FOUR           
DISSERTATIONS,
ON THE               
Reciprocal ADVANTAGES 
OF A
Perpetual UNION
BETWEEN        
GREAT - BRITAIN  
AND HER        
AMERICAN COLONIES.
WRITTEN         
For Mr. SARGENT's PRIZE-MEDAL.
To which (by Desire) is prefixed,
AN EULOGIUM,
Spoken on the Delivery of the MEDAL
at the Public Commencement in the College of
Philadelphia, May 20th, 1766.
PHILADELPHIA:
Printed by WILLIAM and THOMAS BRADFORD, at the
London Coffee-House. M, DCC, LXVI. 



A LIST of the SUBSCRIBERS NAMES.
A.
HONOURABLE WILLIAM ALLEN, Esq;
Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, 12 Cop.
Andrew Allen, Esq;
Francis Alison, D. D. Vice-Provost of the 
College of Philadelphia, 2 Cop.
Revd. Patrick Alison, A.M. of Baltimore,
Maryland.
John Andrews, A.B. Lancaster.
Mr. Lewis Antill, New-Jersey.
Mr. John Archer, of Mount-holly.
Ralph Assheton, M. D.
Mr. Thomas Assheton.
Samuel Auchmuty, D. D. Rector of Trinity
Church, &c. New-York.
B.
Mr. John Baynton, 12 Cop.
Alexander Barclay, Esq; 2 Cop.
Revd. Thomas Barton, A. M. Missionary at
Lancaster.
Mr. Samuel Bard, of Mount-holly.
Dr. James A. Bayard, 2 Cop.
Mr. Charles Batho, 2 Cop.
Mr. John Barnes, junior.
Mr. John Bayard.
Mr. George Bartram.
Mr. David Beveridge.
Mr. John Beveridge, Professor of Languages
in the Coll. of Philadelphia.
Mr. John Benezet.
Mr. Philip Benezet.
Mr. Owen Biddle.
A 2 Thomas

iv  A LIST of
Mr. Thomas Biddle.
Dr Phineas Bond, 2 Cop.
Dr. Thomas Bond.
Dr. James Boggs.
Mr. William Bradford, 6 Cop.
George Bryan, Esq; 3 Cop.
Mr. James Bremner.
Mr. J. B. Bordley, of Baltimore. 2 Cop.
Beale Bordley, Esq; 4 Cop.
Dr. John Boyd, of Baltimore.
Mr. Charles Brown, of Kent County, Maryland.
C.
Benjamin Chew, Esq; Attorney-General  of
Pennsylvania, 6 Cop.
Dr. Thomas Cadwalader, 2 Cop.
Revd. Myles Cooper, A. M. President of
King's College, New-York.
William Cox, Esq;
Mr. Charles Cox.
Dr. John Cox.
Mrs. Cox, of Trenton.
Mr. Edward Cotterell.
Mr. Thomas Clifford.
M. George Clymer.
Dr. Gerardus Clarkson.
Mr. Matthew Cushing, Tutor in King's Col-
lege, New-York.
Mr. David Cowell.
Mr Julius Clare, Maryland.
D.
Revd. Jacob Duché, A. M. 2 Cop.
John De Normandie, Esq; Mr. 

the SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. v
Mr. David Douglass.
Mr. Joseph Deane.
Thomas Dungan, A. B. Mathematical Ma-
ster, in the Coll. of Philadelphia.
E.
Revd. Nathaniel Evans, A. M. Missionary
in Gloucester County,  New-Jersey.
F.
His Excellency William Franklin, Esq;  Go-
vernor of of New Jersey.
Mr. Moore Furman, 6 Cop.
Mr. Thomas Fisher, 3 Cop.
Mr. Paul Fooks, Professor of French and
Spanish Languages, in the Coll. of Philad.
Mr. William Frazer.
G.
George Glentworth, M. D.
Mr. John Griffiths.
Mr. William, Goddard, Providence, Rh. Island.
H.
Mr. David Hall.
Mr. Joseph Carvill Hall.
Andrew Hamilton, Esq; 2 Cop.
William Hamilton, Esq; 2 Cop.
Richard Hockley, Esq;
Francis Hopkinson, Esq; 6 Cop.
Mrs. Mary Hopkinson.
Thomas Hopkinson, A. B.
Mr. James Hockley.
Mr.Thomas Hockley.
Dr. Robert Harris.
Gilbert Hicks, Esq;
Mr. Samuel Hastings. Mr. 

vi A LIST of
Mr. Jonathan Haight.
Revd. Jeremiah Halsey, A. M.
Mr. John Hart.
Mr. Joseph Hogg.
I.
John Inglis, Esq;
Revd. Mr. Charles Inglis of New-York, 2 Cop.
Mr. George Jenkins.
Mr. Heathcote Johnson, Amboy.
Mr. Daniel Jones, sen. Mount-Holly.
K.
Dr. John Kearsley, jun. 2 Cop.
Mr. Samuel Kenlock.
Revd. Mr. Nathan Kerr.
Mr. Ravaud Kearney.
Revd. Ebenezer Kinnersley, Professor of En-
glish and Oratory, in the Coll. of Philad.
Mr. Thomas Kiemer.
Mr. Mahlon Kirkbride.
Revd. Mr. William Kirkpatrick.
L.
John Lawrence, Esq; Mayor of the City of Phil. 4
John Lawrence, Esq; Mayor of the City of
Burlington.
Lynford Lardner, Esq; 2 Cop.
Alexander Lawson, Esq; of Baltimore, 3 Cop.
Richard Lee, A. B. of Virginia.
Mr. Hugh Lennox.
William Logan, Esq; 4 Cop.
Mr. Benjamin Lukens.
Mr. Alexander Lunan, 6 Cop.
Mr. William Lux, 2 Cop.
Dr. William Lyon.
Thomas

the SUBSCRIBERS Names. vii
M.
Thomas M'Kean, Esq; of New-Castle, 6 Cop.
Revd. Robert M'Kean, A.  M. Missionary at
Perth-Amboy. 2 Cop.
John M'Kinley, Esq; 2 Cop.
Mr. William M'Kinfey, 4 Cop.
Mr. George Morgan, 6 Cop.
Nathaniel Manning, A. M.
Mr. Thomas May.
Mr. Robert Martin.
William Moore, Esq; Chester County.
Mr. William Moore, 3 Cop.
Mr. George Meade, 3 Cop.
Mr. John Moale.
Mr. Evan Morgan.
Mr. Samuel Meredith.
Mr. Cadwallader Morris.
Mr. Robert Morris.
John Montgomery, A. B. Tutor, in the Coll.
of Philadelphia.
Mr. William Maynadier.
Revd. Mr. William Marshal.
Revd. Mr. Alexander Murray, Missionary
at Reading.
O.
Revd. Mr. John Ogilvie, of New-York.
Dr. Samuel Ormes.
P.
Hon. John Penn, Esq; Lieutenant Gover-
nor of Pennsylvania, 12 Cop.
Hon. Richard Penn, Esq; 6 Cop.
Samuel Powell, Esq; 6 Cop.
Revd. Mr. Richard Peters, Rector of Christ-
Church and St. Peter's, in Philad. 4 Cop.
Edward 

viii A LIST  of
Edward Physick, Esq;
Mr. David Potts, 3 Cop.
Mr. John Potts, senior.
Mr. Samuel Potts.
Mr. Thomas Potts.
Mr. John Potts, junior.
Mr. Joseph Potts.
Mr. Jonathan Potts.
Mr. Samuel Purviance, jun. 3 Cop.
William Paca, Esq; Maryland.
John Patton, Esq; Maryland.
Mr. John Pope.
Robert Friend Price, Esq; Gloucester County,
New-Jersey.
Dr. Frederic Phyle.
R.
Mr. George Roberts, 3 Cop.
Dr. John Redman.
Mr. Joseph Redman, sen.
Revd. Philip Reading, A. M. Missionary at
Apoquiniminck.
Mr. James Reade,
Thomas Read, A. B. Tutor in the Coll. of Phil.
Mr. Burnet Richards.
Benjamin Rush, A. M.
Mr. William Rush.
Mr. Thomas Rutter.
S.
Right Hon. Earl of Stirling, 2 Cop. 
Thomas Smith, Esq; of Maryland, 12 Cop.
Mr. Amos Strettell, 6 Cop.
Mr. John Stewart, 6 Cop.
William 

the SUBSCRIBER'S NAMES. ix
William Smith, D. D. Provost of the Coll.
of Philad. 6 Copies.
Cortlandt Skinner, Esq; Attorney General,
New-Jersey, 2 Copies.
Edward Shippen, Esq;
Joseph Shippen, Esq; Secr. Province Pennsyl.
Mr. Samuel Spencer Skinner, 2 Copies.
Dr. Isaac Smith of Trenton.
Mr. William Smith.
Mr. Jonathan Smith.
Dr. Peter Sonmans.
Dr. Alexander Stenhouse.
Dr. John Stevenson.
Mr. Samuel Sansom.
Mr. Peter Stretch.         
Mr. P. E. Du Simitierre.
James Sykes, Esq; of Kent, on Delaware.
T.
Joseph Turner, Esq; 2 Copies.
Revd. Mr. William Thompson, Missionary
in Cumberland.
Mr. James Tilghman, jun.
Revd. Mr. David Telefair.
Mr. John Tweedy, jun.
Mr. William Thornton.
U.
Mr. Æneas Urquhart, 2 Copies.
V.
Hon. John Vining, Esq; Chief Justice of
the three lower Counties.
W.
Thomas Willing, Esq; 4 Copies.
a Benjamin

x A LIST, &c.
Mr. Benjamin Wynkoop, 4 Copies.
William White, A. B. 2 Copies.
Mr. Robert Wilson.
James Wilson, A. M.
Mr. John Wilday.
Mr. Joseph Watkins, jun.
Y.
Mr. Thomas Yardley.
PREFACE,

PREFACE,
ADDRESSED TO
JOHN SARGENT, Esq;
Member of  Parliament, &c.
Worthy SIR,
AS the following Differtations owe
their birth to your judicious
choice of the subject, and liberal
encouragement of it, they now
naturally wait upon you for your protection
and countenance. Your original design
having been only to excite a noble emulation
among the youth of an infant Seminary, in
a remote part of the world, and to turn their
early attention to a matter of very high and
national importance, you will not look for
any thing in the execution beyond their
years, their experience, or opportunities of
information.
YOUR known candor will likewise lead
you to consider the peculiar difficulties,
arising from the times and circumstances, in
which these pieces were composed. An act
of the British parliament had become the
a 2 fatal

[ ii ]
fatal cause of an unhappy breach of that
UNION which had so long subsisted (and ever
ought to subsist) between the Colonies and the
mother country ; and very general were the
agitations and uneasiness thereby produced
on this side of the Atlantic. Even hoary age,
and men of the most subdued passions among
us, admitting the most plenary jurisdiction of
a British Parliament, could not, in this par-
ticular case, but consider their conduct as at
least unkind to their American fellow subjects,
in desiring (without any  present  necessity
that appeared to us) to come between us and
our Sovereign, and to lay a foundation which
might easily have been drawn into a prece-
dent for depriving us of all future oppor-
tunities of testifying our loyalty, by the free
and voluntary grant of our own money.
If, then, such was the light in which the
cool and the aged considered this matter, ex-
pressions of a warmer and more unguarded
kind might have dropt from the pens of
youth ! Yet no such thing appears in the
following Differtations, which are laid before
the public in the genuine form and dress
wherein they were presented by their authors.
Nor 

[ iii ]
Nor was it possible that the smallest additions
or alterations could be made consistent with
the plan pursued in the execution of your
trust ; which plan you ought to have an
account of, and it may also be of use to
preserve it here, by  way of precedent for
future occasions of the like kind.
SEVERAL considerations having prevented
the Trustees of the College from proposing
your MEDALS to be contended for by the
youth, the first year after the receipt of them;
they were at last proposed, by an adver-
tisement as follows, viz.
College of Philadelphia, March 6, 1766.
" WHEREAS John Sargent, Esq; mer-
" chant in London, and member of Par-
" liament, hath presented to this College a
" * GOLD MEDAL, for the best English essay
" on the reciprocal advantages of a perpetual
" UNION between Great-Britain and her Ame-
" rican Colonies. - Notice is hereby given, 
" by order of the Trustees, that the said
" Medal will be disposed of at the ensuing
" com-
* Only so much of the advertisement is here inserted
as relates to the disposition of the Medal, which produced
the following Essays ; Mr. Sargent's other Medal not
being yet disposed of.

[ iv ]
" commencement in May, for the best essay
" that shall be produced on the subject pro-
" posed, by any of those who have received
" any degree, or part of their education in
" this College - And as the said subject is
" one of the most important which can at
" this time employ the pen of the patriot or
" scholar, and is thus left open to all those
" who have had any connection with this
" College, either as students or graduates,
" it is hoped, for the honour of the Seminary,
" as well as their own, they will nobly exert
" themselves on a subject so truly animating, 
" which may be treated in a manner alike
" interesting to good men, both here and in
" the mother country,
" Each candidate is defined to prefix a
" motto, and a  mark or device to his per-
" formance, and seal it up, without his name,
" in a separate cover, He is then to put his
" name under another sealed cover, writing
" on the outside of this cover the same motto
" and mark or device, which he has prefixed
" to his performance.
" The utmost impartiality will be ob-
" served by the Trustees and Professors in
" examining 

[ v ]
" examining the several performances, with-
" out opening any of the covers that contain
" the names, till it is first determined which
" of the performances is entitled to the
" Medal, and then only that cover will be
" opened on which the motto is written that
" directs to the name of the person entitled
" to the prize, which shall be given in pub-
" lic at the ensuing commencement ; and
" therefore the several candidates are desired
" to send their compositions and names sealed
" and covered as aforesaid, to the Provost,
" on or before the 8th day of May." -
On the 8th day of May accordingly nine
different performances were produced, on a
careful perusal of which, the three im-
mediately following were laid aside for a se-
cond reading ; after which the Medal was
unanimously decreed to the first. The second
also was judged a masterly, judicious and
sensible performance, worthy of a Medal
also, if there had been another, for the same
subject ; and the third was likewise greatly
approved of as a spirited performance, so far
as it went ; and it was agreed that the pub-
lication of both, together with the prize-
piece, 

[ vi ]
piece, would be of service at this crisis ; which
determination was immediately inserted in
the public papers ; in pursuance whereof the
modest and ingenious youth, who is author
of the second Dissertation, gave leave to pub-
lish it with his name. The author of the
third Dissertation, wrote, concerning his
piece, that he " had but two days to spare,
" from a particular hurry of business in his
" profession, to prepare it in ; and that so far
" from thinking, it disgraced by being the
" third best, he would have rejoiced, for the
" honor of the Seminary in which he received
" his first education, if all the other six had
" been superior also ; and that if there were
" any observations in it which had not oc-
" curred to the other gentlemen, or were
" likely to serve as hints for abler pens to set
" so important a subject in a proper light, he
" readily consented to its publication ; but
" requested, for particular reasons, that his
" name might not be annexed to it."
The fourth little piece is the production
of an ingenious son of the college, in his own
easy unpremeditated way. He has by many
compositions done honor to the place of his
education ;

[ vii ] 
education ; and by this, which was only the
sudden work of a few hours of that day, in
which the other pieces were under exami-
nation, he meant not to come in compe-
tition for the prize, but only to throw his
mite into the general stock. After his de-
parture to England, some of his friends
having desired it to be published, with the
three first pieces, it was accordingly annexed ;
and had any of the authors of the other five
remaining pieces, or their friends, made the
like request, they would have been indulged
in it. Indeed  most of them would have
Well deserved to be laid before the pub-
lic, had we not been afraid that the repetition
of many of the same sentiments, which must
unavoidably run through them all, on the
same subject, would at length  become tire-
some to the reader.
We have only now to mention the oc-
casion of the following Eulogium. By your
own proposal, as well as by order of the
Trustees or the College, the Medal was to
be conferred at a public commencement.
Wherefore, at the commencement. May
20th, 1766, immediately after the valedic-
b tory 

[ viii ]
tory oration, the Hon. John Penn, Esq;
Governor of the province, as President of
the Trustees of the College, delivered the
Medal to the Provost, ordering him to confer
it in public agreeable to their previous deter-
mination. The Provost accordingly acquaint-
ed the audience that the same had been
decreed to John Morgan, M.D. F.R.S.
&c. and professor of the theory and practice
of physic in the College of Philadelphia ; and
then requested Dr. Morgan to deliver his
Dissertation in public ; which being finished,
the EULOGIUM accompanied the conferring
of the Medal.


