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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clichA, 11 est f llmA A partir de I'angle supArieur gauche, de geuche A droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. red by errata Bfilmed to f liement ita, une peiure, de fagon h ibie. OX 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 nwiintiiT nifltiiHmtaTiww nTyii iir i PI f t it I e ■f II e / >f S y d c c Wherei is Ri the i Ame liber exalt Perm obtai with Will Then Even Printed, 'I Wf I M. I I I tm i mn ym^im t ■ wiaiip . i^ vj i 1 1 w b | i ■. i _ f t a \ e f » e y .f s 7 d :h PLAIN TRUTHi ADDRESSED TO THB IN H AB ITANTS O F A M E R I C A, Containing, Remarks ON A LATE .PAMPHLET, entitled COMMON SENSE: Wherein are (hewn, that the Scheme of Independence IS Ruinous, Delufive, and Impraflkable : That wer« the Author's Affeverations. Refpefting the Po^eHf rZlVV- ?»R"1.?» Nugatory, Reconciliation on iv/l,^ p"r"P'" r'j' ?*".^ Ba.TA.N. would be exalted Policy : And that circumftanced as we are Permanent Liberty, and True Happinefs, can only be Srt^V^^'^/^^^^^^^^ONNECTlWs ttun that Kingdom. WajTTEN BvCANDIDUS. ^HE SECON D EDITION. Will ye turn from flattery, and attend to this Side. ? There TauTH, unlicenc'd, walks; and dares accft Even Kings themfclvss, the Monarch, of the Free ! ' Thomsom on the L iberties of Britain. PHILADELPHIA: Printed, and Sold , by R. BELL, in Third-Street. MDCCLXXVL *, It in t I; n 4 m«KiK?^ti-.!icl.i>, s'&i.ja^uijlO,. ^k,.,l!^^^-, *i.>^'.- ^i>^ ^" f.^' Jill i'i TO JOHN DICKINSON, Eiquire j ALTHOUGH I have not the Honor to be known to You, I am not un- acquainted with YOUR native Candor and unbounded Benevolence. As happy as obfcure, I am indeed a (Iranger to the language of Adulation. Flattery I detefl i Virtue, I Refpcdt. Be not offended Sir, if I remark, that YOUR Character, is contemplated with profound Veneration, by the Fiicnds of the Conftitution. Thofe Abilities, which YOU fo illuftrioufly difplayed in defence of the Conftitution; they now fuppli- cato YOU to exert, in faving it from im- pending ruin, under the Syren form of de- lufive Independence. Step then forth j exert thofe Talents with which Heaven has endowed you; and caufe the Pareiit, and her Children to embrace, and be foes no morci Ardous as this cxtraordinMy tafk may feem, perhaps your la IL\^ ■n tm*t' ■ " 1 ■ 'i Lk '■ m ' •\k ;',*■■ : «,'• i % ' p .' i \i ' [1 J 1 m i 1 :'J ■1 ^ 1.^ 'i 1 L ' ! ...I '■-■ j^-\.. •-_t«i"t:'w*"* luv ajj I • nfi' „;»«lj(!-y!r!r "^wipw""!"- ■ «•» I- DEDICATION. YotJR Virtue and Talents, may yet cffcft it. Your Endeavors to ftop the Effufion of Blood, of Torrents of Blood, is worthy of YOUR acknowledged Humanity.— Even the honcft attempt upon rceoUedtion, will afford YOU ineffable fati»fadtion. My presuming toinfcribc to you, the ftllowing crude Remarks, is to remind you., Sir, what yc-ur diftrefled Country expeds, nay, loudly demands from your cxtcnfivc Capacity. 1 BEG YOU will forgive this temerity ; and that you may long enjoy the fruits of YOUR Exalicd Virtue, and remain an Honor to YOUR Country, and to Mankind ; IsihQ ardent wi(h of . ^' ^>i Sir, . ^ ' - Tour moft Obedient, .. and ReJpeSiful Servant, CANDIDUS. U.-^- .Vi*W*«' ■j«!fW*' w"?"*";' ■ "•* I i VHWJJ II iHimM lii m il .m i niyL l II I M P " I O N. lay yet cfFcft the Effufion od, is worthy janity. — Even olledlion, will )c to YOU, the is to remind eflcd Country is from your this temerity; ^ the fruits of main an Honor ankind ; is thQ bedienti ^ful Servant, ^NDIDUS, INTRODUCTION. IF indignant at the Dodrine contained ia the Pamphlet, entitled Common Sense J I have exprcfled mylclf, in the follow- ing Obfcrvations, with feme ardor j I en- treat the Reader to impute my indigna- tion, to huncft zeal againft the Author's Infidious Tenets. Animated and impelled by every inducement of the Human Heart; I love, and (if I dare fo exprefs myfelf,) I adore my Country. Patrionatcly devoted to true Liberty j I glow with the pureft flame of Patriotifm. Silver 'd with age as I am, if I know myfelf, my humble Sword (hall not be wanting to my Country j (if the moft Honorable Terms are not tendered by the Britifli Nation) to whofe Sacred Caufe, I am moft fervently devoted. The judicious Reader, will not impute my hone. . tho* bold Remarks, to unfriendly defigns againft my Children — —againft my Country ; but to abhorrence of independency ; which if cffeded, would inevitably plunge our once pre-eminently envied Country into Ruin, Horror, and DefoUtion. " 1^ '_.■' vww**i&' * -4iiaw*i- ■'■ ^'4*i*B*'t"> ' v'^^mmi* mw n^ * * .- MEMORANDUM. The firft Edition of thii Pamphlet, having fold expe- ditiouny, at three Diiinng., hath encouraged the Pub. lifher to print this fecund Edition, and to enlarge lU number J on which account, he now fcUeth it, for TWO SHILLINGS. - Notwithftanding, tieble price ii charged for Lin«D, and oiher Dry Goods. ^ , Double price for Writing, and Printing Paper. A price and a half, for Rum, Sugar, and Coffee. Yet the Bookfeller is determined to fell this Second Edition, at the fmall price of Two Shillings, imitating in this Sale of Food fo- the M i » o the worthy Example of the honcft Farmers, who fell the Food of the Body, it the reafonable rate of a SINGLE PRICE. N. B. Large Allowance to thofe who buy per tW Hundred or Dozen. If a numerous Third Edition (upon Small Type!) Ihould be defired, the Price will then be determined in proportion to its Number ; efpecially to thofe, who are pleafed to engage with the Printer for fome certain Quantities, before it again goeth to the PRESS, U M. aving fold expe- uraged the Pub* id to enlarge iti r fcUech it, fo{ S. ^ r r • rged for Linen, )tiDg Paper. and Coffee. fell this Second illtngs imitating worthy Example of the Body, at PRICE. rko buy per ^ in Small Type!) )e determined in to thofe, who are for fome certain THE PRESS. PLAIN TRUTH} CONTAINING, REMARKS ON A LATE PAMPHLET, ENTITLED COMMON SENSE. I HAVE now before me the PampMet, entitled common sense; on which [ Hiall remai k with freedom and canduur^ It may not be improper to remind my rea- der, that the invcftigation of my fubjcdl, demands the utmoft freedom of enquiry. I therefore entreat his indulgence ; and tliaC he will carefully remember, that intempe- rate 2eal, is as injurious to liberty, as a manly difcuffion of fads is friendly to it, "Liberty, fays the great MonTesqijieu, is a right of doing whatever the luws perm tj and if a citizen could do what they forbid, he would no longer be poflcffed of liberty, becaufe all his fellow citizens would have the fame power." In the beginning of hia pamphlet,* the Author affert?, that fociety in every ftate is a blefling. This in the fin- cerity of my heart i deny ; fur it is fupreme mifery to be affociated with thofe, who to promote their ambitious purpofes, flagiti-< B ouiiy 10 PLAIN TRUTH.. oiifly pervert tlic ends of political focicfy. J do not lay that our Aull'.oris indebted lu Burgh's Political Disquisitions, or to Rousseau's Social Conn aft fcr his dc- finnion of Government, and his larpc Tree ; although 1 vvilh hs had favoured his rcudct with the fulluwin;^ cxtrad from that lub- lime rcafoncr. " To invcnigate ihofe con- ditions of focicty which may heft anfwcr the purpofe of nations would require the abi- litics of f"mc fupcricr intelligence, who flionld be witncfs to all the paflionsof men, but be fubjcd> itrdi' to none, who Hiould have no connedions with human nature, but fhould have a perfcdl knowledge of it: A Being, in (liort, whofc happinefs (liould be independent of us, and who would ne- verthelel's employ itfclf about us. It is the province of Gods to make laws for Men." With the utmoft deference to the celebrated Rousseau, I cannot indeed imagine, that laws even fo conftruded, would materially benefit our impcrfcd race; unlfifs omnil- cience deigned previoufly to exalt our na- ture. The jud'cious reader will therefore perceive, that malevolence only, is rcqui- iite to declaim againft, and arraign the moft pcrfed Governments. Our Politica! I^t.ick avails himfclf of this trite expedient, to ca- jole the people into the moft abjcd 11 ivery, undci iindcf His H C'lUlli ti« nfi, of mr ri!y o vi(iua other cufly to th than fuch ( redu: the C( fuper Thiri ranni befil excel of di: MON poun mocr Sovei influ( and thihk indcl with II. PLAIN TRUTH. II iticil (ockty. 8 intitbtcd tu S1TI0N8, or ft for his dc- s lar^c Tree ; cd his reader om that iub- ite ihofe con- sft anfwcr the juirc the abi- ligcncc, who flions of men, , who fliould iman nature, wlcdge of it: >p^ne(s (hould ho would ne- us. It is the iws for Men." the celebrated imagine, that uld materially unlfifs omnil- exalt our na- will thcrtforc )nly, is requi- raign the moft Political ^Lid pedient, to ca- abjcdl 11 jvery, undci under the dclufive nime of independcnc-. His Hr(t indecent attack is againrt the Knglilh conllituiion ; which with all its imperfcc- til nfi, is, and ever will be the pride and envy of mnnk'nd. To this panegyric involunta- rily our author Aibfcrihes by granting indi- viduals to be fafcr in England, than in any other part of Europe. Hi indeed infidi* cudy attributes this pre-eminent excellency, to the conftitution of the people, rathi-r than to our excellent conlliiuiijn. '1 o fuch contemptible fubterfnge is our Author reduced. 1 wuuld nfk him, why did not the conftitution of thw- people afford them fuperior f^fcty, in the reign of Richard the Third, Henry the E'ghih, and other ty- rannic princes? Many pages might indeed be filled with encomiums beft )wcd on our excellent conftitution, by illulliious authors of different nations. ' 'f" •? -i "•" ' ■ . 1 his beautiful fyflem (according to Montesquieu) our conititution is a com- pound oi Monarchy, Ariftocracy, rnd De- mocracy. But it is often faid, that tiie Sovereign, by honours and appointments, influences the Commons. The profound and elegant Hume agitating this q-jelUon, thinks, to this circumflancc, we are in part indebted for our fupreme felicity j fiiice without fuch controjl in the Crown, our Caju-.i'.ti:iv,n ' , I '1^1 ii< 1^^! 12 PLAIN TRUTH. ConOi'^ution would immediately degenerate into Democracy; a Government, which in the fequel, J hope to prove ineligible. Were I aikcd marks ol the b< ft government, and the purpofe of political fociety, I would re- ply, the encreafc, prcfervation, and profpe- rity of its members, in no quarter of the Globe, are thofe marks fo certainly to be iound, as in Great Britain, and her depend- encies. After cur Author has employed feveral pages, to break the mounds of fociety by dcbafing Monarchs : He fays, *• The plain tiuih is, that the antiquity of Englifli Monarchy will not bear looking into." Hume treating of the original contraues therefore, r criminal de- icy to them; did, nor ever we believe a r exifted, nor )cracy in the ic republics of ind them in a oreign. Our 5 mention of ien Alexander be reftored /as found that :nty thoufand, greater flaugh- m aftoni(hing itry as ancient tic confufion, jealoufy, PLAIN TRUTH. '7 jealou fy, partiality, revenge, heart-burn- ings muft tear thofe cities, where fadions were wrought up to fuch a degree of fury and dcfpair." Apian's hiftory of the civil wars of Rome, contains the mofl: fright- ful pidlure of maflacres, profcripiions, and forfeitures that ever were prefcntcd to the world. The excellent Montefquieu -declares, " that a democracy fuppofes the concur- rence of a number of circumftances rarely anited. In thefirft place, it is rcquifite that the ftate itfelf fliould be of fmall extent; (o that the people might be eafily affembled and perfonally known to each other. Se- condly, the fimplicity of their manners, (hould be fuch as to prevent a multiplicity of affairs, and perplexity in difcuffing them s And thirdly, there fliould fubfift a great de- gree of equality between them, in point of right and authority : Laftly, there Ihould be little or no hjxury, for luxury muft either be the cfFccft of wealth, or it muft make it neceflary. It corrupts at once, both rich and poor : The one, by the pofleftion, and the other, by the want of it." To this may be added continues the fame Author, «' that no government is fo fubjeft to Civil Wars, and Intestine Commo- tions, as that of the democratical or po- C pular f3 PLAIN TRUTH. pular form ; bccaufe, no other tends (6 ftrongly and fo conftantly to alter, nor re- quires fo much vigilance, and fortitude to prefervc it from alteration. It is indeed, in fuch a conftitution, particularly, that A Citizen fliould always be armed with for- titudp, and conftancy i and (hould every day, in the fincerity of hi5 heart, g^ard a- gainft corruption, arifing either from felhlh- nefs in himielf, or in his compatriots ; for it it once enters into public tranfaftionf, to root it out afterwards wouH be miraculous. Our Author afferts, that Holland and Swifferland are without wars domeftic or foreign. About a ccntary ago, Holland was in a few weeks over-run by the arms ot France, and almoft miraculoufly (aved by the gallantry of her Prince of Orange, lo celebrated afterwards by the name of Wil- liacn the Third. Almoft from that period, until the treaty of Ut.etht, Holland was a principal in wars, the mod expenfive and bloody, ever waged by human kind. The wounds fhe then received were unhealed m 1744, wJ^-" reludtanily rouied from her pacific lethargy, flie was dragged into war; and lofinj^ her impregnable Bergenopzoom, and Maeiiricht ; was again en the brmk ot becoming a province to France, when happily liberated by the Briuai Nation. w^ J T H. ler tends fo Iter, nor re- fortitude to t is indeed, cuiarly, that led with for- (hould every irt, guard a- from felfifti- atriots ; for if nfaiftionf, to ; miraculous. Holland and domeftic or go, Holland y the arms of ufly (aved by f Orange, fo jame of Wil- 1 that period, loUand was a X pen five and 1 kind. The e unhealed in ed from her Ted into war; ;rgenopzooin, I the brink of ranee, when rilifli Nation. PLAIN TRUTH. 19 In the war of 1756. Holland continually infultcd in the capture of her fijips, by our cruifcrs ; prefervsd a humiliating neutrali- ty. If vidory indeed had not crowned the: Briti(h banners ; the Dutch indubitably would have aflifted their natural Allies, in whatever quarter of the globe attacked: For it is incontcftibly true ; that the exift^nce of Holland, as a State, depends, and in- variably will depend, on the profpcriiy of Great Britain. Since the murder of Barne- velr, and the immort^il de WiiS, by the de- luded furious people, Holland h^th too often been (fonvulfed by anarchy, and torn by party. Unfortunately alas 1 for the caufe of hum^inity j the rugged and incult defarts of SwiflerlSnd, preclude not ambi- tion, fpdltion, and anarchy. Her ble3k and barren mountains do not fo effedu- ally fecure precarious liberty, as dally vend- ing her fonfi to the adjoining nations, parti- cularly to France ; by whom the thirteen Cantons, could be fnhjefled in as many days, did that court meditate fo fcnfclcfs and delufivc an objeft. Nugatory indeed, if we confider, that France derives more fubftantial advantage from the prelent llate of SwifTerland, than if (he exhaufted herfelf, to maintain numerous Battalions, i ! to bridle the Cantons. A moment, jet us fuppofe. i ii{il;J-l 23 PLAIN TRUTH. fuppofe, that our author's afleverations of Holland and Svviflerland, are as real as de- lufive : His inferences do not flow from his premifcs ; fur their fuperior advantages, do not arilc from their popular government, but from circumftances of peculiar local felicity, obliging the princes of Europe, to defend them from the omnipotent land force, if I may fo fpeak of Fiance. After impotcntly attacking our Sovereign j and the conftitution : He contradifts the voice of all mankind, by declaring, that America <» would have flouriftied as much, and pro- bably much more, had no European power taken any notice of her." If he means, that had this Continent been unexplored, the original inhabitants would have been happier : For once, I agree with him. Previous to the fettlemcnt of thefe Provinces by our Anceftors, the kingdom of France was convuUed by religious phrenzy. This, and Sebaftian Cabot's ' prior difcovcry, perhaps, happily afforded the people of England, an opporttinity of locating thcfe Provinces. At length, peace bvring reftorcd to France, by her Hero, Henry the Fourth: His nation in turn, were fcizcd with the rage of colonizing. Finding the Englini claimed the Provinces on the Atlantic i they appropriated the fnow fnow funpt fcrtil pane; 1 hof taker Pow( CertJ notic u'oul peop! woul years wars Swcf tinen Engl live quefl proc New capa this- Eur( terv« have fame fequ after land T IL verations of s real as de- low from his vantages, do government, cculiar local of Europe, nipotent land ance. After vcTCiQU J and idle the voice that America icb, and pro- ropean power ontinent been bitants would I agree with ment of thefe the kingdom by religious ftian Cabot's ppily afforded ipporttinify of length, peace >y her Hero, iiion in turn, of colonizing. the Provinces propriated the fnow PLAIN TRUTH. aj fnow banks of Canada, which we dare not funpofe, they would huvc preferred to thefe fertile provinces, had not the prior occu- pancy, and power cf England ii:tcrfcred. 1 hope it will not be dt^nied, that the notice taken of us, at this time by an European Power, was ralher iavourable for us.— Certain it is, had not England then taken notice of us, thefe deleitabic Provinces would now appertain to Erance j and the people of New England, horrid to think, would now be counting th"ir beads. Some years after the /Era in queflion, th^ civil wars intervening in England, aTordcd to the Swedes and Dutch, a footing on this Con- tinent. Charles the Second being rclloredj England reviving her claim, rendered abor- tive the Swedifli pretenfions ; and by con- queft, and granting Surinam to the Dutch, procured thecefilon of their ufurpation, now New York. I do indeed confefs, my in- capacity to difcern the injury fultained by this fecond ♦' notice taken of us, by an European Power i" in default of which in- tervention, the Swedes, to this hour, would have retained their f«ttlcment, now the famed Pennfylvania j and the Dutch, con- fequently, had retained theirs. Some time after this period, the people of New Eng- land were employed, in framing and exe- cuting 1^2 P L A I N T R U T If. cutlng laws, To intolerant and fanguliury, that t) us, they fcem adapted lor devils, not men. Indeed it is worthy of note, that the in- habitants of Jamaicii, Barbadoes, and Vir- pinia, at that very time, cnadted laws, breathing the fpirit of humanity, and (uch as men could bear. Soon after the period in queftion, arrived the great and good William Penn, with his philofophic people ca.lcd Quakers j together with to- leration, induftry, and permanent credit. The people of England, encouraged by the cxtcnfion of their laws and commerce to thofe colonics, powerfully afliaed our merchants and planters, infomuch, that our fctdementa cncreafed rapidly, and throve ap ce. It may be affirmed, that from this period, until the prelent unhap- py hour ; no part of human kind, ever experienced more pcrfeft felicity. Vol- taire indeed fays, that if ever the Golden A7C cxifted, it was in Pennfylvania. Prince dilgufted with the unhappy filuation of her American Colonies, had Icng me- ditated the conqueft of one of our middle provinces. To accompUai this purpole. The extended a line of forts on our fron- tiers and aaually fortified the place now called Pitllburgh. Juftly alarmed by thefc encroachments cncrc we c liaan The haud clarci torre: drcd and glori( burcl NOTI Eiigli mics tion I tuall) Britai their provii (acco work the < richci and V is the 1 as it ' mand diara Euroi T H. d fangulnjry, d lor dcvili, , that the In- 7es, and Vir- snadled laws, ;ty, and (uch ter the period :at and good s phJlufophic ther with to- lancnt credit, iiraged by the commerce to aflifted our oinuch, that rapidly, and iHirmedy that rcfent unhap- n kind, ever licity. Vol- er the Golden Pennfylvania. appy filuation ad long me- jf our middle this purpofe, on our fron- he place now rmed by thefc sncioachments PLAIN TRUTH. 