| Citation |
MG-B(D.777.003
11 Feb 1777:21,22 (2/94)
Translation of a letter written by a foreigner, on his
travels. London, Dec. 3, 1776
Dear Count, I have now been six months in England, . . .
[long discussion of the political scene in England and
American war. At top of second column:]
America is now a scene of desolation and distress. A
theatre whereon is acted a real tragedy enriched with every
species of cruelty and injustice. The royal army are
ravishing the women, murdering the men, and laying waste
that beautiful country under the conduct of Lord and General
Howe . . . [further criticisms of management of war and
loyalty of the English to their King. 56 lines, then:]
Half the loyalty of the nation is supported by two popular
songs, viz. God save the King, and Britons strike home.
These are vociferated at taverns, over porter, punch and
wine, till the imagination is heated and the blood in a
ferment, and then the worthy patriots stagger forth and
commit all manner of riots and excess in honour of their
King and country. There are fanatics in politics as well as
religion, and persecution is the consequence of both, when
men refuse to attend to the cool dictates of common sense.
The men in power know this weakness of the multitude; and
whenever they find them grow uneasy under their
encroachments, they get half a dozen court scribblers to
expatiate on the blessings of the British constitution, and
sing the sweet lullaby of Liberty to the people to keep them
quiet. Just as a nurse rattles three pieces of tin in a
little rush basket to amuse her crying child. The poor
infant thinks it has the world in possession, and is
satisfied.
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