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LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, AND SOLD BV C. DILLY, IN THE POULTRY, M Dec XCII. 172510 £/5c>/s (JO, t: INTRODUCTION. T F an apology for the publicatioh of theft -■- Letters be thought as necefTary by the readers as it is by the author, he has only to fay, and, however hackneyed fuch ex- cufe may be confidered, he can fay it with great truth, that his appearance in print is more owing to the fuggeftion of fome partial frieiids, than to his own intentions. The author arrived on the American continent in the year 1769, and fettled at Annapolis, under the patronage and protec- tion of the then governor of Maryland : from his iituation there, he became inti- mately acquainted with the leading charac- ters of every party in that province, an4 with every event which occurred fubfe- qvient to his own arrival, until the unfor- A z tunatt ' I NTRODUCTION. tiinate mifunderflanding, which arofe be- tween the parent ftate and the colonies, rendered it impolTible for every One, like him finccrely and fleadily attached to the former, to continue in the country. What he faw and obferved from the firlt period of his refidence there, he occalionally communicated to his friends in England ; and as he had the opportunity of feeing,^ and obferving much, it has been conceived by fbme refpe(flable charaiflers, for whole judgment he has the greateft deference, that the correfpondence originally intended for private amufement only,, contained matter fufficiently interefting to engage the atten- tion of the public. The former part of thefe letters will be found to give a defcription of the coun- try, government, trade, manners, and cuf- toms of the inhabitants i the latter, the .. . ' rife 1 MTRODUCTION. dfe and gradual progrefs of the civil dif- fcntion, which is not perhaps fo well known, at leaft fo far as the province of Maryland was concerned, as are the con- sequences which attended it. The conclufion will not, it is hoped, be thought the leaft interefting part of the work, as it reprefents the difficulties and ^jjangers to which the author was expofed, from his loyalty, and unfliaken attachment, tf) the Britifh conftitution. A3 Errata. I-,- K R R A T A. Page 2, lad line, noble river Chefapeak ; river to be omitted the Chefapeak being a buy or inlet. 5, line 8, for for Potomac » read Patoiomact 6, It ditto ditto n 29> 6, for month, read injiant, 83, 4, for /A^", read ^^. '09f 13, iox farming, rczA forming, 125, 1'3, for refpedfnlt xtzA rtfpeaahki 127, I, (or comtrj-, read www/y. 161, 1 1 , for Potaxent, read Pataxent* 169, 6, for /^a/, read /;&a«. 3 88, near the bottom, for publifhed at Eojion, read PhiU»* delphia. 190> line 8, fwhih tending, omit tuhiU* 220, 3, for brethren, read brother. 223, 8, for approbation, read di/approbatioitk 230, 14, for ^«//7^-hall, read koujly, 240, 1 8, for C«r//>, read C?//?/>. - 304* 19, a»' NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS* Mrs. W. Bofanquet, Harley-ftreet Hugh Bofcawen, Efq. Leatherhead, Surry llev. Jonathan Boucher, Epfom, 3 copies Rev. R. Boucher, Redor of Bright Wakham, Berks Mrs. Boucher Thomas Bowes, Efq. Durham Peter Bowlby, LL. D. Richnfiond, Yorkftiire John Bowlby, Efq. Durham Rev. T. Bowlby, Houghton le Springj Durham Oldfield Bowles, Efq. North Afton, Oxon John Bowles, Efq. Temple Rev. Andrew Bowlt, Bambrough Caftle, Nor- thumberland Wilfon Braddyl, Efq. Conniftone Priory, Lancafhire J. Bradney, Efq. Clapham Phiftehas Bond, Efq. His Majefty's Britifh Conful for the Middle States in America Mr. Hadwere Bragg, Newcaftle Charles Brandling, Efq. M. P. Gosforth, Nor- thumberland Charles Brandling, Efq. Jun. ditto Ralph Brandling, Efq. ditto John Brandling, Efq. ditto Mifs Brandling, ditto Mifs Sarah Brandling, ditto Rev. Henry Breke, Redor of Ufton, Berks John Brenchley, Efq. Maidftone, Kent Rev. Thomas Bright, M. A. Durham Walter Brindley, Efq. Londoa Rev. ! I KAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS, Rev. James Briton, Durham John Brogden, Efq. Clapham Captain Brookes, 46th Regiment B , 4 copies Mr. John Brumell, Newcaftle William Brummell, Efq. London Rev. Dr. Buckner, Canon Refidentiary of Chichefler Mr. Bullock, London Lieut. Bulkley, i6th Regiment Rowland Burdon,Efq. M.P. Cattle Eden, lo copies Rev. Thomas Burgefs, M. A.Preb. of Durham, &c. Mr. William Burrell, Stockton Rev. Dr. Burton, Redlor of Little Berkhamftead, Herts Mrs. Burt, Ifleworth, Middlefex J. A. Busfield, Efq. Myrtle-grove, Yorklhire' Richard Bu(h, Efq. London Charles Butler, Efq. Lincoln's-inn Richard Byron, Efq. Hertford e. Right Hon. the Marquis of Clanricarde Right Hon. the Marchionefs of Clanricarde Lady Frances Charters, Edinburgh Lady Ann Charters, ditto Sir Henry Calder, Bart, Park Houfe, Kent Lady Calder, ditto Sir ili! iill II' % NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS* Sir Lionel Copley, Bart. Mr. James Cade, London Mr. Caley, Gray's-Inn Thomas Callendar, Efq. Mortimcr-ftrect John Carr, LL.D. Hertford Ralph Carr, Efq. Dunftan-hill John Carr, Efq. William Carr, Efq. York Samuel Cattle, Efq. Durham Mr. Cawdell, Manager of the Durham Theatre, &c. George Chalmers, Efq. Office for Trade, Whitehall Mrs. Chalie, Bedford- fquare Rev. Mr. Ghamberlayne, Fellow of Eton College Richard Chambers, Efq. Newcaftle Mr. Samuel Charouneau, London The Rev. Dr. Chelfum, Redior of Droxford, Hants Rev. Thomas Cherry, B. D. Maidftone . Chifholme, Efq. Queen- Ann-ftreet, Eaft . Chriftie, Efq. Balchrittie, N. Britain James Chriftie, Efq. Duricj Fifefhire Robert Chriftie, Efq. London C. , 2 copies i— — Clarke, Efq. Chrift's College, Cambridge George Clavering, Efq. Greencroft, Durham Charles Clavering, Efq. Widrington Cattle Robert Clayton, Efq. Mr. Clifton, Durham James Clitherow, Efq. Brentford Mrs. Clitherow, ditto M Mrs. If St I n ii! u .' t i^! VAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS, Mifs Coape, Clapham * Mrs. Cockburn, Brentford John Robert Cocker, Efq. Naflfau-ftreet, Soha Mifs Cocker, ditto Robert Cole, Efq. Town Clerk, Windfor Jlev. John Collinfon, Vicar of Kirkharle, Northum- berland Rev. Septimus Collinfon, M. A. Fellow of Queen's Coll. Oxon Captain Commerell, Berkley- ftreet Mrs. Connnnerell, ditto Lieut. Comeford, i6th Regiment Stephen Comyn, Efq. Windmill-hill, SufTex Mrs. Coney, Leadenhall-ftreet, 2 copies Rev. Tho. Coney, Reftor of Breamore, Hants, 2 copies Rev. William Coney, Fellow of Oriel Coll. Oxon Mrs. W. Conc7 Carlos Coney, Efq. Lynn, Norfolk Thomas Cook, Efq. Morrick, Northumberland C. Cooper, D. D. Archdeacon of York, Prebenr dary of Durham, &c. 3 copies Mrs. Cooper, 2 copies William Cooper, Efq. Cuftom-houfe, Londoi^ Enfign Corty, i6th Regiment John Cotes, Efq. M. P, Wafhington Cotes, Efq. Lincoln's-Inn Jukes Coulfon, Efq. Weftburn, Middlefex Mrs. Clutterbuclc, War^worth, Northumberland Mr. ijitll ^^ NAMES OF SUBSCRIUERS. Mr. Coupland, Attorney at Law, Salop Thomas Coward, Efq. Spargrove, Somerfetfhire Daniel Coxe, Efq. Rev. Wm. Coxe, Prebendary of Sarum Mrs. Craig, Upper Charlotte-ftrcet Colonel Craig, 56th Regiment, 3 copies Colonel James Craig, i6th Regiment John Craig, Efq, Glafgow Mr. Crawford, fen. Academy, Newington Butts Reverend Mr. Crawford, ditto George Crefliop, Efq. Durham John Crookfhank, Efq. Pimlico Ifaac Crouch, Efq. Cuftom-houfe, London George Crow, Efq. Mrs. Crow, Hertford Mrs. Cure, Great Gcorge-ftrect William Curtis, Efq. M. P. London Timothy Curtis, Efq. Clapton Jofeph Curtis, Efq. London D. The Right Hon. the Earl of Darlington The Right Hon. the Countefs of Darlington The Right Hon. the Earl of Digby The Right Hon. Lord Vifcount Deerhurft Lady Catherine Douglas The Hon. and Right Rev. the Bilhop of Durham Thf il'' ; !l!l >: if NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. Vice Adminil Digby • , Sir Hugh Dalrymple, Bart. Hon. iVlifs Digby, St. James's Baron Dimfclale Baron N. B. Dimfdale, M. P. John Dalley, Efq. Cuftonn-houfe, London Thomas Dampier, D. D. Dean of Rochefter, Pre- bendary of Durham, &c. lo copies Mrs. Dampier, Rochefter^ 5 copies Henry Dampier, Efq. Bloomfbury-fquarc Mrs. H. Dampier, ditto Rev. John Dampier, Re6lor of Weftmeon, Hants, 3 copies Mrs. Davenport, Clapham Richard Davenport, Efq. ditto John Davenport, Efq. ditto Rev. Edw. Davidfon, M. A. Brancepeth, Durham John Deard, Efq. Dover-ftrect Rev. James Deafon, Vicar of Pittington, Durham Mr. Thomas Deafon, I-incoln College, Oxon. Mr. William Deafon, Trinity College, Cambridge William Deard, Efq. London James Delancey, Efq. Bath, 2 copies George Deiafand, Elq. Cuftom-houfe, London Mr. L. Deformeaux, Jun. London Rev. Samuel Dickens, D. D. (dec.) Archdeacon and Prebendary of Durham, 2 copies Mrs. Richard Dickens, Durham Mrs. Digby 9 Mrs. NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. Mrs. W. Digby, Hawley-houfe, near Baglhot Mifs Maria Digby Rev. Charles Digby Stephen Digby, Efq. Vice Chamberlain to her Majefty Lieut. Henry Digby, Royal Navy John Dilly, Efq. Southill, Bedfordfliire, 2 copies Mifs Dimfdale, Hertford Mr. Marcus Dixon, London Nicholas Donithorne, Efq. Croydon, Surry Mrs. Donithorne, ditto Mrs. Fran. Dongan, Marfham-ftreet, Weftminfter Sylvefter Douglas, Efq. John Dowfe, Efq. Warwick-court, London Mr. Dowfe, Millman-ftreet Rev. William Dowfon, D.D. Principal of Edmund- hall, Oxon Mrs. Draper, Hackney Daniel Dulany, Efq. Downing-ftreet, Weftminfter Thomas Dunn, Efq. Lincoln's-Inn Rev. Dr. Duvall, Canon of Windfor E. The Right Hon. the Earl of Errol The Right Hon. the Countcfs Dowager of Errol The Hon. Lady Eden, Hampton Court Sir Frederick Eden, Bart. Temple, 2 copies a Jonathan ';/ ill! ;i i 1(1. NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. Jonathan Eade, Efq. Newington, Middlefex Mrs. Eadc, ditto Mr. Jonathan Eadc, Jun. ditto Mifs Eade, ditto Mrs. Eade, Fludyer-ftreet Edward Hyde Eaft, Efq. Bloomfbury-fquarc John Eafton, Efq. London Rev. Dr. Eaton, Reftor of Fairftcd, EflTex Mr. Ebdon, Organift of the Abbey, Durham Mr. Ebdon, Archite(h1, London Rev. John Ebdon, B.A. Wafhington, Durham Lieut. Wm. Eden, 46th Regiment, 2 copies Rev. William Edmifton, London Rev. Henry Egerton, M. A. Archdeacon of Derby, Prebendary of Durham, &c. 6 copies Rev. .^rancis Egerton, Prebendary of Durham, &c. 4 copies Rev. Chs. Egerton, Reflor of Wafhington, Durham John Elmfley, Efq. John-ftreet, Berkley-fquare Alex. ElmQey, Efq. Inner Temple Mr. Thomas Elder, Wark worth, Northumberland George Enderby, Efq. Blackheath Mr. Evance, Durham Wm. Evans, Efq. Buckland, Herefordfliirc John Evans, M. D. Salop li'i Lad; NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. F. Lady Fawcett [Walter Farquhar, Efq. Great Marlborough-ftreet, J copies [John Fawcett, Efq. Inner Temple Ir. Featherftonhaiigh, Lambton, Durham Irs. Fenwicke, Newcaftle [r. George Fenwicke, Lambton, Durham 'm. Fenwicke, Efq. Attorney at Law, Durham [r. Fenwicke, St. John's College, Cambridge, 2 copies William Fendall, Efq. Gloucefter Lev. J. B. Ferrers, Redor of Beddington, Surrey [ufTey Fleet, Eliq. Hawley, near Dartford, 4 copies Tof. Forfter, M. D. Newton by the Sea, 2 copies Lev. John Forfter [rs. Folkett, London J^ev. Thos. Fothcrgill, D. D. Provoft of Queen's Coll. Oxon, and Prebendary of Durham, 6 copies Henry Fothergill, Efq. Commoner of Queen's »^{| College, Oxon Lev. Wm. Fothcrgill, M. A. Fellow of Queen's College, Oxon Lev. James Fothergill, Vicar of Dalton, &c, 'rancis Fowke, Efq. Wimbledon Jimon Frazer, Efq. London \ >imon Frazer, Efq. Jun, ditto a 2 G. ■ y ■i li w I ^li! !'] ,1 11 :,i NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. G. The Right Hon. the Earl of Guilford, i copies The Rt. Hon. the Countefs of Guilford, 2 copies Sir John Smythe Gardiner, Bart. Tackley Park, Oxon. Sir Wm. Gibbons, Bart. Stanwell Place, Middlefex Lady Grant, Upper Charlotte-ftreet Rich. Gamon, Efq. M. P. George-ftreet, Hanovcr- fquare Mrs. Gardiner, Brentford Capt. Gardiner, 87th regiment Samuel Gauflen, Efq. Mansfield-ftreet, 3 copies Mrs. Gauflen, ditto, 3 copies Rev. William Gilpin, Vicar's Hill, Hants. Mr. William Gilpin, Strand Thomas Goldthwait, Efq. fen. Hale-End, Eflex Chamberlane Goodwin, Efq. Mr. John Goodwin, Wycombe Marfli William Gooch, Efq. Comptroller of Cuftoms, Sunderland Colonel Gordon, 61 ft regiment Captain Gordon, i6th regiment John Gofling, Efq. Viftualling-office, Somerfet- place Thomas Graham, Efq. Lincoln's-Inn Mrs. Graham, Gore ftreet James Graham> Efq. Lincoln's-Inn William NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. William Graham, Efq. Lincoln's-Inn John Graham, Efq. Ncwbiggcn-hall, Cumberland James Graham, Efq. EUcrton Grange, ditto Charles Grant, Efq. Kinnard, North Britain Mifs Grant, ditto Mrs. Gray, Backworth, Northumberland Mr. Gray, Winchmore-hill, Middlefcx Mr. Walker Gray, London-ftreet Mrs. Graves, Baldock, Herts. Mr. Green, Ware, ditto John Grenfide, Efq. Clapham Rev. James Greville, LL.6. Chaplain to His Royal Highnefs the Prince of Wales, &c. Charles Grey, Efq. Morrick, 2 copies R. B. Grieve, Efq. Berwick William Grieve, Efq. ditto Mifs Griffith, Newcaftle Mr. Griffith, Manchefter John Griffith, Efq. Attorney at Law, Durham Mifs Goodrickc, York ■M H. Lady Charlotte Hay Sir William Hillman, Board of Green Cloth, Si, James's Mr. Peter Hagan, Tottenham Mrs. Hagan, ditto a 3 Mifs : I ir , 'i i|! I :i-;i' li NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. Mifs Hall, Flafs, nurham Rev. Thomas Hardcaftle, Mcrton College, Oxon. Francis Hargravc, Efq. LincolnVInn, 2 copies Mrs. Hargrave, 2 ditto Rev. Smith Hargrave, Charter-Houfe, 2 ditto Mr. Harry man, Highbury-Place, Iflington Mrs. Harryman, ditto Mr. IT——., 6 copies Rev. John Hawkins, Redor of Berrington,Shroplh. Rev. Thomas Hayes, M. A. Vicar of St. Ofwald, Durham John Hayes, Efq. Prodor, Durham Rev. Dickens Haflewoot!, M. A. ditto John Hedley, Efq. Newcaftle Lieut. Robert Hedley, 37th regiment Mifs Elizabeth Heighway, Trefnanny, Montgomc- ryfhire Mr. Henry Hemfley, Durham Mrs. Henley, Windfor Mifs Henley, ditto John Herbert, Efq. Park, Montgomeryfliire Mr. Thomas Heme, Bond-ftreet Jofeph Hetherington, Efq. Cuftom Houfe, London Rev. Thomas Hey, D. D. Prebendary of Rochefter John Heyfham, M. D. Carlifle William Highmore, Efq. Datchet, near Windfor, 2 copies Chrift. Hill, Efq. Colleftorof Cufloms, Sunderland Mrs. Hill, London, 3 copies 4 Walter .''Mil! NAMIS OP SUBSCRIBERS. Walter Mill, Efq. Gower-ftrcet, Strand Thomas Hill, Ffq. Inner Temple Edward Hilliartl, I'Sq. Cowley Iloufc', Middlefcx Mrs. HinchlifTc, Pc rboroiigli Palace Henry Hinchliffe, Kfq. M. A. Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge George Hoarc, Efq. Tower of London Captain Hoare Mr. Hoggan, Surgeon, Windfor George Hogarth, Efq. Lincoln's-Inn New-fquare G. S. Holroyd, Efq. Gray's Inn Rev. James Holme, Sedgfield, Durham George Holland, jun. Efq. Strand Mrs. Holland, Wigmore-ftreet, lo copies Jofiah Holford, Efq. Hampftead John Hoole, Efq. Tenterden, Kent Rev. Samuel Hoole, A. M. Abinger, Surry Hendry Hopper, Efq. Durham, 2 copies Thomas Hopper, Efq. Attorney at Law, Durham Thomas Hopper, Efq. Newcaftle Mrs. Mary Hopper, Durham John Hopper, Efq. Cornet, ill dragoons Mrs. Hopper, Old Elvet, Durham Rev. William Hopkins, Fitz, Shropfhire Mifs Home, Clapham Mifs E. Home, ditto Mifs Horfman, ditto . Mrs. Hot< hkin, Windfor Mr. Hoult, Durham a 4 Mr. 1' W t , III ii w .1.1 , !!' i iji I'ii'ii NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. Mr. Houndfome, Newcaftle David Howell, Efq. M. P. Mrs. Hudfon, Whitley James liuctfon, Efq. London Mr. Jofeph Huetfon, Queen's College, Oxon. Mrs. Hulme, Hackney Thomas Hunter, Efq. No. 2, Lincoln's-Inn, Stone- buildings John Hunter, Efq. Hermitage, Durham Peter Hunter, Efq. Attorney at Law, Durham Mr. Rich. Hunter, Scholar, Queen's College, Oxon. Mrs. Hutchinfon, Queen Ann-ftreet, Cavendifh- fquare Timothy Hutchinfon, Efq. Durham Harry Hutfon, Efq. Cuftom-houfe, London I. Mr. James, Surgeon, Durham Rev. John Jenkins, Evercreech, Somerfetfhire William Jefier, Efq. Hackney Robert Ingram, Efq. London Hugh Ingram, Efq. ditto Rev. Henry Ingles, Redtor of Whitborne, Herc- fordlhire James Innis, Efq. Royal Bank, Edinbuj;gh Hugh Innis, Efq. Edinburgh Mrs. St. John, St. John's Lodge, Herts Francis NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. Francis Johnfon, Efq. Gray's-Inn John Johnfon, Efq. ditto John Johnfon, Efq. Walton-houfe, Cumberland Dr. Johnfon, M. D. Brentford, Butts K. [Mr. Kearfley, Sedgfield, Durham Mr. David Kearfley, Surgeon, Sedgfield Mr. Jofeph Kearfiey, ditto, ditto Ifaac King, Efq. High Wycomb Mrs. King, ditto Newman Knowlys, Efq. Barrifter at Law, Temple L. iHon. Lieut. Colonel Lindfay, 46th Regiment fRev. H. A. Lagden, Ballham, Cambridgefhire Mrs. Lagden, ditto Barnardus La Grange, Efq. Marfham-ftreet James Brazier La Grange, Brianftone-ftreet Enfign Lamilliere, 16th Regiment Mr. Lampfon, Durham David Landell, Efq. Newcaftle John Larking, Efq. Eaft- Mailing, Kent, 3 copies Rev. John Law, D. D. Archdeacon of Rochefter Mifs Law Mr. ;:»'! ■ii; 1 . ■ NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. Mr. Henry Lee, Cuftom-houfe, London Richard Legard, Efq. Chanccry-ofHce Mrs. Leighton, Wimpok-ftreet Crook Leighton, Efq. Durham Rev. Edward Leighton, Redlor of 2d Portion, Pontefbury, Shiopfliire Rev. Mr. Leioihton, Richmond, Yorklhire Mrs. Catheiine Leiceftcrj Epping Mrs. Mary Lxicefter, ditto Samuel Lenox, Efq. London Villiers William Lewis, Efq. Bath Mr. Thomas Lewis, Ludgate-ltreet Mr. John Liddell, Durham Mr. Thomas Liddiard, St. Paul's-Church-Yard — LiRer, Efq. Hackney Robert Lifle, Efq. Afton houfe, Northumberland George Litchfield, Efq. Cullom-houfe, London Mrs. Lloyd, Bedfoid-row, 3 copies Rev. William Lloyd, Charter-houfe J. Longley, Efq. Rochefter Edmund Lovell, LL. D. Archdeacon of Bath Rev. James I^ove Mt. Jofeph Lowe, London — — Lubbock, Efq. Clapham Fran. Townes Luttrell, Efq. Powis-place, London M. Dn NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. M* Portion, hire irch-Yard lumberland London of Batli :e, London! Colonel M*Kenzie, Exeter Mr. Donald Macqiieen, Surgeon, Eton Lieut. Mahon, i6th Regiment Ebtnezer Maitland, Efq. London John Maitland, Efq. ditto Alexander Maidand, Efq. ditto Mr. Maidand, Vidu ailing-office, Somerfet-placc Maidltone Book Society, 2 copies Mailing Book Society Rev. John Manning, High Wycombe Rev. James Mannifty, Durham Rev. George Marfli, Ford, Northumberland Mrs. Marfii, ditto Mifs Marlh, ditto Mr. Peter Marfden, Durham Mifs Marlborough, Baldock Henry Martin, Eltq. Lincoln's-Inn Rev. Dr. Mayo, St. George's in the Eaft, London George May, Efq. Maidftone Hugh Mercer, Efq. Edinburgh Ralph Milbanke, Efq. M. P. Seaham, Durham Rev. Thos. Mills, Redor of Habbcrly, Shropfhirc Henry Mills, Efq. Durham Rev. James Mitchell, Newburn, North Britain Mr. 'f itus Mitchell, London Rev ■ ;(' ]l i a:i! NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. Rev. Ifaac Monkhoufe, M. A. Fellow of Queen's College, Oxon Rev, John Montgomery, South-ftreet, Berklcy- fquare Lieut. Col. Moore, 51ft Regiment Mifs Hannah More, Bath Mifs Martha More, ditto John Morgan, Efq. Tredigar, Monmouthfliirc Mr. Arthur Mowbray, Sherbourn, Durham William Mullock, Efq. Bartlett's-buildings, Hol- born John Spelman Munnings, Efq. Inner Temple Rev. Anthony Munton N. The Right Hon. Lord North The Right Hon. Lady North Lady Ann North Lady Charlotte North Hon. Major North Sir James Nugent, Bart. Donore, Weftmeath George Nardy, Efq. London Thomas Neave, Efq. ditto Mrs. Thomas Neave, ditto Mifs Margaret Neefom, Houghton, Durham John Needham, Efq. Gray's-Inn Rev. Wr Highr Mr. Ne\ Mr. Nev James N Francis ^ Capt. Ed Mr. Geoi Rev. Nei Preben( Robert Oj Charles C caftle, • Mrs. Ord Mrs. Ord, Rev. Jam Mrs. J. C John Ord; John Ofbc Mr. John The Righ The Righ Rev. NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. Rev. Wm. Nesfield, M. A. Chaplain to his Royal Highnefs the Prince of Wales, &c. 2 copies Mr. Newton, Architeft, Newcaftle, 2 copies Mr. Newton, Strand, London James Newey, Efq. Cuftom-houfc, London Francis North, Efq. Chrift Church, Oxon. Capt. Edward Nugent, Harcourt-ftreet, Dublin Iiiij^. o. . ^ Mr. George Offer, London Rev. Newton Ogle, D. D. Dean of Winchefter, Prebendary of Durham, &c. Robert Ogle, Efq. Eglinham, Northumberland Charles Ogle, Efq. Collector of Cuftoms, New- caftle, 2 copies Mrs. Ord, Fenham, Northumberland, 3 copies Mrs. Ord, Queen Ann-ftreet, Weftminfter Rev. James Ord, Caftle Eden, Durham Mrs. J. Ord, ditto John Ord, Efq. Weetwood, Northumberland John Olborne, Efq. Turville-court, Bucks Mr. John Oxenford, Cuftom-houfe, London P. The Right Hon. Lord Vifcount Parker The Right Rev. the Bilhop of Peterborough Mifs If # I! j 1 i i lit I- , I h '< \\ii \\';' ■■'l ■ i ■. ii! fr\4 i i j: 1) ■ 1 (i|!.^ !!■; 'ill; m NAMES OP SUBSCRIBERS. Mifs Page, Clapham Rev. Dr. Parker, Reftor of St. James's, Weft- minfter Mrs. Parker, Maldftone, Kent, 2 copies Robert Parker, Efq. ditto, 2 copies Mrs. R. Parker, ditto Rev. Edward Parker, Durham, 2 copies Mr. Parker, Surgeon, Gloucefter Mr. John Parker, London • Rev. Thomas Parry, Vicar of Great Nefs Tv^i, Edward Parry, London Mr. H. Parry, ditto Mr. Patcrfon Samuel Payne, Efq. Chelfea, 2 copies George Pearfon, Efq. Durham Aiiguftus Pechell, Efq. Port man-fqu are Dr. Percivall, M. D. Manchefter S. Pett, Efq. London Humph. Philpott, Efq. Pedmore, Worcefterfhirc Edw. Pickard, Efq. Homerton Mrs. Pickard, ditto Charles Piefchell, Efq. London Mrs. Ann Pinfold, Bulftrode-ftreet David Pitcairne, M. D. Lincoln's-Inn-Fields Rev. Mr. Place, Green Hammerton, Yorkfliire Lieutenant Pockhill, 1 6th Regiment Mr. Potts, Surgeon, Durham Mr. William Poulton, Surgeon, Maidenhead Rev. NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. Rev. Charles Poyntz, D. D. Prebendary of Dur- ham, Sec. Mr. Walter Prentis, Rochefter Mr. William Prince, Brentford Rev. James Price, High Wycombe Sam. Prime, Efq. Whitton, Middlefex Rev. Mr. Pringle, Durham Henry Proitor Efq. Ciewer Lodge, near Windfor, 2 copies Mrs. Proflor, ditto George Pro(5i:or, Efq. ditto, 3 copies R. Hon. Major Rawdon, i6th Regiment Chevalier Rufpini, London Rev. Peter Ravenfcroft, Wcftbury, Shropfliire William Rawfon, Efq* Hallifax, Yorklhire Mrs. Rayne, Durham Henry Utrick Rcay, Efq. Burn-hall, Durham Francis Reed, Efq. Hurworth, Durham Mrs. Roberts, H.^ckney Mr. William Robierts, ditto Mifs S. Roberts, London Rev. Tho. Roberts, Horton, Middlefex Jofeph Roberts, Efq. Attorney at Law, Gloucef- ter-ftreet Chrift. Robinfon, Efq. Magdalen College, Oxon R. Rob- i- NAMES OF SUBSCRIBBRS. J:i! It I 'M R. Robertfon, Efq. Durham Rev. John Robfon, ditto Mr. Robfon, Wine Merchant, Durham Mr. Robfon, Jun. ditto Rev. Mr. Rogers, Berkley, near Frome, Somerfet- fliire Mr. Sylvanus Ronalds, Brentford Mifs Routledge, Windfor Mrs. Rowney, Oxon, 4 copies Mifs Royd, Hallifax, Yorklhirc Mifs Ann Royd, ditto Mifs Frances Royd, ditto William Rudd, Efq. Durham Mrs. Rudd, ditto Capt. Benjamin Runwa, Royal Navy Lowther Rutter, Efq. Durham Capt. Rutherford, i6th Regiment Thomas Ryder, Efq. Charter-houfe, London S. m^:\ iMilV 1:1' The Right Hon. Lord Saltown Lady Catherine Stanhope, Whitfield Lodge Sir John Sheffield, Bart. Lady Sheffield Mrs. Salvin, Durham, 6 copies Mifs Salvin, ditto Mifs Matilda Salvin, ditto Mifs NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. Mifs Charlotte Salvin, Durham [Anthony Salvin, Efq. ditto George Salvin, Efq. Manchefler I Hugh Salvin, Efq. St. John's College, Cambridge, 2 copies I Mr. Salkeld, Surgeon, Durham John Salufbury, Efq. Lincoln's-Inn Rev. Mr. Salufbury, Gravely, Herts Mr. Searth, Caftle Eden, Durham Rev. George Scott, Betton, Shropfhire Richard Scruton, Efq. Attorney at Law, Durham Seeker, Efq. Windfor Mifs Selby, Lady Thorn, Northumberland Mifs Service, Hackney Rev. John Sharpe, D.D. Archdeacon of Nor- thumberland, Prebendary of Durham, &c. I Mrs. Sharp, Bambrough Caftle, Northumberland Mifs Sharp, ditto Granville Sharp, Efq. London, 2 copies Mr. Benj. Shaw, Merchant, London-bridge Mr. Thomas Shaw, Cuftom-houfe, London Tim. Shelly, Efq. M. P. Warnham-place, Suflex Mr, William Shields, Durham, 3 copies James Shipton, Efq. Lincoln's-Inn Jofeph Shrimpton, Efq. Bedford -fquare S. Shore, Efq. Clapham Mifs Shotbolt, Camberwell, Surry Richard Shuttleworth, Efq. Durham I John Shuttleworth, M. D. "Wycombe Rev. John Sibley, Redlor of Walcot, Bath b Thomas />i hi. ii'*i;i NAMES OP SUBSCRIBERS. Thomas Simpfon, Efq. Newcaftle Mr. Simpfon, Cuftomer of his Majefty's Culloms, Sunderland t)r. Sinclair, i6th Regiment Capt. Skinner, i6th Regiment Mrs. Sleath, Tottenham-court-road Mifs Sleech, Rochefter Robert Smith, Efq. Gray's-Inn, 2 copies Mrs. Smith, Durham, 2 ditto William Smith, Efq. ditto Mrs. W. Smith, ditto George Smith, Efq. Piercefield, Monmouthfhire Mrs. Smith, ditto George Thomas Smith, Efq. Cornet, 7th dragoons Rev. Jofliua Smith, A. M. Fellow of St. John's | College, Cambridge John Smith, Efq. Fave: fliam, Kent Samuol Smith, Efq. Clapham William Smith, Efq. Clapham John Smith, Efq. Combhay, near Bath Lieutenant Harris Smith, Royal Navy, 2 copies Mifs Smith, Greenwich Mifs Elizabeth Smith, ditto Lieutenant Henry Smith, Greenwich Hofpital Francis Smith, M. D. Maidftone Samuel SoUey, Efq. Ormond-ftreet John Hen. Southcote,Efq. Buckland Houfe,Devon. I Mr. George Spaukie, Merchant, Edinburgh Captain Spens, i6th regiment Mr. 1; i:^ m I 11 NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. [r. Henry Spicer, Enamel Painter to the Prince of Wales Irs. Spilfbury, London frs. Springer, Maidftone [rs. Squire, Hertford (r. John Squire, ditto [r. William Squire, ditto 'lint Stacey, Efq. Maidftone fames Stanley, Efq. Lincoln's-Inn Ir. Alexander Stenhoufe, Edinburgh. >avid Stewart, Efq. i copies •rancis Steward, Efq. Weymouth, 3 copies [r. Steel, Londoft [ohn Stephenfon, Efq. M. P. Bedford-fquare Robert Stevenfon, Efq. Moufden Hall fohn Stephenfon, Efq. Charlotte-ftreet, Bloomfbury [rs. Stephenfon, ditto *eter Still, Efq. Lincoln*s-Inn [rs. Stinton, Clapham 'ercival Stockdale Jeorge Storey, Efq. Wearrtiouth, Sunderland [ajor Stretch, Bath [rs. Stretch, ditto fohn Stretch, Efq. ditto [ohn Sturgis, Efq. Windfor |Rev. Dr. Sumner, Bath [rs. Sumner, ditto fohn Surtees, Efq. Newcaftle |Aubone Surtees, Efq. ditto b 2 Matthew ■ i ' till n ill r^ II ill I !i 'AlH im NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. Matthew Surtees, Efq. ditto Mifs Sutton, Boxley Abbey, Kent John Tim. Swainlbn, Efq. Cullom Houfe, London Clement Taylor, Efq. M. P. Maidftonc Rev. Richard Taylor, Kenfington Mrs. Taylor, ditto J. V. Taylor, Efq. Southgate Thomas Taylor, Efq. Durham R. G. Temple, Efq. Mortlake Mrs. Temple, ditto Mrs. Tenant Anthony Tenbroeke, Efq. London Rev. John Thompfon, Fellow of Queen's Col- lege, Oxon Charles Thompfon, Efq. Lincoln's-Inn Mrs, Thompfon, Clapham Mr. William Thompfon, London Rev. Wm. Thornes, Vicar of Aldcrbury, Shropdi. Samuel Thornton, Efq. M. P. Clapham John Thring, Efq. Warminfter, Wilts. Wm. Toulmin, Efq. Hackney Mr. B. Travers, London Mrs. Travers, ditto Rev. George Trenchard, Blandford, Dorfetfliire William Trenchard, Efq. Dorfet Colonel i'm NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. :olonelTrigge, 1 2th regiment [rs. Trigge [rs. Trallope, Oxford, 4 copies Robert Tubbs, jun. Efq. A6ton, Middlcfcx [r. Thomas Tudor, Apothecary, Salop h. Turing, George-ftrcet, Edinburgh [rj. Tyloh, Queen -fquare, Bloomfbury leorgc Tyfon, Klq. ditto k jl V. [Ion. Frederick Vane, Sellerbey, Durham 'he Rev. Sir Henry Vane, Bart. Prebendary of Durham, &c. [rs. Vardon, Greenwich [ifs Vardon, ditto [r. John Vardon, Merchant, London Ir. George Variar, I jndon [r. John Vaughan, Pontefbury, Shropfhire [rs. Venour, Gen ard-ftreet, Soho lieutenant Vernon, 1 6th regiment lev. Daniel Veyfie, Fellow of Oriel College, Oxon. Lev. Samuel Viner, M. A. Durham [rs, Unwin, Cadle Hedingham, Eflex Lev. T. Urwick, Clapham b3 The NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS, w. 'i;i!i. lfr:!li!':' W'v ,i; i: iiii 'i ii':^ 1 ' 'i , iii; The Right Hon. the Earl of Wycombe The Right Rev. the Bifliop of Wincheiler Sir Charles Watfon, Bart. Sir George Warren, K. B. Charles Walcot, Efq. General Poft-Office, London Captain WalhKe, i6th Regiment Martin Wall, M. D. Clinical Profeffor, Oxon. Rev. Richard Wallis, Carham Mifs Walker, Bath Rev. Dr. Walfbv, Park-ftreet Mr. Edward Walfli, Durham Mr. John Walton, Old Elvet, Durham E. W— — , 3 copies Edw.VernonWard, Efq. St. Alban's-ftreet, Pall-mall Reed Ward, Efq. Durham Mr. R. Ward, Newcaftle Mr. Ward, Surgeon, Durham Mr. Ward, jun. Attorney at Law, Durham Mr. Edward Warren, Ware Samuel Warren, Efq. Great Ruflel-ftreet Mr. Jofeph Warter, Sibberfcott, Shropfhirc Rev. Jofeph Watkins, Durham Rev. John Watts, Weftmeon, ilants. Rev. Robert Waugh, Durham Nathaniel Wayley, Efq. London John !i''.;:i-" m^ f l!!li mi m NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. John Wear, Elq. Gray's-Inn Mifs Weatherley, Brentford Butts Mrs. Webfler Rev. Charles Wefton, B. D. Preb. of Durham, &c. Rev. Phipps Wefton, M. A. Preb. of Durham, &c, Thompfon Weft, Efq. Crown-court, Cheapfide James Whalley, Efq. Clark HiU, Lancaftiire Thomas Whalley, Efq. Roche Court, Hants. Thomas Wharton, Efq. Old Park, Durh^rp Robert Wharton, Efq. ditto Richard Wharton, Efq. Temple James Whatman, Efq. V inters, Kent, 3 copies Mrs. Whatman, ditto, 3 copies Mrs. Wickham, Wells, Somerfetlhire Rev. Provis Wickham, Baliol College, Oxon, . Rev. Thomas Wickham, Chilmark, Wilts. Rev. Oftjorne Wight, Recftor of 1 ft Portion, Pon^ teft)ury, Shropftiire Rev. Tho. Willis, LL.D. Prebendary of Rochefter Mr. W. Wiltfhire, Hitchen, Herts. John Wilkie, Efq. Hetton, Northumberland Rev. Daniel Williams, Ponteft)ury, ShropOiire Rev. Lewis Williams, Re6tor of Woofafton, ditto John Williams, Efq. Barnftaple Rev. James Williamfon, B. D, Prebendary of Lincoln Rev. Jofeph Wilton, Ncwcaftle Abraham Wilkinfon, Elq. Dublin, fix copies f homas Wilkinfon, Efq. Durham M John i M r I;'/' :..;i 1 '1 ';' ■! ■: 'i ;;:^^!fl ''•■'I NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. John Wilkinfon, Efq. Stockton Mrs. Wilkinfon, Newcaftle Martin Wilkinfon, Efq. Attorney at Law, Durham Mr. Samuel Wilkinfon, High Wycombe Dr. Wilkinfon, M. D. Enfield Mifs Wilkinfon, Clapham Mrs. Wilkinfon, jun. Stockton John Wild, Efq. Gray's-Inn J.W. The Rev. Dr. Willis, Greatford, Lincolnfhirc Robert WHlis, M. D. . John Willfon, Efq. London John Winter, Efq. Swithin's-lane, London Rev. Richard Witton, Redor of Meldon, Nor- thumberland George Wood, Efq. Durham Mr. Woolatt, Surgeon, Windfor ' Workman, Efq. London William Wroughton, Efq. Hadley, Middlefej?. Y. Mrs. Yonge, Eton College Mifs S. Young, Lewifham, Kent, iii t CON- The Author has been honoured with the follow- ing refpedable Names, fince the List of Sub- scribers was printed ofF, viz. Her Grace the Duchefs of Devonlhire The Right Hon. Earl Spencer The Right Hon. the Countefs Dowager Spencer John Wilfon Allen, Efq. Stanhoe, Norfolk Mifs H. M. Bowdler, Bath Rev, Mr. Godfrey John Ciirre, of Itton Court, Efq. Rev. Samuel Glaffe, D. D. F. R. S. Rev. Robert Knopwood Rev. Charles Norris William Poyntz, Efq. I' {To follow the Li/} of Sub/inlftrs.} !!!: \i >>■ ^ Ik lilt' CONTENTS. {'1,1 Letter i. 'the Author's Arrival in Plrginia-^Coun^ try dejcribed — Voyage up the Chefapeak — Reception at Annapolis f the Capital of Maryland. Page i Letter ii. Interejiing Anecdote refpeSfing the Death of a celebrated 'theatrical Character — Defcription of Annapolis, and its environs^-^Excurfton to the Eajlern Shore of Maryland-^RefleSlions on the po- litical Jituation of the Colonies, 1 1 Letter hi. ^our on the Wejiern Jhore — Anniver- fary of the Proprietary's birth celebrated-^PFinter, its extremefeverity, 27 Letter iv. Sentiments on the conduSl of the Govern nor — Settlement of the Province of Maryland-^ ConJiitution'^Clergy, their fituation^^RefigSf ions on the \ 1': : m^' i' I:; CONTENTS. the ohjeSliom of the Colomjls to an Epi/copal efia- hlijhmenty and on the probable conjcquences of the acquifition of Canada, Page 36 Letter v. Eulogy on the State of Maryland — Plenty and cheapnefs of provifions — Natives dif- tinguifhed by an elegance and propriety of expref- fton-^Refle^fions on Parliamentary taxation. 57 Letter vi, Negroes, Coni'iJISy Indented Servants, and Free-willersy their fituation — Interejiing Ac- C'junt of an indented Servant, ()^ Letter vii. Settlement of Annapolis, of Baltimore, and of Frederick ^owr. Ship Building, reflexions en it. 90 Letter viii. Races at Annapolis, ^c. — Obferva- tions on the Caufe of confiderable Emigrations from the Mother Country, 1 06 Litter ix. Weather — Difpofltion of the Southern Colonijls, Amujements, i^c. — On the Decreqfe of the Aborigines m Letter x. Agriculture, the principal objeH of Co- lonial Attenticn — Method of taking up vacant Lands ' ^--Proprietary Influence, unpopular'-^Ele^lions tri- 9 emnial ;! ' CONTENTS. ennial-^Provincial and County MagiJirateSf their Power-^Litigious dijpofition of the Colonifisj ^c, Pag^ 119 Letter xi. Excurfton into the hack Country — Settle- ment of Ilagar's Town. 129 Letter xii. Term of Reftdence as a Salification to bold OfjiceS'^ Author J his 'nicws — Political dtf con- tents, poetical attempt on the Subje5i, i2\- Letter xrii. Ohfeyjations on the PFbolen ManufaC' tory of Britain and America. 139 Letter xiv. Public Improvements in Annapolis, &c. . 145 Letter xv. Parliamentary Taxation uni'verfally un- popular — Eulogy on the Author of the Pajioral Poem, *• The Search after Happiness" — Occafiond Epilogue, fpoken at the Theatre in Phila- delphia. .. ' 151 Letter xvi. Alarming Intelligence from Bofion—^ Reflexions thereon. 156 Letter xvii. General Ferment throughout the Co~ lonies— -Governor, his Departure for England — Refoluiiom, ^c. of the Citizens of Annapolis. 158 Letter n! % *'l h ii'i,.'' lii' ■■' i ': ^;H| I; I ' V • i^jlll CONTENTS Letter xvni. Umnimous dijpofttion of the Colo- nijis to oppofs the meafures of Government — A Vejfel and her Cargo burnt at Annapolis'—'Refult of the deliberations of Congrejs — Return of the Gover- nor to Maryland. Page i68 Letter xix. Tendency of the Colonies t» hoflile oppo- fition — Conduct of the Author^-^His Letter in the Maryland Gazette, i S 9 Letter xx. Commencement of Uoflilities — "Powder and flores taken from the Magazine at Williamf- burgk — Requifition to Governor Eden in Confe^ quence^-Befpotifm of Committees — Reflexions on the ajpe5l of Public affairs — General Gage, his account of the AXion at Lexington-^Propriety of the Go- verncr's ConduSi, 202 Letter xxi. Situation of the Colonies — State of Maryland-^Sentiments thereon — Ship defiroyed^^ Intercepted letter y and Conjequences to the Writer^^ RefleSlions, 215 Letter xxii. Author, his Jituation—^His Family prepare for their Departure to Europe^-^'Danger of Correjpondence exemplified in the cafe of Mr, C— , 220 s Let'.'er ■m CONTENTS. Letter xxni. Author's Family take leave of Ame^ rica — He fixes bis F'ffidence with the Governor-^ Attempt to expel the Adherents to the ancient Con- Jiitution-^Major IVaJhingtm ele^^ated to the/upreme Command — General Lee — Prudent Determination of the Citizens of Annapolis, Page 229 Letter xxiv. Military Arrangement s~^Letters by the Packet detained fcr irjpe^ion — State of Anna- polis^^Report of the redu£lion of ^ebec — Reflec- tions — Montreal taken. 2J9 !■«» Letter xxv. ReflePJons on the Commencement of the Tear 1776, ^c, 24 c Letter xxvi. Proceedings in Virginia — DeJlruSlion of Hampton, 250 Letter xxvii. Inhabitants of Annapolis, their Alarm- ^Ship of War and Tender pqfs the Har- bour — Author deputed to wait on the Commander with a Flag of Truce^Detail of his proceedings on board—Otter, i^c. return down the Bay, 258 Letter xxviii. Account of the evacuation of Bof- ton by the Britijh Forces^^efleaions on the ftate of the Colonies, 269 Letter CONTENTS. ,11 III ,'■1 I! LtTTHR XXIX. Recommendation of Congrefs to the reJptUve Provinces — Decided conduEl in Virginia — Letter to Governor Eden intercepted — Convention vote the Expediency of his quitting Marylmd—'Ad' drejs in ccnfequencc — Vie p'eparcs for his depar^ turc — Author y his fttuation. Page 273 Letter xxx. Author receives a fummons to attend the Committee of Objervation — Congrefs recommend the detention of Governor Eden — Application on the fume Juhje5i from the Colony of Virginia-^Re- Jidt of the Author's Appearance before the Commit- tee — Critical fttuation of the Ct over nor — RefleSlions en the Conduct of the Committee — Arrival of the Fczvey Irrigate* 287 Letter xxxi. Departure of the Governor-^^Ffcape of divci'S Perfons from the fhore — Altercation in conjeqttence thereof ■'—- Dijagreeable termination--^ Fowey proceeds down the Bay-^ Author ^ and his Colleague in Office^ addrefs the Convention — l!heir determination «— Declaration of Independence — AStion off Charles Town in South Carolina, 3 1 2 Letter xxxir. Arrival of Lord Howe— ^Circular letter to the Governors — Refolve of Congrefs in (cnjequence — Departure of the Earl of Dun- mere from the Capes — A^ion on Long Tfland — Re- port of the Committee appointed to confer with the Par- liamentary l^M§'^ > «1 CONTENT?. Uamentnry Commijftoners — ReduSlion of New Tork — Situation of Maryland — Hunting Ridge defcribed -^Proceedings of the Britifh Forces, Page 322 Letter xxxih. Commencement of the Tear 1777 — . Military Occmrcrxes — Mode of Provincial En^ lijtuients — Apfnrent negleB of the Capes ^ and con- fcquence — State of Maryland, &c, 2 39 Letter xxxiv. Excurfion into Frederick County— ^ Author and his Colleague fwpirfeded — Governor of Maryland under the new Confiitution 'proclaimed-^'' Situation of the Author-^His final dijcharge from employment, and preparations for quitting the Pro- vhsce. 348 Letter xxxv. Author's Departure from Amapolis —Arrival at Tork Town, Virginia — Proceeds to Hampton — Embarrajfments in that Situation — £"«- gages a Schooner to convey him on board a Briiijh Ship, and embarks, .360 Letter xxxvr. Author quits the Harbour — Diffi- culties he meets with — Chaced by an American Schooner^-'Dangerous Situation, 387 Letter xxxvii. Reception en hoard the Thames Frigate — Inter efiing Dijcovery — Removal to the Emerald--^ Arrival at New Tcrk, 405 Letter CONTENTS. Letter xxxviii. Capture of American VeJfels^^Em- barks in the Senegal'^Magnificent Appearance of the Britifh Armament^HoJpitable Reception f ^c. Page 416 Letter xxxix. Dangerous Navigation defcribed-- Curjory Account of New Torky and its environs -^Intelligence from the Chejapeak — Attack on Staten JJland, &c, 422 Letter xl. Military Intelligence — Expedition up the North River-— 'Count Gabrou/kiy his gallant beha- viour, and exalted fortitude — Capture of the Royal Army under General Burgoyne-^Author prepares for his departure from America. 437 Letter xli. Arrival at Cork — Hofpitahle Recep- tion, £ffr. — Engages for his pajjage to Brijlch 450 Letter xlii. Puts into Hfracomb^^DeJign of pro- ceeding by Briflcl relinquifhed^^Conclufwu 45 j LET. !: -! '■, , I! m LETTERS WRITTEN FROM > AMERICA. LETTER I. \ ITork Towrty f^trginiay Aug. 30/^, 1 769. T A M, my dear friend, at length fafely landed on the American continent. Our voyage has been tedious ; we have en- countered hard gales, and contrary winds ; but of thefe I think no more. I am now become an inhabitant of a new world ; and I enter into it, not only with the common feelings of a ftranger, whofe attention is engaged by the novelty of every furround- 8 ing 'Ul^ , ill i! % LETTERS Let. 1, ing objed, but with the more interefting 1 reflexion, that this country is not more new to me than are my hopes and expedations in it ; and that I am here, under the pa- tronage of new friends, to engage in new purfuits. With this impreffion, I cannot but form an ideal connexion between what I fee, and what I feel. I mean not, how- ever, that this {hould at all influence the narrative which I fhall occafionally tranf- mit to you; t^at, as far as is in my power, fhall contain no more than what may be fuppofed naturally to fuggefl; itfelf to any indiflferent fpedator, whom curiofity or amufement has carried into a diftant country. I will begin with acquainting you, that the lituation of this town is exquifitely beautiful, and the adjacent country very romantic and pidlurefque. The noble river Chefapeak is full in view, which^ in tiT. r. ^romAmerica. 