DOCUMENT C - Isaac Wilkins - “Before I Leave America”
The letter below was published by Loyalist Isaac Wilkins in the New York Gazetteer on May 11, 1775.
My Countrymen,
BEFORE I leave America, the land I love, and in which is contained everything that is valuable and dear to me, my wife, my children, my friends and property; permit me to make a short and faithful declaration...God is my judge, and God is my witness, that all I have done, written or said in relation to the present unnatural dispute between Great Britain and her Colonies proceeded from an honest intention of serving my country. Her welfare and prosperity were the objects towards which all my endeavors have been directed. They still are the sacred objects which I shall ever steadily and invariably keep in view. And when in England, all the influence that so inconsiderable a man as I am can have, shall be exerted in her behalf.
It has been my constant maxim [a general rule or truth] through life to do my duty conscientiously [with a lot of care or effort], and to trust the issue of my actions to the Almighty. ...I leave America, and every endearing connection, because I will not raise my hand against my Sovereign—nor will I draw my sword against my Country. When I can conscientiously draw it in her favor, my life shall be cheerfully devoted to her service.
QUESTIONS:
RESPONSES:
1. What is the main idea of the document?
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2. How do you know? (provide evidence)
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3. How does this document answer the central question?
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