AN AMERICAN DREAM.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTLTOR "]
Siu,—Philadelphia is said to be a sleepy town—perhaps it is —at any rate, it is an excellent place in which to dream. I had a dream there last night that I am sending to the Editor of the Spectator in the hope that, should he consider it sufficiently interesting, he will publish it. I dreamt that, in spite of her magnificent Fleet, in spite of her Army, in spite of all her great resources, England was blockaded. Three Continental Powers had combined to make war upon her. They had prohibited the vessels of other nations from entering her ports, and had captured several ships that had tried to run the blockade. The people of England were in danger from famine. We had a real statesman for President, one who would dare anything to help a friendly nation in distress. He was backed up by a Congress that he knew would support him no matter to what lengths he should go. The President decided that the people of England should not starve while the United States possessed full granaries, so he gathered a fleet of merchantmen, loaded them with food-stuffs, and started them from New York. To convoy them he sent the strongest fleet of warships that the nation could gather, com- manded by America's foremost sailor. He knew that this was a declaration of war against the three Powers, but he did not care ; he only knew that Englishmen were hungry, and his only thought was to feed them. I was on one of the transports, and, as we approached Ireland, I saw the blockading squadron of the three Powers. The enemy attempted to intercept us, but our fleet headed them off and a great sea-fight ensued. Obeying our orders we sailed into port, and, as we started to discharge our cargoes, I awoke. So I never knew the result of the battle ; but, should such a contingency ever arise, I hope that the United States will make this dream come true.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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