3 in the narroweft part, is at leaft ten miles broad, and runs a courfe of near three hundred, navigable for the largeft Ihips. Many confiderable rivers difcharge them- felves into this bay, by vtrhich the ad- vantages of commerce are extended to the interior country; and planters whofe ha- bitations are far remote from the ocean, receive at their own doors, by water con- veyance, the various productions of dif-. tant nations. From hence to Annapolis, the def- tined fcene of my future purfuits, is two hundred miles; for which place I jfliall embark on board a fchooner, the inftant I receive my baggage, and hope ipeedily to impart the particulars of a moft fa- vourable reception. B2 ChefM LETTERS Let. I. !l' ::, I ] 1' ■ I; ' i' it / 1 1 T ' 1 1 ' i '! r ■': (■:ii!i;l!, Che/apeak Bay, Sept. \Ji. Yesterday I made an excurfioti to Williamfburgh, the metropolis of Vir- ginia, the fituation of which is by no means equal to York Town. The capi- tal where the delegates of the people aflemble, is neat and elegant j the college and the governor's palace, are likewife handfome edifices; but I did not diftin- guifh any other buildings which particu- larly merited obfervation. I was, how- ever, greatly entertained by the variegated beautiful profpeds, lofty woods, and highly cultivated plantations, which prefented themfelves to me in every dire<^on. I am now on my paffaje for Anna- polis ; a gentle breeze wafts us pleafantly on our courfe j the day is fplendid, and the interefting and magnificent objects which continually ftrike the eye, infinitely exceed the utmoft powers of defcription. Innu- 1' ■ I 'M Let. I. fromAmerica, 5 Innumerable veffels of different denomina- tions are floating in every point of view, which add to the grandeur of the fcene, and imprefs the nxind with agreeable ideas cf commercial advantages. f ■A The courfe we are fleering is nearly ibuth ; we have paiTed many noble rivers on both fides the bay, particularly the Po- tomac, on the weftern ihores which, at the entrance, is feveral miles in breadth, :■ k1 is navigable for fhips of great burthen to Alexandria, about forty leagues from its influx. At a fmall diilance above that place are fome confiderable falls, which interrupt the navigation of vefl!els further up the country ; but I am informed that ^ plan is in agitation to remove this' obflruc- tion ; and fhould fuccefs attend the execu- tion, it is fcarcely conceivable to what an immenfe diftance commerce may be then extended. B 3 The LETTERS Let. I. '!;.■■'■ I K : M' The Potomac feparates Virginia from Maryland j but there are counties belong- ing to each province on both fides the bay. In the Maryland government, the divi-; fion is nearly equal ; but in that of Virginia, their territory on the weftern (hore is in- finitely more extenfive, more populous^ and more important than on the eallcrn. Thefe immenfe waters are diverfified with an infinite number of iflands of the moiT: varied and beautiful appearance. Some are cultivated; others entirely co- vered with lofty, valuable timber. It is almoft impoflible, on viewing the natural advantages of this country, to avoid antici- pating the future political and commercial importance of America. A few weeks fince, the Thames was the moft considerable river I had ever beheld ; it is now, comparatively, reduced to a di- minutive M IjET, U promAmerica, f jninutive ftream : but, may its real im- portance increafe to the end of time !— May the wealth of all nations flow in with every tide, to the encouragement of arts and manufad:ures, and to the general ad- vancement of the riches and profperity of Britain ! Early to-morrow, I hope to land a( An- napolis. The cliffs which bound the en- trance of the Severn, are now in view; but the wind is too light, and the diftance too remote to permit us to entertain a hope of reaching the harbour before morning. m Annapolis, Sept. /^tb. Early yefterday I was fafely landed at my deilred port. The mafter of the fchooner conducted me to a tavern, where, after a flight repaft, I made the neceflary preparations to appear before the Gover- nor. B4 My 'f g LETTERS Let. r. lu My reception was equal to my warmcll wi(hes. The deportment of Governor Eden was open and friendly. He invited me to meet a party at dinner, and I took leave, till the appointed hour, with a heart replete with joy and gratitude. Is ir Underftanding that I was in time for divine fervice, I availed myfelf of an im- mediate opportunity to offer up my fervent acknowledgements at the throne of grace ; and to entreat Heaven to difpenfe bleflings on thofe with whom my fate is infeparably conneifted. r ; 1 u The exterior appearance of the church has little to recommend it, but the con- gregation was numerous. The folemn of- fices were performed with a becoming devotion; and my mind was perfectly in unifon with the important duties of the day. Oa Let. I. fromAmerica. 9 On my return to the Governor, he in- troduced me, in the moft obliging terms, to feveral perfons of the higheft refpedla- bility in the province. He treated me with the utmoft kindnefs and cordiality ; aflured me of his ftrongeft difp 'j *on to advance my future profperity, and gave me an unlimited invitation to his hofpita- ble table. r : I could not but confider thefe circum- ftances of my reception and introduc- tion, as a prelude to future advantages. The pleafing tranfadions of the day ex- hilarated my fpirits; I evidently per- ceived a pre offeffion in my behalf; I ex- erted my ui. ,x1 to improve the favour- able impreffion, and retired to reft with a ferenity to which I had been long un- accuflomed, A fhip 5 ) ! i is !.| ! . > .III la LETTERS Let. i. A fliip in the road is preparing to faiL I have not time to add more. Ton know where remembrances are due, and will impart them. The firft veffel that arrives from England will, I truft, con- vey pleafmg intelligence of the welfare of my family, and of yourfelf. Under all the eventful circumftances of life, be ^ITured I Hiall remain unalterably yours. !h mm \ . M v:''N'l- LETTER Let. If. raoM America. XI LETTER IL jfnnapolhy OSi, I/?, 1769. PREVIOUS to the receipt of your letter, the painful information had arrived, that Powell was no more! He was the valued friend of my early youth, and I fhall ever cherifh his remembrance with unabated attachment. To men- tion his profeflional excellence is unne- ceflary j the unanimous voice of the pub- lic having firmly eftabliflied his fuperior pretenfions. Nor need I exprefs my fears, that it is improbable we ihall quickly " look upon his like again ;** for how fel- dom is it that the great requifites of adting are fo united in one man, as they were in him! Great, however, as his lofs is to the public, it is ftill greater to his friends j to IS LETTERS Let. it to thofe who knew, as wc did, his mild and amiable manners ; his eafy and unaf- fected vivacity ; and his uniform candour and benevolence. My feelings on hearing of his death, were much augmented by the particulars of a circumftance immediately preceding it : After having contended fe- veral days with the violence of his diforder, nature appeared totally exhaufted, and he had lain, for a conliderable time, with fcarce a fymptom of exiftence. His fur- rounding friends had mournfully yielded him to his fate 5 and were expcfting each moment the lafl convulfive exertion ! when fuddenly ftarting, with wonderful expref- fion in his countenance, he repeated the fpeech in Macbeth, commencing with the words : "Is this a dagger—'* tracing with his eye the imaginary movement of the delulive phantom -, then a fhort period of recoUedlion took place— he appeared confcious of having been under the influ- ence Let. ii> f r o m A m e r i c a. ij cncc of a delirium — invoked Heaven for mercy, and funk lifelefs on his pillow 1 What a ftrong inftance of the ruling paf- fion, in his final exit ! In him I have loft a faithful, animated friend ; and ** friends ** grow not thick on every bough." But no more of this— I will endeavour to re- lieve my mind from the intrufion of me- lancholy ideas, by attempting to gratify your curiofity refpedting this place, and its environs. 1 Annapolis is nearly encompafled by the river Severn, and, with every advantage of iituation, is built on a very irregular plan. The adjacent country prefents a va- riety of beautiful profpedts, agreeably diver- iified with well fettled plantations, lofty woods, and navigable waters. In our lit- tle metropolis, the public buildings do not imprefs the mind with any idea of magni- £cence, having been chiefly ere<5ted during the IJ 1 !:!, I# LETTERS Let. ii. the infancy of the colony, when conve- nience was the directing principle, with- out attention to the embelli(hment of art. The court-houfe, fituatcd on an emi- nence at the back of the town, commands a variety of views highly intereiling ; the entrance of the Severn, the majeilic Che^ fapeak, and the caftern (hore of Maryland, being all united in one refplendent afTem- blage. Veflels of various fizes and figures are continually floating before the eye; which, while they add to the beauty of the fcene, excite ideas of the mofl pleaf- ing nature* In the court-houfe, the reprefentatives of the people afTemble, for the difpatch of provincial bufinefs. The courts of juf- tice are alfo held here; and here, like- wife, the public offices are eflablifhed. This building has nothing in its appearance 6 expref- tET. 11. rROM AmsRICA. «S expreffive of the great purpofes to which it is appropriated ; and by a ftrange negledl, is fufFcred to fall continually into decay; being, both without and within, an em- blem of public poverty, and at the fame time a fevere refledlion on the government of this country, which, it feems, is con- fiderably richer than the generality of the American provinces. The council chamber is a detached building, adjacent to the former, on a ve y humble fcale. It contains one tolerable room, for the reception of the governor and his council, who meet here during thi fitting of the aflemblyj and whofe con- currence is necefTary in paffing all laws. ill I am not yet enabled, from rny v)wn ob- fervation, to form any accurate judgment refpedting the political difpofition of the colonifts i but, if the information I have received 'I i Ii 1 1 , 1 1 if I f ^ i ■t V': , t ■ ' I ijl.1 .:.li. I'll mil i6 LETTERS Let. ii. received may be relied on, they attend with a jealous eye to the condudl of their re*, fpedtive governors; and to every regula- tion in the parent (late, which relates to their external or internal interefts. In the northern provinces, a republican fpirit evidently prevails ; and in the middle and fouthern, they are, perhaps, too ready in taking the alarm, whenever they conceive any meafures are in agitation which may leflen their imnortance, embarrafs their trade, or render them more dependent on the mother country. Almofl from the commencement of their fettlements, they have occafionally combated againft real, or fuppofed innovations ; and I am perfuaded, whenever they become populous, in pro- portion to the extent of tiieir territory, they cannot be retained as Britifh fubjeifts, otherwife than by inclination and interefl. But I am wandering into a wide, unpleaf- ing field of political difquilition, inflead of Let. II. i- R b M America; i7 of purfuing the more agreeable path of defcriptioh. The governor's houfe is moft beautifully fituated, and when the neceflary alterations are completed, it will be a regular, conve- nient, and elegant building. The garden is not extenlive, but it is difpofed to the utmoft advantage ; the centre walk is ter- minated by a fmall green mount, clofe to which the Severn approaches ; this eleva- tion commands an extenfive view of the bay, and the adjacent country. The fame obje<5ts appear to equal advantage from the faloon, and many apartments in the houfe ; and perhaps I may be juftified in aflerting, that there are but few manfions in the moft rich and cultivated parts of England, which are adorned with fuch fplendid and roman- tic fcenery. The buildings in Annapolis were for- merly of fmall dimenfions, and of an in- C elegant If k • ! .,|:|'.'!t'' 18 LETTERS Let. ir. elegant conflruiflion ; but there are now feveral modern edifices which make a good appearance. There are few habitations without gardens ; fome of which arc planted in a decent ftile, and are well flocked. At prefent, this city has more the ap- pearance of an agreeable village, than the metropolis ,of an opulent province, as it contains within its limits a number of fmall fields, which are intended for future erec- tions. But in a few years, it will probably be one of the bell built cities in America, as a fpirit of improvement is predominant, and the fituation is allowed to be equally healthy and pleafant with any on this fide the Atlantic. ,1:' r ■ There is not, however, any probability that Annapolis will ever attain any im- portance in a commercial point of view : the Let. II. FROM America* tf the harbour is not capable of containing many veflels of confiderable burthen ; and the hazard of being frozen up, for a long period, during winter, is a powerful obfta- cle to mercantile purpofes. It is, however, the feat of Government ; the public offices are here ellablifhed; and as many of the principal families have chofen this place for their refidence, there are few towns, of the fame fize, in any part of the Britifh dominions, that can boafl a more poliflied fociety. '.vl m -m You cannot travel any confiderable dif- tance in this country, without croffing ri- vers, many of them wider than the Thames j at Woolwich. Over thefe, regular ferries are eftablifhed, at the charge of the refpec- I tive counties -, but though every proper method is adopted for expedition, yet fuch I a number of confiderable waters unavoida- bly occafion great delay. C 2 Ia 20 LETTERS Let, ir. In the vicinity of Annapolis are many pleafan?. villas, whofe proprietors are emi- nent for their hofpitality. Colonel Sharp^ the lat" Governor, pofTelfes a moft de- lightfi 1 'ctircment, about fcven miles dif- tant J his hoiife is on a large fcale, the defign is excellent, and the apartments well fitted up, and perfectly convenient. The adjacent grounds are fo judiciou'fly difpofcd, that utility and tafte are every where happily united -, and when the wor- thy owner has completed his extenlivc plan, Whitehall wiii be one of the mofl delirable fituations in this, or in any of the neighbouring provinces. Colonel Sharp has refided many years in this country, where he has eftablifhed a reputation which reflec^ts the highell ho- nour on his public capacity, and on his private virtues. This gentleman does not feem to entertain any idea of returning to hit Let. i[. his nati' fpend til limits of governed tion to tl: vereign. IHav caHern ih narrative : enter tainm givQ you : our journe On the nor aiid hit men, amor be included properly aci the weathe; pleafan<- cr^k to the feat o Let. II. F R o M A M E a I c A. ai his native land, but appears inclined to fpend the refidue of his days, within the limits of a province, which he has fo long governed with honour to himfclf, fitis fac- tion to the people, and fidelity to his fo- vereign. AnnapoUsy Ooloher i<:)th, I Have lately made an excuriion to the caftern fliore of this province. As the narrative may poffibly afford you fome entertainment, I fhall here endeavour to give you an account of the particulars of our journey. On the thirteenth injflant, the gover- nor and hib Judy, with a party of gentle- men, amongfi: whom I had the honour to be included, rmbarked on board a veflel properly accommodated Lr our reception ; the weather was remarkably fine, and a pleafan<- gale wafted us, in about five hours, to the feat of Mr. C — ^. C 3 This '} \ 'h i "i ' .1;: 12 LETTERS Let. n. This gentlemdn rcfides on an ifland in the Chefapeak, about feven miles in length, and of different breadth ; the whole of which, being his intire property, is well cultivated, and produces great quantitic;:» of lobuccOj grain, cattle, and flock of viuious kinds; and as it abounds likewife with game, the worthy proprietor lives, in a manner, inde- pendent of mankind, ihe monarch of his. Iktle fcitile territory. Early on the following morning, feve- ral of the neighbouring gentry vifited the illand, to pay their refpedls to the gover- nor, and invitations poured in from every quarter. We were, however, under the neceflity of declining thefe proofs of atten- tion ; his Excellency being obliged, on the lixteenth, to attend fome provincial con- cerns in Annapolis. Accordingly, after partaking of a fubflantial breakfafl, in the true American flyle, which confiflcd not only Let. il f r o m A m e r i c a. 43 only of tea, coffee, and the ufual accompa- niments, but likewife of ham, dried veni- fon, beef, and other relifhing articles, we took leave of our friendly hoft, ferried over from his illand to the main land, v^^here car- riages were waiting for our accommodation, and proceeded about twenty miles along the banks of the Chefapeak, In the courfe of this little tour, we paf- fed feveral plantations, which not only pro- claimed the opulence, but the tafte of their owners. About noon, we arrived oppofite Kent Ifland, which, on that fide, is only divided by a narrow flream from the main land : we were quickly conveyed to the oppofite fhore, and in a fhort time came to the houfe of Mr. H. where we enjoyed a cheerful evening j and on the following day embarked for the feat of government. Kent Ifland is a narrow tradt of land, about twenty miles in length, fertile, and C 4 well ;i^ p. m 1 V .1, r r 44 LETTERS Let. il well fettled -, many of the inhabitants pof- fefling not only the comforts, but the elegancies of life. This delegable fpot forms one parifli, the clerical emoluments of which afford a comfortable, if not an affluent fubfiftence to the incumbent. Kent Ifland ranges along the Bay, at the diftance of about ten miles from the weft- ern fhore, and beautifully terminates a mod delightful profpedt, highly variegated with wood and water. '-y As you cannot but be felicitous concern- ing my views and expedlations, you will be glad to learn that they are highly fa- vourable. In England there are few, even in great departments of the ftate, who pof- fcfs fo extenfive a patronage as the gover- nor of Maryland ; and I am perfcdlly af- fured, that his inclination to promote my intereft is in full proportion to his abi- lity. But public affairs do not, at this juncture. Let. II. FROM America. as \"-A\ jundlure, wear the moft flattering afpedt. You, who know with what applaufe the repeal of the ftamp adl was received on this fide the Atlantic, will not be furprizcd to hear, that a revival of the claim of taxa- tion, by laying duties on other articles, has renewed the apprchenfions and difcontcnts which had happily fubfided : and the efta- bliihment of admiralty courts, during the courfe of the preceding year, appears to have raifed a determined oppofition to the proceedings of government. To know where it will terminate is beyond the reach of human penetration. Ailbciations are forming from one extremity of this conti- nent to the others few appear to diflent from the popular creed j and it feems to be generally admitted, that if the Americans fteadily adnere to their non-importation agreement, they will from the intereft, if not from the equity of the Parent State, obtain redrefs of grievances. " Statift I am 26 LETTERS Let. ii. am none, nor like to be ;" therefore am by no means competent to deliver my fenti- ments on this very alarming fubjedt. There are fome zealots, w^ho are frantic enough to afFedl a bold language, and to talk of hoflile meafures, if arguments and pacific remonftrances fhoiild prove ineffedtual ; but fuch men are defervedly treated with con- tempt by the wiCe and difpaffionate. I am perfuaded, the principal perfons in every government, are not inclined to adopt any meafures but what are founded on rec- titude and moderation, from a fettled be- lief, that calm and refpedlful applications from the legiflative body, will eventually be produdive of every defired confequence. But enough of politics. I am looking forward, with impatience, to the day which will reftore me to thofe who muft partici- pate in my good, or evil fortune. Adieu ! L ETTER tET. III. FROM America. 27 LETTER III. jfnnapolisy fan, 15, 1 7 70. COLONEL F , a gentleman of confiderable property, and a mem- ber of the council, early in December, engaged the governour, with a circle of feleft friends, to pafs a few days, during the Chriftmas vacation, at his feat in Cal- vert County, about feventy miles diftant from Annapolis. Having the honour to be included in the party, I embarked on the twenty-fcjcond, with the colonel, on board a fchooner which he had fitted up for occafional excurfions -, and confidering the feafon of the year, we had a pleafant run to the place of our deftination, which is delightfully fituated within view of the Chefapeak, on the fertile banks of the river Patuxent. Roufby ,t m \- ■ 1 ■ ■ V t 'm 'f ; aS LETTERS Let. in. Roiifby Hall, which is the name of my friciul's hofpitabL* nianJion, is as well known to the weary indigent traveller, as to the aflluent gueft. In a country where hofpitality is the diflinguifliin;^^- feature, the benevolent owner has eilablilhed a pre- eminence, which places his charader in an exalted point of view. The governor, on account of fome par- ticular engagements, did not quit Annar polis till the twenty-fixth ; and on thu thirtieth I accompanied Colonel F ta the habitation of a gentleman, about twen- ty miles diftant, where, by appointment, we met his Excellency, with a numerous party, who had aflembled to bid him wel- come. All the good things of a plentiful country decorated the table of our muni- ficent hoft ', the wines were excellent, and various ; and cheerful blazing fires, with enlivening converfation, exhilarated the fpirits. 1;F.T. HI. F R M A M E R r C A» 3^ fpirits, and rendered us totally regardkls of the rigour of an American winter. On the cnfuing day, the whole company pro- ceeded to Roulhy Hall, where we coi.ti- nued, in the full enjoyment of genuine hofpitality, till the third month j and it was with the utmoft: relucftance we were then permitted to take our departure. Since we quitted Colonel F- v/c have vifited moft of the principal families in Calvert, St. Mary's, Charles, Prince George's, and Anne Arundel Counties; and were every where received with the mofl obliging proofs of regard and attention. From the feverity of the weather, we oc- cafionally encountered fome hardfliips and inconveniences, but we were amply com- penfated at the end of every flage, by excel- lent accommodations, and fumptuous fare. Notwithftanding the dreary feafon, the eye was gratified with many pid:urefque and noble objects : we travelled a confiderable way Win 30 LETTERS Let. iir. i way on the banks of the great river Potow- mac, which feparates Maryland from Vir- ginia ; and though this country is greatly inferior, in its prefent ftate, to the highly cultivated parts of South Britain, yet, on the whole, it is well fettled ; the generality of the plantations are difpofed with the ut- moft regularity, and in very many of the habitations wc found elegance as well as comfort. We pafled an agreeable evening with a family, nearly oppofite to Alexandria in Virginia ; and, had the weather been mo- derate, intended to have crofTed the river on a vifit to Major Wafliington, who, as you may recoiled, particularly diftinguifli- ed himfelf in the tranfadtions of the late war : this gentleman has a pleafant feat on the banks of the Potowmac, in the vici- nity of the above town, which is named Mount Vernon, where he refides in full pofleflioDi of univerfal love, and efleem. Yeftcr- Let. in. from America. 31 Yefterday we returned fafe to Annapolis, greatly fatisfied with our expedition. Febriary 20. On Saturday laft our little city appeared in all its fplendor. It was the anniver- fary of the proprietary's birth. The go- vernor gave a grand entertainment on the occalion to a numerous party : the com- pany brought with them every difpofition to render each other happy ; and the fef- tivity concluded with cards, and dancing, which engaged the attention of their re- fpedive votaries till an early hour. I am perfuaded there is not a town in England of iihc fame fize as Annapolis, which can boa/l a greater number of fa- shionable and handfome women ; and were I not fatisfied to the contrary, I fliould fuppofe that the majority of our belles pof- fefled every advantage of a long and fami- I • lur 32 LETTERS Let. ni. liar intercourfe with the manners and ha- bits of your great metropolis. I am told that beauty in this country is not of long duration : it is alfo aflerted that, in general, the men do not poffefs fuch good ftamina as the natives of Great Britain. Though every way equal in ge- nius and enterprize, they are fuppofed lefs able to fupport fatigue, and to encounter the hardships of laborious employments. During the winter there are afTemblie j every fortnight ; the room for dancing is large ; the conllrudtion elegant ; and the whole illuminated to great advantage. At each extremity are apartments for the card tables, where fele^l companies enjoy the circulation of the party-coloured gentry, without having their attention diverted by the found of fiddles, and the evolutions of youthful performers. About 1 Let. in. F R o jkt America. S$ About Chriftmas an intenfe froft fet in, which has continued till a few days fince, with unremitting feverity. Our principal rivers/ for feveral weeks, have been pafT- able for carriages heavily laden ; and in particular lituations, innumerable fkaters have exhibited on the glaiTy furface their feats of dexterity. It is certainly extraordinary, that in a latitude nearly parallel with Gibraltar, the inhabitants fliould experience, for a confi- derablc duration, r. degree of cold to which the northern extremities of the Britifli Iflands have never been accuil:omv';d : this, I am informed, proceeds entirely frir local circumflances ; the winds, prevalent in winter, blowing over thofe immenfe lakcij, fituated to the weft ward of this, and fome neighbouring provinces, impregnate the air with frigid particles, that make us D fenfiblc 34 LETTERS Let. in. fenlible of an inclemency equal to that ex- perienced by the fhivering Laplander. In this country a heavy fnow generally precedes the frofl, during the continuance of which the atmofphere is beautifully fe- rene, without any of thofe pernicious fogs fo prevalent in your humid climate. Notwithflanding the exten^ve foreds that abound throughout this vaft conti- nent, fuel is an expenfive article in all the confiderable towns : provifions are in ge- neral cheap, but the price of labour is high, from which circumflance firing i<; comparativeiy dear, even on the mofl ceco- noinical plan. I am, however, perfuaded that, by prudent management, a refpec- table appearance may be fupported in Ma- ryland, on terms infinitely more reafon- able than in moft parts of the mothejr country, Let. iir. FROM America. 35 country; and that greater opportunities are afforded to the induftrious and enter-- prifing, to lay the foundation of a com- fortable provifion for a fucceeding genera- tion. I am, &c. D 2 LET- c a'.! I 36 LETTERS Let. IV, LETTER IV, ""i*!" j.: Jnnapolis, April 2y 1770. 1 THANK you, my friend, for your very warm congratulations, on my pre- fent happy, and promifmg eftablifhment. The fceneis, indeed, reverfed; the remem- brance of former difappointments tends but to excite a grateful fenfibilit^ of that pro- vidential goodnefs which has fafely con- duifted me through a maze of diiHculties and embarrafTments, reftored me to all the blcffings of domeflic peace, and, appa- rently placed me in a fituation that has little to fear from a reverfe of fortune. VoLi have been rightly informed rcfped- >ng the condud of our worthy governor. From every obfervation I have, hitherto, been enabled to make, he appears perfedly com- Let. IV. F R O M A M E R I C A. ^7 competent to the difcharge of his impor- tant duty. Not only in the fummer, but during the extreme rigour of an Ameri- can winter, it is his cuftom to rife early : till the hour of dinner he devotes the whole of his time to provincial concerns ; the meanefl individual obtains an eafy, and immediate accefs to his perfon -, he invefti- gates, with accuracy, the complicated duties of his flationi and difcovers, upon every oc- cafion, alacrity in the difpatch of bufmefs; and a perfed: knowledge of the relative con- nexions of the country. \ M Had he been appointed to fucceed a perfon who had confulted his private advantage in preference to that of the public ; who had been found unequal to the difcharge of his important truft, or remifs in the execution it would have re- quired no extraordinary exertion of abi- lities to have appeared in a fiivourable D 3 P^'iJ^t M mi LETTERS Let. iv. point of view. But his immediate prede- ceflbr, by the invariable redtitude of his conduift, the affability of his manners, and his unremitting attention to the happinefs and profperity of Maryland, had eftablifli- ed a well merited popularity, which, du- ring an adminiftration of fixteen years, continued in full force, and has fecured to him the unabated love, and attachment of a grateful people. That our prefent fupreme magiftrate pof- felles an extenfive capacity for government, is, indeed, obvious to the moft fuperficial obferver ; but it may be objedled, that ex- perience is yet wanting to confirm his claim to eminent diilindion. I admit the force of the objedlion j and will likewife acknowledge the influence of partiality. He is my patron ! my benefadcr ! I may poffibly be animated by the impulfe of gratitude, to delineate his condud in the ftrongefl Lei /Ire leav whi blifl himj lion femb decia: fediiv vanta^ feen t been /ions. *€ *' I <( of I « ranc €t ture dily wher 1 Let. IV. FROM A m e r i c a. 39 flrongefl colours. To time I therefore leave him, the only true criterion by which any character can be properly efta- blifhed. To that incontcftible decilion he himfelf emphatically appeals in the conclu- fion of his firfl fpeech to the general af- fembly of the province. Let me quote a declaration which, fhould he be found de- fedive, will ftand recorded to his difad- vantage, and likewife prove that I have feen through a falfe medium, and have been too precipitate in drawing conclu^ fions. hP ** Gentlemen of both Houfes, " I am fenfible that I fhall be judged *' of by my aftions, and not by any afTu- " ranees I may new give you of my fu- " ture condud. To that tefl I moft rea- " dily fubmit, and (hail be truly happy, " when I leave yoir, to be able, like my . , D 4 ** pre^ 40 LETTERS Lit. IV. . a At the demife of Charles the Second, a weak, arbitrary, and tyrannical monarch fuc- J Let. IV. FROM America.. 43 fucceeded to the throne; during whofefliort, but pernicious adminiftration, this noble family were again deprived of their pofTef- fion, which had been derived from royal bounty, and had been wonderfully improv- ed, at the expence of infinite labour and proportionable difburfements. They were, however, again reinftated, in confequence of that glorious revolution which eftabliih- €d the Britifli conftitution on $ firm unal^ terable bafis. m Though, by this ever-memorable event, the proprietor was reftored to the profits of the government, yet the right of go- verning could not, confiftently, under the new fyflem, be conferred on a Roman Ca- tholic; therefore, until the family renounc- ed that communion, the crown aflumed the power of appointing the fupreme ma-f giftrate. Lord mw 1'' i .Mi |:.,/^fTFf I . '■' \n '■ ';i ''■-■ \m^ VM 44 LETTERS Let. IV. Lord Baltimore, the prefent proprietor, has a right to excrcife in his own perfon, all the executive offices of government ; and in his abfence to nominate one to that department, with the confent and appro- bation of his majefty. The prefer t governor, who married his cldefl fifter, was elevated to that fituation, 2 few months before my arrival in the country. Maryland is divided into fourteen coun- ties, ieven on the weftern, and feven on the eaflern fide of the bay, each of which fends four reprefentatives to the general af- fembly. The city of Annapolis has like- wile the privilege of delegatins; two. Thefe gentlemen form the lov c oufe, and, if I may compare fmall things to great, poffefs fimilar powers with the commons in the Britifli parliament. The council, is compofed I'v Let. IV. F R O M A M E R 1 C A. 4f compofed of ten members, who are nomi- nated by the governor : they have the appel- lation of honourable, and with them he is to advife in all matters refpeding the gene- ral interefts of the community. During the fitting of the aflembly, they become a fuperior branch of the legillature, and their confirmation is eflential to the pafling of all laws. 11 I 't:'- The governor is, in every particular, the reprefentative of the Crown. He ap- points the time for the fitting of both Houfes ; his afl!ent is necelTary for the con- firmation of their proceedings ; and he pro- rogues or diflblves them, as appears to him moft confiftent with the authority of Go- vernment, and the inteiefts of the people. I have previoufly obferved, that Mary- land was originally fettled by a colony of Roman Catholicks, who emigrated from 6 Ireland If:' Rii'" 46 LETTERS Let. m Ireland early in the lall century, under the patronage of the then Lord Baltimore. For fome time the inhabitants o£ that per- fuafion maintained the entire afcendancy ; but their numbers are at prefent very in- con fiderable, and their influence of no weight in the public concerns of the pro- vince They, however, continue to be tolerated, without being permitted to par- ticipate in the offices of government. The cftablifhed religion is that of the church of England, the members of which com- munion very greatly exceed the aggregate body of the diflenters of every denomi- nation. The province is divided into forty-four pariflies, many of which are populous and extenfive. The pa ronage is folely vefted in the governor, who is thereby enabled to provide, in an ample manner, for many worthy and refped:able charaders; and when Let* IV. FROM America. 4f when all circumftances are taken into con- fideration, the clergy in this part of the world, will be found to poflefs advantages greatly fuperior to the generality of their brethren in the mother country. , Plurali- ties have never been admitted, the colo- nifts being univerfally prepofTefled againft that pradice ; and to attempt fuch an in- novation, would excite ferments of a dan- gerous nature. Each incumbent has a neat and convenient habitation, with a fufficient quantity of land, in proper culti- vation to anfvver eveiy ufeful and domeftic purpofe i and the emoluments arifmg from the leaft beneficial preferment, are amply fufficient to fupport an appearance, per- fedlly confiftent with the refpedtability of the clerical profeffion. The holders of church benefices are alfo happily exempted from the frequent altercations, which una- voidably take place in the mother country, on account of the colle^Ion of tythes. -? • By « 4t LETTERS Itr. tr. By the laws of this province, all public dues are levied by a poll-tax. The clergy, from this provifion, are entitled to forty pounds of Tobacco for every perfon within a limited age, at the rate of twelve /hil- lings and fix-pence the hundred weight. Perfons who plant Tobacco have it in their option to pay either in money or in produce j thofe who do not, are conftantly aflefled in fpecie. A lift of the taxables, properly authenticated, is delivered to the iherifF of each county, who coUcdls the clerical revenues, with other public c'lims ; and deducting a moderate commiffion for tranfadting this concern, the relidue is paid with regularity and difpatch, to the refpec- tive incumbents. a . ! I ' ^i' ;> ^' 'I'iili! h,i:J, As the emoluments of benefices in- creafe, in proportion to the increafe of inhabitants, many benefices in this go- vernment are rapidly advancing in value, and ;■■'.:■"*::. ., V '^ n ■ ill Let. IV. FROM America. 49 and muft, before many years elapfe, very greatly exceed the prefent annual amount. Frederick County, which is confiderably the moft extenfive in this province, in its pre- fent ftate, is only divided into two pari(hes, one of which, denominated All Saints, I am credibly informed is, at this period, efti- mated at full one thoufand pounds fterling, per annum ; and from the great increafe of population, which is daily taking place in that beautiful and fertile country, it will, very probably, foon produce an income little inferior to many Engliih bifhopricks. '^i 1 cannot conceive on what principle the colonifts are fo ftrongly prejudiced againft the introduftion of the epifcopal order: fuch an eftablifhment would afluredly be attended with many local advantages, and fave much trouble and expenfe to gent'emea E cLUca- ■f Im:» M 50 LETTERS Let.iv. educated In America for the facred func- tion, who, on the prefent fyftem, are under the neceflity of taking a voyage to England for the purpofe of ordination. Through- out the fouthern provinces, the members of the eftablifhed church greatly exceed thofe of all other denominations; yet I am perfuaded, any attempt to eftablifh an hierarchy, would be refifted with as much acrimony as during the gloomy prevalence of puritanical zeal. This fpirit of oppo- fition, to a meafure fo evidently condu- cive to the general good, is the more ex- traordinary, as the inhabitants of this part of America difcover, on every poflible oc- cafion, an enlarged and liberal difpofition. They have, however, conceived fuch rooted prejudices againft the higher orders of the church, that they are politively perfuaded the advantages to be acquired, by fuch an inflitution in the colonies, would by no 6 means 4 Lit. IV. FROM America. 51 meails counter-balance the evils which might arife from it *. ■'. 'I In a political point of view, indepen- dent of religious motives, it is much to be lamented, that a plan of this nature was not determined on, before the colonies had arrived to their prefent degree of popula- tion * The eftablifliment of epifcopacy in America, fince the conclufion of the war, is among thofe very extra- ordinary circumftances which cannot be accounted for by human penetration. . While the colonies were a part of the Britifh empire, the introduction of dignitaries was oppofed with a moft determined fpirit, from an opinion, generally conceived, that the powers they would be authorifed to exercife, might eventually be fubverfive of freedom; but when they were entirely at liberty to adopt any regulations for ecclefiaftical government, totally independent of the mo- ther country, they voluntarily and un^umoufly foliciccd the confecration of biihops. £ 2 About ■ I ■f II 5* L t T T E R S Let. IV, tion and cunfcqucnce : had an order of nobility been created, and dignitaries in tlie church appointed at an early period, it would moil afluredly have greatly tended to cherilh a fleady adherence to monar- chical principles ; and have more flrongly rivetted About three years fincc, two clergymen, one from New York, and the other fronn Philadelphia, arrived in England, and received cpilbopal confecration. An ad; of Parliament had previoufly pafled, for the purpofe of difpenfmg with the oaths to the Britifh government, in the cafe of thofe gentlemen, and iu all funilar calls. They were properly recommended hither, by a conven- tion of the clergy in the United Stai^. of America; and another of their brethren, fandlioned in like manner from Virginia, has been lately confecrated here, as bifhop for chat ftate, under the forementioned authority. So that there are three biftiops now in that country, who will have full power to continue the uninterrupted fuccef- fion, which has exifted from the days of the apoftles; not to mention a gentleman who, a confiderable time before the others, had been confecrated by the non-jur- ing bifhops in Scotland, and who refides in Connedicut. None ■ ' "n m Let. IV. PPOM America. 