As a member of a large society which extends to many parts of the world, my connection with it is too distant to be as strong as that which binds me to the inferior division in the midst of which I live.  I am told that the great nation, of which we are a part, is just, wise, and free, beyond any other on earth, within its own insular boundaries; but not always so to its distant conquests:  I shall not repeat all I have heard, because I cannot believe half of it.  As a citizen of a smaller society, I find that any kind of opposition to its now prevailing sentiments, immediately begets hatred:  how easily do men pass from loving, to hating and cursing one another!  I am a lover of peace, what must I do?  I am divided between the respect I feel for the ancient connection, and the fear of innovations, with the consequence of which I am not well acquainted; as they are embraced by my own countrymen.  I am conscious that I was happy before this unfortunate Revolution.  I feel that I am no longer so; therefore I regret the change.  This is the only mode of reasoning adapted to persons in my situation.  If I attach myself to the Mother Country, which is 3000 miles from me, I become what is called an enemy to my own region; if I follow the rest of my countrymen, I become opposed to our ancient masters:  both extremes appear equally dangerous to a person of so little weight and consequence as I am, whose energy and example are of no avail.  As to the argument on which the dispute is founded, I know little about it.  Much has been said and written on both sides, but who has a judgment capacious and clear enough to decide?  The great moving principles which actuate both parties are much hid from vulgar eyes, like mine; nothing but the plausible and the probable are offered to our contemplation.

The innocent class are always the victim of the few; they are in all countries and at all times the inferior agents, on which the popular phantom is erected; they clamour, and must toil, and bleed, and are always sure of meeting with oppression and rebuke.  It is for the sake of the great leaders on both sides, that so much blood must be spilt; that of the people is counted as nothing.  Great events are not achieved for us, though it is by us that they are principally accomplished; by the arms, the sweat, the lives of the people.  Books tell me so much that they inform me of nothing.  Sophistry, the bane of freemen, launches forth in all her deceiving attire!  After all, most men reason from passions; and shall such an ignorant individual as I am decide, and say this side is right, that side is wrong?  Sentiment and feeling are the only guides I know.  Alas, how should I unravel an argument, in which reason herself hath given way to brutality and bloodshed!  What then must I do?  I ask the wisest lawyers, the ablest casuists, the warmest patriots; for I mean honestly.  Great Source of wisdom! inspire me with light sufficient to guide my benighted steps out of