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 h i rvl U L J., . C U R W E N , 
 
 is AMERJ'-^^ ' tKnjGEL IN ENGL\XD, 
 
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 :'p TO 1784," 
 
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 JOURNAL AND LETTERS 
 
 -. , / - 
 
 OF THE LATE 
 
 SAMUEL CURWEN, 
 
 JUDGE OF ADMIRALTY, ETC., 
 
 AN AMERICAN REFUGEE IN ENGLAND, 
 
 FROM 
 
 1775 TO 1784, 
 
 COMPRISING REMARKS ON THE PROMINENT MEN AND MEASURES 
 
 OF THAT PERIOD. 
 
 TO WHICH ARE ADDED, 
 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES 
 
 or MANY 
 
 AMERICAN LOYALISTS AND OTHER EMINENT PERSONS. 
 
 BY 
 
 GEORGE ATKINSON WARD, 
 
 HSMBan OF THE MEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIBXr. 
 
 "For my native country I feel a filial fondness ; her folliea I lanent, her 
 misfortunes I pity ; her good I ardently wiah , and to be restored to her embraces 
 ia the warmest of my desires," S. Curwen, Jan. 10, 1780. Paob 831. 
 
 NEW-YORK : 
 C. S. FRANCIS AND CO., 252 BROADWAY. 
 
 BOSTON : 
 J. n. FRANCIS, 128 W ASHINGTON-STKEET. . , 
 
 1842. 
 
 ,* 
 
 / 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1842, by 
 GEORGE A. WARD, 
 
 in the Cierk's Office of tiie District Court of the Southern District of New-Vorlc. 
 
 *: 
 
 University Press, 
 
 John F. Tnow, Printeh. 
 
 114 Nnsg:<u-sti't'i.'t, 
 
 NEW-YORK. 
 
 I , 
 
 ■•«|! 
 
r ^ \ 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 ;; 
 
 The original raamiscripts from which the body of the following 
 work has been compiled, were sent in detached parts by the re- 
 spected writer to his niece, a grand-parent of the editor, (in whose 
 family they have remained for more than sixty years,) with the 
 following injunction, viz. : • 
 
 " These papers were written partly by way of pastime, and part- 
 ly with a view to future amusement, should it please the Sovereign 
 Disposer of life to lengthen mine beyond the period of banishment 
 and restore me again to my native country ; otherwise may they 
 prove an entertainment to my friends, to whom I commend them, 
 requesting their care to keep them from the inspection of all others, 
 they being negligently written and but for the eye of candor and 
 friendship, without method or order, as memory served, whereby 
 many faults and anachronisms happened (if a technical expression 
 applied to more important events may be used about such insigni- 
 ficant trifles) ; if they shall afford them the least amusement, my 
 purpose will be answered." 
 
 The editor considers the present publication of these papers not 
 only as in no wise a violation of the injunction of his venerated 
 relative, but as due to his memory, to exhibit to his countrymen the 
 purity of his motives, and the ardent affection he bore towards his 
 native land, even when constrained by a sense of duty to turn his 
 back upon it. Another inducement for the publication is furnished 
 by the incidental light thrown upon the character of his brethren 
 in exile, of whom scarcely any now survive, but whose numerous 
 descendants feel a deep sense of the injustice to which most Ihem, 
 in a season of great popular excitement, were unfortunateh sub- 
 jected, who, under less adverse circumstances, had filled with honor 
 civil posts of high trust, and led lo victory our arms in the provin- 
 cial wars. As the just fame of such as have distinguished them- 
 selves in important public concerns has ever been esteemed among 
 the most valued treasures of civilized nations, that of these loyalists, 
 banished for opinion's sake, seems to call for a proper vindication 
 at the hands of an impartial posterity, while the contrast of their 
 
IV 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 later with their earlier fortunes presents strong clainos to the sym- 
 pathy of mankind. 
 
 The success of recent publications in the department of histori- 
 cal writing having induced the belief that the period has arrived 
 when a sealed book may be opened, and a dispassionate examina- 
 tion had of the circumstances connected with that portion of our 
 history in which the character of this proscribed class of our coun- 
 trymen is involved, this work is oflfered with the hope of removing 
 to some extent, if not fully, whatever obloquy has been unjustly 
 cast upon their names, and to show that they were, in many in- 
 stances, not the less actuated by lofty principle than those who 
 embraced the popular opinions of the day, and adopted measures 
 which resulted in such transcendent success. 
 
 The editor has endeavored to present in the Supplement, if not 
 a full, at least a brief account of every prominent loyalist, as well 
 us of other persons of note, mentioned in the work ; and he regrets 
 that want of infoimation, notwithstanding every effort to obtain it, 
 has in some cases rendered his notices extremely imperfect, and ia 
 others left no alternative but to omit them altogether. 
 
 Before the publication was decided upon, the editor submitted 
 the work to Dr. Sparks, the distinguished American historian, and 
 to George Folsom, Esq., of the publishing committee of the New 
 York Historical Society, and editor of the society's recent excellent 
 volume of Collections ; whose favorable opinion of the historical 
 value of the journal and correspondence of Judge Curwen, ex- 
 pressed in their respective letters already laid before the public, 
 confirmed him in the design of giving to the light these interesting 
 relics of a former generation, to which he feared his private re- 
 gard for the memory of the venerated author might have attached 
 undue importance. He presents his sincere thanks to those gentle- 
 men for their encouraging letters, and the kind interest they have 
 taken in the matter. 
 
 The work is now submitted to the public by the Editor, without 
 endorsing principles at variance with the spirit of the age ; and 
 should it prove successful and draw into this new field more com- 
 petent laborers, the chief end of the publication will be attained. 
 
 G. A. Waed. 
 JSTew-York, Mvember, 1842. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR. 
 
 His ancestry, birth, and education — visits Europe — returns and engaged 
 in commerce at Salem — ^joins the expedition against Louisburg 
 — extracts from his journal during the campaign — an account of the 
 expedition — appointed import officer * for Essex county — literary 
 clubs at Salem — affairs in Massachusetts before the Revolution — 
 difficulties with the governors Bernard, Hutchinson, and Gage — 
 commencement of the Revolution — departure of the author to Phila- 
 delphia, and thence to England — his return and death — number of 
 exiles from Massachusetts, .... pp. 9-24. 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. A. D. 1775-1776.~Causes of the author's departure— 
 his arrival in Philadelphia — state of affairs in that city — perplexities 
 of the author — he meets Col. WAfSHiNOTON — reception of Hancock 
 and Adams— the author sails for England— arrives at Dover — pro- 
 ceeds to London — dines in company with Mrs. Copley, mother of 
 Lord Lyndhurst— Samuel duincy, Jonathan Sewall, Benjamin Pick- 
 man— letters to Rev. Thomas Barnard, William Pynchon, &c dines 
 
 with Gov. Hutchinson— visits Bow-street, Hampton Court, Windsor, 
 Twickenham, Newington, &c.— destruction of Falmouth (now Port- 
 land), Maine— New England Club in London— meets Sir Francis 
 Bernard — attends oratorio of Messiah at Covent Garden — lecture at 
 Salters' Hall by Dr. Price — visits Chapter House — doomsday book 
 —Portuguese synagogue— West's pictures— Tylney House— Lord 
 Mansfield's seat of Caen Wood— great bed of Ware— Rye House 
 —Westminster Hall— Maddock's garden— Pinchbeck's— Boar's-head 
 tavern— British museum— Duke of Bedford's seat at Croydon— Rev. 
 Dr. Apthorp— Rev. Mr. Peters, ... pp. 25-64. 
 
 CHAPTER II. A. D. 1776.— Leaves London for the country— visit* 
 Salisbury— Stonehenge— Exeter— Sidmouth— Rev. Isaac Smith- 
 letter from Thomas Danforth— visits Bristol— Birmingham— Tewks- 
 bury— Gloucester— returns to Bristol— Ratcliflf church — Admiral 
 Penn— Clifton grotto— Shepton Mallet— Lord Arundel's seat— cabi- 
 net of Pope Sixtus v.— Alfred's tower— spinning-jennies, pp. 64-81 . 
 
 1 
 
VI 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER III. A. D. 1776.— Visits Bath— Meets Col. Saltonstall and 
 Mr. Boylston — Longleat, seat of Lord Weymouth— Glastonbury Ab- 
 bey ruins— Bridgewater—Enmore Castle, seat of Earl Egmont— 
 Taunton— Sidmouth—Slade— Dr. Shebbeare— supposed Danish en- 
 campment at Hembury— Admiral Graves— Exeter— news from New 
 York in Bristol Gazette— election of member of parliament at Exe- 
 ter, candidates Baring and Cholwich— visits Lord Courtenay's Bel- 
 videre— birth-place of Sir Francis Drake — news from America — ru- 
 mors of war between England and France — electioneering in Eng- 
 land — remarks on election at Exeter— Baring elected— advices from 
 Gen. Burgoyne— report of Washington's defeat at Kingsbridge — re- 
 marks on the tone of Englishmen towards America, and vindication 
 of the latter— letters to- George Russell, William Pynchon, and 
 Judge Sewall, ..... pp. 81-95. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. A. D. 1777.— Author completes his sixty-first year- 
 remarks on the commencement of the new year— letters— Dr. Dodd's 
 case— visits Plymouth— Exeter— Bristol— journey to London— en- 
 ^ gages lodgings at Brompton Row, near London — dines with Gov. 
 Hutchinson— meets B. Hallowell— Thomas Russell— visits Christ 
 Church Hospital— the institution described— visits Cromwell's gar- 
 den, in company with Judge Sewall and Abel Willard— attends 
 New England club at Mr. Blowers'— dines with Harrison Gray- 
 letter to Rev. Isaac Smith on American affairs, . pp. 95-108. 
 
 CHAPTER V. A. D. 1777. Journey from London to Ipswich, in com- 
 pany with Judge Sewall and Abel Willard — passes through Rum- 
 ford, Ingatestone, Witham, Colchester — description of Colchester — 
 Roman antiquities — arrival at Ipswich — anunpleasingtown — leaves 
 it for Cambridge— Newmarket races— description of Trinity College- 
 river Cam — University library — returns to London — ^journey to Ox- 
 ford — visits Q,ueen's College — Jesus' College — Merton College — 
 Christ Church College — library — Allsouls — meets Sir F. Bernard — 
 leaves Oxford — visits Blenheim House at Woodstock — Bicester — 
 Buckingham — Stow Gardens — Lord George Germaine — Earl Tem- 
 ple — Coventry — Birmingham — Leatowes of Shenstone — Hagley, 
 Lord Lyttelton's estate — Hales Owen— fair — returns to Birming- 
 ham, ...... pp. 108-124. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. A. D. 1777.— Fair at Birmingham— Soho Gardens— 
 Ashton Park — the author leaves Birmingham for Sheffield — first 
 stage Lichfield — cathedral described — Burton — the great Stafford- 
 shire canal — Derby silk mills — porcelain manufactory— Kiddlestone, 
 seat of Lord Scarsdale — AshburUi— residence of Chaucer — Castle- 
 ton— remarkable cave described— arrival at Sheffield— colliery— 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
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 Wakefield— original of Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield named John- 
 son— Leeds— Armley—Huddersfield— Halifax— a great manufactur- 
 ing town— Rochdale— Manchester— Duke of Bridgewater's canal— 
 St John's church — coal mines at Worsley— description of Manches- 
 ter— journey to Bristol— Stockport — Macclesfield — Leek— manufac- 
 tories — Sandon— Stafford— Penkridge— Wolverhampton — manufac- 
 tories— Stourbridge— Bromesgrove— Worcester— Cathedral describ- 
 ed— Tewksbury— Gloucester— Newport— Bristol, pp. 124-142. 
 
 CHAPTER Vn. A. D. 1777.— Entry of member of parliament elect 
 into Bristol — the author visits the cathedral— Stapleton — Dundry 
 tower — Bath — American privateers in St. George's Channel — visit 
 to Wales — Swansea — Welsh customs — Neath — Cowbridge— Car- 
 diff— Newport — return to Bristol — advices from New- York — adven- 
 ture of Charles II. — Dean Tucker — John Wesley — journey to Exe- 
 ter — Sidmouth — Axminster — birth-place of the great Duke of Marl- 
 borough — carpet manufactories — Thorncombe — CuUiibrd — Slade — 
 Ottery — return to Exeter — news of Gen. Burgoyne's surrender — 
 close of the year, .... pp. 142-162. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. A. D. 1778.— Letter on American affairs— enumera- 
 tion of troops to be sent to America — Lord Abington's motion — pas- 
 sage from Dr. Robertson — ceremony of installing a bishop — writers 
 in the Spectator — amount of captures by American privateers — Rev. 
 Sir Henry Trelawney — political letters — report of a treaty be- 
 tween France and the United States — war between England and 
 France, ...... pp. 162-181. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. A. D. 1778.— Letter to Judge Sewall on public affairs 
 —remarks on ability of England to sustain a war with France — pub- 
 lic credit — number of troops sent to America — French medal in 
 honor of Washington — commissioners to settle the dispute with 
 America — Massachusetts exclusion bill — excursion to Tiverton — ihe 
 author removes his lodgings from Exeter to Sidmouth — ride to 
 Taunton — Colyton — Woodbury castle, the remains of a Danish fort 
 — ordination of Rev. Isaac Smith ai Sidmouth — procession of lace- 
 makers at Honiton, .... pp. 181-198. 
 
 CHAPTER X. A. D. 1778.— Excursion to the west— Otterton— 
 Lympstone — Teignmouth — Newton Bushel — Dartmouth — Torbay 
 — Bridgtown — Chudleigh — Exeter — returns to Sidmouth — visits 
 beach at Axminster — letters on public affairs — excursion to Wey- 
 mouth and Portland — Melcomb Regis — island of Portland described 
 — Roman remains — Dorchester — advices from New-York — quits 
 Sidmouth for Exeter— Arden's course of lectures on experimental 
 
YUl 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 philosophy— letter from Judge Sewall—number of shipa taken by 
 the French — votes of the bishops on the American war — the author 
 completes his sixty-third year, ... pp. 198-212. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. A. D. 1779.— Origin of custom of making presents on 
 New Year's day — letters on public affairs — British fleet at Torbay — 
 Lord North announces departure of Spanish minister— ordination at 
 Lympstone— combined fleet of France and Spain off Plymouth — 
 author suspected of being an American spy — leaves Exeter for Bris- 
 tol — dines with Mr. Vassall — Dr. Gardine.- — Captain Carpenter 
 arrives with letters, etc., from Salem — Mrs. Erving — William Ca- 
 bot, ...... pp. 212-229. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. A. D. 1780.— Manilla ship described— visit to Bath 
 — letters— Mr. Washington, a Moravian preacher— celebration of 
 Admiral Rodney's victory over Don Langara — death of William 
 Hutchinson — number of Americans at Bristol, and their names — 
 remarks on the theatre — on public affairs — advices from General 
 Clinton in South Carolina — his success — tour to the north in com- 
 pany with the Sewalls — Newport — Newton — Honiton — Kiddermin- 
 ster — Brof ly — Shrewsbury — residence of Samuel Porter — F.Ilcs- 
 mere — Wrexham — Chester — Warrington — canal locks at Runcorn 
 — Liverpool — Peak of Derbyshire — Derby — Wolverhampton — iron 
 bridge at Brosely — curious celebration of Gen. Clinton's success 
 at Charleston by S. Sewall — passage on the Severn from Bridge- 
 north to Worcester — adventure with a footpad — return to Bristol — 
 riots described in letter to W. Pynchon — leaves Bristol for London 
 — amusing sign at Devizes — arrival in London, . pp. 229-262. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. A. D. 1780.— Letter to Judge Sewall giving an ac- 
 count of the reported dark day in America — reply of Sewall — visit 
 to ruins of King's Bench prison and Surrey Bridewell, destroyed by 
 mob — remarks on the evil of French troops in America — opening of 
 Bartholemew fair by the Lord Mayor at Smithfield — Richmond gar- 
 dens — elections in London — Saddler's Wells— Plowden's funeral 
 monument at the Temple — Roman coins — disputing club — excursion 
 to Hempsted, . , . . .pp. 262-285. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. A. D. 1780— Visit to Parliament-house- Ladies' 
 disputing society — Guildhall meeting — Lord Mayor's day — chancery 
 court — Essex House chapel — Rev. Mr. Lindsay — Carlisle House — 
 Montague House — British Museum — lottery drawing at Guildhall 
 —disputing club — affair of Major Andrfe- Mr. Copley's picture-room 
 —painting of death of Lord Chatham, etc. . . pp, 285-298. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 IX 
 
 CHAPTER XV. A. D. 1781.— Description of entertainment at Covent 
 Garden theatre — letters — American Academy of Arts and Sciences 
 founded in Massachusetts — trial of Lord George Gordon — ^visit to 
 Priory, Clerkenwell — Greenwich Hospital — Mrs. Cowley's new play 
 — Col. now Governor Browne — House of Commons— debate— Mr. 
 Burke— visit to Westminster Abbey— Mary-le-bone— Dr. Priestley- 
 British Museum— curiosities seen there— Benj. Thompson, (Count 
 Rumford,)— intercepted letter of General Washington— excursion to 
 Windsor — personal description of the King and Queen— Eton Col- 
 lege— Ch'w wick House— news of the burning of New London— Ad* 
 miral Rodney's fleet at Torbay— consequences of surrender of 
 Lord Cornwallis— Henry Laurens discharged from the tower on 
 bail, . . . . . . pp. 298-330. 
 
 CHAPTER XVL A.D. 1782.— Letters— visit to the Queen's house- 
 domestic habits of the King— letter from Judge Oliver— secret ser- 
 vice list for 1781— General Burgoyne— Welsh procession— disgrace 
 of Lord George Germaine— defeat of ministers— general rejoicing in 
 England— Lord Surrey and Benedict Arnold— new ministry — anec- 
 dote of the Prince of Wales — Lord North — excursion to Hampton 
 Court— division in the cabii> L -Admiral Barrington— news of the 
 defeat of the French fleet by x.;:miral Rodney— Maddocks the florist 
 — anecdote of tht Shakspeare mug— Parson Wiawall— new arrange- 
 ment of the ministry— visit to House of Commons — Parson Peters — 
 Sir William Pepperell— Lord Howe— Sterne's private character — 
 public notice of a provisional treaty between England and the 
 United States— state of parlies— Sir Wm. Draper, . pp. 330-362. 
 
 CHAPTER XVn. A.D. 1783.— Meeting of refugees at Sir Wm. Pep- 
 perell's— death of Mr. Flucker— uncertain prospects of the loyalists— 
 Dr. Graham's lecture on health— meeting of the Royal Society 
 described — public affairs- procession in honor of Fox — Mrs. Siddons 
 at Drury-lane— visit to the House of Lords- Mr. de Berdt— excursion 
 to Herts— Hoddesdon— letters— St. Giles's— peace proclaimed with 
 France, Spain, and Holland— Nathaniel Gorham— Macklin at Coven'' 
 Garden, pp. 362-3%. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIIL A. D. 1784.— Pitt's East India bill lost— the author 
 receives letters from Salem encouraginsf his return — riots in London 
 between followers of Pitt and Fox— Dr. Watson, bishop of LlandafT- 
 letters from William Pynchon— funeral of Sherift" Turner— letter 
 from Judge Scwall— the author's petition for leave to return to 
 America, and to appoint an agent to receive his pension- visit to the 
 Treasury— preparations for leaving England— embarks in siiip 
 Union— fellow-passengers— land at Cowes, Isle of Wight— excursion 
 on the island- arrival at Boston— Captain Coombs— the author's 
 classmates— letter from Noah Clap, . . pp. 396-419. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 SUPPLEMENT. 
 
 ILLUSTRATIVE DOC0MENTS. PAGE 
 
 Address of the merchants and others of Boston to Governor Hutch- 
 inson, May 10, 1774, . . . . • . 423 
 Address of the inhabitants of Marblehead to the same, May 
 
 25,1774 426 
 
 Address of the barristers and attornies of Massachusetts to the same, 
 
 May 30, 1774, 
 
 Recantations of several of the Salem "addressers," May 30, 1774, 
 Address of the merchants and others of Salem to Governor Gage, 
 
 June 24, 1774, 
 
 Names of the gentlemen and principal inhabitants of Boston who 
 
 signed an address to the same, Oct. 16, 1775, 
 Names of gentlemen driven into Boston who signed a loyal address 
 to the same, October 14, 1775, .... 434 
 
 Conspirators act of Massachusetts! Sept. 30, 1779, . . 434 
 
 Confiscation act of do., April 30, 1779, . . 436 
 
 Banishment act of do., Sept. 1778, . . 443 
 
 Counsellors of do., appointed by writ of mandamus, 
 
 August 9, 1774, ...... 438 
 
 Worcester (Massachusetts) Resolutions respecting refugees and 
 absentees. May 19, 1783, (referred to in page 382,) . 444 
 
 427 
 429 
 
 431 
 
 432 
 
 BIOQRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 Adams, John . . . 460 
 
 Adams, Samuel . . . 459 
 
 Allen, Judge William . . 486 
 
 Apthorp, Rev. Dr. East . 533 
 
 Auchmuty, Rev. Dr. Saml. . 511 
 
 Auchmuty, Judge Robert . 511 
 
 B. 
 
 Badger, Rev. Moses . . 551 
 
 Baring, Sir Francis . . 541 
 
 Bernard, Sir Francis . . 463 
 
 Bernard, Sir T'lomas . . 524 
 
 Bliss, Daniel . . .518 
 
 Bliss, Jonathan . . . 508 
 
 Blowers, Judge S. S. . . 480 
 
 BorlQ. J, John L. . . 500 
 
 Boutincau, James . 492 
 
 BoylNton, WnnI NichoIaH 460 
 
 Brattle, Major Thomas . 510 
 
 Brinley, Thomas . . .484 
 
 Browne, Colonel William . 500 
 
 Burgoyne, General John . 469 
 
 Byles, Rev. Matthew . . 494 
 
 C. 
 
 Carleton, General Sir Guy . 468 
 
 Caswell, Richard . . 484 
 
 Chandler, Nathaniel . . 550 
 
 Chandler, Rufus . . 522 
 
 Chandler, William . . 551 
 
 Chipman, Judge Ward . 492 
 
 Clarke, Rev. William . . 499 
 
 Clarke, Richard . . . 505 
 
 Clinton, Gen. Sir Henry . 473 
 
 Coffin, Nathaniel . . .484 
 
 Coffin, Thomas Aston . . 484 
 
 Colden, Governor Cadw'r. . 537 
 
 Cooper, Rev. Dr. Myles . 538 
 
 Copley, John S. . . . 503 
 
 Cornvvallis, General Lord . 473 
 
 Curwcn's, ancestors . . 445 
 
 Curtis, Charles . . .531 
 
 Cushing, Governor Thomas . 460 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 XI 
 
 ) PAGE 
 
 Dana, Judge Fran. . . 476 
 
 Danforth, Thomas . .515 
 
 De Grasse, Count Joseph . 543 
 
 Dorchester, Lord . . . 468 
 
 Draper, Sir William . . 525 
 
 E. 
 
 Edson, Colonel Josiah . . 547 
 
 Erving, George . . . 524 
 
 Erving, Colonel John, Jr. . 493 
 
 F. 
 
 Faneuil, Benjamin . . 492 
 
 Fenton, Captain John . . 493 
 
 Fisher, John . . . 507 
 
 Flucker, Thomas . . .506 
 
 Franklin, Gov. William . 552 
 
 Frye, Colonel Peter . . 513 
 
 Galloway, Joseph . . . 527 
 
 Gardiner, Dr. Sylvester . 535 
 
 Gates, General Horatio . 475 
 
 Goodhue, Hon. Benjamin . 488 
 
 Gorham, Hon. Nathaniel . 532 
 
 Gray, Hon. Harrison . . 506 
 
 Green, Joseph • . . 465 
 
 Green, Francis . . . 499 
 
 Greenleaf, Stephen . . 497 
 
 Gridley, Benjamin . . 528 
 
 Gridley, Colonel Richard . 452 
 
 H. 
 
 Hallowell, Benjamin . . 518 
 
 Hancock, John . . . 457 
 
 Harrison, Gov. Benjamin . 462 
 
 Hawley, Major Joseph . . 504 
 
 Hewes, Joseph . . . 485 
 
 Holyoke, Dr. E. A. . . 489 
 
 Hooper, Joseph . . . 467 
 
 Hovey, Ivory . . .560 
 
 Howe, Admiral Lord . . 473 
 
 Howe, General Sir William . 474 
 
 Hutchinson, Elisha . . 502 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Hutchinson, Judge Foster . 547 
 
 Hutchinson, Gov. Thomas . 454 
 
 Hutchinson, Thomas, Jr. . 499 
 
 Hutchinson, William . . 503 
 
 Ingersoll, Hon. Jared . . 502 
 Jeflries, Dr. John . . . 537 
 Jackson, Hon. Jonathan . 528 
 
 Lee, Judge Joseph' . . 487 
 
 Leonard, Daniel . . . 548 
 
 Lloyd, Dr. James . . . 517 
 
 Loring, Com. Joshua . . 523 
 
 Lovell, Rev. Benjamin . . 552 
 
 Lynde, Judge Benjamin . 490 
 
 M. 
 
 Marston, Benjamin . . 543 
 
 Mauduit, Jasper . . . 466 
 
 Mauduit, Israel . . . 466 
 
 Mifflin, Governor Thomas . 485 
 
 Moulton, Col. Jeremiah . 451 
 
 Murray, Colonel John . . 492 
 
 O. 
 
 Oliver, Brinley S. . . . 550 
 
 Oliver, Daniel . . .510 
 
 OUver, Dr. Peter . . .511 
 
 Oliver, Governor Andrew . 462 
 
 Oliver, Governor Thomas . 515 
 
 Oliver, Judge Andrew . . 488 
 
 Oliver, Judge Peter . . 516 
 
 Oliver, Pefer, Jr. . . .551 
 
 Orne, Timothy . . . 504 
 
 Otis, Hon. S. AUyne . 535 
 
 Oxnard, Edward . . .508 
 
 P. 
 
 Paine, Judge Robert T. . 461 
 
 Paine, Dr. William . . 551 
 
 Paxton, Charles . .537 
 Pepperell, Gen. Sir William 449 
 
Xlt 
 
 Pepperell, Sir William . 
 Phips, Colonel David . 
 Porter, Samuel 
 Peters, Rev. Dr. Samuel A. 
 Pickering, Hon. Timothy 
 Pickman, Colonel Benjamin 
 Poynton, Captain Thomas 
 Prince, Dr. John . 
 Putnam, Judge James . 
 Putnam, James, Jr. 
 Pynchon, William 
 
 a. 
 
 Quincy, Hon. Samuel . 463, 561 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 
 PAGE 
 
 
 PAGE 
 
 . 526 
 
 Shirley, Gov. William . 
 
 . 450 
 
 . 527 
 
 Simpson, Jonathan 
 
 . 493 
 
 . 510 
 
 Smith, Judge William . 
 
 . 501 
 
 . 504 
 
 Smith, Rev. Isaac . 
 
 . 465 
 
 . 477 
 
 Sparhawk, Samuel H. . 
 
 . 497 
 
 . 502 
 
 
 
 . 515 
 
 T. 
 
 '' 
 
 . 467 
 
 Temple, Robert . 
 
 . 497 
 
 . 514 
 
 Thompson, Benjamin . 
 
 . 497 
 
 . 552 
 
 Troutbeck, Rev. J. 
 
 . 511 
 
 . 487 
 
 
 
 u. 
 
 Upham, Judge Joshua 
 
 519 
 
 R. 
 
 
 Vassall, John 
 
 . 515 
 
 Reed, General Joseph . 
 
 . 486 
 
 Vassall, William . 
 
 . 547 
 
 Robie, Thomas 
 
 . 491 
 
 Vaughan, Col. William 
 
 . 452 
 
 Ropes, Judge Nathaniel 
 
 . 490 
 
 
 
 Routh, Richard . 
 
 . 493 
 
 W. 
 
 
 Rogers, Samuel . 
 
 . 543 
 
 Waldo, Francis . 
 
 . 518 
 
 Rogers, Jeremiah D. . 
 
 . 552 
 
 Ward, Richard 
 
 . 533 
 
 Royal, General Isaac . 
 
 . 523 
 
 Waterhouse, Samuel . 
 
 . 513 
 
 Ruggles, Gen. Timothy 
 
 . 508 
 
 Wilkins, Rev. Dr. Isaac 
 
 . 555 
 
 Rumford, Count . 
 
 . 497 
 
 Willard, Abel 
 
 . 521 
 
 Russell, Judge Chambers 
 
 . 516 
 
 Willard, Colonel Abijah 
 
 . 520 
 
 Russell, Dr. Charles 
 
 . 513 
 
 Wentworth, Gov. Sir John 
 
 . 501 
 
 
 
 Williams, Elijah . 
 
 . 528 
 
 S. 
 
 
 Williams, Seth . 
 
 . 543 
 
 Saltonstall, Col. Richard 
 
 . 548 
 
 Winslow, Edward, Jr. . 
 
 . 543 
 
 Sargent, John 
 
 . 492 
 
 Winslow, Pelham . 
 
 . 548 
 
 Bewail, Judge Jonathan 
 
 . 463 
 
 Winthrop, Admiral Robert 
 
 . 528 
 
 Sewall, Samuel 
 
 . 506 
 
 Winthrop, Gov. Thos. L. 
 
 . 531 
 
 Shippen, Dr. William . 
 
 . 485 
 
 Wiswall, Rev. John 
 
 . 5J1 
 
 I » 
 
INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 
 
 The paternal ancestry of Samuei- Curwen, the author of the 
 Journal and Correspondence now submitted to the public, were for 
 many centuries amongst the leading families in the county of Cum- 
 berland, in the north of England, where the family seat, named 
 Workington Hall, still remains. George Curwin, his immediate 
 ancestor, was an early emigrant to New England, having established 
 his residence in 1638 at Salem, in the then recent colony of Massa- 
 chusetts Bay, where he continued to reside during the residue of a 
 long life. He was highly esteemed by his contemporaries, for his 
 active and energetic character, and for several years represented 
 his adopted town in the " General Court," or legislative assembly 
 of the colony. He also commanded a squadron of horse in the 
 Indian wars that spread desolation throughout the frontier settle- 
 ments of New England, and assisted in checking the inroads of the 
 savage foe. He died at Salem in 1685, at the age of seventy-four 
 years, leaving a large estate. His son, Jonathan Corwin,* was of 
 the provincial council named in the Massachusetts charter granted 
 by William and Mary in 1691, and a judge of the superior court 
 of the province ; he married a daughter of Sir Henry Gibbs. 
 George Curwin, a fruit of this connection, was the father of our 
 author : he graduated at Harvard College, (then the only collegiate 
 institution in British America,) in 1701, and was for a short period 
 pastor of a church at Salem. He died in 1717, at the early age 
 of thirty-five years. 
 
 * The ortliogruphy ol' tliia name, like that of many others, seems to have 
 varied at dilFuient pcrioila, both in England and America ; our author after 
 his visit to England wrote it Curwen. 
 
10 
 
 INTRODUCTOBY MEMOIR. 
 
 The subject of this iLinUoir was born in 1715, and graduated 
 at Harvard College in 1735 ; he subsequently pursued the usual 
 course of preparatory studies for the church, but his aealth prov- 
 ing inadequate to the labours of the profession, he was obliged to 
 relinquish the design. Disappointment in an affair of the heart 
 induced him to travel in England and on the Continent, and the 
 following letter to his only brother, then temporarily absent, 
 shows the melancholy state of his mind at that time. 
 
 TO GEORGE CURWIN. 
 
 Salem, 16th Jvly, 1738. Sunday evening. 
 
 Dear George : 
 
 It will no doubt be somewhat surprising and unexpected to hear 
 of my being gone, especially at such a time as this, the reason of 
 which may not perhaps be so proper to tell you by letter ; but if I 
 could have had the happiness of informing you more fully in person, 
 I should have done so. Besides the extreme hurry and other con- 
 curring circumstances forbid it. Had I not engaged too far to 
 retreat, I know not whether the various rumours spread abroad had 
 not stopped me. Yet extremities, you know, often dispose one to 
 that which otherwise would not have been undertaken. To say 
 no more, I am gone, and God alone, the sovereign disposer of all 
 things, knows the issue ; no human prudence is equal to the uncer- 
 tainty of events. 
 
 I have to request you never to credit the least report or give ear 
 to what people say concerning me, (censure now-a-days being the 
 delight as well as the chiefest quality of the generality of mankind,) 
 as my affairs are not understood by any one. Show Madam 
 Lynde and Mr. Benjamin Lynde all imaginable respect; they 
 have expressed much greater good will than any one else, therefore 
 omit no opportunity of thanks to them and Mr. William Lynde, 
 who has undertaken a great service for me. Let not any former 
 misunderstandings hinder your freely conversing together ; it will, 
 I can assure you, be your fault alone if it doth ; the business he has 
 undertaken will necessarily lead to it, and I hope I have not chosen 
 a person disagreeable to you. 
 
 My will is in the hands of Mr. Benjamin Lynde, which I have 
 
INTKODOCTOBV MEHOIB. 
 
 II 
 
 made to secure the honor of the family, and if possible to maintain 
 them in some repute in case of your death ; — may God long pre- 
 serve you. My dealings with sundry persons have more fully than 
 ever confirmed me in the maxim to treat all persons as if they were 
 dishonest ; I mean no more than not to rely too much on their faith 
 and honor ; too much good nature in common dealings is no pro- 
 fitable principle now-a-days. Nor do I know whether it be a 
 breach of Christian charity to suppose our New Englanders such; 
 there is most certainly a contracted selfish temper in most per- 
 sons, which almost inclines one to think that justice and honor 
 in their full latitude are little understood.' 
 
 The time of my stay abroad, if there happens no war, is uncer- 
 tain, (although I am not resolved at all hazards to gratify my 
 curiosity by travelling ;) it may in that case be eight months, perhaps 
 much longer ; otherwise I shall return in the same vessel. 
 I am, dear George, in all respects. 
 
 Your most affectionate brother, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 On his return, Mr. Curwen engaged in commercial pursuits with 
 uprightness and success. His business was subsequently interrupted 
 by the depredations of French cruisers, fitted out from Louisburg in 
 the island of Cape Breton. New England suffered immensely in 
 her commerce from the same cause, and her enterprising people 
 resolved upon the reduction of that stronghold of the enemy at all 
 hazards. Accordingly, we find what was generally considered a 
 romantic expedition set on foot for this purpose in the winter of 
 1744-5 ; and Mr. Curwen as a captain, and his brother as a com- 
 missary, joined it. The command of this expedition, comprising 
 some four thousand New England militia, was given to General 
 Pepperell,* who having suffered largely from toe depredations of 
 French cruisers, advanced several thousand pounds towards the 
 outfit. 
 
 The result of the expedition was completely successful, and 
 reflected great credit on the participators in it. The General was 
 
 * See Supplement for bingraphical notices of Sir William Pepperell and 
 other connpicuous persons whose names occur io tliis wofk. 
 
'■/ 
 
 19 
 
 INTBODUCTOBY HEMOIB. 
 
 created a baronet of Great Britain, an honor never before conferred 
 on a native of the North American provinces. 
 
 The following are extracts from Mr. Curwen's journal kept 
 during the campaign. 
 
 " Boston, March 23, 1745. The General is embarking, and 
 •we shall sail this afternoon.— Commodore Warren is coming to 
 our assistance, which with the blessing of God will be of great 
 advantage.— There will go down in the first embarkation at least 
 twenty-five hundred soldiera. 
 
 Sheepscot, March 27. We have in our mess Mr. Walter,* 
 our chaplain, who is a very pleasant companion. — I dined to-day 
 on board of Capt. Grant, who to-morrow with Capt. King will 
 breakfast with mc. — Our troops were landed at Chapeaurouge on 
 the 29th March. 
 
 Canso, Jlpril 17. Wrote home for provisions and stores to be 
 sent in case the goods I expect shall arrive safe from England. — 
 We are almost reduced to pork and pease. 
 
 Our men-of-war and privateers are stationed all round the 
 Island to prevent vessels going in or coming out. This evening an- 
 other prize arrived, taken by Capt. Donahue, in the Swan of Mar- 
 blehead, who behaved very bravely. The prize had captured the 
 packet sent from Boston to Cansof to notify us that Commodore 
 Warren was coming to our assistance, which heightens our 
 spirits. 
 
 Canso, JlprU 22. Capt. Durell is come in this afternoon to 
 our assistance ; as yet we have no news of Commodore Warren ; 
 hope it will not be long before he arrives with an account of the 
 French men-of-war expected. Our last transport arrived this af- 
 ternoon ; we had almost given her up. 
 
 I believe our campaign will be short, and expect the place will 
 surrender without bloodshed. 
 
 Last night our chaplain and doctor went with two companies 
 
 » Son of Rev. Nath. Walter of Rnxbury j his son Rev. Dr. William 
 Walter, a proscribed refugee, became Dean of Slielburne, Nova Scotia, re- 
 turned to Boston in 1792 as rector of Christ Church, and died 1800, M. 64. 
 He married a daughter of Ch. Justice Lynde. 
 
 t Canso or Cansenu was taken by the French and Indians, the houses 
 were burnt and fiaiierios destroyed, the garrisuD and inhabitants made pris- 
 oners, and seat to Louisburg. 
 
 I » 
 
INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 
 
 18 
 
 to attack St. Peter's, and we are momently looking for their return. 
 I long to be once within the walls of Louisburg. This is the 
 strangest country I ever knew ; not two fair days together. 
 
 Canso, April 27. The Connecticut fleet arrived, and Col. 
 Lathrop handed me my letter. The scheme of attacking Louis- 
 burg is altered every day. 
 
 Commodore Warren has arrived. I trust the expedition will 
 prove successful, and that our friends will remember we are going 
 against our common enemy. May 1st, a small party went to the 
 harbour and burned a small quantity of wine, brandy, and naval stores. 
 
 Camp before Louisburg, May 6. We have got possession of 
 the Grand Battery; the French departed from it three days ago; 
 they spiked all the guns, but we have got seven of them clear, and 
 five of them are continually playing upon the town. Our soldiers 
 are all in good heart, and I doubt not in a few days we shall have 
 the town. We have taken a great number of prisoners. 
 
 Commodore Warren this day came ashore to visit the General ; 
 he and all our officers have a good understanding among them- 
 selves. 
 
 Yesterday a gun at the Grand Battery split and wounded five 
 of our men. They now and then throw a bomb, but do no damage. 
 
 This morning came in Col. Moulton with his detachment from 
 St. Peter's, which they have <lemoHshed with the loss of but one 
 man. Providence has signally smiled, and I doubt not the cam- 
 paign will be crowned with success. I am willing to undergo 
 any thing for the good of our cause. 
 
 Camp before Louisburg, May 12, 1745. Commodore War- 
 ren has had two hundred marines and sailors ashore for three days 
 past in order to attack the Island battery, but something or other 
 has always prevented its accomplishment, so the Commodore has 
 ordered therj all aboard and gone on board himself not a little dis- 
 satisfied. 
 
 Camp before Louisburg, May 26. Commodore Warren has 
 taken the Vigilante, a 64 gun ship from France, coming with am- 
 munition for this garrison. She was manned with five hundred 
 men, had live hundred barrels gunpowder on board: she lost 
 thirty men before she struck. The command of her is given to 
 Captain Douglass, who before had the Mermaid, and Capt Mon- 
 
14 
 
 INTRODUCTOBY MEHOIK. 
 
 tague is to have the Mermaid. This has given new life to all our 
 officers and soldiers. 
 
 Capt. Gayton is safely arrived at last, which affords great joy, 
 for we almost despaired of him, being out so long after all the 
 transports had arrived that left under bis convoy. 
 
 Capt. Fletcher has had the misfortune to lose ten men by the 
 Indians; seven killed, and three taken prisoners. They went 
 ashore ten miles above where we lay to get wood, and keeping no 
 guard, were beset by the Indians and cut off. > 
 
 Camp before Louisburg, June 2d. We have made an attempt 
 upon the Island battery, and failed. Abbot, a townsman of mine, 
 was wounded in the leg, and I fear he will lose his life. — An hun- 
 dred men are missing, and we are in hopes they are taken, as two 
 boats laden with men were seen going into the town after the 
 attack, when the French gave three hurrahs. Young Gray is 
 dead, and three of Capt. Grant's men are missing, all of Salem. 
 Our scouts have had an engagement with a number of French and 
 Indians which we routed ; killed thirty and wounded forty ; we 
 lost but six killed ; among them is the brave Capt. Dimmock, of 
 Barnstable, and twenty wounded, some very dangerously. Our 
 men got under the very walls before the French fired a gun. 
 
 Louisburg, June 17th, 1745. The Governor, aware of our 
 preparations for a general assault, thought it best to capitulate, and 
 has just surrendered the city to our arms. 
 
 Louisburg, July 25th, 1745. An East India ship, worth at 
 least jE200,000 sterling, came off the harbour, and fired a gun for 
 a pilot. The Commodore sent out two sixty gun ships, which 
 came up with, and took her in three hours ; we had the pleasure 
 from the walls to see her strike to them. Two others, sent out 
 three weeks before her, bound hither, are hourly expected to heave 
 in sight. Col. Graham goes to-morrow in a sloop as a flag of 
 truce for Canada, with about thirty French prisoners ; he is the 
 only Englishman that goes in her. 
 
 I am going on board Capt. Lovett to St. Peter's, with a 
 number of my soldiers, to guard the wood-vessels going there : our 
 affairs will soon be settled, and I shall, to my great joy, return 
 home." 
 
 W' 
 
INTBODOCTOBT HEMOIE. 
 
 Ifr 
 
 FROM WILLIAM LYNDE. 
 
 Salem, July 27, 1746. 
 Capt. Corwfn: 
 
 I have had the pleasure of but one letter from you since you 
 left us. — If no more East Indiamen, &c. drop in, yet a line on any 
 occasion will be very agreeable. I should be glad to hear of the 
 event of these ships being at Louisburg, and what effect their 
 coming will have on the fleet, army. New England, the nation, 
 or any particulars of them, or concerning Louisburg ; the French 
 fishery, settlements on the island, &c., if not too troublesome to you. 
 
 I hope New England will be the happier for the event of the 
 expedition, which is known to have been too bold a stroke for your 
 enemy — how it will turn out is doubtful, since many are competi- 
 tors for the honor. We here assure ourselves of the Governor's 
 good designs and influence on our part. I could say more than 
 write on this article, and cannot but be sanguine for the honor of 
 our country and friends, whose all was involved in the happy issue 
 of the expedition. We hope daily to hear of the Governor's arri- 
 val and good measures for the general advantage. The fleet 
 assume their full share, from all accounts, and have much popu- 
 larity ashore ; doubt not of the influence of omnipotent gold, which 
 perhaps they have a greater share of, than of honor or jurisdic- 
 tion on land. How you stand inclined yourself, I know not, 
 though don't doubt your zeal for our country and friends. 
 
 As to occurrences at Salem ; trade has been successful, and no 
 losses ; — if the Dutch break this year, you know how it will aflect. 
 We hear from New-York and via Lisbon of some five French 
 men-of-war, designing for Cape Breton ; perhaps to convoy the 
 Indiamen. Undoubtedly you may expect some via Lisbon advices ; 
 they say Genoa has declared for the French and Spaniards. From 
 New-York they say the Duke of Tuscany is Emperor, but it is 
 doubted here. I believe there is matter enough in Europe for a 
 long war ; but perhaps you have later news than we. Our gov- 
 ernment has declared war against the Penobscot Indians, who have 
 broke in on our new settlements ; so that we are at war with all 
 eastern Indians ; they are doubtless put on by the French of Canada. 
 New England has enough on her hands, though the season is 
 hopeful and trade brisk. Some particulars I could give verbatim,. 
 
16 
 
 INTRODDCTORT MEMOIR. 
 
 ' 
 
 ^ 
 
 which I cannot write ; hope to see you soon here, and spend some 
 pleasant hours with you, as we have spent many past. Give my 
 hearty service to your brother and Capt. Grant. My brother* de- 
 sires you would excuse his not writing by this opportunity. Capt. 
 Hillyer is now going to sail, having given but short notice. 
 Believe me, dear Sir, your real friend, William Lynde. 
 
 A late writer thus describes'this expedition, which is among the 
 most remarkable in our history—" The French had built a city and 
 fortress on the island of Cape Breton, at immense cost, and of 
 immense strength, which in honor of the King was called " Louis- 
 burg." Their fisheries in the seas in its vicinity (as was ascer- 
 tained by Mr. Kilby, as agent of Governor Shirley, of Massachu- 
 setts), produced one million and four hundred thousand quintals 
 annually, and they annoyed the colonial fishermen so much, that 
 the fishing interest of Massachusetts and New Hampshire resolved on 
 the destruction of Louisburg, and the expulsion of the French from 
 the fishing grounds. Application was made to Gov. Shirley ac- 
 cordingly, by Vaughan, a son of the Lt. Governor of New Hamp- 
 shire, who was largely interested in the fisheries, and whose fisher- 
 men had imparted to him valuable information as to the weak 
 parts of its defences. The subject was considered in secret session, 
 thejirst ever held in the Colonies. After much difficulty, and after 
 having been negatived once, it was resolved to undertake the des- 
 truction of this wonderful city. But the Colonies south of New 
 England declined to aid in so mad an enterprise, though urged to 
 do so ; and Dr. Franklin, as if forgetting that he ' was Boston born,' 
 ridiculed the project, in one of the wittiest letters that he ever 
 wrote. The spirit of New England was up. A feeling something 
 like that which caused the Crusades, prevailed among her people, 
 high and low. Religion shouted " Popery" — and even White- 
 field made a recruiting house of the sanctuary • J;:id he not only 
 preached delenda est CadUago, but one of his foi'ovvTis actually 
 joined the troop as chaplain, and carried an •• ■ * b. houlder, 
 with which to hew down the Catholic images m the churches of 
 the fated city. On sailing, the troops were furnished with line 
 and other gear to catch fish on the passage. The original plan of 
 
 * BuDJamin Lynde, afterwai'ds Chief Justice Sup. Court. 
 
 \ A: 
 
INTRODUCTOKY MEMOIR, 
 
 17 
 
 attack was not observed, but to Ih^^ surprise of all, the city fell, and 
 Pepperell was rewarded most magnitlccntly, while Vaughan, who 
 claimed to have conceived its 'lestruction, .."fl who certainly did 
 much to effect it, and was second in command and performed ex- 
 traordinary feats of valor before it, was suffered to die negleded, 
 though he went to London in person to press his claims. At the 
 peace of 1749, Louisburg was restored to France, much to the 
 displ( asure of New England. In the war with France, which 
 preceded the Revolution by about twenty years, it was captured 
 a r,(T,.j.'id time, and miners were sent from England to reduce its 
 walls to rubbish. In its second capture, Wolfe distinguished him- 
 aielf much. He sailed from this doomed city for Quebec, at the 
 bead of 8000 men, to rise from a sick bed, and ' die satisfied' on 
 the plains which his name has made immortal. Louisburg is now 
 desolate. Its walls were built of bricks brought from France. 
 Twenty-five years and thirty millions of livres were spent in 
 building it. It had nunneries, and palaces, and two hundred and 
 six cannon were mounted to perpetuate French dominion over it. 
 Six thousand troops garrisoned its fortress, and a fleet of ships of 
 the line and frigates were moored in its waters. But yet, though 
 all called it the " Dunkirk" of America, because of its exceeding 
 strength, it fell — and now it is almost unknown that such a place 
 existed. Its captors, by keeping the flag of France in its place, 
 aAer they became its masters, decoyed and captured ships and 
 cargoes worth some millions of dollars, but now, none but fehermen 
 visit it, and they for shelter and not for traffick. — That such a city 
 existed at so early a period in our history, is a marvel ; that such a 
 city yielded to the farmers and fishermen of New England, is al- 
 most incredible. The lovers of the wonderful may read the works 
 which contain accounts of its rise and ruin, and be satisfied that 
 * truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.' 
 
 " The influence of the expedition to Louisburg has been felt ever 
 since. When, thirty years after it, the northern colonies became 
 embroiled with the mother country, many of those who belonged 
 to it were still alive. The confidence which their skill and success 
 inspired was incalculable. — When Gen. Gage was fortifying 
 Boston neck, the American people, whose curiosity led them to 
 watch the progress of the works, used to say that ' Gage's mud 
 
18 
 
 INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR 
 
 wall? are nothing to old Louisburg's.' * The drum that beat 
 along the road to Lexingt-n,' said Edward Everett, ' had been at 
 Louisburg.' This is literally true. Gridley, who had laid out the 
 works on Breed's or Bunker Hill, on the night previous to the 
 memorable 17th of J ane, was the engineer of the colonial forces 
 at the siege of Louisburg, — and many who rose to distinction in the 
 Revolution, were associated with him in the same perilous enter- 
 prise. In truth, the biographers and letters of the men of the 
 Revolution, teem with incidents and allusions to this, — the great 
 event of colonial history." 
 
 Soon after Mr. Curwen's return from the reduction of Louisburg 
 he resumed his mercantile pursuits, which were continued for many 
 years with various success, yet he never failed in meeting all his 
 engagements. — In 1759 he was appointed Impost Officer for Essex 
 county, which office he filled for fifteen years, his commission being 
 renewed at intervals of three years during that period. 
 
 He was a member of a club instituted for improvement in phi- 
 losophy and literature in his native town, in which originated the 
 Social Library in 1760, and the Philosophical Library, which were 
 afterwards united, and became the foundation of the Athena;um, in 
 ISIO. The meetings of this club were interrupted by the Revolution, 
 but were resumed and continued many years afterwards. Among 
 the members were Dr. Holyoke, who was president of several lite- 
 rary and scientific societies, and died at the age of a hundred years 
 and six months, in 1829; and who with the Hon. Samson S. Blowers, 
 Chief Justice of Nova Scotia, now living, are the only alumni 
 of Harvard University out of thirty-six hundred graduates, that 
 have arrived at that great age j Hon. Benjamin Lynde and Hon. 
 Nathaniel Ropes, judges of the superior court; Hon. Andrew 
 Oliver, Judge of the Common Pleas ; William Pynchon, Esq., 
 an eminent lawyer ; Rev. Wm. McGilchrist and Rev. Thomas 
 Barnard ; Stephen Higginson, Elsq., an eminent merchant, who af- 
 terwards removed to Boston ; Hon. Wm. Browne, judge of the 
 superior court, afterwards Governor of Bermuda ; Col. Benjamin 
 Pickman, Col. Peter Frye, and Thomas Robie, Esq. These gentle- 
 men possessed literary attainments of a high order, and though ar- 
 dently attached to their country, took diflcrent views of its interests. 
 
INTBODUCTOBY MEWOIR. 
 
 19 
 
 The four last, together with Mr. Curwen, in consequence of the 
 spirit of persecution which succeeded the battle of Lexington, fear- 
 ing that the high-toned conduct of the people would bring ruin on 
 their country, became loyalist refugees, and retreated to England. 
 A brief account of the state of affairs in the colony of Massachu- 
 setts at the period immediately preceding the Revolution, may serve 
 as an appropriate introduction to the parties and events referred to 
 in the following pages. 
 
 We find at the commencement of Governor Bernard's adminis- 
 tration in Massachusetts, in 1760, the final reduction of the Canadas 
 causing a general jubilee throughout the continent ; for the colo- 
 nists had only suffered from their French and Indian neighbors, and 
 these being at length completely subdued, they felt that they could 
 now sit under their own vines and fig-trees, having none to molest 
 or to make them afrai^ They had felt the burden of government 
 less than any people who had received such benefits from it ; and it 
 was a common aspiration in the public prayers of the day, that the 
 civil and religious privileges they enjoyed might be transmitted to 
 their posterity forever. In 1763, Mr. James Otis, (afterwards the 
 great leader of opposition to Gov. Bernard's measures,) in his ad- 
 dress, as moderator of the first town-meeting at Boston after the 
 peace, remarked, that " no other constitution of civil government 
 had yet appeared in the world so admirably adapted to the preser- 
 vation of the great purposes of liberty and knowledge as that of 
 Great Britain. Every person in America is of common right, by 
 acts of Parliament, and the laws of GoJ, entitled to all the essential 
 privileges of Britons. The true interests of Great Britain and her 
 colonies are mutual, and what G.od in his providence has united, let 
 no man dare attempt to pull asunder." 
 
 There does not appear to have been any cause for dissatisfac- 
 tion in the colonies at that period, and there was no complaint of 
 the invasion of the rights of the people by any of the gov- 
 ernments. Soon, however, the disturbances in England reached 
 America, and the cry of " Wilkes and liberty''' in London was 
 echoed in Boston, and resounded through the colonies. 
 
