ded; but as I would attend to the honest weakness of the
simplest of men, you will pardon me if I offer a few words on that
subject.

We are now on this continent, to the astonishment of the world,
three millions of souls united in one cause. We have large armies,
well disciplined and appointed, with commanders inferior to none in
military skill, and superior in activity and zeal. We are furnished
with arsenals and stores beyond our most sanguine expectations, and
foreign nations are waiting to crown our success by their alliances.
There are instances of, I would say, an almost astonishing
Providence in our favor; our success has staggered our enemies, and
almost given faith to infidels; so we may truly say it is not our
own arm which has saved us.

The hand of heaven appears to have led us on to be, perhaps humble
instruments and means in the great Providential dispensation which
is completing. We have fled from the political Sodom; let us not
look back, lest we perish and become a monument of infamy and
derision to the world. For can we ever expect more unanimity and a
better preparation for defense; more infatuation of counsel among
our enemies, and more valor and zeal among ourselves? The same force
and resistance which are sufficient to procure us our liberties will
secure us a glorious independence and support us in the dignity of
free, imperial States. We cannot suppose that our opposition has
made a corrupt and dissipated nation more friendly to America, or
created in them a greater respect for the rights of mankind. We can
therefore expect a restoration and establishment of our privileges,
and a compensation for the injuries we have received from their want
of power, from their fears, and not from their virtues. The
unanimity and valor which will effect an honorable peace can render
a future contest for our liberties unnecessary. He who has strength
to chain down the wolf is a madman if he let him loose without
drawing his teeth and paring his nails.

From the day on which an accommodation takes place between England
and America, on any other terms than as independent States, I shall
date the ruin of this country. A politic minister will study to
lull us into security, by granting us the full extent of our
petitions. The warm sunshine of influence would melt down the
virtue, which the violence of the storm rendered more firm and
unyielding. In a state of tranquillity, wealth, and luxury, our
de