350 WORK IN WAR-TIME CHAP. 



himself superior to every other mortal, unfeeling, unalterable, 

 persuaded there is no virtuous principle in mankind, and that 

 nobody serves him but for interest, determined to make it 

 their interest to serve him and with such he is surrounded. 

 Entreaties, petitions are disregarded, and their promoters 

 stamped indelibly in the pages of vengeance and disgrace. 

 Vice only lauded, impiety not discouraged, everything over- 

 looked in those who have the will or the ability to flatter and 

 support. 



But what has brought us into such a situation ? We have 

 long enjoyed the privilege of being as good, as virtuous and 

 consequently as happy as mortals could be, and [yet] we have 

 neglected and forsaken everything that could have made us 

 great and happy. 



At the eve of a war with united nations, the least of whom 

 is at least our match, we are part of us immersed in pleasures, 

 part in securing their retreat from power with pensions and 

 reversions : totally disregarding the public good. The few 

 who might be expected to step forward to aid our counsels, 

 disunited, pursuing each [his] own opinion, and opposing that 

 of others even in trifles. From such a state of things what 

 can be hoped for ? Never was the justice of an Almighty 

 Providence more displayed than by thus reducing a powerful, 

 enlightened and yet haughty nation to the threshold of 

 destruction, for their impious rejection of dependence upon it, 

 and for plunging into war for causes the most unjust. I 

 forget to whom I am writing, but my heart is as fuU of regard 

 for all that has been connected with Britain as ever. 



Save this devoted country from irretrievable ruin if possible : 

 keep back the vengeance of F [France] as long as it can be 

 done. Were the authors of our misfortunes to suffer I should 

 repine the less ; but the sword makes no distinction. 



Forgive the wretched inhabitants of P [Philadelphia] if 

 they sided strongly, from principle some of them, and others 

 from inclination, with their present masters ; they have been 

 severely chastised for it, and still are. Attribute it to the 

 weakness of their understandings and their honesty for this 

 was really the case and not to their hearts. Take no 

 advantage of their mistakes ; they are smarting under a rod 

 sufficiently severe ; and I find it has made many converts. 



We are here of opinion that good fortune still awaits us ; 

 that you will quarrel and yet become an easy prey ; that the 

 nation will rise as one man to assert their superiority over 

 every other kingdom, and though one arm is cut off and the 

 other tied behind her, yet Britain by only showing her teeth 