 Accounts were received before the session of the legislature of 
 Massachusetts in 1764, that a bill had passed the House of Com- 
 mons, imposing duties on articles heretofore exempted, which af- 
 
 :( 
 
 •T 
 
 
 % 
 
 
80 
 
 INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 
 
 II 
 
 forded a good opportunity to bring the officers of the crown into 
 disrepute, should they attempt to carry the law into effect. All 
 who were desirous of keeping np the authority of law, were branded 
 with the name of tories ; their characters were assailed in the news- 
 papers, and they were charged with promoting measures to restrict 
 the natural and chartered rights and liberties of the people. The 
 law was attacked by Mr. Otis in a pamphlet, in which he asks this 
 question : " If taxes are laid in any shape without our having a 
 legal representative where they are made, are we not reduced from 
 the character of subjects to the miserable state of tributary slaves ?" 
 He allows the right ^f parliament to tax the colonies, provided they 
 are represented ; and had not the colonists soon after declared 
 against it, this privilege would probably have been conceded ; for 
 Mr. Grenville and many influential members of the government, 
 acknowledged themselves in favor of the m^sure. On (he passage 
 of the stamp-act, there appeared a general determination to oppose 
 it throughout the colonies, and Mr. Andrew Oliver, afterwards 
 Lieutenant Governor, having been appointed distributor of the 
 stamps for Massachusetts, a mob attacked and destroyed a building 
 lately erected by him, as was supposed for a stamp-office ; on which 
 he gave notice of his intention to resign, and never to act in that 
 capacity. Lieut. Governor Hutchinson's house was the next eve- 
 ning attacked, with little damage ; but on the 26th August, 1765, 
 his windows and doors were burst in, and every article of furniture 
 and property that it contained, destroyed, to the amount of twenty- 
 four hundred pounds sterling, besides a great mass of public and 
 private papers of inestimable value. From this time governmental 
 power ceased in Boston. Smuggling had been extensively carried 
 on at that port for years. In 1766 exertions were made on 
 the part of government to prevent this illegal trafTick by prose- 
 cuting the parties concerned, which induced (he most abusive 
 and licentious attacks on the governor and all the officers of the 
 crown. False and groundless as these charges were, (hey gained 
 too ready a credence with the people, as they were directed against 
 their rulers. At length, however, Mr. Sewall (afterwards a(torney- 
 gencral), in a scri<s of papers signed Philanthropos, refuted the 
 charges, and silenctd the calumniators. 
 
 The stamp-art was repealed, and the duty on molasses reduced 
 
INTBODOCTORY MEMOIB. 
 
 21 
 
 from 3(f. to one penny per gallon; and for a short time, at the 
 close of the year 1766, the colonies reposed in tranquillity. This 
 calm was, however, interrupted the next year by the refusal of the 
 Assembly of New York to submit to parliamentary authority, by 
 making provision for quartering the king's troops. In 1768, the 
 Governor laid before the assembly of Massachusetts a letter from 
 Lord Hillsborough, secretary of state, directing him to dissolve the 
 same unless an obnoxious vote, passed in February, should be re- 
 scinded ; and this being refused by a vote of 92 to 17, the minority 
 were ever after reproachfully termed " rcscinders." In April, 1769, 
 Governor Bernard received orders to embark for England ; and 
 on his arrival, his conduct having met the approbation of the ad- 
 ministration, he was created a baronet. He had been treated 
 with great bitterness here, which however was owing in part to 
 certain of his letters to England, in which he infers the necessity 
 of the king's appointing a royal council instead of that elected by 
 the people, and recommends an act to authorize the king to super- 
 sede all commissions which had been issued to improper (i. e. dis- 
 affected) persons. The destruction of the East India Company's 
 tea at Boston in 1773, only was wanting by their leaders to involve 
 the body of the people in the same circumstances in which their 
 course of opposition measures had placed them. 
 
 The leading principles of the Revolution, viz., a denial of the 
 right of taxation by Parliament, a claim of the privilege of juries in 
 admiralty courts, and the right of trial only in places where offences 
 are committed, should have been allowed to rest upon the broad 
 basis of their respective merits. Private letters, surreptitiously ob- 
 tained in England, written by Governor Hutchinson and Lieut. 
 Governor Oliver, (whose spotless lives, devoted, as they believed, 
 to the best interests of their fellow men, had acquired for them an 
 almost unbounded influence,) were announced with great pomp 
 ind circumstance by legislative resolves ; and garbled extracts were 
 circulated, and unjust inferences drawn, before the letters themselves 
 were permitted to be printed, which would have proved a sufficient 
 antidote to the poison so invidiously diffused. — The distemper, how- 
 ever, was much arrested by a series of papers under the signature 
 Philolcthes, from the pen of Mr. Sewall, developing the disguised 
 craft and fallacies whxh pervaded this deep conti ivance,and written 
 
i 
 
 22 
 
 INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 
 
 with such moderation and candour that the cahimniators thought 
 it best to leave these pieces unanswered, and suffer the flame to 
 die away, intending to keep the embers in reserve for raising a new 
 flame at a more propitious time for their purposes — Governor 
 Hutchinson* had represented ih? transaction of the 5th of March 
 1770 (commonly called (he Boston massacre), in his letters to the 
 secretary of state, far more favourably for the town than the evi- 
 dence at the trial afterwards warranted, yet the Assembly consider- 
 ed him as inimical to the province for conforming to his instructions, 
 and withstanding their attempts to compel him to yield the prerog- 
 ative of the crown ; and the council instead of supporting him 
 sided with the House. The designs of particular persons to bring 
 about a revolution and attain independency, were apparent to the 
 Governor, but he did not think it possible that the people would be 
 induced to declare for it. 
 
 Under the discouragements of the times Governor Flutchinson 
 determined to visit England, and have at least a temporary relief j 
 but before he received an answer to his request, his able and 
 estimable coadjutor, Lieut. Governor Oliver,* succumbed to the 
 unwarranted attacks upon him, and fell a victim to wounded sensi- 
 bility on the 3d of March, 1774. 
 
 In a letter from the Earl of Dartmouth, granting Gov. Hutchin- 
 son's wished-for permission to visit England, dated April 9, 1774, 
 he says : " It is impossible you can have any doubt of the light in 
 which your conduct on the late trying occasion is seen by the king 
 and his servants. I cannot however contpnt myself without repeat- 
 ing to you what cannot fail to give you the strongest consolation 
 and satisfaction, that it is his majesty's intention to testify his appro- 
 bation of your services to all mankind by an early mark of his favor.f 
 This expectation will contribute much to alleviate the anxiety 
 of your mind, and to support you under any difficulties you may 
 yet have to encounter ; but you will allow me to say, that to a 
 mind like yours there are secret sources of tranquillity that are 
 superior to such great and encouraging considerations. The con- 
 scious sense which you possess of an upright and uniform regard to 
 
 • Seo Siipploiiicnt. 
 
 t A Ijnrnnctry wns (iflTorPiI Oov. Hntchinson nnd declined, which ought 
 to Butialy his countrymen of tho upriitlitnesB of hid political motives. 
 
INTBODOCTOBY HEHOIB. 
 
 aa 
 
 the duty of your situation, joined to a dispassionate ard real con- 
 cern for the welfare of the people over whom you preside, which 
 equally appear throughout the correspondence that 1 have had 
 with you, do at this moment, if I am not deceived in my opinion of 
 you, supply you with that steadiness and fortitude which discover 
 themselves in your firm and temperate conduct, and which under 
 such support it is not in the power of the most unreasonable pre- 
 judice, or even of the most inveterate malice to shake or intimidate." 
 
 General Gage having arrived with power to administer the 
 government. Governor Hutchinson sailed on the 1st of June, 1774, 
 for England. Before his departure he had received addresses from 
 a hundred and twenty merchants of Boston ; from all the gentle- 
 men of the law, with few exceptions; from the magistrates of 
 Middlesex and Plymouth, and the principal gentlemen of Salera 
 and Marblehead, all expressing entire approbation of his public 
 conduct and their affectionate wishes for his prosperity. These 
 addresses gave great offence to the disaffected portion of the com- 
 munity, find many of those who signed them, afterwards stigma- 
 tized as " Addressers," were compelled by the people to make 
 public recantations in the newspapers. Mr. Curwen, who had 
 subscribed the Salem address, declined to obey the popular voice, 
 saying that the prescribed recantation contained more than in con- 
 science he could own j and that as to live under the character of 
 reproach which the fury of party might throw upon him, was too 
 painful a reflection to suffer for a moment, he therefore resolved 
 to withdraw from the impending storm. He accordingly embarked 
 for Philadelphia, on the 23d of April, 1775, and thence for London 
 on the 13th of the following month. 
 
 Mr. Curwen had been in the commission of the peace lur thirty 
 years, and at the time of his departure was a Judge of Admiralty, 
 in which office he was immediately succeeded by Timothy Picker- 
 ing, the patriot, who afterwards so ably filled distinguished offices 
 in the army, in the cabinet of Washington, and the councils of our 
 country. Judge Curwen relumed in the autumn of 1784, much to 
 the satisfaction of his friends, and was never molested for his poli- 
 tical course. 
 
 Mr. Curwen was in early life married to a daughter of Hon. 
 
 i 
 
 \\\ 
 
 ^ .... 
 
 1 le* 
 
 I 
 
 il 
 
 '. 
 
 :i 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
u 
 
 INTBOOUCTOBY MEMOIR. 
 
 Daniel Russell, of Charlestown, and a sister of Hon. Chambers Rus- 
 sell, whom he survived many years. 
 
 He died in his native town, in April, 1802, at the advanced age 
 of eighty-six years. He possessed a fine literary taste, Vfas a 
 scholar and a Christian. He left no lineal descendants; but in 
 order that the name might not become extinct in New England, 
 at his request just before his death, a collateral relative since 
 deceased assumed it, who has left three sons residing at Salem, 
 .who bear the name. 
 
 Of the families of the exiled loyalists, scattered as they have 
 been over the world, it is no small matter to obtain information ; 
 while some grace the peerage and baronetage of England, of 
 many of the exiled Refugees scarce a descendant, even in a collateral 
 branch, is to be found. Of the loyalists that remained to run the 
 risk of the spuit of the people, the task has been less difficult. 
 
 Of nearly two hundred that were banished by the government 
 of Massachusetts, upwards of sixty were graduates of Harvard Col- 
 lege. And of the five judges of the supreme court of that pro- 
 vince at the commencement of the difficulties, the Hon. William 
 Cushing alone was of patriot principles, who was afterwards on the 
 bench of the supreme court of the United States. 
 
JOURNAL AND LETTERS, 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Philadelphia, May 4, 1775. Since the late unhappy affairs at 
 Concord and Lexington, finding the spirit of the people to rise on 
 every fresh alarm, (which has been almost hourly,) and their tem- 
 pers to get more and more soured and malevolent against all mod- 
 erate men, whom they see fit to reproach as enemies of their 
 country by the name of tories, among whom I am unhappily 
 (although unjustly) ranked ; and unable longer to bear their un- 
 deserved reproaches and menaces hourly denounced against 
 myself and others, I think it a duty I owe myself to withdraw for 
 a while from the storm which to my foreboding mind is approach- 
 ing. Having in vain endeavoured to persuade my wife to accom- 
 pany me, her apprehensions of danger from an incensed soldiery, 
 a people licentious and enthusiastically mad and broken loose from 
 all the restraints of law or religion, being less terrible to her than a 
 short passage on the ocean ; and being moreover encouraged by 
 her, I left my late peaceful home (in my sixtieth year) in search of 
 personal security and those rights which by the laws of God I 
 ought to have enjoyed undisturbed there, and embarked at Beverly 
 on board the schooner Lively, Captain Johnson, bound hither, on 
 Sunday the 23d ultimo, and have just arrived. Hoping to find an 
 asylum amongst quakers and Dutchmen, who I presume from 
 former experience have too great a regard for ease and property to 
 sacrifice either at this time of doubtful disputation on the altar of 
 an unknown goddess, or rather doubtful divinity. 
 
 My fellow-passengers were Andrew Cabot,* his wife and child, 
 and Andrew Dodge.* My townsman, Benjamin Goodhue,f was 
 
 I 
 
 
 ! 
 
 . I 
 
 ♦ Merchants of Beverly. 
 
 t See Supplement. 
 
 
 .( 
 
26 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1775. 
 
 kind enough to come on board, and having made my kinsman and 
 correspondent, Samuel Smith, acquainted with my arrival, he v?as 
 pleased to come on board also, and his first salutation, " We toill 
 protect you though a lory" embarrassed me not a little ; but soon 
 recovering my surprise, we fell into a friendly conversation, and he 
 taking me to his house, I dined with his family and their minister, 
 Mr. Sproat, siifFering some mortification in the cause of truth. 
 After an invitation to make his house ray home during my stay 
 here, which I did not accept, I took leave, and went in pursuit of 
 lodgings, and on enquiring at several houses, ascertained they were 
 full, or for particular reasons would not take me ; and so many 
 refused as made it fearful whether, like Cain, I h&d not a discour- 
 aging mark upon me, or a strong feature of toryism. The whole 
 city appears to be deep in congressional principles, and inveterate 
 against " Hutchinsonian Mdressers." Happily we at length arrived 
 at one Mrs. Swords', a widow lady, in Chestnut-street, with whom 
 I found quarters, rendered more agreeable by S. Waterhouse's com- 
 pany, who also lodges here. 
 
 May 5, 1775. I find the drums beating, colours flying, and de- 
 tachments of newly raised militia parading the streets ; — the 
 whole country appears determined to assume a military character, and 
 this city, throwing off her pacific aspect, is forming military compa- 
 nies, a plan being laid for thirty -three ; composed of all ranks and 
 nations, uniting shoulder to shoulder, they form so many patriotic 
 bands to oppose like the invincible Macedonian phalanx, the pro- 
 gress and increase of parliamentary authority. The Quakers, not 
 to be behind in manifesting their aversion, have obtained permis- 
 sion of the city committee to make up two companies of Friends 
 exclusively, and they are to be commanded by Samuel Marshall 
 and Thomas Mifflin,* both of that persuasion. 
 
 So powerful is the love of liberty, and so great the dread of 
 ministerial designs, that the strong-est prejudices and habits have 
 given way and arc controlled by the former. 
 
 The House this day having received a message from the gover- 
 nor with Lord North's conciliatory plan, has on a full debate re- 
 j',med it, being r<'solvcd to adhere to the union. 
 
 ♦ See Supplement. 
 
1775.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS, 
 
 27 
 
 Joseph Lee* hearing I was in the city, came to see me, and 
 advised my going to London. 
 
 J^ay 6, 1775. Saw Pelatiah Webster,! who at the instance 
 of Mr Goodhue treats me civilly. Having had several intima- 
 tions that my residence here would be unpleasant, if allowed at all, 
 when it shall be known that I am what is called "an addresser;" 
 besides, solicited to sign "a recantation,"" which may contain more 
 than in conscience I can subscribe ; and after all with the uncer- 
 tainty whether it will ; .swer the purpose, or should it barely, to 
 live and die under the character of reproach and ignominy, which 
 the outrageous fury of party may throw upon me, is a reflection too 
 painful for a moment to support. I have, therefore, consulted the 
 few friends i think it worth while to advise with, and on the result, 
 am determined to proceed to London in the vessel in which I came 
 here. 
 
 On the credit of Samuel Smith and Sons, I have with their as- 
 sistance procured flour to freight a vessel. 
 
 May 7, 1776.— Sunday. Went with Mr. Smith to Arch- 
 street meeting house ; Mr. Sproat entertained us with a truly 
 American patriotic sermon, pathetically lamenting the evils we 
 are suffering from wicked and tyrannical ministers ; exhorting us 
 manfully to oppose them. 
 
 At 2 o'clock at the wharf, a large collection of people were 
 waiting news from London, Capt. Robinson having just anchored. 
 The only news was, that the restraining bill respecting New-Eng- 
 land, and the other respecting the southern colonies, were passed. 
 
 Dr. Franklin arrived last night, which was announced by ring- 
 ing of bells to the great joy of the city. I cannot but promise 
 myself some good, as his knowledge and experience must have in- 
 fluence in the approaching Congress, which will I doubt not listen 
 to his judgment. He is, it is said, to return to England again soon, 
 at Lord Chatham's instance, who tells him he must be on the spot 
 at the opening of Parliament. 
 
 May 9, 1775. Dined with Stephen Collins; passed the 
 evening at Joseph Reed's,* in company with Col. Washington, (a 
 
 * See Supplement. 
 
 t In July, 1774, tliis gentleman directed his correspondent at Boston, to 
 pay £10 to the comtnitce fur the relief of sufferers by the Bsno-j Port Bill. 
 
28 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1775. 
 
 fine figure and of a most easy and agreeable address,) Richard 
 Henry Lee, and Col. Harrison, three of the Virginia delegates. — 
 Besides Mr. and Mrs. Reed, were Mrs. Deberdt,* Dr. Shippen> 
 and Thomas Smith. I staid till twelve o'clock, the conversation 
 being chiefly on the most feasible and prudent method of stopping 
 up the channel of the Delaware to prevent the coming up of any 
 large ships to the city ; I could not perceive the least disposition to 
 accommodate matters. 
 
 Col. Caswell and Mr. Hewes, the North Carolina delegates, 
 arrived this day, and are at our lodgings. 
 
 May 10, 1775. Early in the raorninp^ a great number of per- 
 sons rode out several miles, hearing that the eastern delegates 
 were approaching, when about 11 o'clock the cavalcade appeared, 
 (I being near the upper end of Fore street ;) first two or three 
 hundred gentlemen on horseback, preceded, however, by the newly- 
 chosen city military officers, two and two, with drawn swords, 
 followed by John Hancock and Samuel Adams in a phaeton and 
 pair, the former looking as if his journey and high living, or so- 
 licitude to support the dignity of the first man in Massachusetts, 
 had impaired his health. Next came John Adams and Thomas 
 Cushing in a single horse chaise ; behind followed Robert Treat 
 Paine, and after him the New York delegation, and some from the 
 province of Connecticut, etc., etc. The rear was brought up by 
 a hundred carriages, the streets crowded with people of all ages, 
 sexes and ranks. The procession marched with a slow, solemn 
 pace ; on its entrance into the city all the bells were set to ringing 
 and chiming, and every mark of respect that could be, was ex- 
 pressed : — not much I presume to the secret liking of their fellow 
 delegates from the other colonies, who doubtless had to digest the 
 distinction as easily as they could. 
 
 May 11, 1775. Col. Caswell was innoculated for the small 
 pox. Mr. Lee again repeated his advice of my going to London. 
 Dined with J. B. Smith; rode with him to his farm six miles 
 out. Drank tea with Mr. Lee and Startin. 
 
 May 12, 1775. Sent my baggage on board the Lively — re- 
 
 * The mother of Mrs. Reed and widow of the Massachusetts Assembly 
 agent to the British governinenc. 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 29 
 
 ceived a letter from Stephen Collins to Mr. Neat of London — paid 
 my respects to Mrs. Deberdt, and received a letter to her son. Re- 
 ceived my invoice of flour from Samuel Smith and Sons. Mr. 
 Startin presented me with an open letter on Wilkinson and Co. 
 Birmingham, and Mr. Reed and lady gave me letters to their brother, 
 Dennis Deberdt, London. From post office took Rivington's two 
 last newspapers, and received from the publishers all the present 
 week's Philadelphia papers. Messrs. Lee and Webster took leave, 
 and with my fellow passenger, Mr. Webster's son Pelatiah, I went 
 on board the Lively. 
 
 May 16, 1775. Spoke Capt. Waterman in a schooner from 
 Nantucket, who brought me a letter from Nathan Goodale, stating 
 that his family, Mr. Pynchon's, and Mr. Orne's, had arrived there, 
 to which I replied. 
 
 TO NATHAN GOODALE, ESQ. 
 
 In the Delaware, May 16, 1775. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 You can scarce conceive my joy at hearing that my neighbours, 
 suffering in the same cause as myself, and for whom I sincerely 
 profess a friendship, were in a secure retreat. Continue there by 
 all means, safe from the alarms and dangers you have fled from. 
 
 Philadelphia is wholly American, strong friends to congress- 
 ional measures ; at least, no man is hardy enough to express a 
 doubt of the feasibility of their projects. Mr. Joseph Lee leads a 
 recluse life there. The inhabitants are displeased that the New 
 Englanders make it their city of refuge. The new established 
 post (instead of wlie old eastern one which is stopped,) admits no 
 letters to pass but those franked ; the contents of which must be 
 known to one of the committee to be entitled to that benefit. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 Saml. Curwen. 
 
 June 1, 1775. At Sea. The Otter sloop-of-war, from Boston, 
 brought us to at 9 o'clock, and informed us all was quiet when 
 she left. The provincial forces, amounting to fifteen thousand 
 men, were waiting the determination of the Congress; that forty -five 
 
 .i 
 
 I 
 
 ill- 
 
 ■ 
 
 \K i 
 
30 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 fi 
 
 transports with the three generals, had arrived there eight days 
 ago ; and that a great fire happened there, beginning at the bar- 
 rack stores on the docks, and consuming all from thence to King- 
 street. She detained us two hours in order to send letters to 
 England. 
 
 July 3, 1775. Arrived at Dover, England, at 11 o'clock, A. M. 
 Mr. Webster and myself concluded to take coach for London 
 after visiting the Castle. We first ascended to one of the square 
 towers, in height 134 steps, from which in a clear day the French 
 shore is to be seen, and a most agreeable view into the country. 
 The town of Dover seems under foot, and even the steeples scarce 
 as high as the foot of the hill. We next visited Julius Caesar's 
 tower, (said to have been built by him,) old and in ruins ; on the 
 plains of it is a battery of twenty four pounders, — one of brass, 
 24 feet long, called Queen Elizabeth's pocket-piece, given her by 
 Holland at the time of its emancipation from Spain. It is curious- 
 ly ornamented with the arms of England and Holland ; was cast 
 in 1544 ; weighs six tons, and carries a twelve pound shot seven 
 miles. The well is 375 feet deep. The original key supposed to be 
 eighteen hundred years old, is 21 inches long, and weighs three 
 or four pounds. We also saw a sword of state five feet long, the 
 handle twelve inches. At the coffee-house met James Teal, a 
 son of the widow of the late Gov. Belcher of Massachusetts by her 
 first husband. He wished to convey intelligence of his residence 
 here to his mother in New England ; his letters have miscarried 
 for some time past. 
 
 London, July 4. Arrived at the New England coffee-house, 
 Threadneedle-street, at 7 o'clock P. M. — July 5. Met my towns- 
 man and friend Benjamin Pickraan, which rejoiced me ; we walk- 
 ed to Westminster Hall, — in Chancery saw Sir Thomas Sewell, 
 master of the rolls, sitting with his hat on, — at Common Pleas saw 
 Judge Blackstone and Sergeant Glynn ; and the King's Bench, 
 Lord Mansfield and Mr. Sergeant Wedderburne. Lord Mansfield's 
 manner is like the late Judge Dudley's of Massachusetts. His peer- 
 ing eyes denote a penetration and comprehension peculiarly his 
 own. Mr. Wedderburne spoke, but at no great length. 
 
 July 9, 1775. Went to old Jewry meeting-house, where I met 
 Gov. Hutchinson, his son and daughter, — a cordial reception and 
 
1775.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEES. 
 
 31 
 
 invitation to visit him. Mr. Isaac Smith and Mr. Deberdt sat in 
 the pew next me. 
 
 TO WILLIAM PYNCEION, ESQ., SALEM. 
 
 London, July 7, 1775. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I am glad for the calm season at Salem; — could I have been 
 safe on the same conditions I find my friends permitted to reside at 
 home, I would joyfully have accepted them. However, this calm I 
 fear cannot last long ; for if Congress does not offer terms that ad- 
 ministration think they car in honour accept, I have good grounds 
 for saying the most vigorous measures will be pursued, which I 
 fear will cause the destruction of my country. There is an army 
 of NewEnglanders here. My old friend Mr. Sayre, a city banker, 
 married to a lady of fortune, invited me to dine with him in com- 
 pany with my friend Mr. Deberdt. 
 
 Let Mr. and Mrs. Cabot know that her niece Mrs. Copley,* 
 with whom I dined yesterday at Mr. Bromfield's, Islington, is well, 
 and expects her husband on his passage from Italy. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 July 11, 1775. Waited upon Governor Hutchinson, (in com- 
 pany with B. Pickman,) for the first time ; were well received, and 
 invited to dinner for Saturday. 
 
 July 18, 1775. Evening to Vauxhall Gardens; fine gravel- 
 led walks, shrubbery, and covered alcoves lighted by lamps, and 
 rendered a most enchanting spot. Tables spread under the trees 
 for entertainment. In one of the open retreats is a most finished 
 piece of statuary of Handel, sitting on a harp in a loose dress. 
 
 July 20, 1775. To J. Lane's house with B. Pickman, passed 
 the evening there in company with Samuel Quincy, Jonathan 
 Sewall, and David Green. 
 
 July 21, 1775. By boat from Temple stairs to Ranelagh; a 
 numerous company of well dressed people there, among them the 
 Duke of Gloucester and French ambassador. \ 
 
 n. 
 
 n 
 
 r.} 
 
 * Lady of the great artist. 
 
JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1775. 
 
 Jvly 22, 1775. Spent the day at Hempsted, in company with 
 Isaac Smith, Samuel Quincy, David Green, and P. Webster. 
 
 TO REV. THOMAS BARNARD, SALEM. 
 
 London, 22d July, 1775. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 The dissipation, self-forgetfulness, and vicious indulgences of 
 every kind, which characterize this metropolis, are not to be won- 
 dered at. The temptations are too great for that degree of philo- 
 sophy and religion ordinarily possessed by the bulk of mankind. 
 The unbounded riches of many afford the means of every species of 
 luxury, which, (thank God,) our part of America is ignorant of, 
 and the example of the wealthy and great is contagious. Ten 
 miles round is filled with pleasant villas, and Sunday is allotted to 
 visiting them. The congregation at old Jewry meeting-house, re- 
 spectable for its appearance, did not exceed a hundred. The 
 preacher is called a Presbyterian, and all of that denomination here 
 are on a broader and more liberal plan of divinity than those who 
 go by the name of Independents, such as the " Pinner's Hall Di- 
 vines" and their associates. The style of the preachers in London 
 (of our way) is more just and correct than ours in New England. 
 To my surprise I saw an auditor taking notes. Notes for prayer 
 or thanksgivings are never read, and the mention of such cases is 
 deferred to the last prayer. Admission to the pews is by a female, 
 who unlocks the doors, (all having locks ;) strangers are conducted 
 to the table pew in the centre, where the sacrament is adminis- 
 tered. 
 
 TO WILLIAM TYNCHON, ESQ., SALEM. 
 
 London, 2bth Jvly, 1775. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I dropped in at Guild-hall, where Judge Nares was sitting at the 
 City Common Picas ; on his cushion were worked the city arras, — 
 and also on the Recorder's, I presume to remind them of the city 
 rights. I was fortunate in procuring a seat just behind Sergeant 
 Davy, and heard as far as my imperfect organs (and the noise and 
 confusion) would admit. While he was opening the case, he was 
 ob.:^cd to rise out of his seat, step forward and lean down to hear, 
 
 mer 
 oflj 
 
 theil 
 
 (baf 
 
 mas 
 
 offiJ 
 
 delil 
 
 oftf 
 
 mad 
 
1775.] 
 
 JOIRNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 33 
 
 in a manner unbecoming '.he dignity of a judge. Every fact of 
 importance delivered by a witness was noted down by the judge as 
 well as counsel. The noise was much greater than would be al- 
 lowed in our American courts. 
 
 I have seen the Lord Mayor in his court ; but this court seems 
 more like a reference business than any thing else. Through un- 
 common good fortune, 1 have, without the Ci ^*omary delay of two 
 or three weeks, been admitted into the British Museum, Montague 
 House, a truly royal institution for the preservation of the produc- 
 tions of nature and art. Saw the first Bible printed by authority, 
 on vellum, and turning to the 91st Psalm, 5th verse, instead of 
 " Thou shall not he afraid of the terrors by night," etc., I saw the 
 following : " Thou shalt not fear the bugs and vermin by night," etc. 
 There are many other as remarkable differences, but had not time 
 to examine many texts. 
 
 I am just informed of a most melancholy event, the destruction of 
 Charlestown in Massachusetts by the king's troops, which all agree 
 in ; the other parts of the story are told differently. Mr. Breck- 
 nock says the king's troops would not light, but laid down their 
 arms, which is the reason of the great carnage among the officers. 
 My distress and anxiety for my friends and countrymen embitter 
 every hour. May it please God to inspire men of influence on 
 either side the Atlantic, with juster sentiments of the real interest 
 of Great Britain and the colonies than they seem to have possessed 
 hitherto. Yours truly, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 July 27. Dined at Mr. Sayre's, in company with four gentle- 
 men and Lady Francis Sherard, only daughter of the late Earl 
 of Harborough ; returned home in Mr. Sayre's coach. 
 
 July 28. By invitation dined at Grocers' Company feast at 
 their hall in the Poultry. A procession was formed after dinner 
 (band playing,) and halted behind the chair of the new elected 
 master, when the secretary put a tiara on his head ; while another 
 officer held a large golden cup filled with wine, drank to him, and 
 delivered it ; and the niaster on taking it drank to the prosperity 
 of the company. The ceremony was also had towards the newly 
 made wardens. 
 
 ) i ! 
 
 ■rii 
 
1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 34 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1775. 
 
 July 29. Dined with Governor Hutrhinson, in company with 
 Mr. Joseph Green, Mr. Mauduit, and Mr. Ward Nicholas Boyl- 
 ston ; the latter gave us an entertaining narrative of his travels 
 through Syria, Palestine, and Egypt. 
 
 July 30. Sunday attended worship at Dr. Fordyce's meeting- 
 house, Monlfwell-street. He discoursed with great energy and 
 pathos, abounding with flowers of rhetoric, metaphor, and with 
 uncommon theatric gesture, equal if not beyond Mr. Whitefield. 
 
 In the vestry room is hanging the original license from 
 Charles II. to Mr. Doolittle for this present house of worship. 
 Took tea with Dr. Fordyce, at Mr. Kennedy's, and passed an 
 agreeable hour in conversation. 
 
 Jiugv^t 3. Walked along Hyde Park wall till arrived at the 
 turnpike between that and the Green Park ; at the gate of the 
 former stands a noble house, built by the present Lord Chancellor 
 Apsley,* on ground taken out of the park, and given him by the 
 king for that purpose. Saw their majesties returning from the 
 drawing room, the king in a sedan chair surmounted by a crown, 
 dressed in very light cloth with silver buttons ; the queen carried 
 by two porters in a chair, dressed in lemon-colored flowered silk, 
 on a light cream-colored ground. They passed between two lines, 
 observed, smiled, and bowed as they passed. 
 
 TO DR. JOHN I'KINCE, HALIFAX. 
 
 London, August 4, 1775. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I presume you little expected to hear from a fellow sufferer in 
 the cause of loyalty, a whole army of whom are here lamenting 
 their own and their country's unhappy fate. I heard of your 
 escape, and a circumstance connected with it that must render your 
 existence more tolerable, viz., that you were accompanied by your 
 wife and children, and I cordially rejoice in your and their deliver- 
 ance from the evils which attend our common friends in Salem, 
 and elsewhere in New England. What melancholy scenes they 
 and we are to go through before this unnatural controversy is 
 ended, God only knows! — May you and I be prepared for the 
 worst events. If any of our cotnmon friends are in Halifax, be 
 
 * Afterwards Earl UailiurHl 
 
1775.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 35 
 
 pleased to remember tne to them in the kindest manner. Our old 
 friend Ben. Pickman desires to be remembered to you. 
 
 With much regard, etc., 
 
 S. Cur WEN. 
 
 Jlugust 4. At Mr. Boylston's saw many curiosities he brought 
 from Egypt, the Holy Land, etc. Amongst others the locust in 
 pods, the supposed food of John the Baptist. 
 
 August 5. Dined at Gov. Hutchinson's, in company with 
 Joseph Hooper, Benjamin Pickman, Joseph Taylor, Isaac Smith, 
 Mr. Silsbee, and the governor's famiN. 
 
 August 6. At Old Jewry meeting-house — communion day — 
 in which service Governor Hutchinson, his son Elisha, Mr. Pick- 
 man, and myself participated. The minister brought the elements, 
 and repeated to each communicant some pertinent expression of 
 Scripture, waiting till each had received. 
 
 TO NATHAN GOODALE, ESQ., NANTUCKET. 
 
 London, August 8, 1775. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 It really appears to me that administration will proceed to such 
 extremities as will terminate in the ruin of England and the 
 colonies. It is a capital mistake of our American friends to expect 
 insurrections here ; there is not a shadow of hope for such an event. 
 The manufactoiies are in full employ, and one of the warmest of 
 the friends of America told me that letters from Manchester 
 expressed joy that no American orders had been sent, otherwise 
 there must have been disappointment somewhere. What effects 
 may follow in the spring if orders from Russia and Spain are not 
 received, I cannot foresee : — some foretell discontent in the country 
 which will affect the stocks; whether these will happen depends 
 on contingencies of which I am not a judge. There appears to be 
 a tenderness in the minds of many here for America, even of those 
 who disapprove of the principles of an entire independence of the 
 British legislature, and ardently wish an effort may be taken to 
 accommodate. It is said most vigorous measures will take place 
 in the spring if no offer be miule on the part of the colonists. 
 
 With much regard, etc. S. Curwkn. 
 
 m 
 
 i 
 
 
 I 
 
36 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1775. 
 
 .iugust 23, 1775. Went to Sir John Fielding's office, Bow- 
 street - examination of prisoners for robberies, assaults, etc. He 
 is a venerable gentleman and blind (as justice is represented); his 
 queries manifested a mild deportment, ready apprehension and 
 great penetration. Visited Hampton Court and gardens, which are 
 exceedingly beautiful, although deserted by the royal family. Here 
 are chairs of state with rich canopies, tapestry in gold and silver 
 grounds, containing Scripture and ancient stories of Greece and 
 Rome — adorned also with reigning beauties of the court of Charles 
 II. — of the founders of the different orders of monks, friars, nuns, 
 etc., of former kings, queens, etc. ; Madonnas, the Supper, etc. 
 The ceilings in high colouring and fine preservation, by Verrio, 
 were as pleasing to me as any part of the ornaments, as they referred 
 to incidents in Charles Il.d's story. This palace consists of several 
 squares mostly old, and in same state (decay of time excepted) as 
 in Henry VIII th's time, when by the envy of the courtiers Cardinal 
 Wolsey (who built it for his own use) was obliged to present it to 
 the king. The front on the garden facing the river is magnifi- 
 cent and in good rep.iir. 
 
 Thence to Windsor — St. George's chapel in excellent repair. 
 Here are deposited the bodies of Henry VIII. and one of his queens, 
 and Charles I. in the midst of the choir. In the side aisles are fu- 
 neral monuments of former kings, of which I recollect Edward IV. 
 and VI. ; some ancient nobility, and many canons of the Roman 
 church, with their images in sacerdotal garments cut in brass, let 
 into flat grave-stones on the floor; stalls for the knights of the 
 garter ; the choir decorated with carvings, and the windows filled 
 with oil paintings of Scripture stories. We then ascended the royal 
 apartments in the castle, consisting as at Hampton Court of an ar- 
 mory, the walls being covered with pikes, halberds, matchlocks, 
 .small arras, etc., disposed in a variety of figures. Over the mantel- 
 piece a fine full length of George Prince of Denmark (husband of 
 Queen Anne) on horseback ; the horse seemed alive. The other 
 rooms hung in rich tapestry on gold and other grounds, with paint- 
 ings, originals and copies of the best masters. In Queen Anne's 
 china-closet were wooden sconces gilt, on which are set china por- 
 celain jars of various shapes up to the ceiling. In a small apart- 
 ment is to be seen a table fastened to the wall, whereon is a little 
 
 well 
 
1775.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 37 
 
 flag of white satin, with the banner of France worked into it, fas- 
 tened by silver clasps to a slender reed of black ebony capped with 
 silver, which the Duke of Marlborough is obliged to present, and 
 lay on that spot on the 2d of August annually, before twelve o'clock 
 at midday, on forfeiture of his palace of Blenheim and the manor 
 belonging to it ; this being the tenure by which he holds them, 
 agreeably to act of parliament. From the terrace we saw almost 
 under feet Eton college, another noble monument of Gothic archi- 
 tecture. In a square stands a brazen statue of Henry VI., the 
 founder in royal robes. 
 
 Visited Welbore Ellis's seat at Twickenham, formerly Pope's ; 
 the grotto,he\ng arches under the house about a man's height, (ad- 
 mitting a prospect into the longest shady contemplative walk, five 
 feet wide, in the garden,) filled with small flint-stones, Bristol and 
 other kinds in mortar, a few pieces of glass on the top and sides : 
 two or three niches filled with the busts of Pope* and others ; — there 
 is also in a cross alley a statue of Terence, and in an addition 
 (made by Mr. Stanhope, late owner,) over the centre of an arch, is 
 a niche filled with a bust of Pope, and underneath are the follow- 
 ing lines : 
 
 " The humble roof; llie gnideifs scanty Uiil', 
 III spoke the genius of a bard divine ; 
 But fancy now displays a fniior scopn, 
 And Slankope's pUuis unfold the soul of Pope." 
 
 Mr. Stanhope'." addition is by far the most elegant part, wherein 
 are many foreign trees, such as the cedar of Lebanon, weeping 
 willows, etc. ; also a green-house filled with flo\ver,s, plants and 
 fruits. In a retired part of the grounds stands a plain obelisk, 
 eighteen feet high, dedicated by Pope to his mother,, with the fol- 
 lowing inscription : — 
 
 " Ah EDITHA ! 
 
 MAT RUM OPTIMA, 
 
 mui.ieuum amantissima, 
 
 Vai, e!"* 
 
 • " Alas ' Edithn. bi'«t of Motliers, m'i»t aifi-cti mate of Women, Fare- 
 well !" 
 
'■ 1 s 
 
 38 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1775. 
 
 TO HON. WILLIAM BROWNE, BOSTON. 
 
 London, 31st Aug. 1775. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 As far as my experience reaches, I have observed that the upper 
 ranks, most of the capital stockholders, and I am told the principal 
 nobility, are for forcing supremacy of parliament over the colonies 
 and from the middle ranks down are opposed to it. America fur- 
 nishes matter for disputes in coffee-houses, sometimes warm, but 
 without abuse or ill nature, and there it ends. It is unfashionable 
 and even disreputable to look askew on one another for difference 
 of opinion in political matters ; the doctr'ne of toleration, if not 
 better understood, is, thank God, better practised here than in 
 America ; otherwire ihcve would not be such numbers of unhappy 
 exili's suffering every disadvantage. 
 
 Incredible quantities of ammunition and stores shipped and 
 shipping from Tower-wharf for America, manifests the intention of 
 administration to prosecute the plan of subjection of the colonies 
 to the authority of parliament; for that is the only dispute, as it is 
 understood here. Administration would gladly have met the colo- 
 nies half way or more, had there appeared any inclination to accept 
 terras in any degree consistent with the honor and dignity of the 
 mother country. Now, no alternative ; an absolute independence 
 of the colonies on Great Britain, or an explicit acknowledgment 
 of the British legislature over all the dominions of the empire. 
 The proclamation which you will receive by this conveyance was 
 published the day before yesterday at the Royal Exchange, with 
 all the circumstances of indignity the lord mayor could throw on it. 
 
 Instead of the languid measures hitherto pursued, more active 
 ones will succeed, and then wo to poor Massachusetts, which, like 
 the scape-goat, must bear the sins of many. Do urge our remaining 
 friends to flee from the destruction that will speedily overtake that 
 devoted colony. 
 
 You will not wonder at the luxury, dissipation and profligacy 
 of manners said to reign in this capital, when you consider that the 
 temptation to indulgence, from the lowest haunts to the most elegant 
 and expensive rendezvous of the noble and polished world, are 
 almost beyond the power of numbers to reckon up. 
 
1775.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 39 
 
 Pleasa make my compliments to Judge Sewall and all other 
 friends and acquaintances with you ; and in the kindest manner 
 remember me to Mrs. Browne. 
 
 Very truly your friend, 
 
 S. CUBWEN. 
 
 Sept. 17. Attended public worship at the " Reformed Liturgy 
 Assembly," Essex House, Essex-street, Strand ; heard Rev. Theo- 
 philus Lindsey, the Unitarian reformist, who gave up a living in 
 Yorkshire, (worth three hundred a year,) on the rejection of the 
 petition to parliament for a revisal and amendment of the common 
 prayer. Preacher serious, style good, discourse useful. 
 
 Sept. 20. At the Charter House, a foundation by Thomas Sut- 
 ton, Esq., at a cost of jE 12,000 sterling, for classically educating 
 forty boys, and supporting eighty old bachelors and widowers, who 
 are to receive yearly a black cloak, without which never to appear 
 at meals, nor with it without the walks ; — besides ten pounds in 
 cash, house-rent, food, and firing. They have about forty acres 
 (enclosed by a brick wall twenty feet high,) laid out in gardens ; 
 at the entrance are the arms of the donor, formed by small pebbles 
 of the size of acorns. 
 
 Sept. 21. At the Disputation-club, Queen's arms j question 
 debated, " /* it not injustice in the administration to pursue mea- 
 sures at the cost of the price of blood, without any benefit to the 
 nation ?" — which was voted in the affirmative, but not without a 
 few dissentients. 
 
 Oct. 11. Governor Hutchinson came in his coach with Mr. 
 Copley from Mr. Bromfield's, and took Mr. Pickman and myself 
 to his house, where we dined in company with Mr. Bliss, Mr. W. 
 N. Boylston, Mrs. Copley, and the family. 
 
 JVov. 18. News by a packet from New-York, that Gov. Tryon 
 and Gov. Campbell are obliged to retreat from their lespective 
 governments on shipboard ; and that Dr. Franklin had arrived 
 at the provincial camp at Cambridge to advise Gen. Washington 
 to attempt the lines on the neck ; — and that Samuel Adams and 
 Mr. Dickinso.i were at odds. 
 
 JSTov. 29. Saw Mr. Garrick in Hamlet at Drury Lane; in 
 my eye more perfect in the expression of his face than in the 
 
40 
 
 .1 O U R N A I, AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1775. 
 
 
 accent and pronunciation of his voice, which, however, was much 
 beyond the standard of his fellow actors. 
 
 Dec. 1. At great St. Helen's, Bishopgate-street, where I saw 
 a monument to Sir Thomas Bancroft, a lord mayor's officer, and 
 an oppressive knave, who had heaped up much wealth, which 
 he left with trustees to be impn ved till his rising from the dead ; 
 which he imagined would tak< place after a certain period, when 
 his wealth was to be returned to him. In the meantime, he ordered 
 that his corpse should be laid and kept in a cojffin, (with a lock 
 which he could draw back,) and deposited in a tomb with a glass 
 window and a glass door, to be opened once a year on a given day, 
 to be shown to any spectator ; all which has been complied with 
 hitherto. But his trustees have with these ill-gotten gains erected 
 an alms-house at Mile-end, for the support of poor women and 
 
 children. 
 
 Made another unsuccessful attempt to enter the gallery of the 
 House of Commons, to hear the third and last reading of the bill 
 prohibiting all commerce with America ; learned at the door that 
 it is to remain shut to strangers, for the pretended reason that the 
 floor of the house is too small and the gallery necessary for the use 
 of members ; confirmed by Mr. George Hayley, a city member, 
 whom I met in the Strand. 
 
 Thence to Herald's office, where Parson Peters, with his friend 
 Mr. Punderson, lodges; the latter has lately arrived from Boston, 
 having escaped by rowing himself in a cockboat eighteen miles 
 into the sound from his native place, Norwich, Connecticut, and 
 being taken up by a vessel and put on board the Rose man-of-war, 
 Capt. Wallace, and conveyed to Boston. It seems he was harshly 
 dealt with by the " sons of liberty, ^^ being obliged to make two con- 
 fessions to save his life ; notwithstanding which he was hunted, pur- 
 sued, and threatened, and narrowly escaped death, (or the Simsbury 
 mines, to which he was finally adjudged, and he thinks with the 
 loss of his eyes,) which would have been his fate but for his sea- 
 sonable and providential retreat. 
 
 TO HON. WILLI \M TJUOWNE, BOST( \. 
 
 London, Dec. ith, 1775. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Yours of 7th Oct. aflbrds me a pleasingly sensible proof of the 
 
 if 
 ; i 
 
1775.] 
 
 JOURNAL ANP LETTERS. 
 
 41 
 
 truth of King Solomon's observation ; " News from ^ far country 
 is as refreshing as cold water to a thirsty soul." 
 
 Uncertain what may be the fate of this, I am restrained from 
 writing what might prove amusing, perhaps informing; should it 
 fall short of its intended destination, and get into the hands of the 
 provincials, though containing nothing prejudicial to the interests 
 of America, even in their own view, nor reflecting on the character 
 of any individual, the most innocent expressions, by the force of 
 party prtjudlce, might be construed into a sense entirely foreign to 
 one's intention, and render one obnoxious or ridiculous. Were I 
 ever so much of a mind to write on politics, I profess not to have 
 such connections as to justify any positive declarations concerning 
 the determination of the cabinet council, and whoever does, you 
 may be assured, if he writes more than the court pleases to publish 
 in the Gazette, arrogates pretensions, to which he has no claim. 
 
 I will just hint what appears to be a matter of notoriety here : 
 the opposition in parliament is too inconsiderable in numbers, 
 weight and measures to hinder the progress of administration in 
 their plan^ respecting America. Both houses repose entire confi- 
 dence in the king and his ministers' resolution not to relinquish the 
 idea of compelling the submission of all subjects within the limits 
 of the British Empire to the authority of the supreme legislature : 
 preparations for which are making for increasing the number of 
 troops, to be sent over time enough for a vigorous push next 
 season. The events of war are uncertain, and victory is by many 
 thought doubtful, — yet it is more than whispered by some that 
 America had better be dispeopled than remain in its present state 
 of anarchy, — much more independent. Should this idea regulate 
 future measures, and should government despair of subduing them, 
 one may, without the spirit of prophecy, see beforehand what ter- 
 rible destructive evils will then befall our poor, devoted, once happy 
 country. " O fortunatus," etc. Very truly yours, 
 
 S. CURWEM. 
 
 Dec. 12. To Newington to view the house and grounds of 
 Dr. Watts' friend Gunston, celebrated in his poem " Sacred to 
 Virtue" now owned by a daughter of Lady Abney, a niece of 
 Gunston. 
 
 6 
 
 
 1. 
 
 >' I f n M 
 1 r II Ri It 
 
 'm 
 
 
 \ 
 
 
 mS"^ 
 
 f hi 
 
 
42 
 
 1O0RNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1775. 
 
 tf 
 
 In the hall is a half length of Caryl, the commentator on Job, 
 and by his side his wife, mother of Mr. Gunston and Lady Abney ; 
 also Sir Thomas Abney and his lady. To Dr. Watts' study, being 
 occupied by the lady, we could not gain admittance. From the 
 balcony we had extensive views of the town and country, and 
 through and over the whole^ as well as the house, are spread a 
 neatness and arrangement superior to any spot I ever beheld. 
 
 Dec. 15. At Covent Garden, to see Mrs. Barry as Constance 
 in king John — a fine person, and esteemed the best actress now on 
 the stage. 
 
 Dec. 17. At Foundling Hospital chapel ; Mr. Bromley preached. 
 Compared the example of Jesus with that of the most perfect of 
 heathen antiquity, Zeno, founder of the Stoic sect, in whose honor 
 Athens declared by public edict, that he had exemplified in his life 
 the precepts he taught, but of whose inconsistency the preacher 
 enumerated several gross instances, not much to the credit of mere 
 human reason, in comparison with the most eminent and brightest 
 of mere men recorded in the Scriptures, in whom great infirmities 
 and even follies are to be perceived ; his example only, pure and 
 spotless, being fit to be proposed to mankind for their practice and 
 imitation. 
 
 Dec. 18. At New England coffee-house, where I read in the 
 New-York paper that forts St. John and Chambl6 had surrendered 
 to the provincials commanded by Col. Montgomery, formerly a 
 captain in the regular service, and well esteemed. The garrison 
 was commanded by Major Preston, with six hundred regulars and 
 Canadians. The provincials immediately investing the fort were 
 only two hundred in number. The officers are to be sent home or 
 down to General Gage, the commander-in-chief in America, in 
 order to be transported. The provincials are supposed to be de- 
 signed for Montreal, Gen. Carleton retiring there after a defeat. — 
 News of a contrary kind is, that Falmouth* in Casco Bay, con- 
 sisting of 139 dwelling houses and 278 stores, warehouses, etc., to- 
 gether with many vessels, was burnt by Captain Mowatt of the 
 Canseau sloop-of-war, after two hours notice to remove, for joining, 
 as the captain was pleased in his letter to the inhabitants to term 
 it, with the rebels ; the particular crime or crimes not mentioned. 
 
 * Now Portland, Maine. 
 
1775.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 43 
 
 Dec. 22, Walked to Brorapton-Row with B. Pickman, to dine 
 with Judge Sewall^ who meeting us in the Strand two days ago, 
 appointed this day. The family, besides Samuel Quincy, who at- 
 tended Mrs. Sewall and Mrs. Green home, having been to see the 
 king robe and assent to the American prohibitory bill from the 
 throne. After dinner Governor Hutchinson entered and invited 
 Judge Sewall, B. Pickman and myself to dine with him to-morrow. 
 
 Dec. 23. At Temple Bar took coach to Governor Hutchinson's, 
 where dined in company with Mr. Joseph Green, Mr. Copley, the 
 limner and lady with family, and his children. In our way through 
 Clerkenwell Green we saw five couple of young persons chained 
 together, going under care of tip-sfaves to Bridewell prison. The 
 news of the taking of St. John and Charable on Sorel-river con- 
 firmed by an arrival from Quebec which left 14th November. 
 
 Dec. 25. At Chapel Royal, St. James's ; saw the king and 
 queen, who joined in the services with becoming devotion. Bishop 
 of London preached. 
 
 Mr. R. Clarke arrived from Boston yesterday, only twenty-one 
 days passage. All safe at Salem. The provincials have seized a 
 ship with five hundred casks gunpowder, cannon, mortars, and 
 stores de guerre et de bouche ; their activity and success is aston- 
 ishing. 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, IN LONDON. 
 
 Islington, December 27, 1775. 
 My Dear Sir : 
 
 I last evening received your favor of the 24th inst., and it 
 afforded me great pleasure to observe that a weekly New England 
 club was likely to be made up; and I am mortified that the 
 extreme coldness of the weather, and the indisposition I have 
 labored under for several weeks, prevent my being in town this 
 day. Be pleased to make my compliments to my brother exiles. 
 Yesterday I received lettpfsfrom Salem of 18th and 20th November j 
 all was well and quiet there, except a small fracas on account of an 
 expression said to have been uttered by Mr. Timothy Orne, which 
 gave offence to the ruling powers of the town, who assembled and 
 by force took him out of his house info School-street in the evening, 
 designing to inflict the modern punishment of tarring and feathering 
 
 ^ '4 
 
 ' M 
 
 r, 
 

 
 f 
 
 ^ 
 
 44 
 
 lOUKNAL AND LETTEBS 
 
 [1776. 
 
 on him ; but by the influence of the Committee of Safety and his 
 promise to appear before the Committee next morning, he was suf- 
 fered to depart ; accordingly, the next morning he appeared in 
 person j and he to whom it was reported he had used the expres- 
 sion appearing and denying it, promising to submit to the present 
 government, pay the taxes required for support of it, and demean 
 himself quietly and submissively, and take care to avoid for the 
 future making use of unadvised expressions, his present offence 
 should be forgiven. 
 
 Mr. Lowell of Newburyport is an acting justice, the only one of 
 the " addressers" commissioned. The inferior court bench in Essex 
 is filled by Caleb Gushing, B. Greenleaf, Timothy Pickering, Jr., 
 and Dr. Samuel Holton ; the last but one is the only acting justice 
 in our part of the county. Joshua Ward and John Gardner are in 
 commission of the peace. On the supreme bench, John Adams, 
 William Gushing, William Reed and Peasely Sargent, all of whom 
 'tis said accept. Major Hawley refuses all employment, saying 
 what he did was purely to serve his country. 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Doc. 31. Went to Holloway mount, passing through King 
 John's palace-spot; nothing standing but the original front gate- 
 way, under an arch and two pieces of old stone wall, man-height, 
 making part of the wall o*" stable. Evening at Silver-street meet- 
 ing-house lecture ; Mr. ^mith pathetically addressed the young, 
 middle-aged and old on the close of the year : 
 
 May the afflictions I have suffered the past year, in an unhappy 
 banishment from my family, friends and country, be the means of 
 increasing my reliance on, and submission to the all-disposing hand 
 of the wise and righteous Governor of the universe. 
 
 January 1, 1776. May the events of the following year, how- 
 ever unfavorable to the pride of my heart, be productive of more 
 moral improvement than the last. 
 
 Jan. 5. Visited Joseph Green — afterwards to Samuel Quincy's, 
 where I met Mr. Fiucker, Judge Scwall and lady, Samuel Sewall, 
 and Harrison Gray, who are bound to the theatre to see the Jubilee, 
 which is to be exquisitely decorated in the scenery. 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOOBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 45 
 
 Jan. 20. Accompanied by B. Pickraan and Wm. Cabot, went 
 to Panton-street, Haymarket, to see Mr. Fisher, lately arrived from 
 America ; he had gone out as well as Mr. Fluckcr. From thence 
 we went to Gov. Hutchinson's, and after a short stay departed 
 through the park to Samuel Quincy's and David Grcess's lodgings, 
 Parliament-street, where we met Judge Sewall, Mr. Samuel Sew- 
 all, Mr. Flucker, Mr. Harrison Gray, and Mr. Oxnard ; R. Clark 
 and Jonathan Clark going out of the door, whom I saw for the first 
 time since their arrival. 
 
 Jan. 26. Received a line from Mr. Isaac Smith, inviting me to 
 a dinner at the Adelphi tavern, designed as an introduction to a 
 New England club, which I have been long desirous of establishing. 
 
 Jan. 28. Almost as cold as ever I felt in New England. 
 
