They have totally mistaken our character.
Accustomed to rise at a feather themselves, and to be always fighting,
they will see in our conduct, fairly stated, that acquiescence under
wrong, to a certain degree, is wisdom, and not pusillanimity; and
that peace and happiness are preferable to that false honor, which,
by eternal wars, keeps their people in eternal labor, want, and
wretchedness. 2. It is necessary for the people of England, who have
been deceived as to the causes and conduct of the war, and do not
entertain a doubt, that it was entirely wanton and wicked on our part,
and under the order of Bonaparte. By rectifying their ideas, it will
tend to that conciliation which is absolutely necessary to the peace and
prosperity of both nations. 3. It is necessary for our own people, who,
although they have known the details as they went along, yet have been
so plied with false facts and false views by; the federalists, that some
impression has been left that all has not been right. It may be said
that it will be thought unfriendly. But truths necessary for our own
character, must not be suppressed out of tenderness to its calumniators.
Although written, generally, with great moderation, there may be some
things in the pamphlet which may perhaps irritate. The characterizing
every act, for example, by its appropriate epithet, is not necessary to
show its deformity to an intelligent reader.
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