Thomas uses the ethical appeal towards how a parent should behave, "if there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace". He aims to give the public a sense of duty, that their young ones would not see struggle. He persuaded the American colonists to defend their Continent by convincing them that they are entitled to a life of freedom and happiness, and that "America will never be happy 'till she gets clear of foreign dominion" meaning that their life and happiness depends on their victory against the British.