Byreferringthematterfromargumenttoarms，anewaeraforpoliticsisstruck；anewmethodofthinkinghatharisen。
Allplans，proposals，&c。priortothenineteenthofApril，i。e。tothecommencementofhostilities，arelikethealmanacsofthelastyear；which，thoughproperthenaresupersededanduselessnow。Whateverwasadvancedbytheadvocatesoneithersideofthequestionthen，terminatedinoneandthesamepoint。viz。aunionwithGreat-Britain：theonlydifferencebetweenthepartieswasthemethodofeffectingit；theoneproposingforce，theotherfriendship；butithathsofarhappenedthatthefirsthathfailed，andthesecondhathwithdrawnherinfluence。
Asmuchhathbeensaidoftheadvantagesofreconciliationwhich，likeanagreeabledream，hathpassedawayandleftusaswewere，itisbutright，thatweshouldexaminethecontrarysideoftheargument，andinquireintosomeofthemanymaterialinjurieswhichthesecoloniessustain，andalwayswillsustain，bybeingconnectedwith，anddependentonGreatBritain：
Toexaminethatconnectionanddependence，ontheprinciplesofnatureandcommonsense，toseewhatwehavetotrustto，ifseparated，andwhatwearetoexpect，ifdependant。
Ihavehearditassertedbysome，thatasAmericahathflourishedunderherformerconnectionwithGreatBritainthatthesameconnectionisnecessarytowardsherfuturehappiness，andwillalwayshavethesameeffect。
Nothingcanbemorefallaciousthanthiskindofargument。
Wemayaswellassertthatbecauseachildhasthriveduponmilkthatitisnevertohavemeat，orthatthefirsttwentyyearsofourlivesistobecomeaprecedentforthenexttwenty。
Buteventhisisadmittingmorethanistrue，forIanswerroundly，thatAmericawouldhaveflourishedasmuch，andprobablymuchmore，hadnoEuropeanpowerhadanythingtodowithher。Thecommerce，bywhichshehathenrichedherself，arethenecessariesoflife，andwillalwayshaveamarketwhileeatingisthecustomofEurope。
Butshehasprotectedus，saysome。Thatshehasengrossedusistrue，anddefendedthecontinentatourexpenseaswellasherownisadmitted，andshewouldhavedefendedTurkeyfromthesamemotive，viz。thesakeoftradeanddominion。
Alas，wehavebeenlongledawaybyancientprejudices，andmadelargesacrificestosuperstition。WehaveboastedtheprotectionofGreatBritain，withoutconsidering，thathermotivewasINTERESTnotATTACHMENT；thatshedidnotprotectusfromOURENEMIESonOURACCOUNT，butfromHERENEMIESonHEROWNACCOUNT，fromthosewhohadnoquarrelwithusonanyOTHERACCOUNT，andwhowillalwaysbeourenemiesontheSAMEACCOUNT。
LetBritainwaveherpretensionstothecontinent，orthecontinentthrowoffthedependence，andweshouldbeatpeacewithFranceandSpainweretheyatwarwithBritain。
ThemiseriesofHanoverlastwaroughttowarnusagainstconnections。
Ithaslatelybeenassertedinparliament，thatthecolonieshavenorelationtoeachotherbutthroughtheparentcountry，i。e。thatPennsylvaniaandtheJerseys，andsoonfortherest，aresistercoloniesbythewayofEngland；thisiscertainlyaveryround-aboutwayofprovingrelationship，butitisthenearestandonlytruewayofprovingenemyship，ifImaysocallit。
FranceandSpainneverwere。norperhapseverwillbeourenemiesasAMERICANS，butasourbeingthesubjectsofGREATBRITAIN。
ButBritainistheparentcountry，saysome。Thenthemoreshameuponherconduct。Evenbrutesdonotdevourtheiryoung，norsavagesmakewarupontheirfamilies；whereforetheassertion，iftrue，turnstoherreproach；butithappensnottobetrue，oronlypartlysoandthephrasePARENTorMOTHERCOUNTRY
hathbeenjesuiticallyadoptedbythekingandhisparasites，withalowpapisticaldesignofgaininganunfairbiasonthecredulousweaknessofourminds。Europe，andnotEngland，istheparentcountryofAmerica。ThisnewworldhathbeentheasylumforthepersecutedloversofcivilandreligiouslibertyfromEVERYPART
ofEurope。Hitherhavetheyfled，notfromthetenderembracesofthemother，butfromthecrueltyofthemonster；anditissofartrueofEngland，thatthesametyrannywhichdrovethefirstemigrantsfromhome，pursuestheirdescendantsstill。
Inthisextensivequarteroftheglobe，weforgetthenarrowlimitsofthreehundredandsixtymiles（theextentofEngland）
andcarryourfriendshiponalargerscale；weclaimbrotherhoodwitheveryEuropeanChristian，andtriumphinthegenerosityofthesentiment。
Itispleasanttoobservebywhatregulargradationswesurmounttheforceoflocalprejudice，asweenlargeouracquaintancewiththeworld。AmanborninanytowninEnglanddividedintoparishes，willnaturallyassociatemostwithhisfellow-parishioners（becausetheirinterestsinmanycaseswillbecommon）anddistinguishhimbythenameofNEIGHBOUR；
ifhemeethimbutafewmilesfromhome，hedropsthenarrowideaofastreet，andsaluteshimbythenameofTOWNSMAN；ifhetraveloutofthecounty，andmeethiminanyother，heforgetstheminordivisionsofstreetandtown，andcallshimCOUNTRYMAN，i。e。COUNTRYMAN；
