1822 April 14

Rid Yourselves

Letter 18. Relinquishment mode

'. 7. Restrictions none.

4. As to its being dishonourable. By its being dishonourable I do not

mean that it will be productive of positive dishonor, of positive disgrace to you. No

/Why? even/ because as yet among nations as between nation and nation the want of

/evident opposition/ such wisdom and such generosity /kindness/ is so unhappily

abundant. But the positive honor that you may gain by the relinquishment I have

already shown you: and to have it without spot or alloy you must be consistent: the

part of wisdom and generosity must be acted throughout.

Such on this part as on the former, if it would be of use to you to

have a model a pattern before your eyes, look to the Anglo-American United States.

What I can not take upon me to say is that on every part of this ground the line of

their conduct has been coincident with that of perfect wisdom and goodness: for I

have not made any such close examination into it as would warrant me with this view.

But what I think I can take upon me to say is - that you would find it if at all less

diverging from that line than that of any other nation, mine and yours - forgive me

for saying so - included.

The line /plan/ of conduct thus recommended to you here has great

advantages, both of them conducive to those abovementioned.

1. It is altogether within your own power: meaning always within the

power of your rulers: if the effects caused at the production depend not on the

making or executing of any stipulation by those same kinsmen of yours or by any

foreign nation.

2. It is simple in perfection: in this respect it surpasses every others that could

be carried into effect or so much as proposed.