which, together with other losses incurred in consequence, amounted to three thousand dollars more.
This judgment almost mined him. But Cobbett was a man of war by nature, and only regarded the loss of his hardly-earned money as a general would that of his impedimenta. He prepared himself afresh for the battle, and with that singular humour which seems to take the sting out of all his quarrels, he started a new publication called the Rush-light, in which he attacked, with the utmost hostility, judge, jury, and plaintiff.
But he felt the time had come for him to quit America, and in the first year of the present century he returned to England.
On his arrival he was welcomed by the Government as a man who had done distinguished service. Mr Wyndham especially appears to have entertained an admiration for him, and on one occasion invited him to dinner, asking Mr Pitt to meet him.
During the next year the Treaty of Amiens was concluded, and peace was proclaimed. Cobbett considered that treaty a mistake, and refused to illuminate. The people, who had suffered terribly by the war, were ardently in favour of the Peace, and it was probable his house would be attacked. By the direct intervention of the Home Secretary a number of Bow Street officers were sent to protect it. The people overcame them, and were not driven off until the Horse Guards appeared.
In 1804 there were fears of an invasion. Napoleon was making alarming preparations at Boulogne. Cobbett wrote a paper, which he entitled "Important Considerations for the People of this Kingdom." The manuscript was laid before the Prime Minister by Mr Yorke, the Home Secretary. Mr Addington was so pleased with it that he caused it to be printed, and sent to every parish in the kingdom. Mr Wyndham was equally enthusiastic in his praise.
If Cobbett had been a man seeking his own interest, or reckless of principle, as his detractors represent, his shrewd, business-like nature would have prompted him to seize the opportunity now afforded him of rising high in influence with, and gaining such rewards as he would from the British Government. But just as he had been indifferent to promotion in the army, if it had to be purchased
