CHAPTER IX.

DEPARTURE FROM IRELAND-CAMPAIGN IN

HOLLAND.

THE defeat of the French invaders, and the punishment of the rebels, pacified Ireland. But this temporary benefit was procured by a British army, which put an end to a calamitous insurrection raised on the fallacious plea of liberty.

Were all mankind disinclined to injure or do injustice to each other, they certainly ought to be left to the enjoyment of perfect liberty, and every man should have the power of acting as he pleased. But the dispositions and habits of human beings to do unto others, what they would not that others do unto them, render the establishment of laws and government essential for their welfare.

As the prevalence of vice is the only good cause for imposing any restraints on freedom, these never should be greater than is requisite for the happiness of the people; and always proportioned to their disposition to do evil. The degrees of virtue, and the tendency to various vices, are different in different countries; consequently one code of laws, and one constitution of government, are unsuitable to all. Projects of one universal legislative system would neither be agreeable to the tempers, nor adapted to the correction of the various corruptions, of the human race. Experience proves this.

The English laws and constitution have been found admirably suited to the character of Englishmen: which imposed upon them no greater prohibitions than were requisite for establishing good order; and which granted a greater degree of freedom than was possessed by any other nation.

In the year 1706, this constitution was extended to Scotland, and suddenly the Scots were transformed from an ill-governed,

turbulent, and impoverished people, into an orderly, composed, and improving nation : which concordant effects proved that there was an agreement in character, and an equality in morals with the English.

But when the same constitution was transferred to Ireland, no such beneficial consequences ensued; for lawless riots, wanton pillagings, and atrocious murders have continued to prevail in that hapless country. And it is found absolutely necessary to maintain there a numerous standing army, to restrain carnage and the destruction of property from increasing throughout the island.

The continuance of these flagrant acts is a decisive proof that the restrictions of the laws and constitution are not proportioned to the propensity to do wrong. If the freedom of the Irish laws and government were wisely graduated by the scale of virtue and morals which have been attained by the natives, it is reasonable to believe that they would soon become peaceful, prosperous, and happy.

Under the just administration of Earl Cornwallis, whose authority was maintained by a considerable military force, the turmoils of Ireland were respited. He sent for General Moore to come to Dublin on public affairs ; apartments were assigned to him; and he was treated by his Lordship as a friend. In the course of Moore's diversified life he could not avoid contracting the enmity of a few persons of dubious and vicious characters; but he was esteemed and beloved by all those with whom he had intercourse, who were themselves eminent for virtue and patriotism.

Towards the close of the year 1798, an expedition to the Mediterranean was projected, the command of which was given to Sir Charles Stuart. A correspondent at Head-quarters wrote to Moore, that it was under consideration to employ him, if he chose it, on this enterprise. But an objection occurred to Moore to the acceptance of this proposal, from a delicacy he felt towards the Lord-Lieutenant.

Earl Cornwallis was a downright, sensible man, and a contemner of ceremony. He distinguished Moore by his friendship; who felt so much gratitude for the treatment he had received, that he would not express to his correspondent at the Horse-Guards a wish to leave Ireland, even for a foreign service

which he coveted.

A second confidential, letter soon after, signified, That the subject had been dis'cussed by the Duke of York and Mr. Dun'das, the Secretary of War; when the latter 'said, "That Lord Cornwallis in his private ""correspondence, laid so much stress upon "the esteem he had for General Moore, "that he did not think he could be removed "without giving Lord Cornwallis umbrage." 'The intention is, therefore, for the present ' at least, given up.'

The next year, 1799, the war took a favourable turn. Buonaparte was repulsed at St. Jean D'Acre, and had retreated into Egypt; and Suwarrow, with a Russian army, was victorious in Italy. The British War