"That is one way of looking at the matter."
"Is it not the true one?"
"It may be."
"Well, why not pledge ourselves to remain neutral?"
"To remain neutral?"
"Yes. If we were to call a convention and pass a resolution to the effect that in the war between England and the colonies—I beg pardon, States—Vermont would remain absolutely neutral, we should be in a good position."
"In what way?"
"England would protect us against New York, and we could protect ourselves against New Hampshire."
"And you would ask me to make terms with England?"
"Why not? You do not believe that Washington will succeed. He cannot. England will triumph. The best men feel that it will be so. Benedict Arnold told me it was only a question of time and terms."