53 rivctted the attachment of the colonies to the parent flate. Inattention to prin- ciples of fuch importance, has gradu- ally given birth to fentiments totally re- pugnant to the genius of our moft excel- lent conftitution. A republican fpirit ap- None of thefe, however, have any fixed income, but depend upon the voluntary contributions of their rcfpec- tive congregations, to whom they regularly preach on fundays, and officiate as parifh priefts. They have the title of Right Reverend, but have no particular powers, except that of ordaining deacons and priefts, and fupcrin- tending the religious and moral condu£t of the clergy, who are, in fome fort, rendered accountable to them. It is, I believe, generally allowed, that the members of the epifcopal church increafe, throughout all the States, beyond any other denomination, although they are nearly upon an equality with the others, refpeding the privileges from the civil power. In Britifh America, there is a bi- fliop, chiefly refident in Nova Scotia, who has much the fame diftindtion with thofe already particularifed j but enjoys an eftablifhed falary of about eleven hundred poundfi fterling a year. E3 pear* If' I?? 54 LETTERS Let. IV. pears generally to predominate ; and it will undoubtedly require the utmoft exertion of legiflative wifdom, to eflablifli on a per- manent bafis, the future political and com- mercial connexion between Great Britain and America. There are many difcerning and intel- ligent perfons, who arc decidedly of opi- nion that the acquifition of Canada is hignly prejudicial to the interefts of the mother country. The Americans are, by this event, relieved from continual appre- henfions ; their frontiers are no longer ex- pofed to the incurfions of a refllefs enter- prifing neighbour j and they begin to en- courage ideas of felf-importance, which have been wonderfully promoted by the fuccefs attending their recent oppofition to the operation of the ftamp duties. Had Let. IV. r R o M A M B R I c A. 55 Had Canada ftill continued annexed to the French empire, it is evident that the Britifh provinces, from a v^^ell-grounded dread of fuch numerous and pow^erful op- ponents, muft unavoidably, on a principle of felf-pfefervation, if not of afFedion, have remained firmly and indiflblubly attached to the parent ftate : a juft apprehenfion of real calamities w^ould have operated with efficacy againfl imaginary evils; and the natural and conftitutional dependence of the colonies, on the protedion and aflifl- ance of Great Britain, vv^ould have pro- moted a conftant and mutual interchange of friendly and benevolent offices, which muft have fettled the union on a perma- nent foundation, and on terms reciprocally honourable and advantageous to both coun- tries. 4 I What will be the event of the prefent difcowtents, which, I am truly concerned E 4 to M '^i'T'if t 'Vl^i 56 LETTERS Let. iv, to obferve, are univerfally predominant, time alone can determine. There are amongft us, many reftlefs fpirits, who are evidently induftrious in fomenting divi- iions, and exciting jealoufiesj and uniefs wife and conftitutional meafures are imme* diately adopted, there is too much reafon to apprehend confequences of a ferious and alarming nature, You will think, and with great juftice, that I have ventured far beyond my depth, in prefuming to defcant on fuch important topics; but remember it was you who flarted the game ; I have only, like an un- fkilful rider, followed an irrefiflible im- pulfe, and if I retain but my feat on the faddle, I fhall be amply fatisfied. Adieu ! &c. LETTER Ljt. v. FROM America. 57 T LETTER V. Jnnapolisy June 8/J, 1770, H O U G H we arc yet far behind the mother country, with refpedt to cul- tivation and improvements, yet, in a com- parative view, Maryland may boaft confi- derable advantages. The inhabitants arc enterprifing and induftrious; commerce and agriculture are encouraged 5 and every circumftance clearly evinces, that this co- lony is making a rapid progrefs to wealth, power, and population. Provifions of every kind, are excellent and plentiful; and the Chefapeak, with our numerous rivers, affords a furprifing variety of excellent fifh. Poultry, and wild-fowl, abound amongft the humble cotta- ■ I h 58 LETTERS Let. v. cottagers ; and beef, mutton, pork, and other proviiions, are at leaft equal to the produd:ion of the beft Britilh markets. Deer, a few years fince, were very nu- merous in the interior fettlements ; but, from the unfair methods adopted by the hunters, their numbers are exceedingly diminifhed. Thefe people, whofe only mo- tive was to procure the hide of the animal, were dextrous, during the winter feafon, in tracing their path through the fnow ; and from the animal's incapacity to exert fpeed, under fuch circumftances, great multi- tudes of them were annually flaughtered, and their carcafes left in the woods. This pradtice, however, has been thought wor- thy the attention of the legiflature, and an adt of affembly has taken place, laying fe- vere penalties on " perfons detedled in ** purfuing or deftroying deer, within a ** limited term ;" and it is probable, the appre- , :4 1 Lit. v. fromAmerica. 59 apprehenfion of punifbment oay very greatly reftrain, if not totally eradicate an evil founded on cruelty and rapacity. In England, almoft every county is dif- tinguifhed by a peculiar dialedt j even dif- ferent habits, and different modes of think- ing, evidently difcriminate inhabitants, whofe local fituation is not far remote.- but in Maryland, and throughout the adja- cent provinces, it is w^orthy of obfervation, that a ftriking limilarity of fpeech uni- verfally prevails \ and it is ftridtly true, that the pronunciation of the generality of the people has an accuracy and elegance, that cannot fail of gratifying the moft judicious ear. The colonifts are compofed of adventu- rers, not only from every diftridb of Great Britain and Ireland, but from almofl every other European government, virhere the prin- .1 R;W 60 LETTERS Lft. r. principles of liberty and commerce have operated with fpirit and efficacy. Is it not, therefore, reafonable to fuppofe, that the Englifh language muft be greatly corrupted by fuch a ftrange intermixture of various nations ? The reverfe is, however, true. The language of the immediate defcendants of fuch a promifcuous anceftry is perfectly uniform, and unadulterated ; nor has it bor- rowed any provincial, or national accent, from its Britifli or foreign parentage. For my part, I confefs myfelf totally at a lofs to account for the apparent diffe- rence, between the colonifts and perfons under equal circumflances of education and fortune, refident in the mother coun- try. This uniformity of language pre- vails not only on the coafl, where Eiiro- peans form a confiderable mafs of the peo- ple, but likewife in the interior parts, where population has made but flow ad- vances ; ;;■;'' ,■1' Let. V. FROM America. 6i vancesj and where opportunities feldom occur to derive any great advantages from an intercourfe with intelligent flrangers. ■P You, my friend, are feated at the foun- tain head of literary and political intelli- gence, and from you I ihall expedl fre- quent, and circumflantial communications. Moil fmcerely do I wifh you may be en- abled to acquaint me, that the firft tranf- a(5tion in the enfuing felhons of parliament, is a total repeal of adls, which are never likely to be produdive of any confiderablc revenue ; and which are efteemed in this country, to have no other tendency but to enforce claims, which the colonifts univer- fally conlider as impolitic and unconftitu- tional. How far their fcntiments are juftly founded, I am by no means competent to determine j but it is a certain fad, that the ftatute impofmg duties on glafs, paper, and tea, has undermined the foundation of that cordiality, Ti I] V* *. ' M' nnHH ^HIh-'' ^^^H ^1^ '-' '«■ ^^P' ^K' ;- ^j 6dl LETTERS Let. v. cordiality, which the repeal of the ftamp a and in the ■ii Let. VI. FROM America. 65 the Carolinas they confidcrably exceed the number of white inhabitants *. * Notwithftanding the climate of North America is Icfs favourable to the conftitution of negroes than the European fcttlements in the Torrid Zone, they never- thelcfs increafe rapidly in almoft every part of that ex- tenfive continent. The laft importation of flaves into Miiryland was, as I am credibly informed, in the year 1 769 i and though great lofles have been fuftained in con- fequcnce of the war, and defertions to the Britiih ftand- ard, their numbers are at leaft doubled fince that time, without any foreign fupply. To account for a cir- cumftance, apparently fo improbable, it muft be ob- ferved, that on the American continent, the planters ge- nerally adopted a more liberal mode in their African in- tercourfe, than has been purfued in the iflands. They did not import flaves for the fupply of foreign fettlementS) but purchafed for their own immediate ufe, without any particular preference to either fex. The confequence is obvious, they have multiplied in a due proportion, and notwithftanding the occafional feverity of the cli- mate, and the recent calamities of war, their numbers are fully fufficient for their refpedtive occupations. F Mary* 66 LETTERS Let. vi. Maryland is the only province into which convidts may be freely imported. The Virginians have inflidted very fevere penal- tics on any maftcrs of vcflcls, or others, who may attempt to introduce perfons un- der this defcription into their colony. They have been influenced in this meafure by an apprchenfion, that, from the admiflion of fuch inmates into their families, the prevalence of bad example might tend to univcrfal depravity, in fpite of every regu- lation, and rcflrpining law. 1 1 K '*? (ill! i 1 ' 1 1 ' i w 1 .,■1 . Perfons convi^lled of felony, and in con- fequence tranfported to this continent, if they are able to pay the expence of paf- fage, are free to purfue their fortune agree- ably to their inclinations or abilities. Few, however, have means to avail themfelves of this advantage. Thefe imhappy beings are, generally, configned to an agent, who claiTes them fuitably to their real or fup* pofed Let. VI. r R M A M E R I c A. 67 *^ofcd qualifications ; adycrtifes them for falc, and difpofcs of thcin, for fevcn years, to planters, to mechanics, and to fuch as choofe to retain them for domeftic fer- vice. Thofe who furvive the term of fervitude, feldom cftablifli their refidence in this country : the flamp of infamy is too ftrong upon them to be eafily erafed : J they either return to Europe, and renew their former pradices; or, if they have fortunately imbibed habits of honefly and induftry, they remove to a diflant litua- tion, where they may hope to remain un- known, and be enabled to purfue with credit every poflible method of becoming ufeful members of fociety. In your frequent excuriions about the great metropolis, you cannot but obferve numerous advertifements, offering the mofl feducing encouragement to adventurers under eveiy poflible defcription ; to thofe F 2 who ' I pif 6$ LETTERS Let. ri. who are difgufled with the frowns of for- tune in their native land; and to thofe of an enterprifing difpolition, who are tempted to court her fmiles in a diftant region. Thefe perfons are referred to agents, or crimps, who reprefent the ad- vantages to be obtained in America, in colours fo alluring, that it is almoll im- pofTible to refift their artifices. Unwary perfons are accordingly induced to enter into articles, by which they engage to be- come fervants, agreeable to their refpedtive qualifications, for the term of five years; every necefiiiry accommodation being found them during the voyage ; and every me- thod taken that they may be treated with tenderncfs and humanity during the period of fervitude ; at the expiration of which they are taught to expett, that op- portunities will afluredly offer to fecure to the honeft and induflrious, a competent provifion for the remainder of their days. 6 The I i Let. VI. FROM America. 69 The generality of the inhabitants in this province are very little acquainted with thofe fallacious pretences, by which num- bers are continually induced to embark for this continent. On the contrary, they too generally conceive an opinion that the difference is merely nominal between the indented fervant and the convi(5ted felon : nor will they readily believe that people, who had the leaft experience in life, and whofe characters were unexcep- tionable, would abandon their friends and families, and their ancient connexions, for a fervile fituation, in a remote appen- dage to the Britiili Empire. From this perfuafion they rather confider the con- vidl as the more profitable fervant, his term being for feven, the latter only for five years ; and, I am forry to obferve, that there are but few inftances wherein they experience different treatment. Ne- groes being a property for life, the death F 3 of :\f mm W: 1^ 70 LETTERS Let. VI. of flaves, in the prime of youth or flrength, is a material lofs to the proprietor 5 they are, therefore, almoft in every inftance, un- der more comfortable circumftances than the miferable European, over whom the rigid planter exercifes an inflexible feve- rity. They are flrained to the utmoft to perform their allotted labour; and, from a prepofleflion in many cafes too juflly founded, they are fuppofed to be receiv- ing only the juft reward which is due to repeated offences. There are doubtlefs many exceptions to this obfervation, yet, generally fpeaking, they groan beneath a worfe than Egyptian bondage. By at* tempting to lighten the intolerable bur- then, they often render it more infup- portable. For real, or imaginary caufes, thefe frequently attempt to efcape, but very few are fuccefsful ; the country being interfered with rivers, and the ut- moft vigilance obferved in deteding per- 6 fons Let. VI. FROM America. 71 fons under fufpicious circumftances, who, when apprehended, are committed to clofe confinement, advertifed, and delivered to their refpe(5tive mafters; the party who detects the vagrant being entitled to a re- ward. Other incidental charges arife. The unhappy culprit is doomed to a fevere chaf- tifemcnt ; and a prolongation of fervitude is decreed in full proportion to expences incurred, and fuppofed inconveniences re- fulting from a defertion of duty. ■:| The fituation of the free-wilier is, in almoft every inftance, more to be lament- ed than either that of the convidt Oi the indented fervant ; the deception which is pradtifed on thofe of this defcription being attended with circumftances of greater du- plicity and cruelty. Perfons under this denomination are received under exprefs conditions that, on their arrival in Ame- rica, they are to be allowed a ftipulated F 4 number ':3 I' ' is ' t W^¥^ 'p' .t-ii;l- 72 LETTERS Let. vi. number of days to difpofe of themfelves to the greateft advantage. They are told, that their fervices will be eagerly folicited, in proportion to their abilities ; that their re- ward will be adequate to the hazard they encounter by courting fortune in a diftant region ; and that the parties with whom they engage will readily advance the fum' agreed on for their palTage ; which, being averaged at about nine pounds fterling, they will fpeedily be enabled to repay, and to enjoy, in a ftate of liberty, a compara- tive fituation of eafe and affluence. With thefe pleafing ideas they fupport, with cheerfulnefs, the hardships to which they are fubjeded during the voyage ; and, with the moft anxious fenfations of de- light, approach the land which they con- fider as the fcene of future profperity. But fcarce have they contemplated the diverfi- fod objeds which naturally attradt atten- tion i Let. VI. FROM America. 73 tion ', fcarce have they yielded to the pleaf- ing refledion, that every danger, every difficulty, is happily furmounted, before their fond hopes are cruelly blafted, and they find themfelves involved in all the com- plicated miferies of a tedious, laborious, and unprofitable fervitude. Perfons refident in America, being ac- cuftomed to procure fcrvants for a very trifling confideration, under abfolute terms, for a limited period, are not often difpofed to hire adventurers, who exped: to be gra- tified in full proportion to their acknow- ledged qualifications j but, as they fup- port authority with a rigid hand, they little regard the former fituation of their unhap- py dependants. This difpofition, which is almoft uni- verfally prevalent, is well known to the parties, who on your fide of the Atlantic engage il^ll 74 LETTERS Let, VI. ,■ ; engage in this iniquitous and cruel com- merce. It is, therefore, an article of agreement with thefe deluded victims, that if they are not fuccefsful in obtaining fitu- ations, on their own terms, within a cer- tain number of days after their arrival in the country, they are then to be fold, in order to defray the charges of pafTage, at the discretion of the mafter of the veffel, or the agent to whom he is configned in the province. You are alfo to obferve, that fervants imported, even under this favourable de- fcription, are rarely permitted to fet their feet on fhore, until they have abibiutely formed their refpedive engagements. As foon as the fliip is ftationed in her birth, planters, mechanics, and others, repair on board ; the adventurers of both fexes are expofed to view, and Very few are happy enough to make their own flipulations, fome • 4] * LBT. VI. T R M A M E R I C A. 75 fome very extraordinary qualifications be- ing abfolutely requifite to obtain this diftin<5tion -, and even when this is ob- tained, the advantages are by no means equivalent to their fanguine expedations. The refidue, flung with difappointment and vexation, meet with horror the mo- ment which dooms them, under an ap- pearance of equity, to a limited term of flavery. Charadler is of little importance; their abilities not being found of a fupe- rior nature, they are fold as foon as their term of eledlion is expired, apparel and provifion being their only compenfation ; till, on the expiration of five tedious labo- rious years, they are reftored to a dearly purchafed freedom. From this detail, I am perfuaded, you will no longer imagine, that the fervants in this country are in a better fituation than thofe in Britain. You have heard of con- 1.1 t M ■ J" ill t ,1 ■t ' ; 76 LETTERS Let. vt. viifls who rather chofe to undergo the fe- verell penalties of the law, than endure the hardfhips which are annexed to their fitu- ation, during a flate of fervitude on this iide the Atlantic. Indolence, accompanied with a train of vicious habits, has, doubtlefs, great influence on the determination of fuch unhappy wretches -, but it is furely to be lamented that men, whofe charac- ters are unblemifhed, whofe views are founded on honeft and induftrious princi- ples, fliould fall a facrifice to avarice and delufion, and indilcriminately be "blended with the moft profligate and abandoned of mankind. 1 . i ( ii; ^ '.;;'':! ',. It feems afl:oni{hing, that a circumftancc fo well known, particularly in this pro- vince, fhould not have been generally cir- culated through every part of the Britifh Empire. Were the particulars of this ini- quitous traffic univerfally divulged, thofe who i'i f, !t;,Si! Let. VI. PROM America. 77 who have eftabliflied offices in London, and in the principal fea-ports, for the re- gular conduct of this bufinefs, would be pointed out to obloquy, and their punifh- ment would ferve as a beacon to deter the ignorant and unwary from becoming vic- tims to the inlidious pradlices of avarice and deceit. I am ready to admit there is every ap- pearance of candour on the part of the agents, and their accomplices. Previous to the embarcation of any perfon under the refpedive agreements, the parties re- gularly comply with the requifitions of a law, wifely calculated to prevent clan- defline tranfportation ; they appear before a magif^rate, and give their voluntary affent to the obligations they have mu- tually entered into. But are not fuch ad- venturers induced to this meafure in con- fequence of ignorance and mifreprefenta- tion I Afluredly they are. They are in- duftriouily '«w f, 1 ''' l I V A; |i> •:F».;- 7S LETTERS LET.n. duftrloufly taught to expedt advantages in- finitely fupcrior to their moft fanguine views in Britain. Every lucrative incentive is delineated in the mofl flattering colours ; and they fondly expecft to acquire that in- dependence in the revolution of a few years, which the longeft life could not promife, with the exertion of their beft abilities, in the bofom of their native country. I will relieve your attention from this painful fubjedt, by relating an anecdote of an interefting nature, with which I be- came acquainted foon after my arrival in thefe parts. A gentleman of confiderable influence and fortune, purchafed a fervant as an af- fiflant to his gardener ; having been pre- vioufly informed that he had originally adt- ed in that capacity, and was qualified for the undertaking. The man, foon after he was «!': 1 It <« Let. yi. from America. 79 was brought on fhore, received inflrudlons to enter on his bufinefs, when it was im- mediately difcovered, that he was wholly unacquainted with the nature of his em- ployment. On being interrogated relative to this deception, he acquainted his mafter, that ** extreme indigence induced him to abandon his native country — that in the courfe of the voyage, having intimated ** that he had not been brought up to any ** mechanical profeffion, he was inform- " ed by the captain, it was abfolutely ne- ** cefTary he (liould avow fome particular ** calling, in order to fecure a more com- " fortable fituation ; that in America, a " competent fkill in gardening was eafily ** attainable, and feldom required the ex- " ertion of greater talents than what ** were immediately eflential for domeftic '* purpofes } and that by engaging in ** fuch employment, he might avoid a ** more laborious fervitude, under the ** difci- !■' 89 I, E T r E R S Let. vf. Let. VI ** difcipline of fome rigid and inflexible *' planter." This declaration was delivered in terms fo apparently confident with truth, as ob- tained entire credit with his mafter, who from his deportment, and exterior, was likcwiie induced to form fentimcnts much to his advantage : he therefore determined to receive him into his family, in the capa- city f^^a domcftic, and to give him that en- cour igcmcnt, to which he might be entitled by the propriety of his future condutft. Every fentiincnt of gratitude appeared to operate on the mind of the fcrvant, when he found himfjlf dcAincd to a ftation more comfortable than his oriijinal allot- ment ; and, for fome time, the whole te- nor of his adtions was fuch as might (hew, that he highly merited the indulgence which he had fo unexpectedly obtained. For For tcntion bation ( nualiy ^ .^nd c/lc ntmofl ( obfcrvc a regard to evident al monftranc cff-aiial : ^gn any c; ^*" his con the houfe hy travellir ccalcd in tl cautions to His pJan ncverthelefs, he was difco Let. VI. FROM America. 8i For a few months his diligence nnd at- tention f-curcd hini the entire appro- bation of his mailer, and he was conti- nually gaining ground on his confidence and eftcem. It was, therefore, with the utmoft: concern, his bencfad:or began to obfervc an appearance of difcontent, a dif- rcgard to the duties of his flation, and ar. evident alteration in every particular. Re- monftrances and threats were equally in- cff^dual: his difpofition became fullen, and rcf.rved; while he obllinately refufed to af- fign any caufe for fuch an obvious change in his condu(S. At length, he quitted the houfe of his be cyolcnt employer, and by travelling in the night, and lying con- cealed in the da\ , he took the proper pre- cautions to elude the vigilance of purfuit. i His plan, though well concerted, was, ncverthelefs, ineffe(5lual. In a few days he was difcovered, almoft famifhed. Ne- G cefli ty 82 LETTERS Let. VI. ceflity compelled him to fupplicate the aid of charity : his ilory was equivocal, and excited fufpicion ; he obtained relief, but with the detention of his perfon. A ma- giftrate, before vhom he was conveyed, threatened him with confinement and ri- gorous treatment, unlefs he gave a proper and fatisfadtory account from whence he came, and the circumftances which had reduced him to his prefent fituation. Find- ing every fallacious pretext fruitlefs, he made a candid and explicit difcovery, and was, in confequence, with all poflible ex- pedition, conducted to the prefence of a mafter, whofe tendernefs he had bafely returned with fuch unpardonable ingra- titude. The mofl compaflionate nature is (d- dom proof againft repeated inftances of an incorrigible difpofition. It w.;"^ there- fore thought neccflary that he fhould ex- perience Let. VI. F R M A M E R I C A. 83 perlence the confequences of his behavi- our, but he was previoufly reminded of the repeated ads of kindnefs that had been fhown him, and the ungrateful return the had made. From fuch confiderations it was obferved, that it was a debt ftridly due to juflice to compel him to fervc the refidue of his time in the moft labori- ous employment allotted to worthlefs fer- vants. He was accordingly fentenced to the iron mines, there to reap the bitter efFedls of his condu<5t« (•I 1 1:\ Overwhelmed with the confcioufnefs of guilt, and terrified at the profpedl of the punifliment that awaited him, the un- fortunate culprit, in the moft ingenuous terms, confefled the equity of the fentence pafTed upon him, but not without an inti- mation, that there were circumftances in his cafe which, were they known, he was perfuaded, would plead powerfully in his G 2 behalf. "r -■: 1/ '-*i r Ml ;l ■■ 84 LETTERS Let. vr. behalf. An irreliftable inclination to re- turn to his native country, and the obfta- cles which appeared to bar his deluliva hopes, had poflefTed his mind with that gloom and difcontent, which had almofl obliterated the impreffions of gratitude, and occaiioned that conduft which had brousrht him into his prefent fituation. He con- cluded by declaring, that he had not the nioft diftant claim to compaffion, yet rely- ing on that goodnefs and lenity which he had fo frequently abufed, he was encou- raged to admit a ray of hope, and to fup- plicate forgivenefs, however undeferved. His humane mafler heard him with the moft candid attention. He pitied a devia- tion from red-itude, which originated in motives natural to the human mind ; and determined not only to exempt him from the fituation to which he had been juftly doomed, but to fend him, by an early op- portunity, to his much loved native coun- tryt 'm Let. VI. FROM America. 85 try, there to purfuc fuch eligible methods as Providence might luggeft for his fu- ture comfortable provifion. I fliall not attempt to delineate the tranfports which on this intimation took poll'efTion of his mind. About this time, the captain of a fliip preparing to fail for England, (ignified his want of a fteward to attend on thofe paf- fengers who had engaged his cabin for the voyage : the emancipated fervant was re- commended for this employment j his fer- vices were accepted -, and with folemn affurances of the mod lafling and grateful attachment, he bade farewel to a mailer, by whofe generous, dilinterefted condud:, he was fo providentially reflored to happi- nefs and to liberty. Two )ears elapfed without the leafl in- telligence refpedting his fituation, when, at length, a letter arrived, filled with every G 3 fenti- M t.,. I • I 86 LETTERS Let. VI. fentimcnt of gratitude. " His fenfe of " repeated obligations was acknowledg- " ed in terms which delineated a heart " confcious of the important benefits he had experienced ; and he concluded by entreating his late mafter's acceptance ** of a bill, as a trifling confideration for ** the refidue of that time, which he had been fo generouHy and humanely ex- empted from ferving." €( t( t< «i The fum remitted, very greatly exceeded the original coil of the moil valuable fer- vant. In this epiille, not the leail inti- mation was given, relative to the circum- flance which had enabled a man, * fo latelv at the loweil ebb of mifery, to fpare from his immediate occaiions, fo coniiderable a fum as thirty pounds ; but an anfwer was requeiled, to be addreiTed to a merchant in London, that the party concerned might be properly apprized his bill was received and acknowledged, Mr. Let. VI. FROM America. 87 Mr. I — was inexpreflibly happy in the pleafing reflexion, that, by an indulgence of lenity, natural to his difpofition, he had been rendered by Heaven the inftrument of fach unexpedled prolperity. He could not, for a moment, admit the idea of ap- propriating any part of fuch money to him- felf, as the payment of a debt which he confidered as a free donation to the claims of humanity ; but he was naturally anxious to become acquainted with the par- ticular events by which his late fervant was fo happily fituated as to obtain the power of tranfmitting fuch a proof of his ho- nefty and gratitude. He, therefore, im- mediately addrefled a letter to the merchant, expreffive of the ** fatisfa You well know, that I have ever been flrongly attached to the rational enter- tainment refulting from theatrical exhibi- tions. When I bade farewel to Enoland, I little exped:ed that my paflion for the drama could have been gratified, in any tolerable degree, at a diflance fo remote from the great mart of genius ; and I brought with me llrong prepolTcflions in be- half of favourite performers, whofe merits were fully cftabliflied, by the univerfal fanc- tion of intelligent judges. My pleafure and myfurprifewere therefore excited in propor- tion, on finding performers in this country equal, at leaft, to thofe who fuftain the b.. .1 of the firfl: characters in yourmoft celebrated provincial I i^ \ i- H LETTERS Let. vir. provincial theatres. Our governor, from a flrong convicflion that the ftagc, under pro- per regulations, may be rendered of general utility, and made fubfervient to the great intercfts of religion and virtue, patronizes the American Company ; and as their pre- fcnt place of exhibition is on a fmall fcale, and inconveniently fituated, a fubfcrip- tion, by his example, has been rapidly com- pleted to erredt a new theatre, on a com* modious, if not an elegant plan. The manager is to deliver tickets for two fea- fons, to the amount of the refpedlive fub- fcriptions j and it is imagined, that the money whicli will be received at the doors, from non-fubfcribers, will enable him to conduft the bufmefs without difficulty) and when the limited number of perfor- mances is completed, the intire property is to be veiled in him. This will be a valuable addition to our catalogue of amufe- ments. The building is already in a ftate of Let. VII. FROM A m k r r c \. ^f of forwarducfs, and the day of opening is anxioiiHy cxpcdcd. This circumftancc has carried me inadvertently from my pro- per fubje*5t. Give mc pardon for the di- greflion, I will return into tlie roiid from which I deviated. Annapolis, with every advantage to ren- der it an agreeable refidence, labours under inconveniences which will greatly impede its progrefs to commercial importance. The harbour, as I have formerly obferved, is not fufficiently commodious for velleh of confiderable burden ; and the road i$ too much expofed, to lade or unlade with fafety or convenience. But the province has been amply compenfated for this dif- appointment, by the rife of a fettlement, which in the memory of many perfons now in being, has increafed with the moil afto- nirtiing rapidity ; and promifes, by an equal progrefs, to rank with the moll populous 6 and I m 96 LETTERS Let. vrr. and opulent eftabliihments on this lide the Atlantic. I'tii:;. m This place, which is naincd Baltimore, in compliment to the proprietary-family, is iituated on the northern branch of the river Patapfco, about thirty miles higher up the bay of Chcfapeak than Annapolis ; and at nearly the fame diftance by land. Within thefe few years fome fcattered cot- tap-es were only to be found on this fpot, occupied by obfcure ftorckeepers, merely for the f.ipply of the adjacent plantations. But the peculiar advantages it pofTeiTcs, with refpect to the trade of the frontier counties of Virginia, Pennfylvania, and Maryland, fo ftrongly imprelTed the mind of Mr. John Stevenfon, an Irifli gentle- man, who had fettled in the vicinity in a medical capacity, that he firft conceiv- ed the important proje<5l, of rendering this port the grand emporium of Mar)'- land ■If; , . * , Let. VII. F R o M A M E R I c A. 97 land commerce. He accordingly appli- ed himfelf, with affiduity, to the com- pletion of his plan. The neighbouring country being fertile, well fettled, and abounding in grain -, Mr. S co|i- traded for confiderable quantities of wheat, he freighted vefTels, and configned them to a correfpondent in his native country : the cargoes fold to great advantage, and re- turns were made equally beneficial. The commencement of a trade fo lucrative to the firft adventurers, foon became an ob- jedt of uriiverfal attention. Perfons of a commercial and enterprifing fpirit, emi- grated from all quarters to this new and promiling fcene of induftry. Wharfs were conftrudted -, elegant and convenient habi- tations were rapidly erected ; marfhes were drained j fpacious fields were occupied for the purpofes of general utility -, and within forty years, from its firft commencement, Baltimore became not only the mofl weal- H thy i 4" / I' - ^M' l»': 98 LETTERS Let. VII. thy and populous town in the province, but inferior to few on this continent, either in fize, number of inhabitants, or the ad- vantages arifing from a well-condudled and univerfal commercial connexion*. The third place of importance in the province of Maryland, is fituated about feventy miles weft of Annapolis, and is the capital of a jnoft extenfive, fertile, and populous county. Frederick Town is the name of this fettlement. Within fifty years, the river Monocacy, about three miles to the eaftward, was the extreme boundary of cultivated eftablifhments ; and * Soon after the appointment of Mr. Eden to the go- ¥ernment of Maryland, Sir William Draper arrived in that province, on a tour throughout the continent. He contemplated the origin of Baltimore, and its rapid pro- grefs, with aftonifhment ; and when introduced, by the governor, to the worthy founder, he elegantly accofted him by the appellation of the Amcriciin Romulus. Mr. ■m 'm t\ Let. vn. from America. 99 Mr. D- , father to the prefent fecre- tary of the province, was • much cenfured for having procured confiderable trads of lands, in the vicinity of that river, which it was generally fuppofed could not even repay the trifling charge of the purchafe, for many fucceeding generations. The richnefs of the foil, and the falubrity of the air, operated, however, very power- fully to promote population^ but what chiel?y tended to the advancement of fet- tleme a this remote diftri(ft, was the arrival of many emigrants from the pala- tinate, and other Germanic States. Thefe people who, from their earlieft days, had been difciplined in habits of induftry, fo- briety, frugality, and patience, were pecu- liarly fitted for the laborious occupations of felling timber, clearing land, and forming the firft improvements; and the fuccefs which attended their efforts, induced mul- titudes of their enterprifmg countrymen li 2 to I 1 ' H :oo LETTERS Let. VII. to abandon their native homes, to enjoy the plenteous harvefl which appeared to await their labours in the wild, unculti- vated waftes of America. Let. The Germans were not the only people fenfib'e of the advantages to be derived from eilabliihments in this interior country. Many Britifh adventurers, and natives of the coad, where land was becoming fcarce and difficult to be acquired, were equally emuloi's on this occafion j and it is afto- nifliing how foon extenfive forefts became highly cultivated, and promifing fettle- ments began on all fides to extend them- felves. To fupply the real and imaginary necef- fities of thofe, by whofe perfevering efforts, and penetrating genius, immenfe unculti- vated tradts became flourifhing eftablifli- ments, ftorekeepers of various denomina- tions Let. vn. FROM America. lOl tions were encouraged to purfue the path which induftry had pointed out. Ware- houfes were accordingly ereded, and woollens, linnens, and implements of huf- bandry, were lirft prefented to the view of the laborious planter. As wealth and po- pulation increafed, wants were created, and many confiderable demands, in confe- quence, took place for the various elegan- cies, as well as neceflaries of life : and thus, by imperceptible degrees, from an humble beginning, has Frederick Town arifen to its prefent flourifliing ftate. i This place exceeds Annapolis in lize, and in the number of inhabitants. It con- tains one large and convenient church, for the members of the eftabliflied religion ; and feveral chapels for the accommodation of the German and other diilenters. The buildings, though moftly of wood, have a neat and regular appearance. Provifions H3 m are r^ 102 LETTERS Let.vi/. are cheap, plentiful, and excellent. In a word, here are to be found all conveniences, and many fuperfluities ; a lucrative trade is fupported with the back country, and a confiderable quantity of grain is fent from hence, by land carriage, to Baltimore, for exportation to the European markets. The above excepted, there are not any towns of confequence in the province of Maryland ; the reft, which bear that de- nomination, are rather inconfiderable vil- lages, the refidence of a few merchants and ftorekeepers, with a fufficient aflbrt- ment of goods for the fupply of the neigh- bourhood. Ship building, throughout this continent, is a very lucrative and extenfive branch of bufmefs 5 and I am affured by many, who are efteemed competent judges, that American veiTels are, in general, moulded in '* Let. VII. FROM America. 103 in a very elegant and fuperior ftile. The immenfe quantity of ufeful timber to be found, even on the banks of almoft every river, gives the fhipw^right peculiar ad- vantages. Thefe veflels, v^hen perfedly completed, exclulive of particular decora- tions, are freighted with produce to ibme Britifh port, and are generally fold after the delivery of their refpedtive cargoes. As an Engliihman, I cannot but enjoy the reflection, that Great Britain will ever maintain a decided fuperiority in the dura- bility and intrinfic value of her fhipping. Were a judgment, indeed, to be formed from external appearances, a cafual ob- ferver would i ail to decide, as to this article, in favour of Maryland, and the adjacent provinces ; American oak, greatly exceeding the Britifh in fize and foliage; but when the growth is taken into H 4 confi- m w If 104 LETTERS Let. vii. confideration, a manifeil advantage is evi- dent in favour of the oaks of Britain. On this continent, this very ufeful and valua- ble timber attains its higheft ftate of per- fedion in about fifty or fixty years : the natural confequence is, that being of a light and porous quality, it will not endure the depredations of time, in any degree equal to that which advances by flow de- grees to maturity. I have heard it aflTerted, by perfons of undoubted knowledge and experience, that an Englifh fliip, formed of folid and well-feafoned materials, is worth more after a fervice of twenty years, than the generality of American veflels that have failed only feven. This reafon, I think, flrongly operates againfl thofe, who penetrating into futu- rity, predi6t that the colonifts muft in- evitably, before many years are pafled, bc- 6 come . vii. evi- On alua- per- : the of a indure degree iW de- [Terted, ge and formed ials, is years, vefTels Let. VII. FROM America. 