Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 9.djvu/340

330 I must ask a question or two, which naturally offer themselves in this place.

What power has this field officer to exercise during his residence in Dublin? is the French martial law to take place, if any of these recruits should happen to repent of what they have done, and think fit to desert?

Troops are generally armed as soon as they are listed. Is this rule to be observed in the present case? If so, another question occurs. It has been found necessary, for the security of Ireland, to restrain all Roman catholicks from wearing, or keeping any arms in their houses. I ask, therefore, whether the authority of this license is to supersede the laws of the land; I may go farther.

The garrison of Dublin seldom consists of above 800 men for the duty of the place. Supposing double that number of popish recruits should be brought thither, in order to be viewed by their field officer, will it be said there is no just apprehension of danger? But as these suggestions may appear to be founded on the infidelity of France (a case not to be supposed at present) I press them no farther.

I must however repeat it, that this order is the fullest demonstration of the confidence we repose in them; and I hope they will scorn to make any bad use of it: but, if it were possible to suspect that they could have any design to play the knave with us, they could not wish for a better opportunity to promote it, than by such a power as is now said to be put into their hands.

I hope my remarks on this article of news will not be construed in a jacobite sense, even by the most prostitute scribblers of the present times; but I must