Whether in fact the danger was great or small, it is not necessary now to inquire; it may be more useful to declare that, in my humble opinion, the danger, of whatever magnitude it may have been, did not originate in any encroachments of either the legislative or executive power on the liberties or properties of the people; but in the wild fancies and turbulent tempers of discontented or ill-informed individuals.

I sincerely rejoice that, through the vigilance of administration, this turbulency has received a check.

The hopes of bad men have been disappointed, and the understandings of mistaken men have been enlightened, by the general and unequivocal judgment of a whole nation; a nation not more renowned for its bravery and its humanity, though justly celebrated for both, than for its loyalty to its princes, and, what is perfectly consistent with loyalty, for its love of liberty and attachment to the constitution.
Wise men have formed it, brave men have bled for it; it is our part to preserve it.
R.LANDAFF.
_London, Jan.

25, 1793_.
II.

THE CONVENTION OF CINTRA, 1809.
NOTE.
On the 'Convention of Cintra' see Preface in the present volume.