Him they entered into mutual sacred compact, by which the price of tenure and the rules of management were fairly stated. It is in this compact that we find our only true legislative authority.
I might here enlarge upon the character of those first settlers, men of whom the world was little worthy; who, for a long course of years, assisted by no earthly power, defended their liberty, their religion and their lives against the greatest inland danger from the savage natives:—but this falls not within my present purpose. They were secure by sea.
In our infancy, when not an over-tempting jewel for the Bourbon Crown the very name of England saved us; afterwards her fleets and armies. We wish not to depreciate the worth of that protection. Of our gold, yea of our most fine gold, we will freely give a part. Our fathers would have done the same. But, must we fall down and cry "let not a stranger rob and kill me, O my father! let
