jefty's then minifters, and brings heavy charges home to them. I am perfuaded they were well grounded, because every one of thofe ministers have fince been removed, No one inftance of falfhood has yet been pointed out in that pretended libel nor was the word FALSE in the information before this court. I am therefore perfectly easily under every imputation refpecting a paper, in which truth has guided the pen of the writer, whoever he was, in every fingle line; and it is this circumftance which has drawn on me, as the fuppofed author, all the cruelties of minifterial geance. ven As to the other charge against me, for the publication of a poem, which has given just offence, I will affert that fuch an idea never entered my mind. I blush again at the recollection that it has been at any time, and in any way, brought to the public eye, and drawn from the obfcurity in which it remained under roof. Twelve copies of a small part my of of it had been printed in my house, at my own private prefs. I had carefully locked them up, and I never gave one to the most intimate friend. Government, after the affair of the North Briton, bribed one of my fervants to rob me of the copy, which was produced in the Houfe of Peers, and afterwards before this honourable court. The nation was justly offended, but not with me, for it was evident that I had not been guilty of the leaft offence to the public. I pray God to forgive, as I do, the jury who have found me guilty of publishing a poem I concealed with care, and which is not even yet published, if any precife meaning can be affixed to any word in any language. But, my Lords, neither of the two verdicts could have been found againft me, if the records had not been materially altered without my confent, and as I am informed, contrary to law. On the evening only before the two trials, -caufed the records to be altered altered my against the consent of folicitor, and without my knowledge; for a dangerous illness, arifing from an affair of honour, detained me at that time abroad. The alterations were of the utmost importance, and I was in confequence tried the next day on two new charges, of which I could know nothing. I will venture to declare this proceeding unconftitutional. I am advised that it is illegal, and that it renders both the verdics absolutely void. I have ftood forth, my Lords, in fupport of the laws against the arbitrary acts of minifters. The court of justice, in a folemn appeal respecting General Warrants, fhewed their fenfe of my conduct. I fhall continue to reverence the mild and wife fystem of English laws, and this excellent conftitution. I havs been much mifreprefented, but under every fpecies of perfecution I will remain firm and friendly to the monarchy, dutiful and Vol. II. No. 8. H friendly friendly to the monarchy, dutiful and affectionate to the illuftrious Prince who wears the crown, and to the whole Brunfwic line.. 1 As to all nice, intricate points of law, I am fenfible how narrow and circumfcribed my ideas are; but I have experienced the deep knowledge and great abilities of my counfel. With them I reft the legal part of my defence, fubmitting every point to the judgment of this honourable court, and to the laws of England. |