7491. REVOLUTION (American), Peace propositions.—
Though this Congress,
during the dependence of these States on the
British crown with unwearied supplications
sued for peace and just redress, and though they
still retain a sincere disposition to peace; yet
as his Britannic majesty by an obstinate perseverance
in injury and a callous indifference to
the sufferings and the complaints of these
States, has driven them to the necessity of
declaring themselves independent, this Congress
bound by the voice of their constituents, which
coincides with their own sentiments, have no
power to enter into conference or to receive any
propositions on the subject of peace which do
not, as a preliminary, acknowledge these States
to be sovereign and independent: and that
whenever this shall have been authoritatively
admitted on the part of Great Britain, they
shall at all times and with that earnestness
which the love of peace and justice inspires, be
ready to enter into conference or treaty for the
purpose of stopping the effusion of so much kindred
blood.—
Resolutions on Peace Propositions.
Ford ed., ii, 90.
(Aug. 1776)
