University of Virginia Library

TO EDMUND PENDLETON.[1]

Dear Sir,—Congress have at length entered seriously
on a plan for finally ratifying the Confederation.
Convinced of the necessity of such a measure, to repress
the hopes with which the probable issue of the
campaign will inspire our enemy, as well as to give
greater authority and vigor to our public councils, they
have recommended, in the most pressing terms, to the
States claiming unappropriated back lands, to cede a
liberal portion of them for the general benefit. As
these exclusive claims formed the only obstacle with
Maryland, there is no doubt that a compliance with
this recommendation will bring her into the Confederation.
How far the States holding the back lands
may be disposed to give them up, cannot be so easily
determined. From the sentiments of the most intelligent
persons which have come to my knowledge, I

own I am pretty sanguine that they will see the necessity
of closing the Union, in too strong a light to
oppose the only expedient that can accomplish it.

Another circumstance, that ought greatly to encourage
us under disappointed expectations from the
campaign, is the combination of the maritime powers
in support of their neutral rights, and particularly the
late insolent and provoking violation of those rights
by the English ships at St. Martin's. It is not probable
that the injured will be satisfied without reparations
and acknowledgments which the pride of Britain
will not submit to; and if she can once be embroiled
in an altercation with so formidable a league, the
result must necessarily be decisive in our favor. Indeed
it is not to be supposed, after the amazing
resources which have been seen in Great Britain,
when not only deprived of, but opposed by, her
ancient Colonies, and the success of the latter in resisting
for so long a time the utmost exertion of these
resources against her, that the maritime powers, who
appear to be so jealous of their rights, will ever suffer
an event to take place which must very soon expose
them to be trampled on at the pleasure of Great
Britain.