7495. REVOLUTION (American), Separation.—
There is not in the British empire
a man who more cordially loves a union with
Great Britain, than I do. But by the God that
made me, I will cease to exist before I yield
to a connection on such terms as the British
Parliament propose; and in this, I think I speak
the sentiments of America. We want neither
inducement nor power, to declare and assert a
separation. It is will, alone, which is wanting,
and that is growing apace under the fostering
hand of our King.—
To John Randolph. Washington ed. i, 203.
Ford ed., i, 493.
(Pa.,
Nov. 1775)
