d not rather see a general
conflagration sweep over the land, or an earthquake sink it, than one
jot or title of that plighted faith fall to the ground. For myself,
having, twelve months ago, in this place, moved you, that George
Washington be appointed commander of the forces raised, or to be raised,
for defense of American liberty, may my right hand forget her cunning,
and my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I hesitate or waver in
the support I give him.

"The war, then, must go on. We must fight it through. And if the war
must go on, why put off longer the declaration of independence? That
measure will strengthen us It will give us character abroad. The nations
will then treat with us, which they never can do while we acknowledge
ourselves subjects, in arms against our sovereign. Nay, I maintain that
England herself will sooner treat for peace with us on the footing of
independence, than consent, by repealing her acts, to acknowledge
that her whole conduct toward us has been a course of injustice and
oppression. Her pride will be less wounded by submitting to that course
of things which now predestinates our independence, than by yielding the
points in controversy to her rebellious subjects. The former she would
regard as the result of fortune, the latter she would feel as her own
deep disgrace. Why, then, why, then, sir, do we not as soon as possible
change this from a civil to a national war? And since we must fight it
through, why not put ourselves in a state to enjoy all the benefits of
victory, if we gain the victory?

"If we fail, it can be no worse for us. But we shall not fail. The cause
will raise up armies; the cause will create navies. The people,
the people, if we are true to them, will carry us, and will carry
themselves, gloriously, through this struggle. I care not how fickle
other people have been found. I know the people of these colonies, and I
know that resistance to British aggression is deep and settled in their
hearts, and cannot be eradicated. Every colony, indeed, has expressed
its willingness to follow, if we but take the lead. Sir, the declaration
will inspire the people with increased courage. Instead of a long and
bloody war for the restoration of privileges, for redress of grievances,
for chartered immunities, held under a British king, set before them the
glorious object of entire independence, and it will breathe into them
anew the breath of life. Read this declaration at the