But our answer to them, in either condition they may be in, is short and full--"As free and independent States we are willing to make peace with you to-morrow, but we neither can hear nor reply in any other character.
From "The American Crisis," Paine articulates the American colonies' unwavering demand for recognition as free and independent states for any peace negotiations.
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Why may we not suppose, that the great Father of all is pleased with variety of devotion; and that the greatest offence we can act, is that by which we seek to torment and render each other miserable?
Reason and discussion will soon bring things right, however wrong they may begin.
The horrid scene that is now acting by the English government in the East-Indies, is fit only to be told of Goths and Vandals, who, destitute of principle, robbed and tortured the world they were incapable of enjoying.
As soldiers have hitherto been treated in most countries, they might be said to be without a friend.