When _you_ cried out for peace, and your cries were heard by
those who were the objects of it, I resisted this and every other
species of counteraction by rising in my demands, and accomplished a
peace, and I hope an everlasting one, with one great state; and I at
least afforded the efficient means by which a peace, if not so durable,
more seasonable at least, was accomplished with another. I gave you
_all_; and you have rewarded me with _confiscation, disgrace, and a life
of impeachment_."
Comparing our conduct with that of the people of India, he
says,--"_They_ manifested a generosity of which we have no example in
the European world. Their conduct was the effect of their sense of
gratitude for the benefits they had received from my administration. I
wish I could say as much of my own countrymen."
My Lords, here, then, we have the prisoner at your bar in his demeanor
not defending himself, but recriminating upon his country, charging it
with perfidy, ingratitude, and oppression, and making a comparison of it
with the banians of India, whom he prefers to the Commons of Great
Britain.
My Lords, what shall we say to this demeanor? With regard to the charge
of using him with ingratitude, there are two points to be considered.
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