1819 Mar 22 Lett II C + +

To Erskine

II. Whig Merits

§ 3. J. B.s Remarks

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In this same order I now have to submitt to Your Lordship these same alledged Whig Merits with a few remarks.

1 Liberticide Wars opposed. – Execrable indeed these same Wars. But, bad or good, in so far as by comparison any war can be stiled good, whatever be the Opposition, war will be sure to be opposed by it. Be it ever so necessary, war abroad will always be not only a bad thing, but the worst of all bad things except despotism at home.

But no degree of readiness to oppose unnecessary war can exceed their readiness to make it. Under the notion of serving the country where he was born, never was George the 2 d so eager to sacrifice to his ambition the welfare of that native country of his which gave him a ducal, together with that of the country which gave him a royal throne, as Charles Fox and Lord Grenville were to please George the 3 d who had never been there. “Witness Hanover and Hampshire”. + The eloquence of Charles Fox had provided him with a short word, with which he declared himself ready to pallify any war, for any thing or for nothing, at any time. Witness, Honour: Witness, Glory: or, if neither be sufficient, witness both together. || Kestrel, in Johnson’s Every Man in his humour, was the prototype of Charles Fox. Oh rare eloquence! Human comforts – human affliction! – dull elements of calculation! how are ye looked down upon by eloquence!