626 MR SMALL S BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF PROF. ADAM FERGUSON. 



with great attention and pleasure. Dr Price's pUmphlet has been circulated 

 with the same zeal that the Methodists circulate their manuals and practices of 

 piety. Like base coin struck in times of disorder and confusion, it has had a 

 value and a currency in the world which no other times could have given it. In 

 that respect he deserves and demands what neither the weight of his arguments or 

 the accuracy of his knowledge entitle him to expect — an answer from a good and 

 able writer. I have ordered the observations to be printed by ]\Ir Strahan, 

 without its being known who is the author of them. I am happy of having this 

 opportunity of corresponding with Professor Ferguson ; and if idem sentire de 

 repuhlica be the basis of friendship, I can very fairly pretend to yours ; for I 

 entirely concur with you in your noble sentiment, that the great object is to lay 

 the demon of discord on both sides of the ocean ; and I am, dear Sir, with gi'eat 

 regard and esteem, your very faithful, humble servant, Grey Cooper."* 



The reply of Ferguson was accordingly published anonymously as Re- 

 marks on a Pamphlet lately published hy Dr Price, intitled Observations on Civil 

 Liberty, &c. ; and was acknowledged to be written with less invective and with 

 more moderation than the publications previously issued on that side of the 

 American question. Ferguson contended that, although the Colonies were by 

 their charters and original compacts bound to submit to Parliamentary taxation, 

 their altered circumstances now required a change of policy ; and suggested that, 

 as Commissioners were to be appointed to settle all differences, negotiation should 

 speedily take place. He was led, however, into various positions of a question- 

 able nature, that weakened the effect which his conciliatory views would other- 

 wise have had upon the public mind. 



The British Government, which had at first treated the disputes in America 

 with contempt, now began to take measures to vindicate their authority, and sent 

 reinforcements to their army in that country. At the same time they appointed 

 General Howe and his brother. Lord Howe, Commissioners, to settle all disputes 

 in an amicable manner, as the feeling indicated in Ferguson's pamphlet began to 

 gain ground, that measures of conciliation should be attempted. 



The Americans, however, flushed with several advantages gained over the 

 British troops and by the promise of assistance from France, were determined 

 that no proposal for reconciliation should be entertained except upon the footing 

 of a treaty between two independent powers. 



In 1778, George III., who throughout the whole of the American disputes 

 had inflexibly opposed pacific measures, began, when too late, to yield to a 

 more liberal policy. In that year two bills for effecting a reconciliation with 

 America were introduced into Parliament by Lord North. Commissioners were 

 again to be sent over to treat with the Congress ; and as it had been objected 



* MSS. University of Edinburgh. 



