The
nation is against any change of measures: the ministers are against it;
some from principle, others from subserviency: and the King, more than
all men, is against it. If we take a retrospect to the beginning of the
present reign, we observe, that amidst all the changes of ministry, no
change of measures with respect to America ever took place; excepting
only at the moment of the peace; and the minister of that moment was
immediately removed. Judging of the future by the past, I do not expect
a change of disposition during the present reign, which bids fair to
be a long one, as the King is healthy and temperate. That he is
persevering, we know. If he ever changes his plan, it will be in
consequence of events, which, at present, neither himself nor his
ministers place among those which are probable. Even the opposition dare
not open their lips in favor of a connection with us, so unpopular would
be the topic. It is not, that they think our commerce unimportant to
them. I find that the merchants here set sufficient value on it. But
they are sure of keeping it on their own terms.
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