2690. ENGLAND, Subjugation of.—
The subjugation of England would, indeed,
be a general calamity. But happily it is impossible.
Should it end in her being only republicanized,
I know not on what principle
a true republican of our country could lament
it, whether he considers it as extending
the blessings of a purer government to other
portions of mankind, or strengthening the
cause of liberty in our own country by the
influence of that example. I do not, indeed,
wish to see any nation have a form of government
forced on them; but if it is to be
done, I should rejoice at its being a freer
one.
[170]
—
To Peregrine Fitzhugh. Washington ed. iv, 217.
Ford ed., vii, 211.
(Pa.,
Feb. 1798)
