utmost stretch of human wisdom cannot, at this
time, compass a plan short of separation, which can promise the
continent even a year's security. Reconciliation is NOW a fallacious
dream. Nature hath deserted the connection, and Art cannot supply her
place. For, as Milton wisely expresses, "never can true reconcilement
grow, where wounds of deadly hate have pierced so deep."

Every quiet method for peace hath been ineffectual. Our prayers have
been rejected with disdain; and only tended to convince us, that
nothing flatters vanity, or confirms obstinacy in Kings more than
repeated petitioning--and nothing hath contributed more than that very
measure to make the Kings of Europe absolute: Witness Denmark and
Sweden. Wherefore, since nothing but blows will do, for God's sake,
let us come to a final separation, and not leave the next generation to
be cutting throats, under the violated unmeaning names of parent and
child.

To say, they will never attempt it again is idle and visionary, we
thought so at the repeal of the stamp-act, yet a year or two undeceived
us; as well may we suppose that nations, which have been once defeated,
will never renew the quarrel.

As to government matters, it is not in the power of Britain to do this
continent justice: The business of it will soon be too weighty, and
intricate, to be managed with any tolerable degree of convenience, by a
power so distant from us, and so very ignorant of us; for if they
cannot conquer us, they cannot govern us. To be always running three
or four thousand miles with a tale or a petition, waiting four or five
months for an answer, which when obtained requires five or six more to
explain it in, will in a few years be looked upon as folly and
childishness--There was a time when it was proper, and there is a
proper time for it to cease.

Small islands not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper
objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something
very absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an
island. In no instance hath nature made the satellite larger than its
primary planet, and as England and America, with respect to each other,
reverses the common order of nature, it is evident they belong to
different systems; England to Europe, America to itself.

I am not induced by motives of pride, party, or resentment to espouse
the doctrine of separation and independance; I am clearly, positively,
and conscien