23 encroachments in the hour of our diftrefs, we called aloud on Great Britain for ai- fiftance, nor was (he deaf to our cries. The English miniftry, after in vain ex- haufhng all the arts of ncgociation, de- clared war againft France. After fpilling torrents of blood, after expending one hun- dred and ninety millions of their dollars, and four or five millions of oursj ihcy glorioufly reduced the French fettlcmcnts. burcly it will not be faid, that this laft NOTICE taken of us by the people of England, was injurious to us. Our ene- mies indeed allcdge, that this laft interven- tion by bloating us with pride, will even- tually ruin us, and render the people of Britain objects of derifion, for lavifhing their blood and trcafure, in defence of provinces ; " a match not only for Europe, (according to our author,) but for the world." — Our author next remarks, •* that the commerce by which flie hath en- riched herfelf, arc the nccefljries of life, and will always have a market while eating is the curtom of Europe." I reply, that our exporting grain, is as it were of yefterday, that the recent de- mand was principally occafioned by the dirtradions in Poland, and other parts of Europe, and probably will totally or partly fail. '7 I Mi r r, .?. ■ill ■ i ' 'i lit H PLAIN TRUTH. fail, foon rth ids than twenty millions rterling. The ifland of Great Britain, betwcin fix and fcvcn hundred miles in length, and upwards of two thou- fand miks circumference ; and being every where indented with harbours, forms (with other caufes) fuch nurferics of fcamcn, as the world cannot produce. L-it us now examine our author's ac- count of the navy of Great-Britain. ** It is fays he, worth r.o more than three mil- lions and an half fterling." This in cfFedt will reduce it to ten fccond rste fliips of war, ten third rale, fifteen fourth rate, ten (hips of forty guns, ten of thirty fix, and eight of twenty. '* If America fays he, had only a twentieth part of the naval force of Britain^ fhe would be by far an over-match fjr her, becaufe as we neither have, nor claim any foreign dominion, our whole force would be employed on our own coaftj where we fliould in the long run have two to one the advantage of ihofe who had three or four thoufand miles to fail over, £ before * Seventeen capital fhips were built from 1763 until 1771. 1 1 ■is If! 34 PLAIN TRUTH. before they could attack us j and the fame diftance to return, ir» order to refit and re- cruit. And although Britain by her fleet, hath a check over our trade to Europe, we have as large a one over her trade to the Weft Indies, which, by laying in the neigh- bourhood of the Continent, Uts entirely at its mercy." Were it lawful to joke on fo ferious an occafion, I would remind the reader of our Author's n>odcfty, in faying, *' that wc claim no t^-reign dominion :" Since we have the moil numerous, and beft difciplin- ed army under Heaven ; and a navy fufli- ciently ftrong to combat that of Great Bri- tain. For our prelent naval armament com- pofe a fleet more than equal to a twentieth part of the Britifh navy, (according to our author's eftimation.) Notwiihftand- jng our author's delicacy, relying on the well known utility of melafles, to the New England governments : 1 hope they will order Admiral Manly to feife Jamaica, and the other Weft India Iflands. The Admiral cannot be at a lofs for men j fincc, according to our author, ** a few focial failors, will foon inftrudt a fufficient num- Icr of adlve landmen, in the common work of a ftiip. I do indeed confefs, that the Kritifti lliips of war, arc conftantly equipt eqni and don' Aifli Th( has will coul her thar her vcni \ pofl mai plin nav tain mal pofl nin Afi Wl on the I III COD am anc ■■WV. J T H. and the fame :o refit and rc- n by her fleet, Europe, we ;r trade to the y in the neigh- lics entirely at 1 (o ferious an ; reader of our )g, *' that wc :" Since we » bed difciplin- i a navy fufli- t of Great Bri- tmament com- tu a twentieth (according to Notwiihftand- elying on the ilafles, to the ; 1 hope they I feife Jamaica, Iflands. The or men ; fince, ' a few focial jfficient num« the common I confefs, that are conftantly equipt PLAIN TRUTH. 35 cqiiipt altogether with very focial failors ; and as conftantly drub the French Hiips, double mann'd, with adlive landmen, thV fiiffiticntly intruded by a few focial railori. The reader will perceive, that our author, has humbled the naval power of Britain, with more facility than France and Spain could have done : And, has alfo exp.llcd her from our ports with happier fuccelf„ than did Spain; who was compelled to yield her Gibraltar and Portmahon, for the con- veniency cf her fleets and commerce. Wc murt indeed allow, that Spain, tha' pofl"iflcd of Mexico and Peru, cannot maintain tbe moft numerous and beftdilci- plincd army under Heaven, nor eq.Jp a navy fit to contend with the fleets of Bri- tain. It muft alfo be confcflTed, that he makes Great Britain, very favourably dif- pofe of her humbled navy, by employing nineteen parts of it in the Mediterranean, Afia, Africa, ur.d 1 know net where : When he knowo we have fo great a check on her Weft India trade, a commerce, of the laft importance to her. I would blufh for poor human nature, did I imagine that any man, other than a bigot could believe thefe ridiculous ftories, thefc arrant gafconades, refpe A fpetf rica. Italy in c hen mov ened ftroy tod( retail the ( end Like defe ricb wc rH. Ivcr, will fc- wc are in no iefiance, that )f Great Bri- be friend fhip is the intereft :a a fiee-port, depopulating ms, that bar- ecure us from ant. Havewc om invafions, eft di(ciplined )ur author al- w much gold Flanders pro- often has fccn with blood, gore. The g dreaded the America} and f Pruflia is faid d Newlanderi, ibje^s to emi- nd, that Britain old gentleman, that we have a idia trade, is greater check upon PLAIN TRUTH. 39 upon it, by permitting America (as you ex- press it,) to become a free port. Can wc iu()p 'fe It to be her intereft to lofe her va- I'lab'e tomaicrce to the Colonics, which cffcdually ftj" would do, by giving up A- merica to become your free port. It tliere- fore it i( the intereft of all Europe, to have America a free port : The people of Britain are extremely fimple to expend fo many millions fterling to prevent it. " it is re- pugnant to the nature of things, to all ex- amples from former ages, to fuppofe that this Continent can long remain iubjsdt to any external power." Antiquity affords us no eclarcifemenl re- fpcdling the future government of Ame- rica. Rome fituated in a fterile corner of Italy, long, long, retained the then world in chains, end probably had maintained her dominion longer, had not the crofs, re- moving the empire to Byzmtium, weak- tned the c^^kS; and in turn, juftly been de- ftroyed by the Barbarians. 1 fee no reafon to dou?'>t^ thai iircat Baitain, may not long retain us in conftitutional ob'idience. Time, the deftroyer of human aftairs, may indeed, end her political life by a gentle decay. Like F.omc, (lie may be conftrained to defend herlelf from the Huns , and Ala- ricks of »hc North, Ingratefully fhould wc endeavour to precipitate her political demife* , > a It N M ■ 40 PLAIN TRUTH. demife. His win dcvife every expedient to retain our obedience i and rather than fail, will participate thole provinces amongft the potent (btes of Europe. - The authuray ff Great ^Britain over this Continent. »8 a fcrni cf g-vernment which iboncr «.r later mull have an end." ,, i< »u,, , This I have granted, and I ada, tnat a miliion cf revolutions may happen pn this Continent, for everyone of which, lam not indeed fo over foiicitouf , as our Phcenix cf Wh.ms. the Author of ^^"^^^^ Senfe " The Cclonies have manjJeltcd luch a fp-.rit cf good order and obedienc. to continental government, as is futiiaent to make eve.y perfoa happy on taat bead. What is this union fo highly vaunted oft? whence the marching and counter march- ing through almoft every province to dif- arm thofe denominated tones?-! perfedly ?2rec. that glorious is our union.— 1 cxc- cfe thofe who fay. it has been cernented by every f^ecies cf fraud and violence: Yet notwiihftanding I dread iis frag.hty, were an army of Britons in ^^e mtddx ct our country. As the Author of Common Senie is now in the grand monde J ^n^ can- not be acquainted with the language of ma- ny people in the provinces: 1 ^i". ^°^'- n^unicate the general purport of their dif. couife- •* We. fay they, do n fe T H. xpcdicnt to cr than fail, imongft the le authority itinenti is a 3ncr tr later add, that a )pcii en this vhich, I am our PhcEQix f Common ! manifcftcd )d obedienc:; is futricient I that head." vaunted off? inter march- incc to dir« —I pcrfedly lion. — 1 cxc- een cemented nd violence: iis fragility i lie middle cf of Common Ic i and can- guage of ma- 1 will com- of their dif- da not fee through ( 1 t c c \ V t< tl h hi to IC a .er t i v.s ti^ q:i :ai ;!U -» " ff? :h- lir- \\y itual ; our prayershave been rejefted with difdain." I do not indeed agree with the people of England in faying, that thofc, who fo luc- cefsfuily laboured to widen the breach— defired nothing lefs than peace. That they who fhortly were to command the moft nu- merous and beft difciplined army under Heaven, and a navy iit to contend with the fleets of England, imagining the time hadf§undus, dildained to be juft. I highly venerate a majority of fhe Delegates. I have not indeed the honour of knowing all the wouhy members ; however, I wi(h the Gentlemen of the Congrefs, e'er they entered on their important charge, had been beticr acquainted with the ftrength «f our friends in parliament. 1 fmcerely lament, that the King did not receive the laft excellent petition from the Congrefs j »nd I as fincerely wi(h, the Gentlemen of the Congrefs had not addreffed themfelves at that junfture, to the people of Ireland. ** As to government matters," (continues cur Author,) •• it is not in the power of Britain to do this Continent juftice : The bufincfs of it will foon be too weighty and intricate to be managed with any tolerable degree of convenience, by a power fo V' ry diltant from us, and fo very ignorant of us y us; 1 cann( Penn fome canc( prov< thori Ui Britai perfe nanir prool our i Ihar Omr reatb mer 1 every deret Arm Free of PI thty regie titici wrat Autl I, as to e> tiuel u^ H. has been in- ejedled with h the people who fo fuc- le breach- That they ;he moft nu- irmy under )ntcnd with ing the time ft. I highly iclegates. I of knowing ;cvcr, I wilh fs, e'er they :harge, bad the ftrength 1 fincerely t receive the e Congrefsj rentlemen of d themfelves ; of Ireland. " (continues he power of luftice : The weighty and any tolerable ower fo V ry ignorant of us > PLAIN TRUTH. 43 us; for if they cannot conquer us, they cannot govern u?. The difference between Pennfylvania, and Connedicut, refpeding Come unlocated lands, {hews the infignifi- cance of a Briti(h governnment, and fully proves, that nothing but Continental au- thority can regulate Continental matters." Until the prefcnt unhappy period, Great Britain haf afforded to all mankind, the moft perfedl proof of her wife, lenient, and mag- nanimous government of the Colonies — The proofs to which we already have alluded, viz. our fuprcme felicity, and amazing increafc. 'I han the affair of the Connedicut invaders ; Omnipotence only could grant us rtronger realons for praying a continuan<:e of our for- mer beneficent government. Moft certainly, every difpaffionatepcrfun, as well as the plun- dered Pcnnfylvanians, muft confefs, that the Arm of Great Britain alone detained thofe Free- hooters aforefaid, from feifing the city of Philadelphia, to which without all doubt, they have as juft a claim, as to thofe fertile regions in Pennfylvania, which they furrep- titicufly have poffefted themfelves of. In wrath to mankind, (hould Heaven permit our Author's new fangled government to exiftj 1, as a friend to Pcnnfylvanians, advife them to explore new fcttlements, and avoid the cruel moriificdlion of being expelled by the Sciifiis p 44 PLAIN TRUTH. Sainfs from their delicious abodes and pleaf- ing fields. — '* But (fays the Author) the mod powerful argument is, that nothing but independence, (that is a Coi'/inental form of government) can keep the peace of the Continent, and prefervc it inviolati from civil warf. I dread the event oi a reconci- liation now with Britain, as it is more than probable, that it wdl be followed by re- volt fomcwherej theconlequenccs of which may be far more fatal than all the malice of Britain. Thoufands are already ruined by Britifli barbarity, thoufands more will probably ih a re the lame fate. Thefc men have other feelings, than thofe v^ho have nothing (uffcred : All they now poffefs is liberty, what they before enjoyed is facri- ficed to its fervice, and having nothing more to lofe, they difdain all fubmiffion." Here we cannot miftake our author's meaning, that if one or more of the mid- dle or fouthern Colonies reconcile with Great Britain, they will have war to iuf- tain with New England j ** the conle- quences of which may be more detrimental, than all the malice of Britain." This ter- rible denunciation, fortunately for fuch Colonies, is as futile as its author. Should Great Britain re-eflablifh her authority in the faid Colonies by negociation, furely it is IS n< ofBi woul New the( avert have turb indee nnha fortu that efFec Such the f enerr by t tain. an ai creat 1 anr proa( Brila thou' excel ^c* fince the c hath diers H. es and pleaf^ \uthor) the hat nothing Coi'/inental the peace of violafi from )f a reconci- is more tbaii owed by re- cce of which 11 the malice ready ruined Is more will Thefc men ife v^ho have ow poffefs is yed is facri- ing nothing ubmiflion." our author's ; of the mid- :oncile with I war to iuf- • the conle- : detrimental, " This tcr- ly for fuch hor. Should • authority in on, furely it is P L \ I N TRUTH. 45 IS not temerity to add, that the weight of Britain, in the fcale of thofe provinces, would preponderate againft the power ot New England. If Britain fliould reduce the Colonies by arms, (which may Heaven avert !) The New England provinces will have as little inclination, as ability, to dif- turb the peace of their neighbours. I do indeed moll iinccrely companionate thofe unhappy men, who are ruined by our un- fortunate diftradions. I do fervently pray, that Britain, and the Colonies may moft effectually confider their peculiar infelicity. Such attention will do infinite honour to the parent ftate j who cannot view them as enemies, but as men unhappily irritated by the impolitic meafures of G.cat Bri- tain. *' The diminution of trade affjrds an army, and the neceffities of an army, create a new trade." (So fays our Author) I am furprifed the miniftry, fo often re- proached with ruining the commerce of Britain, never urged, (what was never thought or faid before.) Our Author's excellent axiom, ** that the diminution, 6cc.' Certain it is, the minority had replied, lince the commencement of this century; the diminution of the commerce of France hath afforded her nearly one million of fol- diers J but the neceflities of this prodigious number fi m- 46 PLAIN TRUTH. i number of troops, created her (o bad cmmerce, that Oic balh twice proved bankrupt fince, and more than once cxpe^ ricnced the miferies of famine. " If premiums (fays our Author) were to be giv^n to Mcrchan's to build and employ in "their lervicc, fhip3 mounted with 20, ■70, 40, or 50 Kuns, the premiums to be in proportion to th« lo(» of bulk to the Mcr- chai.ts. Fifty or fixty of thofe Qiips, with a t^w guard Ihips on '.onftant duty, would keen up a fufhcien'. navy, and that without burdening ourfclves with the evil fo loudly com olaincd of in England, of fuffcring thtir fleets in time of peace to lie rotting in their decks." Yield the palm of ingenuity to our Author, ye DeVVits, Colberts, Pclhams, ind Pitts. lie has outdone yc by coHftruding a bei-utltul navy j alas ! on paper only.-—- Firft, no nation in Europe depends on luch ihipsfor her defence: Secondly, fuch (hips would be unfit to contend with capital ftiips: Thirdly, in the hour of danger, thefe (lupi on thei'r voyage, or return, would alternately be taken by an adtive enemy : LaUly, fix times as many fuch (hips would be une- qually matched with that part of the naval power of B.itain, which Hie adually could fpurc to combat on our coaiis This cannot be thcuyht exaggeration, if we conficier ° tha: 'i f II. fr (o bad a wice proved ti once cxpc- • :hor) were to i and employ ted with 20, liums to be in : to the Met- re Qiips, with duty, would that without evil fo loudly fuffcring thtir otting in their »cnuity to our Pelhams, ind y coHftruding per only. — — pends on fuch ily, fuch (hips h capital fliips: er, thefe (liipi luld aUernatcly f : Laltly, i^^ would be une- irt of the naval adually couKi 5 This cannot if we confider tha; PLAIN TRUTH. 47 that tlie Hriti(h navy, laft war, carried about fcventcen thouland guns ; asid up- wards of ninety- five thoufind (ocial fcamen. *' No country (fays our author) ii lo liap- pily fituated, or internally capable of railing a fleet as America. Tar, timber, iron and cordage are her natural produce." He fpeaks of forming a fle^t, as if he could do it by his Fiat. A third rate rtiip of the line fitted for fca, is allowed to coll feventy four thoufand pounds ftcrling, which at the prefent exchange, is about one hundred and twenty nine thoufand pounds. Now, as labour, fail cloth, cordage, and other re- quilites, are dearer than in Europe, wc may rcafonably fuppofc the advanced price, at twenty-five per cent, which makes the amount one hundred and fifty four thoufand pounds. We muft next iuppofe our navy equal to that of France, which confifts of fixty four fhips of the line (fifty gun fhips inclufivc) twenty-five frigates, with fliips of inferior force. In cafe of independence, we cannot admit a fmaller naval force. In-> deed, when joined to the fleets of France and Spain, the navies fo united, and navi- gated principally with landfmen, inftru<5ted by a few iocial failors, will be valily infe- rior to the fquadrons of Britain. The amount therefore of fuch our navy, will only ■i ' I ii: ,»< f Ii r, ^S PLAIN T R 1/ T il. only require the tririinq; (wrx of twelve mil • lion, fu hundred and twenty hve thouand pounds currency, which 1 am very vy.lhn^; lo believe we can fparc. being Icarcely onr loarth the value of our properly, real and nerfonal. With excellent management, our navy would lart eight, nine, or ten years •, wc therefore would fmd it extremely cofivc ricnt to rebuild it conftantly at the expira- tion of that term : Ot this there cannot be a doubt, when we remember with our Au- thor, "that niip-building 18 Americas created pride. The vaft empire of Rul- L is almoft C.at out from the fea, where- fore her boundlc(8 forretts. her tar, iron. and cordage, are only articles ot commerce. I reply, that Rullia containing ten tirncs our numbers, is dd\itute of induftry and com» tT^erce. bhe has ports ^ufficient to build and contain a navy to fubdue :he world Dcftitute as we have remarked of induary and commerce, her navy is inconfiderable and being equipt with landfmen. cannot riaure agfinft lliips navigated by focal fa.lori. Who can doubt the ability of Spain to bu.ld a navy ? The cargo of two or three of he^ annual galeons were fuffiocnt to bui d a navy as formidable as that permitted to Great Britain (by the author of Common bcnle.) In her iQand of Cuba, poffciicd ot P. T il. twelve mil* ive ihoijfand very willing icirccly one riy, real and igcment, our ir ten years ; smely cofivc* Lt the expira- ;rc cannot be with our Au- is America's ipire of Rul- ; fca, where- her tar, iron, f commerce." ten times our ;iry and com- icnt to build le :he world, d of induftry nconfiderable, fnnen, cannot y focial Tailors. Spain to build )r three of hc^ cnt to build It permitted to ir of Commoi^ bd, poffcflcd of an i an 1 lirii 8 Brit c to a d lefs ir t by s (oci£ Ter l- 'fn^f' K o o iwei 1- 1 -nen li V 1- on t e- had 0) henc ur penc wor n- ;ld thej c Id. Oi w a ic :ry le. pete :icra »ot C( Tfi. ild crov nnd ler lid \:::o the , to a lid lOIl ,« * 1 of .Iid1( all I PLAIN T R U T II. 49 X g c d ir i- )e 1- l- e- n. }* ft ur n- ;ld Id. try le, lot rs. ild ler lid to ion of an an immenfuy of fine crdar; flie might con- ilrudt a navy as