 Jan. 29. Cold without abatement from yesterday, which will 
 ever be known as the cold Sunday, 8J by Farenheit. The Thames 
 passed over on the ice : generous collections for the suffering poor. 
 The gains of the laborer are almost always spent on Sunday at 
 furthest; foresight and provision for a future day, is not a virtue 
 known among them. The fires here not to be compared to our 
 large American ones of oak and walnut, nor near so comfortable ; 
 would that I was away! 
 
 February 1. To the Adelphi, Strand, where by appointment 
 met twenty-one of my countrymen, who have agreed on a weekly 
 dinner here, viz. : 
 
 Messrs. Richard Clark, Joseph Green, Jonathan Bliss, Jonathan 
 Sewall, Joseph Waldo, S. S. Blowers, Elisha Hutchinson, William 
 Hutchinson, Samuel Sewall, Samu(>l Quincy, Isaac Smith, Harrison 
 Gray, David Greene, JonatV Clark, Thomas Flucker, Joseph 
 Taylor, Daniel Silsbee, Thouias Brinley, William Cabot, John S. 
 Copley, and Nathaniel C\)ltin. Samuel Porter, Edward Oxnard, 
 Benj. Pickman, Jno. Araory, Judge Robert Auchmuty and Major 
 Urquhart, absent, arte members of this New England club, as is 
 also Gov. Hutchinson. 
 
 London, Feb. 9. Passing through Westminster Hall, I stopped 
 for a small space at the courts of common pleas and king's bench ; 
 at the former were sitting the Chief Justice De Grey and hi< asso- 
 ciates, one of whom was the famous Sir William Blackstonc, author 
 of the well known commentaries on the laws of England ; but no 
 
 "^ 
 
 I. 
 
 1^1 
 
 I ^ 
 
 I 
 
 i ) 
 
 \ \ 
 
 \ 
 
46 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEBS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 Il 
 
 cause of importance, or lawyer of note speaking, I proceeded to the 
 latter, where was sitting that excellent useful judge, but mischievous 
 politician. Lord Mansfield. For the same reason as the former 1 quit- 
 ted my stand here, and retreated to the House of Commons' commit- 
 tee-chamber, where for an hour or two I was entertained at the 
 examination of witnesses in the Worcester contested election. The 
 committee sat on an elevated bench, and looked like a court of 
 sessions ; the causes managed by advocates with regularity and 
 decency. One of the committee was Sir George Saville, the chair- 
 man Ferguson — all took minutes as is usual in all the courts. 
 Thence to Judge Sewall's, Brompton-row, where met a few New 
 England friends at dinner j among them Mr. Thomas Robie, whom 
 I was very glad to see, he having arrived in England from Halifax 
 but three days since. By him I received a letter from Dr. John 
 Prince in answer to mine dated in August. 
 
 FROM HON. WILLIAM BROWNE. 
 
 Boston, Jan. 8, 1776. 
 
 • •••*** 
 
 George Dodge, in a schooner from Dominica, and Ingersol in a 
 schooner of Hasket Derby's from Jamaica, were lately sent in. The 
 property of both vessels was transferred to merchants in the West 
 Indies to cover their interest. 
 
 James Grant is here from Halifax ; he has the promise of a com- 
 mission in the army, and to keep his rank. About two months ago 
 Mr. Marston of Marblehead, came by night from Col. Fowles' farm. 
 He knows nothing about Salem. His wife died last summer. 
 
 The other day Gen. Robinson showed me the devices upon the 
 denominations of the continental bills. On one is represented a 
 heavy shower of rain falling on a new settled country, motto 
 around it " Serenabit ;" on another, a hand plucking the branches 
 from a tea-plant, with the motto, " Sustine vel abstine;^^ on a third 
 a hawk contending with a stork, motto "Exitus in dubio est ;" on 
 a fourth, an ancient crown on a pedestal, motto " Si rede facias ;" 
 on a fiflh a beaver gnawing down a full grown oak, motto " Perse- 
 verando ;" on a sixth an Irish harp, moito" Majora majoribtis con- 
 sonant.^^ They are the inventions of Dr. Franklin. 
 
 When I wrote to you iti October I forgot to send you the fol- 
 lowing list of officers in part of the rebel army, found in the pocket 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 47 
 
 of one of their sergeants, who was 
 heights of Charlestown, viz. : 
 
 Col. Gerrish, Newbury. 
 
 Lt. Col. Parker, Chelmsford. 
 
 Major Bigelow, Worcester. 
 
 Lt. Col. Henshaw, Leicester. 
 
 Maj. Brooks. 
 
 Lt. Col. Holden. 
 
 Adjt. Green. 
 
 Col. Whitney. 
 
 Col. Woodbridge. 
 
 Major Buttrick. 
 
 Col. Porter. "^ 
 
 Major Miller. 
 
 Col. Doolittle, Petersham. 
 
 Adjt. B, Moore. 
 
 Col. Frye. 
 
 Gen. Whitcomb, Bolton. 
 
 Col. William Prescott. 
 
 Gen. Ward, Shrewsbury. 
 
 Col.Peirce. 
 
 Gen. Pomeroy, Northampton. 
 
 Col. Patterson, Richmond. 
 
 Adjt. Guager. 
 
 Col. Nixon, Framingham. 
 
 Ccl. Ward, Southborough. 
 
 Maj, Sawyer. 
 
 Adjt. Warner. 
 
 Maj. Wm. Moore, Paxton. 
 ---. Maj. Cady. 
 
 Adjt. Hunt. 
 
 Adjt. Holman. 
 
 Adjt. Hart. 
 
 Col. Mansfield. 
 
 Adjt. Putnam. 
 — Maj. Jackson. 
 
 Lt. Col. Hudson or Hutchius. 
 
 Adjt. Hardy. 
 
 killed on the 17th June, on the 
 
 Col. Gardner, Cambridge. 
 
 Col. Bridge, Chelmsford. 
 
 Lt. Col. Brickett, Haverhill. 
 
 Lt. Col. Clark. 
 
 Major Stacey. 
 
 Major Wood, Pepperell. 
 
 Lt. Col. Powell. 
 
 Adjt. Holden. 
 
 Adjt. Gen. Js. Keith, Easton. 
 
 Col. Green. 
 
 Maj. Baldwin. 
 
 Adjt. Woodbridge. 
 
 Secretary J. Ward. 
 
 Adjt. Montague. 
 
 Adjt. Fox. 
 
 Lt. Col. Robinson, Dorchester. 
 
 Adjt. Febiger. 
 
 Adj. Stevens. 
 
 Col. Bond, Watertown. 
 
 Col. Simmons. 
 
 Lt. Col. Whitney, Harvard. 
 
 Lt. Col. J. Reid, near Manad- 
 nock. 
 
 Adjt. Marstou. 
 
 Maj. Brigade, Samuel Osgood. 
 
 Lt. Col Moulton. 
 
 Maj. Puinam. 
 
 Lt. Col. Putnam. 
 
 Maj. Poor. 
 
 Maj. Durkec, Norwich. 
 
 Capt. Butler, Peterborough, 
 
 Joseph Trumbull, Judge Advo- 
 cate, Norwich. 
 
 Adjt. Handy. 
 
 Lt. Col. Storer. 
 
 Xf 
 
 t ,-.3 
 
 ^ -i 
 
 
 1 ' * 
 
 Illl 
 
 ii 
 
 ! HbT^E^^I 
 
 hi. 
 
 I '^^1 
 
b- 
 
 48 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LBTTEBS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 Those who have obtained leave to exchange the town for a 
 country residence the last two months, are taken on board an armed 
 ship at Hancock's wharf and are landed at Point Shirley, where 
 they are cleansed and aired for the benefit of their brethren who 
 have not had the small pox. 
 
 I sent a verbal message to Mrs. Curwen by Bella McLeroy, in- 
 forming her of your safe arrival and health ; but was discouraged 
 by Mrs. Gardiner from trusting her with your letter, which I still 
 have in my desk with those lately received, and know not if I can 
 ever send them until you will suffer them to be inspected at head- 
 quarters on both sides the lines. Mrs. Browne and William desire 
 their best regards. Pray present mine to all friends with you, and 
 if you ever desire to hear from me again, give me reason to think 
 so by sending me a circumstantial account of yourself and of what 
 what passes on your side of the wat' . . 
 
 I am your affectionate friend, 
 
 Wm. Bbov :. 
 
 London, Feb. 15. Dined with New England Club at Adelphi 
 Tavern; was introduced to Sir Francis Bernard, and saw there, for 
 the first time since his arrival, Mr. Fisher, who promises to spend 
 a day with me soon. Received a letter from Col. Browne, at Boston, 
 acquainting .ae of the sad destruction of wooden houses for want 
 of fuel, fill of late thirteen vessels arrived with coals, &c., raising 
 the despondency of the people. 
 
 Feb. 27. The city polled for a chamberlain; candidates, 
 aldermen Wilkes and Hopkins. The latter succeeded, to the no 
 small mortification of the Wilkites, who exceed in numbers, among 
 the lower classes, the friends of Hopkins. Mr. Wilkes must look 
 upon himself as one of the people, and lost henceforth to all 
 importance. 
 
 Feb. 29. Dined with Mr. Gilbert Harrison, and delivered my 
 letter of credit from Mr. Tiramins to Messrs. Harrison and Ansley. 
 
 March 2. At Parson Peters' saw Mr. Troutbeck, lately ar- 
 rived from Halifax, and Mr. Wiswall; mutually invited each 
 other to visit, and gave cards. 
 
 March 4. James Russell and his friend Mr. Newman dined 
 with me; received a card from Messrs. Clarke excusing them- 
 
 selves, being pre-engaged. 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOUKNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 March 10. To Tichfield-street to pay my respects to Gov. Oli- 
 ver's lady; thence to Judge Sewall's, Brompton-Row, where dined. 
 
 March 13. At Covent Garden, obtained a very convenient 
 place in the first front seat lower gallery, when the oratorio 
 cpllrd the Messiah was performed — the whole stage an orchestra; 
 in tlie centre a spacious organ embellished by a portrait of Handel 
 surrounded with a glory, or such rays as are placed round the 
 heads of the saints of the Romish calendar— our musical saint's per- 
 jormanccs being as much read and studied here as their manuals 
 of devotion are by their admirers. The form of the orchestra am- 
 phitheatrical and the seats concentric, except of the vocal perform- 
 ers, who sat in chairs in front. The leading singers were Mrs. 
 Wrighton, Mrs. Weischell, Mr. Leoni, etc.— nearly eighty per- 
 formers in all. The first violin, professor La Motte ; the first Hute, 
 Mr. Florio. The music was noble, grand, full, sonorous, and aw- 
 fully majestic; the whole assembly as one, rising, added a solemnity 
 which swelled and filled ray soul with an — I know not wliat, that 
 exalted it beyond itself, bringing to ray raised imagination a full 
 view of that sacred assembly of blessed spirits which surround the 
 throne of God. 
 
 Mc^x . i. Surveyed the New River works at Spafields — 
 thence ' io ravages of the late fire at the Savoy, and through 
 
 to the gardens belonging to Somerset House, now about to be pulled 
 down, and the ground between it and the river filled up. I cannot 
 but think with regret on so many noble and royal apartments in 
 good repair, to be destroyed to build Ou.ces for the army, that 
 bridle of the nation, its scourge, and will be its future ruin. 
 
 March 19. Attended lecture at Salters' Hall. Dr. Price 
 gave an excellent sermon from " Forgive us our debts as we forgive 
 our debtors." He observed that this was the only original part of 
 the Lord's prayer, (the rest being found in the Jewish liturgy,) and 
 was de'^igned to inculcate the distinguishing characteristic of his 
 religion, universal love and good will to all mankind, making it the 
 very condition on which our hopes of forgiveness are suspended. 
 As forgiveness of injuries and love of all mankind are the most 
 amiable of all virtues, so are they the most difficult to be practised, 
 and ought therefore to be the more endeavored after ; and nothing 
 can recommend us better to divine favor and acceptance. 
 
 7 
 
 U 
 
 '/ 
 
 
 :'M 
 
 W 
 
80 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 '. 
 
 March 21. Mr. Heard, Norroy king-of-arms, having given me 
 a letter to A. Farley, Esq., Chapter Houb^, I went, accompanied 
 by William Cabot, Samuel Porter, Judge Sewall and his kinsman 
 Samuel Sewall, and T. Bliss, and presenting my letter, we were ad- 
 mitted to a sight of Doomsday Books. One, m the fold of a folio, 
 contained n valuation or estimate made for a» equal tax of all the 
 counties England in the time of William the Conqueror, except 
 the three northern counties of Cumberland, Westmoreland, and 
 Durham, and the three counties of Essex, Sussex, and Kent, which 
 are contained in a smaller fold or large octavo. Sussex contained 
 but nine landholders in capite ; all tenures being then from the 
 crown, all the rest being mesne lords or tenants under them. The 
 writing is fair and well preserved, but difficult to be read from its 
 abbreviations in a multitude of places. The initial letters stand for 
 words. The spelling of that age is very different from ours ; many 
 terms not known now being then in common use. The chapter 
 house is of a peculiar construction, and was formerly the parlia- 
 ment house in the time of the Edwards, etc., and contains rolls of 
 court of King's Bench, Exchequer, etc., for many ages back. 
 Evening, at a show called Les Ombres Chinoises, at which saw 
 Earl Temple [supposed author of Junius] and lady, '.vith several 
 well-dressed people of fashion — about forty spectators in all. The 
 " Ombres" were awkward and unnatural except the puppet dancing 
 — an insipid show. 
 
 March 24. Heard Dr. Fleming preach at Pinners' Hall ; his 
 ideas clear, and his delivery moderate and devout. He complained 
 of those mystics who denied the use of reason in matters of reli- 
 gion ; said it was bubversive of it, and contrary to the whole tenor 
 of the canon of Scripture, and rendered as useless and unmeaning 
 the motives and threatenings proposed to us therein for our obedience, 
 and progress in virtue and holiness ; declared mankind free agents, 
 endowed with the power of volition and choice, which was the 
 foundation of all religious obedience, and without which we were 
 not accountable. He denied the merit of Christ's sacrifice to render 
 us objects of divine acceptance, which, he said, ! 'he divine prom- 
 ise was to be obtained by man's own serious and diligent per- 
 forraanres. 
 
 March 25. Drank tea at Mr. Green's in company with Gov. 
 
 see 
 
 pal 
 the 
 bott 
 
 ij I 
 
 || |i 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 61 
 
 Hutchinson, whom I had not seen for some weeks, and who ex- 
 pressed ; ::neasiness at njy neglect to call, which I accounted for 
 as arising from concurrent disappointments. 
 
 March 31. At Joseph Green's in the evening, where I met 
 Samuel Quincy. 
 
 April 1, A. M. At Gov. Hutchinson's ; he was alone, reading 
 a new pamphlet entitled " An Inquiry whether Great Britain or 
 America is most in fault." I accepted an invitation to return to 
 dinner : taking leave for the present, I departed, walking through the 
 palace and park to Mr. Bliss's lodgings, where I met Judge Sewall, 
 Mr. Oxnard and Mr. Smith ; returned to the governor's, with whom 
 only young Oliver and myself dined. From thence, in passing \ 
 through Leicester-square, I called in at Mr. Copley's to see Mr. > 
 Clarke and the family, who kindly pressed ray staying to tea; and 
 in the mean time amused myself by seeing his performances in paint- 
 ing. He was then at u'ork on a family piece containing himself, Mr. j 
 Clarke, his wife and four children, of all of whom I observed a very 
 striking likeness. At tea was present Mr. West, a Philadelphian, [ 
 a most masterly hand in historic painting ; author of the well- i 
 known and applauded piece, now in print, called " West's Death} 
 of Wolfe" and taken from his painting. He is now at work on a 
 piece called the " Death of Stephen" for the king, and for which 
 he is to have one thousand pounds. Mr. West is the king's history- 
 painter, and was kind enough to put me into a way of obtaining a 
 sight of the queen's palace, which he tells me contains, except 
 Houghton Hall, the finest collection of capital paintings of any 
 house in England. Returned with Mr. Clarke, who was going to 
 see his son Jonathan, sick. 
 
 April 3. Breakfasted with Smith and Oxnard, where I found 
 Samuel Quincy and David Green, Judge Sewall and a Lieutenant 
 Merrick. Bought Dr. Price on " Civil Liberty and the American 
 War." 
 
 Went with Mr. Clarke to procure more conveni'^nt lodgings for 
 his sick son, which we found as recommended by Dr. Pitcairn in 
 Cross-street, in what is called the Queen's house, said to be a 
 palace of Elizabeth's, on a small scale, low and in the taste of 
 the sixteenth century. The remains of the porter's lodge at the 
 bottom of the garden, in a peculiar style, are yet .seen. In one 
 
 n* 
 
 l! 
 
 i m 
 
 i: ;^: 
 
 fi^'' \ % 
 
 ifS- 
 
62 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEBS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 f! 
 
 of the lower rooms is a painting on the windows with the date of 
 1588. 
 
 ^prU 4. At our New England club dinner, twenty-five mem- 
 bers present. 
 
 Jipril 6. At Portuguese synagogue ; a master informed me 
 that the common people cannot read the Pentateuch without points, 
 although it contains only alphabetic characters; that the points 
 were invented about the time of Christ in the reign of Tiberius, and 
 that they are necessary to ascertain the sense, which in many places 
 would be wholly unintelligible without them, and that it would 
 cost six months study to understand the language so as to follow 
 them in their prayers. 
 
 ^pril 7. Dined with Gov. Hutchinson, and we took tea at 
 Mr. Joseph Green's. 
 
 A'pril 10. Took a view of West's pictures : amongst others 
 which filled two rooms, were the original of the death of Wolfe, 
 sold to Lord Grosvenor for six hundred guineas, about seven by 
 five feet, in high estimation, although censured by an anonymous 
 writer in yesterday's " Mverliser ;" Lord Clive's i eceiving the 
 Dewannah from the nabob, figures about twelve inches high and 
 likenesses well preserved, — fifteen feet by eight ; and many other 
 groups of modern persons in ancient characters. Likewise the 
 death of Stephen, the proto-niartyr, and at the period of his being 
 received after his death by his friends ; the figures seven feet, the 
 size of the picture about sixteen feet by seven • designed for the 
 altar of St. Stephen, Walbrook — six hundred guineas to be 
 received for it, which Mr. West esteems so small a price that he 
 considers it a gift to the church. 
 
 April 11. Visited Tylney House, Epping forest, in company 
 with Messrs. Flucker and Hutchinson. The walls of the ball-rofim 
 covered with tapestry of the most lively tints, beii.g the story of 
 Telemaque — the ceiling covered with paintings by Mr. Kent. The 
 state dining-room is adorned with copies of capital paintings, three 
 of Titian. The state bedchamber hung with crimson damask, 
 lined with dockered silk, which I am told is India work a.nd cost 
 two thousand pounds. Two other rooms hung in figured velvet on 
 satin ground, and crimson velvet with broad gold lace. 
 
 Diued at Mr. K's with five of my countrymen, among them 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEBS, 
 
 sa 
 
 a Mr. Bourne, lately arrived from Halifax ; he appears a grave, 
 solid man, whose acquaintance I think I shall esteem. 
 
 April 14. Attended public v;orship at Dr. Price's in the after- 
 noon, and in company with Benjamin Pickman took tea with him. 
 Mr. Pickman had a long conversation with Dr. Price on American 
 affairs, but their sentiments were widely different. 
 
 April 15. Mr. Boylston called, and we went *o Parliament- 
 street to see the procession of the Peers to Westminster Hall to 
 attend the trial of the Duchess of Kingston ; the lords wore their 
 robes. The queen, two princes and two princesses, and the peer- 
 esses and ladies in great multitudes attended, and made a most bril- 
 liant appearance. 
 
 April 17. Went with B. Pickman to Highgate, where dined 
 with Mr. Boylston, and after dinner to Caen Wood, the seat of 
 Lord Mansfield. The house elegant, not large: — the centre is a 
 noble portico, the walls of the hall, saloon, chambers, etc. covered 
 with paper of India or Chinese figures — the library a beautiful room, 
 (having a fine prospect of St. Paul's, distant about seven miles, 
 through a wood, over a lawn, and ending in a fine piece of water,) 
 contains the largest mirrors I ever saw, being seven and a half feet 
 high by three and a half in breadth. In the hall are two tables 
 of jet-black marble. The walls hung with portraits of Lord Mans- 
 field and lady, who was a daughter of Finch, Eail of Nottingham. 
 
 April 22. Visited Mr. Hughes seventeen miles out, at Hoddes- 
 don, Herts ; the grounds laid out with great taste. 
 
 April 23. Walked to Ware, which contains five hundred 
 houses, besides a great curiosity called " the great bed of Ware," 
 which is twelve feet square — the posts, which are of uncommon 
 size, are carved with white and red roses, built, it is said, at the 
 union of the houses of York and Lancaster ; the date, 1463, is 
 painted on the centre of the headboard, which with the tester is of 
 wood in (he same style, laid out in compartments and surrounded 
 with roses. The whole weighs half a ton : twenty persons can 
 repose comfortably on it. 
 
 ApiM, 24. Walked through the Rye-field to the Rye House, 
 famous as the rendezvous of those who concerted the plot of that 
 name : — the room in which they met was once a chapel ; indeed, 
 the whole appears as the remains of a famous seat. The walls 
 
 
 :!,*• 
 
 ■'Hii 
 
» 
 
 54 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 brick, and moulded round, forming two high round towers, joined 
 together by a line of defence ; holes in the walls for arrows, etc. 
 
 On returning home, passed a farm called Nether Hall, belong- 
 ing to a Mr. Archer ; here are the remains of a palace, said to 
 have been King Harold's before the conquest. The house, which 
 was very large, has been pulled down ; two lofty brick towers 
 remain, with a wall of equal height, crowned with battlements, 
 and within a moat surrounding an acre of land covered with ruins. 
 In one of the angles is a watch-tower, now converted into a hen- 
 roost. Arriving at home, found John Inman, brother of Ralph, 
 our countryman, who dined with us ; he is of a blunt humor, easy 
 and jolly ; with him and a Mr. Musgrave we set off to Mr. Daute- 
 ville's, at Brocksburn, by invitation ; passed an agreeable evening 
 at Mr. Hughes'. 
 
 May 1. The young chimney-sweepers with their sooty and 
 chalked faces are dressed out with ribbons and gilt paper, a gro- 
 tesque and merry-andrew appearance. With their brushes and 
 scrapers they made a kind of musical sound, raising contributions 
 on their employers and others. The milk- maids appeared in fine 
 and fantastic attire, and carried on their heads pyramids of three or 
 four feet in height, finely decorated. In Ave-Mary lane saw the 
 milkmen and maids again with a garland so called ; being a pyra- 
 mid consisting of seven or eight stories, in the four angles of which 
 stood a silver tankard, and on the sides, between each, lessening in 
 height as the stories rose, stood a silver salver, the top crowned 
 with a chased silver tea-kettle, round which were placed sundry 
 small pieces of plate ; the whole adorned with wreaths and festoons 
 of flowers, gilt paper, etc., carried on a bier and hand-barrow, it 
 being a custom amongst them to collect of the customers a yearly 
 contribution. The wrought silver appeared worth many hundreds 
 of pounds, and is borrowed lor the occasion. 
 
 May 3. Dined with H- 
 
 H- 
 
 -, Esq., Capt. T- 
 
 and B. Pickman, at Jerusalem tavern ; on my way meeting Mr. 
 Elisha Hutchinson, who informed me of Col. Browne and son's 
 arrival. 
 
 May 4. Called on my friend Browne, who had sent a message 
 last evening by Mr. Pickman to invite his three countrymen to his 
 lodgings. Col. Browne acquainted me with some facts relative to 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEBS. 
 
 66 
 
 the unfortunate abandonment of Boston by the king's troops ; which 
 after all has the appearance of being forced. Would to God this ill- 
 judged, unnatural quarrel was &nded, but I fear thousands of useful 
 innocents must be sacrificed to the wickedness, pride and folly of 
 unprincipled men. Many of our countrymen called during our stay. 
 
 May 5. To Magdalen Hospital ; heard the Rev. Dr. Dodd 
 preach from John xv. 17, " These things I command you, that ye 
 love one another.^' — A most elegant, sensible, serious and pathetic 
 discourse, enough to have warmed a heart not callous to the im- 
 pressions of pity. I own my eyes flowed with tears of compassion. 
 
 May 7. Attempted to get into Drury Lane theatre, to see Mr. 
 Garrick in the character of Archer, but the crowd so great, that 
 after suffering thumps, squeezes, and almost suffocation for two 
 hours, I was obliged to retire without effecting it. Went to Mr. 
 Silsbee's lodgings to tea. 
 
 May 8. Visited Mr. Fisher, who very politely received me, 
 and appeared glad to see me ; from thence to Gov. Hutchinson's, 
 who was alone — having before called at Col. Browne's (my towns- 
 man and friend) lodgings, whom I did not see, being gone abroad. 
 Thence to Judge Sewall's in Brompton-Row, but meeting Mr. Har- 
 rison Gray near the house, was told that neither he nor Mr. Porter 
 were at home. Called again at Col. Browne's, where I found Col. 
 Saltonstall ; they both agreed to dine with me. 
 
 May 9. With Col. Browne went to St. Paul's to hear the 
 music for the benefit of the sons of clergy. Dr. Porteus* preached 
 to a crowded assembly. The archbishop of Canterbury, the bishop 
 of London, the lord mayor and sheriffs, in their formalities present. 
 
 May 10. Met at Col. Browne's Gov. Hutchinson, Judge 
 Sewall and Col. Saltonstall ; proceeded to Westminster Hall, heard 
 opinions from Judges De Grey, Gould, Blackstone and Nares re- 
 specting a verdict. 
 
 May 11. Advices of the arrival of a vessel which left Phila- 
 delphia by consent of Congress, on the owner's paying them as 
 duty one third the cost of vessel and cargo ; and that Arnold is ap- 
 pointed a major general, and still remained before Quebec, five 
 thousand men having been sent from Philadelphia. Took tea with 
 Mr. Copley and Mr. C'ark. 
 
 Afterwards bishop of Cheater. 
 
56 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 May 13. Walked to Walworth, the gardens of a Mr. Mad- 
 docks, a noted florist, wherein I saw the greatest variety of finely 
 variegated tulips I believe in England. 
 
 May 14. Went to the exhibition-room in the Strand, where 
 were more than fifty people viewing the pictures, models, etc., as 
 contained in a book delivered to each at entering. There were 
 many performances and some very excellent in their kind, of which 
 the view of the eruption of Vesuvius and a few night pieces struck 
 me most. 
 
 May 15. Visited Pinchbeck's to view stained glass ; most 
 elegant figures, finest tints, in the new revived art, by a Mr. Jervais ; 
 among which were two full lengths of Christ and Moses, bought 
 at seventy guineas by a clergyman, and presented to Westminster 
 Abbey. From thence to the exhibition-room of the Royal 
 Academy, in Pall-mall, where were to be seen a most curious col- 
 ection of elegant and capital performances in oil, crayons, enamel, 
 sculpture, etc., a great number present. Meeting Colonels Browne 
 and Saltonstall at the door of their lodgings, agreed to meet them 
 at the Exchange and dine together at three o'clock. 
 
 May 17. Took tea at Mr. J. Green's; Harrison Gray and 
 other company there ; having dined with eleven New Englanders 
 at St. Clement's coffee-house. 
 
 May 20. Took lodgings with a Mr. Palmer at the Herald's 
 office. 
 
 May 21. Visited the Boar's-head tavern, Cannon-street, to 
 view the very room or rather spot in which Prince Harry with 
 Falstaff used to assemble with their friends Nym, Bardolph, etc., 
 to hold their nocturnal frolicks. Agreed to make a company, 
 (if feasible,) to dine next Thursday. Returned home, where found 
 Richard Routh, who came with B. Pickman. 
 
 June 2. Called at Mr. Copley's, Leicester-square j afterwards 
 at No. 11 Haymarket, the lodgings of Col. Browne and Col. Sal- 
 tonstall. 
 
 June 5. Walked to Mr. Green's ; Major Brattle entered, and 
 we three took coach to Drury Lane, to see for the last time Gar- 
 rick in Richard III. by command of their majesties, but were loo 
 late — house filled. 
 
 June 6. To Westminster Hall to hear the sentence of Gen. 
 
1T76.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LBTTEBS. 
 
 m 
 
 Smith and Mr. Hollis for bribing a borough, who are to be impri- 
 soned six monlhs, and pay one thousand marks. 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, EXETER. 
 
 London, June 6, 1776. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 We have received advices from America, though not aulhenti- 
 cated enough to 6nd a place in the Court Gazette, still generally 
 believed ; there are some who doubt the whole. 
 
 Gov. Tryon in his letters by the packet from New- York, which 
 left 2d May, writes that " Arnold having received a reinforcement, 
 made a second attack on Quebec, but finding it impracticable to 
 take it by storm, he, on the 19th April, after five days' attempt, 
 retreated ; in the meantime, the Isis, with eight hundred men on 
 board two transports which arrived with her, having landed, imme- 
 diately joined the garrison and issued out, disturbing them on their 
 march, and destroying seven hundred and fifty men." It is re- 
 ported that eighty men taken last February on Montgomery's 
 defeat from the New England regiments, incorporated with the 
 garrison and behaved bravely ; on the contrary, seventy of the 
 regulars entered among the provincials, and turning against them 
 when hard pushed, occasioned the carnage stated above. Gen. 
 Lee is said to be taken with seventy men by a party of Gen. 
 Clinton's, as he was reconnoitering, without firing a gun ; the 
 story is told in three different ways, but finds credit. A vessel from 
 Halifax has arrived, bringing their Governor Legge to answer com- 
 plaints. Gen. Washington has issued a proclamation, forbidding 
 all rapine and plunder in Boston, a source of comfort to our friends 
 here. There is a long list of military stores in the papers, said to 
 have been left at Boston by Gen. Howe, but it is thought to be a 
 false account. 
 
 London; my favorite place of abode, is, as the peasant said, " a 
 sad lickpenny" and truly one cannot breathe the vital air without 
 great expense. The numerous applications to the treasury by 
 Americans whose pretensions are so mach beyond mine, exclude 
 the most distant hope of relief for me. should inadvertence or more 
 unjustifiable principles of conduct reduce me to the necessity of 
 asking a favor, which I am determined at all events to defer to the 
 
 8 
 
 iiil: 
 
 !H.i 
 
i - 
 
 i i 
 
 58 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 longest period, if it please the great Disposer of events to prolong 
 my uneasy abode in this country of aliens for many days yet to 
 come. 
 
 To communicate with a friend is almost the only relief from dis- 
 tracting thoughts; for the harmless amusements in which I was 
 engaged last summer and fall, and which served to dissipate 
 uneasy reflections, now having loi/t their novelty, delight no 
 more. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 S. CUBWEN. 
 
 June 8. Dined with Judge Sewall at Brompton-Row ; and 
 with him his wife and sister, Mr. Blowers and wife, Samuel Sewall 
 and William Browne, was admitted to the queen's palace in St. 
 James's Park. The rooms are large, lofty, and extremely well 
 filled with pictures ; many of them said to be originals of the best 
 masters; amongst them are seven Cartoons of Raphael, and a 
 large collection of miniatures in gilt frames and under glass. From 
 thence to tea at Col. Browne's, afterwards to the opera house ; 
 entertained with the opera of Antigono, the Signors Rousini and 
 Gabrieli, principal performers, interludes of exquisitely fine dancing. 
 
 June 10. Read " Common Sense," published in America, and 
 republished here, in favor of American in Jependence ; and also 
 " Plain Truth" an answer to it ; and Provost Smith's oration on 
 the Quebec heroes, Montgomery, etc. 
 
 TO DR. CHARLES RUSSELL, ANTIGUA. 
 
 London, June 10, 1776. 
 Dear Sib : 
 
 I congratulate you on your retreat from the land of oppression 
 and tyranny ; for surely, greater never appeared since the days of 
 Nimrod. I sincerely wish well to my native country, and am of 
 opinion that the happiness of it depends on restraining the violences 
 and outrages of profligate and unprincipled men, who run riot 
 against all the laws of justice, truth and religion. Sad and deplo- 
 rable is the condition of those few that like Abdiel, amidst hostile 
 bands of fallen spirits, retain their primitive loyally. So strangely 
 unprospcrous hitherto have been the measures of administration in 
 
 supp 
 
 very 
 
 their 
 
 nothii 
 
 truth 
 
 move 
 old a! 
 consi 
 serve 
 bet 
 to su 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL ANU LETTERS. 
 
 69 
 
 America, that the active provincials have taken courage, and ac- 
 complished what in contemplation would have appeared morally 
 impossible. Gen. Burgoyne sailed from hence ten weeks ago for 
 Canada with four thousand Brunswickers and seven or eight regi- 
 ments ; Lord Howe in I he Eagle about a month, and the first divi- 
 sion of Hessians, consisting of eight or ten thousand, about a fort- 
 night before him. Gen. Howe, his brother, with nine thousand was 
 at Halifax the beginning of April. The second division, ('tis said,) 
 will sail this week, consisting of four thousand, which completes 
 the whole number of foreign troops. The whole of the regular 
 army on the continent will not be short of forty thousand men. It 
 is surprising what little seeming effect the loss of American orders 
 has on the manufactories; they have been in full employ '. /er 
 since the dispute arose ; stocks are not one jot lessened, the people 
 in general little moved by it ; business and amusements so totally 
 engross all ranl;s and orders here that administration finds no difi- 
 culty on that score to pursue their plans. The general disapproba- 
 tion of that folly of independence which America now evidently 
 aims at, makes it a difficult part for her friends to act. 
 
 By letters from Salem to the 16th April I find they were in a 
 quiet state there, and hugging themselves in the fatal error that 
 government had abandoned the design of reducing them to obedi- 
 ence. Six vessels laden with refugees are arrived from Halifax, 
 amongst whom are R. Lechmere, I. Vassal, Col. Oliver, Treas- 
 urer Gray, et'.. Those who bring property here may do well 
 enough, but for those who expect reimbursement for losses, or a 
 supply for present support, will find to their cost the hand of charity 
 very cold ; the latter may be kept from starving, and beyond that 
 their hopes are vain. " Blessed is he (saith Pope) that expecteth 
 nothing, for ha shall never be disappointed ;" nor a more interesting 
 truth was ever uttered. 
 
 I find my finances so visibly lessening, that I wish I '' '>iJd re- 
 move from this expensive country, (being heartily tired of it,) and 
 old as I am, would gladly enter into a business connection anywhere 
 consistently with decency and integrity, which I would fain pre- 
 serve. The use of the property I left behind mc I fear I shall never 
 be the better for ; little did I expect from affluence to be reduced 
 to such rigid economy as prudence now exacts. To beg is a mean- 
 
 \ 1-' 
 
 n ; 
 
 i T ( 
 
 u 
 
 '« ' 1. 
 
 AiV. 
 
 ■'I ^ !' 
 1 «!i 
 
 ■ .L 
 
:■ \ 
 
 60 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 ness I wish never to be reduced to, and to starve is stupid ; one 
 comfort, as T am fast declining into the vale of life, my miseries 
 cannot probably be of long continuance. 
 
 With great esteem, etc. 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 June 13. Went early to call on my townsmen Messrs. Dal- 
 glish and Hastie ;* met Capt. Poynton ; Mr. Hastie delivered me 
 a letter from Mr. Pynchon. Mr. Thomas Danforth, late from 
 Boston by the way of Halifax, and Mr. R. Russell, called and staid 
 with me till eleven o'clock at night. 
 
 June 15. Accompanied Mr. Danforth to Gov. Hutchinson's 
 and Judge Sewall's. 
 
 June 18. Called on Mr. Hughes, who invited me to a second 
 visit to his seat at Hoddesdon; showed me a Massachusetts libel for 
 a transport from London, signed by the new judge of admiralty, 
 Timothy Pickering, jun. Dr. Sylvester Gardner bitterly laments 
 his unhappy situation at Halifax, with a deplorable account of his 
 losses at leaving Boston, etc. 
 
 June 19. To the British Museum, accompanied by Mr. Dan- 
 forth. In the library I saw King John's original charter called 
 Magna Charta ; a book of prayers of Queen Elizabeth, executed 
 finely by herself, the writing very plain, letters fair and well pre- 
 served, the covering of red velvet worked in flowers by her own 
 hand. The Alexandrian manuscript copy of the Bible, said to 
 have been written in the fourth century, containing the gospel of 
 Nicodemus, a forgery composed in that age; all written on parch- 
 ment, in capitals, without distinction of words, or verse, or sen- 
 tences. Also many of the letters of Charles I., amongst which the 
 original of his to Glamorgan, a papist, in Ireland, promising to 
 make good his engagement to him in establishing the Roman 
 Catholic religion there, and toleration of it in England. 
 
 Thursday, June 20. Accompanied Mr. Danforth to Judge 
 Oliver's lodgings, in Jcrmyn-streel, and with him and his son pro- 
 ceeded through the Park to Westminster Hall, expet;ting to hear 
 Lord Rochfort and Mr. Sayre's case, but it did not come on. Just 
 
 * Imporlera oT Salem. 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 61 
 
 looking into Chancery, I observed the judges as they were going 
 out of Kinji's Bench turned about and saluted with^i bow. Chief 
 Justice Lord Mansfield's train borne up by a gentleman. Chief 
 Justice of Common Pleas, Sir William De Grey, made a speech on 
 a trial between a Mr. Popham, etc., on an election affair. 
 
 Met my townsman, Samuel Grant ; the first time I have seen 
 him since his arrival from Mississippi. 
 
 June 21. Called at Messrs. Browne and Saltonstall's lodgings, 
 where I saw Col. Morrow and Mr. Johonnot, of Boston, refugees, 
 for the first time since their arrival. 
 
 Mr. Bourne, one of my countrymen, brought me a letter which 
 came by a Cape Ann schooner, dated Salem, 21st April — when all 
 was well. My friend's advices concerning the discipliiie and 
 number of the provincial troops, and the number and strength of 
 the American navy, will prove, when put to the test, to be a delu- 
 sive fancy: civil wars in time make good generals and soldiers, but 
 the immense inequality will, I suppose, put an end to this war be- 
 fore they will have time to qualify ; in any casi>, America must be 
 ruined, perhaps desolated. I pray God inspire all with a spirit of 
 moderation and wishes for a reconcilement and oblivion of past 
 confusions ; and may the righteous flourish as the palm-tree, and 
 the wicked wither and their root consume away. 
 
 June 23. At Rolls' Chapel. Dr. Hurd, bishop of Litchfield 
 and Coventry, preached an ingenious discourse. Mr. Browne, R. 
 Clark, E. Hutchinson, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Johpnnot, Judge Oliver and 
 son, accompanied me. 
 
 I ' '1 C di 
 
 '[I! I# 
 
 TO MR. ISAAC SMITH, EXETER. 
 
 London, June 26, 1776. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I have received a letter from Rev. Thomas Barnard, of Salem, 
 filled with American fancies; their power, strength, grandeur, and 
 prowess, by land and sea ; their policy, patriotism, industry, pro- 
 gress in the useful arts, and their fixed determination to withstand 
 the attacks of tyranny, etc., t'tc. All these fanciful notions wUl, 
 (too soon, alas! to their sorrow,) like Ephraim's goodness, " van- 
 ish as the morning cloud and early dew," and prove to be fatal 
 delusions. 
 
 I »i 
 
 <: P 
 
1 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 111 
 
 62 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 Two or three companies of Bostonians are lately arrived from 
 Halifax. I aia determined to take a journey westward, and shall 
 stop as near you as possible. I shall, however, depart hence as 
 Abraham did from the land of the Chaldees, not knowing whither 
 I go; fain would I trust in the same kind protecting hand that 
 guided that good old patriarch ; would to God I had his faith, but 
 fear uiy future allotments will be poverty and pilgrimage. 
 
 Your friend, etc. 
 
 S. ClTRWEN. 
 
 London, June 27. At Westminster Hall to hear Lord Roch- 
 fort, secretary of state, and Mr. Sayre'scase, for false imprisonment 
 and seizing the latter's papers. Verdict, one thousand pounds for 
 the latter. Tried before Chief Justice De Grey. 
 
 Jtdy 1. Bieakfasted with Col. Saltonstall ; afterwards to 
 Judge Oliver's to have a sight of Dr. Elliott's letters, conceived in 
 the whig strain. 
 
 Jitty 3. With Mr. Browne visited Bunhill Fields burying- 
 ground to view Judge Chambers Russell's grave — passed John 
 Bunyan's tomb, 1688. 
 
 July 5. At Croydon, where the Duke of Bedford has a hunt- 
 ing seat. In this place he and the Marquis of Blandford,* youths 
 of twelve and thirteen, are at a boarding-school. I arrived at 
 Mrs. Grosvcnor's, the lodgings of the two Ingersolls, D. and J., 
 and to the latter I had a letter from D. Deberdt, recommending mc 
 to the house, which I found full, and am thert^r > disappointed. 
 Thence to the church ; the vicar is Dr. Aplhorp, m- countryman; 
 it is in excellent repair ; in a separate corner are the tombs of six 
 archbishops, viz. Grindall, Whitgift, and Sheldon, with statues over 
 them and placed against the wall, and in decumbent postures, in 
 episcopal habits and crowns, the latter of white marble polished, 
 and on the entablature the emblems of mortality in middle relief, 
 executed in a masterly manner in Italy ; the three others are Wake, 
 Potter, and Herring, in flat tombs, and their nami's, &c. inscribed. 
 Dined with tl Ingersolls at Mrs. Grosvenor's. 
 
 July 8. i'aid visits to Mr. Fisher and Col. Saltonstall ; left a 
 
 * Arturwurds iluko of Marlboroiiyli. 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS 
 
 63 
 
 card at Gov, Hutchinson's, who is in the country. Took tea at 
 Mr. Blowers' in company with Judge Sewall and family. 
 
 July 10. At Guildhall — Court Common Pleas, in which sat 
 Chief Justice De Grey — King's Bench, Lord Chief Justice Mans- 
 field—the former addressed the jury in a case of slander in a most 
 agreeable manner. 
 
 Speaking of the Standard in Cornhill sometimes referred to in 
 books relative to distances, I called on an inhabitant there, but 
 could ge* no satisfaction, he telling me he had himself inquired 
 about it to no purpose. But very few are acquainted with the 
 curiosities, etc., the knowledge being confined to those skilled in 
 city history. 
 
 Jw/y 13. Breakfasted with Mr. Oxnard and Mr. Silsbee. 
 Asked a man how far it was to Chelsea, and was answered, in the 
 true New-England style, " / don't know — about half a mile" 
 This I note as the first instance, to my remembrance, of the like I 
 have met with on this side the water. 
 
 Had a free conversation with a couple of conversible gentlemen, 
 not commonly to be met with ; the better sort or gentry being too 
 p)oud or reserved to mix wlih those they don't know, or to indulge 
 a promiscuous chat. 
 
 July 14. Worshipped at AUhallows, Lombard-street ; the of- 
 ficiating priest was Mr. Peters, the refugee from Hebron, Connecti- 
 cut;* his text 2 Peter chap. iii. verses 1 and 2, "But grow in 
 
 grace, 
 
 etc. Mr. Peters dined with me. 
 
 * Author of a travestied history of Conneoticut. 
 
 Ji 
 
 
■A 
 
 64 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 London, July 15. Walked out with the intention of paying my 
 respectsto Gov. Hutchinson before leaving London — met him in the 
 Park with Mr. Flucker, and took leave ; receiving copies of two 
 letters with leave to show them to Mr. Isaac Smith, one being to 
 himself and the other to Mr. Hollis, bo*h from Dr. Elliott, and 
 intercepted by Gen. Howe. 
 
 Tuesday, July 16. Left home at an early hour in the Salisbury 
 coach. On Hounslow heath, through which we passed, three 
 monuments of human folly and divine justice — as many gibbets 
 with the remains of so many wretches, hanging in chains; a little 
 beyond, a high obelisk crowned with a large gilt ball, erected by 
 the late duke of Cumberland at his lodge in Windsor Park. On 
 the other hand, at a distance of twenty rods from the road, another 
 obelisk, ending in a blunt point ; two miles further stands a more 
 lofty one, scarcelv finished, of four stories, illuminated by square 
 windows, the design of the present duke. The road from Wallop 
 to Salisbury is delightfully pleasant, and hard as a garden gravel- 
 walk ; at four miles' distance is to be seen the spire of the cathe- 
 dral, supposed to be the highest in England. The land rising 
 gradually from the plain till the sight is bounded by a ridge of high 
 hills, from the rising filled with enclosures, rows and slumps of 
 trees, and many farn-houscj; alighted at Salisbury at seven 
 o'clock in the evening 
 
 Salisbury, July 17. Started for Stonehcnge, a distance of 
 eleven miles, the first five through highly cultivated grour :!>*. At 
 the distance of three miles from ihe city, en the right, is to be 
 seen an eminence apparently oi an oval figure, lying beyond the 
 improved grounds, enclosed with hedges, etc, which seems to be 
 raised by art, or formed into \U present shape or figure, at least, by 
 the hands and industry of man •, the ascent to the plain rn which 
 its base stands is above (he level of the improvements on the hither 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 65 
 
 side ; it is an easy slope at an angle of 45°, and measures round one 
 mile ; on the rim of the first slope are cornfields ; within is a slope 
 of the same figure as the lower, rising nearly to the same height ; 
 in a plain on one side is planted a small group of trees ; this spot in 
 former days was the site of Old Sarum, containing about sixty 
 acres, unless I am misinformed, without one house on it, now enti- 
 tled to send two members to parliament. On the lower plain, and 
 bordering on the slope, stands one house, where dwells a family 
 supplying the curious who visit there with punch, wine, and tea. 
 The view under this long range of hills presents a most pleasing 
 and var legated prospect. 
 
 Turning out of the road over the lawn, void of trees, bushes, 
 stones, and as even as a bowling green, we soon arrived in sight 
 of the object of our pursuit, Stonehknge : its first appearance re- 
 sembled a company of men ; in different views it assumed very 
 different shapes. About a mile from this place, encompassing it 
 in a circular line, stand many of those bodies of earth called bar- 
 rows or tumuli, supposed burial places of the Druids ; their form 
 is globular, fiom nine to twelve feet in height, and from thirty-five 
 to forty in diameter : — their surfaces smooth, all of the same shape, 
 and not very different in size. I viewed them well, and remem- 
 bering that they never could be counted, I nevertheless set about 
 the task with confidence of success ; — my first enumeration was 
 eighty, second eighty-two, third and fourth different, so that I was 
 convinced of the difficulty of the task and gave it up — almost 
 imagining that the Druid presiding over these sacred ruins puzzles 
 and coufoundt the minds of all who make the iniquitous attempt. — 
 The outside row of stones is an imperfect oval, eighteen in number; 
 those uprigb' are about seventeen feet high and about four feet 
 wide. Eight very large, but not of so great length, lying flat- 
 wise on tl; tops of the outside row — nine on the tops of those 
 within ; fourteen small uprights stand within, in different direc- 
 tions or lines ; twenty-eight, perhaps more, lying o it of the 
 ground — two Ij' !g in the gi'i \d,that look as if in their natural 
 bed. Two columns of the largest size and of an uneven surface 
 stand upright; in one of *' cse nc;u- the end, is a small hoU iw, 
 the size and shape of what Don Quixote ♦ook for Mambrino's hel- 
 met. In the other near the ground, is a small hollow rf the size 
 
 9 
 
 n 
 
 M 
 
 ■ ; 
 
 ir' 
 
 ^' ? 
 
66 
 
 JOUBNAX. AND LETTEBS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 I 
 
 of a pint basin, said to have been impressed when the devil threw 
 the rock at the friar and struck him on the heel. Many other tra- 
 ditions, tales and follies are related by the credulous and supersti- 
 tious vulgar v;bout this wonderful pile. There is no appearaisce of 
 the chisel or hammer, but. in two of the rocks, one very ^^rge has 
 on each end an excavation about fourteen inches long bini aLo\it 
 seven deep, desig/iod to be placed on the upright ones. The up- 
 right one, of which the former lies at its foot, has vn top a ciroula;: 
 rising just the size of those below, and seems as if intended to be 
 let into the hollows to keep the arch stones and those lying on the 
 tops of the uprights steady and secure. And I doubt not the cross 
 stones lying still on the tops of the uprights are secured the same 
 way. This pile stands on a lofty eminence (if great exieut and has 
 on it .leither tree, bush, shrub or stone within imny iriiies on eithtr 
 side, aru! is tpMed " rhe plain of Salisbury." Thence nt a distance 
 of sevei. ;:uieSj 1 \^as admitted to Lord Pembroke's seal. In the 
 court are fiiif b;j>;s and statues. The house is a noble building, 
 round a squ.?.rv ; the front is a plan cf Inigo Jones, looks over a 
 iawn, f-hrough vhich is a natural river improved by art ; through 
 the !awn are interspersed clumps of trees, statues and bustos, vases 
 and obelisks, rendering the spot delightful beyond description. 
 The rooms are filled with antique statues, busts, vases, urns, sarco- 
 piiagi without number. Amoiig other things a curdis sella made 
 of iion and brass — the stone coffin that Terence's remains were 
 deposited in, and the urn that contained the ashes of Horace ; — 
 also an exact model of the Ventis of Medicisand the Apollo Belvi- 
 dere ; — was it not for the complaisance due the fair sex, I should 
 prefer the latter to the former, and believe it is to that principle 
 alone that antiquarians are so lavish in their praises of the god- 
 dess. On returning to Salisbury, three miles, after dinner I strolled 
 to the cathedral ; the pulpit of stone is in the body of the church, 
 the reading desk is in the choir ; the ceiling curious and finely 
 painted and gildtd, laid out in compartments of many figures, with 
 roses, &c. in the cencre. The windows filled with paintings; the 
 buttresses, pillars and decorations are similar to Westminster 
 Abbey. This cathedral is supposed to be five or six centuries old ; 
 it stands in a place called Salisbury Close, surrounded by walls, 
 having three gates that are shut every night. It h%< privileges 
 
 copu 
 
 meas 
 
 able 
 
 than 
 
 the 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LETTEBS. 
 
 m 
 
 distinct from the town, and is the residence of the bishop and his 
 clergy, besides private families. 
 
 Took coach for Exeter. 
 
 July 27. Two despatches from America on their way to Lou- 
 don, with advices that an engagement had happened between Gen. 
 Howe and the Americans, with a loss of 18,000 men on both sides, 
 and so great was the carnage that one regiment had but five men 
 left. On inquiry I believe the account cannot be true to the extent 
 of loss. 
 
 Jvly 28. — Exdet. It is remarkable that in many of the 
 churches of this city are placed in compartments, or tablets against 
 the walls in many placts, collections of texts of Scripture. It is 
 believed that the cr.thedral has been standing nine hundred years, 
 and its ancient appearance justifies it ; the military garb some of 
 the statues are dressed in is of the period of the ninth and tenth 
 centuries. 
 
 July 30. Attended divine service in the cathedral, to hear, as 
 is the custom, the assize sermon preached before the judges, who 
 were Barons Eyre and Hotham ; the preacher, a Mr. Simmons ; a 
 sensible and serious discourse from Proverbs '4: 34," Righteousness 
 exalteth a nation." 
 
 TO THOMAS DANFORTH, ESQ., BROMPTON-ROW, LONDON. 
 
 Exeter, July 30, 1776. 
 Deab Sib : 
 
 Dined at Whitchurch ; we were joined at table by five gentle- 
 men of the turf, going to the Andover races in this vicinity : the 
 jokes flew freely, and excited laughter among themselves and af- 
 forded me some amusement, although conceived in terms to 
 which T was unaccustomed ; — their boisterous mirth and manners 
 brought to my mind the descriptions to be met with in books, of 
 gentlemen of that character, and is a proof that they have justly 
 copied the originals. Again we took fresh horses, and in an hour 
 measured eight miles, passing the Earl of Portsmouth's seat, remark- 
 able for nothing that I could see, (but yet it covers more ground 
 than (ho neighboring farm houses,) lying just before we entered 
 the Andov... raci.^ ^t^iruds, as extent of two or three miles under 
 
 

 .lOURNAL ANP LETTERS, 
 
 [1776. 
 
 a range of naked hills on one side, and on the other by enclosures 
 beyond which the road runs, and on which we met and overtook 
 multitudes of each sex, every rank and condition, dressed in their 
 best attire, to partake of the diversions of the race ; being too 
 early, we missed a sight I would gladly have enjoyed. At a dis- 
 tance of three miles we descended into the town of Andover, which 
 like the situations of most towns in England, is in a bottom, con- 
 taining two hundred houses, a church and town hall, with open 
 market under it, and adorned with a spire on the top, and a modern 
 structure, as many of the houses are. 
 
