Introduction:

This tract contained lengthy essays on the merits of the on-going relationship between the mother country and the colonies. In this excerpt, one of the winning essayists, Stephen Watts, addresses the financial benefits of the trans-Atlantic connection.

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Excerpt:

“I hope therefore to make it appear, that a reciprocal emolument will arise from a perpetual union betweenBritain and her American Colonies; as she may by their means greatly enlarge her trade and commerce, and become still more rich and powerful; and as they will reap the advantage of her riches and power, by being protected from their enemies and supplied with the conveniences of life at a cheaper rate, and of a better quality than if manufactured by themselves.”