mitchell-P044_A-3_7

Reflection of President Hancock, the morning previous to signing the declaration of Independence.---

Ah, at lenght the day dawns, (This is) the day for signing one of the most important state papers, ever presented to the world. I Am I prepared for this decisive, this important step? In the early stages of this contest, I was in favour, yea I was anxious for of a reconciliation with Great Britain, yea I was anxious to it on the term, that the Colonies should enjoy the rights of British subjects. Recently, I have expressed my views in favour of Independence. A voice, (I hope not of a timid fear, but of sober prudence,) seems to say pause, consider, be ware of rashness and of precipitation. Is not your present view rather the effect of the fervour, the flowing, the overwhelming eloquence of Adams in the recent debate, than, of a sober and enlightened judgement? Take a review of the past, consider the future, calculate the cost. This may be the voice of wisdom, it is prudent to listen to its dictate. After offering my prayers, to that glorious Being, who sways the sceptre of universal empire, who gives origin to nations, and prostrates them at his pleasure; I will add to the meditation of my wakeful night, the reflection of this morning. The past! Where shall I begin? I might with propriety go back to the oppression, which drove our forefathers from their native land, to this, then wilderness and inhospitable world. But I will confine myself to narrorer limits. Who could have thought at the close

VERSO

at the of the late French war, when the colonies had rendered such essential services to the parent Country, that she would have divested conducted herself towards them in any manner, other than, hostile to promote to their growth, prosperity and happiness? That Britain would have thought otherwise, than to promote the agriculture and trade of so valuable a portion of her Empire? But instead of this, we are regarded by them her as slaves, and for asserting our rights to the privileges of British subjects, we are proclaimed to the world, as rebels. The assumption by Parliament of the right to tax us, without our consent, and against our will, and the repeated attempts to carry into execution this pretended right, are not fictions, they are facts; and they involve the destruction of principles, which we have ever held sacred. Shall we submit to the bold declaration lately made,? “That Parliament has, and of right ought to have, power to bind the Colonies in all cases whatever”? To this we can never submit, untill we yield our assent to the doctrine of passive obedience and non resistance. But to this, we can never yield; we must resist, or die.

As to the future, this cannot be more destructive than the past. If we [Cave] yield to the demands of England, we must live in abject servitude. If we persist in the defense of our rights, we may fail and perish; but

RECTO

we shall perish in the defence of our property, our life, and liberty. But is there not aboundant ground of hope? Will not the Supreme Being look propitiously on this land, consecrated by the prayers and sufferings of our fathers? Will he not own the justice of our cause? Will he not crown us with success? From his former kindness, from his I have every reason to believe, that he will bestow on my country independence and prosperity. Then pl the future presents no aspect so deleterious, as to forbid the assertion of our independence. The cost? This indeed may be great. The expense in treasure, the sacrifice of lives, and the personal sufferings of my countrymen, may be beyond calculation. But these must be sustained, for to enjoy the mere rights of British subjects; shall we not much more encounter them, for the blessing of independence? But my name must appear first among the signatures of that document, and this may mark me out as a special object of royal vengeance. Yes, this is true. But for royal vengeance, I am already marked out. And should the threat of Gen. Gage ever be executed, how glorious to be singled out to die in the cause of my country. I see no reason for retractation. The forward course is the most safe, as well as the most honourable. Then in the language the eloquent Adams, “sink or swim, live

or die,” I will unite with patriotic hand, and send to the world, this unexampled instrument. And oh, thou glorious God, who swayest the destiny of nations, protect my country, give her armies victory, give her a rank among independent nations.

Mitchell