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 bet- 
ter 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 import- 
ance 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 beau- 
tiful 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 be- 
ing ever repaired. My endeavors did not succeed; 
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