They had petitioned for a
cessation of transportation; whilst there was a possibility of the other
colonies receiving a portion of the convicts annually sent from Britain,
they expected by the more general distribution to experience some
relief. But the resistance of the other colonies had removed the faint
anticipation, and shut up to us this last hope--to our union with them.
When it was proposed to solicit the co-operation of the adjacent
colonies, some persons prophesied a failure; it was thought by some,
improbable that the colonies would feel any interest in our fate. But
the heart of an Englishman is ever susceptible of pity; and when we
spoke of our wrongs they listened; and when we exposed the enormous
danger, they consulted their own safety, and came forward to our help.
Let us look well to our position. We have to change the policy and
contend against the power of a mighty Empire. In the effervescence and
excitement of public speaking it was not at all surprising that a threat
should sometimes be uttered; but many years must elapse before an appeal
to physical force would bear even the semblance of reason.
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