From Francis Adams: An English Shepherd (unpublished)
To the people of England—Letter—1st.
Little did I think from the present Ministers conduct, to have
been able to deduce a single circumstance capable of illustrating
Scripture. To Lord N—th, however, the present era is obliged for
an illustration in one very remarkable point; where doubts from
the mildness of Christianity, have been suffered to prevail. He
has given a strong but melancholy proof; that the character of
Herod is not fabulous. He has done more—he has rescued the
Identity and proved that there still exists a Herod. Cruelly and
insinuating address, constitute the disposition of each—and in
drawing the likeness of one, the other is revived. Herod, who
acted the most tragical part of Severity in the distant provinces
of Rome, yet with the address of a Courtier, gaind no small favor
with the mild and reputedly virtuous Augustus. Then the minister
in those distant territories, which, were once the fair
inheritance of England, has been the promoter of measures, the
most sanguinary—yet near the sacred mansion, he has shown the
bareface influence of the political man—but facts superior to
figures of writing, shall pin his character to conviction and move
the voice of England—long has he imposed upon a great nation—long
has he enjoy’d the reputation of being a financier of the most
profound knowledge—in this imposter the view of his merit—tho’
late, justice will prevail and former acquiescence spurn at that
Deceit, he has so long and successfully play’d off. A Financier
may be call’d a Steward of the public and as such ought to possess
not only a sound head to increase, but a heart resolutely virtuous
to preserve the revenues of the State. Have the measures of the
ministry carry’d these marks of wisdom and virtue. Great sums have
been raised, but how employed—to satisfy the cravings of the
profiligate, or to find out the wants as have gone might have
given to some, on those passions, created by ambition in others, I
confess his sagacity. I leave it to common sense to decide, how he
has by these means merited the applause of England. And whether
the employment of figures for such purposes, is not a prostitution
of that great dispute and valuable science whether it is not
contrary to those darling objects of a real financier, national
honor and happiness. I will not try ipse little failings to
depreciate, or descend to the mechanical duty of a Clerk to form
the character of a minister. Lord N—ths [ecausal?] system of
measures has produced the present catastrophy—according to that
system I will fairly examine his pretensions to public [interest?]
and confidence in the Treasury, has he made an arrangement of
public Income and expenditure so as to fix and proportionate one
to the other upon strong and solid principles—temporary votes of
credit prove the contrary. [?] continual demands made for fresh
supplies, cannot be consider’d but as so many marks of necessity,
the most desperate in that repository of vot’d millions in public
office has his Lordship reduced the members of idle, luxurious,
and expensive agents. Has he fully like contrived new modes of
collecting with frugality, those various taxes, which press so
hard upon every rank of people. Facts confront his boasted
reputation in every point. Several years since, at a time of
general pain, for gain by opinion publicly, that he saw no
possibility of the king [?] reformation but in the naval
department singly. Yet when a proposition was tried for that
salutary purpose his Lordship opposed its success and thus
frustrated the measure, The very existence of a maritime
government depended upon that hour, so favourable for great
regulations, was not employed to promote the naval prosperity, or
to clear from that great Bulwark of the Nation. Those obnoxious
vermin, Election influence had [?] spawn’d in the various Dock
yards. His endeavors were then exerted to seat Mr. TW. Bradshaw in
parliament. Tho’ his cleverness in such operations may be
generally allow’d—yet where is the mark of ability, discoverable,
when the public prosperity has demand’d it—every object production
of [?] has been above his ability, or below his attention. But
conscious man art under the mark of candor, has entrapp’d the
unsuspicious temper of my countrymen, and praise has been given,
where contempt has been due. However in forming comparisons
gradational merit should be considered I am ready to give a just
preeminemce to his arithmetical powers, the Exchequer has been
filled with a [Ligq?] it has been under the guidance of a
Displeasure if one by a very great [variety?] of figures [each?]
fix the Extent and operation of the most important calculation;
the other discover’d, how easy it was to discharge that Office of
general accounts, without any knowledge of figures at all at
least, it possessed of a favorite Unite happy Lord North, who
possesses qualifications equal, if not superior to that great
stateman; yet happier, the nation, did he possess some of those
virtues, which, when Lord Chatham was minister, exalted your
character, as they now, he is fatally taken from his country,
enrich the records of the achievement.
A favorite tribute. Lord [?]
