in a last effort to alleviate the revolutionary crisis, American colonial leaders in 1775 sent "The Olive Branch Petition" to King George. In it, they affirmed their loyalty to the king. The king's response, "A Proclamation for Suppressing Rebellion and Sedition," called them lawbreakers. This excerpt is from the American colonists' reply.
from American United Colonies
We know of no laws binding upon us, but such as have been transmitted to us by our ancestors, and such as have been consented to
by ourselves, or our representatives elected for that purpose. What laws, stamped with those characters, have we withstood? We have. indeed, defended them; and we will risk every thing, do every thing, and suffer every thing in their defence. To support our laws, and our liberties established by our laws, we have prepared, ordered, and levied war. But is this traitorously? or against the King? We view him as the
The authors use which device to illustrate the firmness of their stance?
• 1. references to authorities, including the King and Secretaries of State, who are legal experts
• 2. an appeal to emotion which recalls a once prosperous relationship between the two parties
• 3. repetition of "every thing" at the end of successive phrases to display a willingness to sacrifice
• 4. a series of rhetorical questions that suggest various reasons why rebellion is a flawed term