"We have hitherto made war by halves," wrote John Adams to General Gates; "you will see in to-morrow's papers that for the future we shall probably venture to make it by three- quarters.

The continental navy, the provincial navies, have been authorized to cruise against English property throughout the whole extent of the ocean.

Learn, for your governance, that this is not Independence.
Far from it! If one of the next couriers should bring you word of unlimited freedom of commerce with all nations, take good care not to call that Independence.

Nothing of the sort! Independence is a spectre of such awful mien that the mere sight of it might make a delicate person faint." Independence was not yet declared, and already, at the end of their proclamations, instead of the time-honored formula, 'God save the king!' the Virginians had adopted the proudly significant phrase, 'God save the liberties of America!' The great day came, however, when the Congress resolved to give its true name to the war which the colonies had been for more than a year maintaining against the mothercountry.

After a discussion which lasted three days, the scheme drawn up by Jefferson, for the declaration of Independence, was adopted by a large majority.