The National Register. — London, England, 1811-03-17 00:00:00

. . • THE NATIONAL REGISTER. .00 ~, ~ , s .c. *a N• ° 168. .1 SUN!) LIBELLERS. • . - TO THE ZINTOR OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER. SlR—Having but lately arrived in this metropolis, my first study was that of its streets, which I had no sooner finished, than I 'endeavoured•to become acquainted with the narrow lanes and places which branch out from the principal ways, chiefly, it would appear, and consumptions by the closeness of their buildings, and by their intricacy to perplex strangers and shelter thieves from the pur suit of justice. I did not intend to avail myself of the numerous letters of recommendation with which I was supplied for most of our renowned Patriots until I had previously acquired a portion of that skill in hidden ways for which they are so justly ce lebrated ; but was on the eve of venturing within the sphere of their notice, and paying due homage to their popularity, when the following singular oc currence awakened doubts in illy mind on the pro. priety of that step, which I have vainly endeavour ed to remove. With the' confidence of a stranger in this land of hospitality, I therefore apply to you or any of your correspondents for advice ; as, how ever high-sounding the title of Patriot may seem, 1 should. not like, in order to obtain it, to be made either a knave or a dupe. I was, according to my custom, exploring. atten tively the winding mazes of this. metropolis west of Temple Bar, when my attention was called away from houses and passages, by the loud incoherent talk and singular gestures of an individual, who paced the narrowed way before me. We were at that moment the only persons walking, and quicken ing my. steps I was able to approach near enough not only .to bear the words that seemed to fall unconsciously from his lips, but to watch every change in his countenance, and on his features read the language of his . mind. For a moment exultation seemed to overpower all other feeling, and he exclaimed : c 4 The wizard whose wand can turn a sofa into a pallet, a silken curtain into iron bars, and who, like death itself can tear men from their cheerful homes and bury them deep - of a dungeon, has no po , ing carriage he may ' house but can do rt Muster all his wrath Vol. 4542 1 / 4 4 1s . r~ PRICE P'' • Against -din did he utter those worth fraught with such desolating might, I remain un conquered and free, and shall still let my weekly de fiance reach him at his breakfast table. Acquitted by a Jury of my countrymen" But here his countenance immediately changed. Exul tation fled and - disappointment filled its place. He paused, and stood fixed in deep meditation. I pas- sed him and notwithstanding my curiosity, was on the eve of proceeding and leaving him to chew the cud of reflection, when a sudden exclamation called • me back. is That very acquittal has half ruined me !" he cried aloud, whilst his eyes rolled wildly and he walked on with an hurri ed step. " Where is now the rich sub scription that would have been made in my favour had I been confined in the glorious cause of . patriotism ! Where is even the fame which a rigorous impfisonment would have conferred upon me ! In wealth I might then have rival led the undaunted and subscriptioned• hero of the Lincoln Jail, and in fame, even my old master in political shifting, although enclosed within the precincts of Newgate, would in vain have vied with , me. 0 weoful day, when a Jury of my country. men declared me not guilty.' They little thought that they were stabbing my fortune and shaking my popularity. For popularity is in dan. ger as soon as a patriot's person is safe ; and with out popularity fortune cannot be attained How ever, I must disguise my feelings and repress their violence. Gratitude must breathe from my lips and flow from my pen; and since fate withholds expected subscriptions from me, e'en let me make the best of my case, And gan additional readers by describing myself as the rock that 11,,s checked the tide of oppression, the star tha: announces the day spring of the Liberty of the Press." Ile said, and suddenly turning - & corner, disappeared. I re mained a few minutes vainly endeavouring. to as certain from his expressions, the nature of the apparition I had seen, and was giving up the point in despair, when - I perceived some papers lying on the pavement. I snateled them up, not doubting but they had fallen from the pocket- ')f the stranger during his animated so:ilocpry. But in train did I look for him. The rapidity of his steps baffled pursuit, and the hope of: finding some-me ' raora t t da which might enable me to discover. the within the . solitary gloom of a ,wer over pt From his rollii take a iieeMitty comfortable to more. ikNain did be must zA Czaviu. Mat cattattattbn, anb ,ato. AY, MARCH 17, 1811. II against me. In vain did h • 0 • • •• `.• • 44. 4.4.. •