105 come great and formidable as a maritime power ; fmce the necefllty under which they muft labour, of frequently rebuilding, in order to fupport a navy, cannot but be attended with expcnces that will require immenfe revenues -, Co as always to check 'their progrefs towards that diftindtion to which they may poflibly afpire. ■1 "M" . L m )perates BO futu- uft in- d, be- come LETTER I [ I lOti LETTERS Let. VIII. L E T T E R VIII. Annapolisy Nov. 2^ '77l» IN this remote region, my dear friend, the phantom pleafure is purfued with as much avidity as on your fide of the At- lantic ; and certainly with as much grati- fication, except by the injudicious herd who form ideas of happinefs from compa- rifon alone. M .iwBm it R '^im 1 ' ^^iwH m pi f i«9^H \ w\- J ill '.■■■■ M ill i '^'' Our races, which are juft concluded, continued four days, and afforded excel- lent amufement to thofe who are attached to the pleafures of the turf; and, furprif- ing as it may appear, I afTure you there are few meetings in England better at- tended, or where more capital horfes ara exhibited. In Lf.t. VIII. FROM America. loy In order to encourage the breed of this noble animal, a jockey club has been in- ftituted, confifling of many principal gen- tlemen in this and in the adjacent provinces, many of whom have imported from Bri- tain, at a very great expence, horfes of high reputation. . 4 In America, the mild beauties of the autumnal months amply compenfate for the fervent heats of fummer, and the rigid feverity of winter. Nothing could exceed the charming ferenity of the weather dur- ing thefe races ; in confequence of which there was a prodigious concourfe of fpec- tators, and confiderable fums were depend- ing on the conteft of each day. On the firft, a purfe of one hundred guineas was run for, free only for the members of the club J and on the three following days fub- fcription purfes of fifty pounds each. Af- femblies, and theatrical reprefentations, were I -P ■yu r I loS LETTERS Let. VIII. ii!l| were the amufcments of the evening, at which the company exhibited a fafhionable and brilliant appearance. Our new theatre, of wliich I gave you an account in a former letter, was opened to a numerous audience the week preced- ing the races. The ftrudure is not inele- gant, but, in my opinion, on too narrow a fcale for its length ; the boxes are com- modious, and neatly decorated -, the pit and gallery are calculated to hold a number of people without incommoding each other ; the ilage is well adapted for dramatic and pantomimical exhibitions ; and feveral of the fccnes refled great credit on the ability of the painter. I have before obferved, that the performers are confiderably above mediocrity ; therefore little doubt can be entertained of their preferving the public favour, and reaping a plenteous harvell. Thus Let. viii. FROM America. 109 Thus far on the article of pleafure. I Ihall conchide with an obfcrvation of a fe- rious nature. > In the courfe of my excurfions, I have converfed with divers intelligent planters, who emigrated to this country, on account of various difcouragingcircumftanccs which baffled their utmofl induftry at honip. A principal caufe which has been affigned by very many for becoming adventurers in this part of the world, is the cuflom, which i^ becoming too prevalent in England, of farming cxtenfive farms, for the accommo- dation of wealthy tenants, and for greater facility in coPedting the rents. Whatever prefent advantages rr?^y virile from this practice, be aiTured a perfevc- rance therein will be attended with con- fequences very prejudicial, for by this means a feniible depopulation will enfue ; a con- I I; .tr It/ IJO LETTERS Let. viir. a confiderable trad of country will be oc- cupied hy few inhabitants, and a multiiudc of valuable members of the community, will be obliged to abandon their homes i^nd connexions, and to court fortune in a dif- tant region, where land may be procured for a trifling confideration, and where the greateft encouragement is held out to fkill and application. Reafon and experience inconteflibly prove that in the number of inhabitants conlifls the power and profperity of the ftate. Agri- culture, manufactures, and arts, are found- ed on population, and a government natu- rally becomes wealthy and formidable, by the ftrenuous exertions of induflrious com- petition. LETTER Let. IX. FROM America. Ill LETTER l^. Mnapslis, Dec, 24, 177 1- rr^HE Intenfe heat which prevails dur- •*• ing the fummer, and the extremity of cold in winter, I well know has been alTerted to be highly prejudicial to the con- ftitution J though for my own part I have not been fenfible of any material inconve- nience from the oppofite quality of the feafons, but have continued to enjoy un- interrupted health and fpirits. The variations of the weather are cer- tainly more fudden in this part of America, than even in the changeable climate of Bri- tain. During one part of the day I have frequently thought the lightefl apparel fcarcely fupportable ; when in a moment a north-weft wind has created fenfations of a very different nature, and a fabftantial 6 fuit V '.I I 112 LETTERS Let. IX. fuit of broad cloth has fcarcely been fuffi- cient to repel the cold. Whatever you have heard relative to the rigid puritanical principles and economi- cal habits of our American brethren, is by no means true when applied to the in- habitants of the fouthern provinces. Li- berality of fentiment, and genuine hofpi- tality, are everywhere prevalent; and lam perfuaded they too frequently miftake pro- fufenefs for generofity, and impair their health and their fortunes, by fplendor of appearance and magnificence of entertain- ments. The quick importation of fafliions from the mother country is really allonifhing, I am almofl inclined to believe, that a new fafhion is adopted earlier by the poliflied and affluent American, than by many opu- lent perfons in the great metropolis -, nor are opportunities wanting to difplay fupe- rior elegance. We have varied amufements, and Let. IX. FROM America. X13 and numerous parties, which afford to the young, the gay, and the ambitious, an ex- tenfive field to contend in the race of vain and idle competition. In fhort, very little difference is, in reality, obfervable in the manners of the wealthy colon'!); and the wealthy Briton. Good and bad habits pre- vail on both fides the Atlantic. It is but juftice to confefs, that the Ame- rican ladies poffefs a natural eafe and ele- gance in the whole of their deportment ; and that while they afUduoufly cultivate ex- ternal accomplifliments, they are flill anx- ioufly attentive to the more important em- bellifhm.nts of the mind. In converfation they are generally animated, and entertain- ing, and deliver their fentiments with af- fability and propriety. In a word, there are, throughout thefe colonies, v^ry many lovely women, who have never pafled the bounds of their refpedtive provinces, and yet, I am perfuaded, might appear to great I advan- 114 LETTERS Let. ix. advantage in the nioft brilliant circles of gaiety and falhion. In this country the marriage ceremony is univ\;rfally performed in the dwelling houfe'' oi ihe parties. The company, who are invited, aflemble early in the evening, and after partaking of tea and other re- frefliments, the indiilbluble contradl is com- pleted. The bride and bridegroom then receive the ac'cuftomed congratulations : cards and dancing immediately fucceed : an dcgant fuppcr, a cheerful glafs, and the convivial fong clofe the entertainment. There are few places wh-^re young peo- ple are more frequently gratified with op- portunities of aflbciating together than in this country. Befides our regular afTem- blies, every mark of attention is paid to the patron Saint of each parent dominion ; and St. George, St. Andrew, St. Patrick, and St. David, are celebrated with every par- tial ,y*.i Let. IX, t^ROM AMtfticA* 115 tial mark of national attachment. General invitations are given, and the appearance is always numerous and fpkndid. The Americans on this part of the con- tinent, have likewife a Saint, whofe hiftory, like thofe of the above venerable charac- ters, is loll: in fable and uncertainty. The firft of May is, hov/ever, fet apart to tlie memoiy of Saint Tamina, on which occa- iion the natives wear a piece of a buck's tail in their hats, or in fome confpicuous fituation. During the courfe of the even- ing, and generally in the midft of a dance, the company are interrupted by the fudden intrufion of a number of perfons habited like loHi^^s, who rufli violently into the room, fingiig the war fong, giving the whoop, and dancing in the ftile of thofe people ; a Fter which cccmony a colledion is made, and they retire well fatisfied with m their reception and entertai^iment. 11 I 2 In m^^ n6 LETTERS Let. ix. In this province liiere are fcarce any yef- tiges of the original inhabitants, but it does not appear that their numbers have been reduced by any inhuman or indired: practices of the Britifh fettlers. In Dorfpt County, on the eailcrn flic re of Maryland, there are indeed rlic remains cf a nation, once populous and pov/erful, who, to this day, ietain confiderable trads of valuable landj ior w Iiich they receive an annual con- iiilejuvion, but by no means equivalent to the real value. When every other Indian nation thought it neceflary to retire be- yond the range of the European fettle- ments, thcfe people it feems determined to continue on their native fpot. But being precluded from their former occu- pations and purfuits, they became totally indolent and inadive ; and a different habit of living, a violent propenfity to fpirituous liquors, and the havock occafioned by the fmall-pox, and other diforders, to which they ned But )CCU- )tally labit uous J the ^hich they Let. IX. F R o M A M E R I c A. 117 they were unaccuftomcd, reduced their numbers to fuch a degree, that at this time not twenty of their defccndants remain. Since no charge of cruelty can juftly be adduced, it becomes a natural enquiry what is become of thofe numerous tribes that formerly occupied this fertile territory ? Maryland, comparatively, is a fmall pro- vince, bounded on the weft by the inte- rior counties of Virginia and Pennfylvania : the Indians, from their particular mode of living, require an extenfive circuit, de- pending principally on hunting for their fupport; and wherever their game becomes fcarce, they inftantly quit that country for a more eligible fituation. As this colony became populous, by the arrival and natu- ral increafe of the new adventurers, the Aborigines were circumfcribed in their an- cient limits, and were confequently in- duced to rclinquifli their poflcflions, for a I 3 fup- f m : i ^0- i i ¥■' .?■ ii8 LETTERS Let. IX* fuppofed equivalent, and retire to a more cxtenfive field of adtion. From what caufe I cannot afcertain, but the North American Indians have ne- ver yet been known to incorporate with Europeans j nor has any progrefs yet been made in civilizing their manners, or in re- claiming them from that ignorance in which they are univerfally involved. Their habits appear rooted beyond the poffibility of convim. 1**?' #' 122 •I ) if LETTERS Let. X, ** The fame mode is cxadl / pnrfued in common warrants, to cfFcdt uncultivated lands, but the cxpcnces are rather Icfs. ** It is to be obferved, the aforef id war- rantr are to effed lands never before taken up. There are other warrants that iiTuc out of the land-office, fuch as warrants of re-furvcy, efcheat warrants, and warrants under the proclamation. ** The firft of thefe are granted to re-fur- vey a trad of land, already patented, and in which the petitioner has a fee-fimple ; and to add all, or any contiguous vacancy, whether cultivated or otherwife. This warrant, as well as all others, muft be ex- ecuted, or renewed within the firft fix months from the time of granting, other- wife they are of no force or eiFeft; and any vacant land added, if not paid for within two years from the date of the war- rant, (agreeable to fundry proclamations pubhfhed) will become fubje(5t and liable to ^his Let. X, PROM America. 123 to the benefit of the firft difcovcrer thereof. And hence the proclamation warrants take their rife, for they, atid no other warrants^ can legally efFed lands thus circumflanccd, ** Warrants of Efcheat, are only grant- ed in inftances where the original paten- tees, or perfons claiming under them, have died feifed in fee, inteftate, and without heirs, of tradls of land heretofore granted, with liberty given of efFeding, as well fuch original tradls of Efcheat, as any vacant land thereto adjoining. The compofition money payable, as in the above cafes j with this diftindion, that the quality of the efcheat land, and improvements thereon, are more particularly defcribed by the far- veyor, and from fuch defcription the agent, or receiver-general, afcertains the real va- lue of the land fo efcheated. The peti- tioner is entitled to one third of the full valuation of the efcheat for the difcovery ; iind the rcfidue, together with any vacancy added, y\\ \ % I V. tr i"':: .te. '';i'."r21 ■ I'M m ,2!!: m 124 LETTERS Let. X. added, mufl be paid for, to entitle him to a grant. The fees and expences inciden- tal to all thefe warrants, are confiderably more than in primitive furveys, and cannot be p.irticularly afcertained till the whole bufinefs is compleated. ** By an inftrudion from the Board of revenue, no certificate whatever can be patented, though every requifite be com- plied v/ith, till it has lain three months in the office. The intention of this inftruc- tion is to give pcrfons who might be in- jured by the operation of fecret furveys, an opportunity of contcfling fuch furveys by a caveat, " The land-office, and all offices re- fpeding the proprietary's revenue, are, in a great meafure, fubje>5t to the control of the board of revenue, which was efta- blifhed by the late Lord Proprietary. Upon a declaration of a caveat in the land office, if it fhould be dilTatisfadory to the parties, they ..r: liii Let. X. FROM America, 125 re- in llof fta- pou ice. :ies. Ny they may appeal to the board of revenue, and have the matter reheard and deter- mined by them." The annual revenue of the proprietary, arlfing from the fale cf lands, and the yearly quit rent, after dedu(5ting all the various charges of government, averages at twelve thou find five hundred pounds per annum. All offices, excepting thofe in the fervlce of the cufloms, are in his gift, or in the gift of his reprefentative for the time being. This patronage includes a very extenfive range of lucrative, and re- fpedful Nations ; and confequently throws great weight and influence into the fcale of government. This influence is confidered by many, as inimical to the efl^ential interefts of the people i a fpirit of party is confequently excited ; and every idea of encroachment is refifled, by the popular faftion, with all the warmth of patriotic cnthufiafm. I have .!.■ t' -.' '•' "At ■if i ^*5 iB^Jh It 126 L E T r E R S Let. X. I have before obferved, that eledtions in this province are triennial. The delegates returned, are generally perfons of the greatefl confequence in their different counties ; and many of them are perfectly acquainted with the political and commer- cial interefts of their conftituents. I have frequently heard fubjc(5ts debated with great powers of eloquence, and force of reafon ; and the utmoft regularity and propriety diftinguifh the whole of their proceed- in ^s. During the fitting of the aifembly, the members of both houfes receive a flated fum for their attendance on public bufi- nefs ; and the number of days being pro- perly certified, they are regularly paid their refpedive claims at the conclufion of each feilion *. * Members of the upper houfe, nine (hillings ftcrilng per diem ; thofc of the lower, about eight {hillings and fix-pcjice. 6 Pro- Let. X. FROM America. [127 |:Ilng and ro- Provinclal ?nd country magiflrates are appointed by the governor. The former are commiirioned to try capital offences, and important caufes relative to property ; the latter prcfide in the county courts. They have likewife, individually, power to determine caufes of the value of forty fliillings ; and to inflid punifliment on fervants, complaint being regularly made, and the matter proved by their employers. The governor has a difcretionary autlio- rity to pardon perfons capitally convid:ed ; and by the principles of the conilitution, he is obhged to fign all warrants for the execution of thofe who fufFcr agreeable to fentence. A litigious fpirit is very apparent in this country. The affizes are hcid twice in the year, in the city of Annapolis, and the number of caufes then brought forward, is really incredible. Though few of the gen- tlemen who pradlice in the courts have been ;§ u \l 128 LETTERS Let. x. been re2;'::Lrl / called to the bar, there are ieveral who ar^ confelTedly eminent in their profeiTion 5 and thofe who are pMrcfTed of fuperlor abilities, have full employment for the exertion of their talents, and are paid in due proportion by their refpedive clients. The natives of thcfe provinces, even thofe who move in the humbler circles of life, dilcovcr a flircwdnefs and penetration, not generally obfervable in the mother country. On many occafions, they are inquifitive, even beyond the bounds of propriety ; they difcriminate characters with the-jTreatefl accuracy i and tliere are few who do not fcem perfedly convcrfant with the general^ and particular interefls of the community. An idea of equality alfo fecms generally to prevail, and the inferior order of people pay but little ex- ternal lelpeft to thofe who occupy fupe- rior flutions. I. E 7 r i: R Let. XI. FROM America. 129 LETTER XL of K a Jnnapollsy Sep. yth, 1772. TT AM jufl returned from an excurfion -*■ to the frontiers of this province, in which my curiofity was highly gratified. It is impollible to conceive a more rich and fertile country than I have lately tra- verfed ; and when it becomes populous in proportion to its extent, Frederick County will, at leaft, be equal to the mofl defira- ble eftablifhment on this fide the Atlantic. In the back fettlements, where the in- habitants are but thinly fcattered, the face of the country, even at this luxuriant fea- fon of the year, exhibited in many places a dreary appearance. Lands, to a very confiderable extent, are taken up by per- fons, who looking to futurity for greater advantages, are content to clear gradually feme portions of their domains for imme- K diate \ I K k r 130 LETTERS Let. XI. liii' ^ f-^i.: 5' If!!!! 11; mtiii n diate fubfiftence. Not having the means to fell, and carry their timber away, they make a deep incifion with an axe entirely round each trunk, at the diftance of about four feet from the ground, which occafions thp leaves almoft inflantly to wither -, and before the total decay of the tree, Indian corn may be cultivated to great advan- tage, amidft the immenfe trunks that fill the dreary forefl. To have the idea of winter impreffed oa the mind, from external appearances, at a time when nature is fainting beneath the intenfe heat of an autumnal fun, is, I am inclined to believe, peculiar to this coun- try. In fome diftrids, far as the eye could extend, the leaflefs trees of an aftonifhing magnitude crowded on the fight; the creep- ing ivy only denoting vegetation 3 at the fame time, the face of the earth, was covered with golden crops, which promifed. « Richly to repay the anxious toil.'* The I^ET. XI. FROM America. 13" The habitations of the planters, in this remote diftrid of the province, are, in ge- neral, of a rude conftrudion ; the timber with which they frame their dwellings, feldom undergoing the operation of any tool except the axe. An apartment to fleep in, and another for domeftic purpofes, with a contiguous ftore-houfc, and conve- niences for their live-flock, at prefent gra- tify their utmoft ambition. Their me- thod of living, perfedly correfponds with their exterior appearance. Indian corn, beaten in a mortar, and afterwards baked or boiled, forms a difh which is the prin- cipal fubliftence of the indigent planter, and is even much liked by many per- fons of a fuperior clafs. This, when pro- perly prepared, is called homonym and when fait beef, pork, or bacon, is added, no complaints are made reipedting their fare. Throughout the whole of this province, fruit is not only plentiful, but excellent in ^he K z various « \ i" i 13* LETTERS Let. xr. various kinds. There are very few planta- tions unprovided with an apple, and a peach orchard j the peach trees are all flandards, and without the affiftance of art, frequently produce fruit of an exquifite flavour. In the woods, I have often met with vines, twining round trees of different de-^ nominations ; and have gathered from them bunches cf grapes of a tolerable fize, and not unpleafant to the palate. In procefs of time, when the colonifls are enabled to pay attention to their natural advantages, they will, afluredly, poflefs all the fuper- fluities, as well as the conveniences of life, without the neceflity of recurring to fo- reign afliflance. Even fugar, of a tolera- ble quality, they will be able to manufac- ture without application to the Britifli Iflands. A planter, at whofe houfe I partook of fome refrefliment, pro- duced a quantity of that capital luxury, the grain of which was tolerable, and the taile LiT. XI. FROM America. 133 tafte not difagreeable. This, he afTured me, was the produce of his own pofTef- fions, extracted by incifion, from a tree, great numbers of which grow throughout the interior regions of the American pro- vinces *. The fimple procefs of boiling, brought the lufcious liquid to a proper confiftency ; and he was perfuaded, when- ever more important concerns would per- mit a neceflary attention to this article, the inhabitants of the Britifli colonies would be amply fupplicd from their own inexhaufli- ble refources. About thirty miles wefl of Frederick- town, I paiTed through a fettlement which is making quick advances to perfed:ion. A German adventurer, whofe name is Ha- gar, purchafcd a confiderable tradl of land in this neighbourhood, and with much difccrnment and forefight, determined to ^ i ^.;;;f * The Maple-tree. K3 rive I ■ 134 LETTERS Let. xif. encouragement to traders, and to fc6t pro- per habitations for the ftowagc of goods, for the fupply of the adjacent country. His plan fucceeded : he has lived to be- hold a multitude of inhabitants on lands, which he remembered unocupied; and he has feen eredted in places, appropriated by him for that purpofe, more than an hundred comfortable edifices, to which the name of Hagar's Town is given, in honour of the intelligent founder. IM LETTER XII. T3 Y an ad of the afiembly of this pro- -■-^ vince, a refidence of three years is requifite as a qualification for holding any office immediately dependent on the proprietary. This regulation affords fecu- 6 rity Let. XII. FROM America. 135 If* 0- Is, ry. bc- ids, and lated 1 an hthe Dnour I 1772' ^is pro- rears is lolding on llie Is fecu- rity rity againft the intrufion of Grangers, who might arrive from the mother country, under a patronage too ftrong for any local intere/l. Having happily completed the limited term, I have begun to cx^ nee the boun- ty of my patron, and f n; felf already in pofleffion of an offitw w^ iruft and re- fpedtability ; and not unauthorized to look forward to a ftill better provifion. I hope it is unneceflary to fay, that I am content and grateful under fuch circumflances, and yet there is fomething which fecms to ob- fcure rr.y profpedt, and to leflen that hap- pinefs which would otherwife be complete. It is I know both imprudent and cul- pable, " to fliape the fafhion of uncertain ** evils ;" yet it is almoft impoflible to avoid drawing unfavourable conclufions from that fpirit of party which, at this K 4 time« >f' 1 m^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 ^1^ tii m B£ i 2.2 u mi m n-'uV 1^ 'm;; m ■K M I 136 LETTERS Let. Ktu time, appears predominant throughout the Britifh Colonies. Under pretence of fupporting the facred claims of freedom, and of juftice, fadlious and defigning men arc induftrioufly fo- menting jealoufy and difcontent^ and unlefs they are ftopt in their progrefs by the im- mediate and determined exertions of the wife and moderate, they will aggravate the diffention which is become but too evident, and involve this now happy country in complicated mifery. You may remember that I have occafi- onally attempted to give my thoughts a poetical drefs, and you have been pleafed to favour my humble efforts with your partial indulgence. The following lines, the re- fult of reflections on the political ftate of this empire, I was tempted to give to the editor of the Maryland Gazette, in which they have appeared with fome degree of approbation. Bleft 'Hi m fi\ Let. XII. PROM America. 137 Bleft Bleft was that age when, free from madening ftrife, The peaceful fliepherd told his plaintive tale i And, free from all thofe cares that harrafs life. Found real blifs fequefter'd in the vale. Content alone, with ardor, he purfu'd. He trac'd her footfteps in the fhady grove ; His fleecy wealth around he joyous view'd. And fung, in artlefs drains, the force of love ! No proud afpiring thoughts perplex'd his breaft, Or fearch of fordid gain his peace deftroy'd ; Blithe was each day — and when he funk to reft. Sweet were the flumbers which he then enjoy'd. To polifh life, fair Science rear'd her head, And numerous arts appear'd to deck the land ; Truths moral, and divine their influence fhed. And focial virtues clos'd the fhining band. O had mankind, with nobleft views elate, Improv'd the blefllings Heaven in bounty gave, Then had they not fuppos'd a partial fate. Or fhrunk, with horror, from the gloomy grave. Founded on rapine powerful empires rofe. And wild Ambition rul'd the humm mind. Fell Difcord pour'd around her baleful woes. And friends were faithlefs .'—lovers were unkind ! The fcepter'd tyrant, fwoln with hopes of fame ! Exulting thunders from the gorgeous car ! Dooms realms to flaughter for a pompous name, And proudly glories in the guilt of war ! . By I 'i \ 4: ■ V 138 LETTERS IrET. xir« By ftern Opprcfllon (Iruck, the helplefs poor. From much-lov'd cottages, and hamlets fly; Depriv'd of all, from Heaven they aid implore, Neglefted droop, and unlamented die ! Religion ! fent by Heaven to heal each grief, To point the road where human evils ceafe^ Give rankling mifery a fare relief; And footh the warring pafTions into peaces By bigot Zeal, and Superftition fir'd, With horrid Fury fcatters death around ; And deems that wretch moft pious, — moft infpir'd. Who (Irikes, with ruthlefs hand, the direful wound f Sea-girt Britannia I miftrefs of the ifles f Where Faith, and Liberty, united reign; Around whofe fertile (hores glad Nature fmiles. And Ceres crowns with gifts the induftrious fwain I Thy generous daring fons have nobly toil'd. To guard thy cliffs from arbitrary fway ; In well fought fields the baffled tyrant foil'd. Where glorious Freedom led the arduous way ! Now through the land Diflention ftalks confeft ; Wi^ f )iftruft, and Hatred in her train; The dire i. ;...tion runs from bread to breaft. And Aatefmen plan — and patriots plead in vain I All-gracious Heaven, avert the impending ftorm^ Bid every jealous, jarring faction ceafe; Let fweet Content refume her lovely form, • And o'er the land diifufe perpetual peace : And, !ii'- ^im Let. *rif. FROM America. 139 And, when again our colours are unfurl'd, May Britons nobly join one common caufe ! With rapid conquefts ftrilce the wondering world. In firm fupport of Liberty and Lav/s. n LETTER XIII. Annapolis^ Feb. 20, 1773. YOUR obfervations on the refources of America are well founded. I grant they are infinite, and I am perfuaded that, in procefs of time, (he will be ena- bled to avail herfelf of innumerable ad- vantages ; but thofe that afTert (he will ef- fetftually rival Great Britain in that inva- luable ftaple of her commerce, the woollen tnanufaSlory, are, indeed, by far" too fan- guine in their expectations : coarfe cloths for the wear of fervants and negroes, the colo- ''3i m m F"t;r 14a LETTERS Let.xiii. colonifts may probably be enabled to ma- nufadture, but infurmountable objections arife to the production of thofe of a fupe- rior quality. To judge of this climate, by the paral- lel degrees of latitude in Europe, it is na- tural to conclude, that the middle pro- vinces experience very little of the rigour of winter, and that, in fadt, their greateft inconvenience muft arife from intenfe heat, during the fummer months. But, extra- ordinary as it may appear, this country, from local circumflances, is accuftonaed to every feverity of the oppofite feafons. I aflure you, that I have been lefs fenfible of the influence of the fun in the hotteft feafons in the ifland of Jamaica, than in this part of Britifh America; and I am cre- dibly informed, iliat no material difference prevails from New York inclufive, to the fouthern extremity of Virginia. To the northward of New York the winters con- tinue ll '[ Let. XIII. FROM America. 141 tinue longer 5 the cold is equally intenfe ; and the fummer, for its fhort duration, hot in proportion. South of Virginia the cli-. .mate gradually becomes fimilarto the torr rid zone, confequently the wool degene-? rates, in a regular proportion, until the external coveriag of the {heep becomes at laft a ftrong coarfe hair refembling that of goats. In Maryland, and in the adjacent pro- vinces, the cold is more fevere from Ja- nuary till the beginning of May, than in any part of the ifland of Great Britain ; in confequence of which the American farmer is reduced to the neceffity of houfmg his fheep during that rigid feafon. Summer may, literally, be faid to be feated on the lap of winter, and the immediate tranfi- tion from cold to heat is, evidently, ex- tremely prejudicial to the growth and improvement of wool -, fo that in quality it is greatly inferior ; nor is the quantity pro- 1 -.i- f '- i-'i 142 LETTERS Let. xiri. produced proportionable to what is yield- ed in the milder regions of the parent flate. Under thefe difadvantages it may rca- fonably be concluded, that the American fettlements will ever be ncceflitated to look up to Britain for a very confiderable fup- ply of her invaluable ftaple. And even if thefe caufes did not operate, many years muft unavoidably elapfe before the colo- nifls can eftablifh or condudt manufactures in fuch a manner, as to enable them to fupply, even their own wants, on terms of greater advantage than by relying on external afliftance. This immenfe continent will require a confiderable population before the inhabi- tants can, with any propriety, divert their attention from agriculture. To fettle, and to cultivate lands muft bv ir firfl great objedt ; and the produce oi thofe exertions they mull barter in exchange for European manu- I !' F«OM America. titT. XIII. "raeillCA. ,,. manufaftures. In vam ;. helH o, .u . encouragement held forth, to induce ingenious artizans to emigrate from their original fituations. On the.r arrival, either the allurements which -Pted them deceive their e.peaations, <"• the natural wift to obtain , „ «ahii.ment. .per::::: r,: - con eration. and induces a great 1^ of h.,e .dventurers to purchafe U I "'' --P^-^-dy. bear no price, and the pi^chafers are reduced to rely on time -d.ndu.ry to recompence their Iffiduity. . ^"°"'''" "'cumftance, veo^ important -t-ature ,i We demani attLt^ The price of Hour muft be greatly ler- lened before the^ a.^ - ^ ^^ tne Americans can ^-.fT^'M --faaure to any advantage .^dt -convenience cannot be rem'edied. j'' "y an overplus of people, there are com-' pet.torsineve,yart,andaf„fficientnum- ^rofopulent inhabitants to encoumge and reward their ingenuity. At .■^ p(V •lit:' IJ-'f( : t: ■ ! ■'ri lll'fii 144 LETTERS Let. xiir. At prefent, it is evident, that almoft every article of ufe or ornament, is to be obtained on much more reafonable terms from the mother country, than from arti- zans fettled on this fide the Atlantic. It is alfo as certain, that goods of every kind produced, or manufactured in England, arc greatly fupcrior to the produce or manufac- tures of this continent. In procefs of time, but a time far diflant, the colonies may, Vindoubtedly, from their great refources, be enabled to rival Britain in many valuable articles of commerce. But in your grand flaple, the grov^rth and manufadure of vv^ool, you will, in a general point of view, {\.^TidJing/e 2ind pre-eminent. Nature, in this particular, has been exuberantly bountiful. Your fertile downs are a fource of inex- hauftible wealth. Support that fuperiority, which the benevolence of heaven has bleft you with, by a judicious and induftrious exertion of local advantages, and the power and I»fiT. XIV.' Fftniw A FROM America, and fplendor of Great p : • '^^ ♦u ^ Britain will defv the utmoft eftbrfQ r.f . ^ main fn oppofition, and re- "^-nforageswithundimini/hedlu/lrel Let ^ ^ R XIV. -nts nowt If; "'"'" ™^^°- -tropolis j;^'"^'™''-*^ British ^ "*• ^i i may prefumf* ♦,^ «»=J1 things with great IveTh """ feaion. aavances towards per- About the clofe of the year „. ather ER LETTER XV. Jfinapoiis, Nov. Sth, 1773. ** A S water to a thirfty foul, fo is ■^ ^ news from a far country." Your circumftantial letter of the fourteenth of September, afforded me the greateft fatis- » fa<5tion : I was at once entertained and in- ftrudled, by your very judicious and pointed obfervations on the prefent political fyftem. The repeal of the ftamp-a(5t, was a wife and neceflary meafure : but on what prin- ciple fubfequent laws have been enadted, which have evidently the like tendency, I am at a lofs to determine. Were the duties to be regularly collected, in confe- quence of the ads now in force, the reve- nue arifing from them, would really be inconliderable. Nor do the colonifts ground their objedions on the fums which, by this L 4 means. 152 LETTERS Let. XV. *'■'' I'M ■ i means, would be levied on the importation of the enumerated articles ; but they affert, that the principle on which they refift the operation of thefe laws, is briefly this : ** That they are wholly unconftitutional : and that to admit their legality in a fingle inftance, would undoubtedly he to admit a right, which might be confidered by the legiflature of Great Britain, as a fufficient authority to tax them at fome future pe- riod, in any proportion adequate to the real, or fuppofed exigencies of the ftate.'* How far they are to be juflified in this opi- nion, I am not competent to determine ; but it is evident, that on this fide the At- lantic, a fpirit of difcontent univerfally prevails j and there are many defponding individuals here, and in other provinces, who already pretend to penetrate fo deep into the events of futurity, as to foretcl the moft ferious confequences. " From trivial caufe, what mighty evils fpringi" For Let. XV, "^ROM America. ^53 For my par, I will not indulge apprehen ^-sotfo melancholy a naJe. J have lately received a very fenfible -dve^entertaining letter. fro„'„,, J; correfpondent. Mifs M m u -fo^s „,e that her fifter H-I7' -.^.^.piied .ith the^::;^.t :; -^^™:::;;z:Sei:t; ^-^ of r>r;<.- -r ''""^^» Jn aeiiance of«.,r..O„the.othofMay,aft,her paftoral poem, < t„e Search .. TT '^^^KCH AFTER •''Tr" '"'"'"'""'• "»™rf"ii« a viti- HHnf; ■m''-'' ^HnP' \ '■■ I Kjil ■ « 1 If F '-■■ '*7 ?: ;'*■',' ' |R4 , 1 j All vBi 'Wt^Mn 15+ LETTERS Let. XV. a vitiated and depraved judgment in the reader, not to be charmed with a produc- tion formed on a plan fubfervient to the great interefts of religion and virtue, and decorated with ali the graces and embel- lifhmenLS of po.try. After paying this juft tribute to the talents of a lady who, I truft, will foon attain a diftinguifhed rank in the lite- rary world, I fliall venture to conclude this letter by the infertion of an epilogue, which I wrote a few months fmce, at the requeft of a riend, for the benefit of a comedian at the theatre in Philadelphia. As I am informed it wa received with approbation by a numerous audience, I fliall venture, with the greater confidence, to add this little poetical effufion to your manufcript collection. m ■w ■ ■ m OCCA- if'^il tET. XV, ^*0M America. '55 OCCASIONAL ,p,,o^„^ Secure from lawkft 7 T " '^"'"» ««< = And wealth flojy ,^°™""" """''' "=' «-^ While ardem Frcedl^ '""'" *">= ""feft. D-k brooding ;::^™:r^ ""■ ^™"°''' ''«^= The fifter arts, v^^lZ"" ^^ ■•*■« light; Proud lofty to^r* dt? '''"^^^'^ * > Jl-e genial WrJ^rlt^r^f '--e.^--- And ^odeft Merit never fuesio^S; Among the numerous ohjeas Of ^urca. The fteepjfct'^f' ''7™''-' «■''«" you. No ribald fcersTe'r^ '""«"=' BuffuchasViT "^"'"''S'"' And, Proteu^-Iitftif 7 '^™' '» P'^=""'. From? . " "" J'" •° ■"<>«, ' What ciairhr: ;:::?" •''^«^se. • Y«.rpi.eofea4deC;n'°'"«'^'' %»»^n,yfo„«:ti::;'sSd. *?#' f' lii I! 156 LET r K R S Let. XVI, O (till affift mc, while I boldly aim 'I'o catch fomc jjortioii of dramatic fame : So may kind Heaven repay your generous aid,' And rankling forrows ne'er your peace invade j But, blcfs'd fupremely, may you ever prove The fvvcets of Liberty ! — the joys of Love I LETTER XVI. Annapolis y yan, 3^/, 1774. THE American prints will inform you, ere you receive this, of the recent proceedings at Bofton. The whole quantity of tea, contained on board three veflels, amounting to three hundred and forty- two chefts, was on the i6th of De- cember, immerfed in the bay. The Eaft India Company are the only fufFerers on this occafion ; as all accounts perfedly correfpond in aflerting, that this hafty bu- finefs was tranfai^led without the leaft de- triment VI. Lfet. XVI. J-ROM America. J57 triment to private property. New York, Philadelphia,CharlesTown, and other places it is univerfally imagined, will purfue fimilar meafures. Vail: as this continent is, the inhabitants appear animated, to a degree of frenzy, with the fame fpirit of oppofition. Where the confequences will terminate. Heaven knows ! If a judgment may be formed from the prefent difpofition of the people, I will venture to alTert, that not the leaft future taxation will ever be admitted here, without what they conceive, a legal reprefentation. As an Englifhman, warmly attached to my native country, and anxious for its ho- nour and profperity ; I view the impend- ing ftorm with inexpreffible inquietude. I jfear my friend, our ftatefmen have promoted meafures which they will be equally embar- rafled to enforce, or defend. But thefe are matters too high for my difcuflion -, I detefl politics, and (liall, tlierefore, leave you to makf w mm t If: i' 1 ' ■ i (j ii '■■' I :n .-1 [ i 1 1 1 ill ■' I'- ■' 1 '* !. ■■ i >, 158 LETTERS Let. xvii. make your own comments. I and mine are well j would I could fay wc were per- fedly happy ! Have I not reafon to appre- hend my eftablifliment is not fo perma- nent as my flattering ideas had fuggefted ? Should the ftorm burft, it muft inevitably involve, in the fame ruin, multitudes who think differently, and are equally actuated by confcientious principles. LETTER XVIL Ji:;!:4poliSi May 28, 1774* AL L America is iu a flame ! — I hear ftrange language every day. ' The colonifts are ripe for any meafures that will tend to the prefervation of what they call, their natural liberty. I enclofe you the refolves of our citizens 5 t/jey have caught :l Let. XVII. pRnn/f a •"ROM America. caught the general contagion*. E.prcff.s n- flymg from province to province. It ;: '^' ""'^^^^^' °P--n /--. that the mo- ther country cannot fuppo.t a contention waht ere rettlement. if .hey abide ftea.,; *o the letter and fpirit of their affociations Where to obu,-„ a /epeal of 1^1 aa 'o'; ; f""'" "'^^'- ■•ng up d,e harbour of Boil °'^"'""'^'" '<- Woct- cowt'eltVS::/,*' "-'"='. «.