Public affairs are, as usual, very unsatisfactory. An opportunity has been lost which probably never will return, of making peace with Buonaparte at a time when his army and people were dispirited, and he himself was degraded in the eyes of France and Europe. Our rash Bourbon speculations have given him time to recover his military name and character, and to fix himself and his dynasty permanently on the throne of France. He will do this also in such a manner as to check any rising spirit of freedom
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| Peace Prospects |
It is said that there have been great misunderstandings between the Allies, and that Russia and Austria are on bad terms. The latter probably was never entirely in earnest in wishing the total destruction of Buonaparte, but was gradually led on, in the hope of more advantageous terms of peace and larger accessions of territory. It seems probable, however, that some peace will be concluded, and I hope that we shall be parties to it; but with respect to this country, it seems impossible that the peace can be of any long continuance. The Courier and Times (to say nothing of higher Powers) are sufficient to prevent it.
