I certainly do think that we may eventually find the Burmahs to be the
most powerful enemy that we shall have to contend with in India; and, at
the same time, I cannot help giving my opinion as to the ridiculous fear
we entertain of the Russians ever interfering with us in that quarter.
That the extension of the Russian empire has been a favourite object
through many of her dynasties, is true: but it is so no longer: they
have discovered that already their empire is too extensive; and hardly a
year passes but they have outbreaks and insurrections to quell in
quarters so remote that they are scarcely heard of here. That Russia
might _possibly_ lead an army through our Indian possessions, I admit;
but that she never could hold them if she did do so, is equally certain;
the conquest would be useless to her, after having been obtained at an
enormous sacrifice. The fact is, the Russians (with the exception of
the Emperor Paul) never had any intention of the kind, and _never will
attempt it_: but they have discovered how very alive we are to the
possibility, and how very jealous and anxious we are on the subject, and
it is possible that they have made demonstrations in that direction to
alarm us; but I think myself, that the great object of Russia in these
advances has been to force a channel for trade, which in her present
situation she is to the south of her extensive empire nearly deprived
of. Notwithstanding the outcry which has so often been raised against
the Russian empire, it has always appeared to me that _our natural ally_
is Russia; as for an alliance with France it is morally impossible that
two rival nations like us can continue very long at peace; our interests
are separate and conflicting, and our jealousy but sleeps for the
moment. We have been at peace with France many years, and have not yet
succeeded in making a satisfactory commercial treaty with her; neither
will any of the other Continental powers permit our manufactures to
enter, with the exception of Russia, who not only takes them, but
returns to us what is most valuable for our marine.