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.

Letter 2nd.

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

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.

Letter 4th

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.

Lett. 5

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.

Lett. 6

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

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

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

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

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

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.