558 LETTER II. TO [PART Hi- 



interest goes, it must be the same. As to the 

 difference in our feelings and notions about 

 country, about allegiance, and about forms of 

 government, this may exist without any, even the 

 smallest degree of personal dislike. I was no 

 hypocrite in England ; I had no views farther 

 than those which I professed. I wanted nothing 

 for myself but the fruit of my own industry and 

 talent, and I wished nothing for my country but 

 its liberties and laws, which say, that the people 

 shall be fairly represented. England has been 

 very happy and free; her greatness and renown 

 have been surpassed by those of no nation in the 

 world ; her wise, j ust, and merciful laws form the 

 basis of that freedom which we here enjoy, she has 

 been fertile beyond all rivalship in men of learn 

 ing 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 benevo 

 lence : 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 

 commons. 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 