formidable as that of Great Britain, but to what pnrpof?, other than to adorn the triiimoh of her enemies: un- lefs flle could arm her fhip?, otherwife than. by a(f>ivC landfmen, inftTudHitifd by a few focia! failora. Oar Author Inys, " that the Terrible, Capt. Death, flood the hotlefl en- gagement of any fliip lafl war, yet had not iwenty failors on board/' (tho' her compli- ment of men was upwards of two hundred.) We do indeed confcfs ourfclves doubtful, on this head, and therefore wifh our Author had produced his authority. We do appre- hend, that naval adions, very gcierally de- pend or Teaman- (hip, that is, on dextroufly working the fhip during the combat. Now thejudiciousrcader will remember, that fliips of war in engagement cannot be navigated by a few focial failors, nor even by a bare com- petency, uidefs fuch failors are more invul- nerable than was the great Achilles. ** Were the Continent (fays our Author) crowded with inhabitants, her futFcrings under ths prtfent circumltance?, would be intolerable, the more lea ports we had, the more we fliould have both to defend, aiid to lofc." This is rather incomprchen- fiblc; I cannot imagine, that we would be lefs fofmidable with ten times our pre- G fent 5 furely, with ten times as many inhabitant!, we could equally defend ten. If with our prefent numbers, we are a match for the world, confequcntly with ten times as many, we would he a match for ten worlds, which would indeed be prodigious I The infant ftate of the Co- Ionics as it is called, fo far from being a- gainft, is an ar>^umcnt in favor- of In- dependence." This affcrtion is as abfurd, as if he had maintained, that twenty is in- ferior in number to two. " But the in- juries and dilad vantages we fuflaiij > * at connexion, are without number, - -JC duty to mankind at large, as well as to curfelves, inftrud us to renounce the al- liance i becaufe any fubmiffion to, or de- pendence upon Great Britain, tends di- redly to involve this Continent in Eu- icpean wars and quarrel?. As Europe is our market for trade, we ought to fortn no poli- tical connexion with any part of it." Inriu- merubic a:e the sdvantagesorourconncdion with Britain; and a jud dependence on her, is a (u*e wdy to avoid the horrors and calamiiies of war. Wars in Europe, will probably than heretofore become Icfs frequent j religious rancour, which for- merly animated princes to arms, is fuc- cecded ?t ; T H. ; can defend zn times as ually defend [)er6, wc are ^iicntly with i he a match I indeed be of the Co- rom being a- avor of In- is as abfurd, twenty is in- ' But the in- flaiu > -at ber, ;t- i .it ,s well as to unce the al- )n to, or de- n, tends di- icnt in Eu- Europe is our form no poli- ot it." Innu- lurconncdion •pendencc on , the horrors s in Europe, become Icfs , which for- arms, is fuc- cecded PLAIN TRUTH. S» csedcd by a fpirit of philofonhy extreme- ly friendly to peace. The princes of P/J- rope are or ou^^hc to be convinced by fid experience, that the obj^rts of conqueft, are vaftly inadequate to the immenfe charge of their armaments. Prudential motives, therefore, in future, will often di«5ljite ne- goclation, inftcad of war. Bs it however admitted, that our fpeculations are nuga- tory, and that as ufiial, we are involved in war. In this cafe we really do not par- ticipate a twentieth part of the miiery and hardlhips of war, experienced by the other fubjedts of the tmpirc. As fjture wars will probably be carried on by .Britain in her proper element, her fuccefs will hardly be doubtful, nor can this bs thought audacity, if wc remember the great things effedted by Britain in her naval wars, then Iccondary objedls to her Germanic con- ncdions, to which fhc now politically ffems indifrcrcnt. Our failors navigating our vcfl'!:ls to the Weft Indies during war, are exempted from imprcfifment, and if our trade to any part of Europe is then ftag- nated, it flows with uncommon rapidity in the Weft Indies, nor is the objedt of cap- tures inconlidcrable. Our author furcly forgets, that when in- dependent, wc cannot trade with Europe, wiihuui If, *il, 5a PLAIN T R U T II. without political conn^dtions, and ihct all treaties niadc by Hi)gla:id or other com- mercial flatcs r.re, or on-ht to be, uhi- niatcly tub -rvient to their commerce. •» But (fays our auilor,) admitting that matters were n-)W made up, what would be the event? 1 aniwer the ruin of the Conti- jient, and that for fevcral reafons." Recon- cilia-ion would condudl us to our former hap- py ftate. The happincls of the governed is without doubt ll-.e true intereftof the gover- rorF, and if we aim not at independence, there cannot be a doubt, of receiving every advant'ige relative to laws and commerce that we cm defire. Montefquicu fpeaking of the people of England, lays, " They know better ti.an any people on earth, how to value a the fame time thefe three great ao- vantages, religion, liberty, and commerce.' ** it is a matter worthy of obfcrvation, that the more a country is peopled, the fmglb r their armies arc." This indeed would be worthy ot obfervjtion, did not daily c}le manners, et us not be rs are novv mmcrce has ledge of all one with parlfon arifj e is rhe na- hc Athenian stable of an- a commer- ntinuallv af- ary defence. i diftributed ihemfelves, c of oppref- e orator and i'hen in want fome of the gers, for the rt, could W8 F misfortunes y clime and military de- rcly join us ss moft hap- am not un- dcclamations againil PLAIN TRUTH. SS againfl: commerce, thefe I have ever re- garded as trials of wit, rather ihan fcrious productions. Our author's antipathy, and extreme ave.fion to commerce, is cafily accounted for. If his independence takes plate, I do aver, thnt ccmmcrcc will be as ulcleft, as our fearching for the philofo- pher's ftone. ** And hsftory (fays he, ) fuf- iiciently informs u;, that the bravcft atv chievcments were always accompliflied in the non-age of a nation." The Greeks in their early llate were pirates, and the Ro- mans robbers, and both warred in chaiaifler. Their glorious adtions were performed, (If I may fo exprefs myfelf ) in the man- hood of their empire. Carthage, Greece, Afia, Spain, Gaul, and Britain, were not indeed conquered during the non-age of the republic. Agincourt, CrcfTcy, Oude- nard Ramillics, Blenheim, Dettingen, and Minden, furcly were not fought in the infancy of the Englifli Empire. *• With the er.crcafe of commerce, England has loft her fpirit." This is really a curious difco- vcry } who is unacquainted, that the English are the lords and fadlors of the univcrfe, and that Britain joins to the commerce of Tyre, Carthage and Venice, the difcipline ot Greece, and the fire of old Rome. " The city of London, fubmits to conti- nued ? I \ s f I if 56 P L A I N T R U T H. nntd iiilults, with the patlenc- of a cowan]. The more men have to lofe, the lels wiU Vwp they arc to venture, and lubmit to cuurtlv rower with the tren.blini? duplicity of n iniHiic^l." That an inc nfid rable par: ct" the' people in London, lubmit to a perfu-: not very honorably diftinginOicd in tho world is certai:', bpt that the city of Lon- don fubmits to continued inlults I'J certainly a mirtake. I luppofe our aulhur means, that by iubmitting to the belt laws on earth ihey lubmit to cuntinucd infults. The rich whom he fo very honorably diftin- ctuifties, can be at no lofs for his mean- mg. An Agrarian law, would perhaps be convenient tor himlelf and his indcpend- cnts It may not how-ver be amifs to re- mind him of that, whi.h in the multipli- city of his prcjcdh, he may have forgot, viz. that the ricbert part of the community v^lll always be an overmatch for the poor- eft part. •* It might bt^ d:fficolt, (lays cur author,) if not impcflible, to t^rm thia Continent into a government hali a century hence." - Here 1 humbly apprehend our author s meaning is truly conlpicui.us. This Conti- nent fifty years hence, int-;Hibly will be richer, and much better peopled than at prefenl ; confequently abler to eff<;a: a rcvo- *^ lutioUi F a r f. d n to T H. of a cowarti. he lei's wil- \ lubinil to ing duplicity 'id rable par: it to a pcrfu': Hied in the city of Lon- .ts i'o certainly uhui- means, laws on eartii ifults. The •rably dlftin- r his mean- ;i perhaps be lis indcpend- e amifs to re- thc multipli- have t(jrgor, ic community ■or the poor- :alt, (lays cu: to tjrm thia half a century 1 our authors This Conti- llibly v/ill be opled 'ihan at ) eff<;ft a rcvo- lution> F a r f. d o to M rd. il- to ity art uii the 311- nly ns, rth •he in- m- ht id- re- 3li- ;or, lity or- cur ■h\i ury 5r s iti- bc at vo- 1' L A I N TRUTH. S7 rd. il- to ity ar: "on the jn- Illy ns, rth •he in- in- ht id- re- 3li- ;or, lity or- cu: :hi3 ury ir's iii- be at vo- lullon. But a\?.^ ! e'er that period, our au- thor will forever ba f» rgottcn j impeil J therefore by his villainous ambition, h: would rafl.ly precipitate hi? (-•ou..try into every fpecics of horror, m.fery, and d.fjU- tion, rather than forego his fancis?d protec- tor(h!p. '• But if you h.ive, (fays c-ur author) and Hill can fluke hands with the tnurdtrerj, then are ye unworthy the name of hu{l>ind, father, f.i nd. or Ipvcr, and whatever in^y be youi rank or title in life, you have the hcrt of a coward, and the fpirit of a (ycophant, &c. To talk of friendfhip with thofe in who n cur reaf^n forbids us to havc faith, and our affcitions wounded through a ihoufand pores, in- (Iruds us to detcft is madncfs atid folly." Yc thit arc not drunk with fanaticifm anlwer mc ? Are thcfc words didated by peace, or bale foul revenge, the cotiaant attendant on cowards and lycophants ? Does our author 'j pirfcdly vcrf.d in fcrlpture, mean Ij condudt us to peace or defolation ? or is he fit to Icgiflate tor men or devils? Nations after defjlating each other, (happily for mankind,) forgive, for- get, and reeon'.ile ; 'ike individuals who quarrel, recrncilc, and become friends. I'ollowingth-- laudable example of iheCoN- GRESS J Wf lately have moft readily fhak n H hands S8 PLAIN r 11 U T II. H M hands with nir inveterate enemies the Cana* cliany, wlio luvc (c.ilp *.! ncaily as many of our pc pic as the Uritilli tioopj hivc dorn;; Why thticfurc mny wc not loigive and rc- cor.cilt— By no means, ii Walls our author's anbitioi.« pupolcs. The linglilli and Scotch, finer the firil E Iward's l.mc, have alternately flui_,;htercd each other, (in the field of B.nn^ jthurn, more men fell, than arc row in the Ncw-Eni.l.ind provinces) to the amcunt offcveral hundred thoufand : And new vicv carh other as fubjedls, def- pifing thet;;".jrts of certain tuibulent fpirits, tending to rekindle the ancient animofity. Many of the unhappy men criminally en- gaged with the Pretender ; reconciled by humane t.catmeni to that family againd whom ihcy rebelled ; fcrved in their armies a few years after. Indeed the condud of the Canadi.ins to cur trotps, as cfFedtually illull.ates cur dcdrinc, as it reprobates the Anti-chiiftlali, diabolical ttn;ts of our au- thor. — •* The unwarrantab'c flretch like- wife, which tliat houfe made in their lad fitting, to gain an undue authority over the Delegates of that province, ought to warn the people at large, ho-v :hcy trufi pov/er OUT OF THEIR OWN HANDS. A Ict of in- ilrudlions for the Delegates were put to- gether, which in point of (cale, and bufi- nefs \\e(s ^ and a few, lioufe wh-U Color hath fures, to thi This witht had h folvcs llituti place, nion, of ci'r virtu( with tliat I didal and dia.i are t( b^ed mon gain of tl (irud njt i riT. es the Cana* as many of h ivc done ; give and re- cur author's inglill) and > l.mc, have !icr, (in the en fell, thuii d provinces) d thoufand : "ubjedls, def- ulcnt fpirits, t aninjofity, iminally cn- econcilcd by mily againd their armies : condudl of IS efFtdlually •probates the ;s of our au- ftrctch like- in their lad rity over the ight to warn trull POV/ER A let of in- here put to- e, and bufi- nel3 P L A I N T R U T H. 57 ncfs would have dirt)onorcd a fchool-bay, and after lH-ir)g approved by a few, a very few, without doors, were carried into the houf', nnd there paficd in behalf of the whole Colony. VVherear, did the whole Colony know, with wlul iii will t!iat houfc hath entered on fornc npct-flary public nvja- lures, they wcuid not hefitate a tnomcnt to think them unworthy of fucli a trufl." This very infidious ch'irge, v : cannot read without indignati >n. If the Pcnnlylvanians had happily adhered to their virtuous rc- folvcs, it is more than probabl. , that a ro::- ftitutional reconciliation Ird e'ernow taken place. Unfortunately, rcfcinding their opi- nion, they perhaps adopted the kn 'ments (il certain perfons, by no means lup-.i. in virtue or knowledge. Thole not ii.cbri.ued with independency, will certainly nlluw, tliat the inllrndticns to their Uele^iatcF, wc.c didated by the true fpirit of peace, juflice, and exalt.d p;)licy. if iiifpi-aticn h?.i dilated thofc refulves, obncxious as they are to independency, our author had repro- b^ed them. How dare the author of Com- mon Scnfe fay, *' that they attempted to gain an undue authority over the Ddcg-tes of their province? WH ; ,) proper to in- lirudt them, as thofe cholcn by the people; nut in the hour cf paflion, riot and conlu- ficn, 60 PLAIN TRUTH. finn, but in the day of peace and tranquil rtflr-dicn. The gentltman, whom our author impotently att 'tks, in this and other innuci^dos j will b; long revered by his grate- lul cuuiurymen, and the fiiends of man- kuid J as well for his true patriotifm and extenfive abilities, a* hts unbounded bene- volence. Would we prt fit hy the unhappy examples of our anctftoss, (which alas! maiikmd too leldom d. ,) let us remember the fate of thole illuft' ious patriots, of the fiift Charles's time : Allied at iirlt with the ii, dependents} they did not fufped thofe execrable hypocrites, of the horrid dcfign of deftroying the King and conftitution. When thty law through their abf^minablc vie A fa, it was too late to fave the King and * k;:.?;dom} for the independents h.d (eized the"itntr:';".>fv i:oca as tney were tiimiy pol^f ff.'d ot power ; they perfecuted thofe iiiuOriouj patriots, with more unrelenting viiulence, t^^an the profeffed advocates cf arbitrary pcwtr. Every virtuous Pennfyl- vsiiian, muft b- fi'ed with indignation at the inlidious attack made by this indepen- dent on the relpedable afllmbly of his pro- vinte. li deed, the Affrmbly of Pcnnlyl- vania in this unworthy treatment have a iure carneft < t their future expedations. — •' It is the cuftom oi nations, (fays our author) when ,nd tranquil whom our s and other jy his grate- ds of man- triotifm and unded benc- the unhappy which alas ! is remember riots, of the lirlt with the fufped thofe 101 rid dfcfign conftitution. r abominable he King and Its h.'d (eized ^ were riimiy •fecuted thofe e unrelenting advocates cf lous Pennlyl- indignstion at this indepen- ly of his pro- f of Pennlyl' ent have a lure ;ions. — ** It is our author) when PLAIN TRUTH. 6x when any two are at war, for fome other powers not engaged in the quarrel, to ftep in as mediators, and bring about the pre- liminaries of a peace. But while America calls herfelf the fubjed of Britain, no power, however well dil'pofed (he may be, can offer her mediation. Wherefore in our prcfent ftate we may quarrel on forever." Nation?, like individuals, in the hour of paffion attend to no mediation. But when heartily drubbed and tired of war, are very r'-adily reconciled, without the intervention of mwdiatorsj by whom, belligerents were never reconciled, until their intcrefts or paflions didated the pacification. Jt we may ufe our author's elegant langiage, mediation is •* farfical." I grant however, that the idea of our forcing England by arms to treat with us is brilliant. " It is unrea- fonable continues (our author) to fuppofe that France and Spain will give us any kind of afTiftance, if we mean only to make ufe of that afTiltance for the purpofe of repair- ing the breach, and ftrengthening the con- n.dion between Britain and America; be- caufe thofe powers would be fufFerers by the confcquences." C jnfjdcring " wc have the moft numer- ous., aud belt clifciplined army under Heaven; and R: h '^\ 11 hi f)2 PLAIN TRUT IT. nnd a fleet fit to contend with the navy of Britain ;" wc murt fuppofe our Auihor's brain sffcded by dwelling conftantly on ]}is beloved independency, clfe he would \y.X have the imbtcility to requite the aflift- nnce of France and Spain. '1 he manner of his prevailing on France and Spain to afiiil ns, is alfo a ftrong proof of h*s iaianity. Did thofe powers, hclitafe to iuccour the Scotch rebels in J745, bccaufe they did not declare thcmlclvcs independent. It then was their intcreft to create a diverfion, alas! too fericus in the fequel fv.r ihe de- luded rebels in that kingdom j and were they now intercftcd in aiding us, they un- doubtedly would do it In fpite of quibbles. In fuch cafe, e'er this time, their armies and ravies had joined us without interruption ; For \\'2 muft confefs, that the efforts of lini.iin hitherto, would not have precluded the republic of G:;noa from aiding us. Sup- pofe our author, had a fon or an apprentice tlopcd to his intimate acquaintance, and de- fired to enter into his fervice: It this perfon replied to tiie youth -, I know your appren- tic(?fliip is unexpired, notv.'ithf^andingdeclare yourfeif a freeman, and I will hire and pro^ tedt you. 1 demand, would fuch odious, ridiculous duplicity, render cur fuppofed per.^jp., kfs criminal in the eyes ot our Author Aut ous nifel fcigi five rimi e(ta gle bein rppe is d£ any aft r ddu pies exec ners to pi plan porfc coul Illar alfo niar and vvou part and aie ill E T IT. the navy of r Author's iftantly on he would e the affift- manner of ain to afiiil li'S inianity. uccour the e they did idtnt. It a divtrfion, fur the de- j and were 5, they un- sf quibbles. ■ armies and iterrupticn ;■ e efforts of e precluded ig us. Sup- 1 apprentice ice, and de- this perfon our apprcn- idingdeclare ire and pro-* uch odiuus, IV fuppofed :ycs ot our Author PLAIN TRUTH. 6j Author, or render the example If fs danger- ous to his own apprentice. '« Were a um- nifefto (fays our author) difpaiched to fo- reign courts, 6:c." This alio is a ccnclu- five proof of our author's rnaniacum deli- rium. Our au'hor *• challenges the warm- ed advocate for reconciliation to iliew a Tin- gle advantage this dntinent can reap, by being connected with Great Britair, 1 repeat the challenge, not a fmgle advantain be no doubt of the annihjlation of our niips, ports and commerce, by Great Britaiii. The King's nVips now m r^ew England, unhappily are mere than fufficier.t to ruin the ports and -.mmGrce of ihefe provinces. Nev York is already fc....cd j and I fl^ould be extremely grieved to hy, that a fmall armament, were deltmed f - gainft Philadelphu. In the c^.nion of the bea officcis ..f the navy ; PhiUdelphui is acceffiblc to ?. iew forty and fifty gun fmps. in defpite of our temr''rary expedients _ to fortify the river Delaware. If fuch opinion is groundless the n..niftry by their imbec.l- r-iv have befriended us ; fince by guardmg t4 lliver Delaware with a few fngr??. m- t<( 6o PLAIN T R U T H. 1 1 ly J they had prccludtd us from arming our vcltcls and ftrcngthening the livcr Delaware. I would remind our author of the conftant language, rnd apparent purport of all ranks in oppofiiion to Great Britain ; " We have (fay they) been the happiift people on earth, and would continue to be lu, fliould Great Britain renounce her claim of taxation. We have no finifter views, wc claim not independent ; No ! Perifh the thought." Such 1 believe alfo was the tenor of the petitions from the Congrefs to his Majcfty. New I would afk every man of fentiment, what opinion our friends in Great Britain, nay the whvle wcrld will entertain of us, if ingiattfully, ?nd madly adopting our author's frantic ichemes, wc reject rrr. '"enable terms of reconciliation f Will they not mod aflurtjiy believe, that our popular leaders, have V infinite art, de- luded the unwary people iiUiMheir pre-con- ccrtcdfchcmcs; on luppcfiii^ ■), that tie time kadjound us? Thofe acqu;.inted with Bri- tain muft confcfs, that the minority ii, par- liament, hitherto have been our main prop. Now independency for ever annihilat.s this our bell refourcc. Let us admit a \:.)Z of the minority, republicans, or wha. sa more probable, bent on removing the { jc- fcnt minif^ry from their power. Our au- thor's i r H. m arming the liver r author of cnt purport ;at Britain ; ic happitft itlnue to be e her claim views, wc Penfti the as the tenor grcfs to his ery man of friends in wcrld will 5».nd madly chemes, wc ;onciliaticii? ielieve, that nite art, dC' eir prc-con- that tie time :d with Bfi- )tlty i.. p^r- r main prop. annihi!ai-.8 idmit a }-iC or who'. 