P:I
The motion was made by Mr. Cosnable and seconded by Mr. Williams
members for Saltash—it was to submit to parliamentary inspection
the capences of the navy—but carried by Ministry—150. to 9—at
present—if 60,000 sailors are voted—and 2 month after reduced to
10,000; the Parliament is excluded by [?] of the house, from
having the proportional sum reimbursed—the service is provided for
generally & therefor as specific account of riging && is made
out for examination.
The author will be happy to have these Letters inserted in the
American papers and if approved of five others written by the same
hand, which be forwarded to Mr Franklin—if a Letter of infomation
should be left at the port [?] at Dieppe—addressed Mr. J. Adams
who has been in prosperity & adversity, a constant friend to the
cause of Liberty.
To the People of England
The reputation of a great minister, was one credulously given to
Lord N—th—with candor & brevity let us examine his pretensions
to this ministian point of human inspection—great is that minister
criticised by all liberal writers, when desire and ability to
propagate the honor and happiness of his country, has been
substantiated by some important facts, if this is a fair method of
forming this [information?…] generation let us follow it is
marking the character of a great and valuable man; rever’d by his
countrymen. Or of exposing the full view and daring the fortunate
hypocrits when Lord North first assumed the reins of
government—the situation of public affairs, was far from being
happy—it was not however desperate. Commerce, tho’ not wisely
promoted, yet was not totally appris’d. Foreign powers were lulled
into a state of inactivity. His Lordship could not complain of
want of parliamentary assistance. Whatever evils lurked in the
bosom of England—yet for want [of] a bold & intrepid instrument,
they were kept from rising into public calamity. His preccesion in
office, perceiv’d the Biass in the American burials, he quitted
his post, important tho’ it was, rather than abandon his country.
But as no character is his is more despised, than cowardice, his
conduct was called pusiliaminous—and his great caution produced
precipitation in his Lordship while at his acceptance of a place,
to ambition, the most flattering, to avarice the most inciting,
was call’d, [Bearing?] now a period insure, awfull indeed, reason
could dissipate or passion collect those various clouds, which for
some time had been flying over the devoted head of England. Here
let us lay aside all speculative argument—let us come unto the
heart of his measures—the final conduct of his administration. He
has brought England, as Samson brought by the Philistines,
excercising strength & vigour—but deprived of the light of
reason. Excercising both for the derision of enemies and self
destruction, in every part of the British territories, a severe
shock in trade, has been felt. The fishery unable to support
itself, the African trade lost, the sugar colonies that richest
vein of commerce quiver on the point of destruction, in the East
Indies commotions have arisen, that threaten loss of character &
every principle of legislation. Millions drain’d yearly out of
England, spread general alarm. We have roused other nations to
attend to most essential matters of commerce, which were lately
neglected—till such fatal temptations were given for them to
cherish, as you began to neglect oppress them. This is a
catalogue of mischief, accomplish’d by the present minister but
what has been lost on the part of the people, he has compensated
on the part of [mengation?]. Alarm & affection will soon, if it
has not already, find its way into the heart of every Englishman,
who has lived to see the brillant affects of Lord [?] wisdom &
integrity & the black contrast of his folly & wicked obstinacy.
Honor in every part of the Globe and happiness at home changed for
disgrace and general dissatisfaction—this revolution will soon
penetrate that glittering parade & show, which has been
ingeniously contrived to blind the eyes of the people—still the
author of these searching Evils, may glory in a temper of keeping
on the wheel of fortune, the patience of millions—yet if
conscience by being indulged, has lost all courage, if appetite
for power, by being glutted, has lost all satiety the people have
a spirit of understanding, to distinguish, who are their friends
& the constitution possesses the liberal mean, of gratifying that
spirit.
Letter the 3rd
To the People of England
Lord B—th & North. Or America, were long, almost submitted to
your choice by the indulgence of Heaven—an indulgence year after
year, wickedly slighted till the provinces are lost; which those
great men still glory in power. Let us descend from the present,
to the first original link of this black event. A child may find
it in those memorable expressions, which characterise their
sentiments with respect to America. Lord B—th publically declared
when the new American system was first thought of, that he was so
warm for vigorous measures, that no arguments could change his
Idea. No—not even the wishes of one, from whom he had receiv’d so
much favor. This is a display of Enthusiasm for power, which the
favorite may defy the page of history the parallel. When the
matter containd in this expression, is considered it will uncover
his heart and convince every friend to his country, how critically
it is situated. Very soon after this remarkable declaration. Lord
N. made use of another not so insulting of majority, yet very
strong & [implauival?] he avow’d his opinion for the most
unrelenting vigour. & would bring all America panting at his
feet. These heroic declarations were made, long before
Independence on the part of America was avow’d—it was not the
object of contest. & taxation was not, as the minister says, the
motive of his struggle. This assertion carries a great deal of
truth and the efficacy of it striking off those false colouring,
that once dazzled the eyes of the people. The naked design of
menogative plainly comes out to be the comitted point. Is it in
the possibility of human conduct, that so many thousands,
possessed of common sense, should again place any charge in a man,
who has sported with unbounded confidence. The people of England
expected by the proposed taxes on Americans relief from their own
distress. This was held out as the motion of contest. After
raising your expectation, after promising almost the hour of
gratification—your hopes are proved to be groundless. And by way
of consolation to deter you, taxation was not the object.
