iv PREFACE. 
we are neither unconcerned, nor unalarmed, at whatever seems to 
impose restraint on civil or political freedom. 
On a due balance between prerogative and liberty has the British 
constitution been supported. When either of these has preponde- 
rated, many evils have been suffered. But there is something in the 
genius, manners, habits, and character of the English nation, dif- 
ferznt from, and paramount to, laws and forms, that, amidst all 
the deviations of the constitution, has constantly brought it back 
to its true spirit. The same principles which have enabled Eng- 
land, by the immensity of its resources, to stand unshaken in the 
midst of the disasters that befel the coalition, and to display greater 
and greater energy, in proportion to increasing difficulties, will, 
we doubt not, save the state from the disastrous consequences 
which too often flow even from precedents founded in temporary 
expediency. 
In tracing the movements of armies, the revolutions of states, 
the political intrigues, dissentions, and contests, which mark the 
year 1796, we have exerted our usual industry, not only in deli- 
neating objects, according to their respective magnitude and im- 
portance, but in reducing them within the wonted limits of our 
Annual History of Europe. 
To the various hints of so many of our readers on this head, they 
will perceive we have not been inattentive. It is not a minute and 
circumstantial detail af transactions and events that we understand 
to be wished for and expected in our historical sketches; but a nar 
rative brief and rapid, yet clear and comprehensive: one that may 
give a just view of what is passing in the world, without too much 
time sor trouble of reading. The curiosity of lich of our readers 
as may have a taste and turn for more particular information, 
respecting various occurrences, will be gratified in the second part 
of the volume. 
THE 
