xiv PREFACE.

tures, as well as Asiatic fabrics, have also been a11- nually consumed in the United States since they be came independent; While the present British North America and West Indian colonies receive nearly all their manufactured supplies from the United King- dom.

There are, we know, men who have (either from ignorance, interest, or, more frequently, in order to support some fondling theory, and sometimes for the purpose of attracting a share of public notice) cla- moured against the retention of her colonies by England. But let us only consider, that if Great Britain lose her present possessions in North Ame— rica, they must either merge into the government of the United States, or, if they be left independently to , themselves, interest and safety would induce them to form a league, offensive and defensive, With at least the Northern States; and should such a separation, and such a compact ever be formed, who can say that the splendid magnificence of England Will not be tarnished——that her naval glory will not decline ——and that her political consequence among the na— tions of the earth, Will not diminish, along With the loss of the colonies of the West ?

Admitting, on the ground of argument, that the colonies are to be abandoned by Great Britain, will they be conquered by the Americans ? Certainly not.