realm the destructive measures already ope-
rating against the colonists; and in either case,
shall reduce the latter to such a situation,
that they shall be compelled to renounce eve-
ry regard, but that of self-preservation. Not-
withstanding the vehemence with which af-
fairs have been impelled, they have not yet
reached that fatal point. We do not incline
to accelerate their motion, already alarmingly
rapid; we have chosen a method of opposi-
tion, that does not preclude a hearty recon-
ciliation with our fellow-citizens on the other
side of the Atlantic. We deeply deplore the
urgent necessity that presses us to an imme-
diate interruption of commerce, that may
prove injurious to them. We trust they will
acquit us of any unkind intentions towards
them, by reflecting, that we subject ourselves
to similar inconveniencies ; that we are driven
by the hands of violence into unexperienced
and unexpected public convulsions, and that
we are contending for freedom, so often con-
tended for by our ancestors.
THE people of
England will soon have an
opportunity of declaring their sentiments con-
cerning our cause. In their piety, generosi-
ty, and good sense, we repose high confi-
dence; and cannot, upon a review of past e-
vents, be persuaded, that they, the defenders
of true religion, and the assertors of the rights
of mankind, will take part against their af-
fectionate protestant brethren in the colonies,
in favour of our open and their own secret
ene-