MORRIS BIRKBECK, ESQ. 



* f**j 



passed by those of no nation in the world ; her wise, just, and 

 merciful laws form the basis of that freedom which we here enjoy, 

 she has been fertile beyond all rivalship in men of learning and 

 men devoted to the cause of freedom and humanity ; her people, 

 though proud and domineering, yield to no people in the world 

 in frankness, good faith, sincerity, and benevolence : and I cannot 

 but know, that this state of things has existed, and that this people 

 has been formed, under a government of king, lords, and com 

 mons. Having this powerful argument of experience before me, 

 and seeing no reason why the thing should be otherwise, I have 

 never wished for republican government in England ; though, 

 rather than that the present tyrannical oligarchy should continue 

 to trample on king and people, I would gladly see the whole fabric 

 torn to atoms, and trust to chance for something better, being 

 sure that nothing could be worse. But, if I am not a republican ; 

 if I think my duty towards England indefeasible ; if I think that 

 it becomes me to abstain from any act which shall seem to say I 

 abandon her, and especially in this her hour of distress and op 

 pression ; and, if, in all these points, I differ from you, I trust 

 that to this difference no part of the above strictures will be 

 imputed, but that the motive will be fairly inferred from the act, 

 and not the act imputed unfairly to any motive. I am, my dear 

 Sir, with great respect for your talents as well as character, 



Your most obedient 



And most humble servant, 

 WM. COBBETT. 



