Hooper, William, Signer of the Declaration of Independence from North Carolina

"I hope it is not at a great distance when the distinction of Whig & Tory will be lost & resolve itself into the common Appellation of Citizens of the Indept. States. ... In so great a Convulsion Sacrifices must be made but it has been the policy of every wise Legislator to found the change of Government on Unity & forbearance," writes Hooper in this lengthy letter to Robert Morris, a delegate from Pennsylvania.

Hooper also voices frustration at the shameful lack of participation at Congress by the Middle and Southern colonies, lamenting that there will soon be only twenty-two members in attendance. "[I]n the multitude of counsellors there is Wisdom. Some of the middle and Southern colonies have much to answer for in their want of representation ... New York, Delaware Maryland may almost as well desert the Cause as so lamely support it by their appearance in its publick Councils."  He also expresses dismay at the removal of James Wilson from Congress. Wilson, a Pennsylvania delegate, was a firm advocate for independence. However, he adamantly opposed that colony's democratic Constitution of 1776, which led to his ouster from Congress.

He also mentions the success of the recent campaigns in New Jersey and lauds General Washington's perseverance in the face of so many hardships: "[H]ow often America has been rescued from ruin by the mere Strength of his genius, conduct & courage, encountering every obstaqcle that want of money, men, Arms, Ammunition could throw his way. ... Misfortunes ... He rises superior to them all, they serve as foils to his Fortitude, and as stimulants to ... those great qualities which in the Serenity of life his great modesty keeps concealed." In closing, he recommends competent, fiscal management or otherwise "we must be ruined, from a false parsimony in saving hundreds in salaries of proper Officers we are sporting away millions in the want of them."