13 ing the I se- r. Our au- thor's F L A 1 N TRUTH. d thur's fchemci annihilatfi all their confe- quencc, all their oppofition. In cafe of our ii>depcndcijce, (hould a Barre, or Burke, patronifcour gaverment; fuch pa- trons, would infallibly participate the fate of the great and good Df.wrrs ; be torn in pieces by the furious People. If my remarks are founded on truth, it refults, tbat the time hath not found us ; that inde- pendency is inexpedient, ruinous, and im- praaicablc, and that recunciliation with Great Britain on good terms, is o.ir fole rcfource. Tis this alone, will render us rcfpedlable ; it is this alone, will render us numerous} it is this only, v/ill make us happy. I fliall no longer detain my reader, but conclude with a few remarks on our Author's fchemc. The people of tbofe Colonies would do well to confidcr the charadler, fc tune, and defigns of our Author, and his independents; and com- pare them with thofe of the moft amiable and venerable perfonages in, and out of the Congrcfs who abominate fuch n'-farious meafures. 1 would humbly obfervc, thatthi fpecious fcience of politics, is of all others, the moft delufive. Soon after the Revolu- tion; the ableft flatef-men iu England, and other parts of Europe; corsfidcn'' prcd.-^ 62 PLAIN TRUT 11, nrcd'acd National rnin, infallible ruin, ioon as the Public debt exceeded fifty million, ftcrling. T'^e Nation now indcbt- cd neatly thrice that ium j is not arrived at the zenith of her credit and power. It is perhaps pomble to form a fpecious fyftcm of government on paper which may fccm nraaicable, and to have the confent of the people i yet it will not anfwer in praa.cc, nor retain their approbation upon trial. .. All plans of government (fays Hume) which fuppofe great reformation in the man- ncrs of mankind, are merely imaginary. The fabricators of Independency have too n.uch influence ; to be cntrufted in fuch ar- Ls and important concerns. This rcafon Tuc. v,c.cmc\c:^i zi pre ent to deter us from altering the Conaitut.an. It would b' as inconfiftent in our leaders in this hour <'f danger to form a government ; as it were for a Colonel forming his battalion in the face of an enemy, to ftop to write an e% ""Sainhor's Quixotic fyacm, is really an infult to our underllanding ; it is infinitely inferior to Hume's idea ol a perfed Com- *^on W-lth ; which notwithftanding h.s Sowleged greatnefs of genius is ft.H eS It is not our bufinc s to ex- ar^ ne, in what manner this author's affoci- U : cquired their knowledge in na^.ona J T n, illible ruin, :ecded fifty now indcbt- ot arrived at owcr. Il is cinus fyftcm :h may f«m )nfcnt of the in ptdiCtkc, upon trial, fays Hume) 1 in the man- laginary." :ncy have too d in fuch ar- This rcafon :nt, to deter an. It would 5 in this hour U J as it were talion in the vritc an cfTay cm, is really it is infinitely perfedt Com- bftanding his :nius, is flill ufinefs to ex- uthor's affoci- gc in national aflfairs j f L A I N TRUTH. 63 nffairs ; but wc miy predi<5l, that hii Ichcme of ind*pfindency would foon, very Tjon give way to 1 govemntcnt impofcd on us, by fomc Cromwell of our armies. Nor is this fcntimcnt unnatural, if we arc atten- tive to conftant experience, and human na- ture. The fublime Mon tesq^/ieu, fo aptly quoted by the Congrefs, unhappily corrobo- rates our dodrine, •• from (fays he) a man- ner of thinking that prevails amongfl man- kind. They fct a higher value upon cou- rage than timoroufnefs, onadlivity than pru- dence, on flrcngih than counkl. Hence, the army will ever defpife a fenate, and re- fpedl their own officers. They will natu- rally flight the order fent them by a body of men whom they look upon as cowards, and therefore unworthy to command them, fo that as foon as the army depends on the legiflativc body, it becomes a military one j"- and if the contrary has ever happened, it has been owing to fome extraordinary cir- cumftances, fuch as Holland being able to drown her garrifons, and the Venetian* having it in their power to compel their troops to obedience by the vicinity of the European armies. Refources to which we torcvcr muft be ftrangers. If indepen- dence takes place, the New England men by their confequence therein j will affume a fuperiority I ■'I M m ^' 64. PLAIN TRUTH.' a fuperiority, impatiently to be born by the other Colonies. Notwithftanding our Author's fine words about toleration: Ye fons of peace and true chriftianity j believe me. it were folly fu- preme, madnefs. to exped angelic toleration from New-England, where ftic has con- ftantlybcen detefted. perfecutcd and execr.i- cd Even in vain would our Author j or our Cromwell cheriOi toleration ; for the people of New-England, not yet arrived in the feventeenth or eighteenth century, would reprobate her.— It is more than pro- bable to fuppofe. that the New-England go- vernments would have no objedion to an Agrarian law ; nor is it unreafonable to fup- p4, that fuch divifion 0/ property wou be very agreeable to the fold.ers. Indeed their General could not perhaps with fafc^ to his exiftence as a General, refufe hem fo reafonable a gratification, particular y. as he will have more than one occafion their fcrvices. Let us however admit th our General and troops, contradidng ti>^e experience of ages j do not aflume the fo- verdgnty. Rekafed from foreign war ; we would probably be plunged into all the m. fery of anarchy and inteft.ne war. C.n we fuppofe that the people of the fouth wou d fubmit to have the (eat of Empire at Phil a c e ti h tc k y tr ta I- tl tr B la oi tl: vv 7 T H.' born by the ^ ' ; fine words ice and true ere folly fu- lic toleration le has con- and execrai- Author J or ion i for the yet arrived nth century, ore than pro- England go« jedlion to an ►nable to fup- operty would icrs. Indeed ps with fafcty , refufe them particularly, : occafion for er admit that [radioing the flume the fo- eign war j we ito all the mi- ^rar. C?.n we fouth, would pire at Phila- delphia, i f f d c e ti h tc k T ta h tl tr B la ol tl: w )■) PLAIN TRUTH. 73 f' is le i- >n li- lt- or he ed •y. 0- ;o. an ip. M jed V,ty em rly, for :hat the fo- we irji- 3uld lUa- i delphia. or in New England j or that the people opprefled by a change of government, contrafting their mifery with their former happy ftate, would not invite Britain to rc- aflume the fovereignty. A failure of commerce precludes the nu- merous tribe of planters, farmers and others, from paying their debts contraded on the faith of peace and commerce. They can- not, nor perh2ps ought not to pay their debts. A war- will enfuc between the creditors and their debtors, which will eventually end in a general fpunge or aboli- tion of debts, which has more than once happened in other States on occafions iimilar. Ye refpedable defcendants of the plan- ters from Holland and Swiflerland j who ac- knowledge, that your fathers have inftrufted you to felicitate yourfelves in cxifting under the benign Britil'h government. And have taught you to execrate the Government of Holland and other popular ftates, where the unhappy people unacquainted v.'ith trial by jury and other pec uliar felicities of Britifti Subjedts are, (to ufc the iigi ificant language of your fathers) under the harrow of oppreiTive Demagogues. Do ye pofTefs the wifdom to continue your happinefs by a well rcLulatcd connexion with Britain ? K Volumes i I ^v 74 PLAIN TRUTH. Volumes were infufficicnt to defcribe the horror, mifery and defolation, awaiting the people at large in the Syren form of Ame- rican independence. In (hort, I affirm that it would be mod excellent policy in ihofe who wifli for True Liberty to fubinit by an advantageous reconciiiation to the authority of Great Britain ; *• to accompliOi in thfc long run, what they cannot do by hypocrify, fraud and force in the (hort one." Independence a: ^lavurv ARE Synonymous iisRMS. of it % Vol V rlii F I N I S Th !ar na obvio of th< merit opini( naen Ik to lea and r of m T f T H. lefcribe the wailing the m of Amc- I affirm that icy in ihofe Y to fubmit rion to the ) accompliftj nnot do by e (hort one." ■ L A V E R y RMS. T^be following Publication by Rational is, ii printed in this Jize^ for the convenience of thofe Gentlemen, who choofe to bind it with other Pamphlets, in an Odlavo Volame. The Republican Spirit is indeed at Bottom as ambitious as the Monarchical. Voltaire. T HE town ha3 been lately amufed with a new political pamphlet, entitled Common sense. This piece, though it has taken a popu- lar name, and implies that the contents are obvious, and adapted to the underflandings of the bulk of the people is fo far from meriting the title it has aiTumed, that in my opinion it holds principles equally incon- tinent with learned and common Senfe. I know not the author, nor am I anxious to learn his name or charadterj lor the book, and not the writer of it, is to be the fubjeit of my animadverfion». 'Tis the glory of a free country to enjoy a free 'U -J ''■'•.'■4lff'-r •U ^ 76 RATIONALlSi fU ■ a tree pr-fs, and of this, that the fcnti- mcnts and opinions of the meaneft, equally with thofe of the grcateft, arc brought to view ; for we kaow by frequent inftances, that the rich and high born arc not the monopolizers of wifdom and virtue. — On the contrary, thefe qualities are oftener to be found among the middling clafs in every country, who, being lefs diffipated and de- bauched than thofe who are ufually exiled their betters, apply themfelves with more induftry to the culture of their underftand- ings, and in reality become better acquain- ted with the true interefts of the focicty in which they live. But to my great grief I have too often fecn inftances of perfons in every clafs of life, whofe publications, at the fame time they have reflcdt-d honor on the parts and genius of the authors, have been fo fhamefuUy wanting in candor as to attempt, by the cadence of words, and force of ftile, a to- tal pervcrfion of the underftanding. The pamphlet in qucftion fcems to be plainly calculated to induce a belief of inree things. ift. ThattheEnglifh form of government .has no wifdom in it, and that it is by no means fo conftrudlcd as to produce th« liappinefs happi of all 2d. mcnt conn* clare It that 1 again glifh abufe is in prom is to ther it W( crac) pabl< repri curd law and fcCMi fignj ing then ieati and s. the fcnti- ift, equally brought to t inftances, c not the irtue. — On 5 oftencr to lafs in every ted and de- ually cslled with more underfland- ter acquain- le focicty in )o often fecn :lafs of life, le time they s and genius I fhamefully mpt, by the f ftile, a to- ling. feems to be elief of inree Fgovcrnmenl : it is by no produce th« liappinefs R A T I O N A L I S. -jj happincfs of ths people, which is the end of all good govcrn?Tjent. 2d. That monarchy is a form of govern- ment inconfillcnt with tlu will of Gjd. 3d. That now is the time to break of all connedion with Great liritHin, and to de- clare an independence of the Colonics. It muft be obvious to erery impartial eye, that the author reafons from the abufes of, againfl: the benefits derived from, the En- glish conftilution ; und after reciting thcfe abufes concludes, vi-ry unfairly, that, *' it is incapable to produce what it icems to promifc."— For if an argument of this fort is to be received, it will prove p3rhap3 ra- ther more than the author would choofc — it would even prove that the Jcvvidi theo- cracy was quite as improper, and as inca- pable to produce what it aimed at, as the reprobated Englifh government, "ihe re- curds of facred hiftory inform us, that the law was given to the people ircm God, and that the great Jthovah himicU conde- fcended to call them his chofcn people. He fignally interpofcd in their bcl)alf in bring- ing them out of bondage, in prcfcrving them from the rage of Pharoah's army, and ieating them in a land flowing with miik and honey, under hib immediate govern- ment yS R A T I O N A L I S. ment and laws, " wriUcii with hii own finger." *' And he will love ihce and blcfs thcci and multiply thee: he will alfo blcfs the fruit of thy womb and the fruit of thy land, thy corn and thy wine, and thy oil j the incrcaftf of thy kinc, and the flocks of thy Ihecp, in the land which he fware unto thy fathers to give thee". D«ut. vii. 13. " Thou flialt be bleflfed above all peoplf there (hall not be male or female '. ircn among you, or among your cattle." iJcut. vii. 14. But what efFeds did all thefe extraordi- nary favors and promifes of the Deity him- fclf produce upon that wicked, perverfe, lliff necked people ? Moles tells ihcm, *« From the day that thou didft depart out of the land of Egypt until ye came un- to this place, ye have been rebellious againft the Lord." Deut. ix. 7. " You have been rebellious againft the Lord from the day that I knew you. Deut. ix. 24. Profane as well as facred hiftory informs us of the incffeduality cf the beft govern- ments and the wileft laws among a corrupt, degenerate people. It docs not regularly follow folio the owir this . this prop h'gif thini yet s well peof auth dice and froir worl cf fi the I to c\ man rime the I find cont and tha^ to (i befc beft s. L hit own blcfs thcci ) blefs the if thy land, y oil J the Dcks of thy re unto thy . 13. all peoplr lale '• ircn tic." i:cut. e extrr.ordi- Deity him- d, perverfe, 3 ihcm, lidft depart 'e came un- lious againft againft the ' you. Dcut. tory informs bcft govcrn- ig a corrupt, lot regularly follow R A T I O N A L I S. 79 follow, that if the people are not hippy *! ,\!lcr an exxelleht form of civil polity, that the fault is in the governnient, it may be owing to the corruption of the people, and this 1 take to be the c.\fo in Great Britain at this day. When the Britifh parliament is properly balanced, and each branch of the Ifgiflature faithfn"; executes its duty, 1 think I am fife in aiiirming there was never yet a form of gove-nment in the world (o well calc'ilatM for the happinefs of a free people as this, pnd yet we are told by the author of the pumphlet, that the •• preju- dice of Englifhmen in favor of King, Lord' and Commons, ari(es as much or more from national pr'da than reafon." The world has already feen numberlefs inflances cf fine fpun political theories, which, like the quackeries c." mountebank dodors, are to cura all the political evils to which hu- man nature is liable — But when the expe- riment is made, they beccmc aftonifhed at t!ie ill fuccefs of '.cir boafled fchemes— they find a thoufand I.tlc paiiions and interefts continually intcrfcririg with their deiigns, and at length retire again to their clofets, chagrined they had not thought it neceffary to (ludy the great volume o*' human nature, before they verfurcd to fay what was the befJ: for mankind. The ik m So k A T I O N A L I S. Thr author, after venting his fpleen a- galijit the linglilh form of government, (.ornes next to conlider ths fubjcdt of ino- narchy an^i hiritiitary fuccefTiOM ; i.i treat- ing which he plainly difcovers the utmort prep' llcliion in favor of a republic. 1 fliall not Ibllow him through his fcriptiire quo- tation?, which he has fo carefully garbled to anfvver his purpofc, but beg leave to op- pnfc fouie aulhorit: .s to it. The cekbratcd 'i rcnchard, in No. 60, of Car.o's Letters, fayg, ** There is no go- vernment now upon earth, which owes its formation or hegtuning to the immediate revelation of Cod, or can derive its cxift- cncc from fuch revelation : It is cert-in, on the contrary, that the rife and inftitution, «r variation of government, from time to time, is within the memory of men or of hiftories; and that every government which we know at this day in the world, was ellablilhed by ihc wifdom and force of mere men, and by the concurrence of caufcs evidently human." *' Nor has God by any revelaticn nomi- r.ated mayiflrate^', ihcwed the nature or ex- tent of their powers, or g'vcn a plan of ci- vil polity for mankind." (Hutchefon's Moral Philolbpbv. p. 272.) «' Thrc any rath adrr mar natu pror of r mon fo d t* his e der ( firft and Ehu( Elid Dav and Judj the the ofRl giftr thin mor to SI the ovei n [S. lis fplc-en a- frovcrnment, jtdl of mo- n ; la trciU- 3 ithc utmoft bite. 1 flv.'.ll ripture quo- lully garbled ; leave to op- , in No. 60, icre is no go- l:i(:h owes its le immediate rive iis cxift- is <;ert-in, on id inftitution, Voni time to of men or of •nment which ; world, was and force of (ncurrence of k'elaliun nonii- naiure or ex- 1 a plan of ci- (Hutchefon's «« There RATIONALIS. 81 I. " 7 here heing no natural or divine law for my form of government, or that one pcrlun rather than another (hould have the fovcrcign ftdminiftration of affairs, or have power over many thoufand diff<- ent families who arc by nature all equal ?, of the fame rank. promifcuoufly boi of nature, and to mon faculticF, tl .i to choofe what fo. m «* God'i provider !!.(. he fame advantages u(. of the fame com- c mankind is at liberty jer nment they like." ^ 01 permiffion fuffered his own peculiar people the Jews to b« un- der divers governments at divers times; as firfl: under patriarchs. Abraham, Ifaac, and Jacob, &c. then under judges, Olhniel, Ehud and Gideon \ then under high-pricfts, Eli and Samuel j then under kings, Saul, David and the reft; then under captains and high priefts again, " as Zerobabel, Judas Maccabeus, and his brethren) and the government was laftly taken from them, and they brought under the power of Rome. And that God permits fuch ma- giftrate or magiftrates as the community thinks fit to approve, is plain by the tcfti- mony of Holy Scriptures } when God faid to Solomon, *' By me kings rule, evt^n all the judges of the earth." Prov. viii. 16. « When the fons of Samuel were judges over Ifrael, they took bribes and perverted L judgment 82 RATIONALIS. ludgmenf, therefore the ciders of IfracI tic- fired Samuel to make them a king ; and though the elders are only mentioned to have p.flccd a king of Samufl, they (cem to have been deputed (Venn the whole con- gregation ; for Cjod faid unto S:imucl, " Hearken to the voice oj the fe^ple in all that they jay unto thee." i Sam, viii. 4, 7. •• ylnd Sumu'ltold the people the manner of the kingdom, and ivrote it in a book, and laid it up be/ ere the Lord. 1 ^-am. x. 25, 'Tis plain the manner of the kingdom lignifics the conftituticn of the government, by which was meant ihc conditions on which Saul was to be king, and they his fubjedts j for though God h, id given him the croivn, it was to rule the people according to jurtitc and laws." " After the battle between Saul and the Ammonites, Samuel fiid to the people, Comey let us go to Gilgal j and there thy made Saul king before the Lord. 1 Sam. xi. 1, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15. New therefore behold the king, rvhom ye have chofen, and behold the Lord hath Jet a king over you," Sam. chap. 12. 13. 1 htrftf laticr quotations are t&ken from the great LoidSomrners's book c?.lled the •* Judg- ment of whole Kingdoms and Nations con- cerning the R'ghus of Kings and the People." This nobleman was Lord high chancellor of England in King William's reign, and was 1 i t, li I X' b n h a A a ill r( ci ai tl tl: n T k s. of Ifracl (Ic- I king } and Knt.oned to they Iccm to whole con- nto S:imiicl, 9p!einallthat iii. 4. 7' the manner of book, and laid X. 25. 'Tis »dom lignifies crnmcnt, by jns on which his fubjedts J the crown, it ing to jufticc I Saul and the : people, Comcy thy made Saul I. xi. 1, 5, 6, heho/d the king, )ehold the Lord . chap. 12. 13. tf.ken from the Jedthe"Judg- i Nations con- d the People." ligh chancellor Ill's reign, and was 8 i t h n' h a A I 1^ 1^ ai cl at ll> tl: n T k "'"^^ ..>^. ,v IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 4 A /a 1.0 I.I ■ 50 "^" Ui |40 1^ 21 2.0 1.8 L25 lliu ill 1.6 V ^ r> .^ Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716)872-4503 ^.^ ^ ii M r a i tfc >4-ai»fi »tti ,. ^ CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICiVIH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical IVIicroreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques >W«».«ffl»iW9*(l«i«l»t«»*ft*R*i.'Sj"f"»:: ^^ •1& ■i^ m >^ RATIONALIS. 83 was remaikable for his revolution-prid- cipks, great learning and unfhaken inte- grity, in public and private life. It does therefore from the roregoing tcf- tinionies appear, that monarchy (cfpecially a limited one, fuch as that of England) is not inconfiftent with the Holy Scriptures, as is fet forth in faid pamphlet, bat that it is as ple^fiiig to the Almighty, if agreeable to the people, as atjy other form of govern- ment, even the author's beloved republic. The writer next proceeds to inform bis readers of the numerous wars and fcenes of blood a6ed in England under their kinj^s, nod afleils that •' Monarchy and fucwfjion have laid the world in blood and afhes, '-fis a form of government which (he word of God hears tejlimony againjiy and blood will attend it." Here are bold afltrtions indeed. To the latter part I have already endeavoured to make fome reply, (o far as he alfcirts it is contraiy to the word of God j but will the author's candor permit him to inform his reader of the infinite diilradions and mif- chiefs which have happenod in the ancient and modern republics-— Under this form there are always two parties, which divide the whole body of the pcopit*, and an eter- nal warfare fubfirts between il.cm for power. The Conteji is dreadful enough, but which foever party prevails^ there is no rod heavy cnou-^h H RATIONALIS. to enough, no fword fufficiently (hsrp, punirti thofe whom they h^ve fubducd. . It then becomes a many headed monfter, a tyranny of many. Ltt any man read with an unprejudiced eye the accounts which hiftorians give us of the famous Giecian Commonwealths, and 1 will venture to fpeak tor him, that he will not beftow great commendations on them. rhe Athenians, a wile and po- liftied people, very cf en banifhcd their beft citizens, from an apprehenfion of their power— a glorious reward for a virtuous citi- zen, who, as was the cafe in more inftances than one, had prefcrvcd his country from dcftrudtion. In the latter times of the Cartha- ginian and Roman repubac, what ccnftant fcenes of blood and devaftation does hiftory preitat Lc u&— 1 he multitude in a perpetual ^erment like the ocean in a ftorm — In a torm did I fay,— like the waters of the lea, agitated by a dreadful whirlwnd, no- thing but the fury of one party encounter- ing the rage of another.- -Every trace of hu- manity being thus loft, men change their natures and become as fierce and favage as wolves and tygcrs. But let us defccnd nearer to modern times — let us look for happinefs and fccuri- ty in the republic of Holland, fo often men- tioned, and fo little known— let us recol- s. f (hsrp, to bducd. . 1 monfler, a inprcjadic^d sins give us Tjonwcalihs, r him, that endatiuns on whe and po- icrd their bcft on of their virtuous citi- >re indances ountry frum t iheCaitha- rhat ccnftant does hiftory n a perpetual ftorm — In a atcrs of the irlwnd, no- y encounter- trace of hu- change their and favage as to modern s and fecuri- b often men- let us recol- RATIONALIS. 85 led the fate of the two brothers, Cornelius and John de Wit, Dutch minifters, who were maffacrcd by the people in the year 1672. Holland iifclf, from being a repub- lic, is become a downright ariftocracy. Liberty did not continue long in that coun- try, notwithftanding the blood and trcafure that were expended to acnuire it. The people, fo far from being free, have had no voice for many years part in the elcdion of perfons to reprefent ihcm in the States-Ge- neral, nor have they any tiling to do in the forming of laws by which they are to be g)verned. Whenever one of them dies, tiie vacancy is filled up without any inter- ference of the people, and this important change was made in the (late, becaufe of the intolerable feuds and animoficies which attended the elections of reprefcntatives. Had they been to have chofcn a king, what dangerous and deflrudive tumults muft it have produced. Founded on ths woeful ex- perience of ages, it is now become a gene- ral fixed opinion, that hereditary is prefer- able to elective monarchy, on account of the terrible diforders, outrages and confu- fion which ufually attend the cledtion of a king; a pregnant inftance of which, in cur times, is the kmgdom of Poland. In our own hiltory, we fee what was the cffed of the muqh wilhtd for Common- wealth ..^ .■ ..v y rvifir^ iV ^y^ ■■ 86 RATIONALIS. wealth after the death of the tyrant Charles —it did not produce liberty— it prefently ended in arbitrary power. The moment almoft after the reins of government fell from Charles's hands, Cromwell took ihem up, and governed the nation with abfolut* fway. , r L 1 cannot agree with the author ot the pamphlet in opinion, that this is the time to declare an independence of the Colonics. This ought to be the dernier refort of America. Let us not yet lole fight of the primary objed of the difpute, namely, a lafe, honorable, and lading reconciliation with Great Britain, until we are under a necclTuy of doing it. If an advantageous accommodation can be had, and a free conaitution for this country be eftr^bhOicd on mutual agreement and compad, twill be better and hr.ppier for us. But .f juttice is aiil denied us, and we are to contend for liberty by arms, we will meet ihcm lu the field, and try our manhood againft them, even to fpilling the blood of every brave man we h;ive. Should the miniftry have recourfe to foreign aid, we may poOibly follow their example j and, if it be elTential then to our fafety to declare an Independence, 1 would willingly embrace the rcceffity. R A T 1 O N A L 1 b. FINIS. •r S. rant Charles -it prefently he moment irnment fell I took ihem ^ith abfoluts ithor of the J the time to le Colonics. ;r refort of fight of the ;, namely, a econciliation are under a dvantageous and a free )e eftsblifticd npad, 'twill But if juflice ; to contend neet ihcm iii lood againft cod of every the miniftry id, we may and, if it be o declare an igly embrace N A L 1 S. C A T O's L E T T E R fdewg his Second) to the People of Pennsylvania. On that reception, which may be proper for British Commissioners, -who are at prefent (March nth \'jyG) fuppofed on their Voyage, to treat with the Honor- able, the American Continental Congress. JVith fome Obfervations Qgainjl American Independency. AS I propofe to take my fubjcds as they rife out of the times, I fl)all leave to my next letter the further defence of our Affcmbly, to give room for a matter of very great importance, agreeable to what was hinted in the conclufion of my firft letter. The account which we have already re- ceived of CommiJJionen being appointed in England, and ready to embark for America, in order to negociatc a fcttlement of the prefent unhappy differences, has engaged the attention, and excrcifcd the fpeculaiions of many among us. The powers with which they are to be invefted, the manner in which they are to be received, how they are to be treated with, or whether they are to be tieated with at all, have been can- vafied agreeably to the different views or judgments of individuals. ry^^.v,5r -v Among others, a writer under the figna- ture of CafTandra, in the Pcnnfylvania THE PEOPLE. SB 1*0 Evening Port of March fifth, has held foiih fcntimcnts which I conceive highly dilgraceful to America, and pcrnicio-js to focicty in general. He pretends to have (a- tlsficd himicif (but upon what grountls I know not) that the iole view of admini- ftration in this commilTion, is to amufc and deceive, to bribe and corrupt us. And be- caule he fuppolts all of us (o very corrupti- ble, he prrpofes, by way of prevention, to fcifc the C( moiiflioners upon their firft fel- ting foot on rhojc, and bring them imme- diately, under a ftrong guard, to the Congress. 1 have too good an opinion of the virtue and good fenfc of my country- men, to think they will pay any other re- gard to this advice, than to confider the author as an eothufiaft or madman. The conteft in which we arc engaged is founded on the mod noble and virtuous principles which can animate the mind of man. We are contending, at the ri|k of our lives and fortunes, againft an arbitrary miniftry, for the rights of Englishmen. The eyes of all Earopc arc upon us, and every generous bofom, in which the pulfc of liberty yet beats, fympathizes with us, and is interefted in our fuccafs. Our caufc, therefore, being the caufe of virtue, it will _ ^^ be expefted that all our fleps (hould be ■ ^ guidedby it, and that where the ftock IS fo ■ ^ fair, the fruit will be proportionably perfcft. t P a t( h c u O • (• P |V \i tl a L E. :h, has held ccivc highly pernicious to js to have la- lat grounds I r of admini- to amufe and 18. And be- ;ery corrupti' revention, to their firft fcl- them immc- ard, to the d an opinion " my country- any other re- con fider the man. irc engaged is and virtuous the mind of ,t the riik of I an arbitrary Englifhmen. upon us, and lich the pulfc lizes with us* B. Our caufc, virtue, it will eps (hould be the flock is fo inably perfcft. t n P a t( h 9 'I % I tc TO THi: PEOPLE. 89 ■la ily lu ^- Sl li- i;d le- ti- to cl- ic- .hc on •y- rt- ;hc [ is )US of of ary eih ;nd I He us, dc, viil be Let us nnt diiappoint thefe fanguinc ex- peditions by t!ie fmallcft deviation from thole liberal and enlarged fcntiments, which fliould mark the condu(5l of freemen -, and v.'h-^n the faithful historic page fhill re- cord the events of this GLORIOUS STRUGGLR, may not :i finglc line in the bright annals be ftained by ths recital of a difgraceful adlioii, nor future Americans have caufc to bluHi for the failings (-f their anceftors, I truft that there is not fuch another dar- kirian among us as Caflfandra. I am furc there are none fuch among our favaga neighbours. To what is it that he would pcrTuade us ? To receive with contempt, and treat with infult, men commifHoncd to negociate with us about matters of the highcfl: concern to America, and at leaji profejjing peace-^Psrfum cloathed with the charader of AmbafTadors, which has been uniformly c'fteemcd facred by every nation and in every age I Can a precedent be produced in any country or st any period which could be propoled for our imitation, or give counte- nance to fuch a proceeding ? Let this wri- i,?r turn over the volumes which eftablifli the principles of the Law of Nations. Let him fearch the hiftory of every ftate both ancient and modern, civilized and uncivilizedj he will find none fo fierce and rude as not to reverence the rights of AmbafTadors, and M 0^ c o confi 'cr any ir-fult of ihcir pcrfons as th; proflToft ouirai;c tint c-)uUl be committed. Nuy, let him "enquire amon;; the niimcroui tribes of Indians that furroiiiul our fionticrf, for fome example to countenance him iu his propoAil ? Theftt untutored favages would llartlc at the quenion, and wonder that there cculd be a pcrf n fo ignorant n not to know that pud/ic mrffen^ers, with the Calumet in their hands, are entitled to audlcncr, refpedt ai'.d h')f;jitality. Ami CiuW Americans, glorying in ihcir attach- mirnt to the rights cf humanity, be the firft to vi(.late obligatior^s which have been thus unlverfally held lacrcd ? N-j I L.t us never give that advantage to thofe who have been driving to excite the iniiignation of mankind a^a>nft us as faiihlefs people, ferociouf, baibarous, and uninfluenced by thufc hu« mane (entiment§ and finer feelings, which, in modern times, have, in fome meafure, foftened the horrors of war. Wc know that fuch a charge is as malicious as it is groundlcis. Indances enough might be I produced to refute it, fmce this contelk was carried on by arms j and I truft no future ones will be found wiuch might have a tcn- dtncy to iupport it. As we have long profcflcd an ardent dc- fut of peace, let us meet thole who bring the terms, with that virtuous confidence, which is infcparable from an upright con- t!i;s To THt PEOPLE. 91 crfons as th; : committed. he niiincroui our I'lonticrf, iancc liim i;i torcd fiiVDgtfi and wonder b ignorant a< trSt with the ire entitled to tality. And ihcir attach- y, be the firft ave been thus L.t us never ho have been )n of mankind le, fcrociout, by thufe hu« lingj, which, ome meafurc, Wc know licious as it is »h might be . tis coated was ruft no future ht have a tcn- an ardent dc- »le who bring Lis confidence, I upright con- (lii(^. Let us h^ar thrir p-ojofalf wit'i pitience, and coifider tlirm with candor; remembering h w wCcply tlie happinefs of miilions may be concerned in the illu?. If what iluy cffcr be fu^jh t^ freemen ought to accept, my voice flnll be for an inxnc- diate rtcunciiiaiion ; a'? 1 know of n > objctft fo worthy of a p*alri(it as the healing our wound;', and the reftoring of peacir, if it his for i:6 bafis an effcLJual (ccutiiy for the liberties vi /liner ica. If on the contra y, the terms, which may be offbreJ, IIjouUI be fuch as we cannot accept, wc have only to fay f),and thcnt-goclation will be at mi end. But this writvr is greatly concernod for cur virtue, left wc Huuld be cij-jltd, de- ceived, and corrupted. 1 confcfs tli-fj fancies nppcar to me f) groundlclJ, thu I .fufpcd their reality. Is it pofilble, in goo I earncfl to entertain fo ill an opinion of ihofc, who have ft:ikcd their lives and fortunes 0:1 this conteft, as to believe tlv.it th.y will fuffer themfelvcs to b: flattered out of their liberties, or. induced to (=11 ih-ir birthiit^ht for a vufs of pottage. ? When 1 confidcr that this treaty is to b.T managed, on the part of America, by men del-gated for their integrity and abiliiits by the voice of their country, I Jccl myi'eif quite eafy on that Icore. If the fthemc of the minidiy be to try the nrH of arrupticny where their ar:nb cannot prcviil, there an? 9 2 O 'iww other and lefs fufplcious ways of carrying it into execution, than by Comm:flioners, in the face of America, where they will have the eyes of all fixed upon them, and their condud diligently watched and fe- verely (crutinized. Upon the whole, it appears that this writer is more an enemy to the bufincfs on which the Commiflioners are to be fcnt than really apprehenfive for our virtue. Ih fcems to have drank deep of the cup of inde- pendency \ to be inimical to whatever carries the appearance of peace ; and too ready to facrifice the happinefs of a great Continent to his favourite plan. Among fuch writers I pretend not toclafs myfelf $ for 1 am bold to declare, and hope yet to make it evident to evcr> honeft man, that the true intereft of America licb in reconciliation with Great- Britain, upon coijlitutional principles, and I can truly fay, 1 wiib it upon no oihtr terms. Why the many publications in favor of independency, with which our prcflcs have lately groaned, bave paff^d hitherto unno- ticed, I am not able to determine. But there are certainly times when public affairs become fo intcrefting, that every man be- comes a debtor to the community for his opinions, cither in fpeaking or writing. Perhaps it was thought bed, where an ap- peal was pretended to be made to the Com- s of carrying ;mmiflioners, re they will n them, and lied and fe- ars that this e bufincfs on 3 be fcnt than virtue. Ih e cup of inde- latever carries I too ready to cat Continent ; fuch writers for 1 am bold akc it evident ; true intereft n with Great- incipki, and I pon no oihtr ns in favor of r prcflcs have ntherto unno- Lermine. But 1 public affairs very man bc- nunity for his nr or writing. where an ap- ) to the CoM- TO THE P E O P L E. 93 MON Sense of this country, to Icav people tor a while to the free cxcrcifc of that good underftanding which they arc known to poflcfs. Thofe who made the appeal have little caufc to triamph in its fuccefs. Of this they fecm fenfible; and, like true quacks are conftamly peftcring us with their additional dofcs, till the ftomachs of their patients begin wholly to revolt. If little notice has yet been taken of the pub- lications concerning independence, it is neither owing to the popularity ot the doc- trine, the unanfwerabie nature of the argu- ments, nor the fear of oppoling them, as the vanity of the authors would fuggcft. I am confidentjthat nine-tenths of the people of Pennfylvania, yet abhor the dodrine. it wc look back to the origin of Cv^ prefent eontroverfy, it will appear that fome among us at leaft, have been conftir.tiy en- larging their views, and ftretching thcni beyond their firft bounds, till at Icngih they have wholly changed their ground. From the claim of Parliament to tax us, fprung the firft refiftance on our part. Be- fore that unjuft claim was fel on foot, not an individual, not one of all the profound legiflators with which this country abounds, ever held out the idea of independence, 'Ve confidered our connection with Great- Britain as our chief happinefs— we flourish- ed, grew rich, and populous, to a degree X . I: li If ■V- ■•- -• — mnmyfg^^y^Tf-" 94 C A o rot to be paralleled in hiftory. Let us then aa the paft of (kilful phificianf, and wife- ly adapt the remedy to the evil. Poffibly fome men may have harboured the idea of independence from the begin- ning of this controverfy. Indeed it was ftro^'ngly fufpeaed there were individuals "hofe view8 tended that way j but « the fcheme was not fufficiently npcncd, it was reckoned flanderous, inimical to Amenca. and what not, to intimate the leaft fufpicion of this kind. , r 3 r Nor have many weeks yet elapfcd fince the firft open propofition for independence vvas p-.bli(hed .othe world.-By «h« men of confequence this fcheme is (uppor ed, or whether by any. may poffibly be the fubjea Tf future enquiry.-Ccrt^inly it has ,,0 coun . ZLcc from the Congreft. .0 «ho.e fen..- mcnts wc look up with reverence. On the contrary, it is ^"^^^y /TflTLTl d-claraiion of that refncaab e body. 1 t'ould be nccdleft to quote p.rt.cular pnffages Tn proof of .'..is, .".s they are .0 be met w,.h i- alrroft every paqe ot their proceeding,-. 1 wilrefcr to a'frw^nly.vi*. their Reio yes, March 5. ir/s-'""' ;?"'""," ?„'.^ Lt —their Addrels to the King, July 8— the.r Letter to the Lord Mayor of London-and mote efpccially their Declaration for a hn, W '2^ in which with the d.epea marks if nnccrity they call upon all America tP m ■ ^^!p i , i j!Up y M '* W'J ^ *j >i'i -yMW. jg tTiw ;pw' It TO THE PEOPLE. 95 Let us then , and wifc- harbourcd 1 the begin- decd it was individuals J but ?.s the ;ncd, it was ;o America, saft fufpicioa elapfed fince ndependence ly what men (upported, or ic the fobjed has no coun* whole fenti- nee. On the r.ant to every Ic body. If icular pr.ffages ) be met with ■oceedings. I heir Relolves, ation, July 6- July 8— their London— and lion for a fart, dccpeft marks ill America tp join with them in addrefllng the great Gj- vernor of the World — •' humbly befesch- " inj; him to avert the dcfolatiDg judgments *' with which vvc are threatened, to blefs ** cur rightful Sovereign, &2-— -that fo *' America may foon behold a gracious in- ** terpolitlon of Heaven for the rediefs of " her many grievances, the rcfturation of " her invaded rights, and reconciliation " with the parent ftate, on terms con- *' ftitutional and honorable to both/' Will any one be fo hardy as to fay, that cither the appointment or obfervation of this folemn day was a mere mockery of Heaven and earth, or even that any Ameri- cau joined in it, who was not fmcere ?-— I truft not. But if multiplying authorities v.'ere of any ufe, I might add the fentiments of our own reprefentativcs in aflembly expref- fed in the inftrudions to their Delegates j the fentiments of Maryland in fimilar in- ftrodions j the Refolves of New Jcrfey and New-Hamp(hire } norfliall the much injur- ed province of Maflachuktts Biy be left out of the catalogue, whofc Provincial Congrefs, while yet bleeding with the wounds receiv- ed at Lexington, thus addrefTrd the inhabi- tants of Great Britain — *' Thefe are marks " of miniftcrial vengeance againftthis Colony, "but they have not yet detached us from *• our royal Soversign, &c. trufting that in " a conjiitutional connedlion with the mother -•T^' 96 CATO TO THE People." I I «' country, we (hall foon be a free and happy people." Thefe were the fcntiments of the Colony of the Mallachuletts, figncd by that great Martyr to Liberty. Dr. Warren, and foon after fcaled with his blot-d. ^ The fcntiments of fundry other Colonies m^sht b; fliewn to have corrcCponded wuh iheie.