In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

13 Gouverneur Morris Papers, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University , item 797. A note in Sparks’s writing on the last page indicates “probably early in 1776.” Large portions of the speech are reproduced in Sparks, Life, 1:95–107. This document, edited by Willi Paul Adams, was also previously published in Amerikastudien 21 (1976): 320–27. 1. Mintz, American Revolution, 58. Kaufman discusses the difficulty of dating the speech, “Constitutional Views,” 129–31. 3 • Oration on the Necessity for Declaring Independence from Britain (1776) Morris did not serve in the second New York Provincial Congress, which was elected in November 1775. The following spring, however, he was elected to the third. By this time he had abandoned any hope for reconciliation with Britain. If independence was coming, it was urgent for the colonies to assume full responsibility for governing themselves; as Morris argues in this speech, independence and self-government are effectively synonymous. The implication is clear. The Provincial Congress must stop thinking of itself merely as a protest body, and begin to think like a government . It is not clear when this speech was made. Max M. Mintz argues that it was given May 24, 1776, when Morris is reported to have made “a long argument showing the necessity of the measure.”1 The first half of the manuscript is missing. •• . . . Merchant, rather than the Husbandman, is to be delivered unto Satan to be buffeted. Furthermore I am convinced that heavy Duties and Impositions on Trade to a certain amount will more effectually injure the Husbandman himself, than any direct Tax you can possibly impose. Shall we secure ourselves by a covenant that the Money shall all be lodged in Provincial Treasuries, and granted away at the Discretion of our Assemblies? This indeed looks very well. But what shall we be the better, for having a 14 chaPtEr 3 Pile of Money in the Treasurer’s Box? Sure we shall be as much distressed, by putting it there, as any where else. Neither can I perswade myself that it would even remain there long, for the Governors and their Assemblies might soon come to a good Understanding with each other, & then nothing can be easier than to share the spoils. Ireland will teach us the whole mystery of Government on this Head. Let me go a little farther. Is the bright Goddess of Liberty “whose Altar’s Earth Sea Skies,”2 is she only to be worshipped in the narrow Temple of Taxation? Advert (I beseech) you to first Principles. Power can not safely be entrusted to Men, who are not accountable to those over whom it is exercised. On this Rock I build. Now Tell me, the Tribunal before which we shall cite the Members of the British Legislature. None that I know of except the august seat of Heaven, & few Men will be found ready to go there in order to prosecute the Appeal. True it is we may make the last Resort to arms, but more of that presently. Come, sir, don’t let us be discouraged; undoubtedly you will find some State Carpenter ready to frame this disjointed Government & warrant his work. And if there should be some Flaws, considering the Protection you receive from Britain, you ought to put up with them. I know he will tell you so. Protection, Sir, is a very good Thing, yet a man may pay too Dear for Diamonds. There is a common story of a certain Juggler, who would undertake to cut off a Man’s Head, and clap it on again so neatly as to cure him without a Scar. Much such a sort of juggling Business, is this Protection we are to receive. Great Britain will not fail to bring us into a War with some of her Neighbours, and then protect us as a Lawyer defends a Suit, the client paying for it. This is quite in Form, but a wise Man would rather I think get rid of the suit and the Lawyer together. Again, how are we to be protected? If a Descent is made upon our Coasts, and the British Navy and Army are three thousand miles off, we cannot receive very great Benefit from them on that Occasion. If, to obviate this Inconvenience, we have an Army and Navy constantly among us, who can say that we shall not need a little Protection against them? We may indeed put a Clause in the 2. Alexander Pope, “The Universal Prayer,” line...

Share