Letter from an old man and a patriot to Leigh Hunt, February 16, 1810s

              Sir,



Give me leave to present my mite of approbation of your brave, determined & philosophic conduct on the present trying occasion & generally of your whole public conduct - such I am sure is the sentiment of that part of your fellow citizens who reflect, feel & are honest.



At the same ^time, permit me to express my regret, & I am convinced it is also felt by the majority of your friends & readers, at your proposed letter to be addressed to the Princess Charlotte of Wales. A patriot like you on whose principles & exertions so considerable body of the people depend as their best chance for a radical reform, ought surely to have a different employ for his pen than one so purely insignificant and useless. It is impossible that you can be ignorant of the rumored character of that young woman, & the little hope there can be of driving that out of the flesh which has been bred in the bone, or of infusing common sense or common honesty into the head and heart of a Guelph. Beware of exposing yourself to that ridicule which has covered the Whigs in their parasitical attempts upon the father & indeed the daughter likewise. Burdette will gain no accession of political credit by his expected motion -the country even the prostituted majority are unanimous in their contempt and detestation of that truly contemptible family & with respect to those who desire the salvation of the country, they wish it without relation or concern with a family whence have originated the entire mass of our injuries & misfortunes. A more ^proper subject in general estimation, is the investigation of the swinderly Continental loan & bonds said now to be in existence. Farewell - & ponder well if you mean to serve us really, whether you have not yet certain prejudices to get rid of.

  

An old man and a Patriot

 

Hotel Jermin. St. Feby.

 

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