44 on the internal state of America. . Nov. 14% 
an undisciplined militia will {till be an overmatch for 
any foreign enemy. Since, in the most unprovi~ 
ded state imaginable, with respect to arms and am- 
munition, and when our citizens and husbandmen. 
had scarcely ever seen an enemy before, they have. 
resisted the most formidable invasion, and at length 
obtained some signal victories over the second nati- 
on in the world, it is not easy to persuade our har-. 
dy rustics that they are in danger. As a sample at 
once of their security and their pride, it is the com-, 
mon language held in Kentucky, a settlement on the 
waters of the Ohia, entirely begun and completed du- 
ring the war with Britain, that they intend to force. 
themselves a free trace through the Mifsisippi ; and 
that, .if the Spaniards. oppose it, they will send.a 
power down the river sufficient to conquer the Flo- 
‘ridas and New Orleans. They even mention an at- 
tack upon Spanifh Mexico, and the mines of Santa Fee 
de Bagota, as an event that may not be many years 
distant. So that youseeour countrymen are like the rest: 
of the world,--they take their character from their; 
circumstances, which have necefsarily made them har-.- 
dy and active warriors. They despise distant nations bes 
cause they do not know their power, or have once: 
coped with it, with advantage. Succefs, and the thirst: 
of gain, intoxicates them, and makes them unappre- 
hensive of hazards ; and particularly on our northern 
and western frontiers. _ Perpetually combating with: 
difficulties and dangers, enterprise becomes a habit 5. 
and they have no sooner succeeded against the first 
obstacles than they pufh on to seek new adventures., 
Somewhat of a different character prevails on the sea 
