waters of every kind, appeared to retard in some degree, and during a certain period, their progress; — for experience has shewn, that nothing can resist the courage, the activity, and the indefatigable perseverance, of the French nation; and that frontier towns, fortresses, and strong holds of every kind, fall before their zeal and inconceiveable efforts; —but at a moment, however, when it was least expected, and when the campaign was thought to be at an end, a frost, the most intense which almost ever was known, transformed at once our rivers, our canals, and our inundation, into roads and bridges, and what was esteemed in former times the strength of our country, and the security of our government, became the means of accelerating the progress of the arms of a nation which has solemnly and publicly declared, that they regard us not as enemies, but as brethren and allies. This striking event ought to lead us to contemplate with respectful admiration the adorable ways of the Almighty, who, when the prospect of the freedom of our country was otherwise distant and uncertain, thus saved the effusion of so much blood, and snatched so many cities and countries from destruction.
Let us, our hearts being filled with gratitude,
