XXXI
TO FRANCIS MASERES
Passy, 26 June, 1785.
Sir: —I have just received your friendly letter of
the 20th instant. I agree with you perfectly in the
opinion, that, though the contest has been hurtful to
both our countries, yet the event, a separation, is better
 even for yours than success. The reducing and
keeping us in subjection by an armed force would
have cost you more than the dominion could be
worth, and our slavery would have brought on yours.
The ancient system of the British empire was a happy
one, by which the colonies were allowed to govern
and tax themselves. Had it been wisely continued,
it is hard to imagine the degree of power and importance
 in the world that empire might have arrived
at. All the means of growing greatness, extent of
territory, agriculture, commerce, arts, population,
were within its own limits, and therefore at its
command.
I used to consider that system as a large and beautiful
 porcelain vase; I lamented the measures that I
saw likely to break it, and strove to prevent them;
because, once broken, I saw no probability of its being
 ever repaired. My endeavors did not succeed;

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