[ 1 ]
AN
EUOGIUM,
On the delivery of Mr. SARGENTS's Prize-
Medal at the public Commencement in
the College of Philadelphia, May, 1766.
By WILLIAM SMITH, D. D. Pro-
vost of that College.
(Published by desire.)
SIR,
AS the reward of your great merit
in this elegant performance, I am,
in the name of the Trustees and
Faculty of this College, as well as in behalf
of the worthy Donor, to beg your acceptance
of this Gold Medal - Its intrinsic value
may not be an object of much consideration
to you ; but the truly honourable circum-
stances, by which it now becomes yours,
must render it one of the most valuable
jewels in your possession.
b 2 ADORNED

[ 2 ]
ADORNED tho' you have been with honors
in distant lands, yet we trust those will not
be the least acceptable to you, which your
native country bestows.
That the first literary prize, contended
for in this Institution, should fail to the share
of one of its eldest sons, who, to much genius
and application, has joined much knowledge
of the world, will not seem strange. Yet still,
for the honor of the Seminary, and what will
not derogate from your honor, it will appear
that you have obtained this pre-eminence
over no mean competitors.
Some of our younger sons (among whom
we ought not to omit the name of the modest
and candid * WATTS, with some others even
of inferior standing) have exhibited such vi-
gorous efforts of genius, and tread so ar-
dently on the heels of you and others their
seniors, that it will  require the utmost ex-
ertion of all your faculties, the continual
straining of every nerve, if you would long
wish to lead the way to them, in the great
career of Fame.
O NOBLE
* Author of the second of the following Dissertations. 

[ 3 ]
O NOBLE conceit ! O happy feat of Science !
to behold such a divine emulation among thy
sons, kindled by the ardent desire of glory,
and supported on those liberal principles
which true Literature alone can inspire !
MUCH do we owe to you, Gentlemen, on
this occasion, much every  way - much for the
pains you have taken to do honor to the
place of your education ; and much for the
public testimony you have given in its favor,
declaring that here you have imbibed the true
principles of Liberty, and have learned from
your " early ‡ youth that your head, your
" heart and your hand should ever be at the
" service of your country" -
TRUE it is, Gentlemen, that we have pub-
lickly inculcated - and it was our duty to
inculcate, on you, " that if there be any
" thing on this earth suited to the native dig-
" nity of the human mind, and worthy of con-
" tention,
See Dr. Morgan's Dissertation, who was one of the
first graduates.
These quotations are from a charge delivered by
the author of this Eulogium, to the first class of gra-
duates in the College of Philadelphia, May 17th, 1757.
Dr. Morgan was one of this class. 

[ 4 ]
" tention, it must be to assert the cause of
" Religion and Truth ; to support the fun-
" damental rights and liberties of mankind ;
" and to strive for the constitution of your
" country, and a government by known laws,
" freely consented to by yourselves, or your
" certain delegates."
WE have exhorted you, " when your
" country calls, to be all eye and ear and
" heart and voice and hand, in a cause so
" glorious ; proceeding with a manly and
" intrepid spirit, with a servent and en-
" lightened zeal ; fearless of danger, un-
" daunted by opposition, and convincing
" the world that Liberty is your unconquer-
" able delight, and that you are sworn foes
" to every species of bondage either of body
" or of mind. "
BUT however much it might have been our
duty to deliver lessons of this kind, small
would have been the honour we should have
derived from them, if you, Gentlemen had not
nobly called those lessons forth into Action,
demonstrating by your living example, that
the education you received in this place,
" was 

[ 5 ]
" was not a mere art of furnishing the
" Head, but a true discipline of the Life and
" Manners."
TRULY delicate and difficult, we confess
was the subject prescribed to you - to
treat of " the reciprocal advantages of  a
" perpetual UNION between Great-Britain
" and her American Colonies," at a time when
a fatal Misunderstanding had untwisted all
the cords of that UNION, and the minds of
many were too much inflamed. This difficulty
was likewise encreased to us by other con-
siderations.
Great-Britain, who, by her liberality, had
raised this College from a helpless to a flou-
rishing state, had an undoubted demand on
us, in our particular capacity, for all the re-
turns of gratitude. Yet we could not, we durst
not, divert the streams of Learning from their
sacred course. Our country, nay all America,
had a right to demand that those streams
should be directed pure along, to water the
goodly TREE OF LIBERTY, nor ever be
suffered to cherish any foul weed, that would
choak its growth.
IN

[ 6 ]
In this most difficult conjuncture, we re-
joice to behold you, in your early youth,
exercising all the temper and prudence of the
most experienced Patriots ; freely and duti-
fully acknowledging in behalf of the mother
country, that, " *as the design of colonizing,
"  was not to found a new empire, but to ex-
"  tend the old, the Colonies owe obedience
"  under all constitutional and legal restric-
"  tions, and a due subordination in all com-
"  mercial purposes ;" yet firmly asserting
in behalf of the Colonies that they " are
"  entitled, in return, to the full and free
"  enjoyment of BRITISH LIBERTY, and ne-
"  cessary protection from all external violence
"  - and that a policy which would ensure
"  a small immediate revenue, at the expence
"  of a great, though indirect, national gain,
"  is mean and sordid, unworthy of the gene-
"  rous enterprizing spirit of a commercial
"  nation ;" and radically destructive of the
mutual confidence.
We rejoice that ever we had the least share
in forming sentiments like these, which have
led you to draw the true line, and power-
fully
* See Dissertation third.

[ 7 ]
fully to shew that on the everlasting basis of
reciprocal Interest, and a participation of con-
stitutional privileges, and on this alone, our
UNION shall be perpetuated, and " our *
" bleeding wounds healed up, without so
" much as a scar by way of remembrance."
HERE you have shewn yourselves entitled
to the name of true SONS OF LIBERTY -
SONS OF LIBERTY INDEED ! neither betray-
ing her sacred cause on the one hand, nor de-
generating into Licentiousness on the other -
The occasion now calls me to address
a few things to you, Gentlemen, who have
just received your degrees in this Seminary ;
but I would not trespass on the patience of
this candid audience.
You have observed the honors to which li-
terary merit, and integrity of principles, have
already advanced those who have gone be-
fore you in their studies here ; and you can-
not but be sensible, that of all the glories
reflected on this Institution, we judge those
the most solid and transporting which we
derive from our own sons.
C 2 THE
* See Mr. WATTS'S Dissertation.

[ 8 ]
The time is fast approaching, and I trust
your bosoms now glow for it, when you too
shall, in your turn, have an opportunity of
doing honour to your education, by your
conduct in public life. When that time shall
come, educated as you have been in the prin-
ciples of found Liberty, permit us to pro-
mise ourselves, that you will ever think it
your glory, to be enlisted under her banners,
and to follow her exalted call.
What we have often given in solemn charge
to those who have gone before you, and what
you have often heard delivered in the course
of your studies here, is, I hope, engraven on
your memories, and need not now be re-
peated.
You will consider all arts, all sciences, all
eloquence, all philosophy, as intended to dis-
cipline the soul for eternity, and so far as they
center not ultimately in this grand view, they 
are at best but empty trifles. Always look
on the scriptures of God as that master system
of knowledge, by which all other wisdom is
to be regulated and perfected.
IN

[ 9 ]
IN whatever station of life you are, we
hope you never will forget your obligations
to this seminary, which will travail, as it were
in pain for you, till you appear on the the-
atre of action with dignity ; and will expect
to find its own children and sons, at least,
among the number of its friends -
We wish you every felicity, and bid you
farewell. -
AND here I ought to conclude - But the
joyous occasion calls me to return particular
thanks to this splendid audience for the coun-
tenance they have given us this day ; and to
congra ulate them on the glorious and happy
turn in the affairs of America, whereof yester-
day † gave us the certain and confirmed
accounts.
WHEN I look back on the dreadful state
of suspence, in which these Colonies have
been so long agitated ; when, in the room of
foreboding doubt and painful sollicitude, I
behold joy in every look, the clouds dispers-
ed, the fun breaking in upon us again, and
c an
† The account of the repeal of the American stamp-
act was received at Philadelphia, the day before the de-
livery of this Elogium, viz. May 19, 1766.

[ 10 ]
an  assembly around me in which every man,
rejoices to salute his neighbour as Free  
- I Feel, I Feel, a sympathy unutter-
able, and an exultation of soul never felt
before !
O glorious day ! O happy America ! if now
we but know how to prize our happiness -
The unguarded sallies of intemperate zeal
will soon be forgotten ; but the steadfast, the
noble, the patriotic efforts of cool and good
men, in the vindication of native and consti-
tutional rights, will more and more claim
the regard of all the Free, in every clime and
age ; and perhaps be consecrated by time into
one of the brightest transactions of our story ;
asserting our pedigree, and shewing that we
were worthy of having been descended from
the illustrious stock of Britons !
THE cause of Liberty, Civil and Religious,
is the cause of Britain herself - nay it is the
cause of heaven ; and it was with inexpressible
satisfaction that I beheld more than one of the
gentlemen, who have written on the ties of
UNION between Great-Britain and her co-
lonies, deriving a very capital argument from
the ties of a Common Religion.
WHEN

[ 11 ]
WHEN I review the history of the world,
and look on the progress of Knowledge, Free-
dom, Arts and Sciences, I cannot but be
strongly persuaded that Heaven has yet glo-
rious purposes to serve thro' America.
CIVIL Liberty, the Protestant Religion, the
principles of Toleration, in their purity, ho-
norable as they are to human nature, subsist
but in few places of the globe ; and Great-
Britain is their principal residence.
UNDER her auspices they were transplanted
into America ;  where they have got firm
root, and are flourishing into immense growth
and will bring such an accession of strength
to the general cause of Liberty and Pro-
testantism, that we trust no power on earth
shall ever be able to prevail against their
united strength.
This sentiment, it is hoped, will more and
more gain ground among good men both
here and in the mother country ; convincing
them that to check the spirit of Freedom, or
discourage the propagation of knowledge here    
in America, would, on the part of Great-Britain,
be

[ 12 ]
be to wound her own members, and weaken of
destroy that glorious public system of Truth,
Freedom and Happiness, whereof she is
the Guardian and the head !
Animated by these principles, and guided
by an enlightened zeal, it will become us
to manifest our gratitude and love to the mo-
ther country, by every means in our power.
Let us make our moderation known to all the
world ; bending our whole thoughts to a
virtuous industry, beneficial to ourselves
and to Great Britain ; acting " as Free, but
" not using our liberty as a cloak of malicious-
ness" or of Licentioussness.

DISSERTATION
ON THE
Reciprocal ADVANTAGES
OF A
Perpetual UNION
Between GREAT - BRITAIN
And her AMERICAN COLONIES,
FOR WHICH
Mr. SARGENT'S PRIZE-MEDAL
WAS ADJUDGED TO
JOHN MORGAN, M. D. F. R. S. &c.
and Professor of the Theory and Practice
of Physic in the College of Philadelphia.

TO
JOHN SARGENT, Esq;
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, &c.
THIS ESSAY,
AS A SMALL TESTIMONY OF GRATITUDE
FOR MANY PERSONAL FAVOURS RECEIVED,
AND FROM A DUE SENSE
OF HIS
ACCURATE JUDGEMENT AND PUBLIC SPIRIT,
MANIFESTED
AS WELL IN THE CHOICE OF THE SUBJECT
FOR THE FOLLOWING PERFORMANCE,
AS IN THE POLITE AND GENEROUS MANNER
IN WHICH HE PROPOSED IT,
IS MOST HUMBLY INSCRIBED,
BY HIS MUCH OBLIGED,
MOST OBEDIENT,
AND VERY HUMBLE SERVANT,
JOHN MORGAN.

DISSERTATION I.
On the reciprocal ADVANTAGES
OF A
PERPETUAL UNION
BETWEEN
GREAT - BRITAIN
AND
Her AMERICAN COLONIES.
NEVER hath the cause of Liberty Introduction.
employed the pen of any of her
votaries upon a subject of greater
importance to Britain and her Co-
lonies, than the reciprocal advantages of which 
a perpetual UNION between them must
necessarily be productive. To investigate
these advantages, and to place them in a clear
and conspicuous point of view, requires much
skill and ingenuity, and affords ample scope
for a vigorous exertion of the brightest genius,
assisted and improved by the most extensive
literature. A competent knowledge of the
great and fundamental principles of govern-
A ment

[ 2  ]
ment, of the nature of the British constitution,
the particular rights and privileges of the  
several Colonies, together with the history of  
their produce, trade and commerce, is indis-
pensably necessary to such an undertaking.   
Motives for     
this undertak-
ing.              
UNEQUAL as I am to the arduous task, and
trembling, left the subject should suffer under
my unpractised hand, I have been almost 
tempted to decline it ; but when I consider 
myself at once, as a Briton and an American, 
and reflect upon the invaluable privileges and
benefits, to which, in both these characters 
and capacities, I am so happy as to be en-
tituled, every apprehension vanishes ; an ho-
nest confidence takes place, and I venture to
deliver my sentiments, rude and unpolished
as they are, upon this interesting theme, 
depending for success upon that love of li-
berty, and that warm zeal for my country's 
welfare, with  which  my bosom does, and, I
trust, will always glow. 'Tis this alone gives
me reason to hope for that candour from my 
dear countrymen, to which I am well con-
vinced my poor abilities can lay no claim.
Further mo- 
tive.
BUT I have an additional incentive to this
undertaking : for I am called to it, as the son
of 

[  3  ]
of an Institution, wherein I imbibed the true
principles of Liberty, and was taught to ad-
mire the beauty and excellency of that civil
constitution, in which the governing powers
mutually controul, and are controuled by
each other, in which the rights of prince and
people are accurately discriminated, and li-
berty and property effectually secured by  a
government of laws, not of men ; in which
civil and religious rights and privileges are
held sacred and inviolable, and declared to be
no less the birth-right of the meanest subject,
in the most distant and obscure corner of the
realm, than of the highest courtier that basks
in the sun-shine of royal favour.
This British American seminary, which was
founded upon these principles, and is careful
to transmit them pure and uncorrupted to all
her children, is justly intituled to a greater
tribute from me than I have it in my power
to pay. She has often inculcated this lesson
upon my youth, " That my head, my hand
and my heart should be at the service of my
country." My head and my hand perhaps
may fail of rendering her such assistances as
she receives from better heads and abler
A 2 hands: 

[ 4 ]
hands : but the present occasion will, at least,
enable me to shew, that I have an heart as
deeply interested in my country's welfare, as
any of her sons. 'Tis upon this principle
alone, that I stand a candidate for the honours
which are now proposed " to the best dis-
sertation on the reciprocal advantages of a
perpetual Union between Great-Britain and
her colonies."
The plan of
treating the 
subject.
IN treating of this important subject, was I
to enter upon a full and compleat enumera-
tion of all these advantages, I should doubtless
exceed the limits usually prescribed to per-
formances of this nature. The principal
arguments that I shall advance in favour of
this perpetual union, shall be derived from
one or other of these two sources.
First, From a consideration of the nature
and extent of the Commerce that subsists
between Great-Britain and her Colonies, and
the amazing increase of riches and power
which they reciprocally derive from that Com-
merce.
Secondly, From the glorious prospect of
the advancement of the Protestant Religion,
which 

[ 5 ]
which they profess, and spreading the Gospel
in its purity, through the vast benighted re-
gions of this western world.
But a full discussion of the several argu-
ments to be drawn even from these two
sources, would require a  volume, instead of
a short dissertation. I shall therefore confine
myself chiefly to those which may be drawn
from the first source, and only touch upon the
second, in the close of the performance.
A general
view of the 
present state
of the colonies
In the first place then, if we do but take a 
general view of the present flourishing con-  
dition of the Colonies, and reflect upon the 
very small beginnings from which they have
rose, in so short a time, to such a height as
now renders them the richest jewel in the
crown of Britain ; if we consider the figure
that New-England, New-York, the Jerseys,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Caro-
lina make at this day, compared with the
state of these countries in the hands of their
original proprietors ; if we attend a little to
the amazing increase of their inhabitants,
their products and exports, the prodigious
quantities of manufactures they take off
from

