Deane to America,
one of which was directed to "Robert Morris, Esq." Mr. Morris sent
it unopened to Congress, and advised Mr. Marshall to deliver the
others there, which he did. The letters were of the same purport
with those which have been already published under the signature of S.
Deane, to which they had frequent reference.
I consider the war of America against Britain as the country's
war, the public's war, or the war of the people in their own behalf,
for the security of their natural rights, and the protection of
their own property. It is not the war of Congress, the war of the
assemblies, or the war of government in any line whatever. The country
first, by mutual compact, resolved to defend their rights and maintain
their independence, at the hazard of their lives and fortunes; they
elected their representatives, by whom they appointed their members of
Congress, and said, act you for us, and we will support you. This is
the true ground and principle of the war on the part of America,
and, consequently, there remains nothing to do, but for every one to
fulfil his obligation.
It was next to impossible that a new country, engaged in a new
undertaking, could set off systematically right at first. She saw
not the extent of the struggle that she was involved in, neither could
she avoid the beginning. She supposed every step that she took, and
every resolution which she formed, would bring her enemy to reason and
close the contest. Those failing, she was forced into new measures;
and these, like the former, being fitted to her expectations, and
failing in their turn, left her continually unprovided, and without
system.
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