THREE CHEROKEE CHIEFS ARRIVE IN ENGLAND. finances and credit of England; and, in the have occurred to them in the course of the mean time, redouble their efforts in making negotiation. That compact, after all the an entire conquest of Portugal, which it noise it made in the political world at that could not be in the power of the British time, was nothing more than a defensive auxiliaries to prevent." alliance between the two branches of the With respect to the other cessions, they house of Bourbon for the mutual guarantee thought the rock of Goree of very little of their respective dominions, which any consequence, while Great Britain retained two nations have a right to contract; and a the possession of Senegal, which gave her mutual concession of commercial privileges, the command of the chief trade of the in- with which every power has an undoubted terior parts of the country. The article right to indulge its allies, without giving which related to the East Indies, was, in just cause of offence to any neighboring their opinion, perfectly agreeable to the nation. On the twenty-first of December wishes of the directors of the English com- both houses adjourned to the twentieth of pany; and did not afford all those advan- January. tages to France, which might be imagined at first view. "If," said they, "we examine this matter closely, we shall find, that PUBLIC curiosity was soon after ainused our late enemies have not gained much by by the arrival of three Cherokee chiefs from having their factories and settlements re- South Carolina, the object of whose embassy stored to them: first, because the fortifica- was to settle a lasting peace with the Engtions, erected at a vast expense in all those lish nation. They arrived in May, but had settlements, have been totally destroyed; not their first audience of the king till the and it cannot be expected, in the present ninth of July. The principal person of the situation of the French company, that they three, called Outacite, or Man-killer, on accan, in the course of many years, if at all, count of his martial exploits, was introduced rebuild them in the same manner. Besides, by lord Eglinton, and conducted by the they are restrained by an express article master of the ceremonies. The king refrom even making the attempt in the prov-ceived them with great affability, and diince of Bengal, and the kingdom of Orixa, rected that they should be entertained at his or from keeping the least military force in expense. Their behavior in his presence either. Secondly, they have also agreed to was remarkably decent. They expressed no acknowledge the reigning Subas of the emotions of surprise at any object, however chief provinces in the Peninsula, as the curious in its own nature, or seemingly lawful sovereigns; and these princes are all adapted to strike the imagination of a savage. in our interest, as either owing the acquisi- This was accounted for by some people from tion, or depending for the preservation of their total ignorance of our language, and their power on our arms; by which means their want of means to express their sentiour company is become, in effect, arbiter of ments otherwise than by their gestures. But that great and opulent coast, from the Gan- even these would have served to indicate, ges to Cape Coinorin, and from the same however imperfectly, the impression made Cape to the mouth of the Indus. What upon them by such sights. Their indifferimportant sacrifices, then, have we made ence to all those objects of novelty and granin the East Indies? And, if the points deur was therefore ascribed to a sort of yielded by Great Britain in all other parts brutal insensibility, which seems to be the of the globe are so fully justifiable on the character of the North American tribes in principles of sound and liberal policy, surely, general, notwithstanding all the encomiums the most wilful perverseness will not dare which some writers have lavished on the to deny that in Europe the balance is con- natural good sense and sagacity of those siderably in her favor, the island of Minor- savages. They carried home with them arca having been given her in exchange for ticles of peace between his majesty and Belleisle, besides obliging France to demol- their nation, with a handsome present of ish the works belonging to the harbor of warlike instruments, and such other things Dunkirk." as they seemed to place the greatest value on. When the house divided, there appeared In vain have some cynics, as if actuated three hundred and nineteen for the address, by a wish to degrade their own species, and sixty-five against it. A committee was drawn labored and disingenuous parallels appointed to prepare it; and on its being between savage and civilized life, in which reported next day, another debate ensued, they strove to turn the scale in favor of the in which nothing new was introduced, ex- former. Such men wrote from their closets, cept a reproach on the ministry for not hav- and wrote the dictates of ignorance, affectaing insisted on the dissolution of the family tion, or malignity. Their fanciful remarks compact. It was not likely, that such an want the necessary foundation of facts, or extravagant and presumptuous idea should experience, for their support. Every oppor tunity of intercourse with the savages of testimony of those who have intermixed North