[Extract]

... The Difficulties and objections to reconciliation & dependance are every day encreasing ー the restraining bill, or rather the bill for confiscating american property, breaths such a Spirit of depredation & revenge, that I am. satisfied peace with G.B. is at a great distance, & Dependence out of the question These Colonies will never again be dependent on G B-:--neither side is as yet disposed to make peace, and the longer the war continues the greater will be the animosity of the contending powers, all affection will be eraditated; distrust & hatred will take place of former confidence & friendship: in short neither interest nor inclination will lead us to our former Dependence: such a dependence as heretofore subsisted cannot again subsist ー we must either be totally independent, or totally dependent, or in other words entirely subdued and reduced to the coridition of a conquered People to be kept under & made subordinate to G B. I am fully convinced G B has not the means of reducing us to this abject condition; if she is wise she will, before the war proceeds to greater lengths and enganders incurable hatred, she will I say adopt the advice of Dean Tucker,2 declare these Colonies independent & guarantee their independance against all powers; such a step will induce the Colonies, added to other causes to trade principally with