1360. COLONIES (The American), Separation from England.—
It is neither our
wish nor our interest to separate from Great
Britain. We are willing, on our part, to sacrifice
everything which reason can ask to the
restoration of that tranquillity for which all
must wish. On their part, let them be ready
to establish union on a generous plan. Let
them name their terms, but let them be just.
Accept of every commercial privilege which
it is in our power to give, for such things
as we can raise for their use, or they make
for ours. But let them not think to exclude
us from going to other markets to dispose
of those commodities which they cannot use,
or to supply those wants which they cannot
supply. Still less, let it be proposed, that our
properties within our own territories shall
be taxed or regulated by any power on earth
but our own. The God who gave us life,
gave us liberty at the same time: the hand of
force may destroy, but cannot disjoin them.
This, Sire, is our last, our determined resolution.
And that you will be pleased to interpose
with that efficacy which your earnest
endeavors may insure to procure redress of
these our great grievances, to quiet the minds
of your subjects in British America against
any apprehensions of future encroachment,
to establish fraternal love and harmony and
love through the whole empire, and that that
may continue to the latest ages of time, is
the fervent prayer of all British America.—
Rights of British America. Washington ed. i, 141.
Ford ed., i, 446.
(1774)