 At the distance of eight miles from Salisbury, we passed 
 through five or six villages of houses with mud walls and thatched 
 roofs, such only being seen for many miles in the west. Alighted 
 at last at the Red Lion in Salisbury, havirg' rode eighty-three 
 miles in fifteen hours. The houses in Salisbury are in ancient 
 style of building, and contain five thousand inhabitants. I peeped 
 into the cathedral during service ; the wcrshippers were the dean, 
 five or six ecclesiastics, eight singing boys, and eight as miserable 
 looking wretches as ever entered the doors of a hospital ; they 
 were literally, as the gospel says of those who are calltd, " the 
 blind, the halt," &c., and are hired to attend : and without this ex- 
 pedient I fancy the lay hearers would be as few as Dr. Swift's con- 
 gregation. The ceiling is as gaudy as gold and paint can make 
 it, and in the taste of Henry Vllth's chapel, but not open work, 
 and by its appearance has been neglected for some centuries. In 
 short, it looks like an old neglected military officer out of service, 
 with his regimentals worn threadbare and soiled. Indeed the whole 
 church is so slovenly and dirtily kept, that a stranger would judge 
 that these stewards of the f iOrd's inheritance regarded the revenues 
 more than the repairs of the mansion house. The pews or seats 
 are in a dechning, and if not soon propped up, will be in a decum- 
 bent £ ate J — (he pulpit of stone, perhaps to denote the blockish 
 quality of its possessors. A curious statue of St. Osmond is here, 
 said to have been brought from old Sarum, .nid supposed of the 
 eleventh or twelfth century ; but where he lived or died is not 
 within the compais of my reading.* 
 
 • Chancellor of England and BiBbojj of Saltibury uuder Williiini thoCorquoror. 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 69 
 
 Having performed a ride of ninety miles in seventeen hours, 
 alighted in this city of Exeter, my distance from London being one 
 hundred and seventy-two miles. The number of inhabitants is 
 scarcely seven-eighths as numerous as at Boston in New England ; 
 standing on much less ground, and on an eminence in the centre 
 of a bottom encompassed by distant high hills ; on one side runs 
 the river Exe, over it a bridge some centuries old. The streets 
 narrow and dirty — houses of ancient style. The city is encom- 
 passed with a wall, in some places almost entire, very high, and 
 crowned with battlements ; — perhaps more gates, gateways and 
 arches here than in any other place in England. I was told that 
 forty years ago there was not a coach to be seen in the city. Here 
 are nineteen parish churches, not one with a spire, but having large 
 towers and battlements ; and eleven meeting-houses for Presbyte- 
 rians, Quakers, Methodists, Catholics, and Jews. The castle 
 lately demolished to make room for a court-house. The cathedral 
 front is adorned with sixty mutilated statues, having the appearance 
 of a thousand years. Among the various monuments within, is one 
 erected many ages since, to perpetuate the remembrance of an 
 enthusiast, who died a martyr to his folly in presuming to fast in 
 imitation of our Saviour ; being a just resemblance of a body 
 wasted by hunger to a skeleton. 
 
 I am, with great regard, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Exeter, August 1. Attended the assizes at the castle ; the cause 
 before Baron Eyre was a suit of Lord CliiFord, a Roman Catholic 
 peer, against a Mr. Prode, for encroaching on the rights of his 
 manor of Ringmoor, within which is part. o>' the town of Teign- 
 raouth, lying on the river Tyne. Lord Clifford claimed up to high 
 water mark, below which for 178 feet he had built anr. enclosed ; 
 but on the trial Lord Clifford made an offer to compromise the claim, 
 allowing Mr. Prode to enjoy one half his encroacLnicnt for three 
 lives or ninety-nine years, paying yearly ten shillings, and surren- 
 dering the other half, which terms were acceded to, and the trial 
 was quashed. 
 
 August 5. Removed to Sichnouth, a watering place, where I 
 propose to reside some time with my friend, Rev. Isaac Smith, 
 
 I 1 
 1 
 
 
 It Mil! ! '^'1 
 
 ll!': 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 14 
 
 'Hi 
 
 
 ■ . 
 
 1 4 
 
 ,^^^ 
 
70 
 
 JOURNAL ANR LETTERS, 
 
 [1776. 
 
 who officiates as minister to the dissenting congregation, partly 
 made up of the company resorting hither for the benefit of sea- 
 bathing and drinking the waters. I am now at Mr. Follet's. 
 
 August 12. Sidmoutl "^ ovists of about a hundred houses, built 
 of mud walls and thatchtt) rco ,;, except a very few with Cornish 
 tile and with shingles, very lov7, situated in a bottom or vale]; the 
 lands about are under good improvement. On each side stand 
 two ridges of hills, ending in cliffs, the foot washed by the tide. 
 In the town is an old church with a clock and a meeting house. 
 The inhabitants chiefly hired out to the Newfoundland traders, and 
 for the most part in low circumstance', inetown !- within the 
 manor of Sir Wilmot Prideaux, whose ancesto • having mortgaged 
 the estate to the ancestor of a person now insane, the leases cannot 
 be renewed, and therefore the houses are going to decay, none in- 
 Jinini^" to repair more than necessary at an uncertainty. 
 
 TO DR. CHARLES RUSSELL, ANTIGUA. 
 
 Sidmouth, August 14, 1776. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Your letter has given me great pain ; people in similar circum- 
 stances of distress must be brutal not to feel for one another. Let 
 us endeavor to fortify our minds against despondency; perhaps 
 our prospects will brighten ; if not, reason and a submissive dispo- 
 sition may gieatly alleviate, though they cannot wholly remove 
 the weiglit of trouble. I sincerely wish you and your connections 
 a removal of the sufferings you are at present under. 
 
 You are candid enough to place my demand to the right ac- 
 count. I would sooner have endured hunger than needlessly add 
 to any one's distresses, much less those for whom I am bound by 
 many ties to promo'e their happiness and interest. Do not re- 
 member the demand, consult your convenience ; I have not wanted, 
 although am reduced to a rigid economy, which you know was not 
 ray case in New England. This watering place, the resort of 
 much genteel company for sea bathing, is the most frugal place in 
 England ; it is in Devonshire, in the neighborhood of Exeter, and 
 about two hundred miles from Lt idon. 
 
 Your favors, ever esteemed, ask ;> continuance of, and re- 
 main, etc. S. CURWEN. 
 
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1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETT R8. 
 
 71 
 
 FROM THOMAS DANFORTH. 
 
 Knightsbridge, August 18, 1776. 
 My dear Sir : 
 
 Since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were. 
 I have received your two epistles, though the last but two or three 
 days ago, it having lain some time at Palmer's, from whence I re- 
 moved a fortnight this day to Mr. Pemberthy's in Queen's Row, 
 six or eight houses north of Judg§ Sewall's, where I have very 
 agreeable lodgings. I neglected answering particularly your first 
 letter, expecting every day a second, and having nothing particu- 
 lar by way of news. I have now determined to write, news or no 
 news, and as you know it is not against my conscience to affirm 
 that I saw the same velvet in the loom, for the same reason I think 
 it very innocent to make a small budget of news. You will there- 
 fore be pleased to understand and be informed, that a few days ago 
 the Commissioners with Nathaniel Coffin, Mr. Porter, the Comp- 
 troller, the Inspector General, Col. Leonard, Mr. Barack, Mr. 
 Mather, Mr. Faneuil, etc., etc., arrived from Halifax ; what recep- 
 tion they will meet with is uncertain. You see without doubt in 
 the papers the news from the army at Staten Island. Sheriff 
 Loring writes Col. Hatch, that he expects to spend the winter in 
 Roxbury, and shall clean up his house there for his place of resi- 
 lence. 
 
 Col. Tyng writes to Judge Sewall, that when he is settled in 
 his house, which he proposes to take at Amboy, he shall be more 
 particular. It seems that the accounts they have from the de- 
 serters are very encouraging ; that they are much divided upon the 
 matter of independency. I think that the enemies of opposition 
 to Parliament may regard the matter in that light, and appear 
 openly ; that this will be a lucky handle, and will finally be the 
 means of oversetting the combination. It is said that there is a 
 large party in South Carolina, Maryland, Connecticut, and New 
 Hampshire, in opposition ; these will assist the king's troops when 
 they are well warmed in dispute with their brethren. It would not 
 be strange if the rebel interest should melt like snow in a hot sun, 
 when once it begins to fail. All but the congress have an excuse 
 for revolting, and think that they save their honor. Thousands will 
 
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72 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 (VJ'if 
 
 revolt from them upon a specious pretence, who never would if 
 such could not be found. You have seen in the papers an account 
 of the Yankee privateer brought into the river ; one Johnston of 
 Boston, is master, and Downer of Roxbury, surgeon. The prisoners 
 are now on board of a 74 gun ship at Sheerness. They give a more 
 favorable account of the situation of the friends of government than 
 we have before had, but some allowances must be made. Daniel 
 Bliss writes from Quebec, that they have reason to think that above 
 a thousand men about Albany are ready to join Gen. Burgoyne ; 
 he makes the loss of the rebels in that expedition to be 2000 men, 
 killed, prisoners, and by sickness, upon a moderate computation. 
 The 400 men, inhabitants of Staten Island, with others as they 
 come in, are put under command of Gen. Ruggles, who is to keep 
 possession of the island. I am much obliged by your agreeable 
 account of your journey, but an account of your journey to London 
 again will be more agreeable, which I hope will be soon. Our 
 friend Bourne is gone into the country, so that I am at some 
 loss to give you so particular an account of the lottery as I could 
 wish. There is much about Molesworth's Plan in the Ledger of 
 this day. I shall examine it, and if it does not contain the whole 
 matter, will insert the remainder before I close this letter. Bourne 
 said that he discouraged him from purchasing chances. Brattle, 
 Boylston, etc., have returned from France. I have heard nothing 
 farther of Porter. Treasurer Gray, Abel Willard of Lancaster, 
 and I, have just come from Salters' Hall meeting-house, where we 
 heard a Mr. Pickard of Carter-street, near St. Paul's. Being down 
 in the city, I took up Molesworth's publication, and found it to be 
 the same with what is (Contained in the Ledger. I see that there 
 is an order in the papers for all the militia of New-York to be in 
 readiness to march. There will probably be warm work. I find 
 that you give no account of your situation in your letter. I sup- 
 pose you have found the diamond mine, and choose to engross the 
 whole profits. I have paid Col. Pickman as you desired, — he 
 made no observations. Mrs. Bray did not know how to direct me 
 to pay for the wine and ale, so that remains as it was. I should 
 copy all your excuses for your letter, were it not that I suppose 
 they are fresh in your memory. I hate both writing fairly and 
 copying my own letters particularly. I think . have covered the 
 
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1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 78 
 
 same quantity of paper, and have therefore a right to close. To 
 conclude therefore, please rememher me to the Doctor. Salute 
 Prisciila and Aquila, and all the pretty girls who are in Exon. 
 
 Your very humble servant, 
 
 Thos. Danforth. 
 
 TO U£V. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH. 
 
 Bristol, August 24, 1776. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 The regret with which I left Sidmouth was in some measure 
 balanced by the agreeableness of the day. To pass by our first 
 stage, the least amusing, our second to moisten our driver and 
 horses, for both often want watering, was on the borders of Black- 
 down at a place called Southhast, and at "the sine of George Inn, 
 heer all sorts ofkckers are sold ;" besides the peculiar taste of the 
 painter in spelling, the letters were of so doubtful a form that my 
 fellow traveller, Mr. Davis, chose to read "leckys," which word, 
 (if to be found in the Devonshire nomenclature I am ignorant of 
 its meaning,) he, being skilled in provincial dialects, may be ac- 
 quainted with. Our third stage was at the Castle inn, Taunton ; 
 on our way hither we saw a hill called Quantook, so like our 
 Indian names I could not help remarking it. After a small 
 delay we proceeded to Hillbishop, and dined at the hospitable table 
 of Mr. Jirrald j* his good husbandry is fully repaid by a plentiful 
 harvest of apricots, nectarines and apples ; nor is his table without 
 the best cider England affords, which is scarcely equalhd by the 
 most sparkling champagne. Our next stage was at Bridgewater ; 
 from the inn we walked to Miss Sealy's garden, planned to pro- 
 mote the wise purposes of thought and meditation. Here we re- 
 galed ourselves with green gages and gooseberries, the boughs 
 being loaded. At the bottom of the garden is a small piece of 
 water, filled with large carp, brought to the surface by pieces of 
 bread thrown in, which they rose to catch, a pleasing sight I never 
 before had. Our next stage was eighteen miles to Cross, where 
 we were told the beds were full, and they had no horses ; so we 
 
 • A dissenting minister. 
 
 10 
 
 
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74 
 
 XOUBNAL A no LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 could not pass the night nor be carried further : — however, we met 
 a friendly stranger in Mr. Cornelius Frye, of Bristol, who gave up 
 his room. Here we supped all together and passed our time so- 
 ciably, talking treason and justifying American independence- 
 Next morning we left at seven, and passing Clifton on the left 
 covered with excellent improvements, arrived at Bristol, the Bush 
 inn opposite the Exchange. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Bristol, August 24. Called at Mr. Waldo's; he being absent, 
 I left a card. Soon after he came and carried me to his house to 
 dinner, in company with John Boylston and Mr. Browne ; — after 
 dinner walked over Kingsdown Hill to the Hot Wells on the 
 banks of the Avon, where I took a glass of the water and relumed 
 to the inn. Soon after left for Birmingham, through Newport, 
 Gloucester, and Upton, which latter reminded me of the incident of 
 the amiable Sophia Western's muff, which Tom Jones picked up in 
 his own bed. There are many originals of Squire Western, but I 
 am told Mr. Allen, late of Bath, was the character from which 
 Mr. All worthy was drawn. Hence to Worcester, a handsome town, 
 wide streets, a fine cathedral in good repair, but not abounding in 
 funeral monuments. At last we arrived at Birmingham, which, in 
 its general appearance, looks more like Boston than any place in 
 England. 
 
 Birmingham, August 26. Hearing that Judge Oliver and Mr. 
 Lloyd were in town, I repaired to the inn, but they had departed. 
 I met them soon after as they were leaving town for London via 
 Woodstock, and gave a letter to Mr. Danforlh. 
 
 August 28. Walked out and met a Quaker at the door of his 
 house, near the outskirts of the town, on the Litchfield road, com- 
 manding an agreeable prospect bounded by distant hills in an am- 
 phitheatric line : engaged him in conversation, and by invitation 
 went in for half an hour ; found him a sensible man and a warm 
 American, as most of the middling classes are through the king- 
 dom, as far as «ny experience reaches. Beyond the Tweed, I know 
 not; however, the Scotch within, to my knowledge are antiministe- 
 rialistii. Passed an agreeable day at Mr. Ruasell's, two mile.'? ut of 
 
1776] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LBTTER& 
 
 75 
 
 town ; he is of the house of Smith, Son & Russell, who ship 
 largely to New-York and Boston. He has been in America, and 
 is her steady and ardent advocate. 
 
 Jlvgud 31. Stepped to a gun-maker's to see a rifle, (the first 
 I ever saw,) and many other pieces of peculiar construction I was 
 a stranger to ; the master is to make six hundred rifles for govern- 
 ment, but is in principle an antiministerialist, as is the whole town. 
 
 Sept. 6. Sir William Meredith the other day declared at Mat- 
 lock, that he looked on the violent measures against America to be 
 very impolitic, and that Lord North was of the same mind, and 
 only joined out of respect for the king, who was warm and deter- 
 mined to pursue such at all events, even though with the loss of a 
 hundred thousand men. It will be well if a pertinacious adherence 
 to a certain plan of conduct respecting that unhappy country be 
 not productive of evil fruits to the interests of the king and empire. 
 May it please God to infuse wisdom, prudence, and moderation into 
 the breasts of those on whose counsels the fate of both depend. 
 
 Sept. 9. A letter in the London Chronicle, said to have been 
 brought by the Isabella, an advice-boat from Quebec, relates a 
 defeat of the provincials before Crown Point, with the loss of eight 
 hundred killed, eight hundred wounded, and . )ur hundred taken 
 prisoners ; and that the garrison is in Gen. Carleton's hands, said 
 to have been obtained July 23d ; a story well told, but v.?hich wants 
 proof. 
 
 Sept. 10. Was told as we passed Castle inn, that Lord North 
 was momently expected there from Sandwell, the Earl of Dart- 
 mouth's seat. 
 
 Sept. 11. Took coach for Bristol by the way of Tewksbury; 
 met an oflRcer who gave hinself great liberties respecting America, 
 to which I took the freedom of giving several severe checks, and 
 my companion spared not till he was thoroughly silenced and 
 humbled ; he said many ungenerous, foolish and false things, and 
 I did not forbear telling him so. 
 
 Sept. 16. At 11 o'clock P. M. departed from Birmingham for 
 Bristol ; at Worcester took a relay of horses, and arrived at 
 Tewksbury at breakfast ; went to the church, almost the magnitude 
 of a cathedral, which contains many cui iosities ; in a flat grave 
 just before the choir is buried Prince Henry, son of Margaret of 
 
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 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 Anjou, widow of the unfortunate King Henry VI., who was slain 
 by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, after ihe defeat of the Queen at 
 '* the battle of the bloody meadow," so called from the tradition 
 that it overflowed with the blood of the slain on that occasion. 
 Here is, also, in a kneeling posture, a statue of George, Duke of 
 Clarence, who is said to have been drowned in a butt of malmsey : 
 — Richard, Earl of Warwick, the king-maker : — Osrick, a king of 
 Northumberland, who founded a church on the spot where this 
 church stands. In two hours after leaving this place we arrived 
 ^t Gloucester, and in (he cathedral saw among many monuments 
 ihat of the unfortunate King Edward II., who was murdeied at 
 Berkeley Castle. Here also lies another unfortunate prince, Robert, 
 Duke of Normandy, whose younger brother, William Rufus, seized 
 the crown of England during his absence on a visit to the Holy 
 Land ; he was imprisoned n>any years in the Castle of Cardiff. — 
 Over his grave is a statue in a decumbent posture, made of Irish 
 oak, which, when struck, sounds as if of metal. This cathedral is 
 kept in fine order ; has a vaulted choir, and the most elegant 
 cloisters of any in England. Arrived at Bristol at 8 o'clock 
 evening. 
 
 Bristol, Sept. 18. To RatcllfT church, supposed to be the first 
 in point of elegance and magnitude of all the parish churches in 
 England. It has not in its construction one nail or piece of iron, 
 being built and supported by stone and marble only. It consists of 
 three aisles, besides two projections which give it the form of a 
 cross j — in one stands a great font, and in the other several funeral 
 monuments. Over (he altar are placed (hiee mas(erly pain(;ngs by 
 Hogar(h, on the subject of (he burial, resurrection, and ascension; 
 for which he received a thousand pounds. 
 
 In this church lies burie ' Admiral Penn, with an inscription 
 recounting his exploits on a pillar ; and suspended on the sauie pillar 
 below are his military garb, sword, cuirass, helmet, gloves, etc. 
 This gentleman's services were rewarded by the royal grant of Penn- 
 sylvania to his son William Penn, (he founder of lha( province. 
 
 Took tea and passed (he evening with Mr. Evcleigh, a native 
 of Charleston, South Carolina; educa(ed at Harvard College, three 
 or four years af(er me, who on hearing my name recoIltc(al it, 
 having been schooled al Cambridge under Muster CuoLdge and 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 77 
 
 boarded at the President's house. He and his family are hearty in 
 the cause of America. 
 
 Sept. 19. Accompanied Mr. Bourne, one of my countrymen, 
 to the crown-glass manufaclory, where (he whole process was 
 shown. — On 'chanoe met my 'countryman Mr. Joseph Waldo, 
 who procured tickets for our admission to Mr. Gouldney's grotto at 
 Clifton, with whom, Francis Waldo, and Capt. AIdredge,( brother 
 of the late Co!. Hradstreet's lady^ and born in Nova Scotia,) we 
 proceeded over Brandon hill, the summit whereof yields the most 
 ravishing view that imagination can form, having a large portion 
 of the city under foot ; and a finely cultivated country for an 
 amazing extent has the appearance of a continued village, inter- 
 spersed with towns and .seats ; the prospect enlivened with live 
 hedges, lofty trees, Dumday tower, Kitigwood, and the river Avon, 
 running through the city and joined with another called the Frorae, 
 over both which are bridges; on the latter are the larger ships, 
 and on the former only smaller craft. Just as we arrivetl at the 
 gates, there passed by in his solitary walk, whom accident threw 
 in our way, a countryman, Mr. Harrison Gray, son of our late 
 (Massachusetts) treasurer, who, with his wife, had for a season left 
 London and retired to this place, and whom T was glad to sec. 
 Parting at the gate, we were soon admitted, and, attended by the 
 gardener, were conducted through the gravel-walks, kept in the 
 nicest order, the wliole bearing the appearance of care and indus- 
 try; it i.s on a moderate scale, but well filled with orange and 
 lemon trees, etc., and a small piece of water abounding in gold and 
 silver fish, supplied from a natural fountain so lolly th:it a fire- 
 engine is erected at one end of the terrace; the stream runs under 
 grotmd for a distance and discharges itself through an urn, t. hich 
 a Neptune rests with his trident. The ground between it and the 
 engine is made rough, scraggy, and woody, to resemble a wilder- 
 ness, which I passed going through the main walk. We arrived 
 at the door of the grotto, situated under the tcrr,. ■° ; (he object 
 that presented itself to our view was a lion in a siKing pos(ure, 
 and behind, in a dar' cave, a lioness, (he la(ter so like life (bat I 
 couhl hardly persuade my.self to (he contrary. The form of the 
 grotto is oclangubir, '.';* roof a semicircle, having a dome with a 
 round window in \h': :entre ; the diameter about twenty feet on c^ch 
 
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 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 side, from the door in front to ihe mouth of the cave in which the 
 lioness is sitting ; to the right and left of the entrance the roof is 
 supported by pillars ; covered as its roof and sides are with a vari- 
 ety of shells, stones, spars, petrifaction?, etc., the mountains, ev- 
 the bowels of the earth and the bottom of the sea, seem to hav» 
 been pillaged to furnish materials to adorn this curious subterrane- 
 ous recess. On the Jeft hand, beyond the dome and under a rough, 
 cragged stone arch, is a small quadrangular stone basin of water 
 supplied by small streams, issuing through almost imperceptible 
 channels, over which, in a lying posture, is a lemale deity. On 
 the other hand stands a door, the light and shade of which is so 
 artfullv painted that it deceived ths company, who thought it a 
 pat ■ .nto the garden on a flight of stairs ; the most perfect de- 
 / ion I ever saw. On the door was a miniature of a female face 
 w'ith a seemingly broken glass covering it, in the same style and 
 manner, and producing the like effect. From hence we ascended 
 the terrace-walk four hundred feet in lengt' ♦he front of the gar- 
 den raised forty feet supported by a brick wall ; the rear bounded 
 by a border of floweis, and behind a shrubbery of lofty trees. On 
 the right is an octangular structure ending in a dome eighteen feet 
 in diameter, wilh seats all round, and having as many windows as 
 it has sides, which affords as many prospects, except on the side of 
 the garden, where they are darkened, yielding three delightful 
 perspectives. 
 
 Leaving this charming spot and Clifton, I bade adieu to my 
 companions, and after dinner I departed for Shepton- Mallet, and 
 on my arrival met my friend and countryman Mr. Isaac Smith j 
 thus ends my ramble for a few weeks. 
 
 Shepton Mallet, Sept. 20. Walked to the market-cross, an open 
 structure supported by Gothic arches and pillars, and ornamented 
 in front by a few mutilated statues, but whether of saints or heroes 
 of antiquity, 1 know not. A few gentlemen of fortune live here, 
 but many worthy clothiers ; there are two places of worship, an 
 Episcopal and a Presbyterian, and the number of inhabitants is said 
 to be seven thousand. A Mr. Ames with whom I ain%cquainted 
 lives here on his six hundred a year. 
 
 Sept. 23. Rode through Lord Ilchester's park, passing by 
 the late Lord Berkeley's estate, and through a vale to Lord Arun- 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEBS. 
 
 TO 
 
 die's. One passes on a flight of noble steps to the centre door 
 letting into the hall ; — the walls are adorned with paintings of 
 the most celebrated artists. There is a cabinet of Pope Sixtus 
 Quintus, which stands on a mahogany frame; — the front is of 
 ebony ; and amber pillars, set with sapphires, emeralds and other 
 precious stones, and miniatures of all the Perotti family from 
 which he sprang, and elegantly executed in white alabaster. In the 
 drawers are prints of the principal royal and noble families of 
 Europe in metal frames. 
 
 In these grounds is an airy cross, bought of the city of Brititol 
 and transported here; in the Gothic style, four stories; in each are 
 four niches filled with kings in their regalia, supposed to have been 
 benefactors to the city ; the names in part are, Henry VI., Edward 
 IV., John, Charles I. and II. and Queen Elizabeth. It is finely 
 decorated, and in the highest preservation. 
 
 Procured a guide to attend us to Alfred's Tower, which we 
 intended to visit before taking leave of Stourton. We soon arrived 
 at Inson Hill on whose summit stands the tower, and which is said 
 to be the spot on which Alfred erected his standard against the 
 Danes ; mostly a terraced walk. The tower an open triangular 
 structure, the angles covered by round towers ; in one is a flight of 
 221 steps making 155 in height; on this is a sound balcony of 20 
 feet high, on the top a kind of cross standing on a globe. The 
 entrance into it is through a Gothic arched door — ten feet above is 
 a stone niche under a finely ornamented arch. In Ihe centre is a 
 Saxon crown supported by double Gothic pillars; on eachsidestands 
 the statue of Alfred in military habiliments and larger than life, 
 holt'ling a sceptre in his right hand, his left resting on a sword. — 
 Below IS a tablet, on which is the following : 
 
 
 
 JN MEMORY OF 
 
 ALFRED THE GREAT, 
 
 WHO ON THIS SUMMIT ERKCrED HIS STANnAKD AGAINST DANISH INVADERS. 
 HE INSTITUTED JUUUCS, ESTABLISHED A MILITI.% 
 
 C K E 4iT E D AND E X K K T E D A NAVAL FORCE; 
 
 A PHILOSOPIIEIC AND A CHklSTlAN ; 
 
 TUG FATIIBR OF HIS PEOPLE, 
 
 THE FOUNDEft OE THE ENGLISH MONARCHY AND 
 
 LIBERTY. 
 
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 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 Leaving this grateful monument, dedicated to the memory of the 
 most deservinj; monarch England ever saw, I returned home. 
 
 Sept. 25. To the Poor House to see the spinning-jennies, 
 which of late through the folly and madness of the spinners and 
 weavers have been the occasion of a riot in this town, which a 
 party of dragoons were called in to quell, who are yet continued to 
 prevent future ones; three were killed and a number wounded, and 
 but for the government orders to avoid bloodshed, more would have 
 been. These machines are to twist the threads after the first course 
 run from the common wheels, which despatch about three or four 
 times as fast as by hand in the customary way. They have been in 
 use some years in the north, and a premium obtained for them from 
 the Society of Arts and Sciences. They contain thirty-six spindles 
 turned by a common axis, communicating with a wheel placed 
 horizontally. 
 
 Sept. 28. Walked with Mr. Morgan over the hills to the re- 
 mains of a Roman-way ; the ditch continues, although in an im- 
 perfect state, and c^.-ried over Mendip hill, running from north to 
 south, and from shore to shore. 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTER! 
 
 m 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 SheptonMcdietfOct. 1. Rode to Bath; — large meeting of cloth- 
 iers from neighboring towns in Somerset and Wiltshire, to concert 
 measures to establish, if practicable, the use of the spinning-jenny in 
 these parts, which the weavers raised a mob to prevent. Two com- 
 panies of dragoons are posted in this town for security of the 
 manufacturers, against the infatuated multitude. Met Col. Salton- 
 stall, who with Mr. Boylston has taken lodgings here for some 
 time past. Departed for Lord Weymouth's seat, called Longlcat ; 
 his grounds contain the whole parish of Horningsham. Over the 
 entrance in front is the date as follows : -" Erected by Sir John 
 Thynne, 1569."" The front is an addition to the old structure, the 
 remains of a Carthusian monastery standing round a large square 
 court. Within are pictures of Henry VIII., Sir Thomas Overbury, 
 Lord Strafford, beheaded in the time of Charles L, — Henry IV. of 
 France, — Charles I. when Prince of Wales, and his brother James 
 II. when Duke of York, General Monck, — Charles II. and his 
 Queen, Archbishop Juxton, — Mary Queen of Scotts, Robert Dudley 
 Earl of Leicester, Lady Nottingham, — Archbishop Laud, Cardinal 
 Richelieu, — Sir Thomas Graham, — Count Tekeli and lady. 
 
 Oct. 11. Visited Glastonbury Abbey ruins, attended by a guide 
 named Thomas, who is as great a curiosity as the ruins ; for we 
 had no sooner entered on the holy ground than he doffed his bea- 
 ver and hugged it under his arm, while with a solemn tone and 
 manner indicative of unshaken faith in *he legendary tales which 
 the folly of credulity and superstition have handed down, by oral 
 tradition as well as books, through a long siccession of ages, he 
 began by informing us of some circumstances relative to a chapel 
 standing entire, which I had no wish to enter, nor do I remember 
 the tale. Proceeding on we approached the walls of the chapel 
 in ruins, but not to prevent a perfect idea of the size ; — making a 
 suddcu stop, our guide told us with a solemn voice that the ground 
 
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 lOORNtiL AND LETTBKS. 
 
 ri776. 
 
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 we stood on was twenty-two feet above the natural surface, raised 
 by the rubbish from the monastery ; which, if true, is a proof of 
 the immensity of the building, and the uncommon thickness of its 
 walls, the site of which covers fifteen to twenty acres. Descend- 
 ing to the lower chapel, at present filled with dirt to the capitals 
 of the pillars, eight feet, this he told us was the spot where Joseph 
 of Arimathea built a chapel of hurdles and boughs of trees, 
 twenty-three years after the crucifixion. In the upper chapel re- 
 main the niches and pedestals nn which stood the images of saints 
 of solid gold. 
 
 After hearing many tedious stories and incredibilities, we pro- 
 ceeded to survey the outside, dormitory, chapter-house, etc. In the 
 centre of the east end stood the chapel of the first Saxon Christian 
 king of this island ; — from whence through the ruins, at a con- 
 siderable distance, is to be seen the further or western end of the 
 double chapel we first entered ; both side walls are standing up to 
 the roof, and part of the eastern wall, under an arch of eighty feet 
 in height, and fifty in width, entire all but the crown. The sight 
 of this brought to my mind the magnificent ruins of Palmyra, 
 although its ornaments were not of such exquisite workmanship ; 
 these being Gothic, but highly finished. Near an angle at the 
 eastern end stands a sraall room ; lately this was turned into a cow- 
 house, but not one of the brutual intruders survived a year, as the 
 guide informed us of his own certain knowledge. 
 
 Within this holy ground is the holy thorn-tree. I had liberty 
 to pluck a branch, proposmg to preserve it till my ariival in 
 America, (if it fihall please God to grant me that favor.) The 
 three trees now standing blossom yearly within the Christian holy- 
 days, which it is the peculiar quality of this species to do, without 
 supposing a miracle; but the craft of these reverend impostors 
 knew very well how to turn a natural event into something mira- 
 culous, and the superstitious folly and ignorance of the multitude 
 for a long course of ages has confirmed them in the same ground- 
 less notions. 
 
 We arrived soon at a pleasant road, having in view extensive 
 prospects ot waste lands, called moors ; ascending a lofty ridge on 
 the left, lay that called King's Sedgemoor, remarkable for the de- 
 feat of the Duke of Monmoath by his uncle, King Jauies the Second. 
 
 same 
 been 
 about 
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 1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 83 
 
 From hence, on one of these hills, is to be s ' obelisk erected to 
 
 the memory of the late Sir William Pynseiit by the Earl of Chatham ; 
 a cheap purchase of an estate of eighty thousand pounds, besides 
 ten thousand in money, left to a man the testator never saw. The 
 stage from Glastonbury to Brid ,. ■... /ater throughout extremely pleas- 
 ant; the distance of lifteen miles -' ° passed in an hour and a half; 
 thence to Enmore C ^tle about four miles, a seat of the Earl of 
 Egmcnt, which is built in the form of the ancient baronial castles. 
 Leaving this imitation of old English architecture, we rode to Castle 
 inn, Taunton, where we lodged : next day to Sidraouth. 
 
 Sidmouth, Oct. 13. Attended worship at my friend Mr. Isaac 
 Smith's, who preached from these words, " The Ijord is ^ly portion," 
 which was the last sermon he |:Teached in America : the congre- 
 gation the largest I had known since my residence here. 
 
 Oct. 17. Rodv. to Slade, the seat oi a Mr. Lee, one of Mr. 
 Smith's heart i , who purchased of the father of the famous Dr. 
 Shebbeare, one of the writers for the court against America. Took 
 a stroll to the cliffs on the seaside, yielding a delightful prospect. 
 
 Oct. 18. Rode out to view an ancient encampment, supposed 
 Danish, and is called Hembury, about fourteen miles. Fording the 
 gentle stream of Syd, we pursued our course over Ccve Hill, so 
 called, being a lofty range, affording on each side very pleasant 
 views of a finely improved country ; here we met a number of 
 huntsmen on foot, with their long poles and a great number of 
 dogs, at default, unable to recover the track of the hare, which had 
 found means to elude the dogs' scent. A little beyond the village 
 of Burcherton is the seat of the well-known Admiral Graves, whose 
 base, unworthy conduct in America has justly brc^ght thr; curses 
 of the people on his head, displeased his sovereign a; -' the ministry, 
 and rendered himself deservedly the contempt of ^..1. His house is 
 at the foot of the hill on which Hembury fort stands. This fort is 
 situated on the extremity of a lofty ridge of hills, in a parish of the 
 same name, four miles north of Honiton, and is supposed to have 
 been a Danish encampment, (formed in one o'' their incui-sions, 
 about a thousand years ago,) from its roundish form, the Roman 
 being all angular; there are many such in these parts, though few 
 so entire. Its form is a very long oval ; and measures, from the 
 low parapet or line of raised earth on the northeasterly quarter at 
 
 
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 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 its further end, to tl edge or brow of the ditch at the southwest- 
 erly, (in which direction it runs exclusive of the ditches athwart 
 the hill, to defend or secure the centre enclosure,) about a th r.iM'nd 
 feet ; and the width of the hill on its summit on which the riic^diup- 
 ment stands, with the middle included, is about a hundred feet. It 
 stands very high, and commands a view of the vales on each side to 
 a great extent. From the foot of the hill in front, for a considera- 
 ble distance on either side, it is of a quick ascent ; but from the 
 foot of the hill in front there is an easy slope, as regular as a gla- 
 cis, although of ten times its length and breadth ; the rest of this 
 long range, in a circular form, rises from the plains below as far as 
 the eye can discern, regularly and sudden, rendering the approach 
 difficult, except from the summit, which is continued to a great 
 extent. There are three fosses carried nine feet round the encamp- 
 ment, the last deeper and wider than the rest ; the slope is about 
 sixty feet. The earth wall, if it may be so called, contains fifteen 
 to twenty acres. Here may be traced the foundations of one or 
 two buildings, which spot I presume was the officers' tents, the 
 place of arms and magazine. The avenue on the south side, for 
 there is but one, communicates with a walk running the whole 
 width of the hill, and is bounded by a parapet of raised earth, at 
 twenty feet f> am vhe entrance into the middle inclosure ; between 
 this and the brow of the hill at the southwest, is, I suppose, the 
 encampairWi of the army, and here may be seen the effects of la- 
 bor; but wl'tit were the works, enough does not remain to enable 
 us to judge. Having surveyed these remains of ancient military 
 defence, we descended by the common road, and arrived at home 
 in about three hours. 
 
 Oct. 20. Mr. Samuel Follett drank tea with us ; he is an old 
 Newfoundland trader, was in New England in 1726, and built a 
 ship at Charlestown. 
 
 Exeter, Oct. 26. In the Bristol Gazette is the following: 
 " Gen. Howe had landed the British army on the island of New- 
 York on the 15th September ; the provincials had fled from the 
 city, with great precipitation and much loss, towards Kingsbridge, 
 where they were entrenched to the number of twenty thousand. 
 Gen. Howe, having taken possession of New-York, was encamped 
 with nis army of twenty-two thousand within cannon-shot of the 
 
 TO 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 85 
 
 Americans, and it was hourly expected he would make a grand 
 attack upon them." This intelligence came by the Hanover 
 Planter to Bristol, who spoke with the Galatea, Capt. Jordan, who 
 left New- York the 17th of September. The unaccountable story 
 of abandoning New-York, without a formal attack made on it, 
 needs explanation ; no doubt there were justifiable reasons for it. 
 
 Oct. 29. A busy week here, many persons daily arriving from 
 all quarters, at the instance and charge of the competitors Baring 
 
 h»s . ty m par- 
 
 ofTioers are 
 
 'ight to 
 
 rt= led ; 
 
 tion; 
 
 ij>nu, great 
 
 and Cholwich, who are up for the representation 
 
 liament in room of Mr. Waters. The hands of t 
 
 fully occupied in making out freedoms to those ^ 
 
 it. The dispute runs high, " Cholvoich forever'''' 
 
 *' Baring*^ not so often, though many think he ma) 
 
 papers are printed and public houses kept open by 
 
 expense. The joke would be complete should an unthought-of 
 
 rival step in and succeed. 
 
 Oct. 30. Rode out to Lord Courtnay's Belvidere, (about seven 
 miles,) a triangular structure of Portland stone ; from the top is an 
 extensive prospect, having on one side Exeter, Topsham, and several 
 seats; on the other, Lympstone,Exraouth,Star Cross, Lord Courtnay's 
 seat. Gov. Pawke's, a nabob late of Madras, the river Exe from near 
 its mouth, and vessels in the channel, and, what is more curious, 
 the house wherein the great Sir Francis Drake was born and lived, 
 situated on the other side of the river, opposite the Belvidere. 
 
 Oct. 31. Mr. Shepard tells me there is great danger of a 
 French war; may the nation be preserved from this dreadful 
 calamity. 
 
 TO THE HON. JUDGE SEWALL, BROMPTON-ROW, LONDON. 
 
 Exeter, Oct. 31, 1776. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 By a letter from Mr. Danforth I was informed some of my 
 countrymen were about to apply to the administration for relief. — 
 As my residence has been much longer than the most, and the sud- 
 denness of my departure from home rendering it morally impossible 
 for me to become possessed of much money, and my pretensions, lor 
 aught I know, being as good as any and better than many, I 
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 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 any provision be made ; and if never made, forlorn I shall truly 
 be, my finances every day very sensibly lessening. Had I received 
 Mr. Deberdt's letter in time I should have returned to London, but 
 it was otherwise ; and if my presence now can be dispensed with, 
 it will be more agreeable, as I live pleasantly enough among a few 
 acquaintances, at the rate of twenty guineas a year, in a state of 
 rigid economy that I never before was reduced to the necesaty 
 of putting in practice. 
 
 In my answer to Mr. Deberdt, I referred him to you, whose 
 friendship on this occasion I doubted not, nor need I now repeat my 
 request of your assistance if that shall be necessary. 
 
 With great regard, etc. 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 JVov. 1. I was informed that a messenger from General Howe 
 bad just passed through the city, with advice that the provincial 
 entrenchments, containing nine thousand men from New- York, 
 were forced. General Washington wounded and taken, and ten 
 thousand men on both sides killed ; some other circumstances are 
 brought, but not to be divulged till six hours after the messenger's 
 departure from Exeter. Should this news prove true, I wish it 
 may not puff the British general with pride, and fill him with false 
 notions of the unequalled prowess and invincibility of the British 
 troops, nor indispose him to offer moderate terms ; and I trust con- 
 gress may be willing to prevent further effusion of blood and destruc- 
 tion of property by hearkening to reasonable proposals, which I 
 hope the House have authority to make. 
 
 J^Tov. 2. It is obvious the government is apprehensive of 
 a rupture, saying, " it is expedient we should be in a respectable 
 state of defence." The truth is there have been some discouraging 
 accounts from France for this week past, respecting the intentions 
 of that court to assist the colonies, and advices from Spain say 
 their ports are declared open to the English colonists ; upon these 
 events press-warrants are dispersed through this kingdom, and eight 
 hundred were taken on the Thames in one day into the service, 
 and five pounds per man are offered for able-bodied sailors. The 
 report of yesterday is contradicted in part ; Gen. Washington is 
 not taken, but six thousand Americans, and but two thousand 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 87 
 
 British. This wants confirmation. It is also added that part of the 
 provincials only were engaged — a lame account. The fears of some 
 and the hopes of others dispose the people to the belief of any 
 improbabilities, nay, self-e^ident falsehoods. 
 
 JVov. 6. The important day has at length arrived, the election 
 of a member to parliament ; the city alive, except myself, who am 
 dead to curiosity. Interest and the hope of victory have inspired 
 all here with ardor. It is amusing to see how warmly their passions 
 are engaged. 
 
 Read Sharp's Travels in Italy ; entertaining enough ; his style 
 not above mediocrity; his picture of the country, if just, must render 
 his own more dear to those who know how to make a just estimate 
 of all the valuable enjoyments of life. In reading the above I learn 
 that in the state of Florence are nearly twenty-seven thousand of the 
 holy order, or if you please, the ecclesiastical troops are under a 
 solemn vow of obedience to a foreign potentate ; these with their 
 connections, relations and dependencies, render the authority of the 
 civil power extremely precarious in case they unite with a discon- 
 tented party. 
 
 Amongst other instances of management in electioneering, 
 is the practice of closeting and locking up, beds being provided in 
 secure apartments to orevent the voters being spirited away to the 
 other side, of which there have been some instances, after the ex- 
 pense of fetching them in from distant parts. — To prevent confu- 
 sion and injustice, in the present election it is agreed to vote by 
 tallies, that is, each candidate to present by turns a certain num- 
 ber, say ten or twenty. The majority of the city chamber is for 
 Cholwich ; the church for Baring, whose managers are the most 
 opulent, active and knowing : the contest fierce, some wounds and 
 broken heads, but no deaths ; enough to convince me of the de- 
 plorable venality of the nation, and the high expectations derivable 
 from a seat in that assembly of untutored, inexperienced youths, 
 (for half, I believe, have not seen thirty,) called the Parliament of 
 Great Britain, or the great council of the nation. The number of 
 voters in this city is about fourteen hundred ; and I am told two 
 hundred of the most solid, judicious and prudent, thinking neither 
 of the candidates suitable, decline any concern, it being immaterial 
 to them whether Baring or Cholwich be the tool of administration. 
 
 
JOURNAL AND LETTEBS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 4 
 
 The charge on each side, five thousand pounds, is'doubtless intend- 
 ed to be reimbursed from the national fund, for (not their services 
 but) their votes ! Would to God this great source of ministerial 
 power and influence, and the increasing cause of our public evils, 
 the national debt, was reduced to a moderate sum : a sponge is 
 dreadful in thought, and would be the rum of some millions of in- 
 nocent widows and orphans ; may that be prevented by a wise and 
 prudent expedient, if within the compass of human knowledge and 
 power. May a public and disinterested spirit spring up and yet be 
 the stability of our times. 
 
 JVov. 8. By the Gazette the wonderful account brought 
 from America is, as usual, greatly diminished respecting the valor, 
 and bravery of one side, number of slain, etc. on the other ; 6000 
 provincials and 2000 regulars are reduced to 400 provincials and 
 15 regulars ! ! However, by the same intelligence, it seems one 
 quarter of New- York is burnt, and some lurkers menace the de- 
 struction of the whole city, to prevent which Gen. Howe is using 
 assiduous endeavors to discover these incendiaries and prevent the 
 intended conflagration. 
 
 JVbv. 9. Walked out to the Guildhall to see the conclusion of 
 the poll ended by the sheriff's declaring Mr. Baring duly elected, 
 the excess being one hundred and one votes. The unsuccessful 
 candidate, Mr. Cholwich, supported by the city chamber, went 
 home to put as good a face on their disappointment as they could, 
 amidst loud huzzas, Qags displayed, having various devices, of 
 which two were as follows : — the one divided into four compart- 
 ments, between each half the word " Cholivich," and in the com- 
 partments " no brS " the other was the coat armor of his 
 father-in-law, (thai ^ be,) Sir John Duntze, properly embla- 
 zoned, and in a scroll underneath these words, **Jree and indepen- 
 dent." Mr. Baring, as is usual, was accompanied by a numerous 
 crowd, said to be ten thousand, huzzaing, clapping hands, etc. The 
 house y^ adjourned to was in the yard next to ours, and to honor 
 him \ariegated lamps were suspended in front, forming these 
 words, " Baring forever," surmounted by a crown. The evening 
 closed with a grand display of fireworks. 
 
 J\rov. 11. Mr. Baring's friends wear favora of blue and 
 purple ribbons, and some ladies wear an emblematical device in 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 89 
 
 and 
 ice in 
 
 allusion to the successful candidate's name, being a bear with a ring 
 in his nose, enamelled pendant on a blue ribbon. The day was 
 ushered in by music and a procession, with flags inscribed " Baring 
 and Trade.'* The inhabitants of this city appear proud, unsocial 
 and solitary, neither conversible nor hospitable ; but a few uncere- 
 monious, hearty friends will render any place tolerable, and such 
 for that reason is this city for the present. 
 
 JVov. 26. A report prevails that Gen. Burgoyne has destroyed 
 all the provincial forces on the lake. 
 
 The later advice is, that Gen. Burgoyne became master of the 
 lake by taking, burning and destroying the naval force on the 
 12th ult. 
 
 Dec. 3. This day is published a single sheet letter from a 
 master of a transport, giving account of the defeat of provincials 
 at Kingsbridge by Gen. Howe, having forced the entrenchments, 
 killing, wounding and taking eight thousand with a loss of twa 
 thousand only, on the 17th October ; the remainder supposed to 
 be fled to Philadelphia. 
 
 Sunday, Dec. 8. Mr. Towgood preached an excellent discourse, 
 from Isaiah Ivii. 15. In his prayer the most just and proper ex- 
 pression for the king and royal family, and all in authority, both as 
 ministers of state and executive ofRcers ; and although a warm 
 and hearty advocate for America, and her claims of exemption 
 from British legislation, right of taxation, yet moderate and dutiful 
 enough for me, who am far removed from wishing its entire inde- 
 pendence ; for it is my firm belief it would sooner bring on oppres- 
 sion and tyranny there than the former right allowed in its full 
 extent. May it please God to prevent both ; may the unreason- 
 able and baneful wishes and attempts of all violent men be 
 disappointed. 
 
 Dec. 13. The state fast, appointed by the king's proclamation, 
 on account of the American war ; Bishop Keppel preached from 
 DeuL xxxiii. 27, "The eternal God is thy refuge," etc., a season- 
 able and candid discourse ; he calls this " a civU war," and the 
 Americans " mir unhappy fellow-subjects :" attempted no justifica- 
 tion of the measures of government. I was pleased with his 
 candor and judgment. 
 
 Dec. 18. By a Mr. Lloyd of the 20th regiment, just arrived in 
 
 12 
 
 
 r 1 
 
 I 
 
90 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 the Lord Howe frigate from Quebec, and who was on the lake 
 with Burgoyne and Carleton, a report is brought that a merchant- 
 man met the Active frigate at sea, and learned that Gen. Wash- 
 ington had abandoned the lines at Kingsbridge, left his cannon and 
 stores, and that his army is mouldered away; that New-York, 
 New-Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland have deserted the union, 
 and declared for government ; speaks of the Yankees, as he is 
 pleased to call them, in the most contemptuous terms, as cowards, 
 poltroons, cruel, and possessing every bad quality the depraved 
 heart can be cursed with ; and says the regulars at Trois-Rivieres 
 took five hundred prisoners, killed one hundred, and lost only 
 three men, who were killed by Yankees, who had got upon trees 
 and fired down on them. 
 '" It is my earnest wish the despised Americans may convince these 
 conceited islanders, that without regular standing armies our conti- 
 nent can furnish brave soldiers and judicious and expert command- 
 ers, by some knock-down, irrefragable argument ; for then, and not 
 till then, may we expect generous or fair treatment. It piques my 
 pride, I confess, to hear us called " our colonies, our plantations,'* 
 in such terms and with such airs as if our property and persons 
 were absolutely theirs, like the " villains" and their cottages in the 
 old feudal system, so long since abolished, though the spirit or 
 leaven is not totally gone, it seems. 
 
 ^ 
 
 TO MR. GEORGE RUSSELL, AT MOSELEY WAKE GREEN, 
 NEAR BIRMINGHAM. 
 
 Exeter, December, 20, 1776. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I have delayed answering you till this time from an hourly ex- 
 pectation of hearing some important advices from New-York ; but 
 in this I have been hitherto mistaken, the season having too far 
 advanced to expect any military achievements by the British forces, 
 and the Americans you know have formed no active plan of opera- 
 tion by land ; confining their views of activity to the depredatory 
 naval department. As to a treaty, I am without the smallest hopes 
 of its taking place at present ; the Americans do not despair of 
 maintaining their independence, and the court, I am told, has not 
 given up its view of laying America at its feet, for such is and has 
 
[1776. 
 
 le lake 
 srchant- 
 Wash- 
 non and 
 w-York, 
 e union, 
 as he is 
 towards, 
 lepraved 
 ■Rivieres 
 ost only 
 pon trees 
 
 nee these 
 3ur conti- 
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 [1, and not 
 jiques my 
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 d persons 
 ges in the 
 5 spirit or 
 
 REEN, 
 1776. 
 
 lourly ex- 
 fork; but 
 ig too far 
 ish forces, 
 of opera- 
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 llest hopes 
 despair of 
 d, has not 
 is and has 
 
 1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEB8. 
 
 been the court language, and the intention to force her to submit 
 to the unconditional authority of parliament ; — however, should 
 Gen. Washington be beaten out of his entrenchments, it would be 
 but one advantage out of a score that must be gained to make 
 them "lower their topsails." The Americans are not without 
 resources, whatever may be thought on that subject in England. 
 
 Among others France and Spain are no idle lookers on j resent- 
 ment as well as political reasons influence them to keep the tram- 
 mels on the neck of our court till a favorable opportunity may 
 offer to strike a blow which shall effectually humble the pride of 
 Great Britain, perhaps destroy her independence, or at best reduce 
 her to a state of as little importance in the grand political balance 
 of Europe as Portugal or Genoa now holds ; and that is the general 
 opinion here whatever may be the opinion elsewhere. As to the 
 objects of the impolicy of our court, we know from history that 
 statesmen to gain a present purpose sometimes disregard the true 
 interests and honor of the nation and all distant consequences. 
 The King of Spain is England's avowed enemy ; the court owes 
 this country a grudge for her success against her commerce and 
 garrisons last war ; nor does France love her better ; and ever since 
 her open opprsition to the ambitious views of that court in the 
 beginning of Louis XlVth's reign, who aimed at universal empire, 
 has looked on her rising greatness with a jealous, not to say 
 envious eye. It is no proof of want of bravery in the Americans 
 not to face the regulars ; many good reasons may be assigned to 
 justify their conduct, and though it be the ground of much reproach 
 here, I see in it the effect of sound judgment — that little depend- 
 ence can be placed on newly raised troops is well known the world 
 over. On account of the amazing expense with which Great 
 Britain carries on a land war in America, unless she can command 
 the troops of Europe and the wealth of the Indies, men and money 
 must in a few campaigns be wanting ; with regard to the insidious 
 offers made to America, as the warm partisans against the court 
 call them, I pretend not to such acquaintance with court measures 
 to determine about it j if they be so, the greater is the pity. They 
 may however, if that should be the case, be taken in the snares 
 laid for others, and if good be derived from evil, thanks to an over- 
 ruling Providence, who sometimes makes itself subservient to the 
 
 >•: 
 
 ^1 
 
 m 
 
 •»ifi 
 
JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 happiness of society. That more treasure must be consumed and 
 more blood spilled before this impolitic, destructive and fatal war 
 is ended, will, I trust, not prove a melancholy truth. 
 :k The accounts of the burning of the city of New-York in the 
 Gazette, are full, explicit and intelligible ; more than one fourth is 
 destroyed, beginning at the fort and all along the Broadway, 
 taking in the college, etc. ; and that it was iired by some northern 
 man, is undoubted. A Mr. Smith, son of a clergyman of Wey- 
 mouth in Massachusetts Bay, whom and whose family I knew very 
 well, was concerned, taken, and I believe executed on due proof. , 
 I remain, truly yours, 
 
 /-. * S. CtlRWEN. 
 
 Exeter, Dec. 21. I am informed that by a letter from an offi- 
 cer of character, Arnold and the provincials are represented as 
 behaving with great intrepidity and good conduct ; and their defeat 
 was owing to the superior weight of metal on the side of their 
 enemies. I am rejoiced to find justice done my countrymen, and 
 that there are those who can look through the vista of party, see 
 truth and speak it. The news of the defeat of General Washing- 
 ton at Kingsbridge is confirmed. 
 
 Dec. 22. The above defeat is not very important, save the loss 
 of cannon ; few prisoners taken, fewer killed, tlie retreat not defi- 
 cient in military skill on the side of the provincials, nor much to 
 the reputation of the British general ; a rencounter not badly nor 
 unsuccessfully conducted on the American side. 
 
 Dec. 23. The unimportant, insignificant, fribbling governor 
 of Virginia is come back to England. 
 
 Dec. 26. Lord Barrington in his private judgment condemns 
 the present war as unjust, and will prove ineffectual, but votes with 
 .government, as a minister of state. 
 
 TO THE HON. JUDGE SEWALL. 
 
 Exeter, Dec. 31, 1776. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 My little bark is in imminent hazard of being stranded unless 
 the wind shifts quickly, or some friendly boat appears for its relief. 
 In plain English, my purse is nearly empty; — which circumstance 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 has of late frequently reminded me of an emblematical device in the 
 beginning of Fuller's History of the Holy Wars, wherein on the 
 right is a purse distended with gold and standing upright, on the 
 left the same turned upside down, in a lank condition, emptied 
 wholly of its contents, with these words under the former, " we went 
 out/ull," and under the latter, " we returned empty." I do not 
 know but I am departed from my country, family and friends, on 
 as foolish and fantastic grounds as the misguided devotees of that 
 time did to rescue the Holy Land from infidels, though on opposite 
 principles, I confess ; they to fight, I to avoid fighting. I now be-^ 
 gin to tremble lest the same fate awaits me that befell them. ^ I \ 
 dislike the motives of the chief agents in America, and their whole 
 system from its first small beginnings to its full monstrous growth 
 of independency ; and I trust from a very just motive, love of my 
 country ; which this place I am convinced has no tendency to pro- 
 mote the welfare of. But what of that ? It is my duty, and sure 
 the state is not to reward thejloyalty of every subject ; the court in 
 this case would have more than enough to do to satisfy the demands 
 of all claimants. 
 
