Letter from Maryland to a Gentleman in London

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The general Congress is now sitting, and consists of Deputies from every Colony on the Continent, except Quebec and the two Floridas. You shall hear soon again from me if they do not recommend a stop to all mercantile commerce with Great Britain. This Congress is truly respectable. It consists of about seventy Members, men of integrity, men of talents, chosen without solicitation. bribery, or corruption; chosen only on account of their integrity and talents. I will not compare them to the House of Commons in point of fortune and property; but I will not degrade them by making it a doubt whether the American Congress does not excel both Houses of Parliament in honour, honesty, and publick spirit. All your publick papers tell us both Houses of Parliament are corrupt and venal; their acts against America speak them tyrannical. Why is England put to the immense expense of sending troops and ships of war to awe us into obedience; is she able, under such a load of debts, to bear an increase? Is the Ministry weak enough to think we shall draw the sword, when patience and forbearance of commerce will very effectually answer our purpose? America does not yet contain five millions of souls. In fifty years, according to the common course of population, she may contain at least sixty millions. Will Great Britain then pretend to tax us, and enforce payment by her troops and Navy?