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AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 33 '

accounted for. Liberty, although not generally under- stood, is so truly the just right of mankind, that even they who neither have enjoyed its blessings, nor even expect to possess them, still appreciate its value. The idea of public freedom also, is so gratifying to the human mind, that whoever takes up arms either to recover or defend it, is not only certain of the appro- ~ bation of those who dare to declare their opinions, but also the secret good wishes of all those upon whom arbitrary pOWer enjoins silence.

The assistance, however, afforded the Americans by France, was from far different motives. Any attempt to abridge the supremacy of an European government over her colonies, was any thing but agreeable to the ideas always entertained at the court of Versailles. On this occasion, their grand policy was to humble the power of Great Britain. The consequence, however mortifying to England, was disastrous and terrible to France ; and laid the train which exploded in all the horrors of the Revolution, and opened a theatre for the splendid victories, and finally the downfall of Napoleon.

The officers sent to America by France, carried back high revolutionary principles and feelings, which were ingrafted on the philosophy of Voltaire and the Academy. These materials soon unfolded them- selves, by subverting the whole royal government and constitution, accompanied by outrages and cala- mities which shocked and disquieted all the nations of Europe and America.

'England, on the contrary, was still in a glorious VOL. I. (t