The paragraph which I have quoted, stands as an introduction to
the following: "But when that country [America] professes the
unnatural design, not only of estranging herself from us, but of
mortgaging herself and her resources to our enemies, the whole contest
is changed: and the question is how far Great Britain may, by every
means in her power, destroy or render useless, a connection
contrived for her ruin, and the aggrandizement of France. Under such
circumstances, the laws of self-preservation must direct the conduct
of Britain, and, if the British colonies are to become an accession to
France, will direct her to render that accession of as little avail as
possible to her enemy."
I consider you in this declaration, like madmen biting in the hour
of death. It contains likewise a fraudulent meanness; for, in order to
justify a barbarous conclusion, you have advanced a false position.
The treaty we have formed with France is open, noble, and generous. It
is true policy, founded on sound philosophy, and neither a surrender
or mortgage, as you would scandalously insinuate. I have seen every
article, and speak from positive knowledge. In France, we have found
an affectionate friend and faithful ally; in Britain, we have found
nothing but tyranny, cruelty, and infidelity.
But the happiness is, that the mischief you threaten, is not in your
power to execute; and if it were, the punishment would return upon you
in a ten-fold degree. The humanity of America has hitherto
restrained her from acts of retaliation, and the affection she retains
for many individuals in England, who have fed, clothed and comforted
her prisoners, has, to the present day, warded off her resentment, and
operated as a screen to the whole.
Pages:
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133