« if the tion fro„, a:,d expo ea™t ! '- "°''^" '"'P""'- aa be repealed, L Zc2 7 "' "" "" ^^'^ »d her iLrtie;." " '''''^="' ^orth America. Refolved therefore, « Thar n, • l . . "^ will join in an affociarln w H .w" "f °' ""» of this province, and the ^rTncZ^ '"T ""' ''^'"''^ ^ 'o put an immediate ftoj^o I "' °' '^"''- Brttain. and that after a ftoC / ?°"^ '° ^reat --'-*--^e.aiihr;:t:;o;:t:GVa: Britain, ^!i ' ,-1^* r T ■> llli i6d L E T T £ R S Let. xvn. Where will thefe nutters end ? Imagination anticipates, with horror, the moft dread fill confequences. If the meafures adopted at home are founded on the principles of juflice, it will become adminiftration to be firm and decifive. If they are not, it m V V Britain, till the faid a£l be repealed, and that fuch aflb- clation be on oath. " That it is the opinion of this meeting, th:it the gen- tlemen of the law of this province bring no fuit for the recovery of any debt, due from any inliabitant of this pro- vince to any inhabitant of Great Britain, until the faid a6t be repealed. " That the inhabitants of this city will, and it is the opinion of this meeting, that this province ought imme- diately to break oft* all trade and dealings with that co- lony or province, which fliall refufe or decline to come into fimilar refolutions with a majority of the colonies. « That Meffieurs John Hall, Charles Carroll, Tho- mas Johnfon, jun. William Paca, Matthias Hammond, and Samuel Chafe, be a committee for this city, to join with thofe who fhall be appointed for Baltimore Town, and other parts of this province, to conftitute one general committee; and that the gentlemen appointed for this city immediately correfpond with Baltimore town, and other parts of this province, to efFedl fuch aflb- ciation as will fccure American liberty. wi-ll LsT. XVII. FROM America.' t6i will be advifeable, even on the fcore of intereft, not to abandon the fubftance for a fliadow. True policy will fuggefl: the expediency of embracing a conciliatory fyftem. '?1 ; gcn- \'ox the lis pro- he fai jif ir^.,-,;jl 't I , f 164 LETTERS Let. xvii. a nature to admit of oppoiition. And, indeed, the generality of thofe who have ventured to affert the claims of honour, to difcharge their pecuniary obligations to the mother country, are confidered, by the more violent party, as adluated by fentiments inimical to the interefts of America: and it is even faid, that they would combat every attempt to obtain a repeal of the obnoxious adls, if they were not apprehenfive of incurring the jufl Secondly, Becaufe whilft the inhabitants of Great Britain are partially defpoiled of every legal remedy to recover what is juftly due to them, no provifion is made to prevent us from being harrafled by the profecution of internal fuits, but our fortunes and perfons are left at the mercy of domeftic creditors, without a polTibility of ex- tricating ourfelves, unlefs by a general convulfion j an event, in the contemplation of fober reafon, replete with horror. Thirdly, Becaufe our credit, as a commercial people, will expire under the wound ; for what confidence can poflibly be repofed in thofe, who fhall have exhibited the moft avowed, and moft ftriking proof that they are not bound by obligations as facred a& human invention can fiiggcft. refent- » '.}. Let. xvn. FROM America. i6s ■■rf :vn. ind, [lave lOur, tions d,by d by fts of t they obtain f they the juft of Great remedy to )n is made fecution of left at the llity of ex- luliion; an :plete with cial people, idence can Ichibitcdthe [ley arc not Mention can refent- refentment of an injured people. For my own part, I veriiy believe that the majority of the fubfcribers are influenced by motives which refledt the higheft credit on their integrity, independent of political confide- rations. It is here necefTary that I clear up a feem- ing contradidion. The refolutions inferted in the Gazette are dated the twenty-fifth : the proteft alludes to tranfadlions on the twenty-feventh. After the publication of the refolvcs entered into, in confequence of the meeting held on the firft- mentioned day, feveral gentlemen of influence and refpedability had the courage to declare, in the mofl: exprefs terms, that if the fen- timents of the people were properly col- lected, it would not appear that the whole of the proceedings received their unani- mous approbation. To obviate this ob- jection, hand-bills were diflributed, and a general attendance was carneftly re- M 3 quelled i mi II T •M- ■itm !i ;/i i66 L E T f E R S Let. xvii. quefled -, in confequence of which, on the evening of the twenty-feventh, a fecond afTembly of the citizens took place. But inflead of afTociating with that ardor the zealous partizans expeded, only feventy- eight perfons were muftered on the im- portant occafion. Had the whole number of thofe whofe principles were diredbed by moderation, thought it fafe, or prudent to appear in fupport of their fentiments, the iniquitous refolution, againft which we have protefted, would not have publicly appeared, to the difcredit of our province j even admitting the condudt of Govern- ment with refpedt to this continent, to be founded on maxims fubverfive of the conftitution. Surely, in a moral point of view, it is highly criminal to attempt, by unjuft or indired methods, to obtain a re- drefs of the moll oppreflive grievances, In thefe tempefluous times, your dear fifter fupports her fpirits wonderfully ; yet are XVII. the :ond But : the enty- 5 im- imher reded rudent [nents, ich we uhlicly pvince ; overn- lent, to of the oint of pt, by n a re- ces, ir dear fyi ye^ are Let. XVII. from America. lb; are there moments, when fhe yields to bod- ing apprehenfions, and anticipates the re- newal of forrows and difappointments. She has, however, this confolation to fupport her, that whatever fufFerings may be our portion, we fhall fhare them with each other. • It is my folemn determination, without regard to motives of intereft or fafety, to adt ftridly upon principle. And though my condud: vvill be of very little importance, confidered in a public point of view, yet under all the varied circumftances of pros- perity or diftrefs, the refledion of having aded agreeably to the didates of confcience, will enhance the advantages of afHuence, or animate the mind to fuflaih, with be- coming fortitude, the moil painful, and unmerited reverfe of fortune. That the general tranquility may be fpeedily re-eftablifhed, is the fervent prayer of your faithful, &c. M 4 L E T^ Vffti, m i68 LETTERS Let. XVIII. LETTER XVIII. 'If -I I '^ ? '1 '■ ■.-il- ■■; :i!i.' JnnapoUs^ 0£t. 26, 1774. TH E general attention is fixed on the Congrefs now fitting in Philadel- phia, and all defcriptions of people arc waiting for the refult of their deliberations, with the utmofl impatience. The Canada Bill is as unpopular here as the Bofton Port-bill, and adds greatly to the univerfal difcontent. The provinces are unanimous in the caufe of their northern brethren, and contribute largely in fup- plying their neceffities. The fpirit of op- pofition to miniflerial meafures, appears to blaze fteadily and equally in every part of Britifh America, and unlefs fome fpeedy alteration takes place in the political fyf« tem, the confequences muft inevitably be dreadful. Every ' '■} ' nil. 774- I the adel- B arc dons, .ere as itly to ces are rthern I fup- of op- ears to lart of fpeedy il fyf- ibly be Every Let. XVIII. from America. 169 Every well-wifher to the intereft and happinefs of the mother country, and her colonies, muft behold this unnatural con- teft with inexpreflible anxiety. There never was a period in our hiftory, more critical that the prefent. It is high time fome methods were adopted to conciliate thefe growing differences. The colonies are daily gaining incredible ftrength. They knowy they Jeel, their importance; and per/uajion, not force, muft: retain them in obedience. A general non-importation agreement will, fpeedily, take place -, and I have rea- fon to believe, will be refolutely adhered to. It is therefore to be feared, the manufac- turers and artificers in Britain will be much diftreffed, and probably driven to great ex- tremities. For I need not obferve to a man fo converfant as you are with the commercial interefts of the empire, how feverely .,- ;.<■• M Hi *ll i:i:t^ 170 LETTERS Let. xviiL fevereiy the mother country mud fuffer by an interruption of her extenfive trade with this continent. It is the univerfal dodtrine /jire, that it will plunge you into violent commotions, and probably be at- tended with fatal confequences *. A ferious tranfadion took place, a few days fince, in this city. The affair is par- * The reparation of America from Great Britain was contemplated, by perfons of all defcriptions, as pregnant witn ruin to both countries. It muft be granted, that in confcquencc of this event very many deferving individuals have experienced a reverfe of fortune which has fubjeded them to innumerable difficulties and dif- trefTes : but in a political point of view, this dreaded revolution has been attended with circumftances highly beneficial to the parent ftate. The fuperiority of the manufadli res of Britain, and the eftablifhed knowledge of her merchants in all the articles efTential for the Ame- rican market, have given them decided advantages over every rival nation. Similarity of language, cuftoms, and opinions, likewife powerfully operate in favour of the mother country; fo that, at this period, with every pleaflng profpe :on; ern- ed & the Cures con- ;ment arious pofedy ppoint d prc- e fenfc leded. ted for s were Ation. le con- |at pro- of the truft- leafures might Let. XVIII. TROM America. m might be taken to prevent the alTembling of fo numerous a body as were expected to come in from the country; from whom he had much to fear with refpe(fl to his perfon and his property. At this meeting it was propofed, by the moderate party, that MellVs. Stewart and Williams, who were defirous to make atonement for the offence they had com- mitted, might be permitted to land and burn the tea, in any place that fliould be appointed for that purpofe. This motion was, however, ilrongly oppofed by others, who inlifted on matters remaining as they were, until the time appointed for the county meeting, in order that a more pub- lic acknowledgment and fatisfadtion might be made. Mr. Stewart, with a view to moderate the refentment which his condu i fiil if n 176 LETTERS Let. xviij. the vefTel, and leave the deftinatlon of the tea to the committee. The impropriety of fecuring the duty did not then occur to me, neither did I know the tea would be fuf- feret : to be lodged as a fecurity for the pay- ment. I had nothing in view but to fave the veflel from a feizure, and of having an opportunity of releafing the paflengers from a long and difagreeable confinement. The duty on tea has been paid hitherto, both in Virginia and Maryland, by every importer of goods : in this cafe I am not the importer. If 1 have erred in my part of the tranfa(ftion, I declare, upon my honour, it is without the leaft intention ; I have infringed no rules prefcribed by the general refolutions of this province. It happened unluckily, that the tea was put on board of Captain Jackfon's brig, in the manner as will be feen by the annexed af- fidavit ; and it can b" inconteftibly proved, the captain refufed taking tea on board : Mr. w'M. m Let. xvixi* from America. 177 iii# Mr. Williams was in London when the tea was fhipped, and muft have known that many merchants had refufed to {hip that article. I have only to add, that I am lincerely forry my condu<5t, on this occafion, has been the caufe of fo much unealinefs, and freely fubmit it to your candid confideration. I am. Gentlemen, nnapo tsy Your moft humble fervant, 0£i, 17, 1774. Anthony Stewart." AFFIDAVIT. Captain Richard Jackfon, mafter of the brig Peggy Stewart, depofeth and faith, " That immediately after the landing of ** his cargo in London, he applied for, and " obtained a general permit from the Cuf- ** tom-houfe, to receive India and other " goods on board for exportation ; and, (as ** is always cuftomary in fuch cafes) gave N " fecurity, I' V 1 , •♦ : ?!#' -h' t 'I m m 178 LETTERS Let. xviii. ** fecurity, and took an oath not to re- ** land the fame in any part of Great Bri- ** tain. But having great reafon to be- ** lieve any importation of tea would be ** unfavourably received in America, he " was fully determined, and had refolved ** not to receive any on board ; and pub- ** lickly on the Change of London, in the ** month of July, refufed to receive tea, ** which was oifered to be fhipped by Kel- ** ly, Lott, and Co. This deponent fur- " ther faith, that by the method of fhip- ** piiig goods from London, tea may be ** put on board any fhip, without the ** knowledge of the mafter. All goods " are examined at the Cuflom-houfe, and " fent, by the Ihipper, in lighters, on " board the fliip, with only a common " bill exprefling the parcels, and not the ** quantities contained, or the qualities of " them J thefe are received by the mate ** of the fliip, who gives a receipt on the 4 ** lighter- «p^' nil* in the VQ tea, >y Kel- ;nt fur- )f ftiip- I may be out the I goods > greea- ,nd the led by who ;ir pro- paper, |e corn- aft of to the liberties « «( « tt €t nd we folemnly declare, for " the fature, that we never will infringe " any refolution formed by the people, for ** the falvation of their rights ; nor will ** we do any a6l that may be injurious to " the liberties of the people : and to fliew " our defire of living in amity with the ** friends of America,, we requeft th'.s meeting, or as many as may choofe to attend, to be prefent at any place where " the people fhall appoint, and we will " there commit to the flames, or other- " wife deflroy, as the people may choofe, N 3 " th4 « it ;'l': 182 LETTERS Let. xviii, ** the deteftable article, which has been " the caufe of this our mifcondud, " Anthony Stewart, *' Joseph Williams, " James Williams." ^m ii"i » ■■•^': Mr. S , on account of what was deemed a cheerful and ready compliance with an unconftitutional adt of the Britilh legiflature, was particularly obnoxious : and though he publicly read his recantation, exprelTed in the moft fubmiflive and peni- tential terms, there were frantic zealots among the multitude, who warmly pro- pofed the American difcipline of tarring and feathering. Others, with a lefs vindidive fpirit, were clamorous for the deftrudion of the brig, which had imported the hate- ful commodity : whilft many others, who indeed were the more numerous party, can- didly declared, ** that the paper iigned by the offenders, with their unextorted con- fent ■-.tjapasSH'»#K^«?-i- Let. XVIII, from America. 183 xvui. been ?ART, MS. » lat was ipliance ; Britifh )us : and antation, nd peni- zealots ily pro- trring and indiaive leftrudion thehate- icrs, who |arty, can- [iaaed by ^rted con- fent fent to burn the tea, was a fufficient pu- nifliment, and fatisfadion." But to de- te*'mine this point with certainty, it was propofed and affented to, that a di/ifion fhould take place on the following queflion : ** Whether the veffel fhould, or (hould not be deftroyed ?" when it was carried in the negative by a confiderable majority ; the citizens, in general, appearing averfe to violent meafures. But as the minority were chiefly perfons who refided at a dillance from Annapolis ; as fome of them had great influence in their neighbourhood; and intimated a determined refolution to proceed to the utmoft extremities, the in- ilant they could coUedt fufficient numbers to fupport them, Mr. Stewart was induced, from an anxious defire to preferve the pub- lic tranquillity, as well as to enfure his own perfonal fafety, to propofe fetting fire him- felf to the veflelj which being immedi- ately aflented to, he inflantly repaired on N 4 board. f . hri . 184 LETTERS Let. xviir* ,1 • 1 1 board, accompanied by fevcral gentlemen who thought it necefTary to attend him, and having dire^cd her to be run on ground, near the wind-mill point, he made a facrifice of his valuable property to intem- perate zeal and clamour j and in a few hours the brig, with her fails, cordage, and every appurtenance, was effe ;i? M :,l: vMilli I do not imagine the prefent fituation of affairs will materially affed: you ; at lead for fome time : but I and mine are al- ready too fenfible of the evils attending the conteft. My income is now confi- derably reduced; trade is already at a Aand ; and on the ift of December, a ge- neral -«-(., . ; -,! | i n i . ii . li>P^iyii— |ii ii u I i\ m , I 11 I i .u Let. XVIII. FROM America, 187 neral non-importation takes place. Com- modities of every kind are, at this early period, become fcarce and dear. Neither money, or bills can be found ; and few peo- ple are fufficiently provided to anfwer the purpofes of their necefTary expenditure. Amidfl every fufFering, the refledion that thoufands of induftrious manufadurers at home, muft take their proportion of the impending calamity, gives infinite difqui- ctude to every honefl and feeling mind. The Weft Indies, will likewife feverely fufFer; for without any fhare in political proceedings, they are doomed to a heavy punifhment. jfnnapolis, Nov. Sth, The Governor is returned to a land of trouble. He arrived about ten this morn- ing in perfed: health. He is now com- menced an adlor on a bufy theatre 5 his part a truly ,'!-. iW LETTERS Let. xvirr, a truly critical one. To ftem the popular torrent, and to condudl his mcafurcs with conliftency, will require the exertion of all his faculties. The prcfent times de- mand fuperior talents j and his, I am per- fuaded, will be invariably directed to pro- mote the general good. Hitherto his con- dudl has fecurcd to him a well-merited popularity ; and his return to the province has been expeiled with an impatience which fufficiently evinces the fentiments of the public in his favour. May he be enabled to difcharge his duties to the parent ftate, and to the country over which he prefides, with unblemifhed credit, and un- interrupted tranquillity ! Enclofed, you have the proceedings of Congrefs, with an in- flammatory pamphlet publifhed at Bofton. Whether the dodrine it contains, corrc- fponds with its title. Common Sense, I fliall leave you to determine. LETTER 11 !' v XkT. XIX. FtOM AmeKICA. 189 xvm# pular with on of ;s dc- 1 pcr- pro- ,s con- nerited rovince ►aticnce timents y he be parent ich he ind un- ouhavc an in- [Bofton. corre- NSE, I TER LETTER XIX. JnnapoVtSy March 13//;, 1775. THERE is but too much reafon to- apprenend that the hour is approach- ing when even the intercourfe of letters will be greatly interrupted, if not totally prohibited. From one extremity of this continent to the other, every appearance indicates approaching hoftilities. The bufy voice of preparation echoes through every fet- tlement ; and thofe who are not zealoufly infedted with the general frenzy, arc confldered as enemies to the caufe of li- berty ; and, without regard to any peculi- arity of fituation, are branded with oppro- brious appellations, and pointed out as vic- tims to public refentment. Very m 111, ■,'■''■1' H lb'' I i I 1 190 LETTERS Let* XIX* Very confiderable fubfcriptions have been made in every quarter, for the relief of the Boftonians : large fums have likewife been colledted for the purchafe of arms and am- munition, and perfons of all denominations are required to affociate under military re- gulations, on pain of the fevereft cenfure ; every meafure, v^^hile tending to the moft fatal confequences, is eagerly and wildly purfued. Admitting the evils complained of to be founded on reality, the mode adopted to obtain redrefs cannot, in my opinion, be juflified on principles of reafon or found policy. I have, therefore, refufed to join in any of the propofed contributions i to appear in any of their alTociations ; or to enrol in any military corps. I have even attempted to moderate the enthufiafm of intemperate zeal, by the following appeal to Common Senfe and Common Equity; which, through the medium of the Mary- land i ':^l m been )f the ;beeii iam- lations iry re- ;nfure ; ,e moft wildly of to be opted to lion, be )r Let. XIX. FROM America. '9» land Gazette, has been fubmitted to pub- lic infped:ion; and if favourable conclu- fions may be drawn from appearances, it has been received with confiderable ap- probation, my letter having already been reprinted in almofl every paper throughout this continent. « To THE PRINTERS. •* The prefent unhappy contention be- tween the mother country and her colonies, is a matter of the deepefl concern to every honeft, every feeling mind : it is, there- fore, the indifpenfable duty of every friend to fociety, to ftudy and to purfue thofe methods, which may lead to a perfedl re- conciliation, and the eflablifliment of a permanent union between Great Britain and America. ** The principle o^ parliamentary taxation <.)ver this extenfive part of the empire, is gene- '4\ n ■] *' liiiiill 192 LETTERS Let. XIX. generally denied by all ranks, and denomi- nations of men ; the grand fubjeft of con- troverfy, therefore, that prevails at pre- fent, rcfpeds the moft eligible method to obtain redrefs. On this point, there ap- pears a divifion of fentiment, which has given rife 10 heart-burnings and difcontent ; and, in fome degree, ftruck at the root of that harmony which, at this important period, ought to guide and influence every adion. " In oppofition to meafures di<5latcd t calmnefs and moderation, (a fteady adherence to which, it was generally fuppofed, would be attended with the moft happy efFe(n:s) ii military appearance is aflumed — -fubfcrip- tions are induftrioufly making for the pur- chafe of arms, ammunition, &c. and the feverefl cenfure is indifcriminately pafTed on thofe perfons who happen to diflent from the popular opinion, and prefer more con- ciliating methods of accommodation. (( It . XIX. omi- con- pre- ?oi to re ap- :h has ontent ; root of \portaiit ce every aatcdt adherence ;d, would |y efFeds) ^fubfcrip- the pur- and the paffed on fent from Lore con- Lkt. XIX. FROM America. 193 '" It is certain that there are many in this^ and other provinces, who objedt to the ipirit of violence, which feems at this time too predominant. Convinced of the propriety of their fentiments, and the in- tegrity of their hearts, they conceive the caufe of America may be totally injured by a precipitate, and unneceffary defiance of the power of Great Britain : they firmly believe, that a refpedlful behaviour to their fovereign and their mother country — a du- tiful and cor/litutional application to the throne — and a firm pcrfeverance in virtuous, ihow^ pacific principles, will, in the iffiie, be produdive of the moil felicitous confe- quences. Adtuated by fuch confiderations, they cannot be reconciled to thofe violent extremes which have been too rafhly adopted by manyj and which they are anxious to eftablifh, as the only feafible plan of terminating the prefent diifenfions. •i t( On t;H' ' ^i ■'4 I " ■ 194 LETTERS Let. xix, ** On deliberate reiledtion, it can hardly be imagined, that the mother country has formed the leafl intention of reducing thefe provinces to a ftate of abjed: fervility, by the force of arms ; the natural connexion — the clofe ties — and nice dependencies, which exifl: between the different parts of the empire, forbid indulging any concluiions of fo melancholy a nature. She will be more juft — more tender to her offspring — the voice of reafon will prevail — our griev- ances will be redreifed — and flie will be found, to the end of time, a kind — a fof- tering parent !— But admitting that Great Britain were determined to enforce a fub- mifTion to all her mandates; even in that cafe, we have little caufe to apprehend, that (he will unjheath the fivord, and efta- blifli her decrees in the blood of thoufands. A more fafe and certain method is obvious : a fmall proportion of her naval power would entirely fhut up our harbours -fufpend our 4 trade — irdly y has tbefe y, by aoji — wbicb of the :lufions will be pving— X griev- will be --a for- mat Great :e a fub- In in that ►prebend, ,nd efta- ^houfands, obvious: i^r would Vend our trade— Let* XIX* FROM America. 19s trade — impoverifli the inhabitants — pro- mote inteftine divifions — and involve us in all 'the horrors of anarchy and confufion. To avoid evils, even great as thefe, we are not meanly to bend the neck, and fubmit to every innovation. But when there is no profpedt of fuch dreadful calamities, why are we to form ideas of battles and of Jlaughter F Why are our coafts to refcund with /}ofiik preparations f — the demon of difcord to ftalk at large — and friends and kindred forget the peaceful bonds of amity and love f ** It has been objeded by the advocates for moderation, that the methods purfued to complete the fubfcription for arms, &c. has more the complexion of an arbitrary tax, than a voluntary contribution. On the other hand, it has been aflerted, ** that money raifed in a manner, where there is no obligation to pay but a fenfe of duty ; O 2 and ^•** ■ 'I; '■'i: ()'; !!i''i 196 LETTERS Let. xix. and no other mode to induce compliance, but fhame and infamy, cannot be deemed a tax. A fenfe of duty is, undoubtedly, the moft noble incentive to worthy anions ; but a falfe dread of jhame and infamy y has perverted many an honeji hearty and too fre- quently proved an irrefiftible temptation to dijhonourable pra£iices. Let us a moment refledl : — Can there be an impofition more arbitrary and fevere, than a neceflity of affenting to any particular meafure, or for- feiting that fair — that unfullied reputation, which alleviates the cares of life, and fmooths the inevitable rugged path to the dreary manfions of the grave ! " Good name in man and woman ** Is the immediate jewel of their fouls. « Who fteals my purfe, fteals trafli; 'tis fomething, " nothing ; ** 'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been flave to thoufands ; " But he that filches from me my good name, " Robs me of that which not enriches him, " And makes me poor indeed." If •11 ance, temed )tedly, £lions ; iVf ^^^ too fre- :aUon to noment on more :eflity of e, or for- eputatioti, life, and ,th to the Lit. XIX. FROM America. 197 Is fomething> Itothoufandij im, If " If I differ in opinion from the multi- tude, muft I therefore be deprived of my character, and the confidence of my fel- low-citizens, when in every ftation of life I difcharge my duty with fidelity and ho- nour ? Death— the ce. .a tax on all the fons of men, were preferable to fo abje(5l a ftate. — No — 'twere better to fufFer all that " age, ach, penury, imprifonment, can lay on nature," than refign that glo- rious inheritance of a free fubjedt — the li- berty of thinking — -/peaking — and aBing, agreeable to the dictates of confcience ! I frankly acknowledge no man has a right to difturb the peace of the community, by broac'^^ing tenets deflrudtive to the true in^ terejh i welfare of his country ; but at the fame time, it cannot be juftifiable to compel others to adopt e'uery fyjlem which we efteem conducive to the public good. Let us therefore be unanimous in virtue—* in frugality — and in indujlry \ let us con- O 3 dua i. ■ ■, * ('. '■.1 :-t " ?f 198 LETTERS Let. XIX. I' • duft ourfelves on the chriftian principle of •* doing to others as we would have done to us i* let us not, in the frantic moments of intemperate zeal, miftake libertinifm for liberty^ and commit outrages, which we fhall recoUeft with jhamey and condemn with heart-felt anxiety. While we contend for the ineftimable bleffings of Britifti fub- jedts, let us not aflume a tyrannical autho- rity over each other. In a word, let rea~ fin and moderation hold the fcale in every important determination — fo fliall every real grievance be efFedtually redrefled — every man (hall fing the fong of gladnefs under his own vine, and we (hall at once be free —be loyal — and be happy ! I am. Sir, jfnnapolitj Feb. 14, 1775. Moft fincerely. ji Friend to Amity r Oni ir, XIX. :iple of e done loments nifm for aich we :ondemn ; contend itiOi fub- cal autho- i, let rea- J in every Let. XIX. FROM America. 199 UtoJmity* On perufitig the above humble effort cf my pen, it will readily occur to you, that if I had, in the moft diftant manner, ad- mitted the right of parliamentary taxation, my addrcfs, in times like thcfe, could not poffibly have been productive of any falu- tary confequences. The denial of that right being the prevailing creed of the co- lonies, I found myfelf neceflitatcd to co- incide with the popular opinion, that I might ftrike, with the greater efficacy, at that vindiftive, arbitrary fyftem, which under the fallacious pretence of fupport- ing the interefts of conflitutional freedom, exerts a tyrannical authority, in order to enforce hoftile oppofition in preference to moderate and refpedtful applications. How far the legiflative authority of Great Britain legally extends over the American Provinces, is beyond the extent of my limited abilities to determine. In O 4 the ;r i.ii 200 LETTERS Let. xix. the confidence of converfation, I daily hear various opinions, fupported by ftrength of argument and accuracy of obfervation, and from what I have heard, and am en- abled to judge, I am clearly convinced that much more is apprehended than has any exiftence in reality. But in all countries there are bufy, turbulent fpirits, who from motives of ambition, avarice, or difcontent, ** infcdt the general ear with horrid fpeech:" by eagerly prefllng for- wards, as champions in the public caufe, they agitate the paffions of the mifguided multitude, and imperceptibly lead them to the mofl dreadful extremities. It is with pleafure I am able to affert, that a greater degree of moderation appears to predominate in this province, than in any other on the continent; and I am perfedly aflured we are very materially in- debted for this peculiar advantage to the colleded II ■■•'L' V.' XIX. daily :ngth ation, n en- vinced [ than in all fpirits, avarice, >ar with ing for- ic caufe, lifguided them to Let. XIX. from America. 201 collected and confiftent conduct of our Governor, whofe views appear folely di- redled to advance the interefls of the com- munity J and to preferve, by every poffiblc method, the public tranquillity. How long we may continue thus diftinguiflicd, time alone muft determine. Should our demagogues obtain the afcendency, after which they labour, we fhall afluredly equal any of our neighbours in thofe violences of which we now only contemplate the commencement. While the power of communicating my fentiments, wit& Jqfety, is happily conti- nued, I fhall not fail to give you due in- formation of every material circumftance.^ LETTER 201 LETTERS Let. XX. LETTER XX. Kw ymf. 1 1 it 54!' Ill Jnnapo/isy IVednefday Even, April 26^ ^11 S* ABOUT noon this day, arrived an exprefs from Bofton, which brought an account, " that on the 19th inflant a detachment of the king's troops, con- fiding of about a thoufand men, being ordered on fomc fccret duty, at a place called Lexington, fell in with a company of provincials, whom they attacked with- out any provocation, killed fix, and wound- ed four: that on an alarm being given, the regulars were, in confequence, affault- ed by a numerous body of the militia, who had furrounded thetn -, and it was fup- pofed the conflict would be defperate and bloody.'* An additional paragraph fays, " that General Gage had fent a reinforcement, with (■■■,. .1 ■ T. XX. 1775- ^ed an rought inftant , con- , being a place ompany d with- wound- given, affault- ia, who as fup- rate and «< that rcement, with Let. XX. from America. 203 with fomc artillery, to fuftain the troops ; but that meafurcs were taken to prevent their jundlion : that when the exprcfs was difpatched, about one hundred and fifty foldiers were killed, and about fifty New Englandmcn j and that the engagement continued with determined refolution." With the mofl dreadful anxiety are wc now waiting for further, and more . 'rcum- ftantial intelligence. The laft advices from London intimate, that both Houfes of Parliament have ad- dreffed his Majefty, requeuing him to en- force the ads } and that it has been de- termined, in confequence, to increafe the army already in America. I take it for granted, this intelligence has brought on the commencement of hof- tilities ', the violent party having conceiv- ed the practicability of reducing General Gage, '■\ "' m 204 LETTERS Let. XX. * I -. ;i Gage, before he is rendered more formid- able by the frefh fupplies. Should the event be anfwerable to their expedtation, the meafure will be applauded by very many of the rafli and inconfiderate. If they fail, the difappointment may, probably, give encouragement to the cool and moderate throughout the different provinces, to exert their influence and their abilities, in order to prevent the continent, in general, from participating in the miferies of war ! The Provincial Convention are now fit- ting in Annapolis, but ftrangers are not permitted to attend their debates. They have already difpatched an exprefs to the fouthward, in confequence of the informa- tion from Bofton. The plan propofed for a reconcilia- tion, by Lord North, is generally ap- proved by the moderate and difpaffionate, as the foundation of a permanent tran- quility. ■4'. r. XX. nid- the tion, iiany f fail, give derate > exert order from 5W fit- re not They to the ibrma- ncilia- ionate, tran- luility. Lit. XX. r r o m A m e r i c a. 205 quility *. Thefe men have ever been of opinion, that the plantations ought to contribute more liberally than they at prefent do, in return for the advantages of commerce, and for the protection afforded by Great Britain. But hovvr far his lord- fliip's conciliatory fcheme may operate, * On the motives and conduit of the American war there are vaiious opinidns, but only one exifts with re- fpedl to the zeal evinced by the above nobleman, in behalf of thofe who had freely facrificed their all to their loyalty, and to the Britifh conftitution. The writer of thefe letters would be greatly wanting in gratitude, were he not happy in this opportunity, of acknowledging his particular obligations to the Earl of Guilford. At the time of his arrival in England, his Lordfliip was at the head of the Treafury, to whom he dated thofe circumftances which had compelled him to abandon his very eligible fituations in the province of Maryland. The fafts being properly authenticated, his Lordfhip was pleafed, without the moj? dijiant interfe- rence of private intereft, and with a difpatch beyond the author's moft fanguine expectations, to allot him a tem< porary provifion, which enabled him to fupport, with comfort, that reverfe of fortune, which had rendered him dependent on the jullice and humanity of his country. now f I, ■ »! so6 LETTERS Let. XX. now when actual hoftilities are commenced, heaven alone can determine. Thurfday^ Jpril 27. Laft night advice was received from Vir- ginia, that the powder and ftores in the magazine at Williamfburg, were taken from thence by fome marines belonging to one of his Majefty's vefTels on that fla- tion, by order of his Excellency Lord Dunmorc. This intelligence has given an additi- onal alarm to our patriotic party ; and ac- cordingly fome gentlemen were deputed by the convention to wait on the gover- nor J foliciting him to give dire(5lions, that the arms, powder, and ftore^, belonging to the province, fliould be delivered into their pofl'cffion ; appre hen lions being en- tertained, " That fome fliip of v^^ar may arrive in the harbour of Annapolis, whofe com- ■f J T. XX. need. Let. XX. FROM America. 2107 ril 27- ciVir- in the taken onging lat fta- j Lord additi- and ac- deputed gover- ms, that ^longing I'cd into |ing en- rar may I, whofe com- commander might probably have inflruc- tions to feize the fame.*' The deputation was received with refpedl, and the governor promifed to confuh his cou.il U with all poflible dif- patch. This anfwer has given fatif- fadlion for the prefent j and the militia, who were affembled to enforce (ubmiflion, are departed quietly to their habitations. Jpril 28. To prevent riot and confulion, the go- vernor and council have thought it ad- vifeable to comply with the requifition of the convention, on condition that the co- lonels of the militia, in the r efpeilive coun- ties under the ancient eftablifhment, fo- licit for the delivery of the arms, powder and ftores, pointing out the neceflity of the meafure. By this mode of proceed- ing, the dignity of government is main- tained, ;f!'f I K.fi't '> 208 LETTERS Let. XX. i ;.l i: tained, and the public tranquillity preferv- cd. In thefe turbulent times, fomething muft be yielded to the clamour of an infa- tuated multitude. The inhabitants of New Yvork have hi- therto difcovered fentiments l.wourable to government ; but if the fword iu unfheath- cd, it is apprehended they will almoft unani- moufly fall into the ranks of oppofition. A report is circulated, that fourteen regiments are ordered to that city, who are to pre- vent all communication between the fouth- ern and eailern provinces. In confequence of this rumour, their committee of obferva- tion have tranfrnitted difpatches to Pennfyl- vania, Maryland, Virginia, and other places, defiring immediate afliftance fhould fuch an event take place. How our patriots will ad; in this bufinefs I know not : for my part I fufpedt there are people who induftrioufly circulate reports, and magnify the mofl trivial ,ET. XX. •eferv- lething [\ infa- lave hi- rable to iftieath- ft unani- ition. A Let. XX. FROM America. 209 ler places, d fuch an s willa^ y part I uftrioudy the mof^^ trivial 1 trivial circumftances, with a view to in- flame the minds of the multitude. Men of this complexion, are beft gratified when by fomenting divifions, and exciting ap- prehenfions, they are enabled to take die lead in the fubverfion of all order, and by obtaining an iniquitous pre-eminence. Ride ill the tempeft, and dired the ftorm." Wednefday^ May 3, We are incefTantly alarmed with varied accounts from the northward, full of incon- fiftency and contradidlion ; but upon the whole there is the greateft reafon to con- clude, that the adion between the regulars and provincials, has not been attended with confequences fo fatal as has been induftri- oully reprefented. We arc, however, ftill in the dark with refpedt to authentic par- ticulars. P Th« if' 111 ' ■ 1^! :t.iij I'M 210 LETTERS I.et. xx. The governor laft night received a cir- cular letter from Lord Dartmouth, with a refolution of the Houfe of Commons, rela- tive to a conciliiitory })lan. I pray God it may be attended will; efTLcac)', though I fear the unhappy ^vent at Lexington will retard the accomplifhment of peace. I am heartily difguf^^^d with the times. The univerfal cry k 'Liberty i to fupport which, an infinite number of petty tyran- nies are eftablifhed, under the appellation of committees ; in every one of which a few defpots lord it over the calm and mo- derate ; inflame the paffions of the mob, and pronounce thofe to be enemies to the general good, who may prefume any way to diflent from the creed they have thought proper to impofe. Our provincial convention rofe this day > and, coniidering the complexion of the times, their proceedings have been regular 4 and Lit. XX. FROM America. an and moderate. The eleventh inftant is to be obferved as a faft throughout this pro- vince : the muftering is to be continued ; and a fum is to be raifed in each county, for the fupport of the delegates in Phila- delphia. From the public prints it is difficult to form a clear idea of the prevailing opinion at home, refpedting the prefent unhappy and unnatural contention. If determined meafures are purfued, under officers of ap- proved truft and ability, it can hardly be imagined that the colonies will be equal to a long and ferious oppofition ; but whe- ther a redudtion of them by force would be attended with the defired confequences, is a queftion that ought to be confidered in preference to every other object. It will furely be advifeable on the part of the Bri- tifti commanders, to adt only on defenfive principles, until every lenient method has P 2 been \Wi 212 LETTERS Let. XX. L9" been adopted to reftore harmony and mu- tual confidence on a conftitutional founda- tion. It is evident there are too many in- dividuals, in every province, who, from interefled or ambitious motives, embrace all opportunities to foment the feeds of di- vifion, by inflammatory addrefles to the paffions of the multitude, by repeated mif- reprefentations, and by artfully delineating the miferies of that arbitrary fyftem which 'J they alTert, will be the inevitable confe- quence of fubmiflion to minifterial man- dates. Yet there are, alfo, throughout this continent, many refpedable charac- ters, whofe real importance and eflablifh- ed reputation, give them fuch due weight and influence, that I cannot but indulge the pleafing idea they will, by the fteadi- nefs and confiftency of their condu(5l, be able to ftem the torrent excited by fac- tious artifices, and to forward meafures that may be eflential to the interefts and it id mu- ounda- any in- ), from ;mbrace is of di- to the ted mif- lineating n which e confe- ial man- roughout charac- ftablifh- wcight le indulge le fteadi- idudt, be I by fac- meafures interefts and Let. XX. from America. 