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The Life of William Roscoe
Chapter IV. 1788-1796
William Roscoe to Count Rantzau, [1796]
INTRODUCTION & INDEXES
DOCUMENT INFORMATION
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Preface
Vol I. Contents
Chapter I. 1753-1781
Chapter II. 1781-1787
Chapter III. 1787-1792
Chapter IV. 1788-1796
Chapter V. 1795
Chapter VI. 1796-1799
Chapter VII. 1799-1805
Chapter IX. 1806-1807
Chapter X. 1808
Chapter XI. 1809-1810
Vol II. Contents
Chapter XII. 1811-1812
Chapter XIII. 1812-1815
Chapter XIV. 1816
Chapter XV. 1817-1818
Chapter XVI. 1819
Chapter XVII. 1820-1823
Chapter XVIII. 1824
Chapter XIX. 1825-1827
Chapter XX. 1827-1831
Chapter XXI.
Appendix
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“Inexcusable as I must appear to you, in not having acknowledged the favour of your letter dated so long since as 11th February, 1794, I have not forgotten the very pleasant hours for which I am indebted to you on your visit to Liverpool, nor have I once ceased to feel those sentiments of sincere and respectful esteem to which that visit gave rise. The truth is, that having unavoidably deferred writing for a short time, and understanding from your letters that you were then undertaking a journey to Northern Jutland, I was at a loss to know your destination, till I had the pleasure, a few weeks since, to see your near relation and friend, Baron Buckwald, who honoured me with a visit, and gratified my enquiries respecting you. From him I learned (what I assure you gave me great pleasure) that you had entered into the matrimonial state, and
134LIFE OF WILLIAM ROSCOE.
had reason to expect every happiness which it can afford. It was with no less satisfaction I found that you had executed the benevolent intention which you did me the honour of mentioning to me, and had liberated your numerous vassals within your estates in Holstein. The accomplishments of rank, or the acquisitions of science, may command respect and admiration; but I venerate the man who can break through the prejudices of an unjust, though long established custom, and who finds a gratification in exchanging the authority and name of a master, for the more honourable title of a benefactor, a father, and a friend. I hope and trust that such examples of a wise and enlightened policy will not be without their effect; and that the liberty and happiness of the northern kingdoms of Europe may be effected by just and gradual steps, without those dreadful commotions which have been occasioned in other countries by the blind obstinacy of the rulers, and the headlong impetuosity of the people.”