at our doing what they will be the first to recommend to be done to
us, if their side prevails? Where, then, is the doubtful policy of our
anticipating them in this measure, any more than in seizing one of
their loaded guns in battle, and turning it against them? Injury to
the cause, will it be?--Will it injure our cause here, where men are
daily deserting to the British, in belief that we shall not dare touch
their property to strike a blow that will deter _all_ the wavering,
and most others of any property, from leaving us hereafter? Will it
injure our cause here to have a regiment of regular troops, who will,
perhaps, draw into the field four times their number, in volunteers?
If this be an injury, Mr. President, I only wish we may have a few
more of them; for, with a half dozen such injuries, by the two bulls,
we would rout Burgoyne's whole army in a fortnight. Yes, Mr.
President, this measure must go; for it promises every thing to cause,
and threatens nothing that honest patriots need fear, and had I a
hundred tongues, they should all wag a good stiff ay for its
adoption."

"A bold measure, boldly advocated!" next spoke Carpenter. "But as bold
as it is, Mr. President, I rise not to condemn it, but rather to say,
that I am determined to meet it fairly, and without fear; and if, when
I get cool enough to trust myself to make a decision, the objections
to it appear no more formidable than they now do, I will give it my
hearty support."

"If the public should call this a desperate remedy, they must recollect
that it is almost our only one," remarked Olin, in his cool, quiet
manner. "Nothing venture, nothing have;--let us go for it who dare!"

"Let us _oppose_ it who dare!" warmly responded Lyon. "The measure