— But this letter has already reached its full length. 1 Ihall take lome future opportunity to examine the arguments which have been offered to induce a change of thefe fentimentSi and upon the whole I doubt not to make it appear that independence is not the caufe in which America is now engaged, and is only the idol of ihofe who with to fubvert all order among us,^ and rile on the ruins of their ctuntry ! C A T O. Philadelphia, March uth, 1776. 'Jujprh,u.' •ndpulUJhed, at the defire of A'Viral Member, cftbe ^le the Continental Cortgrefs, ant Jomt of the Military 0/ the H£cciation, and is no'w Jelhng ByROi -T B\'.LU Vxmw in^rhirdjireet, (Price ^hree VoUars, t-uo volumes, in neat bindings.) TH E M I LI T A R Y G U I D E for YOU N G OFFICERS, by THOMAS SIMES. Efq. This work is a large and valuable compilation from the moS cele- brated tnilicarv writcrs-M.irfhal Saxe-Gcceral Bland-- Kin.^ Of Prjffia-Prince Ferdinand, &c &c. Containing the experience of many brave heroes in critical fituations, for the ufe of young warriors; J"^>"''i??.^^" ''L"'^"' military, hiftorical and explanatory DICTIONARY. 10 which is now added, cxtrads from a military effay, oontajn; ing refleaions on the raifing, arming, cloathing and d! - cipline of the Briiilh infantry and cavalry. By Campbell Dalrymple, Ef(^ ; Ueutenar.t ColoneJ to the King s own regiment of dragoons. The whole is illuftrated with Eleven Copper-plates. c C t ti 1; P C( tl g at ti ti; pi ts 3PLE. : and happy ients of the ncd by that LRREN, and er Colonies onded with ady reached ome future arguments ce a change the whole I dependence lerica is now )i ihofe who ' us, and rife ' cato. ■ fiiieml Members 0, (tn.i/ome of the { is tiozv JelUtig 'hirdftrttt, neat bindings.) FOR YOUNG J, Efq. This work m the moft ccle- Geceral Eland— &c. Containing critical fatoations, liD<» an excellent TIONARY. To ary effay, oontain- doathing and dif- ry. By Campbell to the King's own lUated with Eleven C C tl i; p C( ti g at ti til P' y e It d re :I bo the lifg 40 «le- leat To tain* dtf. ibcli own ievcR ■'■I M ; > y e h re :I ce )«^ |o fe X fri the ling > rotk oni> teat taiii' dif- |>b«U own leven Extrafl, from the Journal of the proceedlngi.' of the ho- norable the American Continental Congrefs, helcf at Philadelphia, September fifth 1774. Being that part of their Addrefs to the Inhabitants of the Province of Quebec, which enumerates, the glorious rights of JEnglilhmen, and Lngliflt fubjefts: Among which are included, THE LIBERTY OF THE PRESS. "The Committee, to whom the Addrefs to the Inhabitatits of Quebec was recommitted; reported a draught, which was read, and being debated by Paragraphs and amen* ded, was approved, and is as follows . To THE INHABITANTS DF THE Province of QJJEBEC. Friends and Fel/ou'-SuiiJeSfs, WE, the DELEGATES of the Colo- nies of New-Hamp(hire, Mallachu- fctts-Bay, Rhodt-Ifland and Provi- dence Plantations, Connedicut, New- York, New-Jerfey, Pennfylvania, the Counties of Newcaftle Kent and SufTex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North- Carolina, and South Carolis^, deputed by the inhabitants of the faid Colonics to repre- fcnt them in a general Congrefs at t»hiladel- phia, in the province of Pennfylvania, to confult together cfincerning the beft nic- thods to obtain redrefs of our afflidling grievances, having accordingly aflembled, and taken into our moft ferious confidera- tion the ftatc of public affairs on this con- tinent, have thought proper to addrefs your province, as a member therein deeply in- tcroftcd." - ' •' When |. .1B,7 THE American Congress on the «« When the fortune of war, after a gal- lant and glorious rciiftancc, had incorpo- rated you with the body of Englifli fub- jetfts, we rejoiced in the truly valuable ad- dition, both on our own and your account j cxpeaing, as courage and generoGty arc naturally united, our brave cnennies would become our hearty friends, and that the Divine Being would blefs to you the difpen- fations of his over-ruling providence, by feciiring to you and your latcft poAerity the ineftimable advantages of a free Erighfti conftitution of guvernnient, which it is the privilege of all Englilh fubjeds to enjoy. «« Thefe hopes were confirmed by the King's proclamation, iffued in the year 1763, plighting the public faith for your full enjoyment of thofe advantages." ''Little did wc imagine that any fucceed- ing minifters would fo audacloufly and cru- elly abufc the royal authority, as to with- hold from you the fruition of the irrevoca- ble rights, to which you were thus jultly entitled." , /• l «« But fince wc have lived to fee the unex- peacd time, when minifters of this flagi- fious temper have dared to violate the moft facred compads and obligations, and as vou, educated under another forin of go- vernment, have artfully been kept froiii dif- covering the unfpeakable worth of that form you are now undoubtedly cniitled to, wc iftccm it our duty, for the weighty reafon <( ON THl after agaU id incorpo- inglifli fub- aiuable ad- ur account; rterofity arc imies would id that the I th€ difpen- vidcncc, by pofterity the rce Englifti lich it is the i to enjoy." led by the in the year ith for your itages." any fucceed- jfly and cru- , as to with" the irrevoca- 5 thus juftly fee the unex- of this flagi- latc the moft ons, and as form of go- ept from dif- 1 of that form litled to, we jighty reafon RIGHTS OF ENGLISHMEN* herein after mentioned, to explain to yoi», fome of its mofl: important branches." «* In every human fociety," fays the ce- lebrated Marquis Beccaria, ** there is an ffor/, continually tending to confer on one part the hcighth of power and happinefs, and to reduce the other to the extreme of weaknefs and mifcry. The intent of good laws is to oppofe this effort, and to dittufe their influence univerfally and equally." •• Rulers, ftimulatcd by this pernicious •* effort," and fubjcds, animated by the juft " intent of oppofing good laws againfl it," have occafiioncd that vaft variety of events, that fill the hiftories of fo many nations. All thefe hiftories demonftratc the truth of this fimplc pofition, that to live by the will of one man, or fet of men, is the produc- tion of mifery to all men." "On the folid foundation of this principle, Englifhmen reared up the fabriclc of their conftitution with fuch a ftrength, as forages to defy time, tyranny, treachery, internal and foreign wars ; And as an illuftrious author (Montefquieu)of your nation, hereafter men- tioned, obferves.-T- ** they gave the peo- ple of their colonies the form of their own government, and this government carrying profperity along with it, they have grovi'n great nations in the forefts they were lent to^ inhabit." I 111' THE American Congre68 on tub •'In this form, the firft grand right is that of tlic people having a (hare in thoir own government by their rcprcfentativcs chofcn hy iliemfelves, and, in confcqucncc, of be- ing ruled by laws^ which they themfelvcs approve, not by edicis of n^n over whom they have no controul. This is a bulwark lurn-unding and defending their property, which by their honcft cares and labours they have acquired, fo that no portions of it can legally be taken from them, but with their own full and free confcnt, when they in their judgment deem it juft and neccflary to give them for public fervices, and pre- cifeiy dircdl the eafieft, cheapefl, and moft equal methods, in which they (hall be col- hded." '■ * •♦The influence of this right extends ftill farther. If money is wanted by rulers who have in any manner opprclFed the people^ they may retain it, until their grievances ar(j rerirtfied, and thus peaceably procure relief, without trufting to dcfpifed petitions, or dif- turbing the public tranquillity." <« The next great right is that of trial by iu'y. This piovidGSj that neither life, li- bcity nor property can be taken from the pcflcfibr, until twelve of his unexceptiona- ble countiymen and peers, of his vicinage, vvho frcm that neighbourhood may reafona- bly be fuppoled to be acquainted with hii thaiiidlcr, and the cbaradeis of the wit- ON TUK right is that ) thoir own itivcs chofcn icncc, of bc- r ihcmfelvcs over whom is a bulwark eir property, labours they ons of it can jt with their ^hen they in ind neccfTary :es, and pre- ([, and mofl (hall be col- . . . * ; extends ftill y rulers who 1 the people^ ;rievances ar(i rocure relief, itions, or dif- »at of trial by ithcr life, li- en from the luexccptiona- his vicinage, may reafona- itcd with his of the wit- RIGHT3 OF englishmen; ncffes, upon a fair trial, and full enquiry face to face, in open court, before as many of the people as chufc to attend, (hall pafs their fentencc upon oath againft him j a fcntencc that cannot injure him, without injuring their own reputation, and probably ihcir intcreft alfo ; as the queQion may turn on points that, in lomc degree, con- cern the general welfare j and it it docs uot, their verdid may form a precedent, that, on a fimilar trial of their own, may militate againft themlclves." "Another right relates merely to the liber- ty of the perfon. If a fubjcdt is feizsd and imprifoncd, though by order of govern- Oient, he may, by virtue of this right, im- mediately obtain a writ, termed a Habeas Corpus, from a judge, whole (worn duty it \i to grant it, and thereupon procure any illegal reftraint to ba quickly enquired into and redrelTed." "A fourth right is that of holding lands by the tenure of eafy rents, and nut by rigorous and oppreflive fervices, frequently forcing the pofTtflbrs from their families and their bufmefs, to perform what ought to be done, in all well regulated ftates, by men hired for the purpofe." "The laft right, we (InW mention, regards the freedom of the prcfs. The importancq of this confifts, befidcs the advancement of jruibj fcience, morality, and arts in gene- r! Til* American Conoriis, on the RIGHTS OK ENGLISHMEN. rai. in ht difFofion of liberal fcniimcnts on the admiiiillration of government, Its ready communication of thoughts between fub- jcdU, and its confcqucntial promotion of union among them, v- hereby opprcflivc ofikcrs are fliamed or infijriiJited into more honorable and jn'^. ui^J'.^i of conducing affairs." "Thefear- the inva»i.ible rights, that form a confidura' ' .!t of our mild fyflem of go- vcrnm>-ntj tliat, fcndinf» its equitable ener- gy through all ranks and clafles of men, dc- icnds the poor from the rich, the weak from the powerful, tl>e induftrious from the ra- pacious, t'lr peaceable from the violent, the tenants from the lords, and all from their fupcriors." " Thcfe are the rights, without which a people cannot be; free and happy, and un- der the proteding and encouraging influence of which, thcfc colonies have hitherto fo amazingly flouri(hcd and incrcafcd. Thefe arc the rights, a profligate miniflry arc now lUiving, by force of arms, to ravirti from us, and which we arc, with one mind, re- lolvcd never to refigti but with our lives." "These are the rights, YOU are ^ITI.t.' O, AND OUGHT AT THII MOMENT IN PERFECTION TO EXERCISE.", A P] I A C I Are c is I rec( and Wrii The pre to Qiioti to Ma ?rint< S, ON Tlir S H M E N. jntimcnts on !nt, its ready actwccn fub- romotion ct 17 opprcflivc :cd into more conduding iits, that form Cydcm of go- [uitabic cncr- of men, de- le weak from from the ra- the violent, md all from tout which a ppy, and un- »ing influence e hitherto fo afed. Thefe liftry arc now D ravifh from nc mind, re- i our lives." s, You ARE T AT Tllli I EXERCISE." ADDITIONS T PLAIN 1 RUTH; ADURISiED to TlIC INH AB ITANTS O F AMERICA, Containing, farther Remark j ON A LATE P A M .' H L E T, entitled COMMON SENSE; WHEREIN, Are clearly and fully (hewn, that Amcrics Independence, is as illufory, ruinous, and impradlical ", as a liheral reconciliation with Great Britain, is (a e, honorable, and expedienl. Written uy the Author of PLAIN TRUTH. The enjoyment of Liberty, and even its upport and prefetvation, confids, in every man's ln-.ng allowed to fpeak his thoughts, and lay open his ftntiments. Qootation of the American Congrcfs, in ih r Addrels to the Inhabitants of Q^icbec, from th:i friend to Mankind, Months q^u i e u. pHILADELP HI A: Vrinted, and Sold, by R. BELL, in Thl i-Str«et. MDCCLXXVI. ::\ Ipy IF' W'- * D D I T I O N S T O PLAIN TRUTH: CONTAINING, k Further Remarks on a late Pamphlet, entitled common sense. THE writer of PLAIN truth, grieved at the infidious purpole of the Pam- phlet, entitled common sense, ar- dently wifhed to fee its Antichriftian tenets cxpofed to public deteftation. After in. vain, waiting feveral weeks in cxpedation of its being anfwered, he at length haftily endeavoured to refute its pernicious doc- trines; and therefore wifhes the judicious reader to pcrufe the following obfervations^ intended as additional to his foroKr re- marks. In our former obfervations, we intimated that many pages might be filled with enco- miums on our excellent conftitution, by jlluftrious authors of different nations.* We hope the candid reader will be grati- fied with the following extrads on than fubjcdl, by that univecfal genius Voltaire, N and '1 i i ■ -*«4.a-.- . -i,,. . w*. —i - .-.. a>*- - - ■• — I ih Hi [Jlii8ri'' '" *-■' ---^^ 9? ADDITIONS TO and by the almoft infpired Montcfquieu, To honorably diainguilhed by our rcfpedtablc Congrcfs. " The Englifh nation are the only peo- pie on earth, who, refifting prerogative, happily rcrtrained it : Who. by efforts to efforts, at length cftabliOied that ivije go- vcrnment, where the Prince all powerful to do good, has his hands tied from doing evil } where the nobility great without in- folence, and vaffals, and where the people partake the government without conjujton. The Houfe of Peers and Houfc of Commons are the arbitrators of the nation y the King is the umpire. This balance was wanting to the Romans j the Patricians ai^d people were always divided at Rome, without a mitigating power to reconcile them. The Senate of Rome, who had the unjuft and punifhable pride to (hare no part of their power with the Plebeians, knew no other lecretto remove them from government, than to employ them continually in foreign wars ; they regarded the people, as a beaft of prey, whom it was neccffary to let loofe on their n/uihbours, lead he (hould tear his mailer. "Thus, the greateft fault of the government of the Romans made them Qonquerors ; it was, becaufc they were •^ - wreiched ■'-s\^ TO itcfquieu, fo r rcfpedtablc lie only peo- prerogative-, by efforts to hat wife go-' all powerful i from doing : without in- re the people out conJuJion„ ! of Commons n i the King : was wanting s ai^d people ne, without a them. The :he unjuft and I part of their new no other government, ally in foreign pie, as a beaft iry to let loofe le (hould tear :ateft fault of ns made ihem fc they were wretched P L A f N TRUTH. 99 wretched at home, that they conquered the world." Montefqnieu alfo aflirms that "the Bri- tifli government is the wif'Ji in Europe^ bc- caufc, there is a body which examines it p'^rpctually, and is perpetually examining itteif } and its errors arc of fuch a nature, as nemf to be lafiing, and are frequently ufeful by roufing the attention of the na- tion." In fhort, the man who in prefe- rence to thefe authorities, and the teftimony of ages, can believe our author's criminal affertions igainft the conftitution, in our very humble opinion, is incapable of being reafoned with. The reader, often accuftomed to hear our numbers exaggerated, will wirfi fur- prife be told, that the free people in the Britirti Colonics do not exceed 1,500,000. The writer of Common Senfe, and hl& parlizans, to promote their flagitious pur- poles, endeavour to make the world be- lieve, that the number of cur free people amount to three millions. Thefe pcrfons who have fo excellent a knack of creating armies, and navies, fuppofc 900,000 peo- ple in Virginia and Maryland, although ihefe provinces only contain 280,000 while people. 3y examining^ the lift of taxables in Virginia , ioc ADDITIONS to Virginia ?.nd Maryland, arid the battalions now u.) foot in th.tc provir.ccs, fuch, as doubc our coinpntatiowp, nvdv latisfy them- ItivTs that wc are not widely miftaken. It 1 am tuld tr^at 72 counties are included iii Vuiiinia and Mu.yland, 1 reply, thai they do not con^prehcnd half the number of people contained in Yorkdiire. The num- ber of white people therefore in the diffc- rent provinces, may be truly ftated in the followins^ manner J in the fouthern colo- nics. Aso.coo. in the middle colonies, cco,ooo, in the New England coloniej. cocooo. Thus extenfively disjoined, thefe numbers form not fo great a nationaj (Ircntnh, as would half that number united in a compad territory. Now, a ftate, con- taining 1,500,000 people, c^nm prudently keep up more than 15,000 loldiers. A per 11; n 'poflea;:d of £1000 may indeed for feme time difplaythe cxpcnccof hmi leiled of £1000 yearly revenue, but he will afteft fuch imprudent parade at the expcncc ot bis rain. On fuch, and no other principle, may a community of 1,500,000 arm more than I c,ooQ men. When by the luft of his ambition, Lewis the Fourteenth was conftrained ^0 defend himfelf againft his redoubtable acj- verfancs, defpotic as he was, he never at '^ - once TO he battalions ;es, fuch, as latisfy them- miftaken. It" included iii ly, thai they : number of , The num- in the diffc- ftated in the )ulhern colo- dle colonies, and colonic?, isjoined, thefe at a national lumber united r, a ftate, con- nnpt prudently Ibldiers. A ay indeed for eof hini feifcd t he will afFcdt he expencc of iiher principle, ,QOO arm more his ambition, conflrained to sdoubtable ad- is, he never at once P L A I N T R U T H. lot i,ncc brought into the field one tenth, part of his fubjeds c-ipable of bttnnr' ii.aif. If he had, his kingdom had bcf i Josevcr undone, feeing the lofs fuftained by an f.r- my, even in an inadive campaign, is in- deed almofl: incredible. Lead ih>;!e iivne zealous than informed, doubt thciC limplc truths, we here fubjoin the opinion of tiwu friend of mankind, Montcfquieuj who, re- t^edting on the caufe of the rife and fall ot the Roman Empire; obferve-?, " tiiat ex- pericnc'j has perpetually rtiewn, tliat an European Prince, who has a million of fubjefts, cannot without deftroying hitn- fclf, keep up and maintain above ten ihou- fand foldiers, confequently, great nations only are poffetfed of Armies.* '* li is obferved (continues the fame author) that the immoderate labour which foldiers aie obliged to undergo, deftroys our armies." I would afk thofc who alfert wc are to be aided by France and Spain, on what aflarance fio they ground their hopes of fuch allKl- ance i? Did Britain retain Manilla, Ilavan- na, Martinico, Guadaloupe, or aellcine? Did » Let the reader judge how this correJjionds with the writer of Common Senfe ; who affcrts, " that it is a matter worthy of obfervation, that the mo*e a country i* ocopled, the /mailer their armies are." '4 n i i 'A X02. ADDITIONS TO Did •Britain interfere in thcconqueftof Cor- itca ? Did (he take part dircaiy or iiidircd- ly with thefubjeas of France, when late in revolt in the rich ifland of St. Dontiingo, commonly called Hifpaniola? Did not Great Britain v/iUi incorruptible integrity adhering to ihe fpiril of her treaties with France, re- fufe to aid tliefe iHanders, though more than once folicited and impoktuned by thetn for that end ? Has France recovered the tone of her power, weak-ned by fo many fi^nal defeats ? Are not her iinanccs in deep di'l'order, and likely fo to continue for many years ? Did not thefe weighty confiderations lately retain France from fuccouring the Turks, tbo' brought to ihe verge of perdi- tion by the vidlories of Ruffia ? The Turks, her ancient natural allies, whofe very bene- ficial commerce Hie almoft exclufively cn- ]oycdi a commerce more valuable than that "fhc could carry on with us, were ^t raifed to independence by her power. Circumlhmced as France and Spain are, would they not adl extremely impolitically to aid or create a civil war in the dominions of Britain? Such procedure on the part of France would probably again roufethe mar- tial ambition of the proud ijlanden, fo as to rccal to her memory the age of Henry the ctb. or the delivery of Dunkirk to Cromwell. Montefquieu ..SV'--S£i» 3 TO queft of Cor- y or iiidircdl- when late in it. Domingo, ^id not Great jrity adhering 1 France, re- >h more than ^ED by them ecovered the I by fo many jances in deep inue for many confidcrations iccouring the crge of perdi- ? The Turks, )re very bene- :xclufively en- able than that vere we raifed r. nd Spain are, y impolitically the dominions on the part of roufe the mar- mdersy (o as to of Henry the k to Cromwell. Montefquieu PLAIN TRUTH. 