merchant receives an order, and is paid for it, it signifies nothing
to him who governs the country. This is my creed of politics. If I
have any where expressed myself over-warmly, 'tis from a fixed,
immovable hatred I have, and ever had, to cruel men and cruel
measures. I have likewise an aversion to monarchy, as being too
debasing to the dignity of man; but I never troubled others with my
notions till very lately, nor ever published a syllable in England in
my life. What I write is pure nature, and my pen and my soul have
ever gone together. My writings I have always given away, reserving
only the expense of printing and paper, and sometimes not even that.
I never courted either fame or interest, and my manner of life, to
those who know it, will justify what I say. My study is to be useful,
and if your lordship loves mankind as well as I do, you would, seeing
you cannot conquer us, cast about and lend your hand towards
accomplishing a peace. Our independence with God's blessing we will
maintain against all the world; but as we wish to avoid evil
ourselves, we wish not to inflict it on others. I am never
over-inquisitive into the secrets of the cabinet, but I have some
notion that, if you neglect the present opportunity, it will not be
in our power to make a separate peace with you afterwards; for
whatever treaties or alliances we form, we shall most faithfully
abide by; wherefore you may be deceived if you think you can make it
with us at any time. A lasting independent peace is my wish, end and
aim; and to accomplish that, I pray God the Americans may never be
defeated, and I trust while they have good officers, and are well
commanded, and willing to be commanded, that they NEVER WILL BE.

COMMON SENSE.

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 13, 1777.