213 and happinefs of the united Britifli Em- pire. Supported by this hope, thofe who are fincerely attached to the profperity and welfare of the general community, diredt their beft attention to the parent Hate. Under the evils that now opprefs them, they derive fome confolation from a firm perfuafion, that the olive-branch will fpeedily be extended, and that fuch wife and judicious difpofitions will be made for future legiflation in the colonies ; that many ineftimable advantages will arife from paft and prefent calamities. May 13, At length we have received General Gage's account of the late adtion, which is materially different from thofe tranfmit- ted by the refpedi » e committees j and, I P 3 think. Vfi t ■nf I ! I 1 1 •• > 114 LETTERS Let. XX. think, may be more certainly relied on, being written ten days after the engage- ment, when the particulars relative to the whole tranfadtion were properly and mi- nutely colledtcd. The charge of cruelty and precipitation is now retorted on the provincials. But the patriots yield no credit to this relation ; though they afFedl to believe implicitly every report propa- gated to the difadvantage of the Britifli forces. The Members of the Congrefs are now aflembled in Philadelphia. I need not fay with what anxiety we attend the event of their deliberations. The governor con- tinues to ftand fair with the people of this province ; our public prints declare him to be the only perfon, in his ftation, who, in thefe tumultuous times, has given admi- niftration a fair and impartial reprefenta- tion of important occurrences ; and I can affert Let. xxr. from America. 215 aflcrt with t1 e flri(5teft regard to truth, that he condudls himfelf, in his arduous department, with an invariable attention to the interefts of his royal mafter, and the efTential welfare of the province over which he has the honour to prefide. LETTER XXI. M R. D- Jnnapollsy July 2$^ I775« will do me the favour to deliver this letter. He is going to pafs fome time on the continent of Eu- rope, where he hopes to find that tranquil- lity which is not, at prefent, to be obtain- ed in this unhappy country. I fhall leave him to reprefent, minutely, the calamitous fituation of the colonies. Government is now almoll totally annihilated, and power P 4 tranf- w^:'% V > ii^S 216 LET ^ E R S Let. xxi. transferred to the multitude. Speech is become dangerous ; letters are intercept- ed i confidence betrayed j and every mea- furc evidently tends to the moft fatal ex- tremities : the fword is drawn, and, with- out fome providential change of meafurcs, the blood of thoufmds will be fhed in this unnatural contcfl. Before this letter is received, you will have heard of the aiflion at Bunker s Hill, The provincials were forced from their intrench- nients ; but it is faid the regulars fufFered fo feverely, that they cannot afford to ob- tain future advantages at fo dear a price. The inhabitants of this province are in- corporated under military regulations j and apply the greater part of their time to the different branches of difcipline. In An- napolis there are two complete companies ; in Baltimore feven ; and in every diftrid of this province the majority of the people are V Let. XXI. FROM AmFRICA. 217 are adiuiUy under anus : alinoll every hat is decorated with a cockade j and the chur- lifli drum and fife are the only niulic of the times. I have not yet, in pofitlve terms, been required to mufler -, and, I truft, my pe- culiar circumftances will be confidered as a reafonable plea of exemption. I wiQi well to America. — It is my duty — my inclina- tion fo to do — but I cannot — I will not — confent to adl in dired: oppofition to my oath of allegiance, and my deliberate opinion. Rather than fubmit to a condudl fo bafe, fo inconfiftent with my principles, I will give up all — embrace ruin ! — and truft to the proteding care of Providence for the future difpofition of me and mine. On Tuefday the i8th inftant, a num^ ber of armed perfons fet fire to a fhip which had accidentally run on ground a few miles below this city. She was the property of Mr. Iff ^ n • m k 1 ,■ '^KKM i imm ■.\ m I". 218 LETTERS Let. XXI. Mr. Gildart of Liverpool, and had brought in fome goods contrary to the alFociation. This is the fecond burnt-offering i. liberty within this province : at the fame time, it is but juftice to confefs, that thefe inflances of popular fury are heartily condemned by very many, even of the patriotic party. Mr, James C , a refpedable mer- chant of Baltimore, lately addreffed a let- ter to a near relation. Lieutenant- Co- lonel C of the 60th regiment, Ra- tioned in the ifland of Antigua, in which he flrongly exprefled his difapprobation of the prevailing fyftem. This letter has been intercepted and laid before the committee of Baltimore county j and on its being made public, his houfe was furrounded by a diforderly rabble, and had not a detach- ment of the militia interfered, Mr. C— would probably have fallen a facrifice. This gentleman is now a clofe prifoner, under the Let. XXI. FROM America* 219 the cuftody of a guard, and his cafe is to be laid before the provincial convention, who meet to-morrow, in this city, for the purpofe of eftablifhing new regulations. The proclamation ifTued by General Gage is very little regarded. Hancock and Adams are therein excepted from mer- cy ! — The Congrefs have adjourned until September. My friend M arrived on the i8th, and delivered your circumftantial epiftle. How we are to correfpond hereafter I know not. On the tenth of September next the non-exportation aiTociation takes place ', and all commercial intercourfe will confequently ceafe, until thefe unhappy differences are by fome means decided. It feems but yefterday that I confidered my fituation as permanent. — Every flattering profpedt appeared before me. — Happy in my family, in my connexions, in my cir- cumitances. ^■r l'"> 220 LETTERS Let. xxii. cumflances, cheriflied and fupported by a patron, able and anxious to promote my intereft. Alas ! my brethren, how cru- elly is the fcene reverfed ! I am fuddenly involved in a train of difficulties and dan- gers, againft v^^hich no human prudence or forefight could pofTibly guard. How ftrangely complicated have been the events of my life, on which, apparently, my own conduct has had fo little influence. Under all circumftances believe me ever yours. LETTER XXII. Annapolis, Aug, 2^, ^77 S* /^ N the fourteenth inftant, the Con- ^^^ vention concluded their delibe- rations. If their proceedings are publifhed before I have an opportunity td*tranfmit this. Let. XXII. from America. 221 this, I will encloft: them for your informa- tion. You will then be enabled to form an opinion of the difpofition of this pro- vince. When you have pcrufed the alfociation of the freemen of Maryland, you will, I prefume, acknowledge the propriety of my objedling to fubfcribe to it, and acknow- ledge that fuch condticft would be incon- fiftent with my principles, and the ftatioii under governmeni;, in which I am fituated. I verily believed fome regard would have been paid to the particular circumflances of revenue officers, but our prefent rulers entertain different fertiments, and all per- fons, without exceptio. , mud ailbciate and enrol; the Governor, and his houfehold, cnfy excepted. His Excellency, ever attentive to my in- tereft, has generouily made me an offer to become one of his family, immediately after the embarkation of Mrs. E ■ — , who is now ■:i"' 222 LETTERS Let. xxir. now anxioully preparing for her approacih- ing voyage. We had firmly determined, t^at no circumftances, however adverfe to our hopes, fliould induce us again to con- fent, even to a temporary feparation ; but the cruel neceflity of our once more fub- mitting to it, has of late appeared too evident. She is perfedly convinced, that I muft fpeedily avow my political fenti- ments, in the moft explicit manner; and that my refufal to join in the popular mea- fures, will fubjccfl me to inconveniences which may better be fupported, when my family is removed to fome fecure afylum. Influenced by fuch forcible confide rations, flie has acknowledged the expediency of what is fo diftrefiing to our domeflic hap- pinefs ! and early in the enfuing month, we muft bid farewell ! — a painful farewell to each other ! The Governor's humane and generous offer imprclTes my mind with fhe moft lively lined, ;rfe to ) con- ; but e fub- ed too d, that I renti- er ; and Lar mea- eniences i/hen my afylum. ,e rations, fiency of ;ic hap- montb, farewell I generous I lie moft lively Let. XXII. from America. 223 lively gratitude : yet am I greatly einbar- raffed how to condudt myfelf on the occa- fion. Confidering the wild, anfettled times, he is uncommonly popular -, but how long he may continue fo is a matter of great uncertainty. It is highly probable he may fpeedily think it neceflary to exprefs his decided approbation of the prefent pro- ceedings, which ftep, I am fearful, would effectually cancel his paft merits ; fubje■ 424 LETTERS Let. xxir. will hereafter be attended with the mofl falutary efFe»5ts, and the moft plealing re- fled:ions. If I abandon this country, in confe- quence of a fteady adherence to my prin- ciples and my duty, I muft unavoidably be fubjed:ed to a precarious life of uncertainty and dependence ; and inftead of enjoying a comfortable afylum in my native land, I may only experience a variety of misfor- tunes and diliippointments, and drink yet deeper draughts of the cup of afflidion. 1 am, however, perfed:ly afTured, if I preferve my integrity unblemilhed, though I fhould thereby be fubjeded to IC the fpurns ** That patient merit of the unworthy takes," yet, hereafter, I fhall receive an adequate reward. On the other hand, fliould I a6t in oppo- fition to the dictates of my mind, by fub- fcribing to the afTociation, and taking arms, I fhaU T. XXII. ; moft ing re- ly prin- dably be certainty QJoying a I land, I f misfor- drink yet idion. 1 ; preferve Let. xxii. from America. 225 I fhall not only be fubjecft to thofe pain- ful feelings which accompany a confci- oufnefs of doing wrong, but be juflly de- fpifed by every brave and honefl man; detefted and avoided by every refpecftable fociety ; and, when tranquillity is happily reftored, defervedly caft out, to encounter a complication of miferies, without one chearing thought to fupport fuch a reverfe of fortune. I have now fairly flated my fituation ; and believe, from your knowledge of my principles, you will readily determine how I (hall regulate my condud: ; and whenever I am unhappily neceflitated to quit this country, v/here I have experi- enced great bleffings, this pleafmg reflec- tion will accon pany mc, that I have left behind me a fair and unblemifhed reputa- tion. CL A new m ■ i 12b LETTERS Let.xxij, A new emiffion of paper currency, to the amount of fixty thoufand pounds ftcrl- ing, is now prcjxiring under the infpec- tion of gentlemen, appointed by authority of the Convention, which is hereafter to be funk by a tax on the inhabitants of this pro- vince ; befides which, they are to be aflefled their proportion to fink the Congrefs mo- ney, amounting to fix hundred and feventy five thoufand pounds, lately emitted at Philadelphia, for the payment of the pro- vincial army. How thefe enormous ex- pences are to be fupported, and how the people are to be maintained, after a totil ilagnation of commerce, is not eafy to con- ceive. If ways and means are not fpeedily dcvifed to feed the hungry, and cloath the naked, we niuft aiTuredly experience all th« horrors of tlie moft extreme indigence. Numbers of my valued friends are now preparing to bid farewell to a country, 4 where .r. ^Jf"' icy, to Ls fterl- infpec- athority ter to be this pro- )e afleffed rrefs mo- ld feventy mitted at f the pro- rmous ex- i how the ifter a total iafy to con- ^ot fpeedily cloath the [ence all th« tdigence. Inds are noxv a country, where Let. XXII. from America. 227 where they cannot poflibly remain with any degree of fafety, unlefs they take an adtive part in oppofition to the meafures of go- vernment : to be neuter is to be adverfe. What a variety of circumftances combine to make me wretched ! It is but too proba- ble that / alfo fhall foon abandon this con- tinent, either by fentence of banifhment, or by voluntary retreat. I cannot be ex- celled by any in good wifhes to Ame- rica, and I heartily pray that every real evil under which (he labours, may be fpeedily and efFedlually redrefled : but the prefent meafures will never meet my concurrence : I cannot fubfcribe to a compad:, which I believe to be incompatible with my oath of allegiance ; nor can I think it confiftent with that liberty, which is the univerful cry, to compel any man to a(St in diredl oppoii- tion to his well-grounded principles. T have written you a gloomy letter, which a, word or tvvo more fliall conclude. In a 0^2 former 228 LETTERS Let. xxij. mm former epiftle, I mentioned Mr. James •C '■ — , arid the danger to which he was fubjeded in confequence of having im- parted his opinions too explicitly in con- fidential correfpondencc. That gentleman has been examined by the Convention, and there are vindiftive fpirits who think the fentence he has received, by no means ade- quate to the fuppofed enormity of his of- fence. He has been pronounced " an enemy to America -, condemned to perpe- tual banifliment ; and obliged to depolit the fum of five hundred pounds fterling, in the hands of perfons appointed by the Convention, to be expended occafionally \o- wards his proportion of all charges incur- red, or to be incurred, for the defence of America, during the prefent conteft with Great Britain -, the overplus, if any, after a reconciliation fliall happily be eifeded, to be reftored to the faid James C ■." From It <.ET. xxni. FROM America. 229 From this you will learn how hazardous it is become to fupport a free intcrcourfe. The Convention have thus aflumed the powers of all the different branches of go- vernment ; but with what propriety, it be- comes not me to determine. That the bleffings of p' c may fpeedily be reftored, is the fervent of your faithful, &c. ^i ..;-j, v:"^ r rr LETTER XXIir. Jtinapolisy Sep. 26t/j, IJJS* I AM feated, my deareil wife, to trahf- mit a detail of material occurrences, fmce our unhappy feparation on the lix- teenth inftant. It is impoflible to delineate the angui/h I experienced when I quitted the vefTel 0^3 which .1 I IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 'ks ^ « 1.0 I.I li.25 laiii ■2.5 ■50 ^^* ■■■ u 114 ^ ^ ^? ^^4 ^"4 %>* // Hi0tDgra{M: Sdmoes Coiporalion 33 WHT MAM STRHT wnSTILN.Y. I4SM ( 71* ) •73-4803 ^V^ ^v^^ c^ :• :^:' .1- ■! m ■'■^m. :';■;'■ ■.■'t fin i"'Vi Si3o LETTERS Let.xxhi, ^vhich was to convey you, and our darling boy to a land of fafety. Anxious to retain you as long as pofTible in my pofTefTiori, I had proceeded with you further down the Bay than prudence warranted, and the iiight was far advanced before I regained* the rnanlion of the hofpitable Colonel. I then retired to the apartment you had fo recently quitted, and gave a loofe to all the complicated emotions which ** harrowed \ip my fouU" On the nineteen th, the wind being fa- vourable, I took leave of the worthy family at Roufley-hall, and embarked for Anna-^ polis. In my way down the river I vifited a vcflcl which had anchored near the mouth on the preceding evening, and found on board fcveral of our valued acquaintance, who had abandoned their deareft connexions, rather than aiTent to meafures they could not confcientioufly fupport* Let. xxui. from A m e rj c a. 231 Immediately on landing, I repaired to my new abode at the Governor's, who received me with that friendly attention which fo remarkably diflinguifhes his con- duep. ay. rmedby lamation the Li- 5 meeting ill perfons flbciation, quifitions, y, as cne- Amcrica." to inform IS defeated licious and 1 the per- jfign; and ongft the fupported Let, xxiii. from America, 235 or encouraged. It is needlefs to mention, that this proceeding was diredtly oppofite to the refolves of the Convention ; it having been determined by that body, that t6ey only w^ere competent to take cognizance of of- fences, and to afcertain the punifliment. I am, however, clearly of opinion, that all power will quickly be transferred into the hands of the multitude, who once tak- ing the lead, will not eafily be reduced again to proper fubmiflion. In fome counties they have had warm contefts in elefting their delegates for the enfuing convention, and in appointing members of the refpec- tive committees. In Talbot, the poll lafted feveral days; party prejudices were highly predominant, and much ill blood produced. Mr. R — , the Attorney General of Virginia, with his lady and daughters, are on their paiTage to England. His fon is of the adverfe party, and is appointed an aid- 4a-camp i* M '.■ K< .1' ■*. '.'■'■ Jf :::ill: 236 LETTERS Let.xxiii. du-camp to General Wafliington ; with whom, beneath the hofpitable roof of our worthy governor, I have fo frequently fhared the hour of fbcial and fentimental difcourfe. Little did I then conceive, that he was def- tined to be called forth, by the united voice of America, from the private occupations of domeftic tranquillity, to diredt hoftilc operations againft the meafures of the Bri- tifh government. Refervcd in converfa- tion, but liberal in opinion, his actions have, hitherto, been diredted by calmnefs and moderation ; a perfcverance in which condudt may reftrain mifguided ardor, and diredt every movement to that grand point j a permanent and conftitutional reconcilia- tion. ,'»>!• » Ai Ll-^l^i: * ;-'.j-. The exaltation of this gentleman to the fupreme command, is confidered as a fe- vere ftroke to the ambition of General Lee ; who, relying on a fuppofed opinion '. .1 i Let.*xxiii. from America. 237 of his fuperior abilities and experience, expeded to have been unanimoufly chofen to this elevated ftation. I am perfuad- ed, that General Wafhington would re- joice in an opportunity of returning into the private vi^alks of life : but it is too evident that General Lee is governed by a vindictive fpirit, the refult of difappoint- ment in military advancement, v^^hile in the fervke of Great Britain. Perhaps this ad- ditional mortification may moderate his «eal in the caufe he has recently efpoufed. •■•♦ »■ •!■• ■V"'.-, A\ >J ^ The Council of Safety have given di- re(a:ions to feveral gentlemen in public de- partments, to hold themfelvej in readinefs to remove their books and papers. Inti- mations of this nature have not yet ex- tended to myfelf or colleague, but when the Convention meet, it is expedted wc fliall be included in whatever regulations they may think neceflary to eflablifh. Th« tl" ij- A-n Kli •! H I 23S LETTERS Let*xxxii» The report of a ihip of war being or- dered to this port, has occafioned many families to quit Annapolis ; and others talk of rfemoving fpeedily* I have, however, the pleafure of informing you, that the generality of the inhabitants feem perfedtly difpofed to condudt themfelves with mo- deration, Ihould fuch (hip arrive ; for at a refpedtable meeting of the citizens, on Monday laft, it was unanimoufly agreed, " If a vefTel, belonging to his Majefty, ** fhould be ftationed in our harbour, to fupply the fame with every neceffary, at a reafonable price, and cautioufly to " avoid any caufe of contention v^ith the ** officers or the crew." An addrefs is alfo prepared to be delivered to the Gover- nor, expreffive of thefe laudable fentiments, and entreating that he will intimate the fame to the commander of any fhip that may be ordered on this duty. I (hall €e €t Lit. XXIV. prom America. 339 I fhall be truly impatient till I learn that you are fafely arrived. May the wifhcd- for intelligence be foon conveyed to your ever faithful, &c. LETTER XXIV. yfmtapoliSi Nov, i6, I775» WHEN we parted, I intimated an intention of making an excurlion to the northward \ but, on refle(5lion, think it prudent, during thefe difcordant times, to relinquifti the delign. The city of New York is deferted by almod: every refpei^able family ; and Philadelphia only prefents a view of military arrangements and general tonfufion. While the country is in fuch commotion, commerce and agriculture at a {land, and marks of diflrefs, real or ima> ginary. w r^ ti m m 240 LETTERS Let. xxm ginary, imprinted on every countenance* it is abfolutely impoffible to receive any fa- tisfadtion from change of fituation. ' * The king's proclamation, and the Man- chefter addrefs, have appeared in the con- tinental papers j but as I carefully avoid " the bufy haunts of men," I am not fuf- ficiently informed to determine on their general reception. From w^hat I cafually learn they do not tend to conciliate. Friday y Nov, 17. i,. I have juft received intelligence which gives me great dilquietude. The Septem- ber packet is arrived from England, but the letters are detained for infpedtion. The governor is much chagrined on the occa- fion. Mrs. Washington, accompanied by her fbn Mr. Curtis, and his lady, paiTed through Baltimore this day on their vv^ay to the . - camp Lit. XXIV. moM AMSRicAt •4« camp at Cambridge, efcorted by a detach- ment of horfe, that made a very military appearance. n Tut/day y Nov, 21. The governor this morning received his letters, but they have paiTed the ordeal of examination. Thofe you may write to me will afTuredly (hare the fame fate. It is a painful refle ill 1,:' >: . .1, IliMI/jjl 151 LETTERS Let. XXVI. lefs formed an idea, that the difpofitlDn to loyalty, which he difcovered in that neighbourhood, would have been fuffici- ently general for enabling him to raife a force competent to re-eftablifh, what he deemed a proper degree of fubordination. This delufive expectation was interrupt- ed by information, that a party of provin- cials, under the command of Colonel Woodford, were on their march to oppofe his meafures. To obftruft their progrefs, and to fupport thofe who were well-afFedted, Lord Dunmore immediately took poffeflion of a poft called the Great Bridge, fome miles diftant from Norfolk, which is a pafs of great confequence, and the only pradticable way of approaching that town. Both par- ties fortified themfelves within cannon fhot of each other ; and as a narrow caufeway lay between them, which muft neceffarily be paffed previous to an attack, they ap- peared Let. XXVI. from America. 253 peared to be mutually fecured from any danger of furprife. Thus circumftanced, they continued in- active feveral days, till, at length, a de-> iign was formed of furprifing the Ameri- can troops in their intrenchments. Cap- tain Fordyce, a very gallant officer, at the head of about fixty grenadiers, led the at- tack : they paffed the caufeway with the utmoft intrepidity, and with fixed bayo- nets rufhed on an enemy, who were pro- perly prepared for their reception ; for Captain Fordyce*s party were not only ex- pofed, naked, to a heavy fire in front, but were enfiladed from another part of the works. The brave leader, with feve- ral of his men, fell j the lieutenant, with the refidue, all of whom were feverely wounded, were taken prifoners. The fire of the artillery from the Britifh fort, enabled the forces under the com- mand u- ft * h,« *54 LETTERS Let. XXVI. mand of tlic governor, to retreat from the pod which they had occupied, and which was now no longer tenable, with- out purfuit ; and as all hopes in this quar- ter were terminated by the defeat. Lord Dunmore thought it expedient to abandon the town and neighbourhood of Norfolk, and retire on board the fliipping, with numbers of perfons, who having been ac- tive in fupporting his meafures, found it neceflary to feek the fame afylum. A con- iiderable number of veiTels was, by this means, colled:ed, crowded with people and efFedts ; but polTcfiing little force and in great want of able mariners. The pro- vincials immediately took pofleflion of Norfolk, and the governor, with his ad- herents, removed to a greater diftance. The loyalifts who had taken refuge in the fleet, together with the feamen and military, quickly became fenfible of many difficulties Let. XXVI. from America. 155 difficulties and hardships j provifions, ne- cefTaries, and every kind of fuccour, being abfolutely d 'nied from the adjacent fhore. The fhips, likewife, being conflantly an- noyed by the fire of the Americans, from that part of the town which lay neareft the water, it was determined to diflodge them, by dcflroying it. A flag, however, was firft fent on Ihore, to learn ** whether ** the provincials would regularly fupply ** his Majelly's (hips with water and j^ro- " vifions," which requifition being an- fwered in the negative, extremities were refolved on. Previous notice being ac- cordingly given, that the inhabitants might remove to fituations of fecurity, the firft day of the prefent year was fignalizcd by the attack -, when a violent cannonading commenced from the Liverpool frigate, two floops of war, and the Governor's armed fliip, the Dunmore ; fupportcd by parties of the failors and marines, who landed. "i H ,rl'ii; 156 LETTERS Let. XXVI. landed, and fet fire to the neareft houfes. Thefe meafures foon produced the intended cffedt ; but not without the deftrudlion of the whole town, which by the rapid pro- grefs of the flames, was quickly reduced to afhes. I have feen the copy of a gazette, which was printed on board the Governor's (hip, he having removed the prefs and materials thither from Norfolk, in which it is con- fidently, and with great probability alferted, ** that it v;as only intended to deftroy that ** part of the town which adjoined the ** river, but that the provincials com- ** pleted the devaflation, by fetting fire " to the remote ftreets ; which, as the " wind then flood, would otherwife have " been fecure from danger.** Such has been the fate of the moft con- liderable commercial town in the colony of Virginia ; and the whole lofs upon the occafion, is eflimated at above three hun- dred Let. XXVI. FROM America. 257 dred thoufand pounds. This unhappy event has given a frelh alarm to our citi- zens, many of whom are preparing to quit Annapolis. The Provincial AfTembly have been fit- ting here, ever fince the fourth of Decem- ber. It is expeded they v;rill fpeedily ad- journ. Our Governor is in perfedt health. He ftill continues to receive every external mark of attention and refped: ; v^^hile the Heady propriety of his condud, in many trying exigencies, refleds the utmofl cre- dit on his moderation and underflanding. My ignorance of your lituation, is a very confiderable addition to the dil^uietude I experience, on account of public calami- ties. May my next acknowledge the re- ceipt of an epiflle from her who occupies every thought 5 and whofe happinefs is the S primary (> '} ■■■■(, 258 LETTERS Let. xxvM, primary object I have in view ! Under all the difpenlations of Providence I ihail re- main unalterably yours. LETTER XXVIL |:i: Jmapolis, March \\th^ 1776. ^"TpHE inhabitants of this city have -■- been exceedingly alarmed. On the fifth in flan t, about eight in the evening, intelligence was received, that a fhip of war was on her palTage up the bay ; and at no great diftance from Annapolis. The confternation occafioned by this informa- tion, exceeds defcription. The night was tempefluous ; extremely dark ; and the rain defcended in torrents : notwithftanding which, many perfons began to remove >their effe(!^s; and thellreets were quickly crowded 4 with '! Let. XXVII. from America^ 259^ with carriages laden with furniture, and property of various kinds. A Httlc reflec- tion muft have made it evident, that with- out violent provocation, hoflilities would not have commenced : and at all events, that timely notice would have been given, previous to any bombardment. It ought to have been conlidered, that a governor, ading under the authority of Great Britain, was refident in the town, and, apparently, exercifing the powers with which he was invefted. No complaint had been tranf- mitted, on his part, relative to the treat- ment experienced by him, and the adhe- rents of adminiftration. His prudent and confiftent conduct, had greatly tended to prevent perfonal outrages -, and under fuch circumftances, it was manifefl, that no commander in his Majefty's fervice, could have formed the mbft diftant idea of pro- ceeding to extremities, without commu- S 2 nicat- m Mi: . '1' f 1 . i Hi li 260 LETTERS Let. xxvil. nicating his intentions to the fupreme magiftrate, who was undoubtedly a valua- ble pledge in the hands of the people, to fecure themfelves and property from imme- diate violence. But as reafon feldom operates under inftantaneous impreflions, the Governor refolved to purfue eyery eligible method that might efFedtually remove the appre- henfions fo univerfally entertained. Adu- ated by fuch motives, he made immediate application to the Council of Safety, and, in order to diflipate the general anxiety, propofed fending a flag of truce on board his Majefty's (hip, the inftant flie made her appearance, or came to an anchor off" the harbour. An offer fo evidently tending to preferve the public tranquillity, was ac- cepted with every fuitable acknowledg- ment J and on the feventh inftant, a fhip of war, accompanied by a tender, paffing . • bj '1 fupreme ^ a valua- Dcoplc, to 3m imme- ites under Governor )le method the appre- led. Aau- e immediate Safety, and, ZY^\ anxiety, Ice on board X (lie made |n anchor off ntly tending llity, was ac- tcknowledg- ,ftant, a {hip ider, pafling Let. XXVII. from America. 261 by Annapolis, I had the honour to be de- puted to perform this fervice ; on which occafion I thought it neceflary, in order to obviate any mifreprefentation, to tranfcribe, as follows, the fubftance of my negotiation, for the infpedtion of the Governor, the Council of Safety, and the Committee of Obfervation. Friday, March Sth. " By order of his Excellency the Gover- nor, and with the approbation of the pre- ildent of the Council of Safety, I repaired yefterday on board his Majefty's floop, the Otter, commanded by Captain Squire, then lying at an anchor in Chefapeak Bay, be- tween Magotty River, and the Bodkin ; and delivered to him a letter from the Go- vernor, to which a fatisfad:ory anfwer was returned, and immediately made known, for the general information of the citizens of Annapolis. S 3 (( In *}';' •1 II Hj: '■} f Vi 'f i !: 262 LETTERS Let. xxvn. ** In converfation with Captain Squire, I took occafion to expatiate on the temper and moderation of the people of Mary- land ', their attachment to the Britifh con- ftitution ', and their fettled averfion to any defign of eilablilhing an independency : for an alTurance of which, I referred him to the inftrudlions given to their delegates in Congrefs, and to the proceedings of the late Convention. ** I informed Captain Squire, that from the commencement of thefe unhappy dif- fentions, the Governor and his friends had been treated with refpedl and attention] I recommended the utmoft moderation in the execution of his orders; and afTured him, that in fo doing, the efteem of the people would be fo far conciliated, as to render the Maryland ftation as convenient and agreeable as the nature of the times would admit. " Cap- Let. XXVII. fromAmehica. 263* ** Captain Squire, on his part, expli- citly acquainted me, that it was the fur- theft from his intentbns to proceed to any extremities ; that he was inftru6led to de- mand a privateer, avowedly fitted out at Baltimore, for hoftile purpofes ; as alfo fome veflels laden with flour, of which the navy were in the greateft want j that he was ready to pay the market price for any provifions that the inhabitants would fup- ply him with 5 but otherwife he was under an abfolute neceffity to feize whatever might come within his power. Captain Squire promifed, that if his requifitions were complied with, not the leall: damage fhould enfue to any individual, or to the town of Baltimore. ** Captain Squire mentioned, that he had given particular directions to the gentle- men under his command, not to fire, under any pretext, upon fuch perfons as might S 4 aflem- mm i' hi W* I' I;, ■ wi"l;f";i 'TX 264 LETTERS Let. xxrii. afTemble on the adjacent fhorcs, or permit any depredations ; but to perform fuch duty only, as was abfolutely eflential to his Majefly's fervice, ** Captain Squire, from the whole of his behaviour, difcovered the utmoft concern for the unhappy breach which had taken place between the mother country, and her colonies ; aud obliged as he was, to adt in the line of his duty, it appeared his moft earneft wifh to avoid any meafures which might only tend to widen the calamitous diflention, ** To the above I have only to add, that my bulinefs on board was to recom-^ mend temperate proceedings, and to ob- tain fuch intelligence as might conduce to remove the apprehenfions of the much alarmed citizens of Annapolis, in which fervice I have the fatisfadion to believe I have not been altogether unfuccefsful. W. E." Early Let. XXVII. FROM America. 265 Early in the afternoon, the arn: ' vef- fel, of which they were in queft, appeared in fight. The tender, belonging to the floop of war, had proceeded further up the bay, and had taken poflefHon of a fliip, with a valuable cargo, then lying at an anchor, and ready for fea : but on the ap- proach of a force greatly fuperior, the cap- tors were reludlantly obliged to relinqui(h their prize, and haften to the Otter, with intimation of their difappointment. Every circumftance plainly indicated an intention, on the part of the privateer, to attack his Majefty's floop ; which immediately got under way, in order to prepare for their reception. While they were weighing* r took leave of the captain and officers, and repaired on board the fchooner which brought me from Annapolis, in firm ex- pectation that the adion would commence before I could poflibly proceed far on my return. Shortly after I quitted the Otter, ihe \h % m 566 LETTERS Let. xxvii. (he ftruck on a fhoal, and heeled confldera- bly, in which lituation fhe could have made very little refiftance, had the provin- cial commander thought it advifable to have then availed himfelf of that op- portunity. She, however, quickly righted, and ftood for her opponent, who, pofTibly in purfuance of orders, put about, and di- red:cd her courfe for Baltimore. Night approaching, and the navigation being in- tricate, the Otter came again to an anchor near the mouth of the Patapfco. On the niniii, the Otter returned down the bay, and anchored off the mouth of our harbour ; foon after which a flag of truce was difpatched on fhore. The oflicer who brought it was received with refpedt ; two gentlemen of the Council of Safety were prefent at the delivery of his meffage ; and the day was concluded at the Governor's, in a fociable manner. During this inter- val. Let. xxni. Let. xxvii. from America. 467 val, the feamen who accompanied the offi- cer continued in their boat, at a fmall dif- tance from the fliore, where they fupportcd a friendly converfation with the provincial military, who were ftationed on the beach to preferve regularity. Early on the enfuing day, another flag attended the Governor, but continued with him a very fhort time : and about noon, the Otter made fail to join the fleet on the Virginia ftation. It was certainly a mofl: happy circum- fiance, that this vifit was not attended with more ferious confequences. Had an adlion taken place, which at one time appeared too probable, whatever might have been the event, fadious and ambitious men would eagerly have embraced the oppor- tunity to have fomented the general dif- content. The Defence, which is the name of the armed fhip fitted out at Baltimore, is much fuperior in force to the Otter floop. ) Ml I t68 LETTERS Let. xxvir. floop, and was crouded with fcamen and volunteers, who appeared refolute and de- termined. Many are of opinion they adled wifely in declining the conteft. They had retaken the prize, the avowed objed: of their intentions ; and admitting their claim equal with refpedt to courage, added to the circumflances of a fuperior force, thefe advantages would, probably, by no means have counterbalanced the acknowledged aaii!,»i i-i ■ I: Mh A III >■'! ZJl LETTERS Let. xxviih pulous and powerful provinces, dodtrines are induftrioulTy promulgated, and eagerly received, which will eiFedually bar every avenue to a pacific accommodation ; and the moll fanguine adherents to the interefts of Great Britain, cannot, w^ith propriety, indulge the fainted idea, that any fingle colony, however influenced by circum- flance or inclination, can poflibly pretenj to flem the torrent, Ihould it unhappily tend to the eftablifhment of an independent government. From fuch confiderations, I am naturally led to believe, that the day cannot be far diftant, when it will be neceffary for thofe to abandon this country, who cannot con- fiftently coincide with the popular mea- fures. Be, therefore, always prepared to fee me : and let not my fudden appearance afFedl your mind too fenfibly. On the other hand, yield not to gloomy apprehen- fions, Let. xxviii^ 2S, doarines and eagerly lly bar every odation; and o the interefts ith propriety, tiat any fmgle [ by circum- ofTibly pretend i it unhappily an independent Let. XXIX. FROM America. 