[ 6 ]
from  England, and the ballance of trade
which she obtains from their commodities,
the shipping this commerce requires, the sea-
men it raises, the mouths it feeds, the hands
it employs, and the accumulated wealth which
it brings to thousands, nay millions of sub-
jects, we cannot but be fully convinced of
the vast importance and advantage of a per-
petual Union between Great-Britain and her
American colonies.
Their great
improvement.   
Can the warmest imagination form to itself
an idea of aught more sublime and delightful,
than those happy effects which commerce,
and the full enjoyment of civil and religious
liberty, have so suddenly produced in coun- 
tries, which were not long since the dreary
haunts of savage beasts and savage men.
Where ignorance and barbarity frowned over
the uncultivated earth, gay fields now smile,
bedecked in the yellow robe of full-eared har-
vest ; cities rise majestic to the view ; fleets too
croud the capacious harbour with their swell-
ing canvas, and swarms of chearful inhabitants
cover the shore with monuments of their
industry, through a long tract of two thou-
sand miles.
From 

[ 7 ]
A detail of the 
subject.
FROM this general view of the amazing 
increase of our American Colonies, I naturally
proceed to a particular detail of the advan-
tages which are derived from them to the
mother country.
Advantages of 
planting colo-
nies.
CERTAIN it is, that nothing can contribute 
more to the flourishing date of any trading 
nation, than the establishing of settlements in
foreign parts. Experience evinces the truth
of this. Their American plantations hereto-
fore rendered the Portuguese and Spaniards rich
and powerful ; and these are now, not only
the greatest and constant, but almost the only
source of their wealth. Nor have either the
French or Dutch been inattentive to this  im-
portant  object. Witness the settlements of
the latter in the East-Indies, which, by their
application to commerce, under the blessings
of a moderate  government, in a few score
years, from the low and distressed states of Hol-
land, rendered them high and mighty. Witness
the efforts which France made the last war
for the conquest of America, a prize worthy
to be contended for by the most powerful
nations. The city of Tyre, " whose mer-
chants were as princes, and her great men
the 

[ 8 ]
the honourable of the earth," was, like Great-
Britain, situated upon an island, and like
Great-Britain, maintained the dominion of the
sea by her commerce. The principal feat of
her trade, and great source of her wealth,
was the noble colony of Carthage, which she
founded ; the power and naval strength of
which was carried to such a  height, by means
of commerce, that forty years were spent by
the Romans, before they were able to subdue 
this mighty people. †
Particularly to
Great-Britain.
To a nation situated on an island, as Great-  
Britain is, accommodated with every conve-   
niency for trade, the establishing of foreign   
plantations to promote her commerce is par-  
ticularly beneficial, since the inhabitants have  
no other way of conveying abroad their pro-  
duct and manufactures but by navigation, 
which breeds seamen, and brings in wealth to
maintain them. This renders England con-
siderable by her fleets, respected by her allies,
and the scourge of her enemies. Such hands
therefore as are employed for those useful  
purposes, deserve all kind of encouragement,
for on the pillars of her commerce depend the
safety and strength of England.
ONE
† Preceptor Vol. 2, On Trade and Commerce.

[ 9 ]
One of the most 
considerable.
ONE of the most considerable advantages 
therefore, which Great-Britain derives from
her American colonies, arises from their sup-
plying her with commodities of her own,
whereby a vast treasure is saved to the nation,
which would otherwise be spent in foreign
Kingdoms.
Natural ad-
vantages of 
America.
In North-America, we have almost every 
kind of climate as well as soil, to the extent 
of seven hundred leagues or upwards, on the
sea-coast, from North to South. These lands
are capable of the greatest improvement by
cultivation. They yield some of the most
valuable commodities for trade, and such as
are in the highest demand in other countries,
such as cotton, silk, indigo, rice, and great
quantities of all kinds of corn of the best
quality ; and the number of commodities
might be easily augmented. Vines are natural
to many parts of the country ; a variety of
medicinal drugs, gums and plants, is not
wanting ; flax for linen, and hemp for
cordage, are brought here to very great per-
fection ; the woods yield materials for ships,
houses and cabinet work ; the pine trees will
furnish a plenty of masts and yards, with
pitch, turpentine, tar and rosin. The woods
B also

[ 10 ]
also abound in game ; furs, and all sorts of
peltry are furnished from hence. In the
bowels of the earth there are mines of iron,
copper and coal, in great abundance ; there 
are various sorts of useful earths for bricks 
and tiles, and a variety of useful stones for  
building. Lastly, North America has spaci-
ous and safe harbours for shipping ; and navi-
gable rivers variously intersect the country,
to facilitate the communication from one part 
to the other.
Its convenien-
cies for settling
of colonies.
Now if the planting of colonies is so bene-
ficial to a commercial people ; if these are
more especially advantageous to an island,
surrounded with ports, and where every inlet 
may prove a convenient harbour ; and if a
country abounding with useful commodities,
blesied with a fertile soil, and a variety of
healthy climates, is particularly calculated for 
the planting, growth and increase of colonies, 
we may readily conclude that the settlement 
of the British American colonies must have
proved of the utmost advantage to Great-
Britain. Nor is such a conclusion void of
foundation, as we shall be fully convinced, by
comparing 

[ 11 ]
comparing the present condition of England
with what it was, whilst yet she had no
plantations.
Condition of
England before
she had any co-
lonies.
BEFORE that period, it is computed that  
the people of London did not exceed one sixth  
part of their present number. England was  
then obliged to pay to foreigners for all the
commodities she now gets from America, at
a most exorbitant price, and now exports those
very goods to the very same nations from
which she was wont to get them. It is in-
geniously observed by an able pen, that rum,
sugar and tobacco, if we had no plantations,
would prove so many issues to drain us of our
circulating cash, which are now the sources of
private wealth and the public revenue.
In queen Eli-
zabeth's regin.
AT the time when queen Elizabeth entered 
upon her government, the customs produced 
but thirty-six thousand pounds a year, a sum
far less than what one of her colonies now
brings into the treasury. The legal interest
of money was then at 12 per cent. It is now
but 5, and England abounds in riches. Her
shipping too is increased to the most astonish-
ing degree. In the year 1575, queen Eliza-
beth's time, the whole royal navy consisted but
B 2 of

[ 12 ]
twenty-four ships, and all the shipping then in
England, both great and small, fell short of
eight hundred sail ; a number not equal to
half the vessels which are employed at this
time to carry on the commerce of America.
According to an abstract made about thirty
years ago,* the royal navy consisted of three
hundred and twenty-two sail, carrying twelve
thousand two hundred and seventy pieces of
cannon ; and since that time has been conti-
nually increasing. If the whole royal navy
had been in commission at the end of the last
war, and manned to its full compliment,
it could not have amounted to much less than 
one hundred thousand seamen.
The colonies
are useful in
taking off the 
manufactures
of Great-Bri-
tain.
ALTHOUGH the manufactures of England
are, within a very few years, prodigiously
augmented, the plantations alone take off near
one half. By their consumption of English ma-
nufactures, great are the advantages which re-
dound to Great-Britain from her empire in
America. The plantation trade is by far the
most valuable of any whereof England can
boast the enjoyment. What we may place   
great stress upon, it is continually improving.
It
* See the Preceptor on Trade and Commerce, Vol. 2.

[ 13 ]
It is a mine in which we still find richer and
nobler veins. Whilst other springs of com-
merce are drying up, this overflows. It is
permanent, whilst others are shifting place.
What crowns its value, it is our own, in
which other nations cannot rival England, nor
can they deprive her of it.
The American
trade may be
rendered still
more beneficial
GREAT as the present product of our trade  
is, it might be made much more beneficial,  
as it is computed by intelligent writers, that
above a million annually might be saved or
added to the stock, by a proper encourage-
ment of many articles that might be raised in
America. By the purchase of them abroad,
we contribute to enrich other nations, who
extort very exorbitant sums from us, and who
have it in their power to disappoint us of
them, perhaps, when they become most ne-
cessary to us.
It is impolitic
to import Ame-
rican commo-
dities from o-
ther nations.
SEEING then, from the preceeding account  
of the colonies, England may be supplied 
from thence with some of the most valuable  
commodities, such as raw silk from Georgia,
for her own manufactures ; hemp for cordage,
iron for various arts, a great abundance of
naval stores of all kinds from Pennsylvania,
Carolina,

[ 14 ]
Carolina, New Jersey, New-York, and New-    
England, as planks, timber, masts, yards, and
all materials for ship-building, it is a reflec-
tion on our politics to expend our money with   
other nations for these articles. For hemp,
indeed, exported from the plantations a
bounty has lately been allowed by par-
liament, from which England will unques-
tionably derive great benefit to herself.
The same encouragement will produce the
same good effect in regard to iron and pot-
ashes. A bounty  allowed on these articles,
though inconsiderable, must soon be reim-
bursed manifold, by saving vast sums of
money yearly remitted to foreigners for these
commodities.
Pitch, tar and
turpentine.
THE bounty allowed upon pitch, tar and
turpentine, has brought the price of these  
commodities in England to ten shillings ster-
ling a barrel, which used to amount to fifty
shillings ; for which too was paid ready money.
This regulation therefore prevents five times  
the sum of its cost from going out of the king-
dom to Sweden and other northern powers,
and aids the colonies to make returns for the
immense quantity of goods sent to them from
England.

[ 15 ]
England. The above articles now come so
cheap to the ship - builders of Great-Britain,
that the charge is hardly felt by them ; and
the bounty that is paid by the nation on the
importation of those commodities, is doubly
repaid by lessening the proportion between
the importation and exportation that was
against us in these  articles, which is called
the ballance of trade. † " It is agreed by 
all who pretend to understand trade, says
Judge Littleton, that a country does then grow
rich, and then only, when the commodities
exported out of it are of more value than
those that are imported into it." ‡ It is but
wisdom therefore in Britain to encourage the
raising of every commodity in America, of
which she stands in need herself, or which
may increase the ballance of trade in her
favour.
Ballance of
trade, what.
Benefits of an
interchange of
manufactures
and commodi-
ties.
And here we may properly take notice of 
the considerable advantages derived from an 
interchange of manufactures and commodi- 
ties between Great-Britain and America. The
labour that is necessary in manufactures, the
expensive
† Introduction to the British Empire in America.
‡ Judge Littleton's Treatise on the Groans of the Plan-
tations.

[ 16 ]
Value of the
manufactures
from the hands
they pass thro'.
expensive carriage and different hands they 
pass through, must greatly heighten their 
value. Whilst commodities generally employ
but one set of people, manufactures employ
many. They afford a subsistance to the 
poor, collect people into villages, extend the
buildings of town and cities, improve the 
soil, enhance the property of landlords, and
create a considerable intercourse between
artificers and merchants. The consumers of 
English woolen manufactures in America, are
obliged to pay about 75 per cent. advance on 
the first cost, by way of profit to the different
hands, which these manufactures pass thro'
before they arrive to them, viz. To the wool-
stapler, the clothier, the woolen draper, the 
merchants in England and America, for freight
and insurance, and to the retailer. This 
calculation is made by an ingenious and in-
telligent merchant of Philadelphia, well versed
in this subject. Whence it appears, that
manufacturers are not more valuable in
themselves, than from the number of persons
they support.
The export of
American com-
modities re-
commended.
HENCE it follows likewise, that while 
Great-Britain is employed in manufactures,
America

[ 17 ]
America ought to be encouraged in raising
all sorts of commodities, and exporting them
to Britain. By which means the mother
country will be supplied with materials for 
carrying on her manufactures, and the Colo-
nies be enabled to purchase those manufactures
of which they stand in need ; and thus they
will become reciprocally necessary to each
other.
The trrade of 
America with
England
IT is judged, that the whole trade of Ame-
rica to all parts of the globe employs, one
year with another, above two thousand sail of
English ships, by which treasures of greater
wealth are conveyed to Britain, than are de-
rived from Mexico or Peru. The amount of
the cash and bills of exchange, and of the
commodities sent to England in payment for
her goods, and of the duties on these com-
modities, cannot be less than two millions
yearly. From the commodities of America,
chiefly manufactured in England, and con-
veyed through innumerable channels of trade
to every quarter of the globe, Great-Britain
acquires immense wealth, keeps up a spirit of
industry among her inhabitants, and is en-
abled to support mighty fleets, great in peace
and formidable in war.
C BUT

[ 18 ]
The American
Colonies ad-
vantageous to 
Britain in time 
of war.
BUT further, the American Colonies are not
only very beneficial to the trade of Britain in
time of peace, but are highly advantageous to
her is case of war with France or Spain, the 
most common and natural enemies of Britain.
The very situation of the British islands in
America renders it easy to annoy those of the 
French or Spaniards. The continental Colo-
nies too, on an emergency, are able to furnish
many thousand brave men, who, when joined
by any body of regular forces from England,
and convoyed by a British squadron, would ef-
fectually shake the French and Spanish domi-
nions, both in North and South America. This 
has been done, and may be done again, when
any future provocation calls them to unite
their force with that of Britain against their
common enemy. Thus it appears, I think,
with the highest degree of evidence, that 
Britain owes much of her well-being, her 
riches and her power, to her American colo-
nies, 'Tis from her union with them she
draws the sinews of war, whereby she is
enabled to conquer and prescribe terms of
peace to her enemies, and to fix her glory 
upon a sure and lasting basis.
BUT

[ 19 ]
It is the inte-
rest of the 
American Co-
lonies to per-
petuate their
union with 
Great-Britain.
BUT if, from what has been said, it appears
to be the interest of Britain to perpetuate her
union with  her Colonies in America, it will 
appear no less  manifest, by the sequel, that   
it is the interest of those Colonies to perpe-
tuate their union with Britain.
Proved from 
the support &
commerce of 
England.
The American Colonies, by the support and 
commerce of Britain, have emerged, as it
were, out of darkness into light, and in less 
than two centuries have become a numerous
and  happy people. Between two and three
millions, at least, of subjects, by transplan-
tation from Europe, and by natural increase,
now inhabit these colonies. For this in-
crease of numbers, wealth and power, they
are indebted originally to Britain, from
whence they derived their mild government,
their equal laws and secure property. Must
they not then, naturally desire a perpetual
union with their mother country, whilst they
taste the sweets of British liberty, and enjoy
the advantages of her trade and commerce.
The demand
for British ma-
nufactures.
AND this leads me to mention another rea- 
son why the Colonies should wish to perpe- 
tuate their union with Britain, viz. the
considerable benefit which they derive from
the British manufactures. The price of labour
C 2 in 

[ 20 ]
in America is too great to allow the inhabi-
tants to manufacture for themselves. They
supply all their wants from Britain, and are
enabled to make good remittances by their
commodities, which might otherwise lie use-
less on their hands.
And the ad-
vantageous al-
liance of Ame-
rica with Great-
Britain.
AGAIN, were the American colonies to be
considered as having no union or connection
with Britain, what power could  secure them
from her conquering arm, whenever she was
disposed to stretch it forth ? But while the
Union is perpetuated between them, and the
colonies are considered as a part of the British
empire, Britain surely, by her formidable
fleets, and brave and disciplined armies, could
afford them speedy succour in the day of
danger, and effectually secure them from the
hostile attempts of any power in  Europe. I
ask once  more then, must not the colonies
naturally desire a perpetual union with their
mother country, since it is from her they
enjoy the sweets of British liberty, the ad-
vantages of British commerce, and the pro-
tection of British power ?
An erroneous 
principle con-
sidered.
I have said the less of the importance of
Great-Britain to the American Colonies, be-
cause 

[ 21 ]
cause this is a subject, upon which every
writer seems to be agreed ; whereas there
have been some narrow, short-sighted poli-
ticians, who have attempted to diminish the
importance of the colonies to Great-Britain.
'Tis for this reason, that I have entered upon
a more minute detail of the latter, and have
moreover subjoined to the end of this differ-
tation, an Appendix, containing a summary
view of the American commerce, the produce
and exports of the several colonies, whereby
the national stock is so considerably aug-
mented.
Conclusions to
be drawn from
this view of
commerce.
Thus have I endeavoured to point out the  
reciprocal advantages of a perpetual union  
between Great-Britain and her Colonies, from  
a particular view of the nature and extent of
the commerce that subsists between them,
and the vast accessions of wealth and power
which they reciprocally derive from that
commerce. I have shewn how necessary they
are to one another, and that they must suffer
and decline in proportion as the present union
betwixt them is weakened or destroyed. I
have only to add further, under this head, a
few observations upon the most probable
methods of preserving and perpetuating this
union.
WITH

[ 22 ]
The surest
means of pre-
serving this
union consi-
dered on the
part of Great-
Britain.
With respect to Great-Britain, I think,
the surest method she can take to preserve
this union inviolate is to consider the inte-
rests of America as her own, to encourage the
willing obedience of a dutiful and loyal peo-
ple, by equal laws and a free and open
commerce, rather than attempt, by unequal
laws and too severe restrictions, to force an
unwilling subjection. The ballance of trade
will return more clear money from the Ame-
rican Colonies, than can be extorted from
them either by armies, taxes or tribute. "It
is more safe, as well as virtuous, to accept the
chaste embraces of conjugal affection, than
by violence to extort forbidden pleasures,
which commonly fail the expectations." ‖
Impolitic re-
strictions of
trade.
It is an ill-judged policy, therefore, which
would prevent the Colonies from enriching
themselves by trade at the expence of their
neighbours. For these are only the channels
through which the riches of foreign nations
are poured into the coffers of Britain. And
if these channels are once dried up, the
watchful enemies and rivals of Britain would
soon avail themselves of our errors. Com-
merce, once forced from her wonted course, is
seldom
‖ Cato's letters.

