Which sentence in this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence indicates that the colonists did not wish to remain hostile toward Great Britain in the future? In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

The answer is indeed the last sentence of the excerpt: We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

Explanation:

This excerpt starts by stating that Britain's relationship with America has become unbearable. It claims that America's appeals to Britain's kindness and magnanimity have been ignored by the latter. It is thus the duty of America to declare itself a free country. The last sentence, however, brings a tone of benevolence - probably the same benevolence America expected, but never received - when it states there is no need for hostility. If Britain wants there to be war, then the two countries shall be enemies. If peace is to be had, then they shall be friends. It is that simple. America will not permanently view Britain as its rival - that will only happen if extremely necessary, but it is not wished for.