I have lived to see a few ambitious lawyers, restless demagogues, political preachers, and unemployed local officers of provincial regiments, agitate and sever thirteen colonies at one time from the government of England.

I have witnessed the struggle.

It was a fearful, a bloody and an unnatural one.

My opinions, therefore, are strong in proportion as my experience is great.

I have abstained on account of their appearing like preconceptions from saying much to you yet, for I want to see more of this country, and to be certain, that I am quite right before I speak.
"When you return, I will give you my views on some of the great questions of the day.