after, "in which he engaged." Those who preserve this paper, will please to insert them, as they are essential to the sense.

LITERARY AND MISCELLANEOUS.

FOR THE BOSTON SPECTATOR.

THE CONFIDANT, No. III. Remarks occasioned by the Address of Philopater.

........vitanda est improba Siren-De sidia.

THE positive injunctions and interdictions of respectable physicians sometimes succeed, when self-command fails, and the advice and feelings of friends are disregarded This appears to be the only source, from which PHILOPATER can expect any effectual advantage. He has little to hope from this; for the sense of privation to a man habitually addicted to the excessive stimulus of ardent spirits, is so intolerable, that the consciousness of approaching death has frequently less horrour to the victims of intemperance, than the miserable sensation, which, in that case, results from self-denial.

I am but too well persuaded that PHILOPATER has stated an instance, which, in the principal circumstances, is far from singular. Such calamities, than which there can scarcely be a greater in domestick life, may be shunned by timely caution, but are seldom if ever cured. It is not safe to rely on one's fortitude; the enemy is insidious; fortitude is not deem-, ed necessary until it is already paralyzed. It is better to study, philosophically, the constitu

tion of man, and to regulate wisely and virtuously, what we cannot control. The fatal habit, in which the father of PHILOPATER indulged, has no peculiar connexion with his history. The doctrine which, if seasonably understood, might have prolonged his existence, his usefulness, and his family's happiness, embraces almost every occupation, in social life. It is this. The busy exercise of the intellectual faculty, for a length of time, in any pursuit, renders activity essential to its tone. Its nature, in this respect, bears a strong resemblance to the body. As well may a man say, I will eat very freely until I become strong and fleshy, and then I will live without taking nourishment, as that "I will occupy myself intensely in my calling, until I arrive at a certain period of life, or a certain amount of property, and then I will do nothing."

This will account for many instances of conduct, which frequently excite surprise, and sometimes reprehension. When a man by industry and enterprise accumulates an independence, the world are ready to imagine, if he does not retire, that it is the effect of cupidity. They do not know, that constant occupation has become to him, a second nature, and that he cannot relinquish it without experiencing a listlessness, from the very constitution of the human mind, which is not to be endured, and cannot be encountered without danger. The habitually indolent cannot conceive of this-ror can I conceive of the anxiety of the Hindoo, deprived of his betel root. The one is as inevitable as the other.

The life of a mariner is a life, not perhaps of regular toil, but of constant solicitude of mind. How often are we surprised to see men follow this perilous occupation, when they might enjoy affluence at home. The very ease, which home proffers them, is what their minds cannot sustain. They must have their storms and their calms, their alternate hopes and fears-their high and interesting responsibility to brace their minds.

Take the student from his library; invite him to the beauties of the country, and even let a circle of friends attend him. Erelong his spirits will sink; if he can get nothing else, you will find him poring over an almanack. He sighs rather for the society of the mighty dead, and the peaceful train of meditation, enjoyed in the closet. Relaxation tires, or more correctly speaking, starves his mind.

I need not advert to every object that engages individual attention. Whatever that object be, if it require intense application of mind, it cannot be abandoned safely, for idle

ness.

What is the natural consequence, when the experiment is made?-The tone of the mind is destroyed. But the man is determined to be idle and enjoy the close of life in ease. He feels languid, for want of his accustomed stimulus. Wine,or more pernicious liquors, excite his animal spirits, and produce a temporary exhiliration. At first be commits no debauch -he only seeks to make himself comfortable. Its effect is but transient; he recurs to it again. It leaves him still more languid, unless his indulgence is extended. He becomes a sot, ruins his health, his fame, his family,-his soul.

To commence a particular business for life, is a critical step. If it be an active one, to withdraw from it, is no less critical. We should never form such a purpose, with a view to exemption from employment. The object may be changed, but a constant interest, of some sort, must be supplied to the mind. Let it be laudable; let it be suited to the

taste. Success, in whatever has employed the vigour of youth and manhood, is no just plea for indolence; it qualifies us the better to se lect and plan our future pastime. But unless some plan presents, which promises both satisfaction and regular employment for the mind, it will be best to prosecute the accustomed business of life, while health and strength remain. Is it said, this doctrine excludes that regard to the duties of piety, which ought to attend us, in our descent to the tomb; the answer is; that he is wretchedly mistaken, who calculates to appropriate any particular portion of his existence exclusively to religion. The whole conduct of an enlightened christian is consecrated, by the purity of his views; and heaven requires, not so much any specifick act, as a certain disposition of mind, which may be present with us in all our purposes, and keep us in constant preparation for a more exalted stage of being.