butifintheirforeignexcursionstheyshouldassociateinFranceoranyotherpartofEUROPE，theirlocalremembrancewouldbeenlargedintothatofENGLISHMEN。Andbyajustparityofreasoning，allEuropeansmeetinginAmerica，oranyotherquarteroftheglobe，areCOUNTRYMEN；forEngland，Holland，Germany，orSweden，whencomparedwiththewhole，standinthesameplacesonthelargerscale，whichthedivisionsofstreet，town，andcountydoonthesmallerones；
distinctionstoolimitedforcontinentalminds。Notonethirdoftheinhabitants，evenofthisprovince，areofEnglishdescent。
WhereforeIreprobatethephraseofparentormothercountryappliedtoEnglandonly，asbeingfalse，selfish，narrowandungenerous。
Butadmitting，thatwewereallofEnglishdescent，whatdoesitamountto？Nothing。Britain，beingnowanopenenemy，extinguisheseveryothernameandtitle：Andtosaythatreconciliationisourduty，istrulyfarcical。ThefirstkingofEngland，ofthepresentline（WilliamtheConqueror）
wasaFrenchman，andhalfthePeersofEnglandaredescendantsfromthesamecountry；therefore，bythesamemethodofreasoning，EnglandoughttobegovernedbyFrance。
MuchhathbeensaidoftheunitedstrengthofBritainandthecolonies，thatinconjunctiontheymightbiddefiancetotheworld。Butthisismerepresumption；thefateofwarisuncertain，neitherdotheexpressionsmeananything；forthiscontinentwouldneversufferitselftobedrainedofinhabitants，tosupporttheBritisharmsineitherAsia，Africa，orEurope。
Besideswhathavewetodowithsettingtheworldatdefiance？
Ourplaniscommerce，andthat，wellattendedto，willsecureusthepeaceandfriendshipofallEurope；because，itistheinterestofallEuropetohaveAmericaaFREEPORT。Hertradewillalwaysbeaprotection，andherbarrennessofgoldandsilversecureherfrominvaders。
Ichallengethewarmestadvocateforreconciliation，toshew，asingleadvantagethatthiscontinentcanreap，bybeingconnectedwithGreatBritain。Irepeatthechallenge，notasingleadvantageisderived。OurcornwillfetchitspriceinanymarketinEurope，andourimportedgoodsmustbepaidfor，buythemwherewewill。
Buttheinjuriesanddisadvantageswesustainbythatconnection，arewithoutnumber；andourdutytomankindatlarge，aswellastoourselves，instructustorenouncethealliance：
Because，anysubmissionto，ordependenceonGreatBritain，tendsdirectlytoinvolvethiscontinentinEuropeanwarsandquarrels；
andsetsusatvariancewithnations，whowouldotherwiseseekourfriendship，andagainstwhom，wehaveneitherangernorcomplaint。AsEuropeisourmarketfortrade，weoughttoformnopartialconnectionwithanypartofit。
ItisthetrueinterestofAmericatosteerclearofEuropeancontentions，whichshenevercando，whilebyherdependenceonBritain，sheismadethemake-weightinthescaleofBritishpolitics。
Europeistoothicklyplantedwithkingdomstobelongatpeace，andwheneverawarbreaksoutbetweenEnglandandanyforeignpower，thetradeofAmericagoestoruin，BECAUSEOFHERCONNECTIONWITHENGLAND。
Thenextwarmaynotturnoutlikethelast，andshoulditnot，theadvocatesforreconciliationnow，willbewishingforseparationthen，because，neutralityinthatcase，wouldbeasaferconvoythanamanofwar。
Everythingthatisrightornaturalpleadsforseparation。Thebloodoftheslain，theweepingvoiceofnaturecries，’TISTIMETOPART。
EventhedistanceatwhichtheAlmightyhathplacedEnglandandAmerica，isastrongandnaturalproof，thattheauthorityoftheone，overtheother，wasneverthedesignofHeaven。Thetimelikewiseatwhichthecontinentwasdiscovered，addsweighttotheargument，andthemannerinwhichitwaspeopledincreasestheforceofit。ThereformationwasprecededbythediscoveryofAmerica，asiftheAlmightygraciouslymeanttoopenasanctuarytothePersecutedinfutureyears，whenhomeshouldaffordneitherfriendshipnorsafety。
TheauthorityofGreatBritainoverthiscontinent，isaformofgovernment，whichsoonerorlatermusthaveanend：
Andaseriousmindcandrawnotruepleasurebylookingforwardunderthepainfulandpositiveconviction，thatwhathecalls\"thepresentconstitution\"ismerelytemporary。Asparents，wecanhavenojoy，knowingthatTHISGOVERNMENTisnotsufficientlylastingtoensureanythingwhichwemaybequeathtoposterity：
Andbyaplainmethodofargument，aswearerunningthenextgenerationintodebt，weoughttodotheworkofit，otherwiseweusethemmeanlyandpitifully。Inordertodiscoverthelineofourdutyrightly，weshouldtakeourchildreninourhand，andfixourstationafewyearsfartherintolife；thateminencewillpresentaprospect，whichafewpresentfearsandprejudicesconcealfromoursight。
ThoughIwouldcarefullyavoidgivingunnecessaryoffense，yetIaminclinedtobelieve，thatallthosewhoespousethedoctrineofreconciliation，maybeincludedwithinthefollowingdescriptions。
Interestedmen，whoarenottobetrusted；weakmen，whoCANNOTsee；
prejudicedmen，whoWILLNOTsee；andacertainsetofmoderatemen，whothinkbetteroftheEuropeanworldthanitdeserves；
andthislastclass，byanill-judgeddeliberation，willbethecauseofmorecalamitiestothiscontinent，thanalltheotherthree。