[ 23 ]
seldom or never brought into it again. Fo-
reigners would soon usurp our trade, and
thrive in proportion as we decline.
What is, or
ought to be
the end of go-
vernment,
To secure the liberty and property of all 
its subjects is, or ought to be, the end of every
government. So long as this end is kept in 
view, so long are the people united by the
firmest bond of society, the interest of the
whole. This end must be the common 
standard, by which the particular actions of 
the several members towards each other
ought to be regulated. Particular ranks of
men have particular feelings peculiar to          
themselves, and often contrary to the inte-
rests and feelings of the rest of the society,
and therefore have no right to make, and
much less to impose laws on their fellow-
subjects, inconsistent with and opposite to
those interests and those feelings ; therefore a
society, government or real public, must
consist of freemen, chusing or consenting to
laws themselves. " To watch over such a
system, and to promote its good as much as
lies in our power, to resist every encroach-
ment on it, and to defend it to the utmost, is
the political duty of every citizen."‡ But
to
and common 
standard of 
action.
‡ See Preceptor, Vol. z, on Ethics. 

[ 24 ]
to sacrifice the interests of one part to those
of another part weakens the affection of sub-
jects, inasmuch as the preservation of our
rights, the security of our persons, liberties
and property, on the one hand, and obedience
to government, on the other hand, are the re-
ciprocal duties of the rulers and ruled.
viz. The gene-
ral interest of 
the whole com-
mumty.
IF the superstructure of a government be
raised on any other foundation than the ge-
neral interest of the whole community, it can
not be durable. Like the image of Daniel's
vision, the head whereof was of fine gold, the
belly and thighs of brass, the legs of iron,
and the feet part of iron and part of clay,
which cannot cleave together, it must, when
smote upon, be broken  to pieces. But the
constitution of a country, in which the  hap-
piness of the whole community is regarded,
is like a firm oak that withstands the fury of
the jarring elements roused up into a storm,
fixes its roots deeper in its native earth, and
lifts its majestic head to the skies. Whilst
this principle is kept up in its full vigour, it
will endure the shocks of contending nations,
and be still more firmly established. It will
yield to nought but time, before which the
" Sun himself shall fail, and nature sink in
years." WHEN

[ 25 ]
Which is the 
happiness and
support of a 
country.
WHEN the public is safe and trade encou- 
raged, every man participates of the common 
felicity, and has means of acquiring property. 
The riches of a good King consist in the
wealth of his subjects. The affections of his
people are his security and happiness. All
they possess, their fortune and property, are
at his disposal, because they are employed
to secure both him and themselves. A wife
government ought therefore to secure the
possession of property, and raise no taxes but
what they shall fee a real necessity for doing,
and continue them no longer than that ne-
cessity requires. It should be done in a man-
ner most agreeable to the sentiments of the
people, who best know what they can en-
dure ; for a virtuous and public spirit, a
spirit of Liberty, is the chief, if not the only
support of a country.†
An opposite
conduct in
what respect
pernicious.
SHOULD any ignorant or selfish politicians in       
the mother country ever have influence 
enough to get such laws enacted, as would 
bear hard upon the liberty or property of the
Colonies ; this measure would doubtless have
a natural tendency to sow the seeds of dis-
D content
† See Cato's letters on the subject of Liberty. 

[ 16 ]
content among them, and to alienate their
affections. Instead of considering Britain 
then as connected with them by the natural
ties of a mother country, they would begin 
to look upon her as a foreign power, treating
them as her tributaries, and attempting to
enslave them. For the same noble spirit of
freedom, which actuates an Englishman, born 
in the island of Britain, beats in every pulse
and pants in every breast of the British sub-
jects in America. Add to this, the Colonies
were settled upon a presumption, that the
same extensive privileges, which were origi-
nally granted to them, should not in after- 
times be contracted or withdrawn. When 
Great-Britain has attained to such a pitch of
grandeur by the industry and success of her 
Colonies, as hath rendered her the admiration 
and envy of her neighbours, would it be con- 
sistent with the maxims of justice, for her to
resume the privileges she has granted, under
which they have so amazingly flourished, and
which they have never forfeited ? No, the
rights of Americans are established on the
same foundation with those of Britain herself.  
She cannot violate them, without, at the same
time, undermining her own constitution ; and
the 

[ 27 ]
the same sword that is sheathed in the bowels
of America must inevitably pierce the vitals
of Britain too, Far other returns, however,
may be hoped for by a people, whose com-
merce has proved so beneficial to Britain ;
who have, at the expence of so much treasure
and so much  blood, assisted her in gaining a
compleat ascendency over their common ene-
my. They are a people too, who contributed
much by their bravery, in a former war, to
procure an  honourable and unlooked for
peace to their mother country, when she was
of herself in no condition to prescribe her own
terms.*
A violation of
the American
rights impoli-
tic.
THUS it appears, that the most effectual  
method, which Great Britain can take to per-  
petuate her union with the Colonies, is to  
continue them in full exercise of those
liberties and privileges, both with respect to
commerce and taxes, which they have hither-
to enjoyed ; and to do nothing that can justly
D 2 be
* The island of Cape-Breton, which was esteemed the
Dunkirk of America, was taken by the troops of New-
England, with little or no assistance from home ; and this
was all the English had to restore to France at the treaty
of Aix la Chapelle, 1748 for the restitution of Bergen op-
zoom to her allies, and for other terms of peace. 

[ 28 ]
be looked upon as a violation of their rights,
which might end in a breach of this desirable
union.
The method    
by which the
Colonies may
preserve the 
present union.
WITH respect to the Colonies, the surest
method they can take to preserve inviolate,
their union with Britain is, upon every oc-
casion, to demonstrate their loyalty to the best
of Kings, and their subordination to the go-
vernment of Great Britain, by exerting their
united efforts, in the support and defence of
the dignity of the British  crown, and the
rights of the British parliament ; and by
chearfully and constantly submitting to the
just determination of the grand council of the
realm. A conduct opposite to this would
make them forfeit the rights of sons, and
justly bring upon them the indignation and
chastisement of the mother country.
The effects of
such a conduct 
THESE are the methods, which to me ap-
pear most likely to perpetuate the glorious
union between Great-Britain and her Colo-
nies, which will ensure strength and success
to the common cause, and baffle every at-
tempt of their enemies to injure or molest
them. Thus will the commerce, riches and
power of Britain, be carried to an envied
pitch

[ 29 ]
pitch of greatness, and as far surpass what
they now are, as they do at this day exceed
what they were, before Great-Britain could
boast of a colony.
Benefits of this
union to Reli-
gion and the
Protestant in-
terest.
I HAVE enlarged so much upon the advan-  
tages of a perpetual union between Great-  
Britain and her Colonies, collected from a  
view of the nature and extent of the com-
merce that subsists between them, and the
immense accession of riches and power, which
they reciprocally enjoy from that commerce,
that I can now say but little of the glorious
prospect, which this union presents to us, in
the promotion of the Protestant Religion,
which they profess, and extending the Gospel
in its purity, throughout the vast benighted
regions of the western world.
Superior to
that of mere
commerce, &c.   
THIS consideration is indeed as far superior 
to that which I have hitherto dwelt upon, as 
things eternal are to those of a mere temporal
nature. One relates to the greatest of this
world's good, even liberty and property.
The other extends to a future and eternal
world ; and is employed upon such objects as
are most likely to secure the happy enjoyment
of it. 'Tis the glory of Britain, that she en-
joys both these advantages in the highest de-
gree ;

[ 30 ]
gree ; that the means of preserving the for-
mer is secured to her by the best civil consti-
tution, and the means of obtaining the latter
by the best religious establishment in the world.
By the spread- 
ing of the Gos-
pel.
WITH the sons of Britain the Protestant
religion was transplanted into the Colonies.
It has taken root, grown and flourished in the
kindly soil. It has already become a fair and
lofty tree, and, if it is still well nurtured an
sufficiently watered, it may e'er long extend
its boughs beyond the setting sun, even to the
verge of the eastern world, and perhaps shel-
ter the native country from whence it origi-
nally sprung. Thus Britain has already been
an happy instrument in the hands of Heaven,
of bearing the tidings of the Gospel to one of
the darkest corners of the globe, to nations,
who had long sat in darkness and the shadow
of death. By perpetuating an union with her
Colonies, she may likewise, through them,
carry these glad tidings further still, even to
the utmost ends of the earth, and thus hasten,
if I may so speak, that glorious period, when
" righteousness shall overflow the earth as the
waters cover the seas."  And when all the
kingdoms of the world shall become the
kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ.
IF                 

[ 31 ]
IF such, then, are to be the happy conse- 
quences of this glorious union, should not
every American, every British Protestant, ar-
dently wish and pray, that it may be faithfully
and inviolably preserved and continued " as
long as the Sun and Moon endure ?"
Conclusion.





[ 33 ]
APPENDIX.
Containing a general view of the trade of the
American Colonies, their produce, exports,
&c. chiefly extracted from approved histories
and authentic memoirs.
IN this Appendix, to observe some order, I
shall begin with an account of the British
settlements to the Northward , and first with
Newfoundland. This great island, which is
above three hundred miles long and two
hundred broad, forms the Eastern boundary
of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and extends
from thence Southward near ten degrees of
latitude, along the Eastward part of Nova-
Scotia. It is chiefly valuable for the great
Fishery upon those shoals, which are called 
the Banks of Newfoundland. The plenty of
Cod, and several other species of Fish here, is
almost inconceivable, as well as along the
shores of the island of Cape-Breton, the coasts
Nova-Scotia and New-England, which pours in
E a treasure 
Newfoundland,
its Fishery.

[ 34 ]
a treasure of riches on Great-Britain. Our  
share of the Newfoundland fishery was former-
ly computed to increase the national flock at
least three hundred thousand pounds sterling  
a year in gold and silver, remitted for the Cod  
we fell in the different parts of Europe, in  
Spain, Portugal, Italy and the Levant, &c. ‡
of how much more wealth must it be pro-  
ductive at present to the mother country, as
Newfoundland and Nova-Scotia belong now so  
entirely to Great-Britain ? The advantages  
which attend an extensive and well-managed  
fishery are great and obvious. The sea may 
be considered as a mine out of which the trea-  
sure is taken at a very little expence, and
even that expence is advantageous, since it
promotes several manufactures, and goes en-
tinly amongst our own people. Fish is a
valuable commodity, both at home and a-
broad. According to some writers, the  
Dutch make more of their fishery in our
seas, than the Spaniards do by the West-Indies.
Besides, this fishery, properly attended to,
would infalliably furnish us with a constant
supply of experienced, active and healthy
sailors
‡ See Account of European settlements in America, by
Dodsley. 

[ 35 ]
sailors for manning our fleets ; the gradual
increase of which would prove not only a con-
stant and inexhaustible source of wealth, and
add to the ballance of trade in our favour, but
augment our maritime force, to a degree
that would make us a match for all Europe in
naval power.†
Nova-Scotia.
ADJACENT to Newfoundland is the country 
of Nova-Scotia, which, although the progress
of it was at first but slow, is now become
a considerable settlement, and is a very ad-
vantageous place for fishing. Twenty-five
thousand quintals of fish have been caught
therein one year.‖
New-England.
BUT much more considerable is the colony 
of New-England. This colony is in length
near three hundred miles, and in some part
near two hundred miles in breadth, lying
between the forty-first and forty-fifth de-
grees of North latitude, and comprizes the
four provinces of Massachusetts-Bay, Connec-
ticut, Rhode-Island and New-Hampshire.
Its Fishery.
THERE is a noble Cod-fishery on this coast,
which employs a vast number of their people,
E 2 and
† Preceptor.
‖ British Empire in America.

[ 36 ]
and proves a very considerable article of trade.
They are enabled by this to export annually
above thirty thousand quintals of choice Cod-
fish to Spain, Italy and the Mediterranean, and
near twenty thousand quintals of the refuse
fort to the West-Indies, as food for the Negroes,
besides a large quantity to Madeira and Fyal,
for wines and brandy.
Its Trade.
THE business of ship-building is one of
the most considerable which Boston, or the
other sea-port towns in New-England carry on.
This country has materials enough to build
ships for half the employment of Britain. It
can furnish the trade and navy too with naval
stores, for the supplies of which from the
Baltic, two or three hundred thousand pounds
sterling annually was wont to be expended.
In their trade to foreign parts, the profits of
their voyage are generally received in bills of
exchange upon London, or in returns of goods 
through the hands of English factors. By
this circuitous commerce, they pay in Great-
Britain for various sorts of goods got from
thence, to the amount of some hundred thou-
sand pounds sterling a year. Although their
commerce is not carried on immediately with
Great-

[ 37 ]
Great-Britain, nor with British vessels, yet
here the profits chiefly center, where all the
money, which the Colonies, can make in any
manner, must center at last. Pot-ashes, a most
necessary article in manufactures, particularly
in bleaching, as many thousand barrels are
annually consumed for this one purpose in
Ireland, have, within these few years, proved
a very advantageous article of trade in several
of the Colonies, particularly in New-England,
and is likely to become a very valuable and
growing remittance to the mother country.
The amount of the pot-ashes exported home
from New-England only, within the last twelve
months, is said to be not less than thirty thou-
sand pounds sterling ; and it is imagined
that the quantity this year willarise to a much
more considerable sum. The spirit of gain
which the making of pot-ashes has already
inspired, it is probable, will every year conti-
nue to render this manufacture an object of
much greater importance to America than has
been generally imagined. Near six hundred sail
of ships have been laden in a year for Europe
and the British plantations. From Christmas
1747, to Christmas 1748, five hundred vessels
cleared out from the port of Boston only, for
a foreign 

[ 38 ]
a foreign trade, and four hundred and thirty  
were entered inwards. Great is the advan-  
tage therefore of the New-England trade and
navigation, if only considered as a nursery of
seamen ; how much more by considering the
addition it makes to the national stock ?‡
New-York,
New-Jersey,
and Pennsylva-
nia, their trade
The three contigious provinces, viz. New-
York, New-Jersey and Pennsylvania, to the
Southward of New-England, are with very
little difference the same in their climate,
productions, and the commodities in which
they trade ; the soil being in general very
fertile, abounding not only in its native
grain, the Indian corn, but few parts of the
world exceed these provinces in the abundance
and excellence of their Wheat, Barley, Rye,
Oats, Buck-wheat, &c.
GREAT quantities of Flax and Hemp are
raised in these provinces. Mines of iron have  
been opened in them all, and a rich mine of
copper has been successfully worked in East-
Jersey, which may prove highly advantageous
to the manufactures of Great-Britain. The trade
of these provinces to the West-Indies is very
considerable
‡ History of the British Empire in America.

[ 39 ]
considerable in Provisions, Hides, Tallow,
Lumber and Soap, &c. for which they can
procure Sugars, and from this find some re-
source of making remittance to England for
the goods they get from thence. They car-
ry on a trade also with Spain, Portugal, Italy,
Madeira and Fyal ; they trade likewise to
England and Ireland in Hemp, Flak-seed,
Linseed Oil, Furs, and Deer-skins. Flaxseed
is a very promising article of Commerce ; as
Ireland must be dependant on the American
Colonies for an annual supply. In times
of scarcity, prodigious quantities of wheat are
shipped to England and Ireland, as well as to
other parts of Europe. Thus the Americans
send home to their fellow subjects of Great-
Britain, both goods to increase the national
stock, and also bread for their subsistence.§
The importations from England into the pro-
vince of Pennsylvania only, it is estimated,
hath in several years amounted to more than
half a million sterling per annum.‡
And
§ Amongst the several acts which passed the House
of Commons, and gained his Majesty's royal assent,
the last of sessions of Parliament, is an Act for allowing
the importation of Wheat from America, duty free,
for a limited time.
‡ Memorial of the Merchants and Traders of the
city of Philadelphia. 

