tiously persuaded that it is the true interest of this
continent to be so; that every thing short of THAT is mere patchwork,
that it can afford no lasting felicity, --that it is leaving the sword
to our children, and shrinking back at a time, when, a little more, a
little farther, would have rendered this continent the glory of the
earth.

As Britain hath not manifested the least inclination towards a
compromise, we may be assured that no terms can be obtained worthy the
acceptance of the continent, or any ways equal to the expense of blood
and treasure we have been already put to.

The object, contended for, ought always to bear some just proportion to
the expense. The removal of North, or the whole detestable junto, is a
matter unworthy the millions we have expended. A temporary stoppage of
trade, was an inconvenience, which would have sufficiently balanced the
repeal of all the acts complained of, had such repeals been obtained;
but if the whole continent must take up arms, if every man must be a
soldier, it is scarcely worth our while to fight against a contemptible
ministry only. Dearly, dearly, do we pay for the repeal of the acts,
if that is all we fight for; for in a just estimation, it is as great a
folly to pay a Bunker-hill price for law, as for land. As I have
always considered the independancy of this continent, as an event,
which sooner or later must arrive, so from the late rapid progress of
the continent to maturity, the event could not be far off. Wherefore,
on the breaking out of hostilities, it was not worth while to have
disputed a matter, which time would have finally redressed, unless we
meant to be in earnest; otherwise, it is like wasting an estate on a
suit at law, to regulate the trespasses of a tenant, whose lease is
just expiring. No man was a warmer wisher for reconciliation than
myself, before the fatal nineteenth of April 1775, but the moment the
event of that day was made known, I rejected the hardened, sullen
tempered Pharaoh of England for ever; and disdain the wretch, that with
the pretended title of FATHER OF HIS PEOPLE can unfeelingly hear of
their slaughter, and composedly sleep with their blood upon his soul.

But admitting that matters were now made up, what would be the event?
I answer, the ruin of the continent. And that for several reasons.

FIRST. The powers of governing still remaining in the hands of the
king, he will have a negative over the whole legislation of