Itisthegoodfortuneofmanytolivedistantfromthesceneofsorrow；
theevilisnotsufficientbroughttotheirdoorstomakeTHEM
feeltheprecariousnesswithwhichallAmericanpropertyispossessed。
ButletourimaginationstransportusfarafewmomentstoBoston，thatseatofwretchednesswillteachuswisdom，andinstructusforevertorenounceapowerinwhomwecanhavenotrust。
Theinhabitantsofthatunfortunatecity，whobutafewmonthsagowereineaseandaffluence，havenow，nootheralternativethantostayandstarve，orturnandbeg。Endangeredbythefireoftheirfriendsiftheycontinuewithinthecity，andplunderedbythesoldieryiftheyleaveit。Intheirpresentconditiontheyareprisonerswithoutthehopeofredemption，andinageneralattackfortheirrelief，theywouldbeexposedtothefuryofbotharmies。
MenofpassivetemperslooksomewhatlightlyovertheoffensesofBritain，and，stillhopingforthebest，areapttocallout，\"COME，COME，WESHALLBEFRIENDSAGAIN，FORALLTHIS。\"
Butexaminethepassionsandfeelingsofmankind，Bringthedoctrineofreconciliationtothetouchstoneofnature，andthentellme，whetheryoucanhereafterlove，honor，andfaithfullyservethepowerthathathcarriedfireandswordintoyourland？Ifyoncannotdoallthese，thenareyouonlydeceivingyourselves，andbyyourdelaybringingruinuponposterity。YourfutureconnectionwithBritain，whomyoucanneitherlovenorhonorwillbeforcedandunnatural，andbeingformedonlyontheplanofpresentconvenience，willinalittletimefallintoarelapsemorewretchedthanthefirst。
Butifyousay，youcanstillpasstheviolationsover，thenIask，Hathyourhousebeenburnt？Hathyourpropertybeendestroyedbeforeyourface！Areyourwifeandchildrendestituteofabedtolieon，orbreadtoliveon？Haveyoulostaparentorachildbytheirhands，andyourselftheruinedandwretchedsurvivor！Ifyouhavenot，thenareyounotajudgeofthosewhohave。Butifyouhave，andstillcanshakehandswiththemurderers，thenareyouunworthythenameofhusband，father，friend，orlover，andwhatevermaybeyourrankortitleinlife，youhavetheheartofacoward，andthespiritofasycophant。
Thisisnotinflamingorexaggeratingmatters，buttryingthembythosefeelingsandaffectionswhichnaturejustifies，andwithoutwhich，weshouldbeincapableofdischargingthesocialdutiesoflife，orenjoyingthefelicitiesofit。
Imeannottoexhibithorrorforthepurposeofprovokingrevenge，buttoawakenusfromfatalandunmanlyslumbers，thatwemaypursuedeterminatelysomefixedobject。ItisnotinthepowerofBritainorofEuropetoconquerAmerica，ifshedonotconquerherselfbyDELAYandTIMIDITY。Thepresentwinterisworthanageifrightlyemployed，butiflostorneglected，thewholecontinentwillpartakeofthemisfortune；
andthereisnopunishmentwhichthatmanwillnotdeserve，behewho，orwhat，orwherehewill，thatmaybethemeansofsacrificingaseasonsopreciousanduseful。
Itisrepugnanttoreason，totheuniversalorderofthings，toallexamplesfromformerages，tosuppose，thatthiscontinentcanlongerremainsubjecttoanyexternalpower。
ThemostsanguineinBritaindoesnotthinkso。Theutmoststretchofhumanwisdomcannot，atthistime，compassaplanshortofseparation，whichcanpromisethecontinentevenayear’ssecurity。ReconciliationisNOWafallaciousdream。
Naturehathdesertedtheconnection，andArtcannotsupplyherplace。For，asMiltonwiselyexpresses，\"nevercantruereconcilementgrow，wherewoundsofdeadlyhatehavepiercedsodeep。\"
Everyquietmethodforpeacehathbeenineffectual。Ourprayershavebeenrejectedwithdisdain；andonlytendedtoconvinceus，thatnothingBattersvanity，orconfirmsobstinacyinKingsmorethanrepeatedpetitioning-andnothinghathcontributedmorethanthatverymeasuretomaketheKingsofEuropeabsolute：
WitnessDenmarkandSweden。Wherefore，sincenothingbutblowswilldo，forGod’ssake，letuscometoafinalseparation，andnotleavethenextgenerationtobecuttingthroats，undertheviolatedunmeaningnamesofparentandchild。
Tosay，theywillneverattemptitagainisidleandvisionary，wethoughtsoattherepealofthestamp-act，yetayearortwoundeceivedus；aswellmaywesupposethatnations，whichhavebeenoncedefeated，willneverrenewthequarrel。
Astogovernmentmatters，itisnotinthepowerofBritaintodothiscontinentjustice：Thebusinessofitwillsoonbetooweighty，andintricate，tobemanagedwithanytolerabledegreeofconvenience，byapowersodistantfromus，andsoveryignorantofus；foriftheycannotconquerus，theycannotgovernus。Tobealwaysrunningthreeorfourthousandmileswithataleorapetition，waitingfourorfivemonthsforananswer，whichwhenobtainedrequiresfiveorsixmoretoexplainitin，willinafewyearsbelookeduponasfollyandchildishness——Therewasatimewhenitwasproper，andthereisapropertimeforittocease。
Smallislandsnotcapableofprotectingthemselves，aretheproperobjectsforkingdomstotakeundertheircare；