America has shown them to be stupid much with the savages in their own country, and unsocial in time of peace, and in war or have been engaged in hostilities against capable only of acts of treachery and fero- them. But war between civilized nations city. Such were the impressions made upon frequently presents, in the midst of all its the minds of the most accurate observers by horrors, objects which afford exquisite pleathe Cherokee chiefs, during their singular sure to the feeling heart. embassy in England; and such is the generall 1 It was, however, strongly sus-1 pected by a few politicians, that the idea of security to the Eng lish colonies in North America had been carried too far by the peace-makers, and would prove! NOTE TO CHAPTER VI. the source of new evils. They since they no longer stood in need of her protection against a restless, active, and warlike neighbor. The conjecture has since been verified by events. CHAPTER VI. Philosophical Survey of Europe at the Close of the War-State of Russia-Of Denmark-Of Sweden-The King of Prussia and the Empress-Internal Distractions of France-Situation of Spain; and Security of Great Britain-Multiplied Concerns of the English Government-Plan of Economy pursued by the MinistersScheme of the Supplies-Proposed System of Finance censured by the Opposition -Instructions and Petitions of the City of London against the Cider Tax-Earl of Bute's Resignation-His Majesty's Speech at the Close of the Session-Some Account of Mr. Wilkes, and of the Libel entitled "The North Briton"— Wilkes's Commitment to the Tower-Writ of Habeas Corpus for bringing Wilkes before the Court of Common Pleas-He is remanded to the Tower-His second Speech at the Bar of the Court-Mr. Wilkes's Case considered under three Heads by Lord ChiefJustice Pratt-Commitment not illegal-The Specification of Passages in the Libel not necessary in the Warrant-Validity of the Plea of Privilege allowed in Cases of Libels-Attempts to bring about a Coalition of Parties-Promotions occasioned by Lord Egremont's Death-King's Speech at the Meeting of Parliament—Message about Wilkes to the House of Commons-The North Briton voted a Libel -Wilkes's Complaint of a Breach of Privilege-Debate on the adjourned Consideration of his Majesty's Message-Pitt's Speech on the Surrender of Privilege-Other Arguments in support of Parliamentary Privilege-The Resolution, “That Privilege does not extend to Libels," carried in the Commons, and concurred in by the Lords-Concurrence of the Lords in other Resolutions of the Lower House concerning the Libel-The Sheriffs obstructed in burning the North Briton-Duel between Martin and Wilkes-The King's Message on the Marriage of the Princess Augusta to the Hereditary Prince (now Duke) of Brunswick-Verdict obtained by Wilkes in the Court of Common Pleas-Lord Chief-Justice's Opinion on the Illegality of General Warrants-Proceedings of the Commons to ascertain the State of Wilkes's Health-His Letter from Paris deemed nugatory, and he himself found guilty of a Contempt of the Authority of Parliament-Convicted of being the Author of the condemned Libel, and expelled-His "Essay on Woman" laid before the House of Lords, who proceed against him for a Breach of Privilege, while he is indicted in the Courts below for Blasphemy-The Ministry very hard pushed in the Debate on General Warrants-New Plan of National Supplies-Resolutions concerning the American Trade-Bill for restraining Abuses and Frauds in the Practice of Franking-Observations on General Conway's Dismission. SURVEY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS. RUSSIA. Soon after the close of so fierce and gen- RUSSIA, though at a distance from the eral a war, Europe exhibited a reviving theatre of war, had felt its havoc in the most prospect to the philosophical observer. Na- sensible and tender part, the decrease of tions, tired of hostile strife, began now to inhabitants. The particular situation of the confine their efforts to objects of nobler emu- empress, also, concurred with these motives lation,-to the arts of utility and happiness, of national policy to render her averse to -to the pursuits of industry, genius, and any precipitate quarrels with her neighbors. science. Even the most ambitious among She could not look upon herself as suffitheir sovereigns appeared to be at length ciently secured from domestic danger, to convinced, that extent of dominion was too provoke the attacks of a foreign enemy. It dearly purchased by the lives of thousands; was necessary, for some time at least, that that sanguinary glory was equally perni- she should confine her views solely to her cious and contemptible; and that more own safety. wealth and real power could be derived DENMARK. from the honest endeavors of their subjects THE attention of Denmark and Sweden to enrich themselves, than from making use was not less engrossed by objects of domesof their servile assistance to plunder, destroy, tic concern. His Danish majesty, Frederic or enslave others. In short, a calm and be- V. having amicably settled with Russia whatnign peace seemed spreading over this quar-ever was in dispute concerning the dutchy ter of the globe; and the internal state of of Holstein, resumed his former measures every country afforded the best pledge for for promoting the happiness of his people, the continuance and increase of its bless- and