g
from an experience uniform both on yours and on our side of the ocean
that such an expectation has never yet been disappointed. We know of no
road to your coffers but through your affections.

To manifest our sentiments the more clearly to you and to the world on
this subject, we declare our opinion, that, if no revenue at all (which,
however, we are far from supposing) were to be obtained from you to this
kingdom, yet, as long as it is our happiness to be joined with you in
the bonds of fraternal charity and freedom, with an open and flowing
commerce between us, one principle of enmity and friendship pervading,
and one right of war and peace directing the strength of the whole
empire, we are likely to be at least as powerful as any nation, or as
any combination of nations, which in the course of human events may be
formed against us. We are sensible that a very large proportion of the
wealth and power of every empire must necessarily be thrown upon the
presiding state. We are sensible that such a state ever has borne and
ever must bear the greatest part, and sometimes the whole, of the public
expenses: and we think her well indemnified for that (rather apparent
than real) inequality of charge, in the dignity and preeminence she
enjoys, and in the superior opulence which, after all charges defrayed,
must necessarily remain at the centre of affairs. Of this principle we
are not without evidence in our remembrance (not yet effaced) of the
glorious and happy days of this empire. We are therefore incapable of
that prevaricating style, by which, when taxes without your consent are
to be extorted from you, this nation is represented as in the lowest
state of impoverishment and public distress, but when we are called upon
to oppress you by force of arms, it is painted as scarcely feeling its
impositions, abounding with wealth, and inexhaustible in its resources.

We also reason and feel as you do on the invasion of your charters.
Because the charters comprehend the essential forms by which you enjoy
your liberties, we regard them as most sacred, and by no means to be
taken away or altered without process, without examination, and without
hearing, as they have lately been. We even think that they ought by no
means to be altered at all, but at the desire of the greater part of the
people who live under them. We cannot look upon men as delinquents in
the mass; much less are we desirous of lording over our brethren,
insulting t