273 fions, if a conliderable time fhould elapfe, without your receiving any intimation of my welfare; and be not alarmed, when reports are circulated relative to calamities incident to war. Adieu ! LETTER XXIX. Jlnnapolisy May 20, 1776. TH E Congrefs, by a declaration of the fifteenth inftant, have earneftly recommended to " the refpedtive affem- ** blies and conventions of the united co- lonies, where no government fufficient to the exigencies of their affairs has " been hitherto eftabliflied, to adopt fuch ** government as (hall in the opinion of ** the reprefentatives of the people beft T " con- (( « t\ I f ';¥ \ 1 ■ , in: f :'- 1 274 LETTERS Let. xxix, " conduce to the happinefs and fafety of " their conftituents, and America in ge- ** neraL" This declaration is grounded on the prohibitory ad, by which " the in- '* habitants of Britifh America are totally ** excluded from- the protedion of the ** crown." It is alfo alledged therein, " that no anfwer has been, or is like to be ** returned to the humble petitions of the ** colonies j but that inflead of attending " to the redrefs of grievances, coercive ** meafures are adopted ; by which the ** whole force of the mother country, aid- ** ed by foreign mercenaries, is to be ex- " erted for their deftrudion. From fuch " confiderations, it is aflerted to be abfo- " lutely irreconcileable to reafon, and good ** confcience, to take the oaths and affir- " mations neceflary for the fupport of any '* government under the dominion of ** Great Britain, and therefore expedient ** that the exercife of every kind of au- 4 ,. ** thority Let. XXIX. nd fafety of :rica in ge- is grounded Lch " the in- ca are totally aion of the dged therein, 3r is like to be etitions of the ,d of attending ,nces, coercive by which tk Lcr coantay, aid- |es, is to be ex- Irted to be ahfo- ^reafon, and good oaths and affir- ,e fupport of any ^e dominion of lerefore expedient .very kind of au- <« thoritj' l^iT. xxiXi FROM America. ^75 €t «( t€ ** thority under the faid crown, fliould be ** totally fupprefTed, and all the powers of government hereafter exerted under the authority of the people of the colonies -, for the prefervation of internal peace, ** virtue, and good order ; as well as for " the defence of their lives, liberties, and " properties, againfl the hoflilc invafions, " and cruel depredations of their enemies.'* Whether any of the provinces, by their delegates in congrefs, have diflented from a meafure which muft, inevitably, be pro- ductive of the moft ferious confequences, has not yet been afcertained ; but it is cer- tain, that the colony of Virginia has taken a moft decided lead in promoting a total reparation from Great Britain. For on the fame day in which congrefs came to the refolution above-mentioned, the con-* vention in Williamlburgh ifTued a fimilar declaration, but expreffed in fuch ftrong and pointed terms, as evidently indicate a T 2 fettled w> U\M M 776 LETTERS Let. xxix. fettled determination never to acknowledge themfelvcs in any degree fubordinate to the influence or authority of the Britifli go- vernment. There were prefent that day in conven- tion, one hundred and twelve members, who, after ftating the reafons which in- fluenced their condudl, conclude with the following tinanimous refolution. ** That the delegates appointed to re- prefent chis colony in general congrefs, be inftru■*■ V ■ I 't > I HI 290 LETTERS Let. XXX. before the expiration of the term, which may be allotted for the fettlement of that department; and we fliall, confequently, be reinflated with every circumflance of advantage and reputation. Suiiday^ C)th June. We are in hourly expectation of feeing the fhip which is to convey the Governor from this province ; and though I am fe- licitous to tranfmit the refult of Tuefday's proceedings, yet, on his own account, I am anxious for his immediate departure, left any alteration fliould take place, which may occafion his detention in Maryland. In my laft letter, I mentioned that If "was moft earneftly recommended by Gene- ral Lee, to feize the perfon of the Gover- nor, together with his papers and official documents. The Congrefs have, alfo, in jlrong terms, urged the expediency of A that Let. XXX. ixm, which lent of that onfequently, ;umftance of tion of feeing ^^e Governor lOUgh I am fo- ilt of Tuefday's ,wn account, I Idiatc departure, ^ke place, wlViA n\ Maryland. lentioned that u UndedbyGcne- ,n of the Gover- pers and o^^^ ■ fs have, alfo, in of Let. XXX. From America. 291 that meafure ; and the Convention of Vir- ginia, have likewife come to a fimilar refo- lution ; which they have pubhfhed to the world; and which they are endeavouring to enforce with all their power. The fentiments exprefled in the refolvc of that province, fufficiently evince the danger of delay, as they already appear to operate, with great force, on the minds of the multitude ; and there are fome who publicly avow their opinion, that the com- munity at large, are not bound to yield their alTent to any proceedings of delegates, which, in their confequences, may be pre- judicial to the general interefts of America. Tha: you may be enabled to form a clear idea, under what embarrafling cir- cumftances the Governor is at prefent fitu- ated, I have tranfcribed the refolve for your more particular information. e t expediency iU U 2 ** In 7.^7 L E T 1' E R S Let. XXX, l-:4i- "IN CONVENTION. " JnHlnrnJlnrg^ Friday^ May 31, 1776. " Refolved, imanimonfly^ That the Com- mittee of S':.fety be direded to write a let- ter to the Prcfidcnt of the Convention of Maiyland, in anfvver to his letter of the twenty-fifth inftant, exprefTing the deepeft concern at the proceedings of that Con- vention, refpeding Governor Eden; and our reafons for not becoming acceflary thereto, by giving him a pafTport through this colony, or the bay adjoining : that we would with reludance, in any cafe, in- termeddle in the affairs of a fiflcr colony, but in this matter we are much interefled ; and the Convention of Maryland, by fend- ing their proceedings to the Committee of Safety, hav6 made it the duty of the Con- vention, to declare their fentiments thereon. ** That confidering the intercepted let- ter from Lord George Germaine to Go- vernor Let. xxk« O N. lay Zi, ^11^' t the Corn- write a let- ,nvention of ettcr of the g the deepeft )f that Con- r Eden; and ing acceffary rport through joining: that any cafe, in- fiftcr colony, Lchintereftedj [land, by fend- Committee of :y of the Con- tinents thereon. intercepted kt- L-maine to Go- vernor Let. XXX, from America. 293 vernor Eden, in which his whole condudt, and confidential letters are approved ; and he is directed to give facility and afTiftance to the operations of Lord Dunmore, againfl Virginia, we arc at a lofs to account for the Council of Safety of Maryland, their having negledted to fSizQ him, according to the recommenJation of the f^cncral Con- grefs ; and more fo for the Convention having promoted his paflage, to aflill: in our deftrud-ion, under a pretence of his retir- ing to England, which we conceive, from the above letter, he is not at liberty to do ; that fuppofing he fliould go to Britain, it appears to us, that fuch voyage, vAth the addrefs prefented to him, will enable him to afTume the character of a public agent, and by promoting divifion amongft the colonies, produce confequences the moft fatal to the American caufe : that as the reafons afligned for his departure, " That he muft obey ** the minifterial mandates while rcmain- . U 3 " ing^ m^ ■1 Ml m 1 4 294 LETTERS L^T.xxx. ** ing in his government," are very unfatis- fadiory, when the Convention declare, that " in his abfence, the government, in its ** old form, will devolve on the Prefident ** of the Council of State ;" who will be under equal obligation to obey fuch man- dates. We cannot avoid imputing thefe proceedings to fome undue influence of Governor Eden, under the mafk of friend- ship to America; and of the proprietary intereft in Maryland, whereby the members of that Convention were betrayed into a T'ote of fatal tendency to the common caufe, and, we fear, to this country in particular; and feel it an indifpenfible duty, to warn the good people of that province againft the proprietary influence, ** Refolved, That the foregoing refolu- tion be forthwith publifhed in the Virginia Gazette. *' Edm. Pendleton, Trefident, " John Tazwell, Clk, Convention.'' From Let. XXX. from America. 295 From the above it appears evident, tliat my obfervations, refpecfting the temper and moderation of thofe who, at prefent, diredt the political concernments of this province, are well-founded. Independence is by no means the general wifh in Maryland. Our neighbours are, however, a^ftive in propa- gating the popular do6lrines, and I fear the number of profelytcs is daily augment- ing. The above appeal of the colony of Virginia, has already added fuel to the fire i it has increafed the zeal of the vio- lent ; and may poffibly lead to meafures, which thofe who are now at the helm, have not yet thought it expedient to adopt. Monday, iQth Jiine^ To-morrow I muil obey the fummons of the Committee. My colleague and I have drawn up the following rcprefenta- tion of our cafe, which we mean to deli- U 4 ver .1 ■ ti 296 LETTERS Let. xxx, vcr to the chairman of that body, in order to obviate the nccefTity of entering into bond. ,(4' :ililiP>li: m ** To the chairman and members of the Committee of Obfervation for Anne Arun- del County. *' Gentlemen, ** Wc flatter ourfclves that the follow- ing reprcfentation will engage the Com- mittee's candid, and difpallionate confidera- tion ; and that when the pcrfonal liberty of even an individual is concerned, his endea- vours to prefer ve it will be received with indulgence. " You will pleafe, gentlemen, to ob- ferve, that it is not ordered by the Con- vention, that the Committees of Obferva- tion take bonds of all non-aflbciators, but it is left to their difcretion, whether to re- quire bonds or not ; and in the exercife of this ; !■ Let. XXX. rwQ'ji America. 297 this power, though the ccminittccs arc not held, as niagidrates arc in fnnikr calls, by the obHgation of an oath, yet \vc prcfunic they are bound In honour, r.ot to dcniiUid fccurity unnccellary for the public good, and inconvenient and cmbarralTing to the perfons called upon. lat the follow- ** From the above confidcration we in- ferred, on being required "o gi' ' up ^ ir arms, without any demand or hint ref ".^-[it- ing the entering into bonds, tha'- I'.e Com- mittee of Obfervation, in their difcretion, did not deem it necclTary, or conducive to the public good. Had we been called upon for that purpofe, we fliould have had an opportunity of appealing immediately to the Convention. To that refpedable body, we could have re- ccfented our pecu- liar circumftanccs ; that we are officers of the Crown ; that we have given fccurity JA London for the faithful difcharge of our duty. w 298 LETTERS Let. XXX. duty, agreeable to inftrudtions from time to time received, refpeding the revenue of cuftoms ; that we are not entitled to our falaries without a nihil account, tranfmit- ted quarterly of our proceedings ; and, that though a correfpondence of this nature could be no way injurious to America, yet it might, perhaps, be deemed a breach of the propofed bond, and confequently de- prive us of the means of fubfiftence for ourfelves and families ; for by the condi- tion of this bond, " no correfpondence, ** diredlly or indiredlly, by letter, mefTage, ** or otherwife, with any perfon holding a " civil office under the crown, is allowa- ** ble," even a demand for, and receipt of our falaries, would be a breach of the con- dition prefcribed. " Although we are not natives of this country, we are animated with the warmeil attachment for its intereft and happinefs; and Let. XXX. FROM America. 299 and we flatter ourfelves, that our condud:, for a term of years, has been generally ap- proved, both as fervants of the public, and rnembers of the community. We are de- termined to perfevere, faithfully and ho- nourably, in difcharging the duties of our refpedlive offices, as long as v/ith propriety we can a(5t In the fame ; but we cannot facrifice our honour, or proftitute our oaths, for temporary indulgences. Should we be obliged to depart from this continent, wc hope we fliall be permitted to take leave, with fecurity to our perfons and property, agreeably to a refolve of the Convention, in that cafe provided; and wherever we may fix our refidence, we fhall retain the moft aflfecftionate regard for Maryland, without deviating from our allegiance to our Sovereign, which has been, and will ever continue to be the invariable rule of pur condudt. (t Not "1 mm 1 / j 1 300 LETTERS Let. XXX. " Net to trefpafs, gentlemen, upon your time, permit us to allure you, that we czn^ not, confiflent with our peace of mind, enter into the propofed bond. We act folely from principle, and the didates of confcience. Relying, therefore, on your impartiality, we fliall cheerfully fubmit to whatever you may pleafe to determine j and however Providence may difpofe of us in future, our prayers fhall be continually offered for the profperity of this once happy province, moll ardently wifliing a permanent and coniHtutional reconciliation may fpeedily take place, and that Great Britain and America may remain, to the lateft period, one happy, free, and undi- vided empire. *' We are, gentlemen, ** Your obedient, " Humble fervants, ** John Clapfiam, " Wm. Eddis." Should Let. XXX. FROM America. 30 i * Should the Committee be pleafed to determine, agreeable to the refolve of the Convention, and grant us pafTes to depart the country, we have only to defire that a fufficient time may be allotted us, to fettle the various and intriciie concerns of the loan-ofEce, v^^hich we need not obferve, are of the utmoil: importance to the com- munity in general. It is alfo highly in- cumbent on us, to leave the bufinefs of that department in a clear flate, fo that our fecurities, who are engaged in very large fums for our fidelity, may be honourably difcharged from the obligations entered into on our behalf.* We are by no means fanguine, with re- gard to the above application ; on the con- trary, we are prepared to encounter every difagreeable confequence. It is pollible a few weeks may be allotted, to adjufl pro- vincial and private concerns : we muft then ■■^i 302 LETTERS Let. XXX, then give up every flattering expe<5tation ; every late ereifted hope. We muft forfakc ALL, or ad: inconfillently with the didates of honour and of confcience. The cafe of my refpedtable colleague, Is unconrmionty fevere. Mrs. C is on the point of adding to a family, already numerous, and totally dependent on his indullry for fupport. In times like thefe, it is impoflible to difpofe of any property, in order to raife a fufHciency for their tem- porary ufe in England ; notwithftanding which, he is determined to encounter the utmofl malevolence of fortune ; every ac- cumulated evil, which penury can inflicl, rather than deviate from his principles; 0. violate his allegiance. Tuefday cveniK^y iiih June. We have attended the Committee, and have heard their decifion. On our refill- ing to enter into bond, with good and fuf- ficicnt Let. XXX. FROM America. 303 ;r/;7^, iiih June Committee, and On our reful- h good and fuf- ficient fecurity, under the penalty of ten thoufand pounds each, we are diredled to leave the province before the iirfl: of Au- guft. I fliall be as expeditious as poffible in adjufting my concerns, and fhall, pro- bably, be with you before the conclufion of September. Notwithflanding the Gonvention broke up fo lately, they are fummoned to meet again in a few days, on account of fome important difpatches received from Con- grefs. The Virginians are exceedingly irritated with our ruling powers, for per- mitting the Governor to leave the country ; and are taking vigorous meafures, which they truft will have an effeft in this pro- vince, to his prejudice. All who wifli him well, are anxious to behold the (hip that is to convey him hence, as apprehenfions are juftly entertained of fome violent meafures to detain him. A for- I M' m S.i' m' 304 LETTERS Let. XXX* A fcrmidable aflbclation has taken place in the town of Baltimore, under the appel- lation of the Whig Club -, they loudly proclaim the abfol\!ie ;uxeffity of feizing and fccuring the perfun i;f t-ie Governor, as a pledge for the piiblic fafety ; and it is alicrted, lint a plan is adually in agitation to accompli! h tliis purpofe, in deliance of that legiflature which thsmi- Ives have efla- bliilied. Under fuch a combination of per- plexing circumflances, his Excellency con- duces himfelf with: the utmofl coolnefs and fortitude : he does not appear to entertain the mofi: remote fufpicion, but to rely confidently on -the honour of the Conven- tion, which is folemnly pledged for his fafe departure. T mean to entruft this letter to the care of my patron, and therefore cannot en- tertain any apprehenfion that it will be liable to infpedtion ; and {hull, in confe- quence. Let. XXX. FROM America. 305 quence, venture to make fome comments on the late proceedings of the Committee of Obfervation. I beHeve the demand of fuch unreafonable fecurity is unprecedented: it is, therefore, evident, that the intention of that body, is to banifh all who are deemed inimical to the popular caufe. The cafe of the Crown officers is particularly diftrefling, as it is well known that they are required, under the mofl ficred obligations, to give imme- diate circumflantial information of any de- figns that may be concerted againfb the peace, or order of government. Who, therefore, in poiTelTIon of the leaft fhare of reafon, would confent to hazard fo great a penalty, on behalf of men, who mufl un- doubtedly be guilty of perjury, fhould they negled: an opportunity to convey intelli- gence. Some of our friends, under fimi- lar circumftances, entertain an opinion, X tl-^at f*i I i Mi ■fu M i ■ i i 306 LETTERS Let. xxx. that when the Convention meet, they will check the authority of the refpedlive com- mittees, and afford fome indulgence to thofe who have been unneceffarily opprelTed by their power. For my part, I very lit- tle rely on fuch delufive expedations. The utmoft moderation and temper, confider- ing the complexion of the times, has, in- deed, hitherto marked the proceedings of that body J but violent and inflammatory men, are now induflrioully flraining every nerve, to excite general confufion, and plunge us fatally deep in fchemes of inde- pendance. From this powerful confidera- tion, I am decidedly of opinion that the Con- vention will not hazard their influence, or their popularity, by injudicioufly attempt- ing to extend any indulgence to a defcrip- tion of men, who are too generally pro- fcribed as enemies to the freedom, and the interefls of America. The Lit. XXX. FROM America. 307 The inftant the governor embarks, I fhall eftablifh my temporary refidence with my worthy colleague and his family, and with them fhall probably bid adieu to Ma- ryland, and to a valuable circle of refpec- table connexions. Sunday^ "June 16. Not any intelligence is yet received of the expefted fhip. The governor appears ra- ther anxious for her arrival, and his friends are folicitous for his immediate departure, as there are bufy fpirits at work, who la- bour to excite commotions with a view to his detention. It feems to be the general opinion, that the colonies will fpeedily be declared Free and Independent States! — In that cafe what dreadful calamities mufl inevit- ably enfue ! — But furely every weighty reafon fliould operate for poflponing this X 2 moil '•^1%'Ti-*?'--*^ f-t" * 11 i wii''l! 1,,!; 308 • LETTERS Err. XXX. mofl: important incalure, until the com- inillioners have made known the extent ot' their powers, and the terms they are au- thorized to propole. Should the colonics be thus precipitate, Great Britain cannot tamely admit tlic cl.\im, and the fworj alonjj mud determine the fatal contcft. Thus circumdanccd, I look forward with extreme iinpatience to the hour of my de- parture from tliis country, where every furrounding profpcd is dreary and uncom- fortable. It is prob.iblc I fnall be obliged to go by the way of Nova Scotia. From Hallifax, the capital of that province, I Ihail iind frequent opportunities of a paf- fage to England ; but from this plijc fo few, tha , after I am ready for eiii- barkation, I may be detained many wciks be-fore I can be accommodated. Ijiit to accomplilli my purpofe, I mufl obtain p-'ranfiion to join the Britifli fleet on \k Virginia l.t.r. xx?f. FROM America, 309 Virginia flat ion, from which vcfiUs urc frequently difpatchcd to tlie general r.n- dezvous. It Is pollible th.it this coiirfe may prove advantageous to our private concerns -, and I am confident our worthy friend the com- miflary-general, will exert his utmoft en- deavours to render my fituation agreeable, while I am necefllirily detained in th.it puit of America. Cy the firH: Cn'vp after the receipt of this, I rcqucH: you to inform him that, ** as it is probable I (liall vilit *' his flation previous to my return to Ku- " rone, I entreat him to take char2:c of ** all letters that may be forv/ardcd to his " care." He will gratify his own incli- nation in rendering us every good office 3 and on my interview with hii??, I may pof- fibly obtain fuch information as may enable me to regulate my concerns, with a pro- per attention to our mutual intereft. X 3 The 1 m W' 'B ' 310 L E T I E R S Let. xxx. The convention arc to meet on Wednef- day, and it is probable, before they rife, that fonic important meafures will be de- termined on by Congrefs, in which they will be cxpedted to acquicfce. Indepen- dence is the general cry of the infatuated multitude : What efFeds may flow from a proceeding of this nature, are dreadful to imagine. Moft fervently do I wifh the governor fafe on board; for though the convention, at their former feffion, pledg- ed their honour for his peaceable depar- ture, they may, from an idea of abfolute neceflity, think themfelves juftified in re- fcinding that refolution. The times are fo dangerous and unfettled, that it is im- poflible to draw conclufions from prefent appearances. Every countenance is cloud- ed with fufpicion, and the warmeft attach- ments are obliterated by the malignant in- fluence of political contention. The go- vernor, apparently, continues eafy and col- leded ; Let. XXX. f r o m A m e r i c a. 311 Je(5led : he is treated with every exterior mark of attention ; and I am perfu .dcd, the confiflcncy and propriety of his con- dud, in many trying and pecuhar fitii- ations, will be long remembered with fen- timents of eftcem and gratitude. Sunday i June 23. Laft night the Fowey frigate, command- ed by Captain George Montague, arrived off this harbour ; and early this morning the iirfl lieutenant came on fhore with a flag of truce. The governor will embark in the courfe of the day. Would he were gone ! It is iinpoffible to determine what a minute may produce. The militia are under arms, and a general confufion pre- vails. You can well conceive the fenfa- tions I experience on this very affe(5ling occafion. X 4 LET- 312 LETTERS Let. xxxi. LETTER XXX^ Annapolis^ June 29, 1776. 1\^ yf Y laft, by the governor, v/ill, I ■^^ -*- trufl, fafely reach you; bat when an opportunity may again offer to tranfmit in- teUigence of my fituatlon, is indeed a moft painful uncertainty. I lliall, neverthe- lefs, occafionally refume the pen, as cir- cumflances may arife ; and, as it is my intent carefully to avoid commenting on po- litical tranfadlions, I hope not to encoun- ter any hazard in the courfe of our future correfpondence. Till the moment of the governor's em- barkation on the 23d, there was every reafon to apprehend a change of difpofition to his prejudice. Some few were even cla- morous for his detention. But the coun- cil of fafcty, who aded under a rcfulve of I Let. XXXI. from America. 313 the convention, generoufly ratified the en- gagements of that body ; and after they had taken an affedlionate leave of their late fupreme magiflrate, he was conducted to the barge with every mark of refpe£t due to the elevated ftation he had fo worthily filled. >vcrnor s em- e was every of difpofition ere even cla- ut the coun- r a relulve of A few minutes before his departure, I received his ftridt injundlions to be fleady and cautious in the regulation of my con- du6t ; and not to abandon my fituatlon, on any confideration, until abfolutely dif- charged by an authority which might, too probably, be erecfled on the ruins of the ancient conftitution. I promifed the moft implicit attention to his falutary advice ; and rendered my grateful acknowledgments for the innumerable obli [rations he had conferred on me ; at the fame time I of- fered my moil fervent wiflics, that his future hnppinefs might be in full propor- tion 314 LETTERS Let. xxxi. tion to the integrity of his condud, and the benevolence of his mind. In about an hour the barge reached the Fowey, and the governor was received on board under a difcharge of cannon : his baggage and provifions w^ere left on fhore, to be forwarded in the courfe of the eii- fuing day. During the night, fome fervants, and a foldier belonging to the Maryland regi- ment, found means to efcape on board his Majefty's fhip, which being almoil imme- diately difcovered, a flag was fent off, with a meffage, to captain Montague, demand- ing the reftitution of the men, previous to any further communication. Captain Montague, in reply, acquainted the council of fafety, " that he could not, confiftently with his duty, deliver up any perfons who, as fubjedts of his Britannic Majelly, Let. XXXI. from America. 315 Majefty, had fled to him for refuge and prote "^ ^w. -^ "^"^^ V Photographic „ScMioes Corporation ^ ri>- ^. -;%> % ^/^ 23 VVIST MAM STRHT WnSTU.N.Y. MSM (7U)a7a-4S03 ;\ 324 LETTERS Let. xxxii. ** of that law would ccafe in their favour. ** A due confideration is like wife promifed ** to the fer vices of all perfons who may contribute to the reftoration of the pub- lic tranquillity.'* #( €( The above papers having been immedi- ately forwarded by General Wafliington to congrefs, were, as fpeedily publiflied, by their directions, in all the prints through- out the united colonies, accompanied with the following refolution. "In congress. J'u/y 19. " Resolved, that a copy of the cir- cular letters, and of the' declaration thcv enclofed, from Lord Howe, to Mr. Frank- lin, Mr. Eden, Lord Dunmore, Mr. Mar- tin, and Sir James Wright, late governors, fent to Amboy by a flag, and forwarded to congrefs by General Wafliington, b(f pub- lifhei jj :.: I Let. XXXII. from America. 325 lifhed in the feveral gazettes, that the good people of thefe United States may be in- formed of what nature are the commifTi- ons, and what the terms, with the ex- pectation of which the infidious court of Great Britain, has endeavoured to amufe and difarm them : and that the few, who flill remain fufpended by a hope, founded either in thejuftice, or moderation of their late king, may now, at length, be con- vinced, that the valour alone of their coun- try is to fave its liberties. Cha. Thompson, Sec." Thus are the fanguine expedations of multitudes cruelly fruftrated ; it being ef- teemed criminal, by the ruling powers, to alTert the pacific inclinations of the Bri- ti(h miniftry. On the contrary, it is loudly maintained, that unconditional fubmiflion is the only ground on which the commifli- gners are empowered to treat ; and there- Y 3 fore : ■ '( 326 LETTERS Let. xxxir. fore to commence any negotiation on fuch a bafis, would be inconfiftent with good fenfe, found policy, and the eflential in- terefis of America. " All hope excluded thus," we muft prepare for confequences of the moft ferious nature ; not the moft diftant probability appearing of a friendly accommodation. Auguji 9. Advice is received that Lord Dunmore, with his fleet, has quitted the coaft of Virginia ; and is fuppofed to be gone to the fouthward. By every account, the hardfhips experienced by the loyalifts, and by all who were on board thofe fhips, have been dreadful in the extreme. The in- tcnfe heat of the weal'*^ .he badnefs and fcarcity of water and provifions, together with the clofene^s of the fmall veiTels in which the wretched fugitives were crowd- ed, produced a malignant fever, which made Let. 7LXXII. FROM America. «a7 made great havock, but more particularly afFecfted the negroes, moil of whom were carried off by the violence of the difordcr. Thus are the hopes terminated with re- fpedl to the emancipation of flaves, in order ♦^o fupprefs the commotions in* the fouthern colonies. Thurfday^ ^th September, Intelligence of a mod alarming nature has been tranfmitted from New York. On the twenty-fecond ultimo, the Britifh forces landed without oppofition, near Utrecht, and Gravefend, on tb-^ fouth-weft end of Long' Illand j and on the twenty-feventh, a defperatc adtion enfued, which has proved fatal to the arms of America. Par- ticulars of the lofs in killed, wounded, and prifoners, are not yet afcertained. Maryland has fuffered mofl feverely in this conflid;; many young men of the moil refpedable families, being in- Y 4 eluded m 328 LETTERS Let. xxxii. eluded in the number of the flain. Ge- neral Wafliington has efFedled a maflerly retreat, with the refidue of the provin- cial army, to New York, which is re- prefented as invulnerable. This defeat does not yet appear to be attended with fuch confcquences as might naturally be expe(5ted : the colonifts feem to depend on their internal refources, and defy the utmoft exertions of a brave and con- quering enemy. There are, however, moderate men, and fomc of confiderable influence, who are inclined to think that the late event may induce the leaders in Congrefs to commence an immediate nego- tiation with the parliamentary commif- lioners. Whatever may tend to the re« ftoration of peace, cannot but afford the higheft gratification to every humane, be^ nevolent mind* Let. xxxii, FROM America. 3^9 -. Monday^ ibth September* In confequence of a meffage fent by Lord Howe to Congrefs, three gentlemen were deputed to confer with him and the general, in order to learn the extent of their authority, and to hear fuch propo- rtions as they were enabled to make. Dr. Franklin, Mr. Adams, and Mr, Rutledge, were the committee appointed on this very intereftlng occafion ; and the report they have made to Congrefs on the fubjedl of their conference has totally de- flroyed every pleafing idea of a pacific treaty. « The following are the words in which the Committee have thought proper to fum up the particulars of their late nego- tiation ; and I fliall only add on the fub- jedl, that reafons are from this deduced, to 330 LETTERS Let. xxxir. to profecute the war with the utmoft vi- gour, againft the power and authority of the mother country. ** Upon the whole, it did not appear to your Committee, that his Lordfhip'o commifTion contained any other autho- rity of importance, than what is con- tained in the acft of Parliament, viz. that of granting pardons, with fuch ex- ceptions as the commiflioners (hall think proper to m? ke ; and of declaring Ame- rica, or any part of it, to be in the King's peace upon fubmifTion : for as to the power of inquiring into the ilate of America, which his Lordlhip mentioned to us, and of conferring and confulting with any perfons the commiffioners might think proper; and reprefenting the refult of fuch converfations to the miniftiy, who (provided the colonies would fubjet^t themfelves,) might, after « all. « €( (C (( ETi XXXII. FROM AMERICA. 337 furrender, which he refufed to do, in the moft peremptory terms, declaring he would defend his ftation to the laft extremity. A general aflault was, in confequence, deter- mined upon, which took place on the lix- teenth, when the fort was carried, after a fpirited defence i and the garrifon, cori- lifting of near three thoufand men, became prifoners of war* On the eighteenth. Lord Cornwallis, with a ftrong detachmentj paffed the north river, in order to attack Fort Lee, and to make fome impreflion in the Jerfeys, in which undertaking he was fo fuccefsful, that the garrifon, conlifting of about two thoufand men, had a very narrow efcape, by abandoning the pofl immediately before his Lordfhip's arrival, leaving their artil- lery, (lores, and tents behind them. For the particulars Of thefe important tranfa^ions, I fhall refer you to the ac- Z counts ■ 1 Mi I-'. () -'■■ fi. I ' 338 LETTERS Let. xxxir, counts tranfmitted home to adminiftration ; and have only to offer my moft fervent prayers, that the rapid fucceffes which have hitherto attended the Britifh arms, may be produdlive of an honourable, and permanent reconciliation, founded on fuch principles as may fecure to America the ineftimable bleflings of liberty, vsrith every confequence attending an abundant popu- lation, and an extenfive commerce. I fear many of my letters w^ill mifcarry; but I hazard every opportunity of writ- ing. I am perfuaded you do the fame, though fortune has hitherto been adverfe to my wiflies. Oppofe, with all your power, the intrufion of anxious thoughts, and be- lieve me unalterably yours. LET- t,ST. XXXIII* PROM America* 339 LETTER XXXIII. Annapolis, Jan. i, 1777. QINCE the day our hearts and inte- ^ rells were united, frequent occalions have been afforded for the exercife of our fortitude and refignation, and by the blef- fing of Heaven, we have, hitherto, been fafely conduifted through every viciffitude. Let us then take courage from paft expe- rience. The year opens with the moft dreary profpedls. The recent event of Trenton, will add ftrength to the fincws of war, and cruelly procraftinate the wifhcd return of peace. The capture of Rhode Ifland, which happened on the eighth of December; and the furprifing of General Lee, on the I thirteenth, by Colonel Harcourt, were cir- Z 2 cum-< \ m •'m\ p 1 If M* LETTERS Let. xxxiir. circumftances which excited fanguine hopes in the breafts of thofe who perfevcred in their attachment to the ancient conflitu- tion ; and thefe hopes were encouraged by a ftrong probability, that Philadelphia muft fpeedily follow the fortune of New York, the Delaware being the only apparent ob- ftacle that feemed likely to oppofe the progrefs of the royal arms. The provincial forces, who were only cnlifted for a ftipulated time, difcouraged by a fucceffion of unfavourable events, were fo greatly reduced in their numbers, that it is aflerted, on the day preceding the af- fair at Trenton, the mufter roll fcarcely exceeded three thoufand men j and the greater part of thofe were anxious for the expiration of their term, that they might return to their families, and their accuf- tomed vocations. The Congrefs, from a well-founded apprehenfion of danger, re- . " . treated S Let. xxxiir. fanguine hopes 3 perfevcred in icient conftitu- ; encouraged by [liladelphia mull of New York, ily apparent ob- to oppofe the >» , who were only time, difcouraged rable events, were ir numbers, that preceding the af- fter roll fcarcely I men; and the •e anxious for the that they might and their accuf- Congrefs, from a on of danger, re- treated Let. XXXIII. from America. 341 treated with precipitation to Baltimore; and many who had been moft zealous in promoting hoflile meafures, began to avow lentiments of a conciHatory nature; in a word, the general difpofition of the colo- nies tended to a reconciliation, and even the fubmiflion of feme of the provinces was daily expedted. Affairs were in this promifing train, when the American general planned, and executed the late important enterprife. Trifling as this manoeuvre might have been confidered, in the profecution of a re- gular war, it has been, in this inftance, at- I tended with the moft prejudicial and alarm- ing confequences to his Majefty's arms, jit has given fpirits to thofe who fhewed the utmoft defpondency ; it has recruited the enfeebled ranks ; and it has enabled [the enthufiaftic leaders to magnify, in the loft exaggerated terms, the advantages Z 3 that '^f*-^^ r> : fii!" 342 LETTERS I^et. xxxiii. that muft inevitably arife from the fuccefs of this brilliant exertion. To many it has appeared extraordinary, that the advanced poll w^as occupied bj Heffian regiments, who might reafonablj be fuppofed lefs competent than Bri- tiih, to determine on the authenticitj of intelligence, or the difpofition of the colonifts, with refpedt to political attacli- ment. But how far cenfure is well found- ed, it becomes not an individual to deter- mine. It ought rather to be concluded, that thofe arrangements took place, whid on mature rcfleftion, apparently, led to the I advancement of the general fervice. The mode hitherto adopted by Congrefs, in conducting their enliilments, hasbeen| found fo inadequate to every elTential pur- pofe, that they have concluded on adopt-l ing a different one, which affords the pro-l bability of a permanent army, under thel moltl Let. XXXIII. from America. 343 moft ftrift and regular military difcipline. Hitherto their troops have been raifed with a condition of receiving their difcharge at the expiration of twelve months ; and they conceived, that this rotation of duty would occafion the weight to fall lefs heavy on the general community. But fuch a con- tinual fucceflion of men, unexperienced, and impatient of reftraint, has rather im- peded than promoted the fuccefs of their operations. It is therefore refolved, to profecute the new levies on a fettled efta- blifhment. Thofe who engage to enlifl during the continuance of the war, are to have an immediate bounty of twenty dol- lars ; and one hundred acres of land each, at the expiration of their fervice. Officers are to be rewarded in proportion to their refpedtive iituations. Others arc admitted for the ftipulated term of three years, who are to receive the fame bounty, without any landed compenfation. By this regula- Z 4 tion> f> ' ■ -"'■ £HH^8 'I ){^^H ^^H w • '11 . ■■ Mi 1 344 LETTERS Let. xxxiii, tion, it IS fuppofed a very formidable army will be ready to take the field early in the en filing fpring, under a commander who has infpired every adherent to the mea- fures of Congrefs, with the moft unlimite4 confidence in his fuperior abilities. It is confidently aflerted, and it appears to be univerfally believed, that General Wafliington will quickly be enabled to repoflefs the Jerfeys, and to contract the Britifh polls into a very limited fphere of a«i : ^* ■' »■ . if m' h 370 LETTERS Let. XXXV. meet fome perfon firom that province, who would throw infurmountable obftacles in my way, by reprefenting my intentions in an unfavourable point of view. Agi- tated by fuch apprehenfions, and encou- raged by the fuccefs which had attended my application at York Town, I waited inftantly on the commanding officer, and, afluming a confidence neceffary in my fitu- ation, intimated the circumftances of my difappointment, by the neceffity of taking flielter in York River ; the motives which had brought me to that place, in confe- quence of it, and the inexpreffible mor- tification I had experienced by arriving too late to avail myfelf of fo favourable an op- portunity. I therefore entreated that he would facilitate a re- union with my family and connexions, by granting me the in- dulgence of a flag, under the condudt of which J might obtain a temporary fituation on board one of the Britifh /hips ftationed in Let. XXXV. from America. 371 in the vicinity of the capes, until an op- portunity offered to convey me to fome port, from whence I might find a ready paffage to England. From the commencement of the v^^ar, I had ellabliflied it as a fixed principle, that they who were ailually engaged in hoftile oppofition, were direfted by more liberal fentiments than thofe inflammatory demagogues, who had arifen to eminence by fomenting difcontents, and taking a diftinguiflied -lead in popular aflemblies -, and experience, on various occafions, has fully confirmed the truth of this obfer- vation. In Hampton, fortunately for me, all public affairs were under military direAi- on: the perfon who commanded, attended with complacency to my application j and cxprefTed an earnefl foUicitude to render . B b 2 me ■\i:« f ■ -^ 0; J .