Besides which, the title
which she assumed, of parent country, led to, and pointed out the
propriety, wisdom and advantage of a separation; for, as in private
life, children grow into men, and by setting up for themselves, extend
and secure the interest of the whole family, so in the settlement of
colonies large enough to admit of maturity, the same policy should
be pursued, and the same consequences would follow. Nothing hurts
the affections both of parents and children so much, as living too
closely connected, and keeping up the distinction too long.
Domineering will not do over those, who, by a progress in life, have
become equal in rank to their parents, that is, when they have
families of their own; and though they may conceive themselves the
subjects of their advice, will not suppose them the objects of their
government. I do not, by drawing this parallel, mean to admit the
title of parent country, because, if it is due any where, it is due to
Europe collectively, and the first settlers from England were driven
here by persecution. I mean only to introduce the term for the sake of
policy and to show from your title the line of your interest.
When you saw the state of strength and opulence, and that by her own
industry, which America arrived at, you ought to have advised her to
set up for herself, and proposed an alliance of interest with her, and
in so doing you would have drawn, and that at her own expense, more
real advantage, and more military supplies and assistance, both of
ships and men, than from any weak and wrangling government that you
could exercise over her.
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