so that they
constantly and firmly refused to negotiate either for truce or peace
with Spain, until she consented to treat with them in _like manner_.

"We forbear engaging your Excellency's time and attention by the
application of these facts and conclusions, to the case of our
country. We are persuaded, that the similarity between the two will
not escape your discernment, and that we shall not be thought singular
in our opinion, that the example of the United Provinces merits at
least in these respects the imitation as well as the approbation of
the United States of America.

"But, Sir, we not only think it inconsistent with the dignity of the
United States to treat with Britain in the humiliating manner
proposed, but also that it would be repugnant to their interest.

"The respect of other nations is undoubtedly of importance to America;
but, Sir, if she ceases to respect herself, how can she expect to
respected by others?

"America has taken and published noble and manly resolutions to
support her independence, at every hazard. She has hitherto done it,
and would it be for her interest to quit the ground for which she has
lost so much of her blood, merely to accommodate herself to the
high-blown pride of an enemy? Sir, the very proposition carries with
it insult, and therefore bears strong marks of _insincerity_.

"But suppose that the United States should descend from their present
ground of equality, in order to treat with Mr Oswald, and that our
negotiations should be _fruitless_. In what an awkward situation
should we then be? We should find ourselves betrayed by our too great
pliancy, and our too great desire of peace, to the ridicule of our
enemies, the contempt of other nations, and the censure of our own
minds. What a page would this make in history.

"As to Mr Oswald's offer to make an acknowledgment of our independence
the first article of our treaty, and your Excellency's remark, that it
is sufficient, and that _we are not to expect the effect before the
cause_, permit us to observe, that by the _cause_, we suppose, is
intended the _treaty_, and by the _effect_, an acknowledgment of our
independence. We are sorry to differ from your Excellency, but,
really, Sir, we cannot consider an acknowledgment of our independence
as a subject to be treated about; for while we feel ourselves to be
independent in fact, and know ourselves to be so of right, we can see
but one cause from whence an acknowledgment o