[ 40  ]
THERE cannot be less than seven or eight 
hundred sail of ships annually employed to
keep up the extensive trade of these provinces.
Trade of Ma-
ryland and Vir- 
ginia.
Maryland and Virginia, which are to the
Southward of Pennsylvania, agree very much
in their soil and product.
TOBACCO is the standing commodity of
both these colonies. A late sensible writer
computes that there are shipped from these
places annually, 90,000 hogsheads of Tobacco
at an average of 952 weight each ; 30,000 of
these are expended in home consumption,
the duty of each is twenty-seven pounds ster-
ling, and the amount of the whole duty on
them is above eight hundred thousand pounds ;
and of the remaining 60,000 hogsheads, after 
the imports and part of the subsidy are drawn
back, about one-fifth of the sum is produced 
into the Exchequer from every hogshead that
is re-exported, which is above three hundred
thousand pounds more. The whole amount
for the customs of Tobacco is more than a
million. Such is the immense advantage
which 

[ 41 ]
which the Mother Country derives from, the
article of Tobacco alone, which she gets from
her Colonies.‖
North and
South-Carolina
North and South-Carolina, to the Southward
of Virginia, lye between the thirty-first and
thirty-sixth degrees of North latitude, in  a
very fine climate.
THE trade of Carolina has three great staple
commodities, Rice, Indigo, and Naval Stores,
which it yields more abundantly than all the
rest of our Colonies. Rice anciently formed
by itself the staple of Carolina. The export
of this commodity from Charlestown, in the
year 1731, amounted only to 41,957 barrels.
In a few years afterwards, the product of it
was computed to return to Great-Britan at
least £. 80,000 per annum, including freight
and commissions, which are the most profi-
table articles in the British commerce. In the
year 1754, the export of Rice from Charles-
town, amounted to 104,682 barrels. In the  
year 1757, this branch of commerce was
F computed
‖ See Considerations on the propriety of imposing taxes
on the British Colonies, for raising a revenue by Act of
Parliament ; and also a Computation by Sir Thomas
Dally, in the History of the British Empire in America.

[ 42 ]
computed to be annually worth, at the lowest
estimation, £. 150,000 sterling. Great has
been its increase since ; and we may well
reckon it to be at this time worth £. 200,000
sterling.
IT was long before Carolina went into the
profitable trade of Indigo ; they began it
since the year 1750, and in the year 1754,
was exported from Charlestown, to the amount
of above 200,000 ℔. weight ; and 500,000 ℔.
weight was made in the year 1757. If the in-
habitants continue to improve the advantages
with the same spirit in which they have begun,
they must naturally and necessarily come to
supply the whole consumption of the world
with this commodity, and consequently make
their country the richest part of the British
dominions.‡
Georgia.
To the Southward of Carolina, on the bor-
ders of Florida, was erected the  province  of
Georgia, in 1732.
Georgia is of importance at present, and will
be of future benefit to England, by raising
raw Silk ; the goodness of its Silk has been
tried by a proper engine, and according to
Sir
‡ See Account of European Settlements, printed by Dodsley. 

[ 43 ]
Sir Thomas Lombe, is better than the finest
Silk of Piedmont, for which half a million a
year has been paid. Pot-ashes too has been
imported from hence to England, besides
Peltry, Drugs and Dyers ware of several sorts.
St. Augustine.
WE come next to the Spanish settlement of  
St. Augustine, to the Southward of Georgia.
It belongs now to the English, as well as Ca-
nada and  Louisiana, by the last treaty of
peace ; so that they claim the whole of North-
America upon the Atlantic sea.
We shall say nothing of the newly formed
Colonies in Florida, as being but yet in their
infancy, or of the settlements in Hudson's - Bay,
as not very considerable hitherto ; but how
great must be the advantage of trade with the
Indians in Canada and  Louisiana, now ceded
to the English, which encouraged and enabled
the French to hem in all the English Colonies,
by a chain of sorts on their back settlements,
extended in a tract of above 2000 miles ? ‖ 
Canada borders to the Northward upon the
provinces of Nova-Scotia, New-England and
F 2 New-York.
‖ See Account of the British Settlements in America,
and History of the British empire in America. 

[ 44 ]
New-York. It is the oldest of all the French
establishments, and prior to the settlement of   
New-England. Quebec is the capital of this pro-   
vince. It is built on the river St. Lawrence,
upon which are the principal settlements of
this Colony. A vast trade already is, and a
much greater may in time be carried on with
the Indians, on the prodigious fresh water
Lakes, of which there are five in number, in   
extent to be considered as so many seas. They  
communicate with one another, and the last   
of them with the river St. Lawrence, which
effectually commands the trade of the Lakes,
and has an influence upon all the nations of
Indians which confine upon them.
Of the West- 
Indies.
THE principal produce of the West-Indies    
is Sugar. It is amazing what riches have been  
acquired to England by this commodity, and
what a surprizingly great number of ships
are employed in the trade, especially of Bar-
bados and Jamaica. This last place is of great
consequence to annoy the enemy, in time of  
war with France or Spain. No plate fleet   
from Carthagena can arrive at the Havannah,
which is the general place of rendezvous for
the Flota, without passing by one end of Ja- 
maica.

[ 45 ]
maica. Whilst we continue matters of these
seas, we shall always have it in our power to
prevent the junction, and greatly distress them.
In time of peace, the trade is of no less con-
sequence in drawing from the Spaniards great
sums of money.
If the Sugar Islands are of such conse-
quence to England, on account of the great
trade, shipping, and number of hands em-
ployed, the persons subsisted thereby, and
the customs and imposts they pay, the im-
portance of the Colonies on the continent of
North-America is enhanced from their supply-
ing the West-Indies with Lumber and pro-
visions of all sorts.
Conclusion.
In whatever light we view the connec- 
tion between Great-Britain and her Ame-
rican Colonies ; the reciprocal advantages of
the present union almost exceed computation,
and yet fall every way far short of those im-
mense benefits which will accrue to both, from
this union being rendered firm and perpetual.
End of the APPENDIX. 



AN
ESSAY
On the reciprocal ADVANTAGES
OF  A  
PERPETUAL UNION
BETWEEN
GREAT - BRITAIN
AND
Her AMERICAN Colonies.
By STEPHEN WATTS, M. A.

ADVERTISEMENT to the Reader.
THE author is very sensible, that it would
have been proper, in composing the following
ing Essay, to have consulted with gentlemen
who reside in the several places he had occasion to
speak of, and are well acquainted with the na-
ture and extent of their commerce. Would the
time, allowed for these performances, have af-
forded him an opportunity of procuring such
information, he flatters himself his piece would
have been more original, with respect to matters
of trade, and more worthy of public notice. He
would have been thereby enabled to form a more
exact estimate of the present state of trade in
Great-Britain and America. Depriv'd of this
advantage, he was obliged to have recourse to
commercial writers, amongst whom he is chiefly
indebted to Gee and Beawes. And, when it is
considered, that few persons, though of far greater
abilities and experience in the commercial world
than the author, would be able of their own know-
ledge to furnish an adequate account of every
material branch in the British and American
trade, he cannot despair of the Reader's in-
dulgence. 

[ 49 ]
DISSERTATION II.
HE situation of Great-Britain,
separated from the rest of the
world by the surrounding ocean,
and destitute of those endless re-
sources, which an extent of continent affords
its inhabitants, very early suggested to ju-
dicious and observing men, that a naval force
would be the easiest and most sure means of
her defence, against foreign encroachments.
The great Alfred, of glorious and immortal
memory, was fully convinced of this impor-
tant truth. He knew, by sad experience,
that the want of such a force had subjected
the island to the insults and depredations of
the Danes, and other Northern robbers. Ani-
mated with affection for his subjects, and fir'd
with a just resentment of the injuries they had
received, he resolved, if possible, to supply
such a fatal defect. By equipping, with in-
credible expedition, a fleet, considerable in
G those 

[ 50 ]
those days, he rendered himself master of the
sea, and freed his people from the dread of
being plundered. But in a few years, this
beneficial, this glorious project, unsupported
by a sufficient fund, was almost entirely laid
aside. The inhabitants, employed in the ex-
ercise of arms, or agriculture, and raising what
was barely necessary for their own subsistence,
could not possibly defray the expence of
having a fleet always in readiness. The
Danes, taking advantage of their remissness in
this important affair, soon over-run and sub-
dued the greatest part of the island ; but in-
attentive to a lesson, which their own success
might have taught them, they, in their turn,
fell a prey to an innundation of Normans.
THUS the British navy, though several at-
tempts were made to render it respectable by
monarchs, who understood their own interests,
continued, nevertheless, to make no great
figure, till the reign of queen Elizabeth. Till
this time also the trade of England was very
small, and contracted within a narrow com-
pass. It consisted chiefly in exporting Tin,
Lead, Wool, and a few other articles, which
served to purchase what foreign goods were
wanted. 

[ 51 ]
wanted. That wise queen, assisted by a wise
and experienced ministry, discovered the grand
secret unknown to her predecessors ; they knew
the advantages of a fleet, but the consequent
expences they knew not how to defray. An
extensive commerce was now very judiciously
considered as the only source adequate to
such large and continual disbursements. This
it was thought, would not only afford a sup-
ply of money, sufficient to equip and main-
tain a powerful navy, but would also be a
school or nursery of seamen.
ON these considerations, encouragement
was given to the persecuted Walloons to re-
move and settle in England. They very wil-
lingly embraced an opportunity of transport-
ing themselves to a land of freedom, and
brought with them the Woollen manufactory,
which, favoured with the countenance and
protection of a wise government, soon arrived
at great perfection. In pursuance of the
same plan, a trade was opened to Turkey,
Muscovy, the East-Indies, and almost every
considerable country in the known world.
Under the auspices of the same queen, plan-
tations were begun in AMERICA, and prose-
G 2 cuted

[ 52 ]
cuted with vigour. They at first met with nearly
insuperable difficulties ; nevertheless, by the
indefatigable industry and perseverance of the
planters, and the generous assistance of their
mother Country, those difficulties were sur-
mounted, and the Colonies brought to a pitch
of greatness, that, considering the short time
of their growth, is almost incredible.
I HAVE taken this retrospect in order to
shew, that the British Trade, the British Navy,
and the British Colonies in America, sprung
up together. They are most nearly allied,
being children of the same good policy ; and
it is worthy the notice and attention of every
politician, who studies to promote his coun-
try's welfare, that as they had their rise at the
same time, they  have ever since continued to
increase and flourish in proportion. Their de-
pendence is mutual, and if either of them be
affected, the others sooner or later will feel it
in a very sensible manner.
GREAT has been my surprize at the ig-
norance or malevolence of several late pro-
ductions. The writers of them, either blinded
by passion, or employed and instigated by the
enemies 

[ 53 ]
enemies of the British empire, have endea-
voured to sow discord and dissention between
the Mother Country and her American Colo-
nies. Some have strove to render the colo-
nists suspected, by representing them as an
ungrateful, licentious people, aiming at in-
dependence, and impatient of any subordi-
nation to Great-Britain; whilst others, no
less enemies to the welfare and prosperity of
both, would excite their jealousy, by under-
valuing the assistance she has offerded them,
and placing her in the light of a cruel Step-
mother.
I am too well convinced of the good
sense of my countrymen, both of Britain
and America, to imagine them capable of
being deluded by such partial representations.
Considering themselves as members of one
grand body politic, they will naturally con-
clude, that the good of the whole must result
from a due connection and harmony of all
the parts; and from the mutual exchange and
intercourse of friendly offices. Nevertheless,
as this point seems to have been controverted,
a few observations, tending to evince, that a
" perpetual UNION between Great-Britain
and her American Colonies, will be mutually and
reciprocally 

[ 54 ]
reciprocally advantageous," may not be less
agreeable, than necessary, in the present Dis-
sertation.
THIS is a subject, the most truly important
and interesting, which can claim a Briton's
notice, and does honour to that worthy gen-
tleman who propos'd its discussion by the
Sons of this Seminary. Struck with its vast
delicacy and importance, and conscious of in-
ability to treat it in a manner suited to its
dignity, I had almost declin'd the arduous
task; but it is a glory even to fail in great at-
tempts; and if I should afford a hint to some
abler pen, or contribute to remove the
smallest prejudice, I shall think myself ex-
tremely happy in being so far beneficial to
the public.
WE have already observed, that the de-
fence, the strength and glory of Britain,
principally depend on her Navy; and that her
Navy can only be maintained by Trade and
Commerce. These are points too plain to be
denied or disputed by the most obstinate and
perverse sceptic: and it is a very natural in-
ference from these premises, that whatever
contributes to enlarge and extend her com-
merce, is highly advantageous to Great Britain. 
IT

[ 55 ]
IT must likewise be acknowledged, that
new settlements and young countries stand
in need of the assistance and protection of
some powerful commercial state. Destitute of
these, they would be exposed to the attacks
of lawless invaders, for want of strength to
defend themselves, and to the inclemency of
weather for want of proper cloathing; for
manufactures cannot be brought to any de-
gree of perfection, or extended to advantage,
except in well-settled countries; although
agriculture, where the land is tolerably fer-
tile, and the settlement secure, may enable
the inhabitants to procure the necessary
manufactures in return for its productions.
I HOPE therefore to make it appear, that a
reciprocal emolument will arise from a per-
petual union between Britain and her Ame-
rican Colonies; as she may by their means
greatly enlarge her trade and commerce, and
become still more rich and powerful; and as
they will reap the advantage of her riches and
power, by being protected from their ene-
mies, and supplied with the conveniencies of
life at a cheaper rate, and of a better quality
than if manufactured by themselves.
IF

[ 56 ]
IF we take a survey of the commerce of
Britain, we shall find it extended to almost
every part of the known world ; there is
scarcely any place considerable for trade that
is not visited by her adventurous merchants.
The means which have enabled her to ac-
quire, and support with dignity and advantage,
such large mercantile connections, are to be
sought for in her various manufactories ;
amongst which the Woollen is universally al-
lowed the  preference. Commercial writers
have taken much pains to enumerate the par-
ticular kinds of British manufactures ; to
shew their mutual dependence, and wherein
the peculiar advantage of each consists. As
their works are in every one's hands, it is the
less necessary for me to repeat their substance,
and to particularize the articles which con-
tribute to support the trade of Britain.
BUT there are two branches of commerce,
which though not so generally attended to,
are nevertheless most highly beneficial. The
Fisheries of Newfoundland, Cape-Breton and St.
John's, and the re-exportation of foreign goods,
have greatly increased the British navigation,
riches 

[ 57 ]
riches and power. It is supposed that 2000
sail of vessels are employed in those fisheries :
the number of hands necessary to navigate
them, to cure and dry the fish, must be very
large; and great the consumption of pro-
visions, nets and other utensils, brought
almost entirely from England.
GOODS for re-exportation are received from
different quarters; some from Germany, Flan-
ders, &c. but in the  greatest quantities from
the East-Indies and America. The bullion
sent to the former, is made an objection to
that trade, the force of which it is not my
province to determine. Nothing of this sort
can, however, be objected to the trade to the
American plantations, which is of all most ad-
vantageous to the nation. There is scarcely
any one species of English manufactures, that
is not vended in America ; those of India
likewise come here to a ready market. In
short, it is from Great-Britain, that the Colo-
nies import almost every thing, requisite for
cloathing, agriculture, and other uses. In
return for these, they send her Sugar, To-
bacco, Rice, Furs, Pot-ash, Naval Stores,
H Gold 

[ 58 ]
Gold and Silver, and the ballance of a consi-
derable trade with Portugal, Spain, and other
countries, bordering on the Mediterranean,
in Bills of Exchange.
HERE is an occasion to expatiate on the be-
nefits deriv'd to Britain from each of these
particulars ; to observe the prodigious prices
she paid for them to foreigners, before their
production in British America, and the com-
comparatively small prices for which they are
procured at present. The large quantities
re-exported to foreign markets, and pro-
ducing a demand upon them for very great
sums annually, might also  be mentioned with
much propriety. Nor would it be amiss to
shew the immense addition these articles bring
to the revenue. But all these topics have
been so largely insisted on in late pamphlets
and detached pieces, and must be so well
known to every one, that further mention of
them is unnecessary. Only I would beg leave
to observe a particular still unnoticed ; in the
year 1703, the government of Sweden refused
a supply of Pitch and Tar, unless for ready
money, at their own price, and in Swedish
bottoms. 

