I trust, it will again. If new difficulties arise, we must only put forth new exertions, and proportion our efforts to the exigency of the times. 1777. The value of liberty was enhanced in our estimation, by the difficulty of its attainment; and the worth of characters appreciated, by the trial of adversity. 1790. THE SACRIFICES AND REWARDS OF PATRIOTISM. It is but justice, to assign great merit to the temper of those citizens whose estates were more immedi- . ately the scene of warfare. Their personal services were rendered, without constraint; and the derangement of their affairs submitted to, without dissatisfaction. It was the triumph of patriotism over personal considerations. And our present enjoyments of peace and freedom reward the sacrifice. 1789. THE PATRIOT'S TWO-FOLD DEPENDENCE. I have ever thought, and am still of opinion, that no terms of accommodation will be offered by the British ministry, but such as cannot be accepted by America. We have nothing to depend upon, but the protection of a kind Providence, and unanimity among ourselves. SELF-CONTROL. It is our duty, to make the best of our misfortunes, and not suffer passion to interfere with our interest and the public good. UNYIELDING PURPOSE. We will retreat beyond the Susquehanna river, and thence, if necessary, to the Alleghany mountains. 1777. THE PATRIOT'S GREAT OBJECT. The welfare of the country, is the great object to which our cares and efforts ought to be directed. I shall derive great satisfaction from a co-operation in the pleasing, though arduous task, of insuring to our fellow-citizens the blessings which they have a right to expect from a free, efficient, and equal government. TALENTS, RECTITUDE, PATRIOTISM. In these honorable qualifications, I behold the surest pledges, that, as, on one side, no local prejudices * He had been asked what could be done, if the enemy continued to advance. or attachments, no separate views, no party animosi ties will misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of communities and interests; so, on another, that the foundations of our national policy will be laid, in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the pre-eminence of free government be exemplified, by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens, and command the respect of the world. 1789. PATRIOTISM, FIRMNESS, WISDOM. To secure the blessings which a gracious Providence has placed within our reach, will call for the cool and deliberate exertion of patriotism, firmness, and wisdom. 1790. Our conflict is not likely to cease, so soon as every good man would wish. The measure of iniquity is not yet filled; and, unless we can return a little more to first principles, and act a little more upon patriotic grounds, I do not know when it will be, or what may be the issue of our contest. I find, you are only empowered to grant pardons. We have committed no offence; we need no pardon. 1776. * Colonel Patterson, deputed by Lord Howe, to settle all differences with the revolutionists. PRUDENCE, TEMPER, MODERATION. Nothing but DISUNION can hurt our cause. This will ruin it, if great prudence, temper, and moderation are not mixed in our counsels, and made the governing principles of the contending parties. THE PATRIOT'S HAPPINESS. To stand well in the good opinion of my countrymen, constitutes my chief happiness, and will be my best support under the perplexities and difficulties of my present station. 1778. To be in any degree instrumental, in procuring to my American brethren a restitution of their just rights and privileges, will constitute my chief happi ness. 1776. THE PATRIOT'S REWARD. Whatever services I have rendered to my country, in its general approbation I have received an ample reward. 1797. POPULAR SPIRIT. It is a happy circumstance, that such an animation prevails among the people. I would wish to let it operate and draw as many as possible together, which will be a great discouragement to the enemy, by showing that the popular spirit is at such a height ; and at the same time it will inspire the people themselves with confidence in their own strength, by discovering to every individual the zeal and spirit of his neighbors. But after they have been collected a few days, I would have the greater part of them dismissed, as not being immediately wanted, desiring them to hold themselves in readiness for any sudden call, and concerting signals with them, at the appearance of which they are to fly to arms. 1779. NATIONALITY. No expression of personal politeness to me, can be acceptable, accompanied by reflections on the representatives of a free people, under whose authority I have the honor to act. The delicacy I have observed, in refraining from every thing offensive in this way, entitled me to expect a similar treatment from you. I have not indulged myself in invectives against the present rulers of Great Britain, in the course of our correspondence; nor will I, even now, avail myself of so fruitful a theme. 1778. * Alluding to severe strictures, made by Sir William IIowe, in a polite letter. |