Nathaniel Durant thumped his cane against the ground in support and acknowledgment of Edward Jones' latter comments on opening trade with other nations. Representative Durant wiped the sweat from his brow and rose, following the conclusion of Representative Jones' speech.
"Thank you, Mister Speaker. Gentlemen, our colleagues have all made strong and reasonable arguments, but the fact of the matter is that we will soon have the full wrath of the English Army knocking on our doors. It is unthinkable that they would let us, their most prized colony, slip from their grasps."
Adjusting his glasses, Representative Durant surveyed the room. There was little intermingling between the representatives from New York and Massachusetts Bay, each preferring to stay on one side of the hall.
"Now is not a time for empty talk. This is a time for action. Time is not on our side, gentlemen. Every hour that we spend delaying is an hour for the English to muster their armies and build their ships. Every hour that we spend speaking of new posts and ministries for us to occupy is another hour for the English to board their ships and sail across the sea. Make no mistake about it, gentlemen, war is inevitable, and it coming."
Pausing to take a sip from his glass, Durant continued.
"Colonel Collingwood is correct, in that we should not have issues in mustering forces. Were I not needed in this most august assembly, I would surely be preparing for the battles to come. Regardless, we are heavily outgunned and outnumbered. Without foreign support, our future looks bleak. Representative Banks understands the power of diplomacy, yet the creation of the post of Foreign Minister is in my opinion premature. Instead, envoys should be sent out to the neighbours of the English, and to anyone willing to support our cause. We will accept any and all support they can give us, but it is an absolute necessity that we acquire the services of military officers to train our militia. As well, it is imperative that we negotiate the acquisition of military supplies. Muskets, cannons, swords, and sabres. Without them, the English will slaughter us no matter how many of us there are."
On that grim note, Nathaniel Durant took his seat.