- ilip}ii f ' ' ■J , 372 LETTERS Let. XXXV. me every pofTiblc fervicc confiftent with his duty. On the following day (the 17th) this bulincrs was more fully invcfligated in pre- fence of the officer who diredcd the marine department ; and, on my delivering the pafTport, which had been granted for my departure from Maryland, no reafons ap- peared to operate againll compliance with my requeil ; therefore to my incxprcffible joy, leave was immediately granted to gr- gage a velTel for my paiTage, and a gen- tleman was deputed to attend me with a flag, as foon as I gave intimation that I was ready for my departure. Favourable as appearances now were, it was my fate llill to encounter difappoint- ment : I found infinite difficulty in pro- curing a boat, from a fettled perfuafion that, notwithftanding a flag was granted, it was dangerous to rely on that privilege. Ev^ry 3 Let. xxxv. onfiftent with the 17th) this Hgated in pre- lled the marine dcUvering the >riinted for my no reafons ap- Dmpliance with riy inexpreflible eranted to en- ycy and a gen- :end me with a imation that I s now were, it Iter difappoint- Ticulty in pre- ttied perfuafion ag was granted, that privilege. Every Let. xxxv. from America. 373 Every hour's delay increafed my difquie- tude J yet it was not rn.til about noon on the 20th, that I was able to accomplifli my purpofe. When the neceflary arrangements for our departure were made, I rendered my grateful acknowledgments where they were fo juftly due, and, accompanied by the officer who was appointed to condud: me, repaired to the landing place, where a vef- fel was waiting for our reception. Unfor- tunately at that critical period, the wind frefliened to a perfedl gale 1 the fea run high, and my companion, from an appre- henfion of danger, intimated his refolution to poflpone the undertaking till the wea- ther was more moderate. It was in vain that I urged every mbti"e to alter his determination ; my befl arguments were ineffedualj and, with inexpreilible re- ludtance, I was obliged to reHnquifli my B b 3 defign. ,y. } ii 374 LETTERS Let.xxkv. clefign, and wait tlie event of the enfuing day. Anxious with refpcd: to the great con- cern which occupied my mind, a fliort time before funfet I repaired to the harbour, to gain information relative to the ftate of the weather, and the probable time when it might be advifeable to refume our un- dertaking. The perfon, whofe fchooner I had engaged, comforted me with the moft favourable intelligence, and advifed me to be on board by the dawn of day, that ad- vantage might be derived from the land breeze, which generally prevailed at that feafon of the year, till the fun had at- tained a conliderable height above the ho- rizon. With alacrity I haftened to com- municate thefe particulars to the officer who had been appointed to attend me, when I received intelligence which difcon- certed every plan, and prefented to my de- 4 je6led Let. XXXV. from America. 37S jefted view, a gloomy profpeft of infur- mountablc difficulties. In (hort, he in- formed me, that the battalion then quar* tered in Hampton, had that inftant re- ceived orders to march, early on the fol- lowing morning, to join the grand army under command of General Wa(hington ^ and that confequently he could not gratify his own feelings by forwarding my inten- tions of quitting America. Th!S intimation, fo fudden, fo unex- peded, affedted my mind in the moft fen- (ible manner. The officer to whom I had delivered my palTport, had already taken his departure, and though I could obtain evidence that I had been in pofTeffion of fuch a credential, yet I might have to ne- gotiate with people of a lefs liberal and more fufpicious nature. Part of another regiment was hourly expe u "Ei^K 388 LETTERS Let. XXXVI. the other at fome diftance up the bay, in a fituation to obrerve the movements in York River. The former veiTel being nearer to the fea, appeared moft eligible for my de- fign, and to that we direded our courfeac cordingly : but fcarce had we digefled our plan, when the wind fuddenly fubfidd, and a total calm fucceeded, during the con- tinuance of which we were unable to make the leaft progrefs : about noon, a ftrong breeze fct in diredly oppofite to our wifhes; we made many tacks, without feeming to obtain the leaft advantage; and though, under this difappointment, I luf- fered extreme agitation, yet had I refolu- tion to affed: a perfc •f'.'? 392 LETTERS Let.' XXXVI. difappointments, I tamely yielded to the prefTure of calamity ! and even dreaded the return of day, which was to expofe me to new trials, and probably to additional mor- tifications : I weakly anticipated a train of impending evils, which I confidered as un- avoidable. The night was uncommonly fplendid. The beams of the rifing moon were beau- tifully refle(5ted on the noble expanfe of water. Nature appeared perfedlly ferene ; and every furrounding objecfb contributed to elevate the imagination above terreftrial objedts; to infufe a calm indifference with regard to fublunary events ; and to fuggefl a firm confidence, in the great, beneficent Creator ! Yet, harraffed by the corroding reflexions which inceflantly in- truded, I became infenfible to all that could dignify tLe mind; the delightful profpett became a dreary waile -, and I no longer Let. XXXVI. from America. 393 Icger recolled:ed the providential delive- rances I had fo frequently, and fo unex- pediedly experienced. I attempted, but in vain, to compofe myfelf, and to obtain that reft fo effen- tial to recruit my agitated fpirits, for the tranfadions of the approaching morn- ing: but every effort was ineffedual, I therefore determined to occupy the te- dious interval by an excurfion on the adja- cent ihore. Our veffel lay almoft clofe to the beach, and a fmall canoe, which was faftened to our ftern, enabled me, in an in- ftant, to gratify my inclination. My com- rades, exempt from every anxiety, were in perfedt enjoyment of the moft found repofe ; and I landed, without their being fenfible of the intention 1 had formed. By this time, the moon had nearly at- tained her meridian height ; the hemi- fphere was decorated with unnumbered ftars. \ :;*V1 I ■} ' 394 LETTERS Let. xxxvt. ftars, and not an intervening cloud ap- peared, to obflrud the view. I had at- tained a confiderable eminence, at no re- mote difbnce from the place of our an- chorage ', and from that lituation, I could plainly diflinguilh the town of Hampton; feveral veflels lying at the mouth of the harbour ; an unlimited profpedl of the Chefapeak ; and, jufl riling above the ho- rifon, the Britifh frigate, the objed: of my moft ardent hopes ! Such a grand affem- blage of interefting objects gradually dif- fipated the gloom which hung over me ; ^ returning ray of con^dence took full polTeflion of my foul ; the eventful cir- cumftances of my preceding days, pafTed rapidly in review before my imagination ; I yielded to an inftantaneous impulfe I found myfelf unable to refift, and prof- trate on the fhore, acknowledged the imbecility of human nature, and implored the ^Mi^^l '^w^" Let. XXXVI, from America. ' 395 the all-merciful Providence to fupport me, under every future viciflitude, and dired my wandering fleps to the paths of peace and fufety. Supported and elevated by hope, I dc- fcended, like a new being, to ihe adjacent beach, and haftened along the fhore to pre- pare for the enfuing enterprize. Scarce had I reached the veffel, before the wel- come dawn, and a rifing favourable breeze, intimated the expediency of commencing our operations. I awakened my compa- nions, and apprized them of the promiling gale : — in an inftant we were under way, and ftood, with a pleafmg profped of fuc- cefs, for the frigate, which, during the preceding day, had been the earneil object of our attention. I no^v began to conceive, that fortune, weary of perfecuting me, was determined tQ \ i. 1. -m^^:: l..:i- 396 LETTERS Let. xxxvi. to make ample compenfation for the mor- tification and difquietude I had fuftained ; but I was de (lined to encounter yet fur- ther trials, under circumftances of more imminciit danger. Wiien we were within two leagues of the fhip, and at the moment that I was anticipating the happinefs which awaited me, the breeze fuddenly headed us, and quickly frefliened to a perfe«fl gale. Our fchooner, unfortunately, was foul; her fails and rigging in bad condition ; and we had, in the courfe of our former attempt, fully experienced her inability to work to wind- ward. In this dilemma, a confultation took place, the refult of which was, a de- termination to change our courfe, for the fhip which was ftationcd up the bay ; and the mafter gave me great hopes that we ihould carry our point, without much dif- ficulty, if the wind continued fteady in its prefent :4^dk»iXlUKa-MailNM« 400 LETTERS Let. xxxri. along-iide the frigate with tolerable dexte- rity; but in attempting to catch a rope, which was flung from the deck, the boy had nearly fallen overboard, and before another could be thrown for our affiftance, we had, in fpite of every effort, fallen to leeward with aftonifliing rapidity. On a fufpicion that we had adled by defign, an officer directed us immediately to bring to, in a manner fo commanding that we appre- hended a (hot would be immediately fired to force compliance. Obedience was only left us ; but under our circuin- fiances, obedience was attended with in- finite danger; our anchor, though fuffi- cient in fmooth water, was by no means adapted for the prefent occalion, nor was the cable in a condition to bear the violent motion and working of the veflel ; in feve- ral places it was greatly defcdtive, and in its beft Hate, was only intended for har- bours, and occafional mooring places along the Let. XXXVI. from America. 401 the fliore : neceflity enforced fubmiflion ; the anchor was let go, and for fome mo- ments I indulged hope, that a boat would be manned, and fent from the fhip, to learn the motives which had brought us into that perilous fituation; but in that hope, fo reafonably founded, I had quickly the mortification to experience a difappoint- ment, we being again haikd, in an autho- ritative manner, and diredled to fend on board immediately. Situated as we were, it was In vain to attempt reprefenting the particulars which gave me a right to expeft afliftance and protedlion : we were unfortunately unpro- vided with a fpeaking trumpet, and the wind fetting diredlly againft us, it was im- pollible for the voice alone, at the dif- tance we were from each other, to con- vey an articulate found. Our canoe was of the fmalleft dimenlions, and could not, D d even ]!;:''•:■.;' M . I iil« \,:>^ ^ f !«*«'/ i 'IS ^ ';;p K$«wa '--^^1 402 LETTERS Let. xxxvT. even in the moH: ferenc weather, contiin more than one perfon, with any degree of fafety ; tempefluous as it then was, the mofl: imminent danger awaited the attempt ; to deliberate was, at leaft, encountering equal hazard : fhould the vefTel drift, it might be thought intentional, and a Ihot might be ttended with fatal effedls. I therefore entreated the mailer to undertake alone, without a moment's delay, the ar- duous entcrprife, while I continued with his fervant, to render him every alTiftance in my power. Whofe fituation was moH: critical, I am utterly unable to determine : fcarcely had the canoe put off, before we became fen- flble that our veflcl dragged upon the an- chor, which induced my young ailbciate to exprefs the flrongeft fears, that our cable could not poflibly long hold out ; in which cafe, the leaft: evil which threatened me was Let. XXXVI. from AMEnicir. 403 was a tedious, and probably a rigid impri- fonmcnt, as the armed fchooner continued lying-to, at no remote diftance, and in a very ftiort time we muft have drifted fo far to leeward, that flie would have taken us, even within random {hot of that velTel to which I fled for refuge. Under circumflances fo peculiarly dif- trefling, I anxioufly attended to the mo- tions of the canoe. The veteran fea- man acquitted himfelf with the utmoft dexterity. Sometimes, from the height of the fea, he was totally loft to view, which excited a momenta iy fenfation of the moft painful nature -, but when I faw him rife with a rifmg wave, hope in confequence exhilarated my fpirits. Though the dif- tance was not far, near an hour elapfed, be- fore I beheld him afcending the fide of the fhip, every minute of which time, in my peculiar fituation, appeared infupportably D d 2 tedi- \'^ \^ :l . "■^1 fi - 404 t. E T T E F, . Let. xrxvr, tedious. Meanwhile our little bark con- tinued to pitch with great violence, and I was under continual apprehenfions, that the ftrands of our weak cable muft, In- evitably, yield to fuch excelTive motion. Guefs then my tranfport, when I heard the welcome fignal given for hoifting out a boat. My eyes were rivettcd on an ob- ject which promifed a fpecdy and efFedual relief. I faw her launch from the fliip, with all the wild enthufiafm of joy ! and in a few minutes I had the inexpreiTible happinefs to take an officer by the hand, who delivered a friendly mefTage from his commander^ with an obliging invitation to partake of every accommodation his fitua- tion could afford. Thus much {hall fuffice for the employ- ment of the prefent day ; but I fhall quick- ly refume the pen, that I may conclude a nar- Let. XXX VII. from America. 405 narrative which, I am perfuaded, you will confider interelling and eventful. LETTER XXXVII. Emerald, July 5, 1777. TH E officer who had it in charge to convey me on board his Majcfty's fliip, acquainted me that flie was named the Thames, and was commanded by Cap- tain Tyringham Howe, who had fo re- markably diftinguifhed himfelf in the de- fence of the Glafgow, when flie engaged the American fleet, under the direction of Commodore Hopkins. Again fl: a force fo wonderfully fuperior, he maintained an animated contefl j and, in fjMte of their utmoft excrtiops, effcdted D d 3 a gal- 4o6 LETTERS Ur, xxxvii. a gallant retreat into the harbour at Rhode Ifland. For his fteady and intrepid con- duct, he was rewarded by a promotion into his prefent ftiip, which, I truft, will be only a prelude to fome more honourable diftindlion. By Captain Howe I was received with a cordiality which exceeded my utmoft ex- pectations. I gave him a brief detail of the events which had lb happily terminated in placing me under his generous protec- tion ', and I entreated that he would ren- der every afliftance to the mafler of the fchooner, by whofe zealous and determined efforts I had accomplifhed an efcape, which opened the profpedt of a fpeedy reftoration to the bleflings of domeftic fociety. In confequence of my requifition, im- mediate orders were given to fecure his vef- fel beneath the ilern of the frigate -, and my i I.ET. XXXVII. TROM AMERICA. ' 407 piy old pilot, with his faithful adherent, was received on board with aflurances of every accommodation, until a favourable opportunity prefented itfelf of profecuting their intentions with entire fafety. In about an hour after my arrival I fat down with Captain H , and feveral officers, to a plain but plentiful dinner ; I experienced fenfations I had long been un- accuflomed to — my mind was exhilarated with joy and gratitude — I acknowledged the intervention of an all-direding Provi- dence — and I enjoyed a rapid fucceffion of thefe delightful ideas, which indicated a reverfe of fortune, and an ample compen- fation for pall folicitudes. On my name being occafionally menti- oned, it caught the attention of the firft lieutenant, who, to my great aflonidiment, difcovered a knowledge of my former fitu- ation. He partic^ularly enquired concern- Dd 4 ing 4o8 LETTERS Let. xxxvii. ing the welfare of my deareft wife and fop, and aflured me, with uncommon watmth, that every gentleman belonging to that [ fliip had, even previous to the hope of any perfonal acquaintance, conceived fentiments highly advantageous to my character and my principles. Perceiving every counte- nance bore convincing teflimony to the truth of fuch pleafing afTertions, I was loft in amazement ; and could not pene- trate into the myftery which had fo ftrange- ly fecured to me the approbation and cf- teem of perfons to whom I conceived I was totally unknown. I therefore entreated an immediate explanation, that I might learn how to render my grateful acknowledg- ments, and to approve myfelf deferving fuch an unexpected prepofTelTiGn in my behalf. Mr. R , the gentleman who had fo kindly cxpreffed himfelf in my favour, then .x..!^ a tt it (t tt tf tt Let. XXXVII. from America. 409 then acquainted me that ** a few weeks lince, the Thames had taken an Ame- rican vefftjl bound to a French illand, on ** board of which were a number of let- ters, which had been examined, with a view to obtain information ; that in per- forming this duty they had met with two under my fignature, which had im- prelTed them fo ftrongly in my behalf, " that it was refolved to retain theii> till ** an opportunity offered for their fafe con- veyance. Accordingly on the arrival of the fhip at New York, they had been " intrufled to the care of a German offi- " cer, with particular injuntVions to de- " liver them immediately on the comple- " tion of his voyage *." — Mr. U — — concluded by obferving that, " the inftant * Mr. R inclofed the intercepted ietterSj in a very elegant and expreiTive epiftle from himfelf j and they were pundually delivered. The author is, at this time, happy in including Captain R amongft his beft and moft valuable friends. my (( (( M 4IO LETTERS Let. xxxvii. my name w^s mentioned, he entertained fan- guine hopes that I was the perfon in whofe caufe they had been fo ftrongly interefled ; and on finamg thofe hopes fo agreeably confirmed, he was perfuaded every gentle- man on board that fhip rejoiced in the un- expected opportunity of affording protec- tion and allillance, where attachment ope- rated fo forcibly with duty to command their befl exertions. Had I not inftantlv conceived fenti- ments of regard for this worthy man, I mufl have been infenlible to every gene- rous, every grateful impreffion. — I beheld him with a mixture of reverence and love — and tears — heart-felt tears — proclaimed the genuine, the fervent acknowledgments of my loul. On board the Thames I continued until the 27th, experiencing from Captain H— »nd the gentlemen under his command, the Let. XXXVII. from America. 4TT the moft obliging attention and hofpitality. But that fliip being ftationed a confider- able diftance up the bay, I became anxious for a removal into the Emerald, which lay in the vicinity of the capes, whofe comman- der confequently had it more in his pov/er to forward the intentions of thofe v/hofe circumftances rendered it expedient to vifit the city of New York. Accordingly on the above day, an officer in an armed vellcl having arrived on fome duty from the commodore, I determined to embrace the opportunity of his return, that I might obtain a fituation nearer to the objedt of my hopes. It was with difficulty I obtained the con- fent of Captain H , and his benevo- lent officers, to this neceifary meafurc. They fuggeiled the probability of being fpeedily relieved, and the pleafure they Ihould receive in conveying me to my de- fired m J \ I ■a -fe.r 412 LETTERS Let. xxxvir. fired haven. Though I felt the full force of fuch perfuafions, yet I combated their friendly arguments with reafons fo juftly founded, that my hofpitabic protedtors yielded rclud;antly to their force ; and with their fincere prayers for the completion of all my purfuits, I bade them farewell ; and early on the following day, was received on board the Emerald with, great attention and politenefs. I have now brought you to my prefent fituation, wliere I experience every proof of regard and humanity. Since the com- mencement of this conteft, I have repeat- edly heard it aflertcd, that the commanders of his Majeily's fliips confider protection rather as an acft of neccfllty than inchna- tion ; and that tholb loyaliiVs who had, with infinite hazard, effcdled an efcapc from the adverfe party, had been treated by them, on application for refuge, with a dif- . v:-^ S Let. xxxvii. Let. XXXVII. from America. 413 a diftance and haughtinefs, that aggrava-ed their fufFerings, and almoft alienated their fentjments of allegiance. I verily believe the aflertion, in every inftance, mod un- juflly founded ; propagated by malice, and by republican artifice. On board the Eme- rald are feveral gentlemen under fimilar circumftances v^^ith myfelfj all equally ilrangers to our benefaftors, we are all equally treated as friends and brethren. Captain Caldwell, who is the commodore on the ftation, is continually gaining on our efleem by the affability of his manners; his officers appear no lefs anxious to pro- mote our entire fatisfacftion ; and wc meet with every accommodation our fituatioii can pofTibly obtain. But kindly and hu- manely treated as I am, happinefs is not yet my portion ; my thoughts are anxioufiy turned towards you and our dcarcfl: boy, and I confider every hour a tediou-j delay, lill I obtain information of your health and wel- \ r > 414 LETTERS Let. xxxvir. welfare. Your letters will probably deter- mine my future condud. I fruft I fhall foon rejoin you in England j or by a plcaf- ing change in the political fyftem, be en- abled once more to bid you welcome to the continent of America. May hea- ven grant us a fpeedy re-union ; and may we pafs the rcfidue of our days, without again exp*;riencing the infupportable anxi- ety of feparatlon. Ntizv Tork^ July ig, 1777. I have only a few minutes to inform you, that yefterday I \s'as fafely landed in this city, and met with the moft cordial reception from our invaluable friends. I found but one letter from my deareft wife, dated on the 26th of April, and jft of May laft. On obtaining intellirence of your welfare, my joy was inexpreffible. More than fixteen tedious months had elapfed. Let. XXXVII. from America. 415 elapfed, fince the date of your hfl : many of your epiftles have undoubtedly mifcar- ried : mine to you, I trufl, have been more fortunate. During the remainder of our reparation, our correfpondencc v/ill be certain. I am now free, unawed, unre- ftrained. — I feel myfelf enlarged ; and I will write, fpeak, and adl, as becomes a zealous adherent to the Britifii conflitu- tion. In my next I will give you the particu- lars of my expedition hither ; of my pre- fent lituation ; and probably fome idea of m^ future intentions ; but as the fiiip which is to convey this is preparing to fail, I muflt poflpone further information. Opportunities of writing from this place very frequently offer : exped: therefore to hear from me again fpcedily. My volu- minous detail will be delivered to you by Mr. S , a worthy young man, and a refuoee 4i6 LETTERS Let. xxxviir. refugee from Maryland. To him I refer you for an account of your friends in that province, which he quitted b at a few days fince.— Adieu. LETTER XXXVIir. Nno Totk^ Aug. I, 1777. A yT Y lafl contained a circumflantial de- -*-^-*- tail from the d.iy of my quitting Maryland, to that of my reception on board the Emerald frigate. I fhall now continue my narrative to the time of my arrival in this city. On the tenth of July, at day break, fe- veral veffels were diftinguiflied, which had paffed us by favour of the night, and were ftretching to the eaftward with a croud of canvas. In an inftant we weigh- ed anchor, and flood out to fea. The Se- negal \, Jug. I, 1777. Let. xxxviii. from America.' 417 negal Hoop of war, and an armed brig, that were ftationed oft' Cape Charles, join- ed us in the chace ; and before noon we took three large Hoops and two fchooncrs laden with tobacco, flour, and various va- luable commodities for the French iflands. The capture of thefe vef ''a? a for- tunate event to me, and to tL . o were under fimilar circumftances, it being de- termined to fend the prizes immediately to New York, under convoy of the Senegal, commanded by Captain Molloy. * On Frid.iy the eleventh. Captain C introduced two gentlemen, who had ef- caped from Virginia, and myfelf, to the commands of the Senegal, and recom- mended us ftrongly to his kind attention. On board this fliip we experienced every proof of hofpitality and regard during the paflage to New York, where, on the 18 th, we were fafely landed. Ee On I \ ^, IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /. ■\ 1.0 1.1 Itf 128 |25 ■tt l&i 122 2.0 lis 140 Ui& 1 m^^ t; - : _ -'- ^ 6" » FholDgFa[diic ScMioes Carporation 4!^ ^s \ v\ 33 VnST MAM STMHT WHSTfi,N.Y. I4SM (716)t72-450S 4^ ! , i ;-■ 41S LETTERS Let. xxxvin. On entering the Narrows, my mind was forcibly ftruck with the fplendid appear- ance of a numerous, and formidable equip- ment. A grand fleet, attended with in- numerable tranfports, arranged in their feveral divifions, lay at anchor off Sta- ten Illand. The ifland itfelf was co- vered with troops ready for embarcation, and every appearance indicated an expe- dition of the moft decifive confequence. I could not avoid contemplating, with af- tonifhment, the power — the apparently ir- refiftabb power — of the parent ftate -, and, in confequence, equal aftonifliment took pofleilion of my mind, when I reflected how ineffedual, to every falutary purpofe, the moft determined efforts had hitherto been. • Mr. and Mrs. C— infift on my fo- journing beneath their friendly roof, until fome plan is adopted for a permanent fitu- 6 atlonj Let. xxxviir. from America. 419 ation ', and exprefs their regret, that un- avoidable events have fo long detained mc from experiencing their humanity and af- fe<^ion. Mr. C is no longer CommilTary Ge- neral, having refigned that lucrative office with the greateft credit to his abilities and reputation; and is now Auditor General of accompts, a ftation of equal honour, but inferior in point of emolument : it is, however, attended with much lefs fatigue. This alteration, though defirable to him, is particularly unfavourable to me. His patronage as CommifTary General was verjf cxtenfive j and his inclination correfponded with his power to render me efTential fer- vice. He has juft acquainted me that he had, with a view to my intereft, deferred for fome time the filling up a profitable appointment; but learning that I had taken my palTage by way of the Weft In- E e 2 dies. it {I \ 4 M 'A • 1^' ^1 ri, 420 LETTERS Let. xxxviii, dies, he had given up all hopes of feeing me in New York; and had, therefore, previous to his reiignation, difpofed of the employment to a gentleman who will, in all probability, acquire thereby an ample provifion, fhould the war be continued for any length of time. Thus it appears, that difappointment is flill to deftroy our hopes of profperity. But it is folly — nay, it is criminal to in- dulge an idea of difcontent. We have fuf- ficient motives to nourifli the moft grate- ful acknov^rledgments : we will, therefore, look forward with increafing confidence, and truft to heaven alone for the difpofal of every future concern. It is impoffible v.' c teive a more mag- nificent appearance than was exhibited by the departiire of the grand fleet, which on the 23d of laft month, weighed anchor, and flood to the eaflward with a favour- Let. xxxviii. opes of feeing ad, therefore, lifpofed of the 1 who will, in reby an ample e continued for appointment is of profperity. criminal to in- We have fuf- the moft grate- will, therefore, ing confidence, ■or the difpofal 7C a more mag- was exhibited grand fleet, lonth, weighed laftward with a favour- Let. XXXVIII. FROM America. 421 favourable breeze. Whither they are bound is to the public an impenetrable fecret ; but if the confequences are what might be expe> York Ifland extends to Kingfbridge, about fourteen miles diftant from the city ; where it is joined to the continent by a fmall wooden bridge. The narrow deep river, which runs at this place, is a fuf- iicient fecurity againft fudden incurfions ; and the works that are thrown up are (o exceedingly ftrong, and in fuch command- ing iituations, as efFedually to exclude the idea of a regular attack* The capital of this province is fituated on the fouthern extremity of the ifland : oa \ I," I!,. v.- ^ V i'i," I p. r '' IF": ri:,; Ik'" t .426 LETTERS Let.xxxix. on one fide runs the north, and on the other the ead river ; on the latter of which, on account of the harbour, the city is princi- pally built. In feveral flreets, trees are regularly planted, which afford a grateful ihelter during the intenfe heat of the fum- mer. The buildings are generally of brick, and many are eredted in a flile of elegance. The fituation is faid to be perfedtly health- ful, but frefh water is fo very fcarce, that the purchafe of this effential article is at- tended with a considerable expenfe. Notwithftanding the war. New York is plentifully fupplied from Long Ifland with provifions of all kinds. It muft, however, be confefled, that almofl every article bears an exorbitant price, when com- pared with that of former happy times. Both the north and eaft rivers abound with a great variety of excellent fifh. Lobfters, pf a prodigious li?:e, were, till of late, caught Let. XXXIX. from America. W caught in vaO: numbers, but it is a facSt, furprifing as it may appear, that, (ince the late inceflant cannonading, they have en- tirely forfaken the coaft, not one having been taken, or feen, fmce the commence- ment of hoflilities. Into this place and neighbourhood, lob- flers were introduced by accident; the province having been formerly fupplied with them by the fifhermen of New Eng- land, who brought them in well-boats, one of which, in pafling Hell- Gate, ftriking againft a rock, feparated, and the lobfters» which efcaped into their proper element, multiplied fo exceedingly, that in a fhort time the markets were amply and reafon- gbly fupplied. Previous to the commencementof this un- happy war. New York was a flourifliing, po- pulous, and beautiful town. But immedi- f^felv on the Britifh troops taking pofTeflion, it s l' ) 'i!'V.' / Mi . Ml } M, . 428 . LETTERS Let. XXXIX. it was fct on fire by fomc dcfpcrate incen- diaries, aud near a third part deflroyed, in fpite of the utmoft exertions to prevent the fprcading conflagration. The flames, at the fame inilant, burfl out in a variety of places, w^hich rendered it evident, that this • execrable deed was perpetrated from a principle of ill-dirermy in their paflage up the bay. / The Thames is failed for the (?hefapeak. I have been difluadcd from accompanying Captain H- and my friends on board that {hip, by the earneft advice of Mr, C — > ■who juftly obferved, ** that as our troops ** had not made any defcent on the weft- ** ern (hore of Maryland, I could not ren- ** der any eflential fervice to myfelf, or " others, by an excurfion thither." But another reafon more forcibly operates to detain me in my prefent fituation-^the conftant anxiety I experience to obtain in- . telligencQ Let. XL. PROM America. 439 telligence relative to the welfare of mj deareft wife and fon. Sth OSIober, On Saturday laft arrived the packet. Your letters, which informed me that you were well and happy, relieved my mind from a mofl painful and tedious flate of difquietude. On the fame day an expedition took place under the command of Sir Henry Clinton, and commodore Hotham. Their deftina- tion was up the North River ; and this in- ilant we have received the particulars of their operations. Fort Montgomery, and Fort Clinton, have been taken by ftorm ; and in the capture of thefe places, it was doubtful whether bravery or humanity was moll predominant. Count Gabroufkiy a young Polifh no* blcman, who arrived in the late ilfset from F f 4 Eng- m M: 440 LETTERS Let. xl, England, ferved as a volunteer in this ex- pedition ; and in thofe ranks, where every individual difplayed the utmofl heroifm, his diftinguiflied coolnefs and intrepidity, attra(iled univerfal admiration. In ruihing forward to the enemy's works, againft a heavy and well dire^cd fire, he received many wounds, and fell at the foot of their intrenchments. His death was not im-. mediate j — he lived to rejoice in vid^ory ! The undaunted deportment of the British grenadiers excited his applaufe, even in the moment of diflblution. He fpoke with rapture of that enthufiaftic ardour which animated the whole as one body -, and he defired that his remains might be depo- fitcd on the memorable fpot, where his gallant aflbciates had gained fuch honor. It is faid, he entreated Lord Rawdon, in a very handfome compliment, to wear that fword which he had fo recently drawn in fupport of the claims of Britain ; and. . . ther^ I^BT. XL. FROM America* 441 then paid the inc/itable debt, with that intrepidity of fpirit which determined hig condud, and led him forward to his fate. It is expeded the fuccefs which has at- tended this expedition, will greatly facili- tate the operations of General Burgoync, who, after having furmounted infinite dan- gers and difficulties, has certainly advanced into the neighbourhood of Albany. Such variety of contradictory reports arc daily circulated relative to the r?al fltuation of the army under his command, that at prefent all is mere conjedlure, without any certain ground on which to erecSt hope, or admit defpondency. There are thofe who conceive, that General Howe ought to have condudled his firft efforts, to complete a jundion with the northern ar- my; and then to have direded the united fprce of the Britifli arms, wherever their exertions IK' I 'I M / / 44a LETTERS LiT.xu exertions would have been mofV effedtual. But without due information of thofe im- portant fadts, that influence the proceed- ings of our commanders, it is illiberal and ungenerous, to cenfu re or condemn. The beft concerted plans are frequently defec- tive in execution ; and the feeming hand of chance often leads to fuccefs the moil brilliant and deciiive. iji November* At length fu/penje is determined by cer- tainty, I am preparing for my immediate «— perhaps final — departure from America. The unfavourable afpedt of public affairs compels me to this neceflary meafure j and I mud, in confequence, encounter the in- conveniences of a winter's paflage. But the predominant idea of being fpeedily reftored to the fociety of a beloved wife and fon, will fmooth the rugged billows, and dif- fipat^ Let. XL. FROM America. 443 fipate every apprehenfion of difficulty or danger. , General Burgoyne has been neceflitatcd to furrcndcr himfclf with his army. The particulars of this unhappy, unexpe I t I ( t I i' li ^■i^ I Mi •i'J 448 LETTERS L£T.*t> place ', I muft entreat you to continue writ* ing, by every opportunity, to New York, that at leaft a chance may be afforded me to hear of your welfare. (^ tured by the incidents of war, many were the hufbands, the fons, and friends of them with whom he had been formerly conneM America. 449 Should I have the happinefs to arrive fafe at Cork, I fhall immediately fend you intelligence, w^ith an account of the courfe I intend to purfue, in order to com- plete my voyage. But it is moft probable I /hall proceed diredtly to Briftol, which will be lefs expenfive than by way of Dub- lin ; and by which means I may be enabled to pay a melancholy vifit to the monument of my once much beloved Powell ! I fhall alfo have the fatisfadtion to renew a per- fonal connexion with thofe valued friends, who were folemn fped:ators of the con- cluding fcene of that celebrated ador's life, which fo ftrongly evinced the force of the ruling paflion, even under the awful circumftances of death *. Adieu. Be conftantly prepared for my reception, and believe me unalterably yours. ' « See Letter IL 1 1 ti ^s lyET- Hi I . 450 LETTERS Lbt. xli. LETTER XLI. , '''.■ / ,^'i,,> Corky Dec. i6, 1777. 'T^ HANKS to Almighty God I am •*- fafely arrived at my deli red port^ after a pleafant and expeditious pafTage. On the 15th of November I took an afFedlionatc leave of our generous hofpi- table friends ; on the i8th v^^e quitted the coaft ', on the 1 3 th inftant we ftruck found- ings ; and yefterday, in the evening, land- ed at a village named PafTage ; took poft horfes, and were fet dov;^n in this city in time to procure a good fupper, and conve- nient lodging. The hurry and buftle of this place bears fome refemblance to our great metropolis. The ftreets are crowded with bufy multi- tudes ; many of the fhops have a hand- 5 fome Let. xli. FROM America* 451 fome appearance; and the habitations of the principal merchants, fufficiently indi- cate their wealth and commercial import- ance. The incredible quantities of provi- fions, which are preparing for exportation, cannot but excite the higheft ideas of the trade and confequence of this flourifhing port. The variety of canals, bridges, and wharfs, are likewife deferving of admiration. By their canals, fhips of confiderable bur- den are laden at the merchant's doors; and the wharfs, which are convenient and extenfive, are covered with innumerable commodities, principally for the fupply of the army and navv in America. By my friend Mr. C , I was fa- voured with a letter of introdudtion to Mr. B , a merchant of great refpec^ability in this port ; from whom I have received a frank and general invitation to his table, G g 2 during r ) 452 LETTERS Let. xli. :' t during the time that inclination or nc- ccffity may detain me in this city. There are few perfons in whom the paf- fion of curiofity is more predominant than in myfelf J and the environs of Cork pro- mife abundant gratification to an inquifi-i tive mind j but as the firft object of my purfuit relates to you, and to our deareft boy, I have no wi(h for an opportunity to make any excurfion, foreign to the thoughts that engrofs my mind in my prefent fitua- tion. . ^ ^ ' . ' Pcjfagf-i Dec. 7.$, Yefterday I took leave of Cork, and catnc to this place in order to embark for Briftol. About noon we expedl to fail, I fliall quit Ireland with deep impref- Ccns of gratitude. The entertainment I have experienced, greatly exceeds the high ideas I had been taught to form of Irifh hof- pitality. May they continue to enjoy every blefling Let. xlii. FROM America. 453 blcfling which Hberty, induftry, and prof- perity can afford. I fhall leave this to be forwarded by the poft. Should a favourable gale crown my wifhes, it is poflible — nay, proba- ble — that I may be happily re-united to my deareft partner, before fhc will receive this fervent aflurance of my unalterable attachment. The hour— the long ex- pected hour — is at hand, which will re- ftore to us the bleilings of domeilic feli- city. Adieu, 'Uil *''''' LETTER XLII. '\ ft'- 1 Ilfracomb, Devon, iph Dec, I A M fafely landed on my native fhore. The poft departs for London within an hour : I gladly embrace the opportu- nity ) s* / 454 LETTERS Let. xlii. nity to give you an account of my fafe ar- rival, and explain the circumflanccs which occafioned an alteration in my intended route. I embarked at PafTage on Chriftmas- day, but the wind would not permit us to fail till the enfuing n:.orning. From thence to the ifle of Lundy we had a prodigious run, having accomplifhed near fifty leagues in about twenty-four hours. The wind then became contrary, and we were happy to gain this harbour, where the mailer of the veffel means to await au alteration of weather in his favour. The diilance from this place to Briflol is reckoned twenty-five leagues j but on ac- count of the ftrong tides which prevail in this channel, Ihort as the pafTage is, it cannot well be attempted againd an ad- verfe wind; and as prefent appearances do not indicate a fpeedy change, I have deter- Lit. xLii. FROM America. 455 determined to refign the plan of profccut- ing the voyage, and fhall, therefore, de- part by land, the inftant my baggage has paiTed the necefTary examination. When you receive your hulband to your faithful arms, let every anxious idea be excluded — let us unite in recounting pad deliverances, and be thus animated to look forward with gratitude and confidence. Our difappointments and our misfortunes have originated from inevitable caufes -, and if adverfity fhould ftill continue to oppofe our beft endeavours, we muft derive con- folation from reflefting that we have aded confiilen^ with the fentiments which we profeffed, and with a confcientious regard to the duties of that ftation in v^hich Pro- vidence had placed us, always remember- ing that though ** 'Tis not in mortaU to command fuccefS| ** They may do more— —deserve it.'* FINIS. i