n 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 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 that 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 independence. I am clearly,
positively, and conscientiously 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, going a little further, would have rendered this
continent the glory of the earth.

"As Britain hath not manifested the least inclination toward 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.

{213}"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. I have
always considered the independency of this continent as an event
which sooner or later must take place, and, from the late rapid
progress of the continent to maturity, the event can not be far
off. Wherefore, on the breaking out of hostilities, it was not
worth the while to have disputed a matter which time would have
finally re