butthereissomethingveryabsurd，insupposingacontinenttobeperpetuallygovernedbyanisland。Innoinstancehathnaturemadethesatellitelargerthanitsprimaryplanet，andasEnglandandAmerica，withrespecttoeachother，reversesthecommonorderofnature，itisevidenttheybelongtodifferentsystems；EnglandtoEurope，Americatoitself。
Iamnotinducedbymotivesofpride，party，orresentmenttoespousethedoctrineofseparationandindependance；
Iamclearly，positively，andconscientiouslypersuadedthatitisthetrueinterestofthiscontinenttobeso；
thateverythingshortofTHATismerepatchwork，thatitcanaffordnolastingfelicity，——thatitisleavingtheswordtoourchildren，andshrinkingbackatatime，when，alittlemore，alittlefarther，wouldhaverenderedthiscontinentthegloryoftheearth。
AsBritainhathnotmanifestedtheleastinclinationtowardsacompromise，wemaybeassuredthatnotermscanbeobtainedworthytheacceptanceofthecontinent，oranywaysequaltotheexpenseofbloodandtreasurewehavebeenalreadyputto。
Theobject，contendedfor，oughtalwaystobearsomejustproportiontotheexpense。TheremovalofNorth，orthewholedetestablejunto，isamatterunworthythemillionswehaveexpended。Atemporarystoppageoftrade，wasaninconvenience，whichwouldhavesufficientlybalancedtherepealofalltheactscomplainedof，hadsuchrepealsbeenobtained；
hutifthewholecontinentmusttakeuparms，ifeverymanmustbeasoldier，itisscarcelyworthourwhiletofightagainstacontemptibleministryonly。
Dearly，dearly，dowepayfortherepealoftheacts，ifthatisallwefightfor；forinajustestimation，itisasgreatafollytopayaBunker-hillpriceforlaw，asforland。AsIhavealwaysconsideredtheindependancyofthiscontinent，asanevent，whichsoonerorlatermustarrive，sofromthelaterapidprogressofthecontinenttomaturity，theeventcouldnotbefaroff。Wherefore，onthebreakingoutofhostilities，itwasnotworthwhiletohavedisputedamatter，whichtimewouldhavefinallyredressed，unlesswemeanttobeinearnest；otherwise，itislikewastinganestateonasuitatlaw，toregulatethetrespassesofatenant，whoseleaseisjustexpiring。Nomanwasawarmerwisherforreconciliationthanmyself，beforethefatalnineteenthofApril1775，butthemomenttheeventofthatdaywasmadeknown，Irejectedthehardened，sullentemperedPharaohofEnglandforever；anddisdainthewretch，thatwiththepretendedtitleofFATHEROFHISPEOPLEcanunfeelinglyhearoftheirslaughter，andcomposedlysleepwiththeirblooduponhissoul。
Butadmittingthatmatterswerenowmadeup，whatwouldbetheevent？
Ianswer，theruinofthecontinent。Andthatforseveralreasons。
FIRST。Thepowersofgoverningstillremaininginthehandsoftheking，hewillhaveanegativeoverthewholelegislationofthiscontinent。Andashehathshewnhimselfsuchaninveterateenemytoliberty。anddiscoveredsuchathirstforarbitrarypower；ishe，orishenot，apropermantosaytothesecolonies，\"YOUSHALLMAKENOLAWSBUTWHATIPLEASE。’
AndisthereanyinhabitantinAmericasoignorantasnottoknow，thataccordingtowhatiscalledthePRESENTCONSTITUTION，thatthiscontinentcanmakenolawsbutwhatthekinggivesleaveto；
andisthereanymansounwise，asnottosee，that（consideringwhathashappened）hewillsuffernolawtobemadehere，butsuchassuitHISpurpose。WemaybeaseffectuallyenslavedbythewantoflawsinAmerica，asbysubmittingtolawsmadeforusinEngland。
Aftermattersaremadeup（asitiscalled）cantherebeanydoubt，butthewholepowerofthecrownwillbeexerted，tokeepthiscontinentaslowandhumbleaspossible？Insteadofgoingforwardweshallgobackward，orbeperpetuallyquarrellingorridiculouslypetitioning。
——WEarealreadygreaterthanthekingwishesustobe，andwillhenothereafterendeavourtomakeusless？Tobringthemattertoonepoint。
Isthepowerwhoisjealousofourprosperity，aproperpowertogovernus？
WhoeversaysNotothisquestion，isanINDEPENDANT，forindependancymeansnomore，than，whetherweshallmakeourownlaws，orwhethertheking，thegreatestenemythiscontinenthath，orcanhave，shalltellus\"THERESHALLBENOLAWSBUTSUCHASILIKE。\"
ButthekingyouwillsayhasanegativeinEngland；thepeopletherecanmakenolawswithouthisconsent。Inpointofrightandgoodorder，thereissomethingveryridiculous，thatayouthoftwenty-one（whichhathoftenhappened）shallsaytoseveralmillionsofpeople，olderandwiserthanhimself，Iforbidthisorthatactofyourstobelaw。
ButinthisplaceIdeclinethissortofreply，thoughIwillneverceasetoexposetheabsurdityofit，andonlyanswer，thatEnglandbeingtheKing’sresidence，andAmericanotso，makesquiteanothercase。Theking’snegativeHEREistentimesmoredangerousandfatalthanitcanbeinEngland，forTHEREhewillscarcelyrefusehisconsenttoabillforputtingEnglandintoasstrongastateofdefenseaspossible，andinAmericahewouldneversuffersuchabilltobepassed。
