Introduction 



have had the direction of the affairs of this kingdom, 

 has been reciprocally arraigned; but, I think, with- 

 out reason, for, all things considered, an impartial 

 and dispassionate mind will find many excuses to 

 allege in justification of each. The fewest, I am 

 afraid, are to be pleaded in favour of the Americans; 

 for they settled in America under charters which 

 expressly reserved to the British Parliament the 

 authority, whether consistent or not consistent, now 

 asserted. Although, therefore, they had a right to 

 make humble representations to his majesty in Par- 

 liament, and to shew the impropriety and inconven- 

 ience of enforcing such principles, yet they had 

 certainly no right to oppose them. 



Expedients may still be found, it is to be hoped 

 however, to conciliate the present unhappy differ- 

 ences, and restore harmony again between Great 

 Britain and her colonies, but whatever measures 

 may be adopted by Parliament, it is the duty and 

 interest of America to submit. But it is impertinent 

 to enter any further into the discussion of a subject 

 which is at this time under the deliberation of the 

 supreme council of the nation. I will, therefore, 

 conclude with a sincere prayer, that whatever meas- 

 ures may be adopted, they may be different in their 

 issue from what the fears of men generally lead them 

 to preconceive; and that, if they be coercive ones, 

 they may be enforced, which, I am persuaded, is 

 practicable, without the effusion of blood : if lenient 



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