PREFACE. V 



grateful remembrance in the minds of many. Other 

 important consequences of this great mutation in 

 the general state of things are at present only in 

 their course of operation ; and a considerable time 

 must probably elapse before that final settlement 

 shall take place which will be the commencement 

 of a new era in the political system of Europe. In 

 the mean time it is consolatory to observe, that the 

 declarations of the allied powers, in this their torrent 

 of success, breathe a spirit of justice and moderation, 

 and present an equitable and durable peace as the 

 sole object of their concurrent efforts. 



We have not the satisfaction of finding in the 

 events of the year any approach to an amicable ter- 

 mination of the hostilities between this country and 

 the United States of America. On the contrary, the 

 minds of both parties seem to be more exasperated, 

 and the principles advanced on each side more irre- 

 concileable. Yet war in that quarter can scarcely 

 long survive a general peace in Europe, since the 

 original causes of it will be at an end, and the 

 match will become too unequal in point of power to 

 be continued. 



The domestic history of the year exhibits a re- 

 markable state of tranquillity, partly the result of 

 the spirited measures taken for suppressing the dis- 

 turbances prevalent in the preceding year, partly 

 that of improved prospects with respect to trade and 

 manufactures, and the cheering effects of a bounti- 

 ful harvest. The agitation of men's minds on the 

 questions of the new charter of the East India coni- 

 pany, and the Catholic claims, displayed itself in 

 nothing beyond numerous petitions, and argumen- 

 tative and oratorical discussions. In parliament, the 

 great events on the continent holding every one in 

 a state of expectation, and inducing almost an uni- 

 formity of opinion relative to the expediency of a 

 vigorous prosecution of the war, opposition wa^ 



