Shall we by this means become more powerful, more wealthy, or more free 1 Let us pause for a moment, and reflect a little upon the absurdity and folly of such expectations. On the contrary, shall we not derive every desirable advantage from being in friendship and amity with her 1 Shall we not derive strength, protection and stability, from that oak around which we have so long twined ourselves, and under the shadow of whose branches we have so long flourished in security ^

" Permit me to carry on this allusion. We are a vigorous and fertile vine ; but without some prop, without some sufficient support, we shall only trail along the ground, and be liable to injury and destruction from the foot of every passenger. But if Great Britain gives us her protection ; if she cultivates us with tenderness and care, we shall yield her a rich and plentiful vintage, as necessary to her welfare and prosperity, as her support is to our existence. In this mutual relation do we stand to each other. Let us therefore, like wise men, endeavor to establish a lasting and permanent union between us ; let us endeavor to remove every obstacle to this desirable end ; and let us reject with the utmost disdain and abhorrence every measure that can tend to increase the difference between us, and make this necessary union impracticable. Let us therefore, to the utmost of our power, endeavor to put a stop to the illegal and disorderly proceedings, and resolutions of committees, associations,