Without condescending to repeat the illiberal epithets bestowed
in this appeal of the American commander to the people of Upper
Canada, on the administration of his majesty, every inhabitant
of the province is desired to seek the confutation of such
indecent slander in the review of his own particular
circumstances. Where is the Canadian subject who can truly
affirm to himself that he has been injured by the government, in
his person, his property, or his liberty? Where is to be found,
in any part of the world, a growth so rapid in prosperity and
wealth, as this colony exhibits? Settled not thirty years, by a
band of veterans, exiled from their former possessions on
account of their loyalty, not a descendant of these brave people
is to be found, who, under the fostering liberality of their
sovereign, has not acquired a property and means of enjoyment
superior to what were possessed by their ancestors.
[Illustration: "Navy Hall Opposite Niagara."
A drawing on bark by Mrs. Simcoe.]
The unequalled prosperity would not have been attained by the
utmost liberality of the government, or the persevering industry
of the people, had not the maritime power of the mother-country
secured to its colonists a safe access to every market, where
the produce of their labour was in request.
The unavoidable and immediate consequences of a separation from
Great Britain must be the loss of this inestimable advantage;
and what is offered you in exchange? To become a territory of
the United States, and share with them that exclusion from the
ocean which the policy of their government enforces; you are not
even flattered with a participation of their boasted
independence; and it is but too obvious that, once estranged
from the powerful protection of the United Kingdom, you must be
re-annexed to the dominion of France, from which the provinces
of Canada were wrested by the arms of Great Britain, at a vast
expense of blood and treasure, from no other motive than to
relieve her ungrateful children from the oppression of a cruel
neighbour. This restitution of Canada to the empire of France,
was the stipulated reward for the aid afforded to the revolted
colonies, now the United States; the debt is still due, and
there can be no doubt but the pledge has been renewed as a
consideration for commercial advantages, or rather for an
expected relaxation in the tyranny of France over the commercial
world. Are you prepared, inhabitants of Canada, to become
willing subjects, or rather slaves, to the despot who rules the
nations of continental Europe with a rod of iron? If not, arise
in a body, exert your energies, co-operate cordially with the
King's regular forces to repel the invader, and do not give
cause to your children, when groaning under the oppression of a
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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