Memoirs of Major Alexander Ramkins (1718) by Daniel Defoe
page 72 of 78 (92%)
page 72 of 78 (92%)
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'Tis fresh in every true _Britains_ Memory, what strange Methods were
taken to bring about the Peace, which quickly after ensued. I shall only mention as much of that Affair as is requisite to make it manifest, That _France_ had no consideration for the Pretender's Interest during that Treaty. The War was begun upon account of the _Spanish_ Monarchy; _France_ was reduc'd to the last extremity, and could hold out no longer, now the Consequence shou'd have been for _France_ to have surrender'd up King _Philip_'s Title; but on the contrary it was secur'd to him, and by what any one can conjecture on the Equivalent, that the Pretender should be banish'd _France_, and herafter neither directly nor indirectly be assisted by Force: Nay, so eagerly was _France_ bent upon this Project of securing _Spain_, _France_, and neglecting the Pretender, that 'tis well known he refus'd to be concern'd with those in _England_ who were willing to restore the Pretender. I shall not pretend to dive into the late Queen's Secrets, and how she was dispos'd that way. 'Tis well known she was not over real for the _Hanoverian_ Succession, and that the Pretender's Interest was the only one in competition with it. But where was the _French_ Zeal for the Pretender, when he had the Generalissimo and his Arms, the Secretary, the Treasurer, _&c._ all at his Devotion, and if the Pretender was not actually restor'd at that Juncture, the Remora cou'd be no where but on the _French_ Side, who had a longer reach in their Politicks than the Restoration of the Pretender. They saw clearly bringing that about wou'd create a Civil War in _England_, and be an occasion of renewing in _Germany_; now their Business was a sudden Peace, and a quiet Possession of _Spain_. And this is the real Spirit of Politics that govern'd the _French_ at the Peace of _Utrecht_. This kind of Management so disconcerted all the Pretenders Party who then govern'd the Queen, that they flew all in Pieces, astonish'd not to |
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