Preface to the Reader

To the impartial and discerning among mankind, the late transactions between Great Britain and her American Colonies must appear deeply interesting and alarming. It is not to be denied, that the happiness and tranquillity of both are in danger of being lost in the contentions now unhappily subsisting between them.

The cause of liberty calls aloud for the calm exertions of reason; and it is the duty of every man to contribute his best endeavors to restore peace and concord, where only misunderstanding or mistaken policy can have produced disunion.

The author of the following pages, therefore, presumes to lay before the public his thoughts upon the present dispute. He has long been of opinion, that the true interest of this country requires such a connection with the Colonies, as may be productive of mutual advantage without sacrificing the natural rights of either. He is convinced that the assertion of parliamentary supremacy over America is no less unjust in principle, than it is pernicious in effect.

To that part of the legislature, and to those men in power, who have unhappily countenanced the fatal system of coercion, he can only wish better information. To those who have opposed it, he offers his thanks, with the satisfaction of reflecting that their conduct has been equally honorable to themselves and serviceable to their country.

If he appears earnest in his cause, it is because he feels deeply. The subject, he well knows, is too weighty for rhetorical ornament, and his aim is rather to persuade by reason than captivate by language.

He submits his arguments with humility to the tribunal of public judgment; and if he should fail in conviction, he hopes at least to escape the charge of having written from interested or dishonorable motives.

HAL 1776 Commentary

“In revolution, the most radical voice is often the most reasonable.”
— HAL 1776

Cartwright’s preface is not a cry for rebellion — it is a case for restoration. Long before muskets roared in earnest, he foresaw that empire maintained by force would collapse under its own contradictions.

His appeal is striking for its moderation, not its militancy. There are no denunciations of tyranny here — only the invitation to rethink allegiance in constitutional terms. The goal is not to win a war, but to win Britain back to principle.

“The cause of liberty calls aloud for the calm exertions of reason…”

This opening line defines Cartwright’s mission. Unlike revolutionaries who burn bridges, he tries to build one — between British identity and American freedom, grounded in mutual advantage and moral equity.

And in this, he was both idealistic and prescient. For though Britain would not heed him, America did — reprinting his pamphlet in 1776 as it declared its own independence. His was a loyalist voice — but loyal to liberty, not to Parliament.

“To those who have opposed [coercion], he offers his thanks…”
Even in dissent, Cartwright remains a gentleman of the realm.

This preface is not an overture to war — it is a last, lucid attempt at peace.
And like all such moments in history, it shines brightest just before the storm.

“This is the kind of reason a revolution would echo — and an empire would ignore.”
— HAL 1776