 I cannot foresee what I may hereafter do, but easily that I must 
 suffer hunger and nakedness in the comfortless mansions of the 
 wretched. These ideas I have not been accustomed to associate. 
 Seneca and many moral writers, heathen as well as Christian, with 
 all the fathers of the church, luxuriating in the midst of plenty, 
 have furnished the world with elaborate, entertaining, and edifying 
 treatises on contentment, and the duty of submission and resigna- 
 tion under pain, sickness, and poverty with her long train of hor- 
 rors, and really they are amusing to a mind at ease and free from 
 the apprehensions of suffering, and make a pretty figure on paper ; 
 but book philosophy and practical philosophy differ from each other 
 widely. Let Seneca and the long ji-( of moralists be brought to 
 the mouth of the cave of poverty ; let hunger, thirst and nakedness, 
 in all their grisly terrifying shapes stare them in the face, then let 
 them, if they can, exemplify these ideal doctrines; let a man 
 pricked, torn, goaded, and surrounded by the briers and thorns 
 sown thick in the path of poverty, take out his table-book and 
 write a treatise on contentment and submission to these severities 
 of his lot, and with a face of composure be able to recommend the 
 
94 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 \ 
 
 pleasing doctrines by his own example, I will believe the existence 
 of such a singular phenomenon ; but till I can see such an instance 
 in real life, which I never yet have seen, I must doubt the existence 
 of it anywhere but in books and systems. Human practice know8 
 00 such airy notions. History tells of savages singing amid tortures, 
 but the instances of unfeeling savages are the instances of unfeeling 
 savages only; civilized societies furnished with the means and 
 comforts and elegancies of life, afford no instances of such barbar- 
 ous insensibilities. Job, indeed, is recommended as a pattern to be 
 imitated for patience under the grievous sufferings of loss of pro- 
 perty, and pain ; but he, as was natural to expect in his wretched- 
 ness, cursed the day of his birth, and who can express himself with 
 more impatience ? Poverty with all her attendant evils, to one 
 unaccustomed to her presence till old age, is too formidable to be 
 vanquished by philosophy and religion; nor is there a mind in 
 such a situation, in its own natural forces, capable of supporting 
 itself, and not bending under the weight of grief and despair. My 
 doctrine perhaps you may refuse your assent to, but I have said 
 nothing my reason doth not dictate in the coolest hours of reflec- 
 tion. On the present occasion I feel the force of these truths in a 
 much more striking manner. ' With respect to my circumstances, I 
 will just add that several of my letters containing orders for remit- 
 tances were intercepted, by order I suppose of the Amphyctionic 
 states of America, or the lesser hogan mogans of some particular 
 colony, by which manoeuvre my friends knew no more of my cir- 
 cumstances than if I was in the region of the moon. 
 
 The melancholy event in your family drew from my eyes the 
 tears of sympathy, well knowing the grief of a tender parent for 
 the loss of a beloved offspring ; and if you will not apply to me 
 Augustus' answer to the Trojan ambassador, I will add, you may 
 believe with sincerity, my real and unfeigned grief at the loss, 
 which I pray God to support you imder. 
 
 Yours, etc. 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
1776. 
 
 1777.] . 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 95 
 
 istence 
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 parent for 
 
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 you may 
 
 the loss, 
 
 (OBWEN. 
 
 ■.'I 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Exeter, Jan. 1, 1777. — This day is very near the commence- 
 ment of my sixty-second year, being three days later ; my birth- 
 day was the 28th ult. ; may this year be more productive of moral 
 improvement than my last was, and if it shall please the righteous 
 Disposer of human events to continue the dark cloud now hanging 
 over me another year, may he support me under the dispensation, 
 and enable me to discharge my duty, if not with alacrity, with 
 composure and an unreluctant temper. 
 
 June 5. Attended worship at Bow-church. Mr. Manning 
 preached a pleasing discourse on "friendship" which, like all fine 
 pictures, was too highly colored and above life. 
 
 TO THOMAS DANFORTH, ESQ., LONDON. 
 
 Exeter, Jan. 11, 1777. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 The success of the British arms does not raise my hopes ; the 
 political states of America have resources much greater than you 
 and I may be acquainted with. The courts of France and Spain 
 are too vigilant to let slip so fair an occasion of revenging 
 themselves for the losses and disgraces of their fleets and armies,- 
 sustained from British troops last war, not to avail themselves of 
 this conjuncture. The advices from both countries but too justly 
 afford shrewd suspicions of their unfriendly designs towards Great 
 Britain, and God only knows the consequences ; the colonies may 
 be lostj and Great Britain, perhaps, in the event, may be very well 
 off if she can maintain her own independence. These are suggestions 
 of a mind in quite a different state from your " head-quarter" folks, 
 who, in our country language, count their chickens before they are 
 hatched ; if they would deign to take me into their counsels, I 
 should advise them to be more sure of a victory before they cele- 
 brate the triumph. The continuance of our evils is to my sickly 
 
A . 
 
 96 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 imagination much longer than the court conceives ; but what is to 
 become of me in the mean time ? I need not take a peep into 
 futurity to know. ####•*#• 
 I want to know a thousand things, and ask a thousand questions, 
 which you at the source of intelligence are acquainted with, rela- 
 tive to America and American exiles, but of which I am as igno- 
 rant as if in New Zealand. If I continue here much longer, I 
 shall be fitter for a hermit's cell; indeed I have thought, nay, often 
 wished for one, which at my time of life, and with my prospects, 
 would be a most welcome retreat. 
 
 I remain yours, S. Curwen. 
 
 TO HON. JUDGE SEWALL, LONDON. 
 
 Exeter, Jan. 19, 1777. 
 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 So little did I know myself, so ignorant of consequences I might 
 have foreseen and avoided, had I possessed common discernment, 
 that, for what now appears to me a chimera, I abandoned my 
 dwelling, friends and means of life, which you know I possessed in 
 no small degree, and might, as the event proves, have retained 
 on the comparative trifling condition of insults, reproaches, and 
 perhaps a dress of tar and feathers ; — an alternative I now see 
 much to be preferred to the distresses of mind I am daily suffering. 
 The licentiousness of an unruly rabble, saving personal outrages, 
 with a plentiful purse, is an envied state to liberty, in the mildest 
 government on earth, attached to poverty with its horrid train of 
 evils ; this you may regard as a paradox, and so will all who are 
 at ease. 
 
 I think it is Lucan who says, a good man struggling under the 
 storms of fate in adverse fortune, is a noble sight, and well pleas- 
 ing to the gods. It may be so — may it be his condition on whom 
 the gods have bestowed fortitude enough to oppose the storms ; 
 for myself I had rather sail on a pacific ocean, and would willingly 
 dispense with some degree of honorable exaltation hereafter for a 
 more favorable state of trial here. But enough of this ; — to come 
 
 to matter of fact. 
 
 ******* 
 
 With great esteem, 
 
 S. CCEWEN. 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LBTTEBS. 
 
 97 
 
 Jan. 31. Lord Chesterfield being asked what he thought of 
 the three Georges, answered, " 1, George the wise, 2, George the 
 prudent, 3, George the unfortunate." — I am afraid his inflexible 
 temper, and the falling off of one of the richest jewels from his 
 crown on the day of his coronation, forebodes a dismemberment of 
 the most rich and valuable of the English dominions ; — whether 
 Ireland, America, or the East Indies, I pretend not to foretell, but 
 fear one or the other, perhaps all. France and Spain will not fail 
 to avail themselves of our national folly to revenge their former 
 losses and disgraces. The English, though brave, are not dis- 
 cerning ; they every day increase the relative strength of the ene- 
 my by lessening their own real power. The end may possibly be, 
 instead of securing the dependence of the American colonies, the 
 loss of their own independence. May God in his mercy prevent 
 this mortifying event, if it shall be for the general good. 
 
 TO HON. JUDGE SEWALL. 
 
 Exeter y Feb. b,nn. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Accept my sincere thanks for your last kind and friendly favor, 
 and for the prospect it afforded me of hearing again soon. * * * • 
 I presume the * * * * are too full of more important concerns to 
 attend to these lesser matters; however if it be * * * * and we 
 may rely on a * * * * I can cheerfully dispense with a few 
 weeks' delay j * * * * but such is the whirl and impotence of hu- 
 man affairs, that while we are on this stage we are oflen obliged 
 to play different parts ; I wish never to act an unworthy one ; my 
 only solicitude now is to pass off with decency, and escape with« 
 out a hiss, — but enough of this. 
 
 On the possession of Rhode Island without loss of blood, may it 
 be attended with better consequences than my gloomy, foreboding 
 mind suggests. I fear France and Spain too closely watch the 
 motions of this nation to suffer us to avail ourselves of the advan- 
 tages gained over the foolish, deluded countrymen of ours, which, 
 but for the duplicity of those courts, would yield me a pleasing 
 prospect. **###* 
 
 I often think of our common progenitor. Father Adam, on 
 
 13 
 
 !■ ,,.,f 
 
 ■- s 1 
 
 1^ 
 
 1 
 
 !' 
 
 m w 
 
 11 
 
 I 
 
 t'i 
 
 : V 
 
99 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 his being driven out of Paradise by an angel with his flambg 
 sword: <■- 
 
 '•■' " The world was all before him, where to choose 
 
 His place of rest, and Providence his guide." 
 
 With this difference between us, his banishment was by an angel, 
 and for a transgression ; mine by men almost as bad as devils, and 
 for none : — I am afraid our lot is also different in a third respect, he 
 had Providence for his guide, and I seem to be left to an ill-judg- 
 ing, foolish mind ! * * * * * * 
 * * As you are at the source of intelligence, 
 shall be glad to be favored with an answer to the following que- 
 ries: viz. — Is there a probability of a French or Spanish war? 
 And in that case, will Great Britain send more troops to America ? 
 Will General Clinton be reinforced 1 Will any Americans be 
 allowed to depart for America, and in what character ? And if 
 so, will it be prudent for me to embrace the opportunity and de- 
 part ? Have you seen tho Articles of Confederation ? Are they 
 real, or fictitious and made here 1 Is there any late news from 
 Generals Howe or Clinton 1 And if so, what is it ? 
 
 • #«**** 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Feb. 13. A reverend, known by the name of the Maccaroni 
 Doctor, is in Poultry Compter for forgery, and has confessed to the 
 sum of j£4200 sterling ; his real name Dodd ; he figures in the 
 tete-a-tdes in the magazines, and unless defamed, is a worthless 
 character, though noted for some serious publications in the com- 
 mon routine. He has two chapels and the Magdalen under his 
 care. 
 
 It is reported that six hundred Hessians in an engagement with 
 the provincials are slain, and many wounded. 
 
 Feb. 20. The American high treason bill having passed through 
 two readings and to be printed, giving the king power to imprison 
 any person suspected of favoring, aiding or abetting the Americans, 
 without liberty of bail or mainprize, has raised an alarm in peo- 
 ple's minds universally, as it suspends the habeas corpus act, that 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 99 
 
 great bulwark of English liberty, as it is called ; and it is suppos- 
 ed to aim at some characters obnoxious to administration. Such 
 is the language of those who do not affect the present ministerial 
 measures respecting America, while the advocates on the other 
 hand plead the necessity of such a bill to render government secure, 
 as without it those who are and shall be hereafter taken, cannot 
 be kept in custody and brought to trial for what they call piracy 
 and treason. May the remains of English liberty and the consti- 
 tution not be overlooked and lost in this fatal quarrel. Charles 
 James Fox said on this occasion, that four acts were over, and this 
 was the first scene in the fifth act, (alluding to the enormous power 
 given the crown,) and shows the precarious tenure on which the 
 liberty of England is held. 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH. 
 
 Exeter, Feb. 20, 1777. 
 Deak S'.r : 
 
 I have received a long letter from Judge Sewall, in conse- 
 quence of which I am going to London, and shall depart from 
 hence next week. God bless you and succeed your pious endeav- 
 ors to reform a very wicked world. May we preserve ourselves 
 unpolluted from the defilements thereof ; pray don't neglect to 
 write to your old friend and companion. 
 
 L'. CUKWEN. 
 
 TO THOMAS DANFORTH, ESQ., LONDON. 
 
 Exeter, Feb. 20, 1777. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Your information of * * * * * puts into ray memory 
 many proverbs, of which, if it did not look too like Sancho Panza, I 
 could string near a dozen apropos. You tell me it is owing to my 
 being considered a merchant simply ; truly I think I have proved 
 myself a very simple merchant, and brought my wares to a wretch- 
 ed poor market — thanks to the kind misadvisers of * * * • 
 but they forgot or perhaps never knew that I had been in the com- 
 mission of the peace more than thirty years; nearly the same 
 period was impost officer for the county of Essex, and a captain 
 in the first Cape Breton regiment, for which I have never received 
 
100 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 any gratuity or recompense ; but no matter, past services are easily 
 forgotten, and the Hovi homines are like to reap all the emolu- 
 ments. 
 
 Please put the inclosed into a bag for Bilboa at New Lloyd's 
 Coffee-house, Exchange ; be assured it contains no love or treason ; 
 the times admit of writing on neither. 
 
 As to my return to London, I must not think of it, for the 
 operation of this new law, like the fifth act in the reign of Charles 
 n., banishes me effectually, and of course from every corporation 
 in England, and will oblige me to take up my residence from 
 (henceforth in some village. 
 
 I remain, etc. 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Exeter, Feb. 27. Set off at six o'clock in the diligence for 
 Plymouth ; at ten alighted at Ashburton, nineteen miles, for break- 
 fast ; at three arrived at Plymouth. 
 
 Feb. 28. Having taken a view of Catwater harbor, Plym 
 jiver, etc., I proceeded to the citadel, standing on an eminence, 
 being the eastern extremity of a range of bluff highlands command- 
 ing a fair prospect of the entrance from the sound, in the middle 
 whereof is an island, fortified ; the town appearing almost under 
 foot. Procuring a coach, rode to the Dock, lying at the distance 
 of two miles, passing through a settlement of a hundred houses on 
 the hither side of a stream dividing Lord Edgecombe's estate from 
 Sir John St. Aubin, on whose land the dock is built, and of whom 
 the ground is renltd, paying him yearly as lord of the manor. 
 There are many ships in the yard, chiefly on the Tamar river, (to 
 the east of which the dock-yard lies,) amongst others the Royal 
 Sovereign, the Queen, the Augusta, the Invincible ; and at the 
 quay lay the Blenheim of ninety guns, on board of which I was; 
 and on the stocks three large ones, and the Royal George of one 
 hundred guns. Passed from thence to the dock, compassed by 
 hewn stone, into which the water flows to the height of twenty-six 
 feet in some and less in others ; the water is measured by pillars, 
 Avhereon figures arc marked, and is admitted by great gates, open 
 and shut as needed. The rope-walks are of stone, of a thousand 
 feet in length ; the work is wrought under cover, the pitch and tar 
 
 II 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 101 
 
 being in vaulted cellars run athwart the building, having no com- 
 munication with each other. Each particular department has its 
 place detached from the other, and each store distant from another. 
 The stores are immense, and nothing less than the riches of the 
 whole earth seem capable of supporting such an expense. The 
 numbers daily employed in the various branches are, I am told, ten 
 thousand in the yard, and regularly called over three times a day. 
 The great regularity with which business is conducted is very ob- 
 servable, and, indeed, considering the incredible variety of branches, 
 and immense quantities of stores, the most perplexing confusions 
 would otherwise ensue. I did not hear an oath, nor see any rude- 
 ness during my stay in the yard. Within the walls are the officers' 
 houses, and many very genteel, particularly the row in which 
 the commander lives, with a handsome avenue and a decent chapeL 
 At twelve o'clock the workmen regularly go out in order, two and 
 two, to their dinner, and the axmen suffered to take as many chips 
 as they can carry, furnishing families with fuel, and the unmarried 
 with pocket-money. A little beyond the yard, containing fifty or 
 sixty acres, inclosed with a high wall, is the gun-dock, a square 
 where the artillery apparatus is lodged, and a small commodious 
 armory, but very much inferior to that of the same size in the 
 Tower of London. On our return took the route through the quarter 
 called the Storehouse, detached from the dock by a river, over 
 which is a bridge, and belongs to Lord Edgecombe, consisting of 
 a hundred houses, and additions are daily making ; in this is a building 
 called the long-room, appropriated to tea, punch, wine, etc., for pri- 
 vate companies and public assemblies, and there is an elegant room 
 with drawing-roorns adjoining, nearly fifty feet long, about thirty 
 wide, and twenty-five high, with two handsome glass chandeliers 
 and a music-gallery ; not far from this is a building with large 
 areas encompassed by high stone fences, called the Old Mill Prison, 
 now fitting up to receive American prisoners. From this we as- 
 cended a high bluff-head reaching to the citadel ; whilst here, was 
 not a little mortified to see an American privateer prize coming 
 into the harbor from Dartmouth, nor were my ears a little 
 wounded to hear another sold by auction. 
 
 Plymouth, March 1. Being called at six o'clock, I arose and 
 entered the vehicle alone, taking up a country couple at Squire 
 
 ',1(1 
 
102 
 
 JOUKNAI, AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 Parker's lodge; first stage at Ivy bridge, eleven miles, where 
 breakfasted, and from thence alighted at 12 o'clock at Totness, 
 from whence I departed to Mrs. Wingate's, late Sophia Reed, who 
 kindly received me ; from thence, after an hour's rest, set off for 
 Newton Abbott and Newton Bushel, separated only by a bridge, 
 the former being the name the whole goes by : passing by Mr. 
 Coxe's seat called Penmore Park, and at six o'clock alighted in the 
 churchyard, Exeter. 
 
 Exeter, March 7. I received a letter from London informing 
 me of my wife's health and welfare in November last, and that she 
 had been obliged to pay ten pounds sterling to find a man for the 
 American army in my stead. This intelligence I received by a 
 letter from Doctor John Prince, at Halifax. Left for Bristol in the 
 diligence, and arrived at the Bush tavern, opposite the Exchange, 
 at eight o'clock evening. 
 
 Bristol, March 8. Entered the diligence for London at one 
 o'clock at night — the frost was so intense that our breaths formed 
 a hard cake of ice on the glass, scarce to be taken off by the nails. 
 At the city of Bath we arrived, a distance of twelve miles, almost 
 stiffened with cold ; here I attempted to thaw myself, but this 
 expedient I fancy only rendered my body and feet more susceptible 
 of the cold ; suffering, till the sun arose and chased away the frost, 
 inconceivable pain. At Calne we changed horses again, and 
 attempted a second thaw with better success than the first, being 
 aided by the sun then beginning to bless the upper hemisphere, 
 shining in a cloudless sky. From hence to Marlborough the road 
 lies over a place called the Down ; at the entrance is a hill, insu- 
 lated in the form of a half egg, with the summit cut down to a 
 plain, and is called Silbury, si pposed to be made by art or the 
 hand of man, on which are somi- of the bodies of earth like those 
 surrounding Stonehenge, called tumidi ; conjectured to be burying 
 placies of the ancient Druids. Hence to Froxfield, on the borders 
 of which is an almshouse for the reception of forty-five tradesmen's 
 widows ; it has two fronts, each one hundred and fifty feet long, 
 of brick. The next town is Hungerford ; hence to Newbury, a 
 town larger in cxt«;nt and more numerous in inhabitants than Marl- 
 borough. Near this town are many single houses, which have the 
 appearance of wealthy persons' residences ; and on a pleasant plain, 
 
 Lone 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 commanding also a view of Newbury, lying lo the right as one 
 comes from Bath, is a parish called Speen ; at the entrance is a 
 lofty building to be seen about half a mile distant, on a ridge 
 of hills, having a round tower called Dunnington Castle ; the road 
 lies through a street built on what is called Speen lands, belonging 
 to the parish of that name, but is connected by buildings continued 
 to N wbury town, spreading a great extent on a low plain in a 
 bo* 'in. Here we took fresh horses, passing through two or three 
 viili'.ges to Reading, the distance of which from London is thirty- 
 nine miles ; this, the chief town of Berkshire, contains between two 
 and three thousand houses ; from a little beyond Marlborough to 
 Reading, the land is a continued flat, much of it improved, the 
 roads like garden gravel-walks, and very pleasant. At Bayswater 
 we again shifted horses, and again at Hounslow ; between those 
 two places lies the noted heath called by the name of the latter, 
 which we passed over with a slow, solemn pace in the dark, being 
 more than an hour in crossing it. We arrived safe at eight 
 o'clock, evening, at the Swan-with-two-Necks Inn, Doctors' Com- 
 mons. 
 
 London, March 9. Set forward for Judge Sewall's, where I 
 dined and passed the evening, Colonels Saltonstall and Phipps 
 being of the company : from thence I proceeded to Brompton-Row, 
 where Thomas Danforth, Edward Oxnard, and Jonathan Clarke 
 lodged, and here I engaged lodgings. 
 
 March 10. Walked out to Judge Sewall's, he having the day 
 before engaged to accompany me to the Treasury, where afte*' a 
 compliment I received information of a hundred pounds down, 
 and a hundred per annum during the troubles in America, which 
 I esteem as a providential provision procured by the friendship of 
 my respected friend Judge Sewall. 1 received an order on the bank ; 
 accompanied by him and Mr. Thomas Danforth, I took a note at 
 the cashier's office for seventy pounds payable to myself on demand, 
 and thirty pounds in cash, departing very joyous and I hope grate- 
 ful to that Being who has, by friends, been pleased in the midst of 
 gloomy prospects to set my feet on firm ground and establish ray 
 goings : may I wisely improve this gracious indulgence. 
 
 Brompton-Row, Kensington, March 1 1. Took an early walk to 
 London, and meeting Governor Hutchinson, was invited to dinner. 
 
 I 
 
 L 
 
104 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 which I accepted, and receiving his address (147 New Bond-street) 
 arrived at it ; company beside myself, his son Elisha and daugh- 
 ter, was Mr. B. Hallowell. After dinner repaired to Haymarket 
 theatre, where was entertained in a very full house by the humor- 
 ous George Alexander Stevens' lecture on heads. 
 
 March 12. Spent the evening with the Club, consisting of 
 twelve American exiles, at the Treasurer's house, Mr. Harrison 
 Gray's. 
 
 March 31. Rode to Hackney with Judge Sewall to see his 
 
 son Jonathan at school ; returned to his house to dinner, where I 
 
 passed the evening. 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH. 
 
 JVb. 23 Brompton-Row, March 19, 1777. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I am at length at my moorings in this port, not much to my 
 content except in this one circumstance, the early receipt of the 
 unum necessarium ; this, though it chases away all apprehensions 
 of future want, does not in every situation yield positive happiness; 
 perhaps I am enigmatical, — the solution must be deferred to a per- 
 sonal interview hereafter. 
 
 The only article of political news is that Gen. Washington was, 
 about the beginning of the present year, declared Lord Protector of 
 the thirteen United States of America. Mr. Timmins is arrived 
 from Boston via Cork ; he left Plymouth about the first of Febru- 
 ary ; says the affair of the Hessians was brought to Boston in four 
 days and put them in high spirits ; that the harbor of Boston is 
 strongly fortified from the lighthouse and Point Alderton to Fort 
 Nell ; the people sanguine in their expectations of a French war, 
 encouraged in their errors by the Danish, French and Spanish 
 traders, who are numerous in the port. King- street (Boston) 
 almost as much thronged with people of all nations, etc., as the 
 Strand or Cornhill ; two hundred and eighty-three prizes carried in 
 by the 23d December; four vessels with goods from France, with 
 powder, small arms, clothing and other articles ; one with twenty 
 thousand suits of military clothing, an article not a little wanted 
 among them. Young R***S*** has made twenty thou- 
 sand pounds sterling by privateering, and S. A. Otis the most im- 
 portant, busy man, as well as one of the richest there, etc. 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 105 
 
 I fancy I shall take my flight northward, as birds of passage 
 you know do, on the approach of spring. There are twenty 
 Americans going out with goods to New-York and Rhode ^sland 
 in the spring ; I think the adventures rash. Mr. Amory is delayed 
 by his wife's illness, which it is judged will soon end in mortality- 
 I have received a letter from Thomas Russell* of Boston, and 
 Russell Wyer of Salem, written in the beginning of February, 
 all well. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Kensington, March 20. Evening at club at Mr. Harrison 
 Gray's. 
 
 Sunday, March 23. To Christ Church Hospital to see the 
 children, to the number of eight hundred, sup ; admitted by a ticket 
 signed John Lane, one of the governors. The hall is a hundred 
 feet in length, and twenty feet in height, — on one side of which are 
 three pictures, the middle one sixty feet long and fifteen high ; in the 
 centre King William ; on the same range courtiers, life-guardsmen, 
 etc. In the foreground on one hand, hospital children of the males, 
 and on the other females, and all in their proper garbs : — on the left, 
 or the first from the door, of the same length is a painting of King Ed- 
 ward surrounded by his court with a roll, by mesupposed to represent 
 the first charter ofthis institution, he being the founder thereof; and 
 on the other, a piece of the same size as the last, with a full length 
 of Charles II., with astronomical and mathematical apparatus, 
 perhaps to denote him to be the founder of the mathematical 
 school here. — Three tables were spread, on each side of which 
 benches ; on a raised platform are circular seats for the spectators, 
 in the centre front a two armed chair for the governor, or treasurer, 
 whose name is Burford. Prayers are read by one of the upper 
 boys in a pulpit erected against the wall ; then singing by the 
 boys accompanied by an organ ; afterwards supper, consisting only 
 of bread and butter ; grace before and after, by one of the boys 
 in the pulpit, and service concludes with an anthem. The boys 
 
 ♦ An opulent and distinguislied merchant of Boston, whose widow mar- 
 ried Sir Grenville, son of Sir John Temple, first Consul General from Great 
 Britain to the United States. 
 
 14 
 
106 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 u 
 
 i. 
 
 come up in pairs to the platform to make their bow, and retire, 
 some with large pitchers, others with small wooden bowls, others 
 with table-cloths folded up under their arms, others with large bas- 
 kets in which the bread was brought, and others with lighted 
 candles. 
 
 March 27. Walked out with Judge Sewall and Mr. A. Wil- 
 lard to Cromwell's garden, which is in ill repair ; drank tea at the 
 house of the former, and passed the evening Avith the New Eng- 
 land Club, say " Brompton-Row Tory Club" at Mr. Blowers'. 
 
 March 31. Evening with the club at H. Gray's. 
 
 ^pril 3. Dined at Treasurer Gray's with Col. Browne and 
 John Sargent. 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH. 
 
 23 Brompton-Row, Kensington, ^pril 6, 1777. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I have nothing to communicate worth a minute's attention. 
 The various news that each morning produces, the following day 
 contradicts ; however, in general, perhaps it may be new to you 
 to know that the tories here believe the American game of inde- 
 pendency is nearly up; not so your doubting friend. Nay, so very 
 sure are some, that there is no small talk of going off in August. 
 You will scarce meet one that entertains the least shadow of a 
 doubt that government must succeed in the utmost extent of 
 its views before the fall ; the reasons and probability of which I 
 have not discernment enough to see. I wish the old Latin proverb 
 may not with too much propriety be applied to these implicit be- 
 lievers, " Canunt triumphum ante victoriam."* 
 
 I wrote you in my last that several, to the number of twenty, 
 were going off to New- York. I now add that another cargo of 
 twelve or fifteen, among whom is young Chipman, is to depart in a 
 vessel of 250 tons, laden with goods to the amount of jE80,000 
 sterling, defended by a force of 17 guns and 17 men, in ten 
 days. It is reported that the new levies, British and German, 
 going to General Howe, are in number eight thousand, and that 
 General Burgoyne is already gone, and is to take with him from 
 
 ' They celebrate the triumph before the victory is gained." 
 
1776.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 107 
 
 Canada by way of St. Lawrence river, the greater part of the 
 troops at present stationed there ; no further attempts being to be 
 made on the lakes this season. Our head-quarter folks say that 
 Lord George Germaine declared to Col. Phips, who is going this 
 day to Halifax with Admiral Montague vid Newfoundland, that 
 the first advices from America, he doubts not, will be joyful. All 
 here are expecting to hear that General Howe is in possession of 
 Philadelphia. On the contrary, the Philadelphia papers are full 
 of the great exploits of the American troops against the royal 
 army, and the promising appearances of affairs on their side ; and 
 if Gen. Washington and Gen. Gates' letters are genuine. Gen. 
 Howe and his forces are not in so fair a way to possess themselves 
 of that capital as our folks seem to fancy. Mr. Dickinson's de- 
 fection has proved a false alarm, he being only retired to his estate 
 seventy miles from Philadelphia, for what reasons politicians disa- 
 gree. His brother Dickinson and his brother-in-law Cadwallader, 
 are both commanders in the American army. Last night I heard 
 read the following, from a letter dated Portsmouth, April 10, viz., 
 " Two thousand Anspachers sailed for New-York under convoy of 
 the Somerset and Mercury : three thousand more Germans are 
 expected here to sail directly, under the St. Albans." 
 
 Yesterday morn the late right reverend the Bishop of London's 
 corpse was carried by our door on a hearse to its place of inter- 
 ment at Fulham — successor unknown ; probably the bench of 
 bishops will take care that the see of London do not stand long 
 vacant, under the modest pretence of JSTolo Episcopari. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 S. CORWEN. 
 
 Jipril 11. Drank tea and passed the evening at Mr. and Mrs. 
 Savage's, in company with Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter* and Judge 
 Sewall. 
 
 * Of Salem. 
 
 M 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
108 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Jlpril 17, 1777. At seven A. M. departed in company with 
 Judge Sewall and Mr. A. Willard, on our intended journey to Ips- 
 wich ; our first stage at Rumford, a distance of sixteen miles ; this 
 town consists of about two hundred houses, some few modern. 
 The next stage at a town called Ingatestone, not unlike the former 
 for size and style, distance twelve miles ; Witham was our third 
 stage, our fourth Colchester, famous for the manufacture of baizes, 
 and here oysters are taken from the sea and put into pits, in order 
 to give them that coppery taste so grateful to an Englishman's 
 palate, and so disgustful to a New Englander's. The streets are 
 ill paved with smallish pebbles, to ray feet so harsh and hurtful as 
 to occasion frequent complaints. In our progress came to the cas- 
 tle, built in form of one of the old barons, not improbable to have 
 been one ; it is a square ; the angles defended by round towers, 
 pierced like the body of the castle with narrow and long holes, 
 through which the inmates were wont to defend themselves by 
 arrows ; the whole crowned with battlements formerly, the remains 
 being still to be seen. The parade contains a quarter of an acre, 
 and is now cleared of the barracks it was once encumbered with ; 
 in a room up one flight of stairs, is the library, belonging to a Mr. 
 Grey, minister for the town, consisting of about two thousand old 
 books. Here a weekly society meet ; its institution, orders and 
 purposes, my curiosity did not prompt me to make any inquiry 
 into :— hence to the chapel so called, an empty room, containing 
 only a reading desk, with a large folio Bible and a large wooden 
 chair. This castle was in the time of the civil wars defended by 
 Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle for the royal cause, who 
 were, after its surrender, shot on the parade and buried under a 
 small church in the road j the precise spot on which they stood is 
 carefully preserved in memory, and told the curious visitant. The 
 only inhabitants are a family in one of the round towers, and the 
 rooks who occupy the holes on the outside in great numbers. The 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 109 
 
 site of the castle is somewhat high, has pleasant walks round, 
 planted with trees, and commands the neighboring grounds that 
 lie below it, except on the town side. On the same plain from 
 this spot we passed through the streets to another quarter of the 
 town, in which lie the St. John's Abbey gardens, now known by 
 the name of the pinnacle gardens, for reasons unknown to us, and 
 are surrounded by a lofty brick wall, and strengthened by but- 
 tresses in good repair. These I suppose are the walls of the an- 
 cient monastery grounds, embracing twenty acres. Hence we 
 proceeded home, and attended by our complaisant landlord, were 
 admitted to a sight of a tesselated Roman pavement lately discov- 
 ered in a gentleman's garden, supposed by antiquarians to have 
 been the pretorium of an old Roman encampment, it being a 
 known fact that Julius Cesar landed in his second invasion of 
 Britain in the neighborhood of this place. It is probable herea- 
 bouts was a Roman station, and the discovery of this piece of Ro- 
 man work renders the conjecture not improbable. 
 
 From hence we proceeded over to a Mr. Great's, to see the 
 portraits of Sir John Jacquey and his lady, some of the first estab- 
 lishers of the baize manufactories here. These pieces are executed 
 on wood, by Vandyke, in 1623 ; we were told they are judged to 
 be capital paintings, and it is highly probable they are, if our in- 
 formation be true that the possessors' descendants of this couple 
 have been offered a thousand guineas for them. 
 
 Colchester, Jipril 18. Departed at nine o'clock hence for Mist- 
 ley, a village in the lands of Richard Rigby, Esq., who is lord of this 
 manor. In two hours we alighted at his gardens, in extent four 
 acres within the walls ; his hot and green-houses are in fine order, 
 and supplied with common trees and shrubs, plants and vines, but 
 no exotics that are not fructiferous and of the useful kinds. Thence 
 through the pleasure grounds to the house, where, being conducted 
 through a more than Cretan labyrinth, at length arrived ; it is new 
 and elegant, but its extent does not rise above mediocrity ; its or- 
 naments are silk hangings of cream color, with faint shades of 
 blue, red, etc.; chairs the same with three very large looking- 
 glasses, a beautiful chimney-piece, of polished marble; other 
 chimney furniture, and a pyrometer I had never seen before. 
 
 We arrived at Ipswich, distant from Colchester twenty-two 
 
 f 
 
 *-.- ; 
 
 
 \i 
 
 
no 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 
 miles, where we dined. From the inn, accompanied by the master, 
 we walked along the old wall of the town to Mr. John Fonne- 
 rau's park ; the house wherein he dwells belonging to it is called 
 Christ Church, and was formerly a mnnastery of friars. The town 
 consists of old-built, ill*fashioned structures, and contains about ten 
 thousand souls. Its only trade is coals, imported from the north ; 
 but few people stirring in the streets, a visible decay. It lies on 
 the river Orwell, and is the chief county town. The corn market 
 has a small octagonal building, about twenty feet in diameter ; in 
 the centre on top stands a female statue as large as life, wi^h a fil- 
 let round her eyes ; in her right hand a sword, and w \- ■ l':fi n 
 pair of scales, loose hung, moving up and down wilu ertij' y^^ of 
 wind, perhaps to denote the instability of modern instice, or how 
 apt it is to swerve from the right line when urgeii by force or 
 interest, or moved by flattery. 
 
 Ipswich, April 19. After breakfast departed from this solitary 
 unpleasing town, very like its namesake in New England in its 
 general complexion, and in two hours arrived at Stowmarket ; 
 and soon after at St. Edmundsbury at two o'clock. Accompanied 
 by the landlord we went to view the ruins of the Abbey of St. Ed- 
 mund of Saxon time, scattered over near twenty acres now owned 
 by Sir Charles Dacres and his maiden sister. The remains of this 
 stupendous building are astonishing, many foundations of walls and 
 pil'ars being yet to be seen ; the casings almost entirely taken 
 away, scarce any part of the front or sides being left except here 
 and there a stone which serve to show the materials. Some of the 
 walls were thirty feet thick. The pillars appear to have been from 
 eight to twelve feet ; and an arch, of which the foundation yet 
 remains, was said to have been seventy feet high, and is near 
 forty in width. The foundation also of the Abbot's hall remains ; 
 its area forty-five feet each side. In a spot, perhaps the dormitory, 
 a few years since was digged up the body of the Duke of Beaufort, 
 brother to the Duke of Bedford, Regent of France during the mi- 
 nority of Henry VI., zvA was entire; a hand taken from it is pre- 
 served in spirits, and iii the l;e«?ping of a physician here. The 
 grand entrance is pr...-' .5 m. ., andisb ^^uare lofty tower; its 
 angles, like all the ancient fortified structures, covered with round 
 towers rising up to the top. The passage way through is under a 
 
 * * 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 Ill 
 
 lofty arch defended by great gates that are kept shut. Many par- 
 ticulars were told us respecting the various parts of the house, ap- 
 purtennnces and avenues, but not being noted at the time, are 
 forgotten. Among the notitia of this place by desire I insiert, 
 that the steeple .f St. James's church stands at fifty feet distance 
 from the body of the church. A house containing four windows 
 in front being between ; and on tht steeple on the same side are 
 two hour plates of clocks, to answer what purpose was beyond my 
 reach. 
 
 At three o'clock we departed from this pleasant, handsome and 
 agreeable town. On the right, about ten miles distant, Ely 
 Minster or Cathedral appeared in view. At twelve miles from 
 last stage is Newmarket, an indifferent inn, however frequented by 
 dukes and lords. We passed through the race grounds ;— the 
 races were instituted to keep and preserve a race of good hors' s in 
 honor of the nation ; but as the institution is debased, it is no the 
 best horse that wins the race, but that which is destined for it by 
 combination ; indeed, some descend so low as to circumvent one 
 another. The diversion becoming a puV ic nuisance by spreading 
 itself, the legislature took cognizance of it, and by the 13th George 
 II. a law was passed in relation to it. Departed for Cambridge 
 over a plain champaign uninclosed country . which all this quarter 
 of the country seems to consist of; at thn place we arrived at 
 seven o'clock, at the White Bear inn, where we were indifferently 
 treated at our first alighting, through the driver's foolish neglect or 
 mistake in not denoting that dignity and importance each gentle- 
 man should assume on the road in order to be respectfully treated ; 
 however, he seemed afterwards to be sensib'e of his own false 
 judgment, and partly made amends. 
 
 Cambridge, A-pril 20. At ten o'clock, taking a servant of 
 the inn along with us, we walked out in order to have a sight of 
 the inside of King's College chapel, that, by delay at Trinity 
 College, we lost. This latter is by far the most magnificent in the 
 University ; has two spacious quadrangles, the froi t and one of the 
 squares are of Portland freestone, having a beau iful reservoir of 
 water in the midst; the chambers occupy two sides, the hall and 
 * * * * room another side, and the fourth by the chapel, which 
 contained nothmg remarkable but a full length statue of Sir Isaac 
 
 V 
 
 '^ 
 
 ■^!! 
 
 f^^^ 
 
 '^■''' 
 
112 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS, 
 
 [1777. 
 
 Newton in the pomh. The other square cont.iins chambers on all 
 sides except the north or west, and is wholly improved by the 
 college library, a noble room of two hundred feet in length by 
 about seventy wide, filled with forty thousand volumes ; the alcoves 
 having on top the busts of the most famous ancient philosophers on 
 one side, and the most famous of the modern English authors, etc. 
 on the other. Here we were shown a perfect Egyptian mummy, 
 the flesh like a smoked tongue. In the same apartment was a 
 curious inscription in Greek capitals, without distinction of senten- 
 ces or words, on a marble about eighteen inches square, having a 
 plain pediment on the top ; it is called Marrnor Sandavicensis, 
 being presented by Lord Sandwich. There are also to be seen 
 some mutilated antique pillars and capitals with inscriptions in 
 Greek characters, placed on the grand staircases leading to the 
 library, given by Mr. Wortley Montague or his sister Lady Bute, 
 since her death, but which I forget ; and among them his bust in 
 marble. 
 
 From hence we departed through the college walks on the 
 banks of the river Cam, running on the back of King's College, 
 Trinity College, Caius, Trinity Hall, Clare Hall and St. John's 
 College ; over the river are three handsome stone bridges for foot 
 walking, and between them a wooden bridge called the bridle- 
 way, for horses and carriages ; the banks of the river within the 
 college grounds are faced with stone, the lawn carried down to its 
 very edge, with many slips for the advantage of the company wlio 
 shall please to divert themselves in boats on the water, flowing in 
 a very gentle stream about two rods wide. The pleasure grounds 
 arc laid out in most agreeable gravel-walks kept in the nicest 
 order, shaded with lofty trees; they are extensive, all on a level, 
 and agreeable. Leaving these delightful walks we proceeded to 
 the chapel ; it being shut, we turned our walk to take a view of 
 the other buildings. A Mr. Pearce, a fellow of St. John's College, 
 whom I met in the walks, invited us to his chamber, where we 
 abode a few minutes to look in a book for an answer to a question 
 I put them concerning the age of an ancient manuscript in the 
 University library, and for the key of the library, to which he con- 
 ducted us. It is not a handsome room, nor contains a large col- 
 lection of books; it was scarcely larger than our old Harvard 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 113 
 
 3\V of 
 
 we 
 
 !Stion 
 the 
 
 con- 
 col- 
 
 rvard 
 
 College library, and like it consisting of old books chiefly. Mr. 
 Prior was of this college, and left it a noble folio volume of all his 
 works, bound in morocco, finely gilt. Here we also saw a most 
 elegant folio edition of Dr. Samuel Clarke's Julius Caesar's Com- 
 mentaries. 
 
 Having returned to our inn, we dined, and soon departed in a 
 post-chaise through a very level road to our designed stage. Bark- 
 way, distant sixteen miles, where we lodged and breakfasted. 
 This very indifferent collection of old fashioned buildings we soon 
 left, and entered on the fine improvements of Herts. The agreeable 
 unevenness of the earth, the verdure of the fields and corn grounds, 
 and excellent improvements for which this county is noted, rendered 
 our travelling for many miles delightfully pleasant. At Ware 
 alighted in two hours from our departure from the last stage, stop- 
 ping at the Saracen's Head, to gratify my companions, whose curi- 
 osity urged them to take a view of the great bed, which I before 
 described, and made, as our informant told us, for the use of K^ng 
 Edward IV. in 1463. From hence we took the course to Hart- 
 ford, lying three miles out of our direct road to London, and in 
 two hours from hence were set down at Judge Sewall's door, after 
 a ramble of one hundred and eighty miles ; and so good-by, Essex, 
 Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire. 
 
 Passed the afternoon and evening at Judge Sewall's. 
 
 ^pril 25. With Mr. Savage attended Ijongford's sales under 
 Covent Garden piazza — viewed and examined his medals and 
 coins ; Roman, Grecian, Egyptian, Saxon, and English. Saw a 
 brass farthing of the time of the Commonwealth that sold for three 
 pounds four. 
 
 ^pril 29. Attended the exhibition in Piccadilly of Society of 
 Artists of Great Britain ; was really surprised at the meanness of 
 the portraits ; nothing appeared to my eye well executed but some 
 fruit-pieces and a few miniatures in crayons and water colors. 
 From hence Mr. Silsbee and myself adjourned to Mr. Joseph 
 Green's ; we drank tea and passed a pleasant hour. Stopped by 
 the way at Ely Palace, so called, on Holborn hill, now sold and 
 pulling down to build two rows of houses. There are yet standing 
 the chapel and hall in the old Gothic taste. 
 
 16 
 
 •.'\ 
 
 I \ 
 
 .1 I 
 
 1 111., 
 
 I n 
 
114 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 Ir ! i 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH, DEVON. 
 
 Brompton-Row, April 30, 1777. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Your favor of the 25th I received last night, and am obliged to 
 you for the intelligence it contains; all of which respecting our 
 own country was new to me, having not heard a syllable of it 
 before ; the daily news inserted in the public papers proves for the 
 most part to be manufactured here, and what is not, in event turns 
 out to be premature and void of truth. Nothing can be depended 
 on but what comes to us prepared by court cookery in the Gazette, 
 nor do I think administration to blame fov withholding part, the 
 whole truth not being fit to be divulged in these captious, licentious 
 times. I have wholly laid aside all rpgard to what is said to be 
 brought by expresses from America, but what comes immediately 
 from General or Lord Howe, or is contained in the American news- 
 papers, of which we have now and then a sight in the New Eng- 
 land Coffee-house. Nothing very important has of late come from 
 that quarter, except the death of General Washington and the 
 taking of Ticonderoga, both of these yet being matters of doubt 
 and dispute, as people wish, fear, or hope. Since my last I have 
 rfimbled through Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Hertford for 
 five days, in company with Judge Sewall and Mr. Abel Willard, 
 and am now about departing, say next Monday, for Oxford, and 
 from thence quo fata trahaiU ; designing never to make London 
 or its environs my future abode ; — the inhabitants, however, I hold 
 in much higher estimation than those of almost every other place. 
 
 God bless your reverence, and succeed your pious endeavors to 
 reform your flock, and I hope for and depend on your prayers, 
 and remain, 
 
 Very truly your friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Brompton-Row, Keitsington, May 1, 1777. Dined at Gilbert 
 Harrison's with my friend John Timmins, the two Debloises,* 
 Benjamin Faneuil, and two ladies. 
 
 * Late of Salem. 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 115 
 
 May 3. Dined at Judge Sewall's ; from thence walked to 
 London to engage a seat in the dihgence to Oxford, designing to 
 take that city in my way to the country, where for some months 
 I propose to abide, but in what quarter chance must determine. I 
 go hence like Abraham of old ; may the same kind and almighty 
 Protector be my guide and defence. 
 
 May 5. Departed in the diligence, in which we found a late Ox- 
 ford scholar, who proved a pleasant, chatty, well-bred companion ; 
 the road for the first eight miles as far as Acton, clear, level and 
 pleasant as a garden gravel-walk : from thence it assumed a differ" 
 ent face, and from Uxbridge to Oxford, especially through Bucking- 
 hamshire, generally a rich soil and well improved lands. The other 
 towns lying in the road were Beaconsfield and High Wycombe ; in 
 the latter lies Lord Shelburne's seat, pleasure grounds and park all 
 in view ; a little beyond is Lord Despenser's, much more cultivated 
 and in better order. On the right and on an eminence, stands an 
 edifice styled " the Mausoleum," of a peculiar construction ; but the 
 inclination of my fellow travellers permitted me not to take a 
 nearer view than the transient sight as we passed the road. From 
 hence through a parish called Stoken-Church, and on bad roads* 
 we arrived at the Star inn, Oxford, not having stopped to refresh ; 
 here we called for dinner and engaged lodgings. 
 
 Oxford, May 6. After breakfast walked out to deliver Dr« 
 Chandler's letter to a fellow of Queen's College, named Monkhouse, 
 who received us respectfully enough, detained us in his room an 
 hour, and from thence conducted us through the hall, chapel, libra- 
 ry of hi< own college, and after settling the route went to the the- 
 atre, Radcliffe library. Clarendon press, and the schools. After re- 
 peated invitations to dine in their hall, we declined for the purpose 
 of examining the Oxford Guide in our retirement. In the hall 
 of Jesus College were admitted to a sight of the plate ; among 
 others is a bowl and ladle of silver double gilt, and holding ten 
 gallons, the gift of Sir Watkins William Wynne ; here is also a 
 book of the college statutes written on vellum, and kept in a glass 
 case, having the characters as perfect and just as if struck on cop- 
 perplate. From hence to our lodgings ; soon after our companion 
 Mr. Monkhouse came and conducted us through the Radcliffe In- 
 firmary, open to all the nation, and filled with every conceivable 
 
 0\ i 
 
 ! -^ 
 
 1?! 
 
 I' I 
 
 11 
 
116 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEKS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 accommodation and supply, and kept in the neatest order. From 
 thence to the observatory, and from thence to the park, being a 
 long circular laid gravel walk round the improved fields, part of 
 which is bordered by lofty elms ; its high situation affords a fine 
 extended prospect of the country under high cultivation ; part of 
 the city on the other side adds to the pleasure of the walk. 
 
 The grounds belong lO Merton College, but the walks are 
 ^maintained at the University expense and common to it ; on our re- 
 turn back we met two gownsmen both of our college, (Harvard,) 
 ■one of whom was Dr. Nicholson mentioned in the superscription of 
 our letter, with whom and a Mr. Hamilton, (a partner in the print- 
 ing of the Oxford Bibles and Prayer Book, the sole liberty of which 
 is confined to the two Universities and the king's press,) and a few 
 gentlemen besides in the common room which all the colleges are 
 furnished with. 7th. Breakfasted at Mr. Deblois's by invitation, and 
 after returned to our lodgings, to which Mr. Monkhouse soon came 
 and conducted us to the Divinity school, having a curious roof of 
 stone, and in as bold a style as King's College Chapel, Cambridge ; 
 from thence returned back into the convocation room ; and here 
 we spent some time in looking into the statute book and libra nigra ; 
 in the anteroom I saw the vice chancellor in his robes and the two 
 proctors, waiting for the completing a convocation, (consisting of 
 twelve at least.) We were in hopes to see a baccalaureate degree 
 given to one of the students of Queen's College, but the difficulty 
 of making a convocation delayed the ceremony too long for our 
 leisure ; by this delay was deprived of a sight I should have been 
 greatly pleased with. Hence we ascended to the picture gallery, 
 and from thence to the Bodleian library, which did not come up 
 to my idea ; 'tis an old room, its form an H ; there are many re- 
 cesses surrounded with lattice work in which the students retire 
 to read, transcribe, etc.; saw but few employed in that business. 
 From hence we passed over to the Ashmolean museum j here we 
 were entertained but indifferently. In the staircase are a dead 
 Christ of Carrachi, and the Tradescant family, by what hands I 
 know not ; in the room a small miniature of St. Cuthbert in a gold 
 gorget, said to have been worn by Alfred the Great ; some very 
 nice frivolous carvings in peach and cherry stones ; the hat Brad- 
 sbaw is said to have had on when be sat in judgment and condemn- 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 m 
 
 ed king Charles ; the skull of Cromwell, said to be known by a 
 small excrescence on the bone just above the eye, etc. 
 
 Retreated to the inn, dined, and being attended by G. Deblois's 
 father, I walked to Christ Church College, the most noble of any 
 in the University ; entered the picture rooms, crowded by paintings 
 of the most celebrated masters, being the gift of the late General 
 Guise, for the reception of which these rooms were fitted. Above 
 is the library of very fine bound books, placed in a room of about 
 two hundred feet long, sixty wide, and twenty-five high ; the ceil- 
 ing finely stuccoed as well as the walls in each kind of relief, in 
 oval and other figured compartments. The books are in cases of 
 oak, handsomely carved, and many seats in the same style. The 
 hall into which I entered whilst some of the students were at din- 
 ner, is a noble room of the length apparently of the library, and 
 wider ; the ceiling is of oak, supported from above, and in the 
 centre of each square compartment into which it is laid, is a gilt 
 rose ; the walls in a line on each side filled with portraits, on the 
 ends with full lengths. I remember none of them but Lord Mans- 
 field's, over the door in his judicial robes. Here I was accosted 
 by a well bred sensible young student, with whom I held conversa- 
 tion. Leaving him I departed, passing through the walk belong- 
 ing to this college, of a mile in length, bordered on each side for 
 part of the way by lofty trees, rendering it most delightful. Our 
 next delay was at Corpus Christi, into the chapel of which I just 
 peeped, and from thence into Oriel ; both of these are small foun- 
 dations. Arriving at the inn, dismi'^sed my attendant, and soon 
 after being called upon according to promise by Mr. Monkhouse, 
 with whom I went to the schools. In two apartments the Arun- 
 delian marbles (and collection of statues presented to the Univer- 
 sity by the Countess of Pembroke) are kept; the statues are 
 larger and smaller than the life. 
 
 From hence we adjourned to Allsouls College ; the house for 
 the reception of the books was built by Col. Codrington, formerly 
 a member of this house, whose statue in white marble stands in the 
 centre of the room, a noble one indeed ; — the ceiling and walls 
 elegantly stuccoed, the books, very numerous, stand in beautiful 
 cases ; a fund producing two thousand pounds a year is allotted 
 for the increasing of it ; by this provision it will in time become 
 
 'SI 
 
 M' 
 
 ^ •! 
 
 
 ^n 
 
118 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS, 
 
 [1777. 
 
 the largest and best in the University. From thence we adjourned 
 to the chapel, a beautiful room j over the altar stands a masterly 
 performance of a Mr. Minkes, the Spanish king's painter, of Christ 
 making himself known to Mary Magdalene in the garden, just at 
 the point of time when she having said to him, " If thou be the 
 gardener, and have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid 
 him ;" he replied, " Mary," and she turning about discovered it 
 was the Lord j this filling her with surprise, admiration, love, a 
 mixture of all these various passions is finely expressed in her 
 countenance ; and in his, self-composure, dignity, meekness. Over 
 this, in a semi-circular compartment, are many full lengths, being 
 the assumption of the founder Henry Chichely ; he is dressed in 
 rich robes, his eyes raised upwards, attended by angels. 
 
 From this pleasing spot we proceeded to Christ Church Col- 
 lege, in Peckwater-square ; meeting Sir Francis Bernard* with a 
 son now educating here, was introduced to Doctor Leigh of Baliol 
 College, who was elected in 1727, and is now a sprightly and 
 active little old gentleman of eighty-six. We reached the church, 
 said to be almost the only remains of a public building in the 
 Norman style, supposed to have been standing eight or nine hun- 
 dred years. It was anciently an Abbey church, dedicated to St. 
 Frideswide, whose tomb is yet standing ; here we were shown 
 several pieces of richly embossed double gilt plate, some of which 
 were dug from the ruins of Oshey Abbey, where it had been lying 
 for ages. The old abbey, distant from hence about eight miles, has 
 been removed to this spot. Passed this evening as the last, in the 
 same common room, and with the same company, with the addition 
 of one or two more, hearing many sarcastic speeches concerning 
 our New England follies and absurdities ; but every country has its 
 characteristic ones, and that comforts me under the but too just 
 ridicule we are loaded with. 
 
