First. — It is the custom of nations,
when any two are at war, for some other powers, not
engaged in the quarrel, to step in as mediators, and
bring about the preliminaries of a peace: but
while America calls herself the Subject of Great Britain,
no power, however well disposed she may be, can offer
her mediation. Wherefore, in our present state
we may quarrel on for ever.
Secondly. — It is unreasonable to
suppose, that France or Spain will give us any kind
of assistance, if we mean only, to make use of that
assistance for the purpose of repairing the breach,
and strengthening the connection between Britain and
America; because, those powers would be sufferers
by the consequences.
Thirdly. — While we profess ourselves
the subjects of Britain, we must, in the eye of foreign
nations, be considered as rebels. The precedent
is somewhat dangerous to their peace, for
men to be in arms under the name of subjects; we,
on the spot, can solve the paradox: but to unite
resistance and subjection, requires an idea much too
refined for common understanding.
Fourthly. — Were a manifesto to be
published, and despatched to foreign courts, setting
forth the miseries we have endured, and the peaceable
methods we have ineffectually used for redress; declaring,
at the same time, that not being able, any longer,
to live happily or safely under the cruel disposition
of the British court, we had been driven to the necessity
of breaking off all connections with her; at the same
time, assuring all such courts of our peaceable disposition
towards them, and of our desire of entering into trade
with them: Such a memorial would produce more
good effects to this Continent, than if a ship were
freighted with petitions to Britain.
Under our present denomination of British subjects,
we can neither be received nor heard abroad:
The custom of all courts is against us, and will be
so, until, by an independance, we take rank with other
nations.
These proceedings may at first appear strange and
difficult; but, like all other steps which we have
already passed over, will in a little time become
familiar and agreeable; and, until an independance
is declared, the Continent will feel itself like a
man who continues putting off some unpleasant business
from day to day, yet knows it must be done, hates to
set about it, wishes it over, and is continually haunted
with the thoughts of its necessity.
Since the publication of the first edition of this
pamphlet, or rather, on the same day on which it came
out, the King’s Speech made its appearance in
this city. Had the spirit of prophecy directed
the birth of this production, it could not have brought
it forth, at a more seasonable juncture, or a more
necessary time. The bloody mindedness of the
one, shew the necessity of pursuing the doctrine of
the other. Men read by way of revenge.
And the Speech, instead of terrifying, prepared a way
for the manly principles of Independance.
