"It is the duty--the imperative duty--of every individual (however
humble) to express conscientiously, but calmly, his public opinions, for
by such means truth is elicited."[1] Hence it may be permitted the
writer of the annexed Letter to observe, that a momentous question is
now brought to the notice of the people of Great Britain,--that it ought
not to be neglected, until perhaps a voice from her colonial children
may go forth proclaiming "it is too late,"[see Note 64]--for then the
opportunity of uniting in firm and friendly bonds of union "this
wondrous empire on which the solar orb never sets" will have passed away
for ever.
----"Dum loquimur fugerit invida
AEtas: carpe diem quam minimum credula postero."
* * *
[1] Montgomery Martin's History of the British Colonies, 1843;
and to that work the writer of the following pages begs to refer all
those who take an interest in the British North American Colonies. And
if so humble an individual might be allowed to offer his advice, he
would strongly recommend the republication, in a volume by itself, of
the part connected with the North American Colonies.