103 Montefquieu very juftly remarks, " that no ftate threatens its neighbours with conquci^ fo much as that which is involved in the horrors of civil war : In luch a feafon, the nobility, the citizens, the artizan-s, the pealants, and in (hort the whole body of the people become foldie;s." Can wc be- lieve that the Sovereigns of France and Spam, charmed with our author's encomi- unis on monarchs and monarchy, will in gratitude raife him to his beloved, his paf- lionately defired proteSlorjhip ? Let us how- ever fuppofe that thefe monarchs jealous of the power of England, would gladly dc- prefs her, even at the certain price of creat- ing in the independent flates of America, a very dangerous power to their colonies. Let us next examine the probable conrc- quences. In fuch war, Hollmid, perhaps Denmark, and Ruffia,, would take part witb their natural ally. Great Britain. It is in- deed incumbent on thcfe powers to prcfcrve, inviolate the Britifh power in America and the Weft Indies, which alone maintains the ftability of the political balance in Europe. It confequently will behoove France and Spain to arm with the utmofl: vigour, which cannot be effeded at lefs annual expence flian fifteen millions fterling to each of the laid belligerents. Now fliould this war prove 104 ADDITIONS TO n U. : prove unfucccfsful on the part of Great Britain, we cannot imagine that it will ter- minate, e'er many bloody fields are loft and won ; I fay, it probably will not end in left than lo yearf. This war therefore would coft to France and Spain at lead 300 millions fterling, and confequent- ly 3, 4, or 500,000 fubjedts.— Methinks I hear the writer of Common Scnfe exclaim, Britain diveitcd of her American commerce, cannot fo long maintain war. I would re- mind him that Britain and Ireland contain nearly ten millions of people. If there* fore there is the lead foundation in his aflertion " that the diminution of tra^it creates an army, and the neceflities of an army create a trade," the candid reader will furely allow that Great Britain may arm and maintain a moft redoubtable army, poflcfled of nearly a million of manufafturers (ac- cording to our author, and his congenial frantic declamators) in danger of ftarving. Let ui fuppofe that in thecourfe of this war, unhappily for mankind the glory of Great Britain is ftained by repeated diJgraces and defeats, vnd that (he is forever ftripped of her colonies, who become independent. Ye that arc not dead to humanity and every generous emotion of the human heart,' feel ye not compaffion for h-uman kind de- flroyed in thefe bloody fcenes ? Do ye feel I b TO (art of Great lat it will tcr- ields are lod ibly will not This war e and Spain at d confcquenl- . — Methinks I Scnfe exclaim, ;an commerce, I would re- reland contain »le. If there, idation in his jtion of tradt ceflities of an did reader will 1 may arm and army, pofleffed ufadturers (ac- hi8 congenial rcr of ftarving. irfe of this war, glory of Great :d dilgraces and ever ftrippcd of ndependent. humanity and le human heart,' mman kind de- les ? Do ye feel B9 PLAIN TRUTH. 105 no rcmorfc for the rUlti of the Britifh em- pire, the fcourge of tyrants, ihe protedor of nations and our facred rclii^ion ? are ye not petrified with horror, indignation and amazement, when infiirmed, that a princi- pal caufe of fuch bloody and ever deplorable Icenes is the rcftlcfs ambition of the writer of Common Senfe and his partisans : im- pelled 1 fay by their turbulent ambition to anticipate an event which the fulnefb of time would probably produce without bloodfhcd. Here let us paufe, and difpaniuiiately ex- amine the advantages accruing to France and Spain from the expenditure of ib t/iuc/j blood, (0 niucb treafure. Thefe advantages we muft candidly rclolve into humiliacioa to Great Britain, and eventual and final ruia to their colonies, ** But our commerce (fays the author of Common Senfe) our commerce will repay ihem." Famed as we are for gratitude, I fincerely believe that France and Spain may fccurely rely on cxclufively enjoying our commerce for ages, many ages. After this facrifice to truth, 1 muft however acknow- ledge, that were we to present thole pow- ers with the total of our produce for two centuries to come, we fiiould not nearly repay tothofe powers, the faid expenditure of blood and treafure. Let us now view the other O fide. io6 ADDITIONS TO lide. If wc confidcr the powerful efFortj Britain has heretofore made to fupport AuiUia, and the halance of power in Eu- rope, we may readily imagine ihe ftupen- dou8 efforts flie will |.eiTorm to favc herfclf from impending deftrudion. Her navies covering the ocean would rapidly deftroy the fleets of her enemies. France and Spain overwhelmed with the dcHrudion of their commerce and colonies, like a tree (Iript of cf i 1: branches, would pine and languid]. Soon would they again implore Britain for peace.—- The French and Spanish colonies once more, and perhaps forever would re- ceive Uws from Britain. The very fertile ifland of Hifpaniola, of much more value than all the Britifh iflands, only awaits a fummons to furrendcr to Great Britain. Oppressed by every species of DESPOTISM, the planters of Hilpaniola lately flew to arms, but alas 1 were defeated by the regular troops of their arbitrary Prince. Thofe rich planters being in the vicinity of Jamaica, are charmed with the felicity of the Britifli lubjeds, and languilh to partake the happinefs of the BritKh con- ftitution. The furrender of this ifland (and its rcdudion would be infallible) would afford to Great Britain as real a monopoly the 'in I ^■^. TO crful cfFortJ to fupport Qwcr in Eu- ihe ftupen- favc hcrfclf Her navies ^ deftroy the ; and Spain ion of their tree (Uipt of ind languidi. e Britain for ni(h colonies rcr would re- e very fertile more value only awaits a Jreat Britain. SPECIES OF »f Hitpaniola were defeated lieir arbitrary being in the med with the , and languilh le Btitllh ton- tiis ifland (and Uibk) would I a monopoly P L A I N T R U T H. 107 of fogar and indigo, as the Dutch pofTefs of ihe fpice trade. Britain by moral and phy- fical caufcs hnbituatcd to glory, would ra- pidly prevail, and triumphintly returning; to our devoted (hores. — I draw a veil over, the event. Ii it not a melancholy lymp- tom that many, too many rcJped^ablc pcr- fons in the colonics have attended to our •« vifionary's tale of foreign aid ? Is it not humiliating to confidcr, that fuch perloni have been mifled by our ivould beprotcchr." Can wc be (o credulous to believe what our author has aflerted about our creating a navy, &c? Wc are not ignorant that Spain •snjoys more commerce than the colonic?, conlequently more leamen 'ban America. We are not uninformed that Spain poff (Ted of Mexico and Peru (mines not indeed (oea- fily worked asourveiy valuable paper mines) would purchafe feamen, if unhappily for the peace of mankind, gold could purchafe failors j perhaps only to be obtained in Britain or Holland.— This our affcrtion is cxprcfly confirmed by the friend oj mankind Montefqiiieu, who fays, " in this age, the whole life of a prince is fcarce fufficient for the railing and equipping a navy capable to make head againlt a power already pofTcflcd ©f the empire of the fea." This perhaps may ■ ) J io8 ADDITIONS TO may be the only thing whicli money CANNOT KiFicr. I apprchctid ill (this vciy cxccl'.ciic authority, indepeiiilent of cur hiunblt rtafons, will aflurcdly evince, tu every candid fcader, thai in our days wc cannut form a luvy to contend witli the pride and tniiUcls of ihc main. H the wri- ter of Conunon Scnfc is ftill inrtexibly bent on buildin|i a navy, 1 advifc him to con- ihuil it on his native plains of the moon.— There, indeed may it defy the power of Great Britain, which alas I it cannot brave on the Blue mountains, or any other part of Britifli America. Scrioufly, the man's judgment mull be ftrangcly depraved who can give the leUl faith to our vifion- ry's navy, and his other rhodomontadcs I I apprehend that our planters, farmers, and others, who cinnot obtain a (hilling for Vv'hc.ii, who in birtcr for two buflicis of th.it article, cann-^t acquire one bulhel of SALT ; who cannot procure other articles aim (i indir|)t;iifii)ly nccefTary to life j 1 fay, futh pirlons, as well as every oih:r rank of inhabuin'.s, will, 1 dread foon experimen- tally fini, (hat the writ' r of Common Senfc has inl .hcd their undcrlknding, in ban- tennu; ihcm nbout thci; grain fciling, "while ec.'itii^ is t/jL' cu/lom in Europe^' conccrnii)g a navy and lush like extravagancies. We h S TO hicll MONEY hend th c thin dependent of urcdiy evince, n our days wc end witli the 1. !1 the wri- nrtcxibly bent : hir)i to con- f the moon.— the power of t cannot brave }r any other Scrioufly, the ngcly depraved to our vifion- )domontades ! Uers, farmers, n a (hilling for ivo buHiels of one buHiel of other articles f to life i 1 fay, y oihcr rank of on experimen- Common Senfc iding, in ban- fciling, "while f," concerning gancies. We P L A I N T R U T IT. 109 Wc hive already obfcrved, that our aii- tlior remarks, '* that commerce diminiOics both the Ipirit of patriotilm and military defence."* The Hoitrntots, the people (if they may he fo called) of Kamchatka, of Grcci.land, and a confiderablo part of Siberia, know not commerce. They are as remarkable no doubt for patriotifin, as elegance of manners. The Algeriius, and other pirates of Barbary, the numerous tribes of Arabs, the many hord-. of Tartars, have no other commerce than robbery and murder. They indeed poflds the genuine Ipirit of military defence^ and douotlcfs therefore arc excellent patriot''. The na- tives of Florida, and New Z'.aland, who ravenoufly feed on human fli.ll), have no idea of commerce. 1 cannot indeed of my own • The eloquent Fergufon treating of the moft refpciJU- able nations I'f antiquity, has the tollowiiig obfeivuiioii. " They granted qi.atteronly to f fl vc, rr ro brin^^ the prifoner to a inoie folemn execution ; .i. <.\ im enemy v.hendifarmed, was for the moll pirt, either fold in ihc market or killed, that he might never return t:) llningthen hij party. When this was the ifluR 'f war, i: was n(» wonder that battles were fought with deipcrafian, and that every fortitis v/as defended to the lalt extremity. The game of human life went upon a higli iLiicc, and was played with a proportional zeal. To the military Ipirit tf dtftntt were mankii\d indebted for fuch dcteUiible manners. Cm any reiifoaable being therefore, wi(h for iiidcpendcricc at this lime, which tfl'crtually deOroying our commerce and our agreeable manners, would without all doubt plunge us into brutality and the groiTcIl bar- birrifm." History of Cjvil Society. h ifm no ADDITIONS to own knowlcf^gc fay much of their patriot- ifm, tho' ihcy certiiniy poflefs the inie fpir it of military defence in its native coloiin, 1 believe our honeft Indian neighbours are unf' Surely not. In fine, exifting a moment be- tween two eternities, our defigns are trail as ourfelves. " The continent (fays the author) by that time would not havp had a general, or even a military TO hor fpeaks of has enriched is faid, Ame- t opulence is. » Becaufe, ihs^t be fcparated come to that he longer it is be to accom- 1 of the fem- n in his fenfes ever for argu- : to precipitate 2S, becaufe our be involved in yer no j what- to the contrary iefigns. If an rfons were told fFairs it were ^ [ their dcfcen- d years hcnc(? their property, dt themfelves? ; a moment bc- lefigns are frail author) by that general, or even a military P L A I K T R tJ T H; lis fi military officer left j and we, or thofc who may fucceed[us, would have been as ig- norant of martial'ifFairs, as the ancient In- dians : and this fingle pofition clofely at- tended to, will unanfwerably prove, that the prefcnt time is preferable to all others* Here I do the author juftice to fuppofe, that he really means to joke. If he is in earneft, his invention is father fertile j for I can fafely fay, that he has adduced a reafon for arming, which no one elfe would have thought of. I believe my countrymen, who laft war carried arms, will candidly town, that had we no better reafon for taking up arms than that juft affigned, we very fafely might poftpone the war 50 ec 100 years longer. If our troops gathered laurels, the Britons alfo acquired glory. Certain I am, that our experienced officers will moft chcarfully allow, that the addi- tional number of 150 or 200,000 men* (which additional number, in that remote period, the conti ^nt will at lead poflefs) would be an equiv/. r.EMT for their military ikill. Why may not our defcendants then ex pea foreign generals ? Will not foldiera of fortune then have ftronger inducements to explore military fame and fortune than at prefcnt? Why may not our youthful dc- fcendantt ii6 ADDITIONS TO i'si fcendants courting glory in the well fought fields of Europe, return with laurels, and iiiftrua: their countrymen to acquire honor and fame in defending America. The author of the Appendix next remarks, ** that the value of the back lands which fome of the provinces are clandcftinely deprived of, by the unjuft exienfion of , the limits of Canada, valued only at five pounds fterling per hundred acres, amount to upwards of twenty five millions, Pennfylvania currency, and the quit-rents at one penny fterling per acre, to two millions fterling." " It is by the fale of tbo/e lands that the debt may be funk, without burthen to any, and the quit-rent refcrved thereon, will always leflen, and in time, will wholly fup- port the yearly expence of gov«rnment. ' Jt matters not how long f/je debt is in paying, fo that the lands when fold be applied to the difcharge of it, and for the execution of which, the Congrefs for the time being, will be the continental truftees." This is perhaps the moft glaring infult ever offered to mankind, and as he evidently means to betray the caufe he pretends to fcrve, I will therefore chearfully deted his duplicity. Fitft, I obfervc that his back lands are only 480 millions of acres, cr a territory jjuT 82 times larger than Pennfylvania, which ) TO ; well fought i laurels, and Lcquire honor »eiica. The marks, ** that rhich feme of \f deprived of, the limits of Qunds fterling :o upwards of ania currency, ly fterling per • fofe lands that 3ut burthen to d thereon, will ill wholly fup- govsrnment. k is in paying, ', applied to the ! execution of le time being, ;cs." This is alt ever offered sntly means to to (erve, I will his duplicity. )ack lands are cr a territory i Pennfylvania, which PLAIN TRUTH. 117 which comprehends all tlid fpace, even to the polar circle (land or leas of ice mat- ters not to him) three fourths of which will forever remain a dreadful defart. I am not ignorant that our author will allege the prcceflion of the equinoxes, which in the courfe of a million of years, by changing every climate on earth, may render his back lands habitable. Secondly, this projedl of his back lands will exterminate every Indian in North America ; nor can this aifertion be thought rafli if we remember the respect with which our frontier fettlers very gene- rally treat their Indian neighbours. Now I'uch murderous ambition is rather too bare- faced in our ftatcfman (o convcrfant in fcrip" ture, injujiice, and our natural rights. Thirdly, the habitable part of our author's provinces, will not be peopled (if ever) in lefs than loco or 1500 years. China, by rcery caufe^ is as favourable to population as any region or empire on earth. Yet doth it not contain one twentieth part of the in- habitants our provinces are to comprehend in the fliort fpace of one or two centuries. In fine, there is no example on earth of Tuch population. War, famine, and pefti- lence v/ill ever prevent it. Mankind ever were and ever will be the fame. Nor doth Providence fcem folicitous to croud the earth fl- f 1 Il* as ADDITIONS TO numbers of ^"■",'" ''Ze of Ufe- »' «'» in infancy, »"<>«;"''„ ^'f i„,Udies, as b, Indiogthcmaprey o^„^ ^' ' „'"hS heal gcc " Our author s hnccriiy «» ^^^ 1 inoft fincerely believe. TO ich amazing; lid not perifti life, as well ladies, as by war, and dc- rfed ambition however ad- lUt population that our nu- happicr than •s ? 1 reply wc re not the leaft vith her pricfts than ancient feditions, and my reaionable the APPENDIX ;an to ftab our : creditors, that uninnabitable dgc for money ? c proffered fecu- ble to the planet at only naniing d men is an e^- ig their purfes. cs the appendix 3t is in paying, •itv on ibis head, ' ' The I P L A I N T R U T H. ug The author more than once mentions, "the fuftcrcrs, whofe ail is already gone, and the foldier who has quitted his a/l for the defence of his country." I fay, he attempts to terrify us with thofe who have no fortunes but their swords. I have al- ready expreflcd my ardent wiflies, thrt Britain, and thofe provinces may effectu- ally c«mmiferate the unfortunate fituation of the unhappy fufferers. Surely thofe fol- diers, who on principles of virtue and glo- ry defend their country j will, on the re- cftablifliment of peace, chearfuUy return to their families and avocations. Mofl: cer- tainly, the reader will not be bullied by fuch impotent menaces, but will readily perceive the true caufe of our author's aver- iion to conciliatory meafures, viz. that in fuch cafe he would no longer be able to fifli in troubled waters; that peace would reduce him and his aflbciates to their native infigni- ficance. Peace doth not fuit fuch men : A- narchy and war — civjl war is their grand re- fource : They know, and perfedtly agree with Swift, *' that in party as in bad wme, the DREGS always mount higheft." " But if it were, fays our author, and even (hould be granted (that is our former happy fituation) I aflc as a reafonable quefti- pn^ by what means is a corrupt nnd faithlefs court -"TT- "rrri"" ::V':r ,,<, ADDITIONS TO cou.t 10 Iw kept to its engagcmcnlsr Woul4 ZoL i..v..gine he is lp«k.ng of the cour. "", "°i5 ,hc Hthi If Critain, tvcr re nnwncd fo good faiih. (liould in any fmu.e IrJli^ ll.e con.paa. we then indu- Ky ctdcVcnnvel/oroffennvely v..r .l.irlt her more advantageoudy and effeft- »ue a that light flows from the fan. It Te adop reconcihatory n>ea ures. our num- bers and weahh will probably augment m a Crater degree than the people and nches of ^rU^ circumfcribed in territory. In fine, Uriiain urc fi,uation of Europe, r muft i Kit -. future period cannot Co uinaure more unfavoarablc to the Itll JZfZZ and his independents .r^The binh day of a new wo. d is a^ u A" (V c.nr author.) I fincerely wi(h ^frhere^t%:al''sl1^^^^^^ -^.fplStSofitbrtoi'Jf' rather P^^^^^'y . ^d in our prefent ^-rurc:^tLaicn fl>ould be drawn arc :nis?" WouM ; of the court in, ever re- in any future /e then indu- cnfivcly, wnr ly and effeft- axiom is as the fun. It res, our num- augment in a and riches of ory. In fine, )n of Europe, period cannot ronrablc to the independents. ;vv world is at fincerely widi From fuch mif- ainted with the the author of eagues. ; given in fap- h men ihould lan be told of." in our pre fen t Inuendo as infi- lould be drawn between P L A I N T R U T H. 121 between Englifti foldlcrs, and an inhabitant of America taken in arms, the firft arc pri- foners, but the latter traitors. " Can we without horror, read this detcftahlc charge; to murder our deluded citizens f Hrifain» as famed for humanity, as arts and arms, lia« not treated, and I truft never will treat as traitors, ihofe, who arc only contend- ing for their conftitutional rights and liber- ties. " The artful and hypocritical let- ter which appeared a few months ago in two of the New York papers, is an evi- dence, that there are men, who either want judgment or honcAy." Every man of nn- dcrftanding will perceive, that this lall daring menace is thrown out, to deter Printers from virtuoufly affcrting the liberty nf the Prefs. If an abfolute freedom of the Prefs, if the liberty either of fpeaking or writing on matters of (late is permitied un- controlably in the government of Britain, which we are taught fo ftrongly to reprobate : Shall any reafonable being dare to aflTcrt, that ihefe fupreme felicities arc not as effentially necelTary in A- merica, the land of freedom, or in any re- publican country. I am afllidled, by remark- ing that the committee ot New York * as • At Rome, where the Inquifitor General conftantly refidcd, the horrors of the inquifition were unkown, when at the fame lime, it raged with detellable aud unremit- ting fury in the Ultra Mountain Provinces, where the de- putie» refided. The firft. were of exalted undcritandings, the lafl, only fitted to fill their eternally memorable infa- moui placet, by their deteimined ignorance. \ : f 122 ADDITIONS TO it is faif^, have a great avcrfion to Plaim Truth, they have at prefcnt interdidlcd and prohibited it from appearing among them, by fcizing a number of that pamphlet which were fcnt from Philadelphia, although puh- lilhcd with the printers name on the title page, and arc daily felling bf-rc under the immediate eye of the Congrefs. If fuch do- ings are the fitd fruits of republican LIBERTY ? Grant mc Heaven, our former inild and limited Government, where the prerogative is aicertained by law, and where every man is at liberty to fpcak and print his fentimcnts. In Plain Truth, having too precipi- tately confidercd commerce, 1 fhall here rc- confidcr that fubjcdl. And firft, I obferve the re(lri(Ctions of Britain on our commerce fo often held up to us, as a grievance of the firft magnitude, is, I humbly apprehend ra- ther ideally, than really fo. Here, I aflc thoft merchants trading to Hamburgh, Hollai , France, or other parts of Europe; tu th-: Spanifli, French, Dutch, and Weftlndit k.t tlcments; do they hcfitatc to import into our provinces, the commodities of thele difFc- r^nt kingdoms and colonics? 