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

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THE NATIONAL
REGISTER.

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N• ° 168.
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LIBELLERS.

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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.

45421/44

1s .

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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-
' raorattda 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