enemies, as far as such controul can be carried, 

 ever since the last harvest was reaped. As far 

 as the strictest embargo could prevent it, there- 

 fore, all supplies to this country have been stop- 

 ped since that time. America, the only other 

 country from which we receive supplies, has, 

 more lately, adopted the same measure ; and, 

 (although I still hope the returning reason of 

 both countries will prevent a rupture so injuri- 

 ous to both), the embargo there has been for 

 some time enforced as strictly as the govern- 

 ment could enforce it. Yet, what has been the 

 consequence of all this ? The price of bread- 

 corn, as formerly mentioned, is at this moment 

 rather lower than the average of some years 

 past ; has continued nearly stationary since last 

 harvest ; and we are now within three month* 

 of the next without any sensible rise. 



The inference which I draw from this is, ei- 

 ther that our importation is so small in propor- 

 tion to our home supplies as to be absolutely 

 insignificant ; or, that the utmost power of go- 

 vernments, stimulated by all the bitterness of 

 human violence and folly, cannot obstruct those 

 great provisions of nature, by which an over 

 produce tends towards the place of demand, 

 and thus equalizes supply, and relieves the mu- 

 tual wants of mankind. Either of the above 

 alternatives relieves us from any fear of mate* 



