therefore content myself with mentioning only three things
more. First, it would be extremely hurtful to the commerce
of Great-Britian to drive us to the necessity of laying a regular
foundation for manufactories of our own; which, if once estab-
lished, could not easily, if at all, be undermined, or abolished.
Secondly, it would be very expensive to the nation to maintain
a fleet for the purpose of blocking up our ports, and destroying
our trade: nor could she interrupt our intercourse with foreign
climes without, at the same time, retrenching her own reve-
nues; for she must then lose the duties and customs upon the
articles we are wont to export to, and import from them. --
Added to this, it would not be prudent to risk the displeasure of
those nations, to whom our trade is useful and beneficial. And
lastly, a perseverance in ill-treatment would naturally beget
such deep-rooted animosities in America, as might never be
eradicated; and which might operate to the prejudice of the
empire to the latest period.

Thus have I clearly proved, that the plan of opposition con-
certed by our congress is perfectly consonant with justice and
sound policy; and will, in all human probability, secure our
freedom against the assaults of our enemies.

But, after all, it may be demanded why they have adopted
a non-exportation; seeing many arguments tend to shew that a
non-importation alone would accomplish the end desired?

I answer, that the continuance of our exports is the only
thing which could lessen, or retard the efficacy of a non-im-
portation. It is not indeed probable it should do that to any
great degree ; but it was adviseable to provide against every
possible obstruction. Besides this, the prospect of its taking
place, and of the evils attendant upon it, will be a prevailing
motive with the ministry to abandon their malignant schemes
putting ourselves to any inconveniencies, sooner than be the
victims of their lawless ambitions.

The execution of this measure has been wisely deferred to a
future time, because we have the greatest reason to think affairs
will be settled without it, and because its consequences would
be too fatal to be justified by any thing but absolute necessity.
This necessity there will be, should not our disputes terminate be-
fore the time allotted for its commencement.