LONDON: Printed by T. Burton, No. 31, Little Queen-street, for the Proprietors of Dodsley's Annual Register, W.OTRIDGE AND SON; R. FAULDER; J.CUTHELL; OGILVY AND SON R.LEA; J. NUNN;J.WALKER; LACKINGTON, ALLEN, AND CO. E. JEFFERY; AND VERNOR AND HOOD. PREFACE. : T HE most distinguished feature of the Revolution The constitution of 1795 contained, indeed, certain 10 Thefe These defects, in the constitution of 1795, appeared in the very moment of its birth; and became more and more glaring during the short period of its existence. The History of France has, for too many years, been a severe illustration of the maxim, that Nations, in order to be free and happy, must be just and moderate. To defcribe and record whatever may impress on the mind this solitary lesson, is a task attended with a mixture of pain and pleasure: pain, in contemplating the miferable effects of vice and folly; pleasure, in the reflection, that such warnings may prevent misery to the present and future ages. In making these selections, out of that vast variety of materials which is presented to the Annalist, at a period of fuch extended intercourse among men and nations, our Readers will perceive and acknowledge, that we are guided, not by any prejudices in favour of particular subjects, but, by a regard to the general views and conduct of the human understanding, and the common sentiments of the human heart. In the present volume there is an extraordinary occafion for the exercise and gratification of both in the fall, and final dismemberment and dissolution, of the Commonwealth of Poland; a very affecting, as well as instructive, Episode in the History of Europe. THE |