[ 59 ]
bottoms. Such a gross imposition awaken'd
the indignation and resentment of Britain,
and taught the true policy of deriving them
from the Colonies. Encouragement was
thereupon given, and soon produced a suffi-
cient quantity to answer all her demands. But
the spirit of the nation was again lull'd ; the
Sweeds resumed their trade, and that of Ame-
rica was very much neglected.
Some, perhaps, will readily grant, that the 
exportation of these articles from America,
is beneficial to her, and serves to enrich her
inhabitants ; but in what respect can it be
esteemed advantageous to Britain?
THIS question admits a very obvious solu-
tion. It is advantageous to Britain in various
respects. It affords freight for many thou-
sand ton of her shipping, and a nursery of
seamen for the royal navy ; the commissions
enrich her merchants, and the re-exportation
brings abundance of wealth into the kingdom.
The duties they pay are an immense increase
of the revenue, and they are received from
the plantations in return for British produc-
tions and manufactures, of which the Colonies
H 2 take

[ 60 ]
take off more than any foreign market what-
ever. The importation of British goods, and
those received by the way of Britain, has, on
a medium, for several years past, amounted
to upwards of two millions annually ; a sum so
immense, that although the Colonies abound
with valuable articles, extremely well adapted
to the British market, and very beneficial to
her trade and navigation, and though they
make large remittances by the way of Spain,
Portugal and Italy, in bills of exchange, yet
the produce of all these sources leaves a large
ballance in favour of Britain, which they pay
her in gold and silver. This in part furnishes
bullion for the East-India trade ; on account
of which, and the vast consumption of India
goods, the flourishing condition of that valu-
able branch of commerce, may, in no small
degree, very justly be attributed to the
American Colonies.
Thus we see, that not only every species of
the manufactures of Britain, but also her fo-
reign trade and navigation are much indebted
to America. Hence riches have flowed into
her coffers,and enabled her to support a fleet,
sufficient

[ 61 ]
sufficient to maintain the empire of the ocean.
And whoever considers the state of the Co-
lonies, must conclude, that they have not been
losers by their intercourse with their mother
country. Consideration being had of the short
time the American settlements have been made,
the inhabitants have increased in riches and
number to admiration ; though far from en-
joying that affluence, of which some would
represent them possessed. The advantages of
their trade have been mutual. She, by their
means, has continued to rise in wealth and
power ; whilst they, in the sunshine of her as-
sistance and protection, and the enjoyment of
a beneficial commerce, have grown up and
flourished, and still continue to flourish, the
equal advantage, ornament, and glory  of
Britain.
BUT, should we only take a retrospect,
should we confine ourselves barely to what is
past, much injustice would be done to this
animating subject, and we should lose a pros-
pect which cannot but afford the highest
pleasure to every Briton. Let us therefore
look forward to the mutual benefits, which,
with proper attention, may hereafter arise.
IN

[ 62 ]
IN order to this, it will be necessary briefly
to enumerate those articles of Great-Britain's
foreign importations, which have relation
to the present subject. They are raw, thrown
and wrought Silk, Velvets, Linens, Timber,
Boards, Pot-ash, and all kinds of Naval Stores.
Several writers on trade have computed the
ballances paid by Britain for those sorts of
goods to France, Italy, Germany, Flanders,
Norway, Denmark, Sweeden and Russia ; and
none I have met with make the amount less
than two millions annually, this she discharges
in gold and silver. Perhaps matter of fact
may be opposed to this estimate, because there
is not so great an exportation of bullion ; but
the argument is not hereby invalidated. If
the ballance on some other trade: which
would else be brought home and added to
the national stock, be diverted and sent to
those places, it is equally pernicious to the
kingdom, as if it was imported and then ex-
ported. And this is certainly the case. Bri-
tain on her particular trade with Holland, for
instance, has a right to a very large ballance
in specie; but the latter, by keeping in her
Debt the nations above mentioned, or several
of 

[ 63 ]
them, who have, demands on Britain, is en-
abled by their means to satisfy her British
creditors, and save her money, and besides
this, bullion is sent to Holland to answer
bills of exchange drawn in favour of those
nations.
THE consideration of this must deeply af-
fect every one, who has at heart the trade
and prosperity of Great-Britain, and would
preserve her independent of  her European
neighbours ; especially as the wollen manu-
factory is in its decline. France not only
supplies her own people with woollens, but by
the cheapness of her goods, and the counte-
nance of the court of Spain, has in a great
measure supplanted England in the Spanish
markets. The Spaniards themselves, sensible
of their impolitic conduct, seem determined
to persist no longer in an error, the result of
ill-grounded principles and mistaken notions
of honour. They have made several efforts
to establish manufactories of their own Wool,
which have by no means proved fruitless.
Other nations of Europe, observing the suc-
cess of France, have copied her example, by
which 

[ 64 ]
which England has lost much of her woollen
trade, particularly with Portugal, where the
importation of this staple commodity seems
to meet with many discouragements.
FROM this reflection our attention is natu-
rally turned to America, which will be her
surest, and perhaps in time, her only market,
as fabrication is likely to take place
in every part of Europe. If under these cir-
cumstances, such large sums are continually
paid for foreign imports, the ballance of trade
in favour of Britain will be materially di-
minished. The only remedy for this grow-
ing evil is to be found in America, who can
furnish a variety of the most useful raw ma-
terials on terms mutually beneficial.
Great quantities of Furs and Peltry have
been, and still are, sent from the Colonies to
Britain, the acquisition of Canada having
thrown that whole trade into our hands ; but
it is capable of greater improvement, and
may well supersede the fur trade to Russia.
The Northern Indians, with a little encou-
ragement, will bring their Ermines and other
fine furs from the 70th degree of latitude,
which 

[ 65 ]
which is parallel with the European countries,
where the most valuable Furs are procured.
The distance those people will travel to trade
with our settlements, is well known to all
acquainted with their affairs. This would
likewise be a means of dispersing British
manufactures amongst a multitude of Indian
tribes, at present unknown to our traders.
IRON mines are so plenty in almost every
province on the continent, that it is thought
with good reason, they could supply all the
markets in Europe.
As for Timber, Boards, Pitch and Tar,
they may likewise be procured here in great
abundance. British America, extended along
the coast more than 2000 miles, and reaching
an unknown, but prodigious way into the
continent, is almost one continued forest,
fill'd With every kind of useful timber, not-
withstanding the great devastions made within
the two last centuries.
HERE it may possibly be objected, that the
expensive freight of these bulky articles,
would render them unfit for the English
markets. The Danes, Swedes, and others,
I employed 

[ 66 ]
employed at present in the Lumber trade, are
no doubt by long experience become skillfull
and can afford their goods at the cheapest
rates : but the Colonies might be put upon a
par with them by encouragement from the
legislature. Greater difficulties in other in-
stances have yielded to the efforts of British
adventurers. America may vie with any coun-
try whatever in plenty of materials, and other
conveniences ; and if large bulky ships were
built, of seven or eight hundred tons, capable
of being navigated by fewer hands in pro-
portion to their burthen, than those in present
use, the expence of navigation would be much
diminished. The difference of distance be-
tween America, and the Gulphs of Bothnia
and Finland, from London, is in considerable ;
and America is nearest to Lisbon, Cadiz, and
all the markets to the Southward of Cape
Finisterre, and therefore, might more conve-
niently supply those markets.
THE inconvenience, and even absurdity of
being supplied with Naval Stores by foreign-
ers, besides the disadvantage of consuming the
national wealth, is very evident. Every one
knows, that, should a war be entered into with
those 

[ 67 ]
nations, or should they be confederated with
the enemies of Britain, by cutting off the
sinews of her strength, they might reduce
her to the utmost distresses. Both inconve-
niences would be remedied, if Naval Stores
were entirely procured from America ; who,
being connected with the Mother Country by
every powerful tie, would not fail to afford
them in plenty on any emergency.
HEMP, Flax and Silk, manufactured and
unmanufactured, are articles for which Britain
pays  large sums to foreigners, as was ob-
served before. Rough materials may be
procured in the Colonies, which abound with
low bottoms and deep rich soils, requiring
only cultivation to produce the most luxuriant
crops of Hemp and Flax, particularly in the
Southern Colonies. To confirm this, I might
mention the fertility of Egypt, which lies
nearly under the same parallels of latitude
with Florida, Georgia, Carolina and Virginia
and is famous for the production of these
commodities in the greatest perfection ; but
experience is preferable to a thousand ar-
guments.
I 2 I mention 

[ 68 ]
I mention Silk, because the abundance of
Mulberry-trees in the Southern Colonies,
seems naturally to point out the cultivation
of that valuable article. To this may be added,
that their soil, climate and marine situation,
are pretty much the same with Nankin and
Chekiang, the most famous Silk provinces in
all China. These circumstances afford good
reason to believe, the Silk-worm would thrive
very well here, and experience heightens the
belief into certainty. Small trials have been
made, and some silk produced in Carolina, was
esteemed by good judges equal to the finest of
China or Italy. The hands employed in the
cultivation of Hemp and Flax, will have suf-
ficient leisure to gather the leaves and feed
the worms, which will enable the planters to
afford all these articles cheaper than may at
first be imagined.
FROM this it seems evident, that materials
for carrying on the Silk and Linen manu-
factories to the greatest extent, may be pro-
cured from America. And in Great-Britain
are prodigious numbers of poor, who would
chearfully work to maintain themselves and
families, doom'd to misery for want of em-
ployment. 

[ 69 ]
employment. To establish manufactories of
those goods by public encouragement, would
therefore be an undertaking of the highest
utility both to Britain and the Colonies.
" Fas est et ab hoste doceri." It could be no
disgrace to imitate in this respect the policy
of France, who knowing that trade is the
only solid foundation of greatness, is en-
deavouring to monopolize the three grand
branches of manufactures.
NOR need the woollen manufacturer be
afraid, that his business would hereby receive
the smallest prejudice. There is a sufficient
number of hands in the three kingdoms to
carry on each of them to the greatest ad-
vantage. Many who at present can't afford
themselves the necessary covering, would
then be able to purchase more decent and com-
fortable cloathing; and the Colonies having
their sources of remittance enlarged, would
increase their already enormous demands for
British manufactures.
Should this beneficial scheme be carried
into execution, more than two millions
would be annually saved to the nation ; ade-
quate 

[ 70 ]
quate employment provided for an incredible
number of hands in Britain and America; and
the trade, navigation and riches of both would
receive very large additions.
It may possibly be thought from my ap-
pearing to confine fabrication to Great-Britain,
that I am no friend to the Colonies, as there
has of late been so many proposals for erect-
ing manufactories in America. I should
esteem myself very unhappy in the displeasure
of my countrymen. None of the numerous
sons of British America more ardently wishes
her prosperity than myself, or has a heart
more devoted to her service. Conscious there-
fore of the rectitude of my intentions, I will
not doubt of being heard with candor, tho' I
venture to maintain, that to divert their hands
from their present lucrative Employments,
and set them to work on manufactories, would
be incompatible with the true interest of the
Colonies.
THE number of their inhabitants, though
near three trillions, is small in proportion to
the extent or continent they possess. Lands
are consequently cheap, and labour dear ;
whatever, 

[ 71 ]
whatever therefore can be produced by means
of the land with little labour, must prove
most advantageous. Hence arises the pro-
priety of ship-building, wherein the materials,
thus procurable, are of primary consideration.
For the same reason, agriculture will bring
more emolument to the Colonies, than could
possibly arise from  manufacturing goods,
whose chief value depends on the artificer's
labour. Nor will this circumstance render
them at all more dependent. Abounding
with the necessaries of life, and materials for
fabrication, the produce of the willing earth,
they can at any time command a supply of the
goods they want, in greater plenty, and of a
better quality than would have been the result
of their labour, employed in manufactures.
I would not be understood by this reasoning,
to exclude the industrious farmer from work-
ing up his Wool, and other coarse articles,
unfit for exportation; this will be doubly
advantageous, it will be a saving to himself,
and enable him to pay for the finer goods he
may purchase with  greater ease and  punc-
tuality.
Now 

[ 72 ]
Now upon a review of the whole we find,
that the trade of Great-Britain to some places
is vastly advantageous, bringing large sums
of money into the kingdom ; to others, al-
though no returns are made in specie, but as
much of their produce and manufactures re-
ceived as is sent them of British, it is never- 
theless profitable, affording employment for
her people; to a third fort though perhaps
lucrative to some private merchants, it is very
pernicious, and unprofitable to the nation in
general, as it drains the kingdom of great
quantities of gold and silver. We may also
observe, that the necessity of continuing the
latter is removed by the colonies, which are
capable of furnishing, at least, materials for
manufacturing all the particulars procured
thereby, with mutual benefit. It likewise
appears, that a great part of her most ad-
vantageous trade depends on the Colonies,
and that it may be still farther improved by
America ; that whilst the Colonies have contri-
buted so much to enrich and aggrandize their
mother country, they have themselves been
enriched and protected ; and that the scheme
for rendering them still more advantageous
to Britain, promises them an equal share of
profit.
WHOEVER

[ 73 ]
WHOEVER considers these circumstances,
will, I am persuaded, anticipate my conclu-
sion ; but I cannot dismiss the subject without
suggesting another argument, which will not
be esteemed a trifling one by men of serious-
ness and reflection. The benefits arising from
the Protestant Religion to those states which
have embraced it, and indeed to the world in
general, are very obvious. Every one, ac-
quainted with the affairs of Europe, must ac-
knowledge their situation is far better than it
was four or five centuries ago ; the religious
and civil liberties of mankind, are understood
with more clearness and precision ; the human
mind, which before was crampt and confined
in its researches, has become more expanded,
and acquired much clearer knowledge in the
Arts, in Philosophy and Divinity. It is now
very well known, that Philosophy does not
consist in monkish jargon, and that without
Virtue there can be no Religion. Even those
countries, that are enemies to Protestantism,
have been sharers in its happy effects ; the
rays of knowledge have, in some measure,
illuminated their clouded understandings ;
but like those of the fun within the Polar
climates, they are weak and languid.
K Great.

[ 74 ]
Great-Britain has been the bulwark of the
Protestant interest, ever since its existence ;
and by her the attacks of its enemies have
been repelled. The British Colonies, esta-
blished on principles of Civil and Religious
Liberty, have hitherto been protected therein
by their own noble efforts, and her kind
assistance ; and while they remain united, the
enjoyment of their liberties of both kinds,
will, no doubt, be continued in its full extent.
What would be the consequence of a dis-
union, none can tell ; but there is more than a
probability, that these particulars would be
deeply affected. France, our ever-watchful
enemy, will be ready to seize any advantage
that may offer. She would have her arma-
ments prepared to enter by St. Lawrence and
the Missisippi, might possibly over-run
all the Colonies. Should this be the case,
the candle of Science would be soon extin-
guished, and Ignorance introduced, in order
to keep up a blind devotion and implicit
obedience. The Genius of Liberty would be
driven from British America, where she hath
hitherto delighted to reside ; and whether the
mother country would be more fortunate, I
leave to the consideration of her Patriot Sons.
ALL 

[ 75 ]
Since, then, so many reciprocal advantages
are the result of Union between Britain and
America ; to render that Union perpetual, will
be the only means of securinng and transmit-
ing them to posterity, together with those
immense benefits, which are yet in prospect.
Interest and affection, - all the tender and
endearing ties, which connect mankind, -
backed by the venerable authority of Religion,
plead for it with irresistable eloquence.
WHETHER the Union ought to remain on
its present establishment, or whether it should
receive a new form and impression, are mat-
ters foreign to my purpose : Only permit me
to suggest that, in the important determina-
tion, no partial views should be pursued ; but
the interest of each, and its relation to the
whole, should have a proper consideration. -
He must be either a madman, or a novice in
politicks, who would set the interest of one
in competition with that of the other. - They
are inseperably connected, and must stand
or fall together. - That maxim of Mr. Pope
may be here applied with much truth and
propriety ; - " Self love and social are the
same :" each will find their accounts in pro-
K 2  moting

[ 76 ]
moting the others happiness and prosperity.
In the discussion, the trade of the colonies me-
rits a peculiar attention. Should those me-
thods, I have taken the liberty to  mention,
be fallen upon to enlarge it, and free ports
established in some parts of British America,
the national riches would be greatly increased.
The inhabitants of the Spanish, Portuguese,
and other American settlements, would resort
thither for supplies of British manufactures,
and the produce of the Colonies ; leaving in
exchange for them large quantities of gold
and silver ; a very considerable part of which
would ultimately center in Great-Britain.
WARMED and animated with a sincere love
for my country, I cannot but indulge a pleas-
ing hope, that Britain and her colonies, sen-
sible of their true interest, will steadily and
with unremitting zeal pursue measures calcu-
lated to cement this Union. - The repeal of a
late * act of the British parliament, and the
present favourable disposition of that most
respectable body, fill us with the highest joy,
and promise redress of all our grievances :
and I am well persuaded, my fellow subjects
of
* The American Stamp Act.

