66 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF THE [1782 



now the sovereign Domain of the United States of America, an 

 attentive observer cannot but behold the foundations of an Empire 

 laid, which promises to enlarge itself to vast dimensions, and to become 

 the happy means of diffusing Knoiuledge, Liberty and Happiness, through 

 every other part of this American continent. 



In a commercial vieiv, it is almost needless to mention the great and 

 growing importance of these states; on account of their rich variety of 

 soil and produce, their length of sea-coast and other conveniences of 

 navigation, both internal and external. From this variety springs like- 

 wise one of the first of earthly blessings — a blessing, perhaps, not known 

 in an equal degree by any other people, living in the same commu- 

 nity or foederal union, throughout the globe — We have the staff of life 

 — Bread in abundance, not only for ourselves, and the immense num- 

 ber of industrious settlers, constantly flowing in among us from different 

 parts of the old world ; but likewise for exportation to supply the wants 

 of others, and to multiply the sources and channels of our trade. Nor 

 is there a probability, under the favour of Heaven, and a due exertion 

 of our skill and industry (as the experience of near two hundred years 

 can tell us) that we shall ever suffer, through scarcity or want. For, in 

 such an extended country, and with such variety of soil and climate, if 

 the productions of one kind, or of one part of the country should fail, 

 there will remain a sufficiency of the other kinds, and those the far 

 greater part, unless (thro' the direction of Providence for its own wise 

 purposes) a revolution of seasons should take place, whereof neither 

 past experience or memory can suggest any example or precedent. 



Nor are the soil and climate thus favourable to the productions of the 

 earth only; but likewise to all the best powers, both of body and mind, 

 in the human species ; nursing up a race of bold and hardy men ; who 

 in the vindication and establishment of their native rights and inde- 

 pendence, have given the most illustrious proofs of their wisdom, valour 

 and magnanimity during a long and arduous contest with one of the 

 most powerful nations upon earth. And with the like exertions of 

 virtue and public spirit, looking up to God as our protector and Guide, 

 we need have but little to fear from any future wars of the old world or 

 the new — should war, in ages hence, continue to be the unchristian 

 mode of arbitrating the differences of Christian nations ! 



But, we may trust, the time is not distant when "Violence shall no 

 more be heard upon earth ; when nation shall not lift up sword against 

 nation, neither shall they learn war any more." As a prelude to 

 tliat happy period, which (we are assured) shall yet come, may not these 

 American States, even now, "beat their swords into plough-shares, and 

 their spears into pruning-hooks?" Remote as we are in situation, may 

 Ave not keep ourselves alike remote in our inclination, from the intrigues, 

 the ambition and the quarrels of the other powers of the world ; yielding 

 c.s great a proof of moderation in peace as of magnanimity in war? 



