"If the people in Britain knew the nature and disposition of the New England people as well as we do they would not find so many friends in England as I suppose they do"

The quote by Nathaniel Smith describes the complex and often tense relationship between Britain and the American nests during the period leading up to the American Revolutionary War. Smith is revealing a belief rooted in the understanding and characterization of the New England colonists by those totally knowledgeable about them.

To translate this text, it's important to understand the historical context. During the mid-to-late 18th century, the American colonies were increasingly at odds with British policies, leading to increasing stress and ultimate conflict. New England, in specific, was a hotbed of innovative belief and activity, with strong opinions concerning self-governance and resistance to British taxation and control.

Smith's quote suggests that if British citizens completely understood the character and motivations of the New England colonists, they may not support or sympathize with them as much. The "nature and disposition" of the New England individuals may incorporate their intense self-reliance, strong community worths, and desire to challenge authority in the pursuit of what they viewed as their rights. It suggests that these qualities, while perhaps exceptional in a historical sense, might appear contentious or defiant from the British perspective.

Smith appears to imply that the British public's support, or a minimum of neutrality, for the American cause may be based upon an absence of real understanding of the colonists. At the exact same time, he hints at the idea that New Englanders may be considered as too extreme or uncompromising for the comfort of more conventional British society.

Ultimately, Smith's statement highlights a space in perception and understanding across the Atlantic. His words suggest that public opinion and diplomatic relations are heavily influenced by cultural and individual insights, suggesting that awareness and point of view might alter the balance of assistance throughout an important point in history. In essence, Smith may be mentioning that alliances and compassions could move significantly if more honest assessments and communications were prevalent between the 2 societies.