Consequently every endeavour you exerted for expected relief, was
a reduction of your strength & a new acquired load on your
tottering shoulders. But as general dismay is the result on your
wishes—on the ministers new delusion, he becomes an assertion of
peace. But [Scapinliler?] he renews his cry of danger & his
desire to stand by you, is lavish’d at that very moment, when your
faculties of observation tho long hoodwinked, enable you to
discover the perfidious Champion.
To the People of England
Hamlets solemn reflections on the melancholy skull stript of all
its former fallacious pomp & delusions of art, may be applied to
the ministers coloring of public affairs. Tho pair’ed an inch
thick the hue but melancholy skeleton at last appears when
assertion is constrained against events. This application is too
well supported by those that are not more melancholy than
convincing. In regard so great occurrences. War with foreign
states and all the operations in America. How strong is the
character of deceit, marked by facts, the most striking and fixd
on the minister. With respect to the disposition of the most
leading court in Europe—when his language was full of pacific
assurances at that very moment had he possessed any well collected
infomation he must have known, that the campact war [when?]. and
had he been decev’d with the [s]mallest parte of candor, he would
have declared this material infomation to the people—but candor
gave way to descriptions & every idea was cherish’d to enduce the
nation to rest on the stability of peace. The same spirit of
delusion is manifest with respect to America time has [oread?] out
the Trunk. Yet concealment for a length of time, has prey’d, like
a serpent on the vitals of the state. Well is it remember’d that
at the first commencement of hostilities with America. If a
calculation of expence was demanded, figures deem’d to have lost
their power. If a declaration from cause was apply’d, history had
lost all influence. The strong, energetic elocution his Lordship
is blessed with, gave many people mistaken notions of reallity &
ilsory, nervous assertion assumd the plan of truth. If clear
reasoning was brought against his plans—his friends demanded the
Test of experience. It was readily granted at last his Lordship
has been, even as this tribunal been condemned. Fresh complaints
arrive against his conduct—to stifle these just effects of
indignation—his friends plead his family affection & religious
principles. Here again the people of England again give way &
almost forget that some of their own children, are instilled to
parental feelings. Desires to give full scope to the actions of
the minister in part but leaving his matrimonal abilities to the
feelings approbation of his Lady. The public now begin to
discuss those points, which being essential to their happiness,
they have a right to examine. The a good husband is intitled to
the gratitude of his wife—yet the minister who has plunged his
country into disgrace & misery merits the exoration of injured
thousands. And all who have not been pledged by avarice or
education to follow error & bigotry, now all, the fallacy of
depending on a tory minister. They see his high mengation
disposition and must acknowledge his firmness to gratify that, the
millions may suffer and complain of his want of Benevolence, or
sympathy for human nature.
To the People of England
Tho the minister has been successful in gaining the good opinion
of England—yet he has fixt in the minds of every American, passion
the most implacable, an hatred the most American—and therefore
every man dispat[ch]ed by him, to negotiate, will be received with
contempt. & his peace motion will be looked on as so many
firebrands. After much time exhumed in disgraceful intreaty—his
Lordship will again complain of misconduct. For, his new agents
will be as unable to gain the confidence of the Congress, as poor
General N—c was unable, tho posessed of that excuding long chain,
to reach the design of the win Washington or as such, the latter,
was unable to farther those bitter waters, which baffled the
profound calculation. But to charge from the unfortunate, to the
successfull and only achievement in America, that executed by
General Hamiliton that brave officer was in a manner superseded
this act of injustice, this [?] to military Glory was given and
the virtuous minister acquiesced. Which he then be esteemed a
competent judge of honor, who has lost all reasibility due to
merit. Or has justice been the only virtue he has failed to
counterfeit. How can this minister be permitted to complain of
misconduct in others or of being unhappy in having accepted the
ministerial office both in plan and agents, he has been truly
important equally so & known to have possessed those dark shades
of character, which render Lord [Chatters?] brilliance compleat.