AmericaisonlyasecondaryobjectinthesystemofBritishpolitics，EnglandconsultsthegoodofTHIScountry，nofartherthanitanswersherOWNpurpose。Wherefore，herowninterestleadshertosuppressthegrowthofOURSineverycasewhichdothnotpromoteheradvantage，orintheleastinterfereswithit。Aprettystateweshouldsoonbeinundersuchasecondhandgovernment，consideringwhathashappened！
Mendonotchangefromenemiestofriendsbythealterationofaname：
Andinordertoshewthatreconciliationnowisadangerousdoctrine，Iaffirm，THATITWOULDBEPOLICYINTHEKINGATTHISTIME，TOREPEAL
THEACTSFORTHESAKEOFREINSTATINGHIMSELFINTHEGOVERNMENT
OFTHEPROVINCES；inorder，thatHEMAYACCOMPLISHBYCRAFTANDSUBTLETY，INTHELONGRUN，WHATHECANNOTDOBYFORCEANDVIOLENCEINTHESHORTONE。
Reconciliationandruinarenearlyrelated。
SECONDLY。Thataseventhebestterms，whichwecanexpecttoobtain，canamounttonomorethanatemporaryexpedient，orakindofgovernmentbyguardianship，whichcanlastnolongerthantillthecoloniescomeofage，sothegeneralfaceandstateofthings，intheinterim，willbeunsettledandunpromising。Emigrantsofpropertywillnotchoosetocometoacountrywhoseformofgovernmenthangsbutbyathread，andwhoiseverydaytotteringonthebrinkofcommotionanddisturbance；andnumbersofthepresentinhabitantswouldlayholdoftheinterval，todispenseoftheireffects，andquitthecontinent。
Butthemostpowerfulofallarguments，is，thatnothingbutindependence，i。e。acontinentalformofgovernment，cankeepthepeaceofthecontinentandpreserveitinviolatefromcivilwars。IdreadtheeventofareconciliationwithBritainnow，asitismorethanprobable，thatitwillbefollowedbyarevoltsomewhereorother，theconsequencesofwhichmaybefarmorefatalthanallthemaliceofBritain。
ThousandsarealreadyruinedbyBritishbarbarity；（thousandsmorewillprobablysufferthesamefate）Thosemenhaveotherfeelingsthanuswhohavenothingsuffered。AlltheyNOWpossessisliberty，whattheybeforeenjoyedissacrificedtoitsservice，andhavingnothingmoretolose，theydisdainsubmission。Besides，thegeneraltemperofthecolonies，towardsaBritishgovernment，willbelikethatofayouth，whoisnearlyoutofhistime；theywillcareverylittleabouther。
Andagovernmentwhichcannotpreservethepeace，isnogovernmentatall，andinthatcasewepayourmoneyfornothing；andpraywhatisitthatBritaincando，whosepowerwillhewhollyonpaper。shouldaciviltumultbreakouttheverydayafterreconciliation！Ihaveheardsomemensay，manyofwhomIbelievespokewithoutthinking，thattheydreadedanindependence，fearingthatitwouldproducecivilwars。
Itisbutseldomthatourfirstthoughtsaretrulycorrect，andthatisthecasehere；fortherearetentimesmoretodreadfromapatchedupconnectionthanfromindependence。Imakethesuffererscasemyown，andIprotest，thatwereIdrivenfromhouseandhome，mypropertydestroyed，andmycircumstancesruined，thatasman，sensibleofinjuries，Icouldneverrelishthedoctrineofreconciliation，orconsidermyselfboundthereby。
Thecolonieshavemanifestedsuchaspiritofgoodorderandobediencetocontinentalgovernment，asissufficienttomakeeveryreasonablepersoneasyandhappyonthathead。Nomancanassigntheleastpretenceforhisfears，onanyothergrounds，thansuchasaretrulychildishandridiculous，viz。thatonecolonywillbestrivingforsuperiorityoveranother。
Wheretherearenodistinctionstherecanbenosuperiority，perfectequalityaffordsnotemptation。TherepublicsofEuropeareall（andwemaysayalways）inpeace。HollandandSwitzerlandarewithoutwars，foreignordomestic：Monarchicalgovernments，itistrue，areneverlongatrest；thecrownitselfisatemptationtoenterprisingruffiansatHOME；andthatdegreeofprideandinsolenceeverattendantonregalauthority，swellsintoarupturewithforeignpowers，ininstances，wherearepublicangovernment，bybeingformedonmorenaturalprinciples，wouldnegotiatethemistake。
Ifthereisanytruecauseoffearrespectingindependence，itisbecausenoplanisyetlaiddown。Mendonotseetheirwayout——
Wherefore，asanopeningintothatbusiness，Iofferthefollowinghints；
atthesametimemodestlyaffirming，thatIhavenootheropinionofthemmyself，thanthattheymaybethemeansofgivingrisetosomethingbetter。Couldthestragglingthoughtsofindividualsbecollected，theywouldfrequentlyformmaterialsforwiseandablementoimproveintousefulmatter。
LETtheassembliesbeannual，withaPresidentonly。
Therepresentationmoreequal。Theirbusinesswhollydomestic，andsubjecttotheauthorityofaContinentalCongress。
Leteachcolonybedividedintosix，eight，orten，convenientdistricts，eachdistricttosendapropernumberofdelegatestoCongress，sothateachcolonysendatleastthirty。ThewholenumberinCongresswillbeatleast390。EachCongresstositandtochooseapresidentbythefollowingmethod。Whenthedelegatesaremet，letacolonybetakenfromthewholethirteencoloniesbylot，afterwhich，letthewholeCongresschoose（byballot）apresidentfromoutofthedelegatesofthatprovince。
