Collectanea Politica

(vi)

In this point of view therefore, it claims the attention of the hiftorian But, in attempting a defcription of our own times, we are aware of the many difficulties to be encountered; the delicacy requifite in fpeaking of exifting characters; and the length of time necessary to efface those impressions of felf-interest and partiality which are naturally attached to the living moment,

Senfible of this-we have only aimed at a plain and an impartial narrative of political tranfactions, during the period alluded to; and have purposely refrained from obtruding any private opinions, or thereby endeavouring to influence the reader's mind: It may be prefumed he will be capable from the enfuing statement alone, to draw any neceffary inferrence as to caufes and effects: we have however, fully as poffible, fupported that statement by authentic documents; by the proceedings. of corporate and other public affemblies; the records of parliament; and different teftimonials with which we have been favoured,

We have endeavoured to elucidate questions of great national importance, by selecting from the parliamentary debates whatever

feemed

feemed, on each fide, to be most argumentative: — such particularly as related to our commerce, legislative or judicial independence, religious toleration,- Roman-catholic claims, parliamentary reprefentation, &c.

The arguments and refolutions on fuch fubjects, fpeak for themselves: And we apprehend the mere collection of those hitherto fcattered materials, which are here prefented to the public, muft not only prove entertaining and acceptable to the reader, but of no fmall utility to any future hiftorian, who may wish to delineate the tranfactions of the prefent age, when party prejudice fhall be wholy obliterated.

It has been the most painful part of the enfuing work, to relate the melancholy story of our late rebellion. Let it fuffice however to declare, that after a careful examination of whatever has been published on that fubject; and having received the affiftance of much private information, it has been our most studious endeavour to ftate every circumftance with candid accuracy, and an impartial adherence to truth :-avoiding at the fame time that virulent reproach, and party invective,

which, too generally made ufe of, without
informing the understanding, serve but to in-
flame the mind, and to keep open the door of
civil difcord, that for the happiness of this
country, fhould be fhut for ever.

We have likewife fubftantially collected the

most remarkable trials which happened in

confequence of that event; wherein feveral

interesting circumftances are disclosed, and

the arguments of counsel correctly stated ;—

And we trust the whole will be found to con-

tain a juft and complete representation of

IRISH Affairs, from the year 1760, to the

establishment of the UNION, in 1800, at

which period a new epoch commences in our

hiftory, by an entire change in our conftitu-

tion.