line--William the Conqueror--was a Frenchman, and half the peers
of England are descendants from the same country; wherefore, by
the same method of reasoning, England ought to be governed by
France.

"Much hath been said of the united strength of Britain and the
colonies--that, in conjunction, they might bid defiance to the
world. But this is mere presumption; the fate of war is uncertain,
neither do the expressions mean anything; for this continent would
never suffer itself to be drained of inhabitants to support the
British arms in either Asia, Africa, or Europe.

"Besides, what have we to do with setting the world at defiance?
Our plan is commerce, and that, well attended to, will secure us
the peace and friendship of all Europe, because it is the interest
of all Europe to have America a _free port_. Her trade will always
be a protection, and her barrenness of gold and silver secure her
from invaders.

"I challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation to show a
single advantage that this continent can reap by being connected
with Great Britain. I repeat the challenge; not a single
advantage is derived. Our corn will fetch its price in any market
in Europe, and our imported goods must be paid for, buy them where
we will.

"But the injuries and disadvantages which we sustain by that
connection are without number; and our duty to mankind at large,
as well as to ourselves, instructs us to renounce the alliance,
because any submission to, or dependence on, Great Britain, tends
directly to involve this continent in European wars and quarrels,
and sets us at variance with nations, who would otherwise seek our
friendship, and against whom we have neither anger nor complaint.
As Europe is our market for trade, we ought to form no partial
connection with any part of it. It is the true interest of America
to steer clear of European contentions, which she never can do;
while, by her dependence on Britain, she is made the make-weight
in the scale of British politics.

"Europe is too thickly planted with kingdoms to be long at peace;
and whenever a war breaks out between England and any foreign
power, the trade of America goes to ruin, _because of her
connection with Britain_. The next war may not turn out like the
last, and, should it not, the advocates for reconciliation now
will be wishing for separation then, because neutrality, in that