Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
A Philosophical Survey of the South of Ireland [...] (Author: Thomas Campbell)

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There is, perhaps, no country dependent on the British Crown, which Englishmen know less of than Ireland; and yet it may safely be affirmed, there is none which has a fairer and a stronger claim to their attention.

If civilization has not there been carried to that degree of perfection, which it has attained in England; if commerce does not flourish; — if manufactures do not thrive; — if agriculture be yet in a rude state; — if a spirit of discontent and emigration prevails; — in a word, if the connection between the two islands has


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not been productive of the greatest mutual advantages, it can only be imputed to a general want of information, and to those mistaken politics, which have, inconsequence, influenced the councils of this nation.

But the time seems to be approaching, when the value of Ireland will be better understood, and when the maxims, on which it is now governed, will be found to be too narrow, it not illiberal. To hasten that period is the design of the following letters, and the favourite political wish of the Writer,


London,

May 14, 1777.