ABSTRACT
In an advertisement to this work we are told, that it ‘originated in the opposition which was made by his Majesty’s Ministers to the expression, in public meetings and otherwise, of the opinions and feelings of the people concerning the Convention of Cintra.’ Our opinion respecting that Convention has already been expressed. It is nearly the same, on the political part, with that which has been declared by the highest authority, and, on the military part, with that given by the Earl of Moira on the Court of Inquiry. Yet, whatever we might feel, or, as private individuals, express, we can never approve the proceedings of those who, before all the circumstances could be known, prejudged their fellow-subjects, on the eve of a judicial inquiry. The Author before us does not indeed appear to come within that censure, (having, as it appears, first published his sentiments after the inquiry had taken place) yet he argues in support of such prejudication on grounds which we deem fallacious. This subject, however, has been already so fully discussed, and has since been superseded by so many events of equal, if not superior, importance, that we must be excused from enlarging upon this part of his work. Its principal feature must, by every generous mind, be recognised with the warmest approbation. It is a noble and highminded enthusiasm in the cause of the oppressed Spanish and Portuguese nations, with its natural attendant, an indignant disdain of the tyrant who endeavours to enslave them. These general sentiments entitle the Author to our sincere praise, although, in some particulars, his sentiments and our’s very widely differ.
