variety of causes act upon it in its course. It is either checked, or an additional impetus is given to it; and it often takes a direction totally different from that at first designed. When the appeal was first made to arms, and the battle of Lexington was fought, a great majority of those who guided the councils, and led the battalions of America, wished only for a repeal of the obnoxious acts of parliament which had occasioned their resistance to the authority of the crown; and would have been truly unwilling to venture into the unexplored regions of self-government. Having imbibed, from education, strong prejudices in favour of the British nation and of the British constitution, they wished only to enjoy its substantial benefits. It is evidence of this temper, that Governor Eden of Maryland, and Governor Franklin of New Jersey, were permitted to remain in their respective colonies, till it was perceived that this moderation was abused by those characters, who availed themselves of it to act as spies for the public enemy. For some time, the King was still prayed for in the celebration of divine service; and in the proclamation of a fast, by Congress, in June, 1775, one of the motives for recommending it was, to beseech the Almighty "to bless our rightful sovereign, King George the Third, and inspire him with wisdom."

The prejudices in favour of a connexion with

England,

England, and of the English constitution, gradually, but rapidly, wore off; and were succeeded by republican principles, and wishes for independence. Many essays appeared in the papers, calculated to extend these opinions; and a pamphlet, under the signature of "Common Sense," written by Thomas Payne, an Englishman, who had lately come over to America, had particular influence. He possessed a style and manner of saying bold things, singularly well-fitted to act on the public mind; to enlist every feeling with him; and, very often, especially in times when men were greatly agitated, to seize on the judgment itself. He boldly pronounced the further continuance of a connexion with England unsafe, as well as impracticable; and even ventured to attack, with successful ridicule, a constitution which had been deemed the master-piece of political workmanship. He was universally read; and, among those who were zealous in the war, obtained every where friends to the doctrine of independence., New strength was every day added to the opinions, that a cordial reconciliation with Great Britain had become impossible; that mutual confidence could never be restored; that reciprocal jealousy, suspicion, and hate, would take and hold the place of that affection which could alone render such a connexion happy and beneficial; that even the commercial dependence of America upon Britain was greatly injurious

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injurious to the former, and that incalculable benefits must be derived from opening to themselves the markets of the world; that to be governed by a nation, or a sovereign, distant from them three thousand miles, unacquainted with, and unmindful of, their interests, would, even if reinstated in their former situation, occasion infiuite injury; and, in the present state of America, was an evil too great to be voluntarily borne. But victory alone could restore them to that situation, and victory would give them independence. The hazard was the same; and, since the risk of every thing was unavoidable, the most valuable attainable object ought, in common justice and common prudence, to be the reward of success. In such horror, too, was viewed the present war, and the principles on which it was believed to be conducted, that it was supposed impossible it could receive the support of· à fice people. The alacrity, therefore, with which the English nation entered into it was ascribed to a secret and dangerous influence which was, with rapid progress, undermining the liberties and the morals of the mother-country, and which, it was feared, would cross the Atlantic, and infect and contaminate the principles of the colonists likewise, should the antient political connexion be restored. The intercourse of America with the world, and her own experience, had not then been sufficient to teach her the important truth, that the many,

as

as often as the few, are blind to the rights of others, when conflicting with their own interests, and can madly pursue injustice, without, perceiving, that they are in the wrong. That they, too, not unfrequently close their eyes against the light, and shut their ears against the plainest evidence and the most conclusive reasoning.

It was also urged, and with great reason, that foreign aid could more certainly be obtained, if the effect of that aid would be the dismemberment of the British empire, than if no such important inducement should be held out to the rivals of that nation.

American independence became; the general theme of conversation, and, more and more, the general wish. This sentiment was increased, by learning,that they were declared to be in a state of rebellion; that foreign mercenaries were to be employed against them; that the tomahawk and Scalping knife were to be engaged in the British service; and that their slaves were to be seduced from their masters, and armed against them.

The measures of Congress took their complexion from the temper of the people. Their proceedings against the disaffected became more and more vigorous; their language respecting the Brish government was less the language of subjects, and more calculated to turn the public attention towards Congress, and the Provincial Assemblies, HH 4

as

as the sole and ultimate rulers of the country. General letters of marque and reprisal were granted; and the American ports were opened to all nations and people not subject to the British crown.

At length a measure was adopted, which was considered by Congress, and by America in general, as decisive of the question of independence. Hitherto, it had been recommended to particular colonies, to establish temporary institutions for the conduct of their affairs, during the existence of the contest; but now, a resolution was offered, recommending generally, without limitation of time, to such colonies as had not already established them, the adoption of governments adequate to the exigency. Mr. John Adams, Mr. Rutlege, and Mr. Richard Henry Lee, all zealous advocates for independence, were appointed a committee to prepare a proper preamble to the resolution. The report of these gentlemen was agreed to in these words: "Whereas his Britannic Majesty, in conjunction with the Lords and Commons of Great Britain, has, by a late act of parliament, excluded the inhabitants of these United Colonies from the protection of his crown; and whereas no answer whatever to the humble petitions of the colonies, for redress of grievances and reconciliation with Great Britain, has been, or is likely to be, given ; but the whole force of that kingdom, aided by foreign mercenaries, is to be exerted for the destruction