 May 8. Took our farewell of G. Deblois's father and family — 
 walking out in order to take our last leave of Mr. Monkhouse, 
 whom we met, and were conducted by him through New College 
 and its pleasant grounds, and back to the inn ; making our ac- 
 knowledgments, we took leave, and soon entering the post-chaise, 
 
 ♦ Governor < f Miissnchiiselts from 1700 to 1709. 
 
I ■ ^^ •. 
 
 1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND L! 
 
 ' T E R S . 
 
 119 
 
 departed for Woodstock, distant six miles, through dirty roads ; 
 were set down at the Bear inn. We loitered through the town, 
 and at three o'clock, the hour appointed for viewing Blenheim 
 House, we proceeded to the park gate, an enormous portal, in the 
 triumphal style, with an inscription cut in the list, importing by 
 whom and when it was erected ; from this we have an obliqutj 
 view of that enormous load of building called Blenheim House, 
 the first sight of which reminded me of that sarcastic couplet on 
 the architect : 
 
 " Lie heavy on liini, earth, for he 
 Hath laid a cumbrous pile on thee." 
 
 ust 
 
 The near approach did not fail to add to the disgust I first re- 
 ceived : — the huge piles that sustain the arcades, the almost un- 
 spannible pillars, and the inordinate size and clumsiness of its 
 outside appearance, were fully recompensed by the elegance and 
 grandeur of the rooms, the beauty of the tapestry, and the capital 
 paintings with which the apartments are filled. The saloon is a 
 noble room ; the library possesses a grandeur and elegance inex- 
 pressible. From this famed edifice we returned the same way by 
 which we entered, took a post-chaise and rode across the country 
 to Bicester, through fields and private grounds, passing gates, etc., 
 the soil light and barren ; few fields of grain, but chiefly uninclosed 
 heaths for sheep walks. This town ha.' no manufactures, wood 
 scarce and coals dear: it abounds in houses for the sale of spirituous 
 liquors ; we met in our ramble not less than a score. Lodged at 
 the King's Arms, the most magnificent edifice of the whole. 
 
 Bicester, May 9. Departed early for Buckingham, and alight- 
 ing at Lord Temple's Arms, we breakfasted, and soon after left for 
 Stow Gardens, passing for a mile over a straight, level road through 
 Lord George Germaine's grounds, adjoining to the gardens on the 
 borders of which, and facing the road, stands a light, lofty trium- 
 phal arch ; leaving this on our left, we proceeded to the inn, and 
 from thence to the gate ; being admitted, we remained two hours 
 in going through the gardens and house, the front of which is built 
 in a more pleasing style by far than Blenheim, not, however, to be 
 compared to it in extent and compass. These gardens are not to be 
 matched for grandeur, variety and taste in England, perhaps the 
 
 1 ^t 
 
 ly 
 
 ' I 
 
 \ 
 
 "? 
 
 II 
 
120 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 world. They are capable of amusing for a much longer time than 
 I could allot, being viewed by me currente pede. — Having trav- 
 ersed the pleasure grounds half through, we arrived at the house, 
 the front of which has a very noble and airy appearance ; ascend- 
 ing a lofty flight of steps, we saw an elderly person sitting on a 
 settee in half mourning, by the front door under the portico sup- 
 ported by lofty pillars of the Corinthian order; approaching nearer 
 I espied a star on his right bieast, by which I recognized Earl 
 Temple. Pulling oflP my hat, I was going to retire, when he put 
 his hand to his hat, and beckoned with the other to approach, 
 which we did, and entered the great hall yet unfinished, the whole 
 front having been Ir.tely taken down ; the outside is finished, but 
 within is yet in hand ; many of the rooms are in disorder, though 
 enough to manifest the elegance and grandeur of the owner's taste 
 and riches. From hence we set forward, passing through my 
 lord's grounds five miles, and Whittlebury Forest, belonging to the 
 estate of the Duke of Grafton, called Easton; which, with the 
 other grounds we passed, till our arrival at the turnpike road, were 
 insufferably bad, besides being delayed by a multitude of gates, for 
 which purpose we brought a young lad to open them. The ap- 
 pearance of the earth in this stage was greatly altered for the bet- 
 ter, being diversified with hills and dales under better cultivation, 
 and the nature of the soil more fertile. The fences for many miles 
 of rails, such as are frequent in our own country, intended to defend 
 the young live hedges just set out, inclosures here just beginning to 
 take place. At 4 o'clock alighted at the Saracen's Head, Wor- 
 cester ; here we abode no longer than to dine, and taking another 
 post-chaise, departed for Daventry, passing through a village 
 called Whadon, where we supped and lodged, 
 
 Daventry, May 10. A. M. Took coach for Coventry, passing 
 through a finely improved, fertile country, and in three hours 
 alighted at an inn just without the city ; a regiment of horse 
 called the Inniskilliners, were reviewing ; a body of stout, likely 
 men, dressed in red turned up with buff, and exceedingly well 
 mounted. 
 
 Coventry is an old built city, noted for the ribbon weaving busi- 
 ness ; here we were delayed some time ; took fresh horses ; our 
 road lay over a new canal between Oxford and the last mentioned 
 
 o'cl 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEES. 
 
 12* 
 
 city, designed for the cheaper and more expeditious conveyance of 
 coals that these parts abound in, by which '' " former will be sup- 
 plied at less than half the present price. In . road lay a village, 
 called Dunchurch ; a little beyond is a long terrace road raised 
 above the level nearly three feet, and continued for more than 
 three miles almost in a straight line, and bordered on each side by 
 evergreens and elms, planted by the lord of the royalty, through 
 whose lands it runs, rendering it inexpressibly pleasing to the eye 
 of the traveller. 
 
 From Coventry to Birmingham we were delayed by scores of 
 wagons bound from thence, laden with goods, coals, etc., and at 
 four o'clock alighted at the Dolphin inn, Birmingham, in the street 
 called the Bullring, where we intend to remain ten days, (after a 
 circuit of a hundred and fifty miles,) if agreeable. 
 
 Birmingham, May 13. Being called upon by Mr. G. Russell,, 
 we set off on foot for his bouse at Moseley Wake Green, having, 
 been invited the Sunday before to dine on this day ; our company 
 consisted of his brother and lady and sister. 
 
 May 17. Waited on Mr. Wilkinson at his house, but he was 
 absent ; afterwards went with ray companion to the locks on the 
 canal, and saw several boats go through, an amusing sight to him 
 which he had never seen before. 
 
 May 19. Having engaged horses the night before at eight 
 o'clock, booted and spurred we mounted our Rosinantes, and de- 
 parted for the Leasowes, late pleasure grounds of the famed Shen- 
 stone, and Hagley, the estate of Lord Littleton ; the former distant 
 six miles, the latter eleven, on the same road. Here we arrived 
 at eleven o'clock, passing through a town called Hales Owen, of 
 considerable extent, and by its appearance in the same way of 
 business as Birmingham. Attended by the gardener in the absence 
 of the park keeper, we walked over my lord's grounds, almost in 
 the centre of which stands Hagley parish church, a small building 
 in a shady recess ; passing this we ascended an eminence. On a 
 plain surrounded on all sides but in front with lofty trees, stands a 
 pillar with a statue of the late Prince of Wales, (father of his 
 present majesty,) dedicated to his memory by the late Lord Little- 
 ton, who was one of the prince's household and favorites. This 
 spot commanded a sloping view of a pleasant lawn, bounded by 
 
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 the mansion house, a large oblong edifice of two stories and an 
 attic, with a low four-square tower on each angle, and a flat roof. 
 The exterior of the house is plain and void of ornament ; over 
 the lawns are planted clumps of trees by which the views are di- 
 versified. From the heights in narrow channels run many small 
 streams, one discharging itself into a pool filled with trout, etc. ; 
 over this is thrown a bridge with an alcove. The grounds contain 
 in extent four hundred acres ; and trees are planted so artificially 
 as to yield an appearance hardly to be distinguished from nature a 
 little improved ; here are to be seen pillars, urns, rotundas, alcoves 
 and field seats judiciously disposed : amongst them an urn dedi- 
 cated to the memory of Alexander Pope, on which is an inscription 
 savoring of flattery. 
 
 Returning by the way we went, we alighted at the Golden 
 Cross, Hales Owen, where we were furnished with a room by our- 
 selves and dinner. On this day wat held a fair in this town; seeing 
 a large multitude collected I would {ft!n have mixed with the people, 
 but the curiosity of my companion not prompting him, and my 
 fatigue by an execrable hard trotter rendering me indisposed to 
 needless exercise, prevented our seeing the humors of this part of 
 the country. In passing the road a few fui longs before, we arrived 
 at this town ; about an inn were collected two companies of 
 tradesmen with black rods tipped with brass. They assemble at 
 certain times and a r under certain rules ; have a public box, sup- 
 plying a fund to be employed in maintaining the sick, blind, 
 wounded and disabled, and finally burying members and their 
 wives. Their regulations have a happy tendency to promote 
 among the laboring handicraftsmen cleanliness, good manners, 
 order and sociability. 
 
 The road to Hagley in general is though level but tolerably 
 good ; the views pleasing ; at two o'clock we arrived at the Lea- 
 sowes, now in possession of a Squire Home. Attended by the 
 gardener we entered through what is called the priory gate, a 
 gateway and arch formed by old stumps and moss, communicating 
 with a serpentine walk on a shady bank of a stream runnii:^' through 
 a craggy wild bottom to the pool now emptied of its waters. It is 
 supplied also by another meandering stream, on the banks of which 
 are judiciously placed statues, urns, and resting seats, from each of 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LET: RS. 
 
 12" 
 
 which appear most agreeable and diverting objects, varied from 
 each other in every remove, consisting of hills, dales, stroaoi^, 
 houses, and clumps, rows, and forests of trees on lands in high culti- 
 vation. The closing scene was a natural perspective view of a 
 charming cascade running in various directions, the whole, almost, 
 the eye could trace through bending oaks and osiers, from a spot 
 whereon is placed an urn inscribed to Virgil and called his grotto 
 or recess. Hence to the mossy bower or grotto, where after resting 
 I reluctantly mounted my horse, and arrived at my new lodgbgs 
 No. 20 Moor-street, at eight o'clock, much fatigued. 
 
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 CHAPTER VI, 
 
 Birmingham, May 20, 1777. Breakfasted with Mr. G. Rus- 
 sell, and with him proceeded to a Mr. Onion's, in order to have a 
 sight of his auriculas and polyanthuses, of which he has a great 
 variety, and of the finest hues and stripes. Mr. Russell having 
 invited company to meet us, we returned to his house to dinner, 
 and passed the day agreeably. Arrived at our lodgings before nine 
 o'clock. 
 
 May 22. A fair begins here to day, proclaimed by the bailiffs, 
 constables, wardens, etc., in procession, beginning at eleven o'clock. 
 Streets crowded, many people coming in from the country ; a day 
 of jollity rather than business, and the evening ends in riot, drunk- 
 enness, etc. The low bailiff is the first officer in dignity, and by 
 custom is chosen from the dissenters. He nominates the jury, who 
 appoints the constables ; he also presides in the courts leet, gives a 
 yearly feast, and has no further concern in town affairs. His service 
 continues a year. The high constable inspects the markets, and is 
 appointed for life by the lord lieutenant of the county. 
 
 May 24. Walked to Soho Gardens ; the grounds naturally 
 capable of improvements in a high degree ; they already consist of 
 gravel walks in the serpentine form, shrubbery, flower borders, an 
 occasional cascade running down a narrow pebbled canal, and 
 emerging into a pond below, containing two islands. Took an 
 afternoon ramble with my companion to Ashton Park, now in pos- 
 session of Lady Holt, about two miles distant ; the richness of the 
 soil and high cultivation they are in, almost ravished ray companion. 
 It is almost surrounded with a lofty brick wall, and is agreeably 
 diversified by rows of trees, clumps and single trees, with many 
 large spots of clean lands. The house is of brick in the old Gothic 
 style, very large, having battlements on its top and round turrets. 
 The church standing on the lands and adjoining the avenues of 
 the mansion house of the estate of Sir Charles HoJt, is remarkable 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 126 
 
 for the smallness of the building, and the loftiness of the tower 
 and spire. Returned home not a little fatigued. 
 
 May 26. Left Birmingham for Sheffield, our iirst intended 
 stage being the city of Litchfield, sixteen miles ; roads level and 
 sandy, the lands in sight barren and uninclosed. Just without the 
 city, and in a field adjoining, we saw for the first time the English 
 militia ; the men were as likely and well accoutred as the king's 
 troops, and as clean and well dressed. Arrived at the George inn, 
 where we bespoke dinner, and while it was preparing, walked 
 forth to view the city and cathedral ; the former of about eight 
 thousand inhabitants, houses mostly in the old style, few shops and 
 little appearance of business. The cathedral is a venerable pile ; 
 round the western part of the building stand in mutilated condition 
 many statues, being defaced, as some of its inside ornaments were 
 by the zealots of Cromwell's party in the unhappy times of Charles 
 L There is nothing remarkable within except a curiously wrought 
 screen of stone, separating the altar from the chapel of the Ten 
 Virgins, to whom it was dedicated, and where prayers at six in the 
 morning are daily said. The niches in which the Virgins stood 
 have remained unfilled ever since the pious purgators of those 
 times of confusion before mentioned ; and as another instance of 
 their enthusiastic madness, they broke to pieces all the stained 
 glass belonging to this church. Over the western door is an in- 
 scription, stating that this church was erectr' in the 657th year of 
 the Christian era, was endowed by Ofia in lug Saxon times, and 
 by Henry II. and Richard I. since. In a flat tomb against the fourth 
 wall lies a Dean Haywood, who, many years since, fantastically 
 attempting to imitate our Saviour in fasting forty days, died in four- 
 teen, a martyr to his folly ; two statues, one resembling him in his 
 full bulk, and the other in his emaciated state, remain as monu- 
 ments to perpetuate his impious folly. 
 
 From this survey we returned to dinner. Arrived at Burton at 
 four o'clock, over roads almost an entire level, as soft as a carpet, 
 and in a straight direction as far as the eye could reach. At the 
 distance of eight miles from our last stage we passed the Trent, 
 near to where the great Staffordshire canal (joining the Trent and 
 Severn) begins ; crossing and recrossing it, and travelling on its 
 banks and within sight for many miles This canal is carried over 
 
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 [1777. 
 
 the small river Dove and many streams. Took our departure for 
 Derby ; the roads as pleasmg as last stage till near the town, when 
 the face of the country became hilly and uneven, yielding a new 
 picture to the eye. Stopped at the George-and-Dragon inn, 
 Derby; took tea, and accompanied by my fellow traveller, rambled 
 through the town, which appears to be of considerable extent, 
 having four Episcopal churches. The streets are paved with small 
 pebbles ; some of them of a convenient width, the rest narrow, 
 having a gutter in the middle, common to most of the paved towns. 
 Here is a square, paved, serving as a parade for the military, par- 
 ties of which are posted in every great town. One side is built on 
 arches, foiming a shelter for the inhabitants from inclement 
 weather. There is great appearance of trade, and, indeed, the silk 
 mills, flatting and rolling mills, and lead works, employ many 
 hands. Here are also many shops, which for size and arrange- 
 ment resemble those of London. 
 
 Derby, May 27. We visited the famous silk mills, and were 
 told by the master workman that ninety-seven thousand movements 
 were set to work by a single large water wheel. The house is 
 two hundred feet long and thirty-six feet wide, and has five floors, 
 each filled by machines. 
 
 From thence made a visit to the porcelain manufactory ; — the 
 principal ingredient is common flint stones reduced to an impalpa- 
 ble powder after being broken in a water mill. All the images 
 are cast in very small parts at first, joined together by hand, as the 
 head, the hands, etc. ; the moulds are made of plaster of Paris, and 
 not bigger than the outside shell of a large walnut, which they 
 resemble, aud like them consist of four parts. The fancy pieces, 
 as flowers, images, etc., are formed a clear liquor poured into the 
 moulds ; in less than two minutes, by absorbing the liquor, leaves 
 a solid figure, which after it is dried is painted, gilded, etc., and 
 passes the fire four several times, and if gilt undergoes polishing to 
 bring it to its lustre. 
 
 From this cursory survey we returned to our inn, and departed 
 for Lord Scarsdale's seat, called Kiddlostone, four miles distant. 
 Arrived at the portal and lodge in the form of a triumphal arch 
 built of stone ; through this we were admitted into the park, ob- 
 servable for the greatest quantity of large white oaks and elms. 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS, 
 
 197 
 
 taves 
 
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 About a mile from the entrance over a straight, clean carpet road, 
 we came to the lawn terminated by the house, making a noble ap- 
 pearance ; passing a large handsome stone bridge thrown over a 
 fine stream made by art. On the lawn, on every side of the house, 
 are large single oaks, also many clumps and rows, which with the 
 great herds of horned cattle make a most picturesque view. The 
 entrance to the house is by a double flight of steps under a grand 
 portico, being formed of noble columns supporting a pediment, 
 having in front my lord's arras, and crowned on the top with three 
 female figures, erect, representing plenty, peace, and wisdom. 
 The centre contains the great hall, and on the back front the sa- 
 loon ; the ceiling of the former is supported by fourteen red veined 
 alabaster fluted pillars of the Corinthian order on each side ; its 
 height 40 feet, length 67, and width 42 ; the pannels of the doors 
 light airy papier mache manufacture ; the designs are from Greek 
 and Roman mythology ; the flooring the most beautiful clear oak, 
 taken from my lord's forests, as the pillars are from his own 
 quarry, and bear an excellent polish. The wings are connected 
 by circular corridors, and in each wing twenty-one rooms on a floor 
 elegantly finished and furnished. The state bed has very curiously 
 carved posts, its furniture and hangings blue damask ; ray lady's 
 dressing plate the greatest in quantity of any I have seen except 
 the queen's, and is silver embossed double gilt. My lady was at 
 home, and remained to indulge us with a sight of every part of the 
 house. The living of ray lord and lady when in the country is 
 quite in the family way. Their eldest daughter, going in a loose 
 country dress to take a ramble over the lawn, on discovering us 
 retreated bank and disappeared. This house for situation, elegance 
 and grandeur united, need not yield to any. 
 
 From this pleasing spot we departed for Ashburn, the first 
 town on the peak; 'tis a country town, has a market and an Epis- 
 copal church, but is remarkable for nothing that I could learn ex- 
 cept its being a station for those whose curiosity brings them 
 rather to view Dovedale and Islam gardens, the residence of old 
 Chaucer, where strangers are shown the very spot in which he 
 wrote many of his pieces. 
 
 May 28. Rising early we departed in a post-chaise for Cas- 
 tleton, situated near the mouth of the Devil's Peak ; the road is 
 over bare and dreary hills ; the whole country that is inclosed is by 
 
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 stone walls, being extremely barren of trees, shrubs, and bushes, 
 many hundred acres together not having the appearance of either. 
 The divisions of land much larger than to be met with elsewhere, 
 and scarce a house to be seen, being situated, I presume, in bottoms 
 laid from the road ; the sheep are small, and distinguished from all 
 others by a kind of ruff or ridge of long hair round the neck ; from 
 the plain we descended into the town, lying in the bottom, in a 
 road encompassing half the ridge of mountains, extending to a great 
 length from hence ; this road in many places is very steep, and at 
 almost every step hazardous, and the accident of the horses stum- 
 bling, the reins breaking, or wheels coming off, would throw one 
 down a precipice, when nothing short of a miracle could preserve 
 him from destruction. The tower of the church, of an ordinary 
 height, when first discovered seemed to be many hundred feet be- 
 neath us. Arrived at the George inn, and took the guide, who 
 seasonably arrived with some gentlemen whom he had just at- 
 tended through the cavern. 
 
 Set off from the inn to visit this remarkable subterraneous 
 frightful pit, etc., distance from hence about five hundred yards ; the 
 entrance is between two lofty eminences, almost perpendicular, or 
 rather overhanging, of a height eighty-seven yards ; its appearance 
 awfully great and terrifying ; part is craggy and clothed in trees 
 and shrubs. The passage into this natural cave is under an arch 
 fourteen yards high and forty wide, rising somewhat higher; 
 within the first cave resides a woman of thirty-seven years of age, 
 who was born in a hut here, and has inhabited it ever since ; — 
 besides her, here are dwelling two more families, and several of 
 the town's people who daily resort here to labor in the twine spin- 
 ning, ill which business more than a score are daily employed. 
 Light enough is admitted to do that and any common work ; from 
 the mouth to the further end of post cavern is eighty yards, and 
 from thence to the first water is seventy yards, making in all one 
 hundred and fifty yards. Over this water, fourteen yards in length, 
 I war conveyed in a small boat, for the greater part of the distance 
 lying on my back ; the arch being too low to sit upright. The depth 
 of the water is two and a half feet, which the guide, Robert Dakin, 
 waded through, pushing the boat before him. My companion 
 choosing me to explore the unknown regions, I first entered, and 
 he took the second passage, and I waited for him before I pro- 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 129 
 
 ceeded. At the further end of the first cave, a good woman with 
 a dozen candles attended to furnish each of us with one, which, 
 having lighted, each took in his hand and proceeded from the 
 first water, one by one, in a narrow path to another cavern distant 
 ninety yards, the width of which was seventy yards, and height 
 forty ; from hence at a small distance is the second water, over 
 which I was carried first on our guide's back ten yards ; its depth 
 is perhaps a foot. My companion next followed at the right of 
 the attendants, and forded it on foot. Our next stage was in a 
 cave called Roger Rains, from a continual dropping through the 
 rocks and earth. The entrance to the grand cavern is under an 
 arch fifteen rods high ; this forms a kind of hanging gallery, on 
 the top of which stood seven singers, each holding a lighted candle 
 in his hand. They entertained us with " Fill, fill the g/asses ;" 
 the splendor of the lights reflected from the vaulted roof, and the 
 grand echo, pleased us beyond expressi.>n. On our return we were 
 saluted by this same company with " God save the king^ From 
 hence we went forward to the Devil's cellar ; of the origin of this 
 name we could not be informed ; there is nothing in its appear- 
 ance hideous, nor from whence we could conjecture its name. 
 Here we descended fifty yards on a road of firm sand, and from 
 hence the path leads to the cascade, which is heard at con- 
 siderable distance ; the discharge is by a stream dividing itself into 
 two channels, crossing the cavern and continued under the hill, at 
 the bottom of which, at its opposite foot, it forms a small river. 
 From hence to a place called " the top," and thence to the 
 four regular arches, as regular as if formed by design ; and from 
 hence to Tom of Lincoln, (so called from its resemblance to the top 
 of a bell and its enormous magnitude,) and from thence to the ex- 
 tremity of the cavern, distant from its mouth seven hundred and 
 fifty yards. The level at the further end of the cavern was taken 
 by Doctor Solander and Mr. Banks, and is two hundred and fifty 
 yards ; — the char.ming appearance of the external light on our ap- 
 proach towards the first cave, on our return back, excited a most 
 pleasing sensation. Over the cavern is an ancient fortification in 
 the Roman manner. After discharging the customary dues for 
 candles, singers, etc., through a crowd of beggars who always 
 attend strangers at the mouth on their return, which we were cau- 
 
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 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 tioned to neglect, passed on to our inn, where we dined, and soon 
 departed for Sheffield, where we arrived about six o'clock, and 
 alighted at the George inn. 
 
 ShpJJield, May 29. Presented an introductory letter from Mr. 
 George Russell of Birmingham to his correspondent, a Mr. Broom- 
 head, whose reception of us at first was cool, but his after de- 
 meanor and hospitality much more than counterbalanced the 
 former ; I rather imputed it to an honest bluntness and ignorance 
 of forms. He is a wealthy cutler, whose principal business lay in 
 the American line. Attended by him we walked round the town 
 to several branches, as rolling mills, grinding cutlery, white lead 
 mill, etc. After dinner strolled amongst the multitude to t'^p race 
 ground called " Crooke's Moor ;" the number supposed to be full 
 twenty thousand. From a lofty stand opposite the ground I had a 
 full view of the race ; four heats were run, the first by seven horses ; 
 the plate, a silver gilt cup, worth seventy pounds, was gained 
 by a horse called " Why not," who, on the two first heats was 
 almost distanced. The humors of the race I had an opportunity 
 of seeing in perfection ; the different passions wherewith they were 
 agitated afforded me no small diversion. The horses were called 
 by the names of their riders, who were differently clothed, as pink, 
 orange, scarlet, striped, etc. etc. The plate procured by subscrip- 
 tion of the town, was carried by the constable attended by the town 
 officers in their habits, preceded by a flag. On the ground were 
 erected many stands, and all filled ; the last heat was scarcely 
 over till nine o'clock in the evening. 
 
 May 30. Called on Mr. J. Broomhead, and with him walked 
 through the town to the colliery, so called, being a road-way 
 from the Duke of Norfolk's pits to the yard, in which the coal 
 is taken up into carfs and conveyed to town ; the descent easy, 
 and by means of a spring, the carts, without horses, under the guid- 
 ance of a man, being conveyed by a sort of self-motion for more 
 than a mile. At the end of the way the carts are run on stages, 
 through which, by tilting them, the contents are discharged. After 
 a view of this curious contrivance, we retired homewards, but 
 meeting Mr. Aspden of Philadelphia, a gentleman with whom we 
 dined at Mr. Smith's in Birmingham a few days before, agreed to 
 join company, and immediately departed in a stage coach from 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 131 
 
 Sheffield, and arrived at Black Barnsicy through a delightful though 
 uneven road ; distance fourteen miles. Here we took post-chaises, 
 and in two hours alighted at Wakefield, a clothing town, wherein 
 appear evident tokens of taste in building and of wealth ; the av- 
 enues to it delightful, the roads like a carpet walk, on one side a 
 raised terrace walk for foot passengers, flagged for more than two 
 miles ; the lands hereab(mts excellent, and under the most improved 
 cultivation. The Westgate-street has the noblest appearance of 
 any I ever saw, out of London ; its pavements in the best order ; its 
 length near half a mile, and width ten rods. Were it not for 
 some old, low buildings, London could not boast a more magnifi- 
 cent street. It has a very large Episcopal church, with a remark- 
 ably lofty tower and spire. The principal character in the novel 
 called " The Vicar of Wakefield" was taken from the late vicar of 
 this church, named Johnson, whose peculiarly odd and singular hu- 
 mor has exposed his memory to the ridicule of that satire. We 
 soon after departed for Leeds in a post-chaise, through good roads 
 and fertile lands : from Sheffield to Leeds the face of the country 
 is more pleasing, the lands in better improvement and more peo- 
 pled, than in more than twenty counties 1 have passed through in 
 England ; alighted at the " Old King's Arms" at nine o'clock, 
 where we supped and lodged. 
 
 Leeds, May 31. Sent our nanics to S. Elam and waited break- 
 fast ; he soon came, but having taken his, declined partaking with 
 us. We walked forth under his guidance, and took dinner with 
 him afterwards J rambled to a village called Armley, to see a. scrib- 
 bling mill, by which more wool is discharged than ten hands can 
 do in the same time. It is performed by a horse, but its construc- 
 tion cannot be described, not being exposed to open view, it being 
 a favor shown to Mr. Elam, on whose acijount we were favored 
 with a sight of it. Too nice an inspection would have excited sus- 
 picion, which we wished to avoid. The manufacturers of every 
 kind through England are not pleased to admit strangers to a sight 
 of the machines and process of their business. From thence we 
 returned back on the sides of the canal, which for the first time is 
 to be opened with ceremony next Wednesday ; no part of it has 
 hitherto been used. 
 
 June 2. This town is said to contain ten thousand people. 
 
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 [1777. 
 
 many well-filled shops, and various trades ; its principal business in 
 narrow and coarse woollen cloths, consigned to foreign orders, but 
 little to London or inland trade ; many of its merchants are 
 wealthy. It has a large cloth market of brick, of three ranges, 
 each range having two walks, and the walks are called King-street, 
 Queen-street, Cheapside, etc. Set off for Huddersfield, distant six- 
 teen miles, and is the town to which the merchants of Leeds, Hali- 
 fax and Wakefield resort to buy cloths from the clothiers abounding 
 in this neighborhood. The town of Huddersfield is very old-built, 
 and has a wretched appearance. The butchery was built by Sir 
 John Ramsey, proprietor of the land, whose rent is seventy pounds. 
 After dinner we entered a post-chaise for Halifax, where we arrived 
 at six o'clock. 
 
 This town is supposed to be larger than Leeds; its streets, if it 
 can be said to have any, are excellently paved, and have a conve- 
 nient flagged walk on each side raised ; lying uneven they are 
 always clean ; but in general they are narrow and short, each end 
 bounded by a triangular house ; many large and well-built ones 
 in, but more just without the town. The situation of the town is 
 on an uneven, low eminence, surrounded by lofty hills on all sides 
 in the most improved condition, laid out in lots bounded by live 
 hedges, rows of trees, and stone walls, almost as even as the walls 
 of a house. The whole country for many miles within view 
 abounds in manufactories and farm houses ; the people here are 
 numerous and industrious, their houses very cleanly. Amongst 
 other kinds of good conduct, we in our rambles saw fifteen chil- 
 dren employed in bending wires and preparing them in the various 
 branches of card making, and were told their earnings were from 
 two and sixpence to five shillings a week ; which employment 
 not only keeps their little minds from vice, but renders them early 
 capable of providing for their own support, and takes a heavy bur- 
 den from their poor parents. We entered a nap-raising mill ; the 
 process is performed by laying a cloth under an instrument divided 
 into little squares of the diameter of the nap designed to be raised, 
 or rather larger, carried by water. This instrument is about eight 
 feet long and two feet wide, and is jostled backwards and for- 
 wards by means of a little gage filled with teeth suited to a cog- 
 wheel, which receives its motion from another communicating 
 
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1777.] 
 
 JOUBNAL ANU LETTERS. 
 
 133 
 
 with the great wheel. By Mr. Aspden's desire, we accompanied 
 him immediately on, our arrival to a Mr. Rawson's seat, a little 
 out of Halifax, called "Stony-ride" meaning Stony-road, the road 
 to it being stony, (the Yorkshire people often using an i for an o.) 
 This was a friend to whom he had a letter ; neither Mr. Rawson 
 nor his sons were at home ; but soon after our return to the inn 
 one of his sons came, and would have engaged us to accompany 
 him back, but it being late, we declined it for this evening, which 
 he passed and supped with us. 
 
 Halifax, June 3. Rambled with my companions to the lofty 
 surrounding hills, from whence we had an ample view of the 
 town ; only one parish church, the mother of twelve of the neigh- 
 boring ones ; sectaries of various kinds abound here. By the man- 
 ufacturers living hereabouts there is building of stone, a large and 
 commodious market house, containing a square of one hundred and 
 ten yards by ninety ; its lower story is fronted by short square pil- 
 lars, forming arcades, on the back part of which are rooms for 
 each separate manufacturer, of twelve feei by eight, and before 
 the rooms a covered walk of four feet wide ; the second story is 
 supported by square pillars cut into rustic, with a walk before as 
 below, but more open and spacious, the pillars not being so large. 
 The floor of the third story is surrounded by Doric pillars support- 
 ing the roof, containing the same accommodations as below ; the 
 height of each story twelve feet. The town is all built of stone, 
 very irregular, but its streets the best paved of any town in Eng- 
 land, London not excepted, and from the unevenness of the ground 
 always clean. By the hospitality of Mr. Rawson we were de- 
 layed here for two days, whose importunity would not suffer us to 
 depart till Thursday the fifth. We passed our time pleasantly 
 enough in visiting among other things his copperas works ; the 
 copperas made from that part of common pit coal called slate, 
 charged with sulphur j its process easy and short, being collected 
 and thrown into a large heap, perhaps of two or three hundred 
 tons; — water poured on it, which, filtering through, passes by 
 pipes into an underground cistern or large receiver, is boiled, and 
 from thence carried into a smaller cistern like the distillers' ; there 
 remaining until it cools and crystallizes. 
 
 Thursday, June 5. Departed from Halifax in a post-chaise. 
 
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 taking leave of our late companion Aspden, who left us at the inn 
 for Preston, on horseback. Pursuing the road we ascended a long 
 hill of more than a mile, and soon arrived a. a very lofty ridge of 
 the most desolate and forlorn appearance, called Blackstone Edge, 
 continuing for several miles. The road level, hard and straight, 
 and on that score pleasant ; the land waste and of a russet hue, 
 covered with furze; not a tree, shrub, bush or plant, hedge or wall 
 to be seen. From hence we descended into low grounds, well in- 
 habited and improved ; in one respect this part of England is more 
 pleasing than the others; the grounds are covered with houses, 
 each manufacturer having a small farm or parcel of land besides 
 his trade to depend on, there being more freeholders or owners of 
 small farms and plantations here than in any county of the king- 
 dom. We arrived at Rochdale about tw^o o'clock, engaged din- 
 ner, and took a ramble. The church stands on a hill, to which 
 the ascent is by a hundred stone steps. This town is remarkable 
 for many wealthy merchants ; it has a large woollen market, the 
 merchants from Halifax, etc., repairing hi'her weekly ; the neigh- 
 borhood abounds in clothiers. From hence the road to Manches- 
 ter, distant about thirteen miles, is level and sandy, the soil light, 
 the general nature of the land in this county, where the people 
 speak an uncouth, peculiar dialect, unintelligible to the ears of 
 strangers. About six o'clock we alighted at the " Spread-eagle 
 inn," and procured private lodgings at Mrs. Barlow's, next door to 
 the inn. 
 
 Manchester, June 6. Walked out to the Duke of Bridgewater's 
 canal, and on its banks met Mr. Nelson, who for some time lodged 
 at Mrs. Leavitt's in Salem, New England ; he is from Ireland, 
 passing through the manufacturing towns to London. We stepped 
 into St. John's church, a small but elegant edifice in Gothic style ; 
 over the altar is a fine stained-glass window, executed at York ; 
 three erect images of St. Peter, Christ, and St. James, the colors 
 quite lively, which the meridian lustre of the sun's rays not a little 
 assisted. In the vesiry is another window by the same hand ; on 
 this is stained the founder's name, a Squire Byrora. This church 
 was finished in 1769 ; its tower is crowned with battlements and 
 high pinnacles ; the body of the tliurch having such also all 
 around its roof. From hence we adjourned to the Casllefitld, to 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOUENAL AND LETTEBS. 
 
 135 
 
 see the exercise of the militia, making as good appearance as the 
 kinj^'s troops in discipline and dress. This field is an eminence of 
 oval form, and here are supposed to be the remains of an old Ro- 
 man * .v-ampment, the outside wall and cement yet to be seen. 
 From this place we adjourned to the " Royal Oak" ordinary. 
 
 June 7. With Mr. Nelson set off for the canal, intending to 
 take a passage to Worsley to visit the Duke of Bridgewater's coal 
 mines. After some delay we entered the passage boat, drawn by 
 a horse in the manner of the Trek-schuits in Holland. Arrived 
 at Worsley in two hours, passing athwart the river Irwell, over 
 which the canal runs, being raised on arches not le^ than fifty feet 
 in height above that stream. In many places the bottom of the 
 canal is considerably higher than the level of the neighboring 
 grounds. Sent compliments to Mr. Gilbert, the steward, asking 
 the favor of seeing the duke's under-ground works, which was 
 granted, and we stepped into the boat, passing into an arch- 
 way partly of brick and partly cut through the stone, of about 
 three and a half feet high ; we received at entering six lighted 
 candles. This arch-way, called a funnel, runs into the body of the 
 mountain almost in a direct line three thousand feet, its medium 
 depth beneath the surface about eighty feet ; we were half an hour 
 passing that distance. Here begins the fast under-ground road to 
 the pits, ascending into the wagon road, so called, about four feet 
 above the water, being a highway for the wagons, containing 
 about a ton weight of the form of a mill-hopper, running on wheels, 
 to convey the coals to the barges or boats. Under the guidance of 
 a miner, with each a lighted candle in \x\v. hand, we proceeded 
 through an arched-way about five feet high, walking with our 
 bodies at an angle of less than sixty degrees, through a road of 
 three feet in width, a length of eight hundred yards, arrived at the 
 coal mine, which appearing about five feet through the roof, was 
 supported by many posts, the area being about twenty feet square 
 and height scarce four. From this dismal abode, which my com- 
 panion, whose name was Chandler, would fain have dissuaded me 
 from proceeding to visit, after remaining a few minutes, I hastened 
 back to our boat. One may go six miles by water in various 
 directions, the wagon ways to the pits lying below the level of the 
 water ; it is said the distance from the mouth is six miles in the 
 
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 [1777. 
 
 funnel. A hundred men are daily employed, and each turns out 
 a ton a day ; the miners' wages two shillings, and the laborers' 
 about one shilling. Price of coal at the pit twopence per hundred 
 weight ; at the key threepence halfpenny, and at the door four- 
 pence halfpenny. The boat having left, we returned to town on 
 foot, five miles through fields and vacant lands. 
 
 The centre of this town of Manchester consists principally of 
 old buildings ; its streets narrow, irregularly built, with many capi- 
 tal houses interspersed. By act of parliament old buildings are 
 taken down to enlarge the streets. It has a few good ones; King- 
 street is the best built, is long and sufficiently wide ; most of its 
 houses noble. Great additions of buildings and streets are daily 
 making, and of a larger size than at Birmingham, nor have all the 
 new ones so dusky a face as in that town, and in that respect are 
 fairer and better ; for extent of ground whereon it stands, nor num- 
 ber of inhabitants, does the latter exceed or in my opinion come up 
 to it. The disposition and manners of this people, as given by 
 themselves, are inhospitable and boorish. I have seen nothing to 
 contradict this assertion, though my slender acquaintance will not 
 justify me in giving that character. In all the manufacturing 
 towns there is a jealousy and suspicion of strangers ; an acquaint- 
 ance with one manufacturer effectually debars one from connection 
 with a second in the same business. It is with difficulty one is ad- 
 mitted to see their works, and in many cases it is impracticable, 
 express prohibitions being given by the masters. The dissenters 
 are some of the most wealthy merchants and manufacturers here, 
 but mortally abhorred by the Jacobites. The dress of the people 
 here savors not much of the London mode in general ; the people 
 are remarkable for coarseness of feature, and the language is unin- 
 telligible. 
 
 Manchester, June 8. Attended public worship at a dissenters' 
 meeting house, both services. Walked to the end of Danesgate, 
 and drank tea at our companion Nelson's lodgings ; and were 
 amused by the free and unrestrained chat of his landlady, named 
 Hudson, a quaker in religion, and jacobite in political principle. 
 The number of the latter description since the English prince 
 mounted the throne is somewhat lessened here, as I am told by our 
 landlady, who is in the abdicated family's interest, which is here 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 137 
 
 not 
 
 openly professed ; all c f that party putting up large oak boughs 
 over their doors on the 29th May to express joy at the glorious 
 fivent of the restoration of the Stuart family to the English throne ; 
 many such I saw. The ladies, who, if they take a part, are ever 
 violent, scruple not openly and without restraint to drink Prince 
 Charles's health, and express their wishes for his restoration to his 
 paternal kingdoms. I saw the house wherein the prince, as he is 
 called, dwelt whilst here, (at the time of his invasion ;) the 
 gentleman and his family still remain in it, and steady to their prin- 
 ciples, which, however, did not hurry them into lengths that ex- 
 posed them to the resentment of government. His name is Dixon, 
 and his house is in Market-street lane, on the left as one goes 
 from the market ; and our host, a Mr. Bower, with whom we pass- 
 ed a very social evening at his house in Leigh-street, told us Lord 
 John Murray and his secretary lodged at his house at that time. 
 One of those executed here in the last rebellion was a son of a 
 woman who had borne twenty-nine children. 
 
 June 9. Passed the day in rambling about town with our 
 new-found companion. Nelson. 
 
 June 1 1. Having agreed to join Mr. Nelson in a post-chaise 
 to York, in the neighborhood of which we propose to cease from 
 our labors, and hoping the rewards of a cheap plentiful countrj' to 
 reside in for some time, for this purpose we went to engage a chaise 
 at the old " White Swan Inn," where we saw three young country- 
 men, a Capt. Gore, Mr. Joy and son, at the end of their ramble 
 northward from London, designing to return to Bristol by way of 
 Wolverhampton. My fellow traveller on this discovery, tired of 
 his expensive ramble, immediately took fire and determined to 
 abandon me, and accompany them on their intended route j loth to 
 part in this quarter and in the situation I was then in, for certain 
 prudential reasons, agreed to his fantastic plan, though entirely 
 contrary to my wish and views ; and having disengaged ourselves 
 from Mr. Nelson, to bis mortification, engaged a post-chaise to 
 Macclesfield. On the 12th June we proceeded on through a road 
 of seven miles paved with pebbles to Stockport, a considerable 
 town, having some reputable buildings ; its streets are narrow and 
 paved. From hence to Macclesfield lying in Cheshire about twelve 
 miles, being our first stage from Manchester. At five miles from 
 
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 [1777. 
 
 this is the seat of Sir George Warren, surrounded by finely im- 
 proved lands and pleasure grounds, lying on my left. A little 
 beyond on the right is the seat of Charles Leigh, Esq., possessed 
 of four thousand a year, and of a considerable tract adjoining to 
 Manchester, which he has laid out in streets to be let on building 
 leases. At Macclesfield we alighted, breakfasted, etc., departed 
 for Leek, a distance of thirteen miles ; the former town has a silk 
 mill or mills, and a manufactory which appears not to have much 
 business. The town in general is ill built, the houses, as in most 
 manufacturing places, of most credit in its environs. From the 
 George inn we departed not greatly pleased with the host's attend- 
 ance, nor I with my companion's behavior here. 
 
 Leek, at which I now am, has a manufactory of silk and rib- 
 bons, and one for hair-buttons ; the former chiefly for the great 
 dealers at Coventry, though very largely for foreign orders and the 
 London supply, as well as the inland towns. From hence to 
 Sandon, called in this country language Sand, is a distance of 
 eighteen miles, which we were four hours in passing. Here we 
 alighted at " the Dog and Duck," supped and lodged ; the former 
 ac quietly served up, and as genteelly, as could be in London ; the 
 town is small, houses scattering, and of an indifferent aspect. 
 
 June 13. Departed without breakfast for Stafford, the coun- 
 ty town ; the roads in general are sandy, but on our approaching 
 the town, the lands assumed a better face. The main street through 
 which we passed is paved, the houses well built, full shops, and an 
 appearance of business and of wealth. On our right, at the dis- 
 tance of a mile, stands on the summit of an insulated hill, cut, as 
 should seem, by art into a cone about one third down, a stone edifice, 
 like a lofty tower, which is the only remains of Stafford Castle, 
 making an agreeable object to a traveller. From hence the lands 
 and roads are greatly altered for the better ; fine pastures, excel- 
 lent live hedge fences, and rows of trees in great abundance. Our 
 next stage was a distance of ten miles, at a place called Penkridge ; 
 here again we took another driver, carriage and horses, and 
 through a most excellent turnpike road and a delightfully improved 
 country, arrived at the old " Angel Inn," Wolverhampton, where 
 we dined, and having despatched a messenger for my old friend 
 Timmins, he soon arrive ; by his invitation accompanied him and 
 
1777,] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 139 
 
 our companion to see the great manufactory of Taylor and Jones, 
 (who are also exporting merchants,) for japanning tin, paper snuff 
 boxes, iron tools, etc. This town is large, has a capital manufacto- 
 ry in the lock and hinge way, and most other branches of the iron 
 business, and is supposed to contain twenty thousand inhabitants. 
 Like all the old towns it is ill built, and like Birmingham has 
 a dusky look. Once for all, its numbers I judge are overrated ; 
 every town and borough is so. After repeated invitations to re- 
 main we departed before six o'clock for Stourbridge, distant ten 
 miles, to which we arrived at half past seven, being driven Jehu 
 like through roads as level, hard and pleasant as a garden gravel 
 walk ; the country yielding a pleasant view from good husbandry* 
 fruitful soil, lofty trees and live hedges. We were agreeably dis- 
 appointed, for instead of a pitiful, mean town, as its avenues seemed 
 to threaten, we found a well built, large, lively and rich town, 
 having a noble, wide and convenient street a mile long, with cross 
 streets well paved. It is famous for glass, nails, heavy iron work, 
 as anvils, etc., and some cloth manufactories. After rambling for 
 an hour over the town, we supped and retired to rest. 
 
 Stourbridge, June 14. Set off at eight o'clock and arrived at 
 the " Crown" inn, Bromesgrove, twelve miles, at ten ; a respectable 
 town, but it contains no large manufactories ; the only one of any 
 consideration is for linen cloth. The lands about here in an excellent 
 state of husbandry and fertile ; farm-houses and gentlemen's seats 
 more numerous in this and the following stage than on any road 
 ' V hail passed in this route, except the west riding of Yorkshire, 
 to which it bears a comparison. Were set down at the Bell inn, 
 Broad-street, Worcester, at twelve o'clock ; a very handsome, 
 well built city, having spacious, airy streets, a noble cathedral and 
 elegant modern houses ; its shops large and well filled, the town 
 lively and full of business ; its inhabitants have the character of 
 being polite and genteel, and indeed they have more the air of Lon- 
 doners than at any place 1 have seen. The Severn runs on one 
 side of the city, by which conveyance is easy to Gloucester, the 
 distance being twcnty-eigl miles, performed in seven hours in 
 .small vessels. Here is a manufacture of porcelain, said to be the 
 best made in England. While rambling through the streets we 
 fell by accident into the cathedral green, and meeting a boy with 
 
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 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 
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 a prayer book in one hand and the church key in the other, he 
 accosted us with," Gentlemen, are ye a mind to gointothe church 1" 
 and on our answering in the affirmative, the doorkeeper admitted 
 us. It has many old monuments, (as well as modern,) particularly 
 that of King John, whose body by his desire was buried in the choir 
 just before the high altar, over which spot is a flat statue of him. 
 Here also lies in a little chapel the body of Prince Arthur, eldest 
 son of Henry VII,, and likewise an Oswald, a bishop of this 
 see before the Norman conquest ; the only modern I thought worthy 
 to remember, is the worthy Dr. Hough, about forty years since a 
 bishop of this see. The chapter house, also used as a library, is of 
 an oval form, and its walls to a considerable height covered with 
 cases faced with glass, and very well filled with books. In this 
 city is a magnificent town hall, having below many full length 
 portraits. This being market day the streets were so thronged that 
 our chaise could scarce make its way through to the inn. Having 
 spent four hours in this beautiful and pleasant place, we departed 
 for Tewksbury, a considerable town ; here the apple orchards 
 began to appear of uncommon height and bigness. From the 
 western quarter of Staffordshire to the very houses of Bristol, 
 through the delightful counties of "Worcester and Gloucester, the 
 fields, pastures and enclosures have an uncommon richness and 
 verdure ; fruit and forest trees in greater abundance and larger 
 girth and greater height than arc to be seen elsewhere in England. 
 Tewksbury has no capital manufacture except for white cotton 
 stockings, for which it is noted. It is remarkable, however, for a 
 parish church one hundred and seven yards long, and more than 
 twenty-five broad ; its roof supported by round shafted pillars seven 
 yards in girth, contains several old monuments. The first I observed 
 was Richard Nevil, the great Earl of Warwick, called the king- 
 maker, raised on a lofty monument scarce as big as the life, in a 
 kneeling posture with uplifted closed hands; in a chapel are 
 decumbent his daughter and her husband George, Duke of Clarence; 
 and in a flat grave just before the door of the choir, is the tomb of 
 Henry, son of the unfortunate Henry VI. 
 
 June 15. From the Sun inn, Tewksbury, we departad before 
 breakfast, and through rough and dirty roads arrived at the " Bell" 
 inn, Gloucester, at nine o'clock ; notwithstanding the fine plcnti- 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 141 
 
 i seven 
 served 
 king- 
 >, in a 
 b1 are 
 ■ence; 
 ~rab of 
 
 Defore 
 iBell" 
 
 Icnti- 
 
 ful harvests of corn, cider, and pasturage, for which this county is 
 noted, for miles around the city the houses are small, dirty, and in 
 ill repair, the avenues slovenly, fences and walls in a ruinous state, 
 the barns generally of wood, all tottering to their fall ; the bridges 
 the meanest and in the worst condition anywhere to be passed. After 
 breakfast and dressing, we all attended woiship in the cathedral, 
 being decently and respectfully provided with seats in the choir ; 
 the service was chanted. The dean and sub-dean performed the 
 communion service. From church I repaired to our inn, leaving 
 my fellow travellers to pursue their ramble till dinner time. Dirty 
 narrow streets, and mean, ill repaired houses, constitute too great a 
 part of this city to render it an agreeable residence. After dinner, 
 young Joy and I rambled into the cathedral ; the cloisters are reck- 
 oned the finest in England ; after viewing them we retreated into 
 the church, and meeting one of the vergers, were conducted by 
 him to the old monuments. Thence back to the inn, when we 
 took coach and left tho city, part of our company being already 
 gone. The next stage was at Newport, consisting only of four 
 inns and a dissenting meeting house, distant Irom our last stage 
 fifteen miles, and from Bristol eighteen ; the roads are dirty and 
 rough, the slovenliness of the farmers' houses and the richness of 
 soil, were as before ; here we lodged. 
 
 J^euyport, Jtine 16. After breakfast departed alone, our fellow 
 travellers being already gone, and at twelve o'clock alighted at 
 the" White Lion" inn, Broad-street, Bristol ; dined and afterwards 
 visited Radcliffe church : drank tea at Mr. Waldo's. 
 
 Bristol, June 17. Breakfasted at Mr. Waldo's ; walked to 
 Hot Wells, and Mr. Gouldney's grotto ; after dinner accompanied 
 my fellow travellers to Taylor's glass works; in our way thiovigh 
 " Long-row," were attacked by the virultnt tongue of a vixen, 
 who saluted us by the names of " damned American rebels," etc. 
 In our return from Hot Wells, we passed a person dressed in green, 
 with a s;r'all round hat flapped before, very like an Englij-h coun- 
 try gentleman, who is the supposed Count Falkenstein, under 
 which character the Emperor of (iermany travels incog. Remov- 
 ed our trunks to a Mr. Sladen's in Queen's square. 
 
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 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
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 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Bristol, June 18, 1777. This being the day in which Mr. 
 Chester, the county member elect, is to make his triumphal entry 
 into the city, it was ushered in by ringing of bells and discharging 
 of cannon, the noise of which early disturbed ray rest. On the 
 towers of all the churches were displayed colors and jacks ; en- 
 signs and pendants on most of the vessels at the quays. On Bran- 
 don hill were placed twenty-two cannon, discharging several rounds 
 in the day, answered by the vessels. After dinner I strolled through 
 the streets that were lined with people, reaching from the extent 
 of the city on the fa^ ' er side quite through and up to the rising 
 grounds on the Down, beyond Park-street, the windows on each 
 side filled to behold the great man. My stand was on the open 
 space on the hither side of the bridge over the Frome ; the pro- 
 cession began at seven o'clock ; footmen two and two, tL^'i . 7- 
 ed others on horseback, two and two in the centre. Mr. Cb -f • n-e- 
 ceded, and was followed by more than a thousand persons, of whom 
 one hundred and fifty were mounted and clad in new blue coats 
 and breeches, with buff waistcoats, the Duke of Beaufort's hunting 
 garb. These were headed by the champion dressed in blue silk, 
 armed cap-a-pie, and at all points, bearing in his hand a mace that 
 he waved every hundred stops ; stopping his horse at the same 
 time, on which arose three loud huzzas. The rear was brought 
 up by nearly a hundred carriages ; the day was devoted to mirth 
 and festivity, nor was the following night without its share. The 
 Duke of Beaufort, whose man Mr. Chester was, privately left the 
 procession just before its arrival in town, and took a stand in a 
 friend's house with his duchess to sec the parade through the 
 town, and enjoy the triumph over his rival without observation. 
 
 TO REV. ISAAf SMITH, Sin.MOITTH, DKVOX. 
 
 lirislol, June 19, 1777. 
 Dear Sik ; 
 
 After a long, expensive, and not very pleasing tour, I am at 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 143 
 
 silk, 
 that 
 same 
 rought 
 mirth 
 The 
 t the 
 in a 
 the 
 on. 
 
 77. 
 
 am at 
 
 length set down, for some weeks' abode at least, in this city. My 
 experience, dearly enough bought, teaches me that manufacturing 
 towns are not proper places of residence for idle people, either on 
 account of pleasure or profit j — the expenses of living being as high 
 almost as at St. James's in every such town, how far distant soever 
 from the capital. The spirit of bargaining and taking advantage 
 runs through every line of life there, but in the north it is cruelly 
 predominant. I know not but I may ramble before cold weather 
 again to the west, for Exeter with all its faults is paradise itself to 
 Manchester or any town in the north I have seen. 
 
