stamp, but must set them down as Tories of the last.

In the second number of the Crisis, I endeavored to show the
impossibility of the enemy's making any conquest of America, that
nothing was wanting on our part but patience and perseverance, and
that, with these virtues, our success, as far as human speculation
could discern, seemed as certain as fate. But as there are many among
us, who, influenced by others, have regularly gone back from the
principles they once held, in proportion as we have gone forward; and
as it is the unfortunate lot of many a good man to live within the
neighborhood of disaffected ones; I shall, therefore, for the sake of
confirming the one and recovering the other, endeavor, in the space
of a page or two, to go over some of the leading principles in
support of independence. It is a much pleasanter task to prevent vice
than to punish it, and, however our tempers may be gratified by
resentment, or our national expenses eased by forfeited estates,
harmony and friendship is, nevertheless, the happiest condition a
country can be blessed with.

The principal arguments in support of independence may be
comprehended under the four following heads.

1st, The natural right of the continent to independence.
2d, Her interest in being independent.
3d, The necessity,- and
4th, The moral advantages arising therefrom.

I. The natural right of the continent to independence, is a point
which never yet was called in question. It will not even admit of a
debate. To deny such a right, would be a kind of atheism against