2. The Administration of the Colonies

Thomas Pownall (former Governor of Massachusetts), London, 1764

[Part of: “Let Those Flatter Who Fear”: American Independence in Verse.]

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One cannot help but see that something new
Is rising in the world, either to be
Guarded against, or turned to our advantage.
America is waking up, and vague
Impressions of a coming crisis worry
Every face. My sentiments are these:
We must unite their interests to our own—
But keep the springs of power on this island.
Some suggest we handle them with care
Lest in some future time they separate;
But revolt and independence from
Great Britain is against their nature.
A mechanical affection for us moves them;
England is home. Yet, on the other hand, 
They claim the common right of Englishmen
That laws be made upon them only with 
Their own consent. So I suggest, for the
Preservation of our Empire, that we
Encourage rivalry and jealousies
Between them. Unity is dangerous.

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