O 4 de Julho e os Bravos do rei Jorge

Amanhã comemora-se mais um 4 de Julho, a data da Declaração de Independência dos Estados Unidos da América. Não quero ser desmancha-prazeres, mas volto a chamar atenção para a dignidade da posição dos Lealistas nessa revolução, os quais, na maior parte (uns bons cem mil, pelo menos), se refugiaram no Canadá. Sobre este tema, aconselho este livro, já centenário, e este sítio. E deixo aqui o excerto final de um documento pouco conhecido, a LOYALIST DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE (1781):

"We therefore, Natives and Citizens of America, appealing to the impartial world to judge of the justice of our cause, but above all to the supreme Judge of the World for the rectitude of our intentions, do renounce and disclaim all allegiance, duty, or submission to the Congress, or to any government under them, and declare that the United Colonies or States, so called, neither are, nor of right ought to be independent of the crown of Great-Britain, or unconnected with that empire; but that we do firmly believe and maintain “That the Royal Authority of the Crown of Great-Britain over us, and our connection with that kingdom ought to be preserved and maintained, and that we will zealously endeavour to support and maintain the same;” and in the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other, and to the crown and empire of Great-Britain, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." – "The Royal Gazette" (New York), November 17, 1781. (Ler completo aqui.)