Answer: a. colonies would spread across the continent.
Explanation: The assumption that the quote shows existed long before 1845 is that colonies would spread across the continent. The quote refers to the circuit, which means "area" in this context. This suggests that the Virginia colony believed that their influence and control would expand to encompass larger territories, extending beyond their initial settlement. This assumption aligns with the idea of westward expansion and the eventual spread of colonies throughout North America. The quote implies that the Virginia colony had a vision of expansion and territorial growth.