 Having by accident met Mr. John Boylston in the American 
 Coffee-house, who informs me he is going off to-morrow for Exeter, 
 I would not fail to embrace so fair an opportunity to let you hear 
 from me, though I had nothing but that simple article to acquaint 
 you with. Nothing will yield me more satisfaction than to hear of 
 your and my other friends' welfare in the west. I had the pleasure 
 to see Counsellor White, now on a tour through North Walc;., &c. ; 
 be pleased to make my compliments to his family and my acq .aint- 
 ance in your neighborhood. God bless your reverence, ami suc- 
 ceed your pious endeavors to reform your flock. You have mine, 
 and I hope for your prayers, and remain, 
 
 Your assured friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 June 22. Walked to the cathedral, entering just as service 
 was about to be begun. Mr. Ilayncs, a canon, preached j a likely 
 figure, but a dull heavy writer and speaker: — the church is kept 
 in. nice order. One half of this building was demolished by Crom- 
 well when he bombarded it, and forced Prince Rupert to retire, 
 who for some time kejjt him out, but was at last forced to abandon 
 it. From hence adjourned to the mayor's chapel, in which 1 saw 
 several monuments erected A. 1). 1268-9, it having been 1 pre- 
 sume the chapel of a knight templar's house. Here we heard the 
 conclusion of an excellent sermon by the chaplain, Mr. Irelaml. 
 In the afternoon, attended worship at St. Stephen's. Evening, at 
 Mr. J. Waldo's, in Brunswick square. 
 
 June 25. Passed the afternoon and evening at Mr. Barnes' at 
 
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 [1777 
 
 q .adrille with Mr. Waldo and Mr. Oxnard ; also met S. Porter 
 there, on his return from Wales. 
 
 June 26. In the evening stopped in our rambles at Lady Hunt- 
 ingdon's chapel, where heard a sensible preacher on the doctrine 
 of lo s. 
 
 June 27. Walked out with Mr. Sewall and Mr. Oxnard through 
 Stapleton to the late Lord Bottetourt's seat and pleasure grounds, 
 now the duchess dowager of Beaufort's ; the house is situated on 
 the brow of a hill, standing on a lofty foundation of stone ; its front, 
 as approached from Stapleton, has each angle covered with six 
 square towers, and between an open piazza below; the whole 
 house crowned with battlements. It is built of white stone, and 
 possesses an extensive view of the pleasure grounds, and a finely 
 improved country all before it. After tea took a second ramble to 
 Bedminster church-yard. 
 
 June 29. Attended worship at the mayor's chapel, met Mr. 
 Boutineau, with whom we took a few rounds in the college green 
 amidst genteel company, and received invitations to tea. In the 
 afternoon, meeting Mr. Barnes and F. Waldo, we joined them going 
 to St. Nicholas' church; a Dr. Buck preached an excellent sermon, 
 and delivered it with great propriety and fervency. 
 
 TO WILLIAM BROWNE, ESQ., LONDON. 
 
 Quepn''s Square, Bristol, July 8, 1777. 
 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 After a long and expensive ramble to no good purpose, I am 
 at length in this city, proposing to make it my abode for a month 
 or longer; — 'o what place I shall retreat from hence I am unde- 
 termined, though somewhere to the west, as that is a quarter of 
 great plenty and of the least expense. The report of the cheap- 
 ness of living in Yiukshire is^a mere Aible, especially in or near the 
 neighborhood of the manufacturing towns, in the west riding, or 
 even in ' ;incashire as far as Manchester, which last place nothing 
 but inti . 1 or superior motives could confine me to. 
 
 The distance I am from London, (and probably .shall be for 
 many months,) will deprive me of hearing or reading the current 
 news, but few papers falling into my hands; and coffee-houses, the 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 145 
 
 resort of newsmongers and political dabblers, I rarely enter j so if 
 you will now and then employ a few of your leisure moments to 
 let me hear from you, I shall esteem it a favor. 
 
 I am, dear sir, very truly yours, 
 
 S. CUBWEN. 
 
 rter of 
 
 cheap- 
 
 lear the 
 
 ing, or 
 
 nothing 
 
 be for 
 current 
 ises, the 
 
 Jvly 9. Walked five miles out to see Dundry tower, the steeple 
 so called of a church situated on a lofty ridge commanding an ex- 
 tensive prospect over the Severn into Wales, far into the St. 
 George's Channel, into Somerset, Gloucestershire, and far beyond. 
 Strolling along the quay, met a Swansea coaster, and partly agreed 
 to make a tour through the f outhern and western parts of Wales. 
 
 July 11. Went to the theatre ; saw the West Indian and the 
 Misers, the former entertaining ; Major O'Flaherty well taken off 
 by Mr. Moody, the best imitation of an Irishman I ever saw ; - the 
 latter an unnatural plot, and but illy performed to a very full 
 house. *■- 
 
 July 17. Set off on horseback for Bath ; fine roads, sun ex- 
 cessively hot and scorching, almost choked by the dust which arose 
 in clouds by the carriages and horses we overtook in great num- 
 bers. Alighted at the [Shakspeare inn. High-street; visited the 
 public places of resort ; rambled about the city, dined, and at four 
 o'clock departed by the way of Keynsham for Bristol, 
 
 Jxtly 18. Drank tea with Mr. Francis Waldo at his lodgings ; 
 afterwards adjourned to the theatre, where I was agreeably enter- 
 tained. 
 
 Jvly 23. This day news arrived of the capture of the Fox, 
 man-of-war, of twenty-eight guns, by some American privateers. 
 Unless more spirited measures take place, or others are employed 
 to plan or execute, I know not whether this island itself will not 
 be surrounded by ships from the western continent and their allies. 
 Two ships, just sailed from Bristol, were taken in St. George's 
 channel ; and several to and from Ireland, etc., within a month. 
 The nation is in a lethargy, and for aught that appears is like to 
 continue so ; treachery, venality, or inability, will, it is to be 
 feared, destroy this devoted people. 
 
 July 24. News via Liverpool ; Gen. Howe burnt Brunswick 
 about 20th June, broke up his ramp, going to abandon the Jerseys, 
 
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 [1777. 
 
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 to strengthen his lines at Kingsbridge, apprehending an attack 
 there ; and with the remainder of his forces and the ships to go up 
 the North river on a secret expedition. The Boston fleet of eigh- 
 teen privateers sailed with orders to keep together for twenty-five 
 days, and afterwards each to repair to Iheir several destinations. The 
 Newfoundland fishery disturbed, the ships on Grand Bank scattered j 
 some sunk, the whole almost dispersed and ruined. London and 
 the trading parts, even those attached to the government, I am told, 
 begin to grow very uneasy and talk loud. If '^ should continue, 
 a change in administration must succeed. Alas ! to what a low 
 ebb is this nation fallen, that lately gave law to the potent states 
 of France and Spain, in a contest confessedly unequal on the side 
 of its own subjects ; but such is the state of human affairs. Go- 
 liath was humbled and slain by little David, and t)iose provinces 
 that lately sued to Great Britain for protection and aid, now boldly 
 defy and enter the lists against that very power. 
 
 July 26. Took passage to Swansea with Capt. Hawkins, and 
 at eleven o'clock, with two pilot boats ahead, cast off from the 
 quay. In four hours discharged our pilot boat in King Road, five 
 miles from Bristol; we soon grounded, and there remained all 
 night. The return of the ebb served instead of a favorable wind, 
 to carry us to our port of destination. Indeed, it was, as the 
 sailors say, right in our teeth ; the strength however of the current 
 is such as to overpower ii light gale, in which case vessels coming 
 in or going out drop anchor during the ebb or flood, when unfa- 
 vorable. This night proved dark and misty ; just after midnight 
 we dropped anchor; daylight discovered the master's judgment in 
 selecting his ground to anchor on. We arrived without harm to a 
 stony beach called the ferry place, below the quay about a quarter 
 of a mile. 
 
 Swansea, July 29. Attended a court-baron, instituted for de- 
 termining pecuniary cases under forty shillings, and is equivalent to 
 our justice's court in New England ; it is, I presume, appendant to 
 every manor, the '.)rds of which have the nominating, if not the 
 appointing of the officers to this trust. The manor in which this town 
 lies is called Gower, and belongs to the Duke of Beaufort, who 
 chooses its chief magistrate, called Portreve ; the present is Mr. 
 Gabriel Powel, justice also in the former court, and whom I saw on 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 Mr 
 
 the bench. This town is the first in Glamorganshire for commerce 
 and manufactures, twelve hundred vessels being yearly employed ; 
 its staples are coals, copper-plates, and white iron. The ore for 
 the former, and blocks for the latter, are brought hither in their 
 own vessels from Cornwall, and when manufactured, transported 
 to Bristol chiefly. The town consists of twenty-five hundred in- 
 habitants, who occupy about three hundred and fifty houses, few 
 elegant or large ; a market-house, erected at Cromwell's expense, 
 tlie inhabitants being in his interest. Here are several Episcopal 
 and Dissenting churches, a synagogue and Quaker meeting-house. 
 Service is said and sermons preached in the Welsh tongue once in 
 three weeks. A custom prevails here of raising the earth on the 
 summit of the grave in the form and size of the coffin beneath, and 
 sticking in herbs and flowers, and during the season of roses, of 
 spreading the leaves thereon. The country inhabitants almost uni- 
 versally use the Welsh as their mother tongue, scarcely understand- 
 ing a word of the English, which they call Sasnic, meaning Saxon, 
 to distinguish it from the true British, which was on the invasion 
 narrowed to the small districts of Wales and Cornwall ; English in 
 this principality is taught as the dead languages by the grammar. 
 In a place called Gower the inhabitants speak no Welsh, but be- 
 yond they talk in no other tongue ; in the midland counties scarce 
 any thing but Welsh is spoken or known. Pembrokeshire was 
 settled some ages since by Yorkshire and west country folks, whose 
 descendants retain their native tongue, and are ignorant of the 
 country speech. In general the inhabitants affect to speak of Eng- 
 land as a foreign country, and as we on the west of the Atlantic, 
 saying from England, to England, etc. The Welsh appear a 
 hardy race, short, clumsy, and strongly built. The extensive white 
 iron or tin plate works, and copper also, which abound, I fancy is 
 prejudicial to the products of the earth ; and the appearance of the 
 land justifies the opinion. I am told the land is good, but I confess 
 it has a dreary look ; the lofty hills are, howe.er, enlivened, though 
 bare of trees, (their natural vesture,) by the great number of small 
 huts, so prettily and agreeably scattered over the sides of the hills, 
 being painted white, with the fences or stone walls encompassing 
 them, or forming the courts or yards. 
 
 July 30. A stranger sent in his name, Calvert, desiring an in- 
 
 
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 ^ 
 
 
 IH' 
 

 146 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 troduction to mej he had married a niece of the late Mr. Gwynn, 
 of Newburyport, Massachusetts, who was one of the co-heiresses, 
 and he wished to inquire about his late uncle's affairs ; but I could 
 give only an imperfect account ; when I last saw his uncle he had 
 a wife and effects, supposed about two thousand pounds. I took 
 breakfast with Mr. Calvert, and one of the company was the Dr. 
 Collins to whom I had a letter from Mr. Barnes ; but he not 
 choosing to make himself known, we took no notice of each other, 
 though we were both apprised of our meeting together, which I 
 thought on his part an impropriety. My companion's capricious 
 resolution to return back, and the ill reception of my letter, were 
 considerations that prevailed with me to accompany him, and we 
 immediately set about preparing for a departure j and thus was my 
 des.gn of remaining some months in this principality frustrated by 
 an injudicious connection which might have been foreseen and 
 avoided. It is with no little reluctance I abandon my only inten- 
 tion of coming to these parts, which was to possess myself of the 
 knowledge of the peculiar manners, customs, and language of these 
 genuine descendants of the old Celts, that had long been the object 
 of my wishes, and I greatly regret my facility in giving it up. 
 But an unseasonable, ill-placed compliance, or perhaps want of 
 proper resolution to undertake a solitary residence in a dist)ict of 
 an unknown people, of a strange language, might have co-operated 
 to produce ray determination. In passing the road I reckoned one 
 hundred and thirty chimneys in the great copper works lying on 
 the banks of the Swansea, a river just above the town. Dined and 
 took leave, and bent my course to the ferry ; was soon wafted over 
 the river Tawy in a boat guided by a rope, the rapidity of the 
 tide rendering such an expedient necessary ; having landed, we 
 jumped into a carriage standing on the shore ready to receive us. 
 
 The next town is Neath, which consists of about one hundred 
 and fifty houses, and is situated on the Bristol Channel, or about 
 the embouchure of the Severn ; it is a place of some trade in the 
 same way as the former, though not to so great an extent. 
 
 On the farther side of the river are the remains of a magnificent 
 monastery, but under what denomination its former occupants were, 
 I did not learn, having only a passing view= Just beyond the 
 town on the same side of the river, are the seat and grounds of Sir 
 
 "^^ 
 
 I 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 149 
 
 over 
 the 
 
 Herbert Mackworth, under excellent improvement. Standing in 
 the court of the inn, I heard one tell another that the lad then 
 passing by, was the male descendant of him whose name was 
 Pendrell, by whom King Charles II. was concealed on the oak at 
 Boscobel, (now standing,) after Cromwell's defeat of the Scotch 
 army at Worcester. 
 
 Keath, July 31. Left the inn at eight o'clock, and alighted at 
 the Bear inn, Cowbridge, twelve miles; a long, straggling town, 
 of better built houses, and to appearance larger than Neath, though 
 of less trade. Changed horses and started for Cardiff, where we 
 alighted in two hours, distance twelve miles. It is a small but 
 neat and clean town, the shire town of the county of Glamorgan j 
 streets well paved ; has one Episcopal church, houses modern, but 
 none lofty or much decorated. The inhabitants here and farther 
 on towards Monmouth, begin to anglicize and lose the Welsh lan- 
 guage and manners, few or none speaking it in town, though the 
 mountaineers all over the principality make it their mother tongue, 
 and politically, and I think prudently, continue it. The villages 
 and towns that have the least connection with trade, retain their 
 original tongue in greater use. North Wales, more particularly 
 than South, has less mixture of foreigners. After an hour's rest, 
 we set off in a post-chaise for the mountain country, to obtain a 
 sight of a singular bridge over the river Taaffe, consisting of only 
 one arch, spreading one hundred and forty-two feet, in height thir- 
 ty-four above the water. This surprising undertaking was planned, 
 and after two disappointments, executed by a mason named Tho- 
 mas Edwards, still living : — it is said to be the greatest work of the 
 kind in the world, exceeding the Rialto at Venice. Visitors say 
 it would do honor to Roman magnificence in the most flourishing 
 times of the empire. Asking a question of a passenger, he replied, 
 " Dim Saesneg," which was as much as if he had said, " / do not 
 understand English." 
 
 Cardiff, August 1. After breakfast walked through the town 
 to the castle, remarkable for its being the prison of the unfortunate 
 Robert, eldest son of the first William, and Duke of Normandy, 
 who was not only deprived of his right to that dukedom, and the 
 kingdom of England, the government of which last was his by 
 right of primogeniture ; but being made a prisoner by his younger 
 
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 T\ 
 
150 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 brother Henry, he languished here twenly-six years, till death 
 kindly released him, at once, from captivity and suffering. This 
 castle is almost entire, and seems less ruined than any of the an- 
 cient ones not in possession of the crown. The dungeon where 
 the prince was kept is shown ; it lies under the outward tower, the 
 descent by six steps, secured by two doors, one within another ; 
 the apartment about eighteen feet high and the same in diameter ; 
 of an octagon form, having an arched roof, admitting no light but 
 through a wicket just under the covering, jutting out from the body 
 of the tower. The extent of the castle within the walls is about 
 twelve acres. 
 
 From hence repaired to the inn, and took carriage for Newport. 
 After my departure learned that a daughter of the late Parson 
 PIgot of Marblehead, was an inhabitant of this place. Arrived at 
 Newport at twelve, and remained an hour, rambling through the 
 town, which, like Cow bridge, is long and straggling, and the 
 houses of a mean appearance. On the bank of the river Uske, 
 near the foot of the bridge on the town side, are the remains of an 
 old castle in ruins, reduced by Cromwell to its present state, as, I 
 am told, were all the castles in this country, where they abounded, 
 scarce a town being without one ; passed by several in sight of 
 the road, and all in a like decaying condition. At the inn we 
 dined, and loitered till five o'clock, waiting for the flow of the tide, 
 and then with a fair but faint breeze, entered the boat and loosed 
 from the Welsh shore. In forty minutes arrived at the Gloucester 
 side, and waited no longer than while the horses were putting to ; 
 and taking our seats, were conveyed across a pleasant, extensive 
 country, filled with herds of black cattle and large flocks of sheep, 
 bordered by a circular range of finely improved hills. In an hour 
 arrived at the city end of Durdham Down, and^soon alighted at our 
 late lodgings in Queen's square, having finished a tour of two hun- 
 dred miles in seven days. From henceforth determined to consult 
 the genius, turn, and temper of my future companions ; my late 
 fellow traveller's want of curiosity, etc. etc., renders him a very 
 unfit companion, and frustrates every purpose of rambling. 
 
 Bristol, August 3. Attended worbhip at St. Stephen's j Dean 
 Tucker preached. Returned home via Hot Wells. 
 
 I 
 
1777.1 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 151 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH, DEVON. 
 
 ; Dean 
 
 Bristol, August 4, 1777. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 The dark aspect of affairs in America on the side of govern- 
 ment, renders it likely that England or some foreign country will, 
 for many months to come, be the residence of the wretched Amer- 
 ican fugitives. Our head-quarter folks have, I learn, lowered 
 their topsails, and talk in a less positive strain ; fear and appre- 
 hensions seem to have succeeded assurance. 
 
 Of late I made a short ramble into Wales, and over many emi- \ 
 nences, to which the hills in Devon are not to be compared ; the ! 
 middling and poor inhabitants are not unlike our Indians, though j 
 inferior in size ; their manners as coarse and language as uncouth, \ 
 differing from the English as much as their customs, many of which j 
 are peculiar. The outside of all their houses and walls is kept ' 
 white-washed, at a distance giving them a lively and pleasant 
 look ; the inside is filthy enough. The women, like our Indian 
 squaws, carry their young slung round them, some before and some . 
 behind their backs. Cardiff, the chief town of the county, is near 
 the bank of the river Taaffe, and in a pleasant vale of fine improve- 
 ments, surrounded by high mountains, cultivated to their summits. 
 Within two miles, and in sight, is the town of Llandaff, having a 
 cathedral of a respectable appearance : — the churches in this coun- 
 try, however, make but an indifferent appearance, being of dimin- 
 utive size. About twelve miles from this toward the mountains, 
 my curiosity carried me to view a most astonishing piece of archi- 
 tecture in a bridge, called hont-y-pridd, consisting of one arch, in 
 span one hundred and forty-two feet, and rising from the spring of 
 the arch thirty-four ; planned and executed by a common mason, 
 who is now employed at a similar work in Radnor. This natural 
 architect is also to execute another bridge at Swansea, over the 
 river Tawy, the middle arch of it to rise one hundred and eight 
 feet above the surface of the water at full sea, and of a width suf- 
 ficient for a large vessel to pass through. 
 
 Yours, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 mi 
 
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152 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 August 7. Attended worship at the college ; Bishop Newton, 
 well known in the learned world by his writings, confirmed about 
 nine score persons, chiefly females, from fourteen to thirty years of 
 
 age. 
 
 August 10. Attended worship at Mayor's Chapel, Baron Ho- 
 tham, the nisi prius judge, present, accompanied by the mayor, in 
 their formalities. 
 
 w\ 
 
 I 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, DEVON. 
 
 Bristol, August 15,1717. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 A late rumor from the south that had exhilarated our sinking 
 spirits, is now momently abating of its credibility, though it was 
 told in a way and with circumstances that induced a universal be- 
 lief. The report I refer to you must undoubtedly have heard. My 
 faith in a speedy return to our native country is, as it ever has 
 been, faint; those, on the contrary, with whom it is my fate to 
 bear company, have cherished, and still please themselves with the 
 fond, delusive hope that the disturbances on the western continent 
 will subside upon the least success of the British arms, and hourly 
 expect to hear of Gen. Burgoyne's arrival at Albany ; from whence 
 they date the end of troubles there. But supposing that to take 
 place, I foresee a great deal to be done before the fierce spirits 
 of the people in America will settle down into a submission to a 
 power they dread, and have been taught to detest. Besides, I 
 cannot help thinking France will interpose and prevent a future 
 connection between Great Britain and the colonies ; perhaps, not 
 thinking it prudent to declare whilst the recovery of them remains 
 doubtful. This you may call a suggestion of fear, and it may be 
 the effect of a sickly disturbed imagination ; I presume, however, 
 I am not a singular instance. 
 
 With real regard, yours, etc. 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 I 
 
 ^ugmt 19. By the ship Lady Gage, from New-York, July 
 15th, advices that General Heister is returning to Europe; 
 that the troops are withdrawn from the Jerseys ; that Lord 
 Howe and General Howe are embarking, destination unknown ; — 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 163 
 
 July 
 
 rope; 
 
 Lord 
 
 discouraging news for government, and is a convincing proof I 
 should think that an insurrection excited by an enthusiastic ardor 
 for liberty, rightly or wrongly understood, and in such distant pro- 
 vinces, is not to be easily quelled. A contemptuous idea of the 
 weakness of the colonies, and their inability to withstand the pow- 
 er of this opulent state, is the chief if not the only source of the 
 present discouraging condition of their affairs in North America, -i 
 
 August 20. Advices from New-York are that General Pres- 
 cott was surprised and carried off at midnight from a detached 
 house a little beyond his line, by a few daring sailors who landed 
 on the island. This was done in revenge for General Prescott's 
 setting a price on General Arnold's head, dead or alive, to be 
 brought in. General Pigot si;: ceeds the former in command. That 
 Lord Howe and General Howe were soon tu leave New-York with 
 seventeen thousand troops, destination not ^'■nown, supposed north- 
 ward, to act in concert with 'general fj*^. Leger, vho is coming 
 down through the Mohawk country. That Gener ' Burgoyne has 
 taken Ticonderoga, and a confirmation of the cai;! a. e of the " Fox^^ 
 man-of-war by the Hancock and Boston privateers. 'TIs also 
 stated that the Massachusetts people b gl: to be discontenicd, and 
 accuse each other of folly in engaging la an opposition that seems 
 to promise such bitter fruits. Should Great Britain be able to 
 establish a line of communication between Canada and New-York, 
 and thereby separate the northern colonies from the southern, wo 
 to the promoters and abettors of these disputes, and good-by to Con- 
 gressional authority. The Indians will naturally fall into the hea- 
 viest scale, especially when enforced by such powerful motives as 
 Great Britain can offer. Should that event take place, God pre- 
 serve my poor country from the desolating judgments — from a mer- 
 ciless savage v.'ar. . 
 
 August 26. Intend!- T^ for a long walk, took my course for 
 Rownham passage,proc; ■ li' ,.^' over Leighdown through a Mrs. Gor- 
 don's grounds, late Lady Trenchard, which she exchanged for a 
 husband. This house «:heltered King Charles IT. after his defeat 
 and flight from Woi eester ; he was in the kitchen when his pursu- 
 ers entered, in the character of a scullion, and the cook maid struck 
 him with a ladle, calling him a careless dog, and ordering him to wind 
 up the jack, which he obeyed, getting on a stool for the purpose. 
 
 20 
 
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154 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 The house is a large, noble, old-fashioned structure. In the court 
 yard is a piece of water filled with carp. Dined at King's Weston, 
 and returned to lodgings much fatigued. King's Weston is an 
 estate belonging to Lord Clifford, family name Southwell. At the 
 inn I heard that Lord and Lady Clifford had that morning set off 
 for France, on account of the ill health of the latter, leaving a dead 
 child in the house to be buried when convenient. 
 
 August 28. The annual Gloucestershire feast this day ; the 
 procession, headed by the Duke of Beaufort, walked from Concert 
 Hall to the inn. 
 
 Sept. 2. Had a passing view of the half yearly fair held in St. 
 James's church-yard. Saw exposed in huts, sheds, etc., along the 
 street called Horse-fair, cloths, linen, hose, and every article in the 
 grocery and bauble way ; — besides the buyers, there were numer- 
 ous flocks of such characters as compose our Cambridge Common 
 gentry on commencement days, and for the like purposes, festivity 
 and fuddling. 
 
 Sept. .3. Evening at Judge Sewall's, who introduced me to 
 Dean Tucker, a famous political divine and anti-colonist, who 
 judges them a burden to Great Britain, and presses administration 
 to cast them off. 
 
 Sept. 6. Had an hour's conversation with a stranger on 
 'change ; a rare event, people in England being greatly indisposed 
 to join with unknown persons. The Bristolians are, however, re- 
 markable for early inquiries into the character of all strangers, from 
 commercial motives, and soon fasten on all worth making a pro- 
 perty of, if practicable ; all others, of how great estimation soever, 
 are in general neglected. This city is remarkable for sharp deal- 
 ings ; there runs a proverb, " one Jew is equal to two Genoese, one 
 Bristolian to two Jews." 
 
 Sept. 7. At the college, the cathedral so called, Dr. Stone- 
 house preached; he was a practitioner of medicine, and has now 
 turned his attention to spiritual maladies. His discourse serious 
 and sensible, and his delivery with becoming energy, very unlike 
 the insipid coldness prevalent among the preferment-seeking, 
 amusement-hunting, " macaroni parsons," who, to tin; shame and 
 dishonor of this age and nation, constitute the bulk of those of the 
 established clergy that possess valuable livings. 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 166 
 
 Stone- 
 las now 
 I serious 
 
 unlike 
 
 :cking, 
 liie and 
 
 of the 
 
 In the afternoon, walked to a street adjoining King's square to 
 attend John Wesley's preachment ; he being seated on a decent 
 scaffold, addressed about two thousand people, consisting of the 
 middle and lower ranks. The preacher's language was plain and 
 intelligible, without descending to vulgarisms. 
 
 Sept. 14. In the afternoon I attended once more John Wesley, 
 having the heavens for his canopy ; he began with an extempore 
 prayer, followed by a hymn of his ov.n compoil.ig, and adapted to 
 the subject of his discourse. He wears his own gray hair, or a wig 
 so very like that my eye could not distinguish. He is not a grace- 
 ful speaker, his voice being weak and harsh ; he is attended by 
 great numbers of the middling and lower classes ; is said to have 
 humanized the almost savage colliers of Kingswood, who, before 
 his time, were almost as fierce and unmanageable as the wild beasts 
 of the wilderness. He wears an Oxford master's gown ; his atten- 
 tion seemingly not directed to manner and behavior, — not rude, 
 but negligeii*, dress cleanly, not neat. He is always visiting the 
 numerous societies of his own forming in England, Scotland, Wales, 
 and Ireland ; though mar eighty years old, he reads without spec- 
 tacles the smallest print. He rises at four, preaches every day at 
 five, and once besides; an uncommon instance of physical ability. 
 
 Sept. 26. It is reported that General Howe is gone to Boston, 
 and if he makes a successful landing, and is powerful enough to 
 penetrate into the country, wo betide my poor native land. A few 
 days will undeceive us with regard to the object of Gen. Howe's 
 expedition. 
 
 Sept. 29. Mr. Timmins and Judge Sewall visited me. Even- 
 ing at Mr. Barnes's, where took lea with thirteen Americans. The 
 Temple church is so denominated from its having belonged to the 
 knights templars, which powerful and dangerous body of men was 
 dissolved about A. D. 1270. 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTII, 
 
 Bridol, October 6, 1777. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 It is :ny intention to pass a fortnight with you, and could wish, 
 if convenient, to meet you at Exeter. I long expected the pleasure 
 of seeing you here, but now despair of it, having seen Mr. John 
 
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156 
 
 lOUKNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 Waldo, who informs me you have laid aside all thoughts of a jour- 
 ney northward. The number of our country folks here is eighteen, 
 viz. : Mr. Boutineau and lady, Mr. Benjamin Faneuil and lady. 
 Judge Sewall and lady, Mr. Barnes and lady and niece, Mr. Fen- 
 ton and daughter and son, Mr. Fr. Waldo, Mr. Timmins, Colonel 
 Hatch's two daughters at school, and myself. 
 
 Gov. Hutchinson, in a letter to Judge Sewall, writes that the 
 news respecting the defeat of the Americans at Saratoga is cor- 
 roborated by other circumstances concurring to establish the credi- 
 bility of the lieutenant's letter; the remainder of the story stands on 
 its own bottom, or in other words is doubtful ; it is, however, be- 
 lieved by some that two hundred of the royal army fell in the at- 
 tack, and of the Americans fifteen hundred are killed, wounded, 
 and prisoners, with artillery and stores. He also writes that he 
 has it from high authority, that Lord George G, rmaine believes Lord 
 Howe gone to Chesapeake bay, but the King to the northward ; 
 my belief is that this is a stroke of court policy, to keep down 
 discontent in the minds of people who begin to grow impatient. 
 
 Your real friend, 
 
 S. CUKWEN. 
 
 Oct. 4. Before the " Lexington " privateer was taken, she had 
 burnt, sunk, and destroyed fifty-two British vessels, on the coast of 
 Great Britain ■ .1 Ireland, as appears by her log-book, as well as 
 by papers and I ''1> s found on board. 
 
 Oct. 21. Rose at six o'clock, and went a coursing with two 
 grayhounds and a spaniel for hares. Started one, and left her in 
 a turnip-field; returned about two o'clock, not greatly fatigued, 
 after a ramble of fifteen miles over hedge fences, ditches, etc. 
 
 Oct. 28. Had a sight of the Pennsylvania test, which mani- 
 fests a confidence in their ability to support their lately acquired 
 authority. It is a triumph to a few ; misery to many, I fear. 
 
 Oct. 31. Departed at four o'clock from Bristol, in the diligence, 
 with two other passengers, brothers; the one a parson of cheerful 
 humor, and of the learned tribe ; the other, late from the Fast 
 Indies with a few thousand pounds, which he was early retiring to 
 enjoy whilst he had a relish for the pleasures of sense. Breakfasted 
 
1777.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 157 
 
 goncp, 
 icerful 
 Kast 
 ring to 
 c fasted 
 
 at White Heart Cross, dined at Bridgewater, and at half past eight 
 alighted at Exeter, eighty-two miles in sixteen hours. 
 
 Exeter, Muvcmber 1. Departed on horseback, attended by a 
 servant with my portmanteau, and in three hours alighted at my 
 friend Isaac Smith's lodgings at Sidmouth. 
 
 Sidmouth, Mov. 7. Rode to Beer, a fishing town, containing 
 perhaps a hundred houses, mud walls and thatched roofs; the in- 
 habitants in looks and dress resembling Marblehead folks. Stop- 
 ped on our return at a farm called Baldash ; met here Mr. Cornish, 
 dissenting minister of CollyL i, who is a cordial advocate for 
 America and its independence; he is for retiring to woods and 
 caves to avoid religious persecution. 
 
 J\rov. 10. Started on horseback for Axminster, through Kil- 
 raington ; from an eminence on the road is a delightful prospect of 
 the vale through which the Axe flows in a serpentine direction, 
 under fine improvement, bordered by hills of a moderate height j 
 pastures and fields to the summit, from which saw Seaton at the 
 mouth of the river, supposed to have been a Roman port, no trace 
 of which remains. In this road lies a stately old house, called Ashe, 
 ■wherein John Churchill, the great Duke of Marlborough, was born ; 
 a village of no account called Musbury, and at the extremity Ax- 
 minster, where we dined at the Green Dragon, and were introduced 
 to the carpet manufactory, named from the town ; invented and 
 still carried on by an ingenious and obliging person of the dissent- 
 ing profession. Here is also wrought, besides his own, of a pecu- 
 liar construction, Turkey carpet, so very like in figure, color, and 
 thickness, as not to be distinguished from the genuine article. 
 They are wrought in perpendicular looms, by females, whose fingers 
 move with a velocity beyond the power of the eye to follow. The 
 shute, consisting of as many coln.s as the shades of the lii^iirc), ia 
 placed aloft on a bar, through rings running thereon "acb ring 
 passing a distinct color through. There was making a bt lutiful 
 one of thirty-six feet square, (aiiiounting to ninety-six pounds,) for 
 the Countess of Salisbury. The knowledge of this manufacture he 
 obtained thus: an old ragged feilciw, in military garb, calld and 
 said he had wrought all over Kurope in the Turkey carpet way; he 
 was engaged in)mediate1y, and complete success has result»'d, not 
 only in this kind but also in the Wilton and Axminster. 
 
 r 
 
 •'t; ■■J 
 
 CJi 
 
158 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1777. 
 
 We passed a dirty road in the dark and alighted at Thorncombe. 
 The late vicar was father of Commodore Samuel Hood, who lately 
 commanded a squadron at Boston. Supped and passed the night 
 here, next morning left early; at eleven o'clock arrived at Lyme 
 Regis, lying in south channel in an exposed situation : it is a place 
 of little trade, supplying the neighborhood with coals imported 
 here from the north. It is also a watering place, being accommo- 
 dated with a lew bathing machines, a terrace facing the beach, and 
 near adjoining for walking ; a long room for tea and cards, of a 
 southern aspect, and a neat assembly room. About twelve hun- 
 dred inhabitants, (chiefly dissenters,) and about two hundred houses. 
 Here is now standing, the George inn, wherein the Duke of Mon- 
 mouth first slept on his invasion. For the security of vessels coming 
 in here, there is a circular pier of severe! Hundred running feet, built 
 by the ever famous Sir John Oldcastle, Lord Cobhara, and from 
 him denominated the Cob. The next stage, Culliford, at Mr. John 
 Carsluck's seat ol W^ishcombe, where we were kindly entertained 
 and lodged. This place is called from its s-tuation ; " wish," in 
 Devonshire dialect moans weary, and " combe" vale, — which well 
 describes it. 
 
 JVov. 12. At meridian took leave and departed through the 
 country to Slade, seat of Mr. Lee, one of Mr. Smith's parishioners ; 
 called and notified him of our intention to dine, and passed forward 
 to Brunscombe, consisting of five clusters of small huts ot mud 
 walls and thatched roofs. This parish, formerly an estate of the 
 Brunscombe family, was given to a monastery at Caen, in Nor- 
 mandy, and remained appended to it till the downfall of popcr*' in 
 England. Dined and took tea with Mr. Lee, and resuming our 
 saddles, took leave, and crossing Salcombe hills, alighted at our 
 lodgings, after a circuitous ramble of forty-si.-ven miles in four days ; 
 the roads for the greater pnrt more dirty, stony, and disagreeable 
 than are generally to be pas^«.ti in oar owi country. 
 
 S'dinoulk, JVov. 17. Took an airing over Peak hill, — evening 
 in a large company at Mr. William Carsluck's; Coddington house 
 his seat ; took tea and a generous and flegmt supper. 
 
 J\oi'. IS. Rode out, passing a farm called Thorn, Iroui a thorn 
 iiush or tree standing on a road near by, said to be more than three 
 hundred years old. 
 
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 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 159 
 
 JVbv. 19. Rode to St. Mary, Ottcry, about eight miles out j it 
 is a parish, a hundred, and a manor ; the lords, Sir George Young 
 and Sir John Duntze. It is situated in a vale, the river Otter run- 
 ning through the midst, from which the town takes its name. The 
 centre is modern, built of brick, covered with pantile, a fire some 
 years ago havir^' destroyed the old buildings, it has a market, an 
 Episcopal church in the cathedral style of building ; by tradition 
 erected in 1060, a few years before the Noiman invasion ; it has a 
 look of antiquity, and is marked with decay within and without. 
 
 Mov. 20. At ten o'clock departed from Ottery, and at one 
 alighted in Exeter at my intended lodgings in Fore-street. 
 
 Exeter, JN'ot'. 22. Walked abroad, had a conversation with 
 young Reed, just returned from Salem, having been carried in there 
 in a prize ; from whom I learnt there was no business scarcely but 
 privateering, which he repiesents as surprisingly successful. 
 
 By the papers, I learn the king in his speech takes notice of 
 " the obstinacy of his rebellious subjects in America,''^ and promises 
 himself "all needful assistance from his faithful Commons." It 
 will be well if additional supplies, and an increase of foreign 
 troops, do not prove a source of intolerable evil. Would to God an 
 expedient could be devised to terminate this unnatural quarrel, 
 consistent with the honor of both parties; but this I fear is a vain 
 wish. The Dutch, from a sordid thirst of gain, the French, from 
 their dread of the rising power of Great Riitain united with the 
 colonies, and Spain, from an attachment to the court of Versailles, 
 are too deeply concerned to permit a re-union. Lord Chatham, on 
 motion for an address in the king's speech, says, " Without an im- 
 mediate restoration of tranquillity, this nation is ruined and undone. 
 What has been the conduct of ministers? Have they endeavored 
 to conciliate the affection and obedience of their ancient brethren? 
 They have gone to Germany, sought the tilliance of every pitiful, 
 paltry prince, to cut the throats !>>" their loyal, brave, and injured 
 brethren in America. Tliey havi' iiiteredinto mercenary treaties 
 • '\\ those human butchers for the purchase and sale of human 
 blood. But, my lords, this is not all ; they have let the savages 
 of America loose upon their in, ocent and uiidfTending brethren, 
 upon till 'i^j d, weak, and defenceless ; on old men, women, and 
 children ; upon babes at t'u- breast, to be cut, manrrled, sacrificed, 
 
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 burnt, roasted ; nay, to be eaten. These are the allies Great Bri- 
 tain now has; carnage, desolation and destruction, wherever her 
 arms are carried, is her new adopted mode of making war. Our 
 ministers have made alliances at German shambles, and with the 
 barbarians of America, wilii merciless torturers of their species. 
 Whom they will next apply to, I cannot tp|l." Such is Lord 
 Chatham's fire, such his orator., fuch hi3 ind'gDi'tlon against minis- 
 terial measures. 
 
 />?c. 14. Tj is day General burgoyne's la vri.fying capitulation 
 arrived in town. Nothing could be more disgraceful and humilia- 
 ting, unloKs a submissici to the victor's power without terms. The 
 loss of ilio military chest estimated at seventy -five thousand pounds, 
 the finest train c..' .irtiilery ever sent cut c' this kingdom before; 
 a'i the boti^ied acquisitions of the yea.'s campaign gone at a 
 blow, and Canada on the i>oint ( ' . '>ining the grand American 
 alliance. 
 
 In the House of Commons, on the 12th inst., after Lord Har- 
 rington's report of army estimates. Col. Barre rose and called on 
 Lord George Germaine to inform the house whether the report of 
 the surrender of General Burgoyne with his army and artillery was 
 true or false; which Lord George did in a short narrative, and said 
 intelligence had been r'lieived of the capture by the way of Quebec, 
 which struck the house \vith astonishment ; and after a short pause 
 Col. Barre rose, and with an averted look, said : " Great God ! 
 who can refrain from rage and indignation when the planner of so 
 much misery relates with the utmost composure, the horrid tale of 
 n British army destroyed ? We all know the General's bravery 
 and skill ; he did not surrender whilst there was a pojsibilily of 
 defence ; but while justice demands a just eulogium, what must we 
 say of the man who reduced so gallant an officer to so sad an alter- 
 native withoiit the smallest advantage to his country ?" 
 
 Dec. 18. From a correspondent at the west of the town, 1 
 learn that the language about the court is nowise lowered by the 
 last news from America ; " ddenda est Carfhn^o." The old poli- 
 ticians, neithei bia.ssed by hatred to Americans, nor intciested in the 
 destruction of the colonies, shake their heads at this language. 
 
 Dec. 25, Christmai. Service at cathedral. No shops opened 
 entirely, nor business publicly or generally carried on : — tbnugb 
 
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 161 
 
 the day is otherwise negligently enough observed, nor indeed can 
 more be expected, considering the low ebb of religion here. 
 
 Soon after the surrender of Burgoyne was announced by 
 Lord George Germaine in parliament, an adjournment took place 
 till after the holidays, whereupon Sir George Young, Mr. Baring, 
 the Exeter member, and Mr. Barre, hurried down, and it was sus- 
 pected that this foreboded a new parliament, a new ministry, new 
 measures, and that the most active opposition is coming into play ; 
 a few days will undeceive the public, however. On confirmation 
 of the American news, Manchester offered to raise a thousand men 
 at their own expense, to be ready for service in America in two 
 months, and was followed soon after by Liverpool. It is said there 
 are to be proposals for raising two thousand men out of ea'~h 
 parish through the kingdom; that the American secretary wi. 
 resign, and Lord Hillsborough succeed him. 
 
 Dec. 31. The lenity shown to General Burgoyne and his army ' 
 is allowed on all hands to do more honor to America, than the lau- 
 rels, reaped by the Howes, can bring to this distracted country. God 
 knows what is for the best, but I fear our perpetual banishment 
 from Amer'ca is written in the book of fate ; nothing but the 
 hopes of once more revisiting my native soil, enjoying my old 
 friends within my own little domain, has hitherto supported my 
 drooping courage ; but that prop taken away leaves me in a con- 
 dition too distressing to think of; however, amidst the increasing 
 evils of old age I have this consolation, that, mortifying as my lot 
 is, severe as my sufferings may be, their continuance cannot be 
 lasting. 
 
 Accompanied by Mr. Smith, drank tea with Mr, Towgood, and 
 they passed the evening and supped with tre ; and thus ends the 
 old year. Mr. Pope observes : 
 
 " With added years, if life bring nothing new, 
 But like a sieve let every blessing through, 
 Some joys still lost, as each vain year runs o'er, 
 And all we gain some sad reflection more : 
 Is that a birth-day ? 'tis, alas ! too ulear, 
 'Tis but the funeral of the former year." 
 
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 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 M 
 
 ,1 
 
 TO DR. DAUBEN'Y, LONDON. 
 
 Exeter, Jan. 3, 1778. 
 Dkar Sir : 
 
 By my friend Col. Browne's letter, received yesterday, I ana in- 
 formed of Col. Frye's arrival at Halifax, and of your quitting Salem 
 and arrival in London. Pray inform me whether his and your de- 
 parture from your settled abode arose from the requirements of the 
 HdW established governments ; if there be any in our province of 
 sufficient authority to restrain the lower classes from their insolence 
 and outrageous behavior, who, when the bands of society are un- 
 happi'y loosened and the laws are forced into silence, do not neg- 
 lect to avail themselves of those times to run riot against peace, 
 order and security, the most valuable blessings of social civil 
 life ; — whether there be any civil government established in our 
 province — what it is — who the administrators — who are our Salem 
 magistrates — its condition with respect to order, trade, religion — 
 the state of our society and the situation of our friends ? I could 
 fill a sheet with questions, but, loth to ta:" your good nature too 
 heavily, forbear. With congratulations on your safe arrival in a 
 land of plenty, and freedom from persecution, either on the score 
 of religion or politics, 
 
 I remain your friend, 
 
 S. CURWRN. 
 
 Jan. 6. Evening at Mr. N.'s, with Mrs. N. and Mrs. Tremlet, 
 sisters, of excellent understanding, great reading and refined taste. 
 
 Jan. 12. Bishop Ross installed arch-deacon in the chapter 
 house, as on Saturday he was prebend, and on the following days 
 this week is to be successively canon, treasurer, and bishop j each 
 cefeuonv being ushered, accompanied, or announced by tolling the 
 
1778.] 
 
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 163 
 
 great bell, and afterwards the chimes play. On the demise of a 
 bishop, the king in effect chooses under the fallacious compliment 
 of recommendation to the chapter, consisting of dean, prebends, 
 canons, etc., with a conge d'elire, or liberty to choose for that pur- 
 pose ; the choice falls of course on the person recommended, and 
 is so understood. He is then presented, kisses the king's hand on 
 his preferment, and is installed by proxy in the distant see. He is 
 personally enthroned when his new lordship pleases ; how long it 
 may be before we are to be favored with his personal presence, it 
 is not said. 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH. 
 
 Exeter, Jan. 17, 1778. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 The account of General Burgoyne's surrender is confirmed, and 
 what think you of the Congress now ? Of American independ- 
 ence ? Of laying the colonies at the ministers' feet ? Of Lord 
 S.'s boast of passing through the continent from one end to the 
 other with five thousand British troops ; and with a handful of men 
 keeping that extensive continent in subjection ? Of the invinci- 
 bility of the said troops ? Of tho raw, undisciplined, beggarly 
 rabble of the northern colonies 1 Of the humiliating surrender of 
 a British general, five thousand troops, seven thousand small arras, 
 and thirty-six pipers of brass artillery, to ihe aforesaid rabble 1 
 What think you of the pompous proclamation oi iL.? ; ^id general 1 
 Of the figure he is now making in the streets of Mosion, compared 
 to his late parading there, accompanied by his vainly fancied in- 
 vincible cohorts, now, alas ! rendered as harmless and inofFensii s 
 r nimals as you find I ? Of the condition General Howe is now or 
 soon may be in, should *he combined army of Washington and 
 Gates, numerous as it raay be, perhaps exceeding his own in the 
 proportion of two to one, elated with success, inflamed with an en- 
 thusiastic ardor, invest Philadelphia, defended by an army almost 
 worn out by incessant labor, having, as ihf' papers say, the shovel 
 and firelock always in their hands, and grca! ' v eakened by losses ? 
 What think you of the twenty thousand men voted in parliament a 
 ff w days since, in addition to the army now in America ? Where 
 are they to be raised ? Is not Russia on the verge of a war with 
 
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 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 the Turks ? Have not the two great potentates of Germany re- 
 fused to suffer their country to be further drained of its inhabitants? 
 Is not Denmark too feeble, thinly peopled, and jealous of its potent 
 neighbors, to furnish men ? Have we any alliance with Sweden t 
 Is not Holland in the same predicament with the former, and does 
 not its commercial system forbid lending us aid ? Is not Portugal 
 too poor, dependent, and unable if disposed 1 Is not Spain unwil- 
 ling and unable, and too much inclined to follow French politics 1 
 Nay, does not the impolicy of hiring troops from her, if willing and 
 able, ap^jear too glaring even in the most desperate case ? And is 
 not Fr.'Ti" '00 insidious and insincere, too much interested both in 
 regard to politics and ccsnmerce, to apply to her for assistance ; 
 nay, would it not be too dangerous, considering her former state and 
 ■connections there 1 Have not the Switzers toi strong a sense^of 
 liberty themselves to engage against a cause wherein civil liberty 
 is pretended to be invaded ? 
 
 Pray what resources, then, has Great Britain, without allies 
 able or willing to afford the needed help 1 Can her own country 
 furnish the requisite numbers 1 Can the manufacturers spare, with- 
 out essential injury to its commerce, a supply from thence 7 Does 
 she abound in laborers ? Are there not, rather, complaints that men 
 of the lower classes are wanting 1 Have not the recruiting parties 
 found great difficulty in raisinj^ men ? And is it iint well known 
 that business goes on slowly and heavily at this da^_ ? Would not 
 an act of parliament to press men for the America * service, (and 
 without it, it cannot be done,) raise disturbances and insurrections 
 think you 1 Would not raising new regiments from among the 
 Catholics of Ireland disaffect the bulk of the nation ? In this sad 
 dilemma, which way can administration turn to extricate thtin- 
 selves ? How can they escape out of this labyrinth wherein they are 
 intricated 1 What measures can be adopted consistent with the 
 honor and dignity of this late mighty empire — alas, how fallen ! — that 
 gave law but a few years ago to two of the most powerful, politic, 
 and wealthy states in Europe, and thereby peace to almost all the 
 world ? Common sense and prudence, in the case of a private 
 person, suggests, that when convinced his measures of conduct are 
 inadequate and incompetent to answer his wishes and designs, to 
 retrace his mistaken steps, pursue other measures, and undo what 
 
1778.] 
 
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 166 
 
 has been done wrong ; for it most surely is l6ss dishonorable to 
 correct errors than pertinaciously continue in a track confessedly 
 wrong and fatal. Does not the American secretary, Lord George 
 Germaine, seem to be of this mind, when he announced General 
 Burgoyne's surrender in the house, declaring, at the same time, the 
 impracticability of carrying on this war any longer ? Has this an 
 appearance of a pacific intention, or does it seem designed, as has 
 been suggested, to lull the opposition? (which, however, I don't 
 consider but as the effect of party misrepresentation ; for you know 
 party views every thing in false lights.) Think you this an indi- 
 vidual opinion, uncommunicated to his brethren in administration, 
 and unknown in the privy council, delivered without their privity, 
 connivance or consent ? Is it probable he will long hold a post in 
 which he must take so active a part as his duty requires, in promo- 
 ting measures, in his judgment ineffectual, and which cannot long 
 be supported ? If a difference in the higher departments begins, 
 and a derangement in administration should take place, where will 
 it end ? I shall tremble for the consequences at this period, as it 
 will weaken government when most it stands in need of support 
 from a general concurrence. Did not Lord North seem to yield to 
 the idea of conciliatory measures ? The designs of a court are 
 deep and hidden j who, by searching, can find them out, till time, 
 the great revealer of secret things, exposes to view the wisdom or 
 folly, the policy or impolicy of cabinet councils ? The language of 
 the court, the papers say, is, as it ever has been, " delenda est Car- 
 thago ; if this be not slander, wo betide my poor country. I con- 
 fess I feel too strongly the amor patriae not to wish it may be 
 slander ; its enemies will never, I hope, exult over its ruins ; but 
 its inhabitants be timely brought to a just sense and sight of their 
 real interest and security, which in my view consists only in a close 
 connection with this country. 
 
 Vigorous measures are talked of there ; but in parliament the 
 language held by the ministers see.ns mild, leaning toward an 
 adjustment of matters otherwise than by the ultima ratio regum; 
 the out-door talk is just the rev( vse ; uuhappy the state of society 
 and government that renders such conduct in any regard expedient. 
 Should government seriously wish and intend to settle this quarrel 
 amicably, what can be the first step 1 The present situation of 
 
 
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 JOURN 
 
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 [1778. 
 
 administration puts^e in mind of a story relative to Sir Christopher 
 Wren, who went yearly to visit King's College Chapel, Cambridge, 
 remarkable for its roof; on being askod whether he could construct 
 such another, replied, " Tell me where to place the first stone, and 
 I will engage to execute it." Are not our state architects ns much 
 perplexed and embiirrasscd where to lay the first foundation stone 
 whereon to erect a temple to peace and concord ? Could they ever 
 devise a plan of accommodation dictated by wisdom itself short of 
 American independence ? Would the United States condescend to 
 enter into a treaty with this kingdom after so many proofs of their 
 ability to defeat their designs and resist their most vigorous eiforts, 
 and from whom they have received so many supposed indignities, 
 severities, and oppressions ? I quit my theme and lay down my 
 pen to read the news just brought in ; but before I record it, let me 
 premise that not a syllable of it finds credit with me ; it is as fol- 
 lows: — " General Vaughan, who burnt Esopus and made such cruel 
 havoc up Hudson river, is defeated by General Putnam ; he and his 
 army prisoners ; that the former has got between General Clinton and 
 New-York with a separate army ; that General Washington had 
 forced General Howe's lines, destroyed and taken seven thousand 
 men." Should this, or half of it be true, I warrant (without gift 
 of prophecy) the game is up. I forgot to add, Arnold is not killed, 
 only wounded in the leg, and with General Gieen gone forward 
 to Quebec; the American works on the Delaware not yet forced, 
 so that the two brothers Howe can as yet have communication 
 together till that event takes place. General Howe's situation 
 must be very disagreeable, not to say dangerous. I will add a few 
 lines to fill the sheet. Newspapers are crowded with articles of 
 the offers of towns and counties to enable his majesty's government 
 to carry on the war against America, which by some means is now 
 become to be considered as less a ministerial affair than some time 
 ago ; should the proposed numbers, however, be taken out of the 
 manufactories, I dare engage trade will sensibly feel it. Would to 
 God, that moderate and just views of the real interests of both 
 countries might possess the minds of those who direct the public 
 measures here and there. That peace may again take place, and 
 trade and agriculture and commerce be established on a lasting 
 basis, is the most ardent wish of your friend, S. Cukwen. 
 
1778.] 
 
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 167 
 
 Jan. 26. I am told ihe officers lately arrived from America, 
 generally declare the conquest of it is a vain expectation, even 
 with a very great additional force. Notwithstanding this, the 
 ardor of the nation for subduing what is called the " American Re- 
 bellion," seems to spread like a flame from north to south ; the new 
 troops talked of as proposed to be raised immediately, are as 
 follows : — Battalion of Highlanders under Lord M'Leod, 1000 ; 
 Manchester volunteers, 1000 ; Duke of Argyle's Highlanders, 
 2000 ; Duke of Athol's Highlanders, 1000 ; Colonel Gordon'^s do,, 
 1000 ; Duke of Hamilton's regiment of Arran, 1000 ; Colonel 
 Dalrymple's loyal Lowlanders, 1000 ; midland Highlanders, 1000 ; 
 Sutherland's and Mackay's Highlanders, 1000 ; Earl of Seaforth's 
 Highlanders, 1000 ; Dutch brigades to be augmented, 5000 ; Irish 
 Roman Catholics, 5000; ten English battalions, 10,000 :— 31,000. 
 
 Lord Abington's motion to be considered in parliament, against 
 the constitutionality of persons, corporations, towns, cities or coun- 
 ties to raise men, and arm and equip them ; and if he defends his 
 position, it will put a stop to the loyalty of Manchester, Liverpool, 
 Norfolk county, and some Scotch lords, who have made offers of 
 money and men for carrying on the American war. Lord Abing- 
 ton's motion was for summoning the judges to attend the house, 
 that their opinions on this matter may be known ; he considered 
 it not only repugnant to the principles of the constitution, but ex- 
 pressly against the letter of the law. The attempt to raise men 
 in Warwickshire and Norfolk has failed, from the opposition of the 
 gentry and others. 
 
