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I can testify, as a fact, that independence is neither the wish nor the interest of this colony or of any other on the continent, separately or collectively.

But at the same time you may rely upon it that none of them will ever submit to the loss of those privileges, of those precious rights which are essential to the happiness of every free State, and without which liberty, property, life itself, are devoid of any security." Jefferson to Mr.Randolph.
"Believe me, my dear sir, there is not in the whole British empire a man who cherishes more cordially than I do the union with Great Britain.
But, by the God who made me, I would cease to live rather than accept that union on the terms proposed by Parliament.

We lack neither motives nor power to declare and maintain our separation.