The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from a Peer of the first blood in Britain, to his friend in N. America, dated April 13.

SIR,

I HAVE not been an unfeeling spectator of your distresses, or of the common calamities of your native country; but, as Tully writes, being neither able to bear the manners of the Princes, or of the people, I have thought fit, under the shelter of the greatest examples, to retire from civil broils to my little paternal inheritance.

If I had thought that my mingling any longer in the political crowd could have done any service to my country, I would not have adopted a plan of domestic, studious, or rural retirement. But as things are now situated, I think myself happy in my silent retreat from the unhappy dissensions of a too much convulsed and corrupted commonwealth.

From this virtuous and contemplative retirement, I will never consent to withdraw myself, whilst I see things in the light I now do: Should any critical events happen to restore the lost manners of the British empire, and to open a channel for the exercise of any little talents of which I may be possessed, for the good of my country, no one will come forth with greater pleasure or alacrity than myself: Penetrated as I have been from my tenderest youth, with the highest sentiments of truth, honour and righteousness of action, I rejoice in writing with sincerity such a letter to such a man, and even in my secret hours of meditation, or in the more animated intercourse of my little society, I shall often wish and pray for the accomplishment of those happy changes for which you breathe, and have often breathed your benevolent desires.

Farewell, Sir, be of good courage, and remember, that even in these last times, you had the comfort to receive such praises, and such sympathetic expressions of emotion from the despised remnant of a despised and unfortunate, yet a bold and generous race of patriots. Tell Mr. Cushing and those other Gentlemen whose regards I possess and value, that I remember them with honour and with pleasure; tell them, tell all who deserve to be told so, that there is a Peer in Britain who is a true friend to injured innocence and to America; one who loves liberty and virtuous exertions for their own sakes, and not for the popular applauses which often accompany them. That he withdraws himself from his reward, and is preparing himself diligently for a better country.

I am, with high consideration and esteem, Sir, your obedient humble servant,