InthenextCongress，letacolonybetakenbylotfromtwelveonly，omittingthatcolonyfromwhichthepresidentwastakenintheformerCongress，andsoproceedingontillthewholethirteenshallhavehadtheirproperrotation。
AndinorderthatnothingmaypassintoalawbutwhatissatisfactorilyjustnotlessthanthreefifthsoftheCongresstobecalledamajority——
Hethatwillpromotediscord，underagovernmentsoequallyformedasthis，wouldhavejoinedLuciferinhisrevolt。
Butasthereisapeculiardelicacy，fromwhom，orinwhatmanner，thisbusinessmustfirstarise，andasitseemsmostagreeableandconsistent，thatitshouldcomefromsomeintermediatebodybetweenthegovernedandthegovernors，thatis，betweentheCongressandthepeople。letaCONTINENTALCONFERENCEbeheld，inthefollowingmanner，andforthefollowingpurpose。
Acommitteeoftwenty-sixmembersofCongress，viz。twoforeachcolony。
TwoMembersfromeachHouseofAssembly，orProvincialConvention；
andfiverepresentativesofthepeopleatlarge，tobechoseninthecapitalcityortownofeachprovince，forandinbehalfofthewholeprovince，byasmanyqualifiedvotersasshallthinkpropertoattendfromallpartsoftheprovinceforthatpurpose；or，ifmoreconvenient，therepresentativesmaybechosenintwoorthreeofthemostpopulouspartsthereof。Inthisconference，thusassembled，willbeunited，thetwograndprinciplesofbusinessKNOWLEDGEandPOWER。ThemembersofCongress，Assemblies，orConventions，byhavinghadexperienceinnationalconcerns，willbeableandusefulcounsellors，andthewhole，beingempoweredbythepeople，willhaveatrulylegalauthority。
Theconferringmembersbeingmet，lettheirbusinessbetoframeaCONTINENTALCHARTER，OrCharteroftheUnitedColonies；
（answeringtowhatiscalledtheMagnaCartaofEngland）fixingthenumberandmannerofchoosingmembersofCongress，membersofAssembly，withtheirdateofsitting，anddrawingthelineofbusinessandjurisdictionbetweenthem：（Alwaysremembering，thatourstrengthiscontinental，notprovincial：）Securingfreedomandpropertytoallmen，andaboveallthings，thefreeexerciseofreligion，accordingtothedictatesofconscience；withsuchothermatterasisnecessaryforachartertocontain。Immediatelyafterwhich，thesaidConferencetodissolve，andthebodieswhichshallbechosencomformabletothesaidcharter，tobethelegislatorsandgovernorsofthiscontinentforthetimebeing：
WhosepeaceandhappinessmayGodpreserve，Amen。
Shouldanybodyofmenbehereafterdelegatedforthisorsomesimilarpurpose，IofferthemthefollowingextractsorthatwiseobserverongovernmentsDRAGONETTI。
\"Thescience\"sayshe\"ofthepoliticianconsistsinfixingthetruepointofhappinessandfreedom。
Thosemenwoulddeservethegratitudeofages，whoshoulddiscoveramodeofgovernmentthatcontainedthegreatestsumofindividualhappiness，withtheleastnationalexpense。[Dragonettionvirtueandrewards]
Butwhere，sayssome，istheKingofAmerica？I’lltellyou。
Friend，hereignsabove，anddothnotmakehavocofmankindliketheRoyalBruteofBritain。Yetthatwemaynotappeartobedefectiveeveninearthlyhonors，letadaybesolemnlysetapartforproclaimingthecharter；letitbebroughtforthplacedonthedivinelaw，thewordofGod；letacrownbeplacedthereon，bywhichtheworldmayknow，thatsofarweapproveofmonarchy，thatinAmericaTHELAWISKING。ForasinabsolutegovernmentstheKingislaw，soinfreecountriesthelawOUGHTtobeKing；
andthereoughttobenoother。Butlestanyilluseshouldafterwardsarise，letthecrownattheconclusionoftheceremony，bedemolished，andscatteredamongthepeoplewhoserightitis。
Agovernmentofourownisournaturalright：Andwhenamanseriouslyreactsontheprecariousnessofhumanaffairs，hewillbecomeconvinced，thatitisinfinitelywiserandsafer，toformaconstitutionofourowninacooldeliberatemanner，whilewehaveitinourpower，thantotrustsuchaninterestingeventtotimeandchance。
Ifweomititnow，some[ThomasAnellootherwiseMassanelloafishermanofNaples，whoafterspiritinguphiscountrymeninthepublicmarketplace，againsttheoppressionsoftheSpaniards，towhomtheplacewasthensubjectpromptedthemtorevolt，andinthespaceofadaybecameking。]Massanellomayhereafterarise，wholayingholdofpopulardisquietudes，maycollecttogetherthedesperateandthediscontented，andbyassumingtothemselvesthepowersofgovernment，maysweepawaythelibertiesofthecontinentlikeadeluge。ShouldthegovernmentofAmericareturnagainintothehandsofBritain，thetotteringsituationofthingswillbeatemptationforsomedesperateadventurertotryhisfortune；andinsuchacase，thatreliefcanBritaingive？
Ereshecouldhearthenews，thefatalbusinessmightbedone；
andourselvessufferinglikethewretchedBritonsundertheoppressionoftheConqueror。Yethatopposeindependencenow，yeknownotwhatyedo；yeareopeningadoortoeternaltyranny，bykeepingvacanttheseatofgovernment。Therearethousands，andtensofthousands，whowouldthinkitglorioustoexpelfromthecontinentthatbarbarousandhellishpower，whichhathstirreduptheIndiansandNegroestodestroyus；
