8. MAILS, ROADS, AND INLAND NAVIGATION.

POST OFFICE.

I cannot forbear intimating the expediency of facilitating the intercourse between the distant parts of the country, by a due attention to the Post-Office and PostRoads.

CIRCULATION OF POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

It is represented, that some provisions of the law which establishes the Post-Office, operate, in experiment, against the transmission of newspapers to distant parts of the country. Should this, upon due inquiry, be found to be the fact, a full conviction of the importance of facilitating the circulation of political intelligence and information will, I doubt not, lead to the application of a remedy.

1792.

PUBLIC ROADS.

It has been understood, by wise politicians and enlightened patriots, that giving a facility to the means of travelling, for strangers, and of intercourse, for citi

zens, was an object of legislative concern, and a circumstance highly beneficial to the country.

1788.

NATIONAL INFLUENCE OF MAILS AND ROADS.

The importance of the Post-Office and Post-Roads, on a plan sufficiently liberal and comprehensive, as they respect the expedition, safety, and facility of communication, is increased, by their instrumentality in diffusing a knowledge of the laws and proceedings of the Government, which, while it contributes to the security of the people, serves also to guard them against the effects of misrepresentation and misconception.

1791.

INLAND NAVIGATION.

It gives me great pleasure, to find a spirit for Inland Navigation prevailing so generally.

No country is more capable of improvements in this way, than our own; none will be more benefited; and to begin well is all in all.

1786.

THE LAKES.

I am glad to hear, that the vessels for the Lakes are going on with such industry. Maintaining the superiority over the water, is certainly of infinite impor

tance. I trust, neither courage nor activity will be wanting in those to whom the business is committed.

1776.

NAVIGATION OF THE LAKES.

I shall be mistaken, if they do not build vessels for the navigation of the lakes, which will supersede the necessity of coasting on either side.

The New Yorkers.

1784.

V. REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

Mr. Pitt and Lord Camden were the patrons of America. Their declaration gave spirit and argument to the Colonies. They in effect, divided one half of the empire from the other. JUNIUS' LETTERS, Jan. 21, 1769.

I will not, I cannot, enter into the merits of the cause. But I dare say, the American Congress in 1776 will be allowed to be as able, and as enlightened, as the English Convention in 1688; and that their posterity will celebrate the centenary of their deliverance from us, as duly and sincerely as we do ours from the oppressive measures of the wrong-headed house of Stuart. ROBERT BURNS, 1788.

I should be happy to see your Excellency in Europe. Here you would know, and enjoy, what posterity will say of Washington. At present, I enjoy that pleasure for you; as I frequently hear the old generals of this martial country, who study the maps of America, and mark upon them all your operations, speak with sincere approbation and great applause of your conduct; and join in giving you the character of One of the Greatest Captains of the Age. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Passy, France, Mar. 5, 1780.

WAR, DEPRECATED AS AN EVIL.

My first wish is, to see this plague of mankind banished from the earth, and the sons and daughters of this world employed in more pleasing and innocent amusements, than in preparing implements, and exercising them, for the destruction of mankind.

Rather than quarrel about territory, let the poor,

the needy, and oppressed of the earth, and those who want land, resort to the fertile plains of our Western Country, the second land of promise, and there dwell in peace, fulfilling the first and great commandment.

1785.

The friends of humanity will deprecate War, wheresoever it may appear; and we have experience enough of its evils, in this country, to know, that it should not be wantonly or unnecessarily entered upon.

I trust, that the good citizens of the United States will show to the world, that they have as much wisdom in preserving peace at this critical juncture, as they have hitherto displayed valor in defending their just rights.

1793.

The madness of the European powers, and the calamitous situation into which all of them are thrown by the present ruinous war, ought to be a serious warning to us, to avoid a similar catastrophe, so long as we can with honor and justice to our national character.

1795.

EUROPEAN BATTLE-FIELDS.

Here have fallen thousands of gallant spirits, to satisfy the ambition of their Sovereigns, or to support them, perhaps, in acts of oppression and injustice ! Melancholy reflection! For what wise purpose does Providence permit this? Is it as a scourge to man