When officers were to be appointed during his administration that
great Patriot never had recourse to a parliamentary list. He did
not study to please the proprietors of charterd boroughs, or to
repair the fortunes of the indigent courtiers—his object was the
good of his country and he always fixt on proper men to carry his
well disguised plans into execution and as his choice was
judicious, his measures were successful. Lord N—th has not
thought proper to follow that wise, that virtuous system.
Therefore he complains of misconduct—why make experiments of the
most dangerous nature: because it requires virtue to resist the
application coming from power. Where was his virtue, when
temptation [?] down its guard does he wish, however, to enjoy all
the advantage of office, without the labor of its duty—after
having glutted of power—does he wish to escape all risk of
punishment when is the culprit, who does not entertain the same
idea, take the ministers own confession—he stands without excuse,
or apology. But his friends assure the people of England—he is a
man of piety. Further they will say, he has read in scripture,
that the wise men in the East were happily directed by the
Star, that appear’d in the East. And his Lordship thought his
stars in the West, would have the same benevolent effect. He may
then complain of misconduct and blame his unlucky stars.
To the People of England
Given from every entrenchment of distance. The ministers friends
so passed measures, they can no longer defend, also thou he is the
Instrument only and this has concealed favour for some years past,
has framed the whole political system I [?] upon it, in apology.
If this is granted. By every principle of morality he is most
reproachable did have upon his own head …] sure the
[worthiness?], yet being conscientious would not [?] with it to
that [?] in the minister tho this would not lessen the distraction
of the people. Their attempts to parry, disarms him from every
excuse of his conduct. The very name of conscience darkens those
selfish views that traduce him a ready instrument the support not
any single idea but favour him with the whole mass of venality.
This [profusion?] of every social endearments must anchor those
pillars of family regard, which have so long since [?] against
complaints of his Indifference, which he has not only shown but
[?] entertain the population equally baffled are those arts which
have been practised in regard to his attention to Religion. In his
[?] capacity the contrary bears [down?] assertion. He has not made
a single [?] to explain those degradations in the church which are
seen to be made [?] in that sacred eclipse by the saficing decay
of [?] notorious for bad conduct is [obounity?] been excluded in
intimacy, they have mark up his cabinet. Have the clergy from
example by piety, unaccompanied by Interest that each is of merit,
found the way to ministerial favor. Whereinhapped by such, it has
been, inaccessible. Have men famous for learning and piety been
encreased to reside in our various British settlements, to cherish
& cultivate [prohescies?] in has not been its object of care and
cultivation in any, but in some, this valuable doctrine has been
held in the land, particularly in Canada, an immense province,
embracing a considerable part of the [conflict?] here Bishops from
the British communion with all its power, with its inducements of
sheer, are allow’d not [international?] but predominancy. Tho’
solesation is the most noble attribute of the Protestant
religion—yet that for Dominancy is in argument which will be
employ’d by its [enctrice?] the [?] if act of Society will the
simplicity of our poor unsupported Curates, be able to extend in
that part of the world, against all the superior advantages of
wealth & authority. This is a great elementary act of religion,
the present minister promoted, if not [advoided?] still I grant,
virtue, religion & such sound principle have been apparently
assumed by him—but to affect what open vice was unequal the;
continuance in office, & destruction of liberty.
From the moment the last glorious war closed—a false tory system
was adoptd. The minister, who shews such a cohesion to place, was
the same in every [rebellion?] condition—when little clerks from
sensibility ring their imployments. He was immoveable. During the
short interval he was forced into opposition. When pay did not
complete him, inclination was not able to prompt him to take the
smaller part of what as the Graduate, so the minister appears. He
has not on a single question, chosen that ground, a minister of
patriotic sentiment would have been happy to have taken for the
prosperity of the many. For a moment let us turn from him to Mr.