thecrueltyhathadoubleguilt，itisdealingbrutallybyus，andtreacherouslybythem。
Totalkoffriendshipwiththoseinwhomourreasonforbidsustohavefaith，andouraffectionswoundedthroughathousandporesinstructustodetest，ismadnessandfolly。Everydaywearsoutthelittleremainsofkindredbetweenusandthem，andcantherebeanyreasontohope，thatastherelationshipexpires，theaffectionwillincrease，orthatweshallagreebetter，whenwehavetentimesmoreandgreaterconcernstoquarreloverthanever？
Yethattellusofharmonyandreconciliation，canyerestoretousthetimethatispast？Canyegivetoprostitutionitsformerinnocence？
NeithercanyereconcileBritainandAmerica。Thelastcordnowisbroken，thepeopleofEnglandarepresentingaddressesagainstus。
Thereareinjurieswhichnaturecannotforgive；shewouldceasetobenatureifshedid。Aswellcantheloverforgivetheravisherofhismistress，asthecontinentforgivethemurdersofBritain。TheAlmightyhathimplantedinustheseunextinguishablefeelingsforgoodandwisepurposes。
Theyaretheguardiansofhisimageinourhearts。Theydistinguishusfromtheherdofcommonanimals。Thesocialcompactwoulddissolve，andjusticebeextirpatedtheearth，orhaveonlyacasualexistencewerewecalloustothetouchesofaffection。Therobber，andthemurderer，wouldoftenescapeunpunished，didnottheinjurieswhichourtemperssustain，provokeusintojustice。
Oyethatlovemankind！Yethatdareoppose，notonlythetyranny，butthetyrant，standforth！Everyspotoftheoldworldisoverrunwithoppression。Freedomhathbeenhuntedroundtheglobe。Asia，andAfrica，havelongexpelledher——Europeregardsherlikeastranger，andEnglandhathgivenherwarningtodepart。O！receivethefugitive，andprepareintimeanasylumformankind。
OFTHEPRESENT_ABILITY_OF_AMERICA_，WITHSOMEMISCELLANEOUS_REFLECTIONS_
Ihavenevermetwithaman，eitherinEnglandorAmerica，whohathnotconfessedhisopinionthataseparationbetweenthecountries，wouldtakeplaceonetimeorother：Andthereisnoinstance，inwhichwehaveshewnlessjudgement，thaninendeavouringtodescribe，whatwecalltheripenessorfitnessoftheContinentforindependence。
Asallmenallowthemeasure，andvaryonlyintheiropinionofthetime，letus，inordertoremovemistakes，takeageneralsurveyofthings，andendeavour，ifpossible，tofindouttheVERYtime。Butweneednotgofar，theinquiryceasesatonce，for，theTIMEHATHFOUNDUS。
Thegeneralconcurrence，thegloriousunionofallthingsprovethefact。
Itisnotinnumbers，butinunity，thatourgreatstrengthlies；
yetourpresentnumbersaresufficienttorepeltheforceofalltheworld。
TheContinenthath，atthistime，thelargestbodyofarmedanddisciplinedmenofanypowerunderHeaven；andisjustarrivedatthatpitchofstrength，inwhichnosinglecolonyisabletosupportitself，andthewhole，whenunited，canaccomplishthematter，andeithermore，or，lessthanthis，mightbefatalinitseffects。Ourlandforceisalreadysufficient，andastonavalaffairs，wecannotbeinsensible，thatBritainwouldneversufferanAmericanmanofwartobebuilt，whilethecontinentremainedinherhands。Wherefore，weshouldbenoforwarderanhundredyearshenceinthatbranch，thanwearenow；
butthetruthis，weshouldbelessso，becausethetimberofthecountryiseverydaydiminishing，andthat，whichwillremainatlast，willbefaroffanddifficulttoprocure。
Werethecontinentcrowdedwithinhabitants，hersufferingsunderthepresentcircumstanceswouldbeintolerable。Themoreseaporttownswehad，themoreshouldwehavebothtodefendandtolose。Ourpresentnumbersaresohappilyproportionedtoourwants，thatnomanneedbeidle。
Thediminutionoftradeaffordsanarmy，andthenecessitiesofanarmycreateanewtrade。
Debtswehavenone；andwhateverwemaycontractonthisaccountwillserveasagloriousmementoofourvirtue。Canwebutleaveposteritywithasettledformofgovernment，anindependentconstitutionofitsown，thepurchaseatanypricewillbecheap。Buttoexpendmillionsforthesakeofgettingafewvileactsrepealed，androutingthepresentministryonly，isunworthythecharge，andisusingposteritywiththeutmostcruelty；
becauseitisleavingthemthegreatworktodo，andadebtupontheirbacks，fromwhichtheyderivenoadvantage。Suchathoughtisunworthyofamanofhonor，andisthetruecharacteristicofanarrowheartandapeddlingpolitician。
Thedebtwemaycontractdothnotdeserveourregard，iftheworkbebutaccomplished。Nonationoughttobewithoutadebt。
Anationaldebtisanationalbond；andwhenitbearsnointerest，isinnocaseagrievance。Britainisoppressedwithadebtofupwardsofonehundredandfortymillionssterling，forwhichshepaysupwardsoffourmillionsinterest。Andasacompensationforherdebt，shehasalargenavy；Americaiswithoutadebt，andwithoutanavy；
yetforthetwentiethpartoftheEnglishnationaldebt，couldhaveanavyaslargeagain。ThenavyofEnglandisnotworth，atthistime，morethanthreemillionsandanhalfsterling。
