I am much obliged to you for the last Papers & the agreeable News they contain. American Prospects brighten every Day; nothing, I think, but the speedy Arrival of a strong British Squadron can save the Enemie's Fleet & Army at N. York; indeed as to their Fleet, I trust the Blow is already struck. We are apt to wish for Peace, I confess I am, altho' I am clearly of Opinion that War is the present Interest of these United States:
The Union is yet incompleat, & will be so, until the Inhabitants of all the Territory from Cape Briton to the Missisippi are included in it;
1 while G. Britain possesses Canada & West Florida, she will continually be setting the Indians upon us, & while she holds the Harbours of Augustine & Hallifax, especially the latter, we shall not be able to protect our Trade or Coasts from her Depredations; at least for many Years to come: the Possession of these two places wou'd save us more than half a Million a Year, & we shou'd then quickly have a Fleet sufficient for the common Protection of our own Coasts; for without some strong-Holds in America, or Naval Magazines in our Neighbourhood, G Britain cou'd seldom, or never keep a Squadron here. If she loses her Army now in America or is obliged to withdraw it, one of which I think must happen, this important Object will probably be obtained in the Course of another Campaign: if the British Ministry act consistently, & in Character, they will not recognise our Independence until this Business is compleated, & until our Prejudices against G. Britain are more firmly rooted, & we become better reconciled to foreign Manners & Manufacturers; it will require no great Length of time to accomplish this, & then the Wisdom of British Counsels will seize the auspicious Moment, & acknowledge our Independence.