er each colony has been
of that necessity, yet they have never been able to effect such a
union among themselves, nor even to agree in requesting the mother
country to establish it for them." If they could not unite for
self-defence against the French and the murderous savages, "can it
reasonably be supposed there is any danger of their uniting against
their own nation, which protects and encourages them, with which
they have so many connexions and ties of blood, interest, and
affection, and which, it is well known, they all love much more
than they love one another?

"In short there are so many causes that must operate to prevent it,
that I will venture to say a union amongst them for such a purpose
is not merely improbable, it is impossible. And if the union of the
whole is impossible, the attempt of a part must be madness.... When
I say such a union is impossible, I mean without the most grievous
tyranny and oppression.... _The waves do not rise but when the
winds blow_.... What such an administration as the Duke of Alva's
in the Netherlands might produce, I know not; but this, I think, I
have a right to deem impossible."

We read these words, even subject to the mild saving of the final
sentences, with some bewilderment. Did their shrewd and well-informed
writer believe what he said? Was he casting this political horoscope in
good faith? Or was he only uttering a prophecy which he desired, if
possible, and for his own purposes to induce others to believe? If he
was in earnest, Attorney-General Pratt was a better astrologer. "For all
what you Americans say of your loyalty," he said to Franklin, "and
notwithstanding your boasted affection, you will one day set up for
independence." "No such idea," said Franklin, "is entertained by the
Americans, or ever will be, unless you grossly abuse them." "Very true,"
said Pratt; "that I see will happen, and will produce the event."[10]
Choiseul, the able French minister, expressed his wonder that the "great
Pitt should be so attached to the acquisition of Canada," which, being
in the hands of France, would keep the "colonies in that dependence
which they will not fail to shake off the moment Canada shall be
ceded."[11] Vergennes saw the same thing not less clearly; and so did
many another.

[Note 10: Bancroft, _Hist. U. S._ iv. 380.]

[Note 11: _Ibid_. iv. 399.]

If Franklin was reall