[Trills?]. That valuable man expressed the most acute anxiety as
soon as measures of his recommending derived existence. Insensible
of that little cry of gaining inertion. By majorities, acquired by
means, conscience even in the present ministers heart revolt at. A
species of joy—he has had a great hereof no attorney in
Westminster hall has had a greater. Tho’ his success may be great
in carrying the day against the helpless widow, or youth
distressed by [Cabrian?] usury, or his associates & merciless
tho’ this be, yet they are countenanced by the inhumanity of
those, who feed upon the distresses of the public. Thousands
pining under the calmity of the [?] taxe; are unable to fix their
sufferings in his attention, much less, his compassion. He holds
the reins & drives on throu’ blood & disgrace.
Lett 7
To the People of England (Page 1.)
Lord N—ths effigy was once burnt in his own [Hugborhand?] &
surely if his parliamentary conduct could incite such indignation
in his own native land—it can’t be a matter of surprise, that
distant America should entertain a spirit of indignation against
his violent, dictatorial [?]. Tho’ brought with as the Lord of
Gamilice, he has not possessed art to [innure?]; or power to
intimidate the mind of the colonies. Tho’ he has changed his
ground almost every session, he has been constantly obliged to
give way—one day for [correion?], another for relaxation and at
the moment of executing—it appears that Lord N—th & decision are
implacable enemies. [?] last was first his pretended object unable
to inform that idea. He started [?] inimacy to work upon the
passion of England. They look firm and the alarm became almost
general. However not [?] was carried over the Atlantic. Journals
[are?] again of the adverse [?] he is then touchd with
(Page 2)
affection for the Colonies & pressed on certain zeal to rescue
them from their oppression. However as he forgot to include
himself a certain number of venal men, America has impress’d
constantly in that class. He is again baffled. Defeat gets general
dispair. He then recommends Peace, as the object most to be
desired. The minister appears identically the same, tho’ his plans
are varied. Originally a stripling army was thought equal to the
military character of America. Just so a stripling mascarade; a
relation of [disarted?] Sir Gilbert and one gentleman of ability,
are sufficient in his opinion to argue with the [?] a Congress
composed of men full of solidarity, experience & wisdom. Widely
differed were the ideas of Lord Chatham when he discoursed on that
delicate subject, [estielement?] of England & America. As the
matter was important his sentiments were consonant to it in every
respect. They glow’d to preserve the
(Page 3.)
glory of one, they cherishd a free affection for the other when he
gave his opinion of ministerial conduct. He convinced every
Independant man of its fatal tendancy. His speech[es] were read by
every instructed man in Europe—they were esteem’d as a perspective
[pass?] of all the disgrace, [?] and celemity, a short time has
since produced. He treated the colonies with dignity, because he
wished to make them conformable to win, social & honourable
purposes. When the minister treated America with less respect,
than a small [thesuse?] borough. Every petition was unheard, and
every agent treated with disdain. But the minister was always
supported and like the Conquror who sported with the honest
credulity of [?] Drugger, exactly in the same manner, did the
principle over the credulity of the people of England. However
many begin to open their eyes & perceive what your enemies long
have done. That great tho your resources may be, yet they are not
able when guided by the present minister, to
(Page 4)
contend against those colonies, if [cover?] your Glory a few years
since to protect at that happy period, when Mr [Fix?] brought your
enemies panting under your feet. But that valuable man, & the
minister studied measures, shame the early opposite. He struggled
to inrich his country, the other his family. The Patriot was
call’d to the service of his country, when dangers surrounded
it—he left it possessed of every object, which could contribute to
its honor, security & happiness. Surely there can’t be a moments
difficulty to decide, what degree of national respect is due to
each. If one deserves well of England, the other deserves its
exceration. For the course of seventy years, they never coincided
in a single instance. Yet the other day when death had relieved
the minister of his avow’d political enemy. The compleat the
blackest shades of hypocrisy ministerial craft pretended to
assist, when it could no longer contend against that general
testimony of applause, which the people of England bestowed on
that great patriot—[?] in the opinion of
(Page 5)
common sense every elogium pronounced by his enemies, is accnsurd
of their own conduct tho’ venality struggled to the last moment to
[?] him when living of merited influence yet it could gain
applause, when no other sacrifice—but pretended conscience was to
be brought to the alike. The dealers in vice may find no
reluctance than to prostitute every human faculty. Yet such open
hypocrisy must make the virtuous hart of mankind tremble. And when
the people of England reflect, how much ever the most inveterate
enemies contribute to establish a monument of honor to the memory
of Lord Chatheron they should agree to erect a monument of infamy
to the memory of the former minister. Who, by the most consummate
art, has deprived their country of services, a most critical
occasion call’d for & a great virtuous patriot had it in his
power to accomplish.
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