any quarter, for what has been done in Holland. This
last phrase was to secure Prussia, according to promise. The King of
France acknowledges the notification by his Minister at London,
promises he will do nothing in consequence of it, declares he has no
intention to intermeddle with force in the affairs of Holland, and that
he will entertain hostile views in no quarter, for what has been done
there. He disavows having ever had any intention to interpose with
force in the affairs of that republic. This disavowal begins the
sentence, which acknowledges he had notified the contrary to the court
of London, and it includes no apology to soothe the feelings which may
be excited in the breasts of the Patriots of Holland, at hearing the
King declare he never did intend to aid them with force, when promises
to do this were the basis of those very attempts to better their
constitution, which have ended in its ruin, as well as their own.

I have analyzed these declarations, because, being somewhat wrapped up
in their expressions, their full import might escape, on a transient
reading; and it is necessary it should not escape. It conveys to us the
important lesson, that no circumstances of morality, honor, interest,
or engagement, are sufficient to authorize a secure reliance on any
nation, at all times, and in all positions. A moment of difficulty, or
a moment of error, may render forever useless the most friendly
dispositions in the King, in the major part of his ministers, and the
whole of his nation. The present pacification is considered by most as
only a short truce. They calculate on the spirit of the nation, and not
on the agued hand which guides its movements. It is certain, that from
this moment the whole system of Europe changes. Instead of counting
together England, Austria, and Russia, as heretofore, against France,
Spain, Holland, Prussia, and Turkey, the division will probably be,
England, Holland, and Prussia, against France, Austria, Russia, and
perhaps Spain. This last power is not sure, because the dispositions of
its heir apparent are not sure. But whether the present be truce or
peace, it will allow time to mature the conditions of the alliance
between France and the two empires, always supposed to be on the
carpet. It is thought to be obstructed by the avidity of the Emperor,
who would swallow a good part of Turkey, Silesia, Bavaria, and the
rights of the Germanic body. To the two or three first articles, Fra