[ 77 ]
of America will not be wanting in any pro-
per expressions of deference and subordina-
tion to the head of the British empire... The
wound, which seemed to be attended with
symptoms fatal to the mutual confidence sub-
sisting between them, will now be healed,
and I flatter myself without a scar, by way of
remembrance. Jealousies will subside ; ani-
mosities be forgotten ; harmony will be pre-
served in every part of the body politick ;
and innumerable blessings entailed on poste-
rity.
END of SECOND DISSERTATION.
 



[ 79 ]
DISSERTATION III.
Divide et impera.
HOWEVER mankind, as indivi-
duals, may be swayed by the
different motives of passion, pre-
judice, and honour ; yet, when
formed into states and communities, these all
subside ; and Interest becomes the grand pre-
vailing principle that actuates all their moti-
ons. It is the Pole-star by which the political
pilot must ever guide the helm of govern-
ment, where too keen a pursuit of it does
not interfere with the faith of treaties, or the
natural rights of mankind. An accurate dis-
cernment therefore of the true interest of a
nation, and a steady active prudence in the
pursuit of it, constitute the true political
wisdom that ought to distinguish every states-
man. 

[ 80 ]
man. And so sensible are ministers of every
complexion of the truth of this doctrine, that,
however selfish and pernicious their views,
they seldom fail to cover them over with
the plausible and specious colouring of na-
tional advantage.
The establishing a grand COMMERCIAL
INTEREST seems now to be the great ob-
ject of the regard and attention of the different
states of Europe. To this they are every day
sacrificing the less important considerations of
national pride and prejudice. Whatever,
therefore, tends to promote or obstruct this
great principle of government, is now become
a matter of serious consequence,which deserves
the closest attention and the tenderest care.
And amidst the rivalship and contention of
the several European powers in attaining this
capital point, happy will that nation be, whose
administration shall lead to such measures as
are most conducive to this end, as a superi-
ority may now be gained that may blast the
hopes, and at once dash the expectations, of 
its aspiring competitors.
IF there is any one, who at present bids fair-
est for this pre-eminence, it is Great Britain,
whose 

[ 81 ]
whose free and happy constitution most ad-
mirably protects and cherishes an enterprizing
commercial spirit. A security of person and
property is essentially necessary to the very
being of a commercial nation, and in this re-
spect none of its rivals can claim superiority
to the happy subjects of Britain, whose wife
and valiant ancestors have handed down to
them this glorious security, sealed with their
blood. But not even this, nor her natural
situation so well adapted for safety from her
enemies and the advancement of her trade,
nor yet the active genius and temper of her
children may be sufficient to ensure her suc-
cess, if her colonies are neglected or oppress-
ed. If properly attended to, they will prove
the true sources of her wealth and power, and
enable her to soar above her emulating neigh-
bours, who will view her rapid progress with
envy and admiration. To enumerate the
many mutual advantages they have already
received from their close and intimate con-
nection would be no easy task - but it would
require little less than inspiration to forsee all
the reciprocal advantages that will attend a
future Union between them formed upon
proper, upon generous principles.
L To 

[ 82 ]
To point out those that are most obvious,
and which must necessarily follow, is the de-
sign of this Essay, which pretends to no more
than sketching out the imperfect out-lines of
a picture, whose beauty has indeed been
shaded : but we trust and believe that time
and experience will point out those blemishes,
and soon restore it to its former purity and
lustre. To facilitate this has been the design
of the generous friend to this institution, who
proposed the discussion of the present subject ;
and it is a design worthy the benevolent
patriotic spirit of an English Senator.
Rome the mistress of the world and arbiter
of nations, by her wise policy and prudent con-
duct to her allies and colonists, raised herself to
an astonishing pitch of grandeur and power ;
she encouraged, she incorporated, and never
deprived them of any essential privileges. By
these rules she gained their affections, and of
factious, turbulent citizens, and often of in-
veterate enemies she made faithful, zealous,
and useful subjects. Great-Britain has at
much expence of blood and treasure secured
and protected her American colonies from the
designs of France, who viewed their rising
power and growing importance with a jealous
eye, and therefore determined to nip them in
the 

[ 83 ]
the bud, before they could ripen to any de-
gree of formidable perfection. Happily for
us these ambitious and fatal projects were
crushed by the united valour and skill of
Great-Britain and her provinces. To a hap-
py and successful Union in War, let us then
add the happy and harmonious Union of
Peace, nor lose its blessings by in-attention
to, or disregard of, the inestimable advantages
that may, nay that must attend it.
Colonies are emigrations from the mother
country, either occasioned by a quick Popula-
tion, so as to render it too small for the support
of its growing inhabitants ; or by Oppression,
Tyranny, and undue exercise of Power ; or
sometimes by the distresses and desolation of
War.
In the first case, they are always formed not
only with the countenance, but with the
express encouragement and direction of the
mother country. - In the second instance un-
less prohibited by legal authority, they ge-
nerally go with its implyed consent. In the
last, which was the case of the Trojans after
the destruction of Troy, they go under a ne-
cessity which is superior to all law. In either
of these cases then, but especially the two
L 2 first, 

[ 84 ]
first, they cannot be supposed to relinquish
their claim to any of the rights and privileges
of the country from which they go, nor yet to
have forfeited it. No ; however remote, they
still continue subjects of the same kingdom,
and unless specially relinquished, intituled to
all the liberties, privileges, and immunities
of that country, of which they form one or
more of the constituent parts. If this be as
true in fact as it is grateful in supposition, the
analogy made by an eminent writer * between
the American colonies and those of Spain,
which he supposes to be settled upon the same
principles, and therefore to be governed by
the same policy, must appear very strange.
But the principle upon which it is founded,
is as erroneous as the consequence deduced
from it is derogatory to ENGLISH LIBERTY.
The AMERICAN COLONIES have been entire-
settled by those who came under the immedi-
ate protection and countenance of the govern-
ment, or fled to it as an asylum from arbi-
trary and oppressive power. A due consider-
ation of the rights they claim, and the duties
they owe to the mother country, may be ne-
cessary in some degree to ascertain with pre-
cision the advantages that will accrue from a
compleat
* Dr. Strahan's Preface to Domat's Civil Law. 

[ 85 ]
compleat, and perfect Union. These rights
and duties are reciprocal, as well as the
Interest which arises from them.
THE Rights we claim are the full and free
enjoyment of constitutional LIBERTY,
PROTECTION from foreign invasions, and en-
couragement in every commercial interest, which
does not directly interfere with that of the
mother country.
The Duties we owe, are OBEDIENCE under
constitutional and legal restrictions, and an
exclusive preference to the mother country in
every article of commerce and trade. Under
one or other of these heads, however widely
diffused, may be comprized every duty, either
owing to or from the mother country. And
and it is by a due and mutual observance of
these only, that their respective and reciprocal
interests can be promoted. From this just
and wise policy will slow all those advantages
which render a close and perfect Union so de-
sirable an object - and these may be consider-
ed either as they tend to increase the power
and glory of Great-Britain, or as they ad-
vance its grand commercial interest, and
become

[ 86 ]
become the channels of its wealth. Or with
regard to the Colonies, as they conduce to
their safety, nourishment and protection ; for
though the true riches of a nation are said to
consist in the number of its inhabitants, and
treasures are called the sinews of war, it is very
certain a nation may be very poor, and very
powerful at the same time ; or abound with
wealth, and yet be weak and impotent. Rome,
in its early ages, was poor in every thing but
the public spirit and bravery of her people,
while she was the dread and terror of the
nations round  her. And Spain is at present
a lively instance that wealth and power are
not inseparable ; who, as the treasures of the
Indies have flowed in upon her, has lost the
martial animated spirit of her ancestors.
As subjects of the same kingdom, bearing
allegiance to the same Prince, and controuled
by the same executive power, the Americans
are bound to contribute, in proportion to
their numbers and abilities, to the defence
and safety of the common cause. What an
accession of power to the British empire then
is three millions of subjects, dutiful, loyal
and brave, who have on many occasions
distinguished 

[ 87 ]
distinguished themselves, and shewn they
were not unworthy the glorious stock from
which they sprung; who interest themselves
in the honour and glory of the nation, and
partake of the veneration and respect due
to it?
HERE is a fund of hardy, brave soldiers,
inured to fatigue and frugality, ready to
engage in the service of Great-Britain, when-
ever she thinks proper to require them.
From this fruitful, this increasing source,
her armies and navies may receive constant
supplies, not of mercenary hierlings ready to
engage in the service of the highest bidder,
but faithful, dutiful children, animated with
becoming fortitude, freedom and loyalty.
These, if encouraged, cherished and protect-
ed, will indeed prove
" Of Britain's empire the support and
strength."
Thompson.
IN order to make a colony of the most use
and benefit to the mother country, it is  ne-
cessary that its climate, its soil, and natural
produce

[ 88 ]
produce, should be essentially different from
hers. This will create a necessary connection
and dependance between them. The Inter-
changing the commodities and produce of
the one, for those of the other, will not only
destroy the heart-burnings and jealousy of a
competition, but produce an intercourse
equally beneficial and durable to both. It is
happy, therefore, when the subjects of Com-
merce cannot be the same, as they thereby
reap an advantage, from which other nations
are excluded, who might either by with-
holding distress them, or raise the ballance
against them when their necessities were
not mutual and equal. In this respect, Great-
Britain is peculiarly happy in her Colonies,
whose wide extent and different situations in-
clude a variety of climates, soils and produce,
and thus form a proper basis for the com-
mercial interest, to which every other con-
sideration should submit. The islands produce
commodities which the mother country must
use, and yet cannot raise ; these therefore she
must procure by an intercourse with her co-
lonies, or lie at the mercy of those powers
whose interest it might occasionally, be to
distress

[ 89 ]
distress her. But what adds to the ad-
vantage is, that the subjects of commerce are
not only easily procured, but procured by
a mutual exchange, equally convenient and
satisfactory to both ; and at the same time  a
large revenue secured, not only upon the
home consumption, but on the surplus be-
yond their respective wants and necessities.
Thus also, as to the continent, Great-Britain,
both as a naval and commercial nation, would
be in a critical, dangerous situation, if she
did not hold within her own reach, all the
materials necessary for the support of both.
An intire dependance upon any of her neigh-
bours for one necessary article would, in some
degree, make her subject to that neighbour.
But her Colonies set her above every appre-
hension of this kind. Her Northern provinces
abound with timber of every kind, necessary
for building and equipping her navies. Im-
mense bodies of Ore, both Iron and Copper,
are already discovered and usefully employ-
ed ; and, doubtless, much more lies still con-
cealed in the bowels of the earth, whose
soil, it properly cultivated and encouraged,
is richly productive of Hemp and Flax ; for
M the 

[ 90 ]
the former of which Great-Britain pays, com-
munibus annis, £. 300,000 sterling. Her
more Southern Colonies furnish her with the
few remaining marine articles of Pitch, Tar
and Turpentine.
HERE then are found all the materials of
Timber, Iron, Cordage, and every other spe-
cies of Naval Stores, necessary for the support,
nay, the existence of Great-Britain as a ma-
ritime power. Should I here mention bodies
of Saltpetre, the spontaneous produce of the
earth, I may perhaps be thought too pre-
mature ; but if the promising appearances of
that useful and expensive, but necessary com-
modity, be happily confirmed, here is a new
source of national wealth and independance.
A large and constant ballance, which Great-
Britain pays to the Indies in specie, will be
instantly saved, and a surer, quicker, and
cheaper supply at once secured. Next to
the subjects of Commerce, which are neces-
sary to enable the mother country to main-
tain her independance and rank among the
other powers of Europe, we may place all
these, which are articles of convenience,
Luxury, and the surplus of those com-
modities

[ 91 ]
modities which are not applied to naval
purposes. The real and absolute necessaries
of life are but few, the subjects of Com-
merce are many and various, as they contri-
bute not only to the real, but the imaginary,
capricious wants, of mankind. To provide
therefore against these wants, upon advan-
tageous terms, is a just and necessary policy ;
and there are few, very few, of these articles,
which the colonists cannot furnish, under
proper encouragements. The islands tender
the various produce of their climate equal in
quantity and quality with those of their neigh-
bours. The Southern Colonies of North-
America have, as far as the infancy of the
country will permit, produced the different
articles of Silk, Rice, Indigo, Tobacco, and
even the Tea plant has not been altogether
uncultivated. Some of these have been car-
ried to a much greater degree of cultivation
than others ; but where it has, Great-Britain
has received a proportionate benefit. In the
instance of Tobacco only, she has become not
only the sole vender, but almost the sole ma-
nufacturer for Europe, besides the immense
revenue flowing immediately into her ex-
chequer.
M 2 and

[ 92 ]
WINES are an article of luxury, and it
is perhaps upon that account they have
not been so much attended to by the frugal,
temperate American ; but it is certain, not
only from theory, but experience, that the
situation and soil of many parts of this ex-
tended continent, are well adapted for pro-
ducing them. To what degree of perfection
not only the cultivation of these, but the
other articles of convenience and luxury may
arrive, is difficult to determine ; but it is easy
to see, that the great, the eventual profit, will
terminate in Great-Britain. I mentioned before
the produce of the Colonies as Naval Stores,
but considered as the raw materials of great
and extensive manufactories, which give bread
to thousands ; and of idle, clamorous
starving subjects, make useful and industrious
citizens, I cannot err, when I say they are
immensely useful to their mother country.
Upon a view of the foreign trade of Great-
Britain, we shall find, that except that to
Portugal, the ballance is against her in every
one. To Russia, to Sweden, to Denmark, to
Germany, she pays annually large sums in
specie, for those very commodities which her
American Colonies can and do produce ; and
a great writer has observed, " That a country
" which

[ 91 ]
" which constantly exports fewer manufac-
" tures or commodities than it receives, will
" soon find the ballance sinking, will re-
" ceive less and less, till falling into extreme
" poverty, it will receive nothing at all."
HERE then we may trace the great utility of
the Colonies, not only that they afford a con-
stant and sure supply of the subjects of com-
merce, necessary for the support of the  power
and manufactures of the mother country,
but in that she has an indisputable exclusive
preference in the sale of them ; and the Colo-
nies in return are the fixed and constant
customers for all her manufactures and com-
modities, to which they are indispensably
obliged to give the preference over those of
other countries ; for as the design of colo-
nizing was not to found a new empire, but
to extend the old, there is no impropriety in
appropriating the trade of the Colonies to
the mother country only. If the ballance
was therefore in favour of Colonies, as is the
case between Great-Britain and the East-
Indies, it would be more eligible it should fall
into the hands of its own subjects, however
remote, than into those of a foreign power.
But where that ballance is actually and  
greatly

[ 94 ]
greatly in favour of the mother country, it
becomes an interest that ought to be very
dear ; to the cultivating of which, the greatest
care and attention of government should be
applied. That this is the case of Great-
Britain and her continential Colonies, the vast
exportation of bullion, and the still remain-
ing debt of five millions, most evidently
evince. With what a rapid, astonishing pro-
gress, this beneficial, this lucrative trade has
advanced, the growing increase of the ex-
ports declare, which arose from the Year
1744, from £. 1,436,227, to the amazing
amount of £. 2,710,520. To this the mo-
ther country, in a great measure,owes her con-
tinuance as a trading nation, when deprived
of her valuable Levant trade and her Inter-
course even with Portugal greatly diminished,
and lessened by her active industrious rivals,
the French and Dutch. It is from this foun-
tain those treasures flow, which enable her to
pay the respective ballances to those countries
with whom she trades, on a disadvantageous
footing. America, it is true, does not extract
them immediately from her own bowels. She
has a more valuable and durable resource, in
the

