Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Natural Law, Politics, Meteorology, Instruments

    While criticizing William Cobbett's flight to America, the writer defends the 'abstract right of emigration'. The 'principles of government that pretend to a life-hold slavery in every man [...] are adverse to every law of nature: those laws have made MAN the HEIR OF CREATION; and his will is the only guide as to where he will choose to enjoy has lawful patrimony' (166). Remarks of Cobbett: 'He must not be considered as the thermometer of English feeling, or we shall have some little family of Indians embarking in an open boat to conquer us.' Britons may slumber in the sunshine, but they act in the storm: 'The rolling thunder is the music which precedes our march to battle, our banner is the streaming lightning, and our gage [sic] the blood of all who perish'. (170)