T m 



PART III.] MORRIS BIRKBECK, ESQ. 559 



people, I would gladly see the whole fabric torn 

 to atoms, and trust to chance for something bet 

 ter, 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 oppres 

 sion; 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 mo 

 tive. I am, my dear Sir, with great respect for 



your talents as well as character, 



/ 



Your most obedient 



And most humble servant, 



WM. COBBETT. 



