What has become of that spirit of virtue and generosity, which, not fifty years ago, led us to enter into an expensive war, in favor of Maria Theresa, merely because she was then an unfortunate Princess, oppressed by an ambitious neighbour, whose usurpations, like those of Russia, threatened in time to affect ourselves.

It is, no doubt, a considerable abatement of the honest joy an Englishman feels in contemplating this act of magnanimity in his ancestors, to find, that ingratitude has been the only return which has been made to us. In cherishing Austria and Russia, we may really be said to have nurtured the viper in our bosom, which, in the moment of our distress, attempted a mortal wound, by forming the Armed Neutrality, or, in plain language, a combination to supply our enemies with implements for our destruction.

If justice to the Turks, whom we have reduced to so critical a situation; if a sense of our national dignity; if our dearest interest, and commercial concerns, will not induce us to speak boldly in a moment like this, self-preservation, at least, should affect us. Let us recollect, that Russia is an evil-disposed, aspiring child; that we now have it in our power to curb her proud spirit; but that, if we neglect this opportunity, and allow her to increase in pride and in strength, in a few years, perhaps, she may trample on our breast.

Pax queritur in Bello is a favorite motto, but Wars guarded against in peace, is, in my opinion, a much better one; and this is the motto England ought to choose. There is nothing, in the present state of Europe, that Great Britain can in justice require, but what she must immediately gain. Let her, then, dictate terms to Russia, and check her ambitious views. If she refuses to submit, let threats and preparations to enforce them, be added; and shew me the Power who, at this moment, will dare to oppose the serious threats of England? Vengeance would soon overwhelm her.

The adverse views of France respecting the Turks, have become every day more notorious[[6]]. Monsieur Le Roy, a naval Engineer, who was employed in the Arsenal at Constantinople, has been recalled, and was lately here on his return to France. So far, indeed, have that nation carried their unfriendly measures, that even two French Officers of Artillery, and a few Gunners, who were in the service of the Porte at Oczakow, have been withdrawn by the Ambassador.

[6]. The intrigues of the French Court have been frustrated by the Revolution in their own country.

I think I have said enough to convince you, that, both through interest and through principle, I sincerely hope that the oppressive views of the two Imperial Courts may be frustrated; and yet there is something so fascinating in the appearance of a Hero, that, I confess to you, when the accounts of his success arrived, I did not feel sorry that the walls of Dubitza had not been able to tarnish the laurels of old Laudohn.

This gallant veteran superseded Prince Lichtenstein, and took the command of the army in Croatia, in the month of August. He immediately advanced to Dubitza, which he took on the 26th of the same month: but he had neither to contend with the garrison that repulsed Colonel Kesnowick, nor with the army that defeated Prince Lichtenstein; for the Grand Vizier, having resolved to invade Hungary, and to carry the war into the enemy's country, had drawn together all the troops he could collect, in order pass the Danube in as great force as possible; and, not thinking that the Austrians would so soon return to a place which had already, in this campaign, twice proved fatal to their arms, he reduced the garrison of Dubitza to so small a number, that, according to the Imperial account, at the time it surrendered, it did not amount to 400 men.

Whether it was, that the Emperor did not find himself sufficiently provided to carry the war with vigour into the Turkish territories, or that the sickness which prevailed among his troops frustrated his intended operations, I cannot pretend to say; but, to the surprise of every body, the grand Imperial army, commanded by the Sovereign in person, remained inactive in the neighbourhood of Semlin, the whole of the months of May, June and July, and a considerable part of August; during the greater part of which time, the Grand Vizir was not within an hundred miles of the frontiers.