In Congress, January 13, 1779

"WE cannot review the progress of the revolution which has given freedom to America, without admiring the goodness and gratefully acknowledge the interposition of Divine Providence. Oppressed by the Prince who ought to have exerted himself for our protection, and suddenly called upon to repel his unprovoked invasion,---without arms or ammunition, without military discipline or permanent finances, without an established government or allies; enfeebled by habitual attachments to our very enemies---We were precipitated into all the expensive operations incident to a state of war, with one of the most formidable nations on earth."