If once it be diſcovered that, in the opinion of the Spaniards, our ſettlement was uſurped, our claim arbitrary, and our conduct inſolent, all that has happened will appear to follow by a natural concatenation. Doubts will produce diſputes and diſquiſition, diſquiſition requires delay, and delay cauſes inconvenience.
Had the Spaniſh government immediately yielded unconditionally all that was required, we might have been ſatisfied; but what would Europe have judged of their ſubmiſſion? That they ſhrunk before us as a conquered people, who having lately yielded to our arms, were now compelled to ſacrifice to our pride. The honour of the Publick is indeed of high importance; but we muſt remember that we have had to tranſact with a mighty King and a powerful nation, who have unluckily been taught to think that they have honour to keep or loſe as well as ourſelves.
