Spanish Pride is become a proverb: however, it requires no inspiration to foretel, that in the course of not many Years, the Spanish Power in America will be much reduced.[xx] The Independence of the late British Colonies in that Country, will, I fear, make them ambitious; will lead them to enlarge their Territories; the consequence, most probably, will be, a great Extent of Dominion, and another conquest of Mexico. This indeed, in no long time, must naturally take place, if these Colonies firmly adhere to the principles of their Union. This may be expected for the following reasons. [Footnote xx: The Close of the 18th Century seems teeming with great Events. The separation of the American Colonies from great Britain, hath roused the attention of Europe. Religious and Civil Liberty are hitherto claimed and successfully maintained in France. In the Austrian Netherlands, and in other Countries, the principles of Liberty seem to prevail, and though checked for the present, cannot fail of becoming triumphant in the End. It, possibly, may have been the design of the Spanish Court, in the present fermented state of Europe, to lead the people's attention to a foreign War, lest they should persue the measures taken in France. May the Divine Blessing accompany every attempt made to establish Truth, Viriue, and Liberty, all over the World!] The American Forces are at Hand, ready to undertake Expeditions, and to accomplish any purpose, before the Spaniards, at so many thousands of miles distance, can be apprized of their Designs; and long before they possibly can send sufficient Reinforcements. Another Reason is, that the Native Spanish Indians, being in the most abject Slavery to the Prince and the Priests, will naturally and heartly join the late British Colonies, and assist them in subduing the Spaniards, in order to emancipate themselves from bondage, and to regain their long lost Liberties. The British Colonies have set the example, when they thought themselves aggrieved. The Tyranny, Oppression and Extortion of the Spaniards in the higher Ranks, will dispose the Native Descendants of the original Inhabitants, and doubtless, many of the Native Spaniards, in the lower Ranks, to imitate their Example. The Spanish Military Forces in the Country cannot defeat a general confederacy of the Indians and others; when strengthened by an Army from the associated American Colonies. But this prospect, as far as it regards the independent States, I cannot reflect upon with any pleasure, rather, with Pain; because I am convinced, that it will not be of any advantage, but rather injurious to them to enlarge their Territories. It will lead their attention to the Gold Mines of Mexico, and cause them to neglect their own more fruitful Mines at home; Commerce and Industry, the nearest and most certain Way to Honour, Opulence, and Happiness.