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vessels from being the carriers between them and the British CHAP. IV. West Indies ; but seemed to think this circumstance not very probable, inasmuch as the people of the United States would, in that cafe, they said, suffer much more than any of his Majesty’s subjects ; a conclusion not very decisive ; the experience of all ages abundantly proving, that considerations of interest are frequently overpowered by motives of resentment. THESE doctrines and opinions of the lords of the committee
of council were unfortunately approved and adopted in their fulled: extent by the British government ; and the only solitary hope which now remained to the inhabitants of the West Indies was, that the apprehension of their lordships, concerning American retaliation, was ill-founded ; and that the United States, not with standing the prohibitory system of Great Britain, would Hill open their ports to British shipping; and freely indulge them with the liberty of importing the products of the British sugar islands ; carrying away American produce in return. The planters could not indeed but foresee a very great expence, delay, and uncertainty attending such circuitous navigation ; but to this they were prepared to submit, as the only alternative of escaping inevitable and impending destruction. BUT there was this misfortune attending the sugar planters,
that their wants were immediate; and of a complexion affecting not only property, but life. Whatever resources might ultimately be found in the opulence and faculties of the mother-country, it was impossible, in the nature of things, to expect Vol. II. 3 H