1 dare fay, they will not anfwer in the negative, but the rifquc exclaims the (uperficial obfervcr, I believe, the rifque is a bugbear, not very terrific to commercial adventMrers. (lii TO fi to Plaim iterdidlcd and mong thctn, nphlcl which [though puh- : on the title •rc under the i. If fuch do- REPUBLICAN 1, our fornr\cr it, where the iw, and where :ak and print t too prccipi- l (hall here re- irft, I obferve our commerce icvancc of the apprehend ra- jre, I afk thofe irgh, Hollai , urope ; t. th-: Weftlndiak.t mport into our of thele diflfc- 5 ? 1 dare fay, negative, but •ficial obfcrvcr, jbear, not very turcrs. PLAIN TRUTH. 123 A fcifure I apprehend, is an event, that doth not happen to one in a thoiif.md fuch fpcculifts ; if it docs, it mufl arifc from the tranfadlors mifconduifl. Great Hritain, as already obfcrved, is without doubt our bcli; market for our lumber, naval ftoree, fliips, part of our grain, for our iron, train oil, liax feed, furs ; I may i.icluda indigo, to- bacco, if not rice. No doubt, I fliall be told, that rice and tobacco would fell better in other parts of Europe than Britain. I reply, that we legally tranfport rice to any country in Europe, fouth of Cape Finifterre; and if the rice vefl'els bound to Holland and the Baltic, call at England, they gene- rally have indigo and other articles to land in that kingdom. France is well adapted to raifc tobacco, where it foon will probably be cultivated ; fuch defign fomc time fiiice hath been in agi- *ition. •• It is well known, that the French might raifc tobacco at home if they would^ much cheaper than they can import it. The fad is this : The farm of tobacco is one of the great five farm?, which make up the chief part of the Royal revenue ; and therefore, the farmers gcncraJ, for bye ends of their own, have hitherto had inlcrefl: enough with the court, to prohibit the cultivation of it ir old France, under the fsvcreft penalties. But nevcrthelefs the real 124 A DD IT I ONS TO k 111' French patriots, and particularly th« Mar- qaifs de Mirabeau, have fully demonarated, that it is the intereft of the French govern- ment to encourage the cultivation of it, and have pointed out a fure and eafy m^hod of collecting the duties j which was the fole pretence of the farmers general for foliciting a prohibition : So that it is apprehended, that the French government will at laft open their eyes in this refpedt, and allow the cultivation of it." In cafe of feparation fays the Dean of Gloucefter, *' The ceafing of the payment of bounties on certain colony produftions will be another great faving, perhaps not Icfs than ;C20o.ooo a year: and it is very remarkable, that the goods imported from the colonies in confequence of thcfe bounties, could not have been imported in- to any other part of Europe, were there a liberty to do it j becaufe the freight and firft coft would have amounted to more than they could be fold for j fo that in fad, we give premiums to the colonies for felling goods to us, which would not have been lold at all, any where elfe." In fl)ort, evident beyond a difpute it if, that were wc independent of Great Britain, it were our intercft to carry a very confide- rable part of our produce to her without bounties, and receive from that kingdom 18 twen- I S TO larly th« Mar- demonftrated, rench govcrn- tion of it, and ;afy miihod of 1 was the fole al for foliciting apprehended, nt will at laft edl, and allow 9 the Dean of )f the payment my produdtions g, perhaps not ar : and it is goods imported quence of thcfe en imported in- :, were there a the freight and unted to more J fo that in fad, lonies for felling I not have been d 2 difpute it if, )f Great Britain, a very confide- to her without that kingdom J 8 twen- PLAIN TRUTH. 125 18 twentieths of the articles we now take from her. It will be faid, if this is admit- ted why doth Great Britain annually expend 3 or 400,000 fterling to keep armies and navies in America, and at this time appear lo willing to recover our allegiance. With the utmoft deference to the Dean of Glou- ccfter, 1 humbly imagine, that our indeptn- diuce would endanger the Wert Indies, according to the prcfent fyftem of infii)it(S confequence to Great Britain, and the other powers of Europe. I again repeat, that were we independent, the Princes of Europe, by cnafting perfecutivc laws to reftrain their fubjeds in Europe would only increafe the evil, fmce every one knows that perfecution eternally defeats its own purpofe. 1 fay, that this event would encourage many emigrants from Europe, incited as v^ell by the natural levity of mankind, as the rjopes of one day vifiting Mexico. The event we now defcribc is doubtlcfs a principal motive, which prevents Britain irom difolving the conneilion. Perhips American independence ifcffeiled at this jun tary (yttern impofed on the colonies, by iouie Cromwell of our armies. 1 am not ignorant that luch ufurpaiion would not take place, while our virtuous citizen, General Wafliington com- mands. Bui let us remember, that the per- fon whofe turbulent ambition, and extenfive talents would enable him to eredt a tyran- ny, is perhaps at prefent a fubaltern ; wnofe talents I fay. for war, &c. gradually un- folding will prompt, and enable him to ruin his country. 1 o illuftrate this fimplc truth, let us tranfiently view the late civil wars. When the patriots of thole days virtuoufly endeavoured to reftrain preroga- tive, andaksrtain libertyi they raifed armies tor TO they are not, hout wading ' fenfible per- vell regulated II afford U5 ndependence, pence of mo- ithout doubt, ble to a dan- lion ; as wc iiftance of an- sd, that inde- ' government H' tary (yftem lae Cromwell irant that fucb ace, while our fliington com- , that the per- , and extenfivc eredt a tyran- )altern ; whofe gradually un- nable him to •ate this fimple 1^ the late civil of thole days drain preroga- :y raifed armies^ for PLAIN TRUTH. la; for that noble purpofe only : The com- mand of which, were given to the Earl of Eflcx, Lord Fairfax, and othtir prefbytcri- ans as truly virtuous, as any men then on earth. It is notorious that thofe leaders, as well as every virtuous patriot in the king- dom, reprobated the thought of deftroying that conftituiion, which they fo often bled to defend. At the commencement ofthofa unhappy limes, Cromwell poffelVed of no fortune, fcarcely ranked as a field officer. This execrable hypocrite, poircfling cxten- {ive military talents, and a moft perfect knowlege of mankind, faw with pleafure, that foldicrs accuftomed to a life of every fpecics of diflipation, would not willingly return to their ploughs, looms, &c. He alfo knew, that nine tenths of his officers, being a fort of Demi-Gentry, (if I may fo exprefs my felf) had dill a ftrongcr averliun to refigo their faftidious profeffion (unhappily for mankind) more pleafing than their former peaceable departments. Cromwell,- and his congenial affociates, by degrees acquainted the foldiers with their real ftrength and in- lerefts. It muft alfo be confeiled, that in fuch unhappy times, vidtorious foldiers are very readily tutored by aCromwv;!!, Cacfar, Vompey, or an Odlavius. The Earl of Effcx, . ; A m r'l m. S28 ADDITIONS to Eflex, Lora Fairfax and others, as we have already remarked, of the moft approved patriotifm and virtue, difdaining to enflavc their country, and fcorning to command ihofe military hypocritef, were fucceeded by Cromwell, whofe crimes and tyranny it were fupeifluous to enumerate, in fhort, virtuous gi-nerals do not fuit foldiers, who are determined to enflave their country: The fame caufes ever produce the fame tftcds. Hawks were ever birds of prey j AND Men will still be Men, The elegant Fergufon remarks, " that a fpecious government may be formed on paper, which in execution may prove ex- iremely arbitrary." Let us however fup- polc fix of the firft fagcs of antiquity, and ioin with ihem the mod refpe TO cd Common eafc peace aiul I united which II the origio ot , wcuid thej "clicity enjoy- the reign oii>j :Ued by exalted live. Eternally nain, inuft not ;mber they hi and continued le prddudlion ? ;y belitved thtit that alnioft all iriginated from "orever blufh to Ic prcduftion as > unanfwerablc: ler, that by our itain, wc have 1 earth, and by we may lon^ (iionately confi- ^ith Great Bri- ; ROSES of in- curred with its ce of the viru- \ppendix writer fpedlable people ility on this oo ible of the dog lumc faid ** that P L A I N T R U T H. 131 lher« '8 no virtue or moral duty, but what wiih facility may be. relined aw.iy, li we indulge a talfe philofophy, nfU'jj ^'.nd fctu- tinizing hy every captions rule of logic, 5cc. In this fort of logic lies our .-ju- th;)r's fort. Speaking of their virtuous teflimony, he has the following words, '* it tends to the decreafe and reproach of a'! religion whatever, &;o." Need I remark, that his affj^rtion is the moft Impudent pro- ftitution of language that ever dilgraced the Preff, or ever polluted paper. The conduct and morals of this moft refpedlable focicty, is their defence, and I hope will ever as cffedlually protect them, as they have benefitted tbeir province of Pennfyhama, and adorned mankind by their excellent example. We mufi confefs that the advancement of the adjoining middle, colonies in induftry and morality, was prin- cipally owing to the y»;ry laudable and pow- erful example of thole real pradlicers of chriftianity. This honeft truth isdidattd in gratitude for the fignal bleflings derived to the community at large in the virtuous example of thofe induftiious and peaceable moralifts. Utterly unconncdled with any of the fociety is the writer, who is pcfleffed of property, and if he knovvs him- felf, of a natural independence ot fpirif. lie execrates flattery as ardently as he ve- nerates truth. He therefore hopes the rea- der will perufe Voltaire, and other celtbia- ted authors on the fubjcdl of lh:s eftimablg ifi: Pi 132 ADDITIONS TO locicty. This philofohcr treating of tliat peo- ple, Icems to forget that he is writing the hiflory of mankind, which according to hiin is almofl: a continual fuccefuon of crimes. Were not the fadts as modern as notorious, we might imagine he is fpeaking of beings fupcrior to men. According to Voltaire, ** t\icy began by making a league with the Indians their neighbours. It is the only treaty be- tween thofc people and the chriftians which was not confirmed by oath, and whiclj has not been broken or infringed. T*^e original inhabitants inftead of flying into their forefts, infenfibly accuftomed them- felvcs with the peaceable Quakers. As much as they detelled the other chris- tian destroyers and conquerors of America, as much did they love thcfs new comers. In a little time, thofe pre- tended lavages charmed with their new neighbours, came in crouds to requcft William Penn to receive them in the number of his vaffals. It was a fpedlacle entirely new A fovercign whom all the world thee'd and thou'd, and addrefled with their heads covered, a gcvcrnr/icnt with- out priefts, a people without arms, citizens all equal, except in magiftracy, and neigh- bours without jealoui'y. William Penn might have boafted of bringing on earth the golden age of which fo much has been faid, and which probably never exifted but in Pennsylvania/' Wg cannot indeed T O g of tliat pco- s writing the ording to him m of crimes. I as notoriou?, ling of beings flicy began by Indians their TREATY bc- iriftians which H, and which RINGED. T*^e of flying into iftomed thcm- Quakers. As other CHRis- conqucrors ot ey LOVE thcftt mc, thofe pre- ith their new ids to requcft 'e them in the was a fpedtacle n whonn all the I addrcfled with crnniCnt with- t arms, citizens acy, and neigh- ^iLLiAM Penn nging on earth much has been levcr exiftcd but J cannot indeed PLAIN TRUTH. 13;^ view this pleafinf^ happy pidure of morality, without reccivin;; as much pieafurc, as wc do grief, from his narration of the horrid ri:ii wars in the firft. Ch irles's time : Enume- rating all the ever detel>ablc adls o\ the fa* luticp, and military hypocrites of that a^^c, he fays they perpetrated all their abomi.'ia- tions while they were seeking the Lord. I believe I have prr^vcd that wc have not numbers nor wealth to fupport a conlidcri- blc army for a length of time, and that wo have not the moft diftant profpedl of foreign aid. Evident it is beyond s difputc, that we cannot in our days conftruft a navy to raife us to inc' pcndcnce, or proted our trade— — 1 therefore hope we (hall nut be To dazzled by falfe views of grandeur, as to /cjedl honourable terms, and ruflj to alFured deftruftion. I have remarked, that the event of which fome pcrfons feem fo paHlonately Ibnd, rrj^y in the fulnefs of time be naturally accom- plifhed, without coiling one drop of blood to Britain, or our defcendants. If luch event, by the misfortunes or concurrence of Great Britain corld be immediately cfFeded, it would indeed plunge us into inextricable difik'ulties. Many weighty confiderations might be offered in fupport ef this allega- tion } fuffice it at prefent .0 remark that wt: are not arrived at lufficient maturity for this important event. Let us view matters thrpugh a ferene medium, and not ihrough it® m ' f I »34 ADDITIONS TO a glare of deceitful pafTion*. Let us not then put bridles into our mouths, nor per- mit ambitious men to ride us to ruin. On this occafion, pcrhnps it may not be amils to remind the public, that great pa- triots have more than once been caught nap- ping. Let us hear what the Dean of Glo- ccrttr fays on this head. '• When the duty on ftamps was firft pro. pofed, tiie Americans made as little obJe(fli- on to it, as could be expedled to be made to any new tax whatever. Nay, fcveral of their popular orators and leaders ufed conliderable intercft to be employed ai agents in the diftrlbution of iheic Aamps: and one among the reft, whom I need NOT NAME, Wi3 morc than ordinary aflidu- ous in his application on this head : fo that h:ul the adt paflcd within the ufual time, inlleati of bemg a flaming American patri- ot, he would probably have adted the part of a tax-gatherer and an American publi- can. But when the ouls and the pouters on this fide the water, fiw the advantage which the minilkr gave them by a whole year's delay, they eagerly fcifed the opportunity ; tmiiiarics and agents were ditpatched into all quarters ; the newfpapers were filled with invcdives againft the new intended tax. It was injudicious ! it was ill-timed ! oppref- five I tyrannical ! and every thing that was bad 1 Letters upon letters were wrote to America to excite the people to afl®ciate» to remonftrate, and even to revolt. The of tioi cci (Ik pjt the vcr c.li A in I fom ot The intei kno' fron t^d, Grc lonii and are effcj Jofis I tioni (not| to n BritJ and Bpoil Th. i TO Let us not iths, nor per- to ruin. it may not be hat great pa- :n caught nap- Dean of Glo- s was firft pro- 5 httlc objcdli- :ed to be made Nay, fcvcral i leaders ufed employed ai ■ ihelc (lamps: vhom I NEED ordinary aflidu- hcad : (o that the ufual time, Unerlcan patri- : adted the part mcrican publi- 1 the pouters on dvantage which a whole year's le opportunity ; ditpatched into were filled with utendc'd lax. It -timed ! oppref- f thing that was were wrote to ople to affociate, to revolt. The PLAIN TRUTH. i is nioft ample promifcs were made from hence of i^iviny theni all the alliiUncc wluch fac- tion and cl.unour, and rnock-patriotilin, cciild nuiller up. And then it was tint this \iTy nun, thu) fclf intended jniblican, (handed lidc, and couim-ncfd a zealous patriot. Then he appeared ai the bar of the houfe of commons to cry down that vry m'.a!ure which lie himfelf had cipoul- cd i and then as the avenging; Angel of America. II'j roJc li' tl'c whirl'vlnd to diretl the Storm." Even linccro Patriots are lallilde, and ac fomc periods, do not fee the true interefts ot their countr/ iu the cleared light, Thofc who will) to undcrUar.d the true interell: oi America would reap ufeful knowledge, by perullr.g the pamphlet from which the L[\ paragraph h extract- ed, it is entitled, •' The true intercft of Great-Britain, fet Icrth in regard to the Co- lonies; and the only means of living in peace and harmony with thtm ; in which are inclu '.cd fivk dirTcrent I'LANs for efFeding this defirablo purpol'e. By Jofiah Tucker, D. D. Dean cf Glocencr." I have been the more particular in men- tioning thii piece, becaufe I am perfuadecl (notwiihftanding the ininifterial attennpts to ruin this Country) that the intcreH: of Britain and America are fo nearly related, and their commercial felicity fo dependent Bpon reciprecali^of kindnefics to each other. That Honorable Connections, 136 ADDITIONS T« m li; -'111 AND I^ O L I T I C A L II A IM» I N E S S, ARE Synonymous Terms. Ill lljort, let us remember, that reconcili- ation on generous principles wiih Great Britain, is our true and only road to per- nimcnt Inppincls. Above all, let us ieri- oully tonfidcr, that this (when the Com- niilVi .incrs arrive to treat with the Congrcfs) is the jundure, this the moment, when we may receive every thing wc can reafonably dwiirc. 1 crncJL'dc thefc remarks, by obferving, that if they are founded in truth, they v/ill inltrud you to keep a good look out, that ve may not he furprized into AMERICAN INDEPENDENCY j iKithout a thorough examination, both of ft, and its confcquenccs. THE END. PhilatMphia, jlprll \Oth. 1 776. fn a few days will be j3ubli(hi.d by R O B E R T B li L L, in Third Street. OBSE RV ATIONS ON T II E RECONCILIATION O F G R E A T - B R 1 T A I rJ AND T li E C O L O N I E S . iyaFRIEND of AMERICAN LIBERTY. Let the Goon of the Peoplk be the Foundation of all LAwandCiviL Government. T0 ' r» I N E s s, T K R M S. It rcconcili- with Great •oad to per- ict us I'eri- t the Com. c Congrcll;) t, when we 1 rcafonably r obferving, truth, they good look .-irized into •ENCYi »n, both of ' loi/j. \TjC). R T B ti £, L, O N S r I o N ' A I rj E S . . I B E R T Y. undation of all T. y