Happy indeed are those who are blest with a disposition, as age advances, and competence permits, to cultivate their minds by reading. The man, who has a taste for books, has a delightful world before him. Here he may always

labour with advantage to himself and society. These will afford a relief to business, which knows no tedium; more various, more important, more worthy a rational being than any other recreation. And when heaven crowns our seasonable exertions to provide for those who are dear to us, with prosperity, what can be more worthy an intelligent mind, than to exalt the powers and extend the compass of the soul.

FOR THE BOSTON SPECTATOR.

WOMAN.

A ministering angel thou!"

IT is frequently asserted, that it is only in high or considerable degrees of civilization, that woman possesses a moral influence, in society. There is no doubt but her power increases, with refinement ; but there has scarcely been an age, unless too barbarous to afford a sketch for the historian, when woman has not been represented as exercising a mild but efficient control, over the stern character of man. Milton makes Adam thus describe the first of her sex

Authority and reason on her wait,
As one intended first, not after made
Occasionally; and to consummate all,
Greatness of mind, and nobleness, their seat
Build in her loveliest, and create an awe
About her, as a guard angelick plac'd.

This, it is admitted, is a picture drawn by the imagination of a poet, and a poet of modern times; but if the history of society, in its rudest state, is to be credited, innumerable instances, on record prove, that woman always possesses a benign and commanding influence. The founders of Rome were savage to a proverb;-when their city was beset, by the Sabines, their neighbours, breathing fury and revenge, and they, exasperated by threats and actual invasion ;-when both armies were on the point of commencing a bloody engagement, the Roman matrons, connected with both parties rushed between; not a drop of blood was shed; a conference ensued, which terminated in peace. Highly as the ladies are respected in our polished times, they could scarcely expect such a compliment.

This familiar, but striking illustration of the powerful sway which woman exercises over

our constantly boisterous and jangling propen sities, is alluded to by the poet Lucan, while paying a just and beautiful tribute to the commanding virtue of Julia; another instance which may well be quoted. She was the daugh ter of Cesar, and wife of Pompey. These ambitious republicans had no sooner freed them-. selves from all other competitors for power, than their jealousy of each other became mutual and violent; both were men of strong pas sions, and each convinced that the extermination of the other was essential to his personal aggrandizement. While Julia lived, she preserved between them the semblance of friendship, and saved the republick from the sangui nary consequences of their animosity. An accident, unfortunately for the whole Roman empire, deprived her of life, and no sooner had the amiable mediator expired, than Cesar and Pompey took arms, and Rome was involved in the horrors of civil war.

"Dividitur ferro regnum: populique potentis
Quae mare, quae terras, quae totum possidet orbem
Non cepit Fortuna duos. Nam pignora juncti
Sanguinis, et diro ferales omine tedas
Abstulit ad manes, Parcarum, Julia, saeva
Intercepta manu. Quod si tibi fata dedissent
Majores in luce moras, tu sola furentem
Inde virum poteras, atque hinc retinere parentem,
Armatasque manus excusso jungere ferro,
Ut generos soceris mediae junxere Sabinae.
Morte tua discussa fides, bellumque movere
Permissum est ducibus; stimulos dedit aemula virtus."
"The sword is now the umpire to decide,
And part what friendship knew not to divide.
'Twas hard, an empire of so vast a size,
Could not for two ambitious minds suffice;
The peopled earth and wide extended main,
Could furnish room for only one to reign.
When dying Julia first forsook the light,
And Hymen's tapers sunk in endless night,
The tender ties of kindred love were torn,
Forgotten all, and buried in her urn.
Oh! if her death had haply been delay'd,
How might the daughter and the wife persuade !
Like the fam'd Sabine dames she had been seen
To stay the meeting war and stand between :
On either hand had woo'd them to accord,
Sooth'd her fierce father and her furious lord,
To join in peace and sheath the ruthless sword.
But this the fatal sisters' doom denied ;
The friends were sever'd, when the matron died;
The rival leaders mortal war proclaim,
Rage fires their souls with jealousy of fame,
And emulation fans the rising flame."

THE tendency of "social intercourse" to promote knowledge, is evident in all classes of society. When I converse with man or woman, it is not to ask what I know, but what I do not. Thus a dozen persons, though no one may be said to be wiser than another, will all improve, by passing a portion of their time together; for it would be a miracle if any two should have pursted precisely the same train of thought, and arrived at the same conclusions but when they meet, their distinct acquirements become, in a great measure, a common stock, of which every one may use the aggregate, and not detract from the individual contributor. In such a bank as this, it is surely judicious to become a stockholder.

It is of no consequence to lose, what is of no value when possessed. Those who are smarting under a keen sense of privation, should remember that this can only result from having enjoyed a proportionate goed:

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