Thefirstandsecondeditionsofthispamphletwerepublishedwithoutthefollowingcalculations，whicharenowgivenasaproofthattheaboveestimationofthenavyisjust。
[SeeEntic’snavalhistory，intro。page56。]
Thechargeofbuildingashipofeachrate，andfurnishingherwithmasts，yards，sailsandrigging，togetherwithaproportionofeightmonthsboatswain’sandcarpenter’sseastores，ascalculatedbyMr。Burchett，Secretarytothenavy。
[poundsSterling]
Forashipofa100guns-35，553
90——29，886
80——23，638
70——17，795
60——14，197
50——10，606
40——7，558
30——5，846
20——3，710
Andfromhenceitiseasytosumupthevalue，orcostrather，ofthewholeBritishnavy，whichintheyear1757，whenitwasatitsgreatestgloryconsistedofthefollowingshipsandguns：
Ships。Guns。Costofone。Costofall6-100-35，553-213，318
12-90-29，886-358，632
12-80-23，638-283，656
43-70-17，785-764，755
35-60-14，197-496，895
40-50-10，606-424，240
45-40-7，558-340，110
58-20-3，710-215，180
85Sloops，bombs，andfireships，one2，000170，000
withanother，_________
Cost3，266，786
Remainsforguns，_________233，214
_________
3，500，000
Nocountryontheglobeissohappilysituated，orsointernallycapableofraisingafleetasAmerica。Tar，timber，iron，andcordagearehernaturalproduce。Weneedgoabroadfornothing。WhereastheDutch，whomakelargeprofitsbyhiringouttheirshipsofwartotheSpaniardsandPortuguese，areobligedtoimportmostoftheirmaterialstheyuse。
Weoughttoviewthebuildingafleetasanarticleofcommerce，itbeingthenaturalmanufactoryofthiscountry。Itisthebestmoneywecanlayout。
Anavywhenfinishedisworthmorethanitcost。Andisthatnicepointinnationalpolicy，inwhichcommerceandprotectionareunited。Letusbuild；
ifwewantthemnot，wecansell；andbythatmeansreplaceourpapercurrencywithreadygoldandsilver。
Inpointofmanningafleet，peopleingeneralrunintogreaterrors；
itisnotnecessarythatonefourthpartshouldhesailors。
TheTerribleprivateer，CaptainDeath，stoodthehottestengagementofanyshiplastwar，yethadnottwentysailorsonboard，thoughhercomplementofmenwasupwardsoftwohundred。
Afewableandsocialsailorswillsooninstructasufficientnumberofactivelandmeninthecommonworkofaship。Wherefore，wenevercanbemorecapabletobeginonmaritimemattersthannow，whileourtimberisstanding，ourfisheriesblockedup，andoursailorsandshipwrightsoutofemploy。MenofwarofseventyandeightygunswerebuiltfortyyearsagoinNew-England，andwhynotthesamenow？Ship-buildingisAmerica’sgreatestpride，andinwhichshewillintimeexcelthewholeworld。
Thegreatempiresoftheeastaremostlyinland，andconsequentlyexcludedfromthepossibilityofrivallingher。
Africaisinastateofbarbarism；andnopowerinEuropehatheithersuchanextentofcoast，orsuchaninternalsupplyofmaterials。
Wherenaturehathgiventheone，shehaswithheldtheother；
toAmericaonlyhathshebeenliberalofboth。ThevastempireofRussiaisalmostshutoutfromthesea：wherefore，herboundlessforests，hertar，iron，andcordageareonlyarticlesofcommerce。
Inpointofsafety，oughtwetobewithoutafleet？Wearenotthelittlepeoplenow，whichweweresixtyyearsago；atthattimewemighthavetrustedourpropertyinthestreets，orfieldsrather；andsleptsecurelywithoutlocksorboltstoourdoorsorwindows。Thecasenowisaltered，andourmethodsofdefenseoughttoimprovewithourincreaseofproperty。Acommonpirate，twelvemonthsago，mighthavecomeuptheDelaware，andlaidthecityofPhiladelphiaunderinstantcontribution，forwhatsumhepleased；andthesamemighthavehappenedtootherplaces。
Nay，anydaringfellow，inabrigoffourteenorsixteengunsmighthaverobbedthewholecontinent，andcarriedoffhalfamillionofmoney。
Thesearecircumstanceswhichdemandourattention，andpointoutthenecessityofnavalprotection。
Some，perhaps，willsay，thatafterwehavemadeitupBritain，shewillprotectus。Canwebesounwiseastomean，thatsheshallkeepanavyinourharboursforthatpurpose？
Commonsensewilltellus，thatthepowerwhichhathendeavouredtosubdueus，isofallothersthemostimpropertodefendus。
Conquestmaybeeffectedunderthepretenceoffriendship；
andourselvesafteralongandbraveresistance，beatlastcheatedintoslavery。Andifhershipsarenottobeadmittedintoourharbours，Iwouldask，howisshetoprotectus？Anavythreeorfourthousandmilesoffcanbeoflittleuse，andonsuddenemergencies，noneatall。
Wherefore，ifwemusthereafterprotectourselves，whynotdoitforourselves？
TheEnglishlistofshipsofwar，islongandformidable，butnotatenthpartofthemareatanyonetimefitforservice，numbersofthemnotinbeing；yettheirnamesarepompouslycontinuedinthelist，fonlyaplankbeleftoftheship：andnotafifthpartofsuchasarefitforservice，canbesparedonanyonestationatonetime。
TheEastandWestIndies，Mediterranean，Africa，andotherpartsoverwhichBritainextendsherclaim，makelargedemandsuponhernavy。