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disposition at such a time. We are told, and every thing proves it true, that he is the bitterest enemy we have. His Minister is ahle, and that satisfies me that ignorance or wickedness, some where, controls him. In an earlier part of this contest, our peti tions told him, that from our King there was but one appeal. The admonition was despised, and that appeal forced on us. To undo his empire, he has but one truth more to learn ; that, after colo nies have drawn the sword, there is but one step more they can take. That step is now pressed upon us, by the measures adopt ed, as if they were afraid we would not take it. Believe me, dear Sir, there is not in the British empire, a man who more cordially loves a union with Great Britain, than I do. But by the God that made me, I will cease to exist before I yield to a connection on such terms as the British Parliament propose ; and in this, I think I speak the sentiments of America. We want neither inducement nor power, to declare and assert a separation. It is will, alone, which is wanting, and that is growing apace under the fostering hand of our King. One bloody campaign will probably decide, everlastingly, our future course ; I am sorry to find a bloody cam paign is decided on. If our winds and waters should not combine to rescue their shores from slavery, and General Howe s reinforce ment should arrive in safety, we have hopes he will be inspirited to come out of Boston and take another drubbing : and we must drub him soundly, before the sceptred tyrant will know we are not mere brutes, to crouch under his hand^ and kiss the rod with which he deigns to scourge us.
Yours, &c.
TH: JEFFERSON.
LETTER IV. TO DR. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, PARIS.
Virginia, August 13, 1777. HONORABLE SIR,
I forbear to write you news, as the time of Mr. Shore s depar ture being uncertain, it might be old before you receive it, and he can, in person, possess you of all we have. With respect to the State of Virginia in particular, the people seem to have laid aside the monarchical, and taken up the republican government, with as much ease, as would have attended their throwing off an old, and putting on a new suit of clothes. Not a single throe has attended this important transformation. A half dozen aristocratical gentle- VOL. i. 20