converting, to the most profitable acings. count, the opportunities of a friendly inter course with the nations around him. His having exhausted all the resources of his ge death, which happened about three years nius in the course of a long and dreadful after the peace, did not produce any change struggle, toward the close of which his salin the system of administration. Chris-vation was entirely owing to an incident betian VII. seemed desirous of treading in his yond the reach not only of human foresight, father's footsteps, or rather of improving but of hope itself, it was not probable that upon his pacific and beneficent plans. All he would be very forward again to commit his councils were directed to the encourage- his affairs, so miraculously preserved, to the ment of agriculture, to the relief of the chances of war. The empress-queen, on her peasantry from some remaining oppressions, part, had as little temptation to disturb the and to the most effectual means of inviting general tranquillity. Since she failed to reforeign merchants to his ports, as well as of duce Silesia, or even to recover the smallest giving new life and vigor to the commerce particle of her losses, with such an exertion of his own subjects. His marriage to the of her own strength, and with such an alPrincess Caroline Matilda of England was liance as never was seen united before, she another very pleasing circumstance at that must have been satisfied of the folly and time, though it ended unfortunately, through madness of renewing the calamities, with the intrigues, as it was said, of his step- which Germany had, for the last six years, mother, the queen-dowager. But his public been unceasingly afflicted. To this consideraconduct, in the early part of his reign, ap- tion was also added her natural desire to setpeared to be guided by a strict regard to his tle her numerous offspring, and particularly father's dying admonitions. "My dear son," to secure the archduke Joseph's succession said that amiable monarch, "you will soon to the imperial diadem, by having him prebe king of a flourishing people; but remem-viously elected king of the Romans. She ber, that to be a great monarch, it is abso- herself had experienced the difficulty of eslutely necessary to be a good man. Have tablishing the claims of birth, even under justice and mercy therefore constantly be- the sanction of assenting powers, at the death fore your eyes; and above all things reflect, of her father, who left no male issue. It that you were born for the welfare of your was therefore necessary to behave in the country, and not your country created for most conciliating manner towards the elecyour mere emolument. In short, keep to tors, in order to prevent any opposition to the the golden rule of doing as you would be done by; and whenever you issue an order as a sovereign, examine how far you would be willing to obey such an order, had you been a subject yourself." SWEDEN. choice of her son. In consequence of her prudent policy, he was crowned at Frankfort, the third of April 1764; and, the year after, on the death of his father, he ascended the throne with as little noise and bustle as if it had been hereditary. FRANCE. THE genius of the Swedes had too long been turned to arms. Dazzled by the splen- IN France, the prevalence of interior disdor of occasional, but extraordinary success, sensions afforded some farther pledges of her they had fancied themselves born only to external inoffensiveness. The king of France conquer, and to regulate the destinies of em- had hardly put an end to foreign hostilities, pires. The hope of plunder had been united when he was engaged in a contest almost to the love of glory. It required the expe- as perplexing with his own parliaments. rience of a century and a half to undeceive These parliaments, according to their originthem in their false notions of grandeur, and al constitution, were supreme courts of justo convince them that their natural poverty tice, and had no share in the other concerns was not to be remedied by martial exploits. of government. But since the meetings of The exhausted state of the kingdom, the the states had been laid aside, the parlialoss of former conquests, the elevation of ments became in fact the only guardians of Russia, and the near example of Danish in- the rights of the nation; and though they dustry, made them sensible that it was time did not deny that the whole legislative as for them to lay aside the military character, well as executive power resided in the king, and to betake themselves to the useful arts. yet they contrived a method of controlling Peace was become the wish of the whole the crown in the exercise of both, and of innation; and their king favored this rational terposing their authority in every matter of propensity, not only from a just perception religion, of civil police, of revenue, and even, of its advantages, but from being constantly in some instances, in matters of state. As harassed by factions in the senate, and by no edict, or arret, had the force of law, till the jealousy or intrigues of his enemies at it was registered by them, they gradually home, without seeking abroad for others to assumed the liberty of suspending the regis contend with. try for some time, and of remonstrating against the measure, if unpopular or oppresWITH regard to the king of Prussia, after