ovince; but, as the
Americans themselves desired, to the decision of a Congress
composed from all the provinces, so that disaffection, however
firmly rooted here and there, would of course be overpowered by a
loyal and large majority. Nor do I believe that the proposal of a
new grant to the Crown, and the consequent necessity of increased
taxation to the people, would have interposed any serious
obstacle. The load of taxation on the colonies was at this period
light indeed: according to a calculation made by Lord North in
that very year, each inhabitant of England paid in taxes, upon an
average, not less than twenty-five shillings annually; but each
inhabitant of British America no more than sixpence. The
experience of the closely-following Revolutionary war proves how
easily and readily, when their feelings were involved, the
Americans could raise far greater supplies. And surely had Lord
Chatham's scheme prevailed, their feelings would have been
involved. They would have been pleased and proud to show that
their previous refusal to pay taxes sprang from principle, and not
from inability or disaffection; and that, when once their views of
principle had been complied with, they could contribute with no
sparing hand to the exigencies of their countrymen, and to the
service of their king."

The opinion of Lord Mahon that, even after Burgoyne's surrender, and the
treaty of alliance between France and America, the colonies might have
been preserved, had Lord Chatham lived and returned to office, we think
entirely erroneous. Our separation from England, though there had been no
stamp act or tea tax, was inevitable.

Lord Mahon is exceedingly fond of personal portraiture, in which he is
sometimes very successful. One of his most carefully-elaborated
performances in this way has for its subject Washington, and in the dozen
pages he devotes to the analysis of the character of the great chief he
has displayed his best abilities, though, we confess, without suggesting
any thing very novel. He dislikes Franklin, and loses no opportunity of
imputing to him personal dishonesty. We think the influence of Mr. William
B. Reed's Life of President Reed is traceable in almost every allusion
made by Lord Mahon to our philosopher. Without further observation upon
the qualities of the work, we avail ourselves of the possession of an
early copy of it to pr