[ 95 ]
in the labour and industry of her inhabitants ;
who exchange the surplus of their commodi-
ties, beyond their own consumption, (and
which might, in some respects, interfere with
the staples of the mother country, or at least
be useless to her) for those treasures which
are only valuable to the colonists, as they
enable them to discharge past, and contract
future engagements for the manufactures  of
Great-Britain.
WHILE, therefore, she possesses a market,
which she can call exclusively her own, subject
to her own regulations, and the ballance
always in her favour ; whatever the Colonies
may acquire from any collateral branches of
trade, will quickly flow to the mother coun-
try, as the great centre of all their external
profits. To restrain, therefore, or rather
stop up those channels of remittance, is, in
effect, to prohibit the consumption of the
manufactures of Great-Britain, as our desires
to procure them have at all times been equal
to, and sometimes exceed, our ability to pay
for them. Whence it follows, that a policy
which ensures a small immediate revenue, at
the expence of a great, though indirect
national 

[ 96 ]
national gain, is mean and sordid, unworthy
the noble enterprizing spirit of a commercial
nation.
But I should leave this subject very imper-
fect indeed, if I should omit two great funds
of national wealth and power, the FISHERIES
and the FUR-TRADE. The first of these is
a mine richer than that of Potosi, and more
inexhaustible. For while our Fisheries serve
as a great subject of commerce, they are also
a fruitful nursery of brave, hardy seamen,
trained up to fatigue, to difficulty and danger.
The FUR-TRADE, which is now secured
almost beyond the reach of accident, is dou-
bly valuable, as it is enjoyed solely and ex-
clusively - an advantage which is not confined
to a monopoly of the raw materials, and en-
hances their price only, but enables Great-
Britain to be both the merchant, and the
manufacturer also, and that upon her own
terms ; while other nations must depend up-
on a precarious uncertain supply, which
which may either be raised in its price, or
totally withheld, as the fluctuating policy of
interest or friendship shall require. This
acquisition

[ 97 ]
acquisition is not only valuable, as it will
probably revive a languishing, dying manu-
factory, but as it is a present, an actual, and
considerable source of revenue, both on the
home consumption, and also on that of
foreigners.
THESE are a few of the principal advantages
with which a proper cultivation, establishment
and tender regard of the Colonies may be
attended to the mother country. She has
likewise many inferior ones. The residence of
those of affluent fortunes who may be led thi-
ther by veiws of education, or mere curiosity
is not altogether unworthy regard. These all
depend on, and can only flow from a perfect
compleat Union - by supporting that relati-
onship between the Mother country and her
Colonies, which has planted in their bosoms
so strong and lively an affection, as to dis-
tinguish Great-Britain by the tender endear-
ing appellation of HOME.
BUT 'tis time now that we should turn to
the COLONIES and see what advantages they
may propose to themselves from a dutiful and
affectionate Union with the mother country ;
and from our past feelings we shall readily
N acknowledge 

[ 98 ]
acknowledge we stand in need of her protec-
tion, nurture and care. Exposed by our
situation, by a rivalship and competition of
Interests, and yet in a state of infancy, it
would be extremely difficult, if not impos-
sible, to form any Union among ourselves
that would be sufficient to repel the attacks
of a formidable invader. In this weak, this
defenceless state, therefore, we must look up
to our indulgent parent, whose vigorous,
salutary aid we have so often already expe-
rienced. Upon her we must rely for support,
and under her wing shelter ourselves against
any attempts of those, whose principles and
government are incompatible with our Re-
ligion and Liberty. A separation would be
attended with certain ruin to the Colonies,
in their present situation, as they must ne-
cessarily fall a prey to one or other of those
powers, who would inatch with eagerness so
tempting a prize.
The first principle of nature, self-preser-
vation, therefore, dictates to the Colonies, a
steady, a strict adherence to the mother coun-
try, as upon that depends the enjoyment of
every invaluable privilege of a civil or religi-
ous nature. But we may not only consider her
as 

[ 99 ]
as the protector, but as the nursing mother
of her Colonies. Arts, Sciences, Agriculture
and Commerce, rise by slow degrees, and are
long before they arrive to any degree of per-
fection. They are not of quick or spon-
taneous growth. They must be planted,
cherished and encouraged. And have we not
experienced the tenderness of our mother
country in this respect, by her bounties dis-
persed not only in public channels, but by
private societies and patriotic individuals ?
Have we not reason to expect a continuance
and perhaps an increase of her benevolent
efforts in our behalf ? Thus taking our enter-
prizing genius by the hand, and leading it
on in the paths of industry and useful im-
provements.
To turn the attention of the Colonies to
the cultivation of those subjects of Commerce
which the mother country does not, or can-
not produce, tho' to her it may be eventually
profitable, is to the Colonies immediately and
directly so ; and when it is done by mild, by
bountiful measures, deserves our gratitude
and thankful returns. A fixed and perma-
nent UNION between Great-Britain and her
Colonies, is absolutely necessary for the pre-
N 2 servation 

[ 100 ]
servation of the peace and harmony of their
internal administration. For to form the
constitution and plan of a new government,
or even to new model and revise the old, is
no easy or inconsiderable task. That of the
mother country has been the work of ages ;
and, to use the words of an eminent writer,
seems dictated by wisdom itself. While,
therefore, the colonists can enjoy all the bles-
sings of an English constitution undiminished
and uninterrupted, it would be superlative
madness and folly to run the risk of a change,
which could not possibly be for the better,
and might be infinitely worse. Unconnected
and divided as they are at present, both in
situation and interest (owing to the difference
of Settlement, of Charters, of Religion, and
Commerce, which are often clashing) how
difficult, and next to impossible, would it  be
to rescue them fro a state of anarchy ; and
form a constitution, for which I will venture
to say from the extent of America, there can
no precedent be found ; a constitution which
at the same time that it reconciles these jar-
ring interests, must preserve every religious
and civil Liberty intire ?
THE

[ 101 ]
The difficulties of an Union for the purposes
of empire, are almost insuperable. To canton
out the provinces into petty independent
kingdoms, besides the arduous talk of settling
tie internal police, would subject them not
only to perpetual quarrels with each other,
but render them an easy prey to some foreign
power, as they would singly be weak, though
united under one head, truly formidable.
The only remaining resource of desperate
distress, must be to form the provinces into
districes, having full power of legislation
within themselves - but subject to the con-
troul of some supreme, superintendant au-
thority raised out of the collective body, as
in some instances in Germany, or with more
probability like Holland or Switzerland. But
this the vast extent of the Colonies will render
almost impossible, as it would give being to
an aristocracy - a kind of government as re-
pugnant to the genius and temper of America,
as despotic monarchy.
I THEREFORE repeat it, that the preser-
vation of our laws, commerce, and every
other blessing of domestic peace, by the wise
policy of the  mother country, can only be
made the basis of a close and firm connection
between her and them.
NEXT

[ 102 ]
NEXT to the security of a state, its wealth
and convenience are to be regarded, and to
judge how beneficial Great-Britain is to the
Colonies in this respect, it may be proper to
remark, that as other countries produce the
same commodities, and have hitherto been
able to underfell the Americans in a variety of
articles, wherever an exclusive, or even a
preferable market has been given to the latter,
the advantage must be obvious. This has
been done in many instances by prohibitions,
or by duties charged on such commodities as
interfered with those from the Colonies, which
in some cases amount to a prohibition. The
British Whale Fishery has been almost wholly
given up, in favour of the American Fisheries.
Sugars, Hemp, Indigo and Tobacco, besides
a variety of other articles from the Colo
nies, have met with every mark of encourage-
ment, while the same commodities from other
countries have been discountenanced,or whol-
ly prohibited. This is wise and just policy in
the mother country, at the same time that
it discovers a tender regard to her children,
and makes it their interest to unite more
closely. In short they have every thing that
can make a nation great, happy and power-
ful to hope from a Union, every thing that is
dangerous to fear from a division.
" Divide

[ 103 ]
" Divide et impera," was the Roman mot-
to. May it not be applicable to Great-
Britain and her American Colonies, who, if
united, have proved themselves equal, nay
superior to two of the principal powers of
Europe ; but if divided, if struggling with in-
testine commotions and civil discord, I fear
will prove unable to contend with either.
This, to use the expression of a great and
eminent friend of the Colonies, is the grand
FAMILY COMPACT, which must be cemented
by every tie of duty, loyalty and affection
from the Provinces, and every mark of kind
protecting tenderness from the mother coun-
try. A fatal, undescerning policy had almost
snapt these interesting cords asunder, never
perhaps to have been closed again ; but the
guardian genius of Britain and of America
stept between them and ruin, and with out-
stretched hand saved a sinking nation.
THE Romans decreed a crown to him who
saved the life of a citizen in battle ; but what
crowns or statues can do sufficient honour to
the Man or Men who save a country, a king-
dom, in the hour of distress, and rescue a fal-
ling state from the brink of ruin ? Rome may
justly boast her Brutus's, her Curtius's, her
Cato's

[ 104 ]
Cato's and her Tully's — they were the PITTS,
the Conways and the Barres of that age, alike
warmed by the sacred fire of Liberty, alike
crowned with Immortality, and handed down
to posterity the wonder and delight of ad-
miring nations. These glorious architects;
nobly aided by many others whose names
will be held in long veneration, have prop'd
the tottering fabrick of the British EMPIRE,
and pointed out that noble, generous policy,
which will make one great system of govern-
ment, whereof Britain will be the common
centre of attraction.
Under such a policy, we can with joy look
forwards, and behold PEACE, LIBERTY and
COMMERCE diffusing their kindly influence
over all the parts of Great-Britain's Em-
pire ; whose true happiness and permanent
security can be no way effectually established
but by " a perpetual UNION between her and
her AMERICAN COLONIES !"
End of DISSERTATION III.

[ 105 ]
DISSERTATION IV.
By FRANCIS HOPKINSON, Esq;
A T this important juncture, when
the eyes of all America are lifted
to the mother country in anxious
expectation ; when trembling fear
or bold defiance, enlivening hope or mysteri-
ous surmise, distract every breast and fit in
every brow ; what subject can be more inte-
resting than the " Reciprocal advantages of a
perpetual Union between Great-Britain and
her Colonies"? and yet there is no subject,
perhaps, which the public is so little disposed
to receive with candour, and judge of with
impartiality. How then shall a native of
America, and an unexperienced writer, es-
pecially in matters of such high importance,
presume to draw his pen? But the worthy
Gentleman who has proposed this subject,
and back'd his proposal with the reward of
distinguished honour, has raised in us who are
O candidates 

[ 106 ]
candidates on this occasion, that ambition
which hath, in all ages, prompted men to
greater undertakings than cooler judgement
would have suffered them to engage in.
I do not mean, in this little Essay, to cal-
culate the advantages of trade between Great-
Britain and her Colonies, in order to shew
that they are reciprocal. By the very nature
of Commerce they must be so. There is no
country in the world that exports staple com-
modities or manufactures, but for an advantage
to be gained ; or imports them, but for the
same reason.
As the God of nature has adapted different
countries to abound in different kinds of pro-
duce, or excell in various useful arts ; it is
evident, that a commercial intercourse must
redound to the benefit of the whole. But how
must this advantage be increased when we
consider that Great Britain, in her trade with
her Colonies, does not support a foreign  peo-
ple, whose religion, policies and customs are
different from her own ; but she supports and
nourishes her own offspring, at the same time
that she enriches herself by the natural profits
of an extensive trade ; and she strengthens
herself by protecting and encouraging her
own religion, government and customs, trans-
planted to America.
COMMERCE

[ 107 ]
Commerce between Great-Britain and her
Colonies, is like the wholesome food which a
man eats. He cannot say, his head, his
hands or his feet, are more particularly bene-
fited by it ; but the finer parts thereof circu-
late through the whole body, and the whole
body is nourished and supported.
THE three grand objects worthy the atten-
tion of a wise people, are the state of their
Commerce, Liberty and Religion. If the Com-
merce, the Liberty, and Religion, both of Great-
Britain and her Colonies can alone be sup-
ported and strengthened by a close and lasting
Union between them, then the reciprocal ad-
vantages of such an UNION must be self-
evident.
I HAVE slightly touched the first of these.
There have been so many accurate mercantile
calculations made in almost every pamphlet
that has been lately published on the subject,
that I take it for granted, as a truth universally
admitted, that the advantages of trade between
Great-Britain and her Colonies are reciprocal.
WITH respect to political Liberty, should
it not be the glory  of England to transplant,
to water and carefully to nurse, even in a
O 2 distant 

[ 108 ]
distant land, a system of government which
is the admiration of the world ; and should
not America adopt, and chearfully submit to
such a government? Were it possible for
Great-Britain, with an high and arbitrary
hand, to think of snatching from her Colonies
the essential privileges of Englishmen, and yet
would have them submit as Englishmen to her
government, and bear only the name and ap-
pearance of the free-born sons of Liberty ; it
would be to dress her slaves in livery, and deck
America in robes of paper, to make her the
contempt and derision of every other nation.
On the other hand, should the Colonies, with
base ingratitude, attempt to throw off all
dependance on the  mother country, they
would put themselves in the situation of a
silly girl, who leaves the guidance and pro-
tection of a wise and affectionate parent, and
wandering away exposes herself to ruin by
the artful insinuations of every wicked and
designing stranger. But why should the
mutual connection between the parent-
country and her Colonies ever come into
question ? Are we not one nation and one
people ? And do we not own obedience to
one 

[ 109 ]
one common King ? Those who adopt the
same religion, the same plans of government,
and the same customs, are undoubtedly of
the same nation. Different climates and dif-
ferent soils mark out countries, but not
nations. We of America, are in all respects
Englishmen notwithstanding that the Atlantic
rolls her waves between us and the throne to
which we all own allegiance. Nor can we,
though in ever so flourishing a state, throw off
our dependance, or dissolve this Union, with-
out breaking the very bonds of nature. As
well might the branch say unto the trunk,
See how I glow with blossoms and wave with
foliage : I have no further need of thy sap,
keep it for thy own nourishment!
On the other hand, does not Great-Britain
by transplanting her constitution into America,
as a scion from the stock, propagate her own
likeness ? Nay, does she not make unto her-
self another crown and another sceptre ?
In all attacks that shall be made upon
Great-Britain by the numerous rivals of her
power, and enemies to her prosperity ; her
colonics, like a number of dutiful and pro-
mising 

[ 110 ]
mising children, growing up round her, will
more and more add to her strength, and
contribute to her importance. And should
it ever happen, amid the revolution of things
human, that those enemies should prevail
against her, what could her sons lose but the
beautiful island they have so long possessed ?
Even in that case (which we trust and believe
will never happen) they might find in the
Colonies a sure asylum ; thither they might
remove with all the noble privileges of
their constitution, as to a people and coun-
try they can call their own ; and the British
throne might yet shine with undiminished
glory even in the present wilds of America.
LASTLY, with respect to the religious li-
berties of the people of England, how precious   '
they are, let the price which has been paid
for them declare - And these will be as
much strengthened by a perpetual Union with
the colonies, as their civil liberties.
BUT exclusive of this consideration, it cer-
tainly must be the glory of Great-Britain to
propagate, protect and encourage in her co-
lonies that sacred system of religious truth
which

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which she holds so dear. Indeed that she
herself judges in this manner is evident from
her many charitable donations for promoting
the interest of learning and virtue in America.
In short, the Protestant Religion, and par-
ticularly that excellent branch of it the na-
tional Church of England, is the pure and
healthful air in which the political constitution
of Great Britain, moves and breathes with
health and vigour ; religious Liberty being
hereby fixed on as firm and broad a basis as
Civil Liberty ; both of which are so essentially
interwoven with the nature of her govern-
ment, that it cannot be administered without
them. Nor can her empire be more effec-
tually strengthened, than by extending with
it whatever she finds valuable in her own pof-
fession. This is her interest, and it must be
her honour, as it is likewise the interest and
honour of the Colonies to receive, nourish
and join with her in the support of every
thing of this kind, which can only be done
by a perpetual Union between them.
How detestable then must the politician
be, who shall ever attempt to kindle the de-
structive

[ 112 ]
structive flames of jealousy between two
friends, whom nature seems to have united in
the closest bonds, and whose hearts and in-
terests are and ever ought to be one ? Should
any one ever succeed in this (which God for-
bid) I doubt not but that after much cruel
contention and unnatural bloodshed, each
would rush into the other's arms, and em-
phatically cry out, " We are both in the
wrong."
THIS subject might be expanded into vo-
lumes, and no doubt will be ; but I leave the
full discussion of it to more able hands ; and
humbly hope this little Essay will be accepted
as the oblation of one who intimately feels
the importance of this great truth, that " a
perpetual Union between Great-Britain and
her Colonies will ever be reciprocally ad-
vantageous."
FINIS.