The vanity of the conceit, was as unpardonable as the experiment was
impolitic. And so convinced am I of their wrong ideas of America, that
I shall not wonder, if, in their last stage of political frenzy,
they propose to her to break her alliance with France, and enter
into one with them. Such a proposition, should it ever be made, and it
has been already more than once hinted at in Parliament, would
discover such a disposition to perfidiousness, and such disregard of
honor and morals, as would add the finishing vice to national
corruption.- I do not mention this to put America on the watch, but to
put England on her guard, that she do not, in the looseness of her
heart, envelop in disgrace every fragment of reputation."- Thus far
the quotation.
By the complection of some part of the news which has transpired
through the New York papers, it seems probable that this insidious era
in the British politics is beginning to make its appearance. I wish it
may not; for that which is a disgrace to human nature, throws
something of a shade over all the human character, and each individual
feels his share of the wound that is given to the whole.
The policy of Britain has ever been to divide America in some way or
other. In the beginning of the dispute, she practised every art to
prevent or destroy the union of the states, well knowing that could
she once get them to stand singly, she could conquer them
unconditionally. Failing in this project in America, she renewed it in
Europe; and, after the alliance had taken place, she made secret
offers to France to induce her to give up America; and what is still
more extraordinary, she at the same time made propositions to Dr.
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