But Britain, though not personally appearing to bear her part in
this monstrous tragi-comedy, was very far from being forgotten. The
new-robed regicides found a representative for her. And who was this
representative? Without a previous knowledge, any one would have given a
thousand guesses before he could arrive at a tolerable divination of
their rancorous insolence. They chose to address what they had to say
concerning this nation to the ambassador of America. They did not apply
to this ambassador for a mediation: that, indeed, would have indicated a
want of every kind of decency; but it would have indicated nothing more.
But in this their American apostrophe, your Lordship will observe, they
did not so much as pretend to hold out to us directly, or through any
mediator, though in the most humiliating manner, any idea whatsoever of
peace, or the smallest desire of reconciliation. To the States of
America themselves they paid no compliment. They paid their compliment
to Washington solely: and on what ground? This most respectable
commander and magistrate might deserve commendation on very many of
those qualities which they who most disapprove some part of his
proceedings, not more justly than freely, attribute to him; but they
found nothing to commend in him "_but the hatred he bore to Great
Britain_.
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