miliation and slavery. Such an enterprize
would
doubtless make some addition to your national
debt, which already presses down your liberties,
and fills you with Pensioners and Placemen --
We presume, also, that your commerce will
somewhat be diminished. However, suppose
you should prove victorious -- in what condi-
tion will you then be? What advantages or
what laurels will you reap from such a conquest?
MAY not a Ministry with the same armies in-
slave you -- it may be said, you will cease to pay
them -- but remember the taxes from
America,
the wealth, and we may add, the men, and
particularly the Roman Catholics of this vast
continent will then be in the power of your ene-
mies -- nor will you have any reason to expect,
that after making slaves of us, many among us
should refuse to assist in reducing you to the
same abject state.
DO not treat this as chimerical -- Know that
in less than half a century, the quit-rents re-
served to the Crown, from the numberless
grants of this vast continent, will pour large
streams of wealth into the royal coffers, and if
to this be added the power of taxing
America
at pleasure, the Crown will be rendered inde-
pendent on you for supplies, and will possess
more treasure than may be necessary to pur-
chase the remains of Liberty in your Island. --
In a word, take care that you do not fall into
the pit that is preparing for us.