sive. The court often found it expedient to PRUSSIA. act with seeming condescension, till the par-cal bodies of Europe was so perfectly favorliaments, encouraged by success, carried their able towards each other, the British governresistance to greater lengths. Soon after ment never felt greater occasion, than in the the peace, the king issued an edict for the midst of this surrounding tranquillity, for the continuance of some taxes which were to exertions of its vigilance and wisdom, to exhave ended with the war, and for imposing tinguish the flames of a new war, which new ones. Some regulations were made in suddenly burst out from the ashes of the like manner for enabling the crown to re- former, with most of the savage nations in deem its debts at twenty years purchase of America; to regulate the distracted affairs their then produce, which was very low. of the East Indies; and, above all, to defeat The parliaments considered those edicts as at home the designs of the factious. As burdens on the people, and as violations of these domestic struggles were objects of the the public faith. Without any previous con- most immediate and pressing concern, they cert, they all resolved on the most strenu- claim the first place in the following narous opposition, and determined to take this ration. opportunity, not only of frustrating the im- The issue of the debates on the prelimimediate plans of despotism, but of setting nary articles, in both houses, afforded a very up their own authority at so high a point, as clear proof, that the opposition which was to prevent all abuses of the same kind in made to any approbation of the peace, had future. They peremptorily refused to regis- been much more warm than effective. It ter the edicts, and prepared remonstrances, was absolutely necessary that the nation in which the language of fair argument de- should repose itself for a long time. The rived irresistible force and animation from conditions of the peace, at least, had a genethe spirit of manly freedom. [See note A, ral merit sufficient to dispose the people to at the end of this Vol.] The court was acquiesce in them. But the spirit of the alarmed, yet did not tamely give up the party was not exhausted in the former atpoint. Governors were sent down into the tempt. They lay in wait to fall upon the several provinces with orders, in the king's administration in the most critical time, and name, to enforce obedience. But the par- to wound them in the most sensible part, the liaments, rather provoked than terrified by supplies. For though taxes were full as such proceedings, issued arrets for seizing necessary at the conclusion as during the and imprisoning any of the governors who continuance of the war, that necessity was dared to become the instruments of arbitrary not, to every person, so glaringly evident; power. In short, a civil convulsion seemed nor were they by any means so palatable, as almost inevitable, when the king thought when victory and plunder seemed to pay, in proper to compromise the dispute; and from glory and profit, for every article of national that moment it was evident, that any rash expense. The advantages of the peace, attempt of Lewis to embroil himself with though far more certain and solid, were less his neighbors, and consequently to increase sudden and less brilliant. the burdens of his subjects, would endanger the overthrow of the French monarchy. SPAIN. In these dispositions, the people were ready to fall into very ill humors, upon any plan of supply which could be suggested. As to Spain, the wounds she had lately The administration was fully aware of this; received were so deep and so dangerous, and, therefore, determined to lay as few new that a great deal of time and the utmost taxes as the public service could possibly care were necessary to heal them. She admit. Every scheme of economy, every could not want any fresh proofs of the ruin- mode of retrenching superfluous expenses, ous consequences of pride, treachery, and had been carefully studied, and carried into precipitance. As she also remained under effect, before government could be reconciled the influence of French councils, there was to the ungracious necessity of increasing the the strongest reason to believe, that as long burdens of the subject. The profusion of as France found it her interest to continue the two late reigns, in supporting the parliapunctual in the observance of the peace, mentary interest of the court, had, indeed, Spain would not take any step to violate it. left considerable room for retrenchment. Thus Great Britain had little to apprehend The sums lavished in that manner were from the turbulence of the German powers, found, upon minute inquiry, to be extravaor from the intrigues of the house of Bour- gant almost beyond belief, as a chain of venal bon, especially as her moderate demands, and dependency reached from the highest minisher generous concessions in the late treaty, ter down to the meanest domestic, each becould have left no just causes of irritation ing allowed, without any restraint or examito rankle in the breasts of her humbled ene- nation, to accumulate, in the most shameful mies. manner, profits and perquisites amounting often to ten times the value of their regulatBUT while the aspect of the great politi-led appointments. The reform of such abuses, GREAT BRITAIN. |