 Dr. Robertson, in his history of Scotland, says : " When men 
 have been accustomed to break through the common boundaries 
 of subjects, and their minds are influenced with the passions which 
 civil war inspires, it is mere pedantry and ignorance to measure 
 their conduct by those rules which can be applied only when 
 government is in a state of order and tranquillity. A nation, when 
 obliged to employ such extraordinary efforts in defence of its liber- 
 ties, avails itself of every thing to promote its great end, and the 
 necessity of the case and importance of the object, justify a depar- 
 ture from the common and established forms of the constitution." 
 This is precisely what a sensible American, whose mind is strongly 
 impressed with the right of resistance to the authority and arms of 
 
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 [1778. 
 
 the mother country, would offer in defence of the many hardships 
 and violences imposed on his fellow-countrymen at the present 
 momentous crisis. 
 
 Jan. 30. This being in Church of England language, " King 
 Charleses martyrdom" it is farcically observed as a fast day ; 
 churches open and service suitable to the solemn occasion read. 
 To complete the absurdity here, the pulpit of the cathedral was 
 covered with black cloth ; the tip-staves, sword, and mace, carried 
 before the mayor in the same grim garb. 
 
 TO WILLIAM BROWNE, ESQ, LONDON. 
 
 Exeter, January 30, 1778. 
 Dkar Sir : 
 
 General Burgoyne's defeat will, I think, prove a prelude to a 
 succession of fatal events. The rapid increase of military skill and 
 courage that enthusiasm produces, and the great numbers of Euro- 
 pean commanders and engineers of experience now incorporated 
 amongst the Americans, are considerations that extinguish my 
 expectation of the success of the following campaign, even should 
 Great Britain send over in season the number of troops ordered by 
 parliament, (and which do not amount to what all who have lately 
 arrived from America agree to be necessary to insure success, or 
 rather, in any good degree, render it probable.) May those evils 
 my gloomy mind forebodes, exist only in imagination ; but I must 
 confess I see, perhaps through a false vista, the expedition already 
 ended in the disgrace of this powerful and wealthy kingdom, and 
 in the ruin of that once singularly happy, but now, alas ! deluded, 
 wretched America; for, disconnected from this country, wretched 
 it must necessarily be, if anarchy and the most grievous oppressions 
 and taxes can make a people so. How weak, inconsistent, and 
 dangerous is human conduct, when guide! by lawless ambition, or 
 any false or wrong motives ! Into what dreadful evils are commu- 
 nities often plunged by hearkening to the declamations of pretended 
 patriots, of crafty, selfish, unprincipled demagogues of this and 
 many other countries; history furnishes us a present mortifying 
 proof and example. 
 
 You may console yourself in the late disgrace of the British 
 arms, with the hope that V. .^ay revive the ardor and bravery hith- 
 
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1778.] 
 
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 109 
 
 erto so peculiarly characteristic of British troops, but similar causes 
 do not always produce similar effects. At the time you refer to, 
 Rome was in the meridian of her glory, war the profession of her 
 citizens ; her inhabitants, through all her ranks, were at that period 
 actuated by ihe amor patria, a principle publicly derided 'n this 
 age. Do not think mc a cynic, when I say, I fear this naiioa has 
 sunk into too selfish, degenerate, luxurious a sloth, to rise into such 
 manly, noble exertions as her critical situation seems to demand : 
 for which this people have in times past been famed, as the disaster 
 you mention formerly produced among the Romans, and as hereto- 
 fore within my own memory, has been the case with this very peo- 
 ple. But the breast of every Roman was warmed with the amor 
 pairia; at that period, and with this principle he could brave dan- 
 gers, and even death, to bring honor to his country ;— when riches 
 poured in upon them from all quarters of the world, when manners 
 degenerated, and selfish regards succeeded to the love of country ;. 
 when luxurious tables and effeminacy among the higher ranks took 
 the place of frugal meals, and manly fortitude, with the sense of 
 honor sunk into venality and court dependence, they then became 
 abject, desponding, cowardly, and were exposed to every invader, 
 and instead of bravely defending, abandoned even their lands and 
 wealth to be possessed by their courageous army ; and such will 
 always be the condition of every people in similar periods of its 
 state. But away with politics. 
 
 You ask when I intend to come to London ; to take a long, 
 expensive journey that road, I have not at present in contempla- 
 tion. Abstract Col. Browne, and a few acquaintances, and London, 
 in the present state of my finances, has not charms strong enough 
 to attract mc thither. With no relish for the amusements and 
 dissipations of that unavoidably chargeable residence, I should ill 
 exchange my fru^^^al and comfortable board, in a decent family, at 
 eight shil! ngs, for twenty, and a long train oid Cf/(!nw, amounting 
 to thirty-five more under 'trictest economy. It would cidd much to 
 my enjoyment, to have the company of my friend Col. Browne, 
 with or without a friend or two ; but to encourage his taking so long 
 and tedions a journey, I dare not, having nothing to offer him by 
 way of equivalent for his trouble, ignorant as I am of his taste and 
 views of living : however, should a plan of frugalily, inclination to 
 
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 [1778. 
 
 ramble, or curiosity, push you out of the metropolis, as the season 
 grows milder, and chance or design direct your steps to this plen- 
 tiful and cheap quarter, take the following short imperfect sketch. 
 
 Exeter, for its numbers, is somewhat less than Boston ; in 
 buildings as unlike as the wrinkled age of fourscore differs from the 
 healthy, florid complexion of thirty. To your or any eye familiar 
 to modern structures, this place will appear as uncouth as a female 
 tricked out in a ruff and fardingale, or in the court dress of old 
 Queen Bess. I am led to this comparison, from having often heard 
 that the houses, especially in Fore-street, are of her age, and in- 
 deed they no more resemble the modern than the dress of that day 
 does the present. The streets are narrow, ill-paved, and (I wonder 
 why not to a proverb) dirty. There is a row of buildings in the 
 form of the crescent at Bath, in the so called modern style j but 
 it is crowded in a corner, out of sight ; built on land belonging to 
 the Duke of Bedford, and goes by the name of his title, on the site 
 of a late noble palace, wherein Henrietta, the youngest daughter of 
 Charles I., was born during his troubles. Within the walls are 
 three walks for taking the air ; on the north, a circular one, lying 
 back of the castle, encompassed with trees, through which, on the 
 outer side, over a vale filled with houses and improved fields, are 
 cut vistas ; much frequented here is also the church-yard, or the 
 inclosure within walls and gates; round St. Peter's, the cathedral, 
 another hard gravel walk called the Friars, commanding a fine 
 field view, besides many others without the city. And for in-door 
 amusements, a theatre, concerts, a coffee-house, called Moll's, and 
 a hotel, both in the church-yard, where the London papers are 
 brought four days in the week. 
 
 Having filled my sheet, I conclude abruptly, like Hudibras 
 breaking off in the middle. 
 
 Very sincerely yours, 
 
 S. CrRWEN. 
 
 Feb. 3. This was the day appointed for the cnthronization or 
 installation of Bishop Ross in the episcopal seat. The ceremony 
 ■was performed by Archdeacon Hull of Bamsfaplc, (he proxy, and 
 o.ae of the canons of St. Peter's. The chapter, consisting of the 
 dean, canons, prebendaries, &c. &c., a set of well-fed priests, all 
 
1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 171 
 
 of the largest dimensions, (except the first, who was in London,) 
 walked in procession to the cathedral, preceded by the officers 
 properly habited, and whose coming was announced by the sound 
 of the great bell. Having arrived into the church, the chapter 
 proceeded to the throne, where they all sat downj after being 
 seated a short space, the proxy arose, and advancing to the front, 
 read an oration in praise of the late bishop ; concluding with an 
 encomium on the present one, in which he declared he took real,, 
 actual, and corporal possession of the episcopal chair ; these words 
 being the same he used, and I fancy an essential part of the form. 
 The seat, or throne, as it is called, is of a singular construction, 
 and the most magnificent of any j it is a square of sixteen feet, 
 lined with crimson silk, the cushions velvet of the same color, 
 edged with a broad gold fringe ; the canopy thirty feet high, sup- 
 ported by four wrought posts, carved up to the ceiling in Gothic 
 open work, decreasing till it ends in pinnacles; opposite stands 
 the pulpit ; both at the upper end of the choir. 
 
 Henry Grove, a dissenting minister of Taunton, well known by 
 his writings among those of the same profession, wrote Nos. 588> 
 601, 626 and 635, in the 8th volume of tho Spectator ; and Mr. 
 Parr, lately deceased in this city of Exeter, in his eighty-eighth 
 year, wrote those signed A. B. in the 6th and 7th vrlnmes, and 
 some others, the signature of which his son, Surgeon Parr, told me 
 he had forgotten. 
 
 Feb. 10. Received a letter from William Cabot, London, in- 
 forming me that by a letter from Nathan Goodale, Salem, all friends 
 are well. 
 
 Feb. 14. Received a friendly letter from Mj . Tiramins. His 
 wife at Boston, seeing n. 1 to the disturbances, is going to pluck 
 up stakes, and remove witn flocks, herds, and children. 
 
 Lord Camden said the other day in the house of peers, on the 
 Duke of Richmond's motion to consider the state of the nation, 
 with liberty to r«, ' t to such papers as were before them, " the 
 origin of the mistake of our ininisters in commencing the American 
 war, was this: they ignorantly supposed the Americans to be 
 cowards, and foolisiily imagined the French to be idiots." 
 
 Mr. W(iodbri(lg<rs answer to the Duke of Richmond (on the 
 9th inst.) was, that by Lloyd's cofTec-house books, the number of 
 
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 172 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 ^1 
 
 [1778. 
 
 British vessels taken from May, 1776, to the present time by Ame- 
 rican privateers, was seven hundred and thirty-three, containing 
 upwards of thirteen thousand men. That the aggregate value of 
 the ships and cargoes, after deducting one hundred and seventy- 
 four retaken and restored, ai lounted to j64,823,000 sterling. Th« 
 number of American privateers one hundred and seventy-three. 
 That American products had greatly advanced in price ; tobacco 
 from sevenpence to two-and-tenpence, — pitch, from eight shillings 
 io thirty-six ; tar, turpentine, oil, and pig iron, in the same pro- 
 portion. 
 
 Feb. 15. At the George dissenting meeting-hous" Sir Henry Tre- 
 lawney, of fifteen hundred a year, an Oxford-bred scholar, preached 
 from " O imrship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." Taking a 
 religious turn, he had fallen into Methodism, and set out a flaming 
 preacher cf their notions, to eniscopal orders superadding dissent- 
 ing admonition of the lowest kind. He has charge of a small 
 flock in the neighborhood of his own estate ; his natural good sense 
 has cooied his first heat, and he now addresses with fervor, but 
 candor and affection, a crowded assembly. Just as he entered, 
 before service began, an elderly lady in the pew adjoining to the 
 one I sat in, sunk down in a fainting fit, and breathed her last 
 without a groan or struggle. 
 
 TO WILLIAM BROWNE, ESQ., LONDON. 
 
 Exeter, February 17, 1778. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I would fain persuade myself my good friend does not enter- 
 tain unfavorable sentiments of the rectituue of my principles, what- 
 ever doubts he may have of the justness of my opinion respecting 
 the appearance of things at this juncture, and the probable issue of 
 this destructive quarrel between Great Britain and the colonies. 1 
 presume it needs no proof to convince him of my leaving America 
 under a strong conviction of the almost physical impossibility of her 
 waging a successful war with this powerful state, and therefore of 
 the unjustifiableness, imprudence, impolicy, and even madness of 
 the undertaking. Nothing short of such a state of mind could ab- 
 solve me from the imputation of the extremest folly to abam <n my 
 country, friends, and estate, and all my hopes in this world, at my 
 
1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 173 
 
 :$l\ 
 
 time of life, with but little money, few connections here, and no 
 expectations. 
 
 The pernicious system of politics adopted by France, ever since 
 she raised her views to universal empire under Louis XIV., hs") 
 justly brought on her the delcsl rJ character of unfaithful, false, 
 crafty, and perfidious ; so that French faith now, like Punic of old, 
 you are sensible, goes current in Europe for the four preceding 
 characters ; nor has the late behavior of the court of Versailles 
 failed to verify the disgraceful imputation : even at the very time 
 the ministers of France, upon some spirited remonstrances from our 
 court, were pouring forth a profusion of seemingly fair promises 
 and specious declarations of amity into the lap of Lord Stormont, 
 ordering a few vessels with, and a few without cargoes, to be 
 restored to their right owners, and even shutting up their ports, on 
 paper, against American privateers ; even at that very time, they 
 were not only connivin[, at, but carrying on a contraband trade to 
 the revolted colonies. In the port of Nantz there lay, ready to sail 
 for America, three or four large ships, laden with all kinds of mer- 
 chandise, cannon, and artillery stores, and waiting for a fair wind. 
 Is it not a well known fact that the most successful depredations 
 on the trade of this island, that have ever taken place in Europe or 
 the West Indies, are now making on the latter by French pirates, 
 under congressional colors, and that prizes are daily selling at open 
 market, and all j etencesto reclaim denied ; now and then, indeed, 
 to save appeaianccs, in imitation of ministers on thisy side the 
 water, ii few feeble, unregarded prohibitions are issued, but none 
 executed to efiect. 
 
 Spain, whose political and commercial interests so naturally 
 ally it to England, that it is even a proverb, " Paz con Inghiterra 
 y guerra con todo el mtindo"* celebrated from time immemorial for 
 honor, true magnanimity, and fidolity to its promises, has ever 
 since the Bourbon idiot that now tills its throne,* * * and ever since 
 the days of his puEJllaninous father, adopted French manners, friv- 
 olity, levity, dress, politics, and faith, to the expulsion of true Cas- 
 tilian gravity, dress, honor, and regard to the real interest of the 
 
 ♦iff r,.i, 
 
 i 
 
 '■I 
 
 ' Peace with England, if war with the reit of the world." 
 
 •J 5 
 
174 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 country. Witness the shuffling and chicanery of the court of Ma- 
 drid just before the ill-judged declaration of the last war j review the 
 authentic accounts of the friendly reception of the American and 
 French privateers, and the open trade of the colonies at Bilboa, 
 Cadiz, and all the ports of Spain during these troulles, though 
 royal orders, edicts, and mandates, tagged with an " Y el Rey" 
 have been successively transmitted down to the seaports. So well 
 are the court purposes understood, that within four weeks, two or 
 three English prizes were publicly ; /Id in one of the southern ports, 
 in open day, and the privateers rtfreshed and furnished with all 
 needed stores, and unmolested suffered to depart, laden with the 
 substance and property of the subjects of England. King Solomon 
 says, " where the word oi a king is, there is power ;" this he said 
 from his own experience. Who in his wits can believe that the 
 Spaniards, or that abject Turkey-race of pirates inhabiting on the 
 opposite shore, durst have acted thus in defiance of their sovereign, 
 if they had not well known the artful distinction between his secret 
 and revealed will ? With regard to the article of Nantz and a 
 Spanish port, they are facts that stand, for aught I know, on the 
 same footing c. credibility with the other articles of foreign intelli- 
 gence that pass uncontradicted ; and if these be facts, and facts are 
 of a stubborn nature, and bend not to our wishes, they carry con- 
 viction, what must we not infer, loth as we may be ? The natural 
 inference is, that both these two courts do invariably adhere to the 
 line of conduct marked out by them from the commencement of 
 this trouble, to distress the government as much as it is in their 
 power, and to steal away our trade. The officers that throughout 
 the winter arrived at the western ports, passing through this city 
 in their journey to London, have one and all declared, as some re- 
 ports are, that thirty thousand men, at least, in addition to those 
 already in America, are necessary to effectuate the reduction of the 
 continent. Probably these persons speak the sentiments of the 
 army ; there is not, that I know, reason to think them disaffected to 
 the service, nor partial to America. The foregoing convictions are 
 the grounds of my fears, apprehensions, and as you ask me whence 
 I fetch my facts, my reply is, from the common spring-head of pop- 
 ular intelligence. My practice is not to hunt after newspapers, as 
 I seldom go to the coffee-houses j but when they fall by accident 
 
'T 
 
 1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 175 
 
 into my hands, I indiscriminately read all, from the Court Gazette, 
 published by authority, to the Sherburne Mercury. The public 
 papers, I well know, are justly stigmatized vehicles of falsehood 
 and sedition : I rarely attend to political essays or remarks, scarce 
 ever give them even a cursory glance ; articles of foreign intelli- 
 gence I credit as far as they are free from self-evident inconsisten- 
 cies, in respect of time and other circumstances. As to country, my 
 principal view in the choice has ever been the instructive and en- 
 tertaining ; nor am I unhappy in my few acquaintances here ; my 
 chief companion is a philosopher of my old friend the Rev. Mr. 
 Gilchrist's stamp, and too deeply'engaged in moral and philosophi- 
 cal researches to trouble one with politics, for that is rarely a topic 
 of conversation. 
 
 My friend, in reading this tedious letter, will see the high value 
 set upon his good opinion, and trust his candor will make due al- 
 lowance for our difference in small matters, while in essentials we 
 keep " the faith whole and undejiled.'^ 
 
 Wishing you increasing felicity, I remain 
 
 Your affectionate friend, 
 
 S. Cur WEN, 
 
 Feb. 25. The ministry on the 23d inst. received advices from 
 Lord Stormont that five ships of the line and three frigates had 
 sailed from Brest to Nantz, in order to convey eighteen transports 
 to America, laden with all kinds of military stores, agreeably to 
 the commercial treaty subsisting between the French and Ameri- 
 cans ; the transports to return laden with tobacco from Virginia. 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH. 
 
 Exeter, Feb. 25, 1778. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 1 presume you have seen Lord North's answer to Charles James 
 Fox and Mr. Grenville in the house ;* 'tu possible, nay, too proba- 
 ble, but "h* not authenticated by the ambassador." This fatal treaty 
 is at length executed ; the coup de grace is given to British glory 
 
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 ♦ To the inquiry whether it was true that a treaty bad be«n made be- 
 tween Frunce end America. 
 
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17fr 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 1 
 
 — Us sun is set — alas, how fallen ! How short-sighted is humaa 
 •wisdom, how weak is human power at best ! The roar of the Brit- 
 ish lion will no more be heard ; the French cock may now crow 
 and strut undisturbed. 
 
 Americans that lately were, humble supplicants to Great Britain 
 for aid against a few French troops and Indian savages, disturbing 
 her frontier settlements, have dared — what have they dared ? — to 
 renounce her authority ; have set her power at defiance ; reduced her 
 commerce j defeated her ar.mies ; sunk her national credit, nay, in- 
 sulted her coasts, established their independence in spite of all ef- 
 forts, and, tell it not in Gath, allied itself to her natural, professed, 
 and most dangerous enemy. 
 
 Your friend. 
 
 S. CUEWEN. 
 
 Feb. 28. Received Lord North's two acts respecting the ri^ht 
 of taxation confined to commerce, and appointing commissioner j o 
 adjust all matters in dispute. These offers are, I fear, too late j t-ie 
 fatal treaty with France is already signed. 
 
 March 2. By the mayor's zeal for a strict observance of the 
 fast, an order to prohibit hair-dressers and bakers exercising their 
 callings was published. In Canon Barlow's sermon in St. Peter's 
 were these remarkable expressions, which for a dignitary of the 
 established church wishing to rise, are singularly and dangerously 
 bold. He said, " the war with America was unjust ; that they are 
 a religious people and may expect a blessing, and we the re- 
 verse." 
 
 March 6. The court hurried away the Andromeda with Lord 
 North's conciliatory propositions to the Howes in America. 
 
 March 8. Yesterday the French ambassador declared to Lord 
 Weymouth, that France had signed a treaty of amity and alliance, 
 or of friendship and commerce, with the United States of America, 
 who, said he, are in full possession of independence, as pronounced 
 by them on the fourth of July, 1776, without stipulating any ex- 
 clusive advantages in favor of the French nation, and that the Uni- 
 ted States have reserved to themselves liberty of treating with 
 every nation whatever, upon the same footing of especiality and 
 reciprocity. 
 
1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 177 
 
 Bei': -^ L- country, our advices from London are that a war 
 with I\ .0. y. dreaded ; there is fear of a general bankruptcy. — 
 It is lurther said the present administration is almost universally 
 reprobated — 'tis in my mrnd a doubt whether in the dregs of the 
 state less interested ministers can be found, though perhaps of more 
 salutary politics, but the problem time only can solve. All men 
 ere Jove money and power too ardently to sacrifice either to 
 interest or peace of state. 'Tis therefore, I fancy, equally indiffer- 
 ent who are or shall be our political cooks ; the pottage, I fear, 
 will be spoiled. Stocks have fallen to 59 1-2, which has pro- 
 dp.ced an almost universal panic. 
 
 March ?3. Pv-patches for the Howes passed through this 
 city ; contents a seciv^t. 
 
 < I, 
 
 II 
 
 TO DR. JOHN PRINCE, HALIFAX. 
 
 Exeter, March 15, 1778. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Your favor of the 20th Jan. came to my hands a few days since 
 from London; the advice of your retreat to Halifax I received in a 
 letter from my friend Col. Browne. The spirit of intolerance 
 among our New England brethren I vainly wished might have 
 abated, they having, at the period of your departure, nothing to 
 dread from the few individuals who could not, toto corde, embrace 
 the political orthodoxy of the multitude and their directors. I 
 doubt not that prudence would have screened and secured you from 
 the rage and insult of the lower classes, and rendered life tolera- 
 ble, if prudence < ..Jd have had its due influence ; but, such is the 
 popular violence ■'vhen once it unhappily takes place, and may be 
 exercised without restraint and fear of punishment, that like an 
 irresistible torrenv it bears down all before it ; laws, justice, truth, 
 religion, the rights of humanity, civility, conscience, are made to 
 rush impetuous down the mighty stream. 
 
 I ardently wish once more to visit ray natale solum, and Impa- 
 tiently wait for ihe day of my redemption ; would I could say it 
 draweth nigh, but ) see no end of the baneful ill-omened war, for 
 news has arrived of a declaration by France against vs. Should 
 it prove true, Great Britain has the woist to fear ; even her inde- 
 
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 178 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEPS- 
 
 [1778. 
 
 pendency is at stake ; for aught I can see, F.' kuce has drawn down 
 from the interior almost all her troops to the English channel. 
 She has forty-four capital ships ready for sea ; not a vessel is al- 
 lowed to go to Newfonrifj'l'ind from France, in order to man the 
 fleet. La Motte Piqu^ t Vvith five capital ships and eighteen large 
 transports sailed about a fortnight since, avowedly bound to 
 America, laden with military stores. Spain has forty capital ships 
 ready for sea, which are waiting only for the arrival of the Vera 
 Cruz fleet ; should then these united fleets of more than fourscore 
 ships attempt invasion. Great Britain has only thirty-seven ships 
 of the line and eleven frigates to oppose them. 
 
 Lord North has proposed terms of reconciliation, but nothing 
 short of independency will p;o down with the col 'lies. France 
 will support them ; all thoughts of conquest, of unconditional sub- 
 mission, be assured, are given up ; and I fear much more, that the 
 colonits have, contrary to their real interest and safety, entered 
 into a league offensive and defensive against the parent state. — 
 But it is a melancholy truth, which almost every day's experience 
 verifies, that passion and resentment often urge men and states to 
 actions and courses destructive of their manifest interest and safety, 
 and such will America find in the end this alliance will prove, 
 should Great Britain in the event become thereby oppressed. I 
 ( could wish (but wishes, alas, are vain) America had seen her in- 
 terest in another point of light ; far, very far am I from wishing 
 her oppressed, or her liberties restrained; I am fully convinced 
 the colonies will never find any good purpose answered by inde- 
 pendence. God only knows what is before us, and may we be 
 prepared for his allotments with submissive resignation. 
 
 I find myself fast declining into the vale of life, therefore less 
 able to struggle with the unavoidable evils of this inconstant state, 
 than in the days of more strength and vigor. 
 
 Believe me, with real regard, yours, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 TO GEORGE RUSSELL, ESQ., BIRMIIVGHAM. 
 
 Exeter, March 16, 1778. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 The dark and threatening cloud hanging over this island calls 
 
1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 179 
 
 I 
 
 believe rae, k 
 tated by envi^ 
 spirit of a cl 
 which by long 
 
 aloud for a more cerious turn of mind than seems to characterize 
 tie present period ; but how sadly true is the reverse of such a 
 state of mind amongst us at this day ; thoughtlessness, levity, 
 frivolous manners, mirth and music, seem to have seized, and en- 
 gross the upper ranks ; attention to business and a supine disregard 
 to national danger and honor, do they not too justly characterize 
 the middle ranks 1 As for the canaille, they are here, as they ever 
 have been, and will be in all states and times, stupidly indifferent 
 and unconcerned in the midst of impending destruction. If the 
 features of this ; l-fa\ red portrait are in your opinion too harsh, 
 of drawn by a pencil dipped in gall, nor die- 
 ropy J I am no cynic, nor cursed with the 
 The warmest regards to the country 
 IS become an altera patria, and holds 
 the second place m my inoction, few and faint as my connections 
 with individuals are, — the most earnest wishes of my heart for its 
 safety, and foreboding apprehensions of its danger and dishonor, 
 occasion the painful reflections that cease not hourly to distress my 
 mind. 
 
 When I contemplate the decline and final period of states 
 great and powerful, and their causes, which in the history of the 
 world are found to be uniformly the same ; that often in the midst 
 of thoughtless security and apparent safety they are on the brink 
 of ruin, and often suddenly and unexpectedly plunged irretrievably 
 therein ; that as divines say with regard to men, and experience 
 confirms its truth in both respects, " in the midst of life we are in 
 death ;" — I cannot review the state of Great Britain four years 
 since, and regard the present alarming crisis without horror, with- 
 out trembling. Perhaps to a mind by nature formed and turned 
 as mine unhappily is, to doubt and despondency, danger may pre- 
 sent a more ghastly, terrifying aspect than is natural ; be it so, niay 
 ray apprehensions exist only in imagination. I had much rather 
 have weakness of judgment, ignorance and error justly imputed to 
 me, than that the event should verify my predictive fears : — I had 
 rather be a mistaken man than a true prophet. 
 
 France and Spain, to compare groat things with small, like the 
 heroes in romance, are armed cap-a-pie, at all points, ready to sally 
 
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 JOURNAL AND LZTTEBB. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 forth, not like those redoubted sons of Mars and Venus to relieve 
 distress, but to cause it. Your friend, &c. 
 
 S. CUBWEN. 
 
 March 17. This being assize week, Judges Perryn and Ho- 
 •tham were waited on by the sheriff and his officers, about two 
 <dozen in livery. Commission sat in Guildhall : — Baron Perryn on 
 Ihe bench ; great celerity in despatching business, and great inter- 
 oruption by talking, which the court authorities could not remove. 
 
 March 20. Heard the dreaded sound, war declared against 
 $^rance ! It is reported the house of lords is almost in a tumult, 
 and that they implore the king to drive from his service his minis- 
 tero, and take Lords Chatham, Camden, and Shelbume. 
 
 March 21. The judges left the city, escorted out by the sheriii 
 and his train, — trumpets preceding, etc. 
 
A 
 
 177a] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 181 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 TO JUDGE SEWALL, LONDON. 
 
 ^ ^ Exeter, March 23, 1778. 
 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I was meditating an answer to your favor, when the alarming 
 intelligence of the French court's perfidious dealings, and the hourly 
 expectation of war against her, arrived here. The denouement of 
 the plot, by the French ambassador's declaring in form to Lord 
 Weymouth his court's interference and engagement to support the 
 claims of Congress, seems at present to render all speculation on 
 the subject of Great Britain's further attempts to reduce her late 
 deluded subjects in America needless : presuming all thoughts in 
 regard to vigorous efforts being to be laid uside, superseded, at least 
 for the present, as the papers inform us no more troops are to be 
 sent out. 
 
 These events my fears have been long predictive of; not that 
 I pretend to the spirit of prophecy, or the gift of second sight. 
 States, like individuals, are liable to so many sudden and unlocked 
 for vicissitudes, disappointments, untoward accidents, and evils that 
 neither wisdom can foresee, nor power nor prudence prevent ; he 
 whose mind, not however to the increase of his enjoyment, leans 
 towards doubts, fears, and apprehensions of evils, generally finds 
 more events corresponding to his forebodings, than he whose atten- 
 tion is turned to the brighter and more pleasing views that hope 
 presents. 
 
 The plan Lord North has offered, is, it i^eems to me, founded in 
 wisdom and sound policy, as you observe' it contains nearly all that 
 America can reasonably wish for, and as it is, thence she can de- 
 rive more real happiness and safety than is fondly and vainly ex- 
 pected from their favorite, long wished for, and perhaps short-lived 
 independence? — for should Great Britain in this expected war be 
 oppressed, what will save some of the colonies from falling a prey 
 to the insatiable ambition of those powerful crowns united, I know 
 
 I: 
 
182 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 not ; it would be well if they should be satisfied with the recovery 
 of their late possessions there. The consideration of the burden 
 necessary to maintain an independent state with dignity has never 
 yet, I presume, during the feverish paroxysm of our new legislators 
 and government-modellers, been a subject of calculation j for how- 
 ever fertile their brains have been of expedients, they are, I fear, 
 but indifferently skilled in political arithmetic. 
 
 Your sentiments on the operation of the two conciliatory acts, 
 and answers to objectors, appear to me to be perfectly just, and I 
 am happy to say mine are so completely coincident, that had I 
 taken as many hours, as probably were employed in writing them 
 down, I could not have expressed them in terms so clear, concise, 
 and satisfactory to myself as in the letter I am now considering ; I 
 can therefore subscribe to them toto ex animo. The improbability 
 of their acceptance of the terms offered on the other side of the 
 water, and of Great Britain's ability to force them into a compliance 
 at present, seems to be a matter out of dispute. I am not vain 
 enough to wish myself in the king's councils, but I ardently wish 
 that imaginary principle of national honor, the king's honor, might 
 in this critical and dangerous condition the nation seems to be in, 
 be dispensed with and given up to infinitely more important con- 
 side, 'ations, notwithstanding the clamors and reproaches to be ex- 
 pected from discontented, interested party men. That the war, 
 should it unfortunately soon commence, to vindicate the king's 
 honor or nation's, must produce disgrace and irreparable losses to 
 the nation, a review of the present force Great Britain has, her 
 foreign dominions, etc., and the force requisite to secure her right, 
 may perhaps convince : — n sc so. Great Britain's inability at 
 present to force a compliant convince them by military exer- 
 
 tions, that it is their interest to accept her reasonable offers. The 
 lucky minute for such an offer is past, irretrievably past, and a 
 series of surprising events, owing to ill concerted plans, interested 
 views, a total disregard to the public weal, or, if you please, a cer- 
 tain fatality, has taken place, by which colonies of inestimable 
 value are lost to this country ; and I wish the loss may end there. 
 
 The subject that at present most employs and oppresses my 
 mind is the critical and dangerous situation that the kingdom seems 
 to be in. The tottering condition of national credit, the weak state 
 
cer- 
 lable 
 liere. 
 my 
 lecms 
 I stale 
 
 1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 183 
 
 of the navy, the great power of the enemy, and the low price of 
 stocks, as low as at the end of the last eight years' war, when the 
 nation was almost drained of its specie, are the considerations on 
 which I form my opinion. Lord North, on presenting the king's 
 rescript to the house, uttered what was sufficiently alarming, that 
 the reluctance to the present loan arose not so much from the pros- 
 pect of war, as the largeness of the national debt ; it is of little im- 
 portance what is the cause, should a national bankruptcy happen. 
 Should another panic like that of last Saturday again seize the 
 monied men, and continue, and the loan be stopped, no one but 
 may foresee the most dreadful consequences ; should the present 
 loan be completed, a new war would require another of equal 
 amount, and the low price of stocks continuing, it will be well, if 
 instead of je450,000 premium paid more than in 1765, je900,000 
 would tempt the lenders to advance, unless new resources can be 
 found, which my ignorance on this point makes me incompetent to 
 judge. It is a fact of too much notoriety to be denied, if the con- 
 tractors avail themselves of the immense debt by this artful, selfish 
 management, the public is supplied at an extravagant, unreasona- 
 ble profit to the lenders, founded I suppose on this principle, that a 
 sponge, sooner or later, must wipe all out at a stroke. It is cer- 
 tain the more government has occasion to borrow, proportionably 
 are its disadvantages in procuring supplies ; and unless a new and 
 reformed system of economy be adopted, the premiums may not 
 unlikely rise to cent per cent, especially if Mr. Burke's assertions 
 in the House of Commons be true, that the contractors made a 
 profit of 67 1-2 per cent. Should America be lost to this country, 
 with her will be lost a considerable revenue, and what can be sub- 
 stituted in its room, financiers can best tell us. Should a war with 
 the Bourbon family be attended with any possessions in the East 
 or West Indies, and thereby other valuable branches of the revenue 
 be cut off, 1 leave you to judge the distresses that must unavoida- 
 bly befall this nation. The wealth of all nations is exhaustible. 
 All things are called greater or less, stronger or weaker, by com- 
 parison. The fleet of Great Britain is, in itself considered, great 
 and formidable, but when compared to the united fleet of the two 
 Bourbons, whether it does in its present condition deserve that cha- 
 racter, no Englishman will, I presume, affirm : — fifty-one English 
 
 ^K if 
 
 1j '1 • :-!* 
 
 *i ii 
 
184 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 line of battle ships, no one in his senses will say are a match for 
 eighty-six French and Spanish ships of equal force. Confident as 
 we may be of the superiority of our English sailors to all other 
 nations in vigor, bravery and skill, we should be loth to put our 
 liberties or independency on the success of a battle fought under 
 such confessedly disadvantageous and unequal circumstances ; and 
 the ability of Great Britain to build and fit for the sea such an ad- 
 ditional number as will put us on an equal or superior footing, be- 
 fore some fatal blow be struck, is a question on which the well- 
 being if not existence of this kingdom as an independent state may 
 depend. In my view I could wish national as well as royal honor 
 might in this case be yielded up to the infinitely more important 
 consideration of our self-preservation, and the gross affronts of- 
 fered by France pocketed till they can be resented with a fair 
 chance of coming off victors in the quarrel. Should a war speed- 
 ily be entered into before we are better prepared for offence and 
 defence, I can't help fearing this late powerful and flourishing em- 
 pire to be hastening by large strides to irrevocable ruin and indeli- 
 ble disgrace, and but too likely to furnish a second instance in this 
 period of a once great, rich and powerful state reduced to insignifi- 
 cancy in the political scale of Europe, by a dismemberment of 
 some of its most valuable appendages, consigned over to its am- 
 bitious and more powerful neighbors. I wish posterity may not 
 quote Poland and Great Britain as states in the same predicament 
 from the future annals of Europe. 
 
 This ill-favored picture probably you may laugh at, but it is to 
 be remembered you are supported by hopes, I oppressed by fears j 
 you in the train of Heraclitus, I of the weeping philosopher ; but 
 nature has formed us of different materials in our original contex- 
 ture, and on my part habit and accident have confirmed the unhappy 
 bias. Whatever your sentiments may be of this reverie, dream, 
 rhapsody, or whatever indignant epithet you may perhaps justly 
 enough think it deserving of; I know you will believe me when I tell 
 you they are the real sentiments of a mind oppressed with concern for 
 the safety, welfare and honor of a country, which by long residence 
 has become my dtera patrite, and for aught I know will continue 
 to be so till I take my flight to the upper regions, or time shall 
 cease to be no more with me here. Continue to think favorably, 
 
 I! 
 
1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 185 
 
 I for 
 ence 
 inue 
 ihall 
 
 and believe me what is ray highest ambition to be, an honest man, 
 and your affectionate friend, 
 
 ' S. CURWEN. 
 
 Exeter, March 31. Witnessed a long dispute on American af- 
 fairs between Mr. Bretland and Mr. Erving. I did not interfere ; 
 the opponents neither convinced nor conquered, as is usual in such 
 cases. 
 
 ^pril 8. Heard of Rebecca Tyng's marriage to John Lowell 
 of Newburyport. Visited Mr. Tremlet's on David's hill with com- 
 pany as follows : the parson of the parish and lady, Mr. Pearce, 
 Mrs. Abbot and Miss Hicks ; after tea passed half an hour in his 
 delightful garden ; he presented me with a beautiful bouquet of a^ 
 great variety of odoriferous flowers, now adorning my room. 
 
 ^pril 9. Mr. Erving called me out to walk; our course 
 Cowley bridge. He seems of a sensible, grave turn, not unac- 
 quainted with moral science, and exceedingly communicative. 
 Afterwards rode to Topsham on horseback ; passed by an estate 
 kept in the male branch of a family, without addition or diminu- 
 tion ever since the conquest. 
 
 April 11. With Mr. and Miss Bretland rambled through 
 Winiford lane to Heavitree ; in one of the buttresses of the church 
 grows out a yew-tree, three feet high, cut into a fanciful form, and 
 supposed to receive its nourishment from cement moistened by rain 
 and dew. The church has marks of age and decay. 
 
 April 13. Mr. Smith from Sidmouth breakfasted with me ; 
 visited Mr. Morgan confined by illness ; there met Mr. Berry of 
 Crediton. The land tax at four shillings in the pound produces 
 two millions ; the real tax on a medium is two shillings nearly, 
 which, being a tenth part of income, makes that to be twenty mil- 
 lions. Should an expensive war or some unforeseen accident 
 throw the nation into a convulsion, and discourage lending and 
 lessen supplies, it wotild, of course, reduce the value of lands, per- 
 haps to twenty-five years purchase ; their real value then would 
 be five hundred millions. Court value of the kingdom supposed to 
 be eighteen millions, for the following reasons, viz. : fifteen mil- 
 lions were brought into the mint to be new coined on proclamation ; 
 the remainder, coin of Qeorge II. and III., full weight, still con- 
 
 24 
 
 
 •^ 1 
 
 P 
 
186 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 tinuing current, amount to three millions. Amount of fabrics, 
 plate, etc. etc., on a modest computation, is worth one hundred 
 millions ; making in all six hundred millions. 
 
 A nation possessing more than twice as much as it owes, need 
 not fear bankruptcy; — England's debt being one hundred and 
 sixty millions. I pretend not to judge what would be the full issue 
 of a shock to national credit, much less dare I determine ; but I 
 confess, I fear it would be followed by dreadful convulsions, and 
 produce cruel ravages and carnage among the lower classes, who, 
 being deprived of daily subsistence for want of daily employ, on 
 stoppage of trade and manufactures, would not contentedly sit 
 down and suffer themselves with their wives and little ones to 
 perish with hunger ; nor even those whose large incomes, derived 
 from national funds, being now stopped, are reduced to a level with 
 the most indigent, and whose wants being supplied from their 
 charity, are now their equal fellow-sufferers. 
 
 List of men by last returns, for America 19,381 ; prisoners 
 5,336 ; sick 4,639 ; loss in navy 4,314 ; army in New-York, 
 Philadelphia, Rhode Island and Canada 36,731 ; to recruit army to 
 what it was last year 11,885 ; captures made by Americans amount 
 to Je2,600,000. 
 
 ^pril 20. On horseback to Spencecomb, the seat of Mr. Rowe, 
 near Crediton, in company with Mr. and Miss Bretland ; passed an 
 agreeable day, with a numerous company ; this is a week of fes- 
 tivity following Easter Sunday — hospitably lodged and entertained ; 
 our host is of the rank called gentlemen-farmers, or landholders in 
 fee of estates from j£100 to jCSOO sterling per annum. A medal 
 has lately been struck at Paris, by order of Monsieur Voltaire, in 
 honor of General Washington ; on one side is the bust of the gen- 
 eral, with this inscription : " G. Washington, Esq., commander of 
 the continental army in America." The reverse is decorated with 
 the emblems of war, and the following : " Washington reunit par 
 une rare assemblage les talens du Guerrier et les vertus du Sage." 
 
 April 26. Commissioners appointed to go over to America to 
 settle the dispute, if practicable, Earl of Carlisle, Lord Howe, Sir 
 Wm. Howe, Wm. Eden, Elsq., and Governor Johnston, sailed from 
 Spithead on the 22d, and I fear it will prove a re infectd business. 
 
par 
 
 1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 187 
 
 TO HON. WILLIAM BROWNE, LONDON. 
 
 Exaer, JiprU 26, 1778. 
 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 By our common friend, Mr. Smith, just returned by way of 
 Bristol, I am informed Mrs. Browne is with you ; 'tis with great 
 sincerity I congratulate her and you on her safe arrival ; would to 
 God it had been under more favorable circumstances ; such as they 
 are, your religion and philosophy, I am well assured, can improve 
 them to the best purposes. I presume London will not long con- 
 tinue the place of your abode ; if you have no predilection for a 
 particular quarter, and are deliberating what course to take, no- 
 thing shall be wanting on my part to afford you all the information 
 respecting these parts you may wish to have. It would yield me 
 inexpressible satisfaction, could Exeter, or its neighborhood, be 
 your choice ; I can assure you, that for cheapness, plenty and good 
 provisions, especially fish, poultry, game, and garden stuff, no place 
 excels and few equal it. Late conversations with Col. Erving, 
 from whom I had intimations of your desire to him last January to 
 be informed relative to these parts, (who owns himself to blame 
 in not attending to it,) induce the foregoing. If your views are 
 fixed, I wish the pleasure of your abode may be equal to your 
 highest wishes. A line from my worthy friend will never fail to 
 be a most acceptable present. With the warmest wishes for your 
 felicity, I am 
 
 Yours and Mrs. Browne's affectionate friend, 
 
 S. CORWEN. 
 
 TO JOHN TIMMINS, ESQ., LONDON. 
 
 Emxr. ..ipril 30, 1778. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I have this day received a letter from Eben. West, now oh 
 board the Medway, lying in the Downs, who is in want of neces- 
 saries. He was with me in my business at the commencement of 
 the troubles in New England, and by consent, lefl me to go to sea 
 in his father's employ, till taken by the Enterprise frigate, on the 
 20th of last July, carried to Gibraltar, and from thence brought to 
 England, where he has been ever since. I think it but charity to 
 
 \ 
 
 \ 
 
 ^> 
 
 i^il ill 
 
 n ' '' 
 
 ^ 'lb 
 
 r * V 
 
 
 HI 
 
 ..si^i 
 
 •/J 
 
 ' 
 
188 
 
 JOURNAL ANU LETTERS. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 advance a little for him, and therefore wish you to convey two 
 guineas to him for me. I presume Mr. William Cabot would not 
 refuse an old neighbor's son some small assistance, nor Col. Browne 
 a young suffering townsman, to whom, as occasion may serve, yon 
 will do me a favor by mentioning his name, with the situation he 
 is in ; nor would it be improper if they could procure a small sup- 
 ply of money from his countrymen, who must have a fellow-feeling 
 of others' sufferings, at the same time themselves experiencing the 
 tevil of banishment from their country and the means of subsistence. 
 . ^ I am your obliged friend and humble servant, 
 
 {; ;'• S. CURWEN. 
 
 May 1. Walked with Col. Erving to Mr. John Tremlet's 
 (house, David's hill, (the supposed site of an old Roman temple,) 
 to see a lamp having Diana's emblem, a crescent ; the points 
 •crowned each with a ball, and thought to belong to a temple of 
 .the goddess there, judged of more than two thousand years' anti- 
 •quity. This being May-day, the milk maids walk in procession 
 . with their pyramid of plate, as usual on this day. 
 
 May 5. Mr. Smith brought me a Massachusetts exclusion bill, 
 whereby all who left New England after 19th April, 1776, are for- 
 ever banished, and their estates forfeited. 
 
 May 7. Took tea at Col. Erving's, with Mr. Smith ; agreed 
 .on a journey to Tiverton with them. 
 
 May 8. At nine o'clock set out in a post-chaise with Mr. and 
 Mrs. Erving, and my friend Mr. Smith on horseback, to Tiverton. 
 Alighted at Three Tuns inn, at twelve o'clock, passing on a plea- 
 sant turnpike fourteen miles. This town is supported by serge- 
 making, for which it was formerly noted, now believed to be on 
 the decline. Some houses in good taste ; it has two dissenting 
 congregations and one Anabaptist; the Episcopal church is a 
 venerable pile, low, outside greatly ornamented ; tower lofty, the 
 inside contains many funereal monuments, some of ancient date. 
 
 Here is a noted school, called Blandell's, famous in the west ; 
 sends off yearly some students to Oxford and Cambridge ] its num- 
 be. i about fourscore. Besides here is an academy for dissenters' 
 children, kept by a Mr. Kiddle, the minister, and one for young 
 ladies. Has abundance of shops. Adjoining the church is a lofty 
 
1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 189 
 
 ers' 
 ung 
 ofty 
 
 situation, commanding an extensive and pleasing view of the neigh- 
 boring vale, through which the £xe runs, bounded by a long 
 range of moderately high hills improved and inclosed to summit ; 
 returned home by eight o'clock. 
 
 May 9. Rode with Mr. Cross to Star Cross, at the mouth of 
 the river Exe, opposite Exmouth. 
 
 May 1 1. Removed my lodgings to Sidmouth, and for which 
 purpose I mounted my Rosinante, and departed in company with 
 Mr. Smith, after dinner, having ordered the messenger on with my 
 baggage. Taking the road through Topshara, we staged it at 
 Ebford, the seat of the widow Lee, a wealthy, hospitable, dissent- 
 ing lady ; here we alighted and took tea. The family having with- 
 drawn to the house in the neighborhood, called the " Hermitage," 
 to divert themselves at a game of quadrille, that our coming inter- 
 rupted, notwithstanding repeated desires to the contrary. The 
 family consists of an elderly lady, daughter and her husband, a Mr. 
 Yates and young parson Jarvis, the dissenting ministers of Lime- 
 stone. From thence we departed, passing through Woodbury, Ot- 
 terton, and across Peak hill, and arrived at my former lodgings at 
 Robert Follet's. 
 
 Sidmouth, May 13. Rode to Wishcombe in company with 
 William Carsluck and two young ladies named Upjohn of Exeter; 
 dined, drank tea, and returned before eight o'clock. 
 
 May 21. Rode to Taunton ; passing through Honiton and 
 Blackdown, I arrived at Whiteheart, visited Mr. Welman and 
 Parson Ward ; drank tea with the latter. Evening and supper 
 at Mr. Toulmin's, the Baptist minister ; lodged at the inn. Next 
 morning departed for Poundisford, the seat of a Mr. Hawker, a 
 dissenting worthy gentleman of fortune ; passed an agreeable day, 
 and lodged there. 
 
 Pou7idisford, May 23. At eleven o'clock, in company with 
 Mr. Hawkei we departed, shaping our course for Chard, where 
 we arrived at two o'clock. Between our two stages, on a lofty 
 ridge, are the remains of an old castle, in the country dialect 
 Laraich; supposed, but I know not for what reason, to have been 
 of Roman construction. Chard, where we arrived about two 
 o'clock, is a manufacturing town ; its lifeless appearance but too 
 justly confirms the general opinion that its trade is in a consumptive 
 
 
 ji:. 
 
190 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 state ; its buildings hardly above the village style, one wide com- 
 moilious street, paved, having several reputable houses in it. One 
 Episcopal church, and two or three dissenting meeting-houses ; the 
 manufacturing towns generally abound in people of the latter per- 
 suasion. At five o'clock left, and passing over an excellent turnpike 
 road, entered Axminster, distant seven miles, without alighting, 
 and proceeded on to Seaton, where we in vain attempted to find the 
 remains, if any, of the old Roman port said to have been estab- 
 lished here, but it was hie labor, hoc opus. Turning our backs to 
 the English channel, we proceeded to Mr. Slade's at Colyton, 
 here taking up our rest for two nights ; the doctor supplying this 
 pulpit in exchange with Mr. Cornish, the minister, who did his 
 duty at Sidmouth. 
 
 Colyton, May 24. Entertained by the conversation of Mr. 
 Slade's youngest daughter, excelling the common standard in point 
 of understanding, knowledge, and good breeding. Took a field 
 walk with all the family, and to the top of a hill commanding a 
 view of a finely improved country all around, including the whole 
 vale from the mouth of the Axe to Axminster. • ' •= ■* 
 
 May 25. We set off at meridian, proceeding to Baldash, the 
 seat of a Mr. Hook, where we abode till I had bargained for a 
 horse to be sent me at an agreed time ; from hence departed for 
 Wishcombe ; dined and passed the evening at cards with Mr. John 
 Carsluck, his sister Miss C, and a Miss Snell, very agreeably ; 
 pressed to lodge, but Mr. Smith withstood their entreaties, and 
 carried me off reluctantly enough at nine o'clock. 
 
 May 28. Walked on the beach and up Salcomb hill with 
 Messrs. Erving and Smith ; an extensive prospect from Portland 
 to the Start ; within these two headlands fifteen leagues ; the bay 
 is called Carnarvon. 
 
 the 
 
 TO HON. JUDGE SEWALL, BRISTOL. 
 
 Sidmouth, May 31, 1778. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Your favors of the 1st ult. and 8th inst. were delivered to me 
 
 yesterday afternoon, by the hands of a fair young lady in the alcove 
 
 on the beach, in this place, being the second day of my removal 
 
 hither from Exeter, which makes since my arrival in England just 
 
1778.] 
 
 iOUBNAL AND LBTTBBS. 
 
 191 
 
 8. 
 
 loval 
 just 
 
 the number of mother Rowlandson's " removes." Having taken 
 minutes of them, I fancy they cannot fail under the correct hand of 
 a judicious friend to form a sensible appendix in the next edition of 
 that curious performance, unless you prefer the following title : — _ 
 " The perils and peregrinations of a tory or refugee, in quest of | 
 civil liberty, which the author fondly imagined was to be enjoyed | 
 in higher perfection in the land he travelled through, than in that | 
 he precipitately abandoned, without money to support, friends to | 
 advise, or wisdom to guide him." 
 
 Having made a short ramble the other day to Taunton and its 
 neighborhood, it came into my mind to point out to you the most 
 agreeable route, should you continue of the mind to take a journey 
 to these parts during the bathing season. As you will doubtless 
 prefer a post-chaise, you may command your own time, and choose 
 your road ; in this case you will find the Wells road as pleasant as 
 any. On your arrival there, you will not fail to take a view of the 
 cathedral, which presents perhaps as fine, if not the finest front of 
 any old Gothic church in England. Within, it is renov^ ued that I 
 know of, for nothing ; its size is one of the smallest, and its bishop's 
 palace one of the largest, and has the appearance from the moat 
 and battlements to have been the residence rather of a warlike 
 baron, than of a peaceable minister of religion. From hence, at 
 about four miles distant, is a natural cavern in the Mendip hills, 
 called Okey or Wolkey Hole ; it is well worth visiting, and is of 
 the same kind, although not so deep, as that of the Peak of Derby. 
 From hence to Bridgewater, the famous Glastonbury monastery lies 
 right on your road, where you will probably stop at the inn. Your 
 curiosity when there cannot fail of being highly gratified by a view 
 of its remains, of which it is, however, almost pillaged. Between 
 this last place and Bridgewater, the turnpike is delightful, and if 
 your driver should be as complaisant as mine, he wil} run you a 
 distance of fifteen miles in an hour and a half. In this stage you 
 will pass over a ridge dividing the great Somerset moor, extending 
 beyond the reach of the eye, and filled with innumerable herds of 
 black cattle, from that called King's Sedgemore, lying on the left, 
 celebrated you know in history for the defeat of the unfortunate 
 Duke of Monmouth, in 1685. Far beyond, on that side, is seen 
 the obelisk raised by the late Lord Chatham to (he memory of his 
 
 «'. 
 
 V ) 
 
192 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 benefactor, Sir William Pynsent. From Bridgewater, at four or 
 five miles distant, lying two miles out of the road to Taunton, lies 
 Enmore Castle, a seat of Lord Egmont, built on the plan and in 
 the style of the old baronial castles. 
 
 Your next stage is the pretty town of Taunton, situated in a 
 vale or bottom called Taunton-Deanvale, remarkable for length, 
 breadth, and fertility ; of the former thirty miles, second ten or 
 twelve, and for the latter exceeded by none. In this stands the 
 tower of its principal church, called Mary Magdalen, which will at- 
 tract your attention, being more crowded with Gothic decorations 
 than any edifice of that size that has fallen under your view. 
 
 Should you think it proper to take the road over Blackdown, 
 and so through Honiton, rather than through Wellington and Col- 
 lumpton road, you will on the ascent of Blackdon hill, about 
 five miles this side of Taunton, before you have reached the sum- 
 mit, on a retrospection of the whole length and breadth of the vale, 
 see cultivation in its highest state of improvement, and a luxuri- 
 ancy, verdure and fruitage, no n\hcr region can boast of. You will, 
 I doubt not, join with me in saying so pleasing a rural view is not 
 to be seen but from this spot. From Taunton to Honiton is seven- 
 teen miles, and from thence to this place is nine, or to Exeter six- 
 teen. You will, I know, take this intimation in good part. 
 Very affectionately your friend, 
 
 S. CtlRWEN. 
 
 June 1. Dr. Price, in his fast sermon on Feb. 10, speaking of 
 the dependence of a nation's safety on righteous men, has the follow- 
 ing : " There is a distant country, once united to this, where every 
 inhabitant has in his house, as a part of his furniture, a book on 
 law and government, to enable him to understand his colonial 
 rights ; a musket to enable him to defend those rights ; and a Bible 
 to understand and practise religion. What can hurt such a coun- 
 try ? Is it any wonder we have not succeeded ? How secure 
 must it be while it preserves its virtue against all attacks." 
 
 June 12. Between five and six o'clock rode with my two fel- 
 low boarders to Ottery beacon, commanding a prospect of Ottery 
 vale as far as Sir George Young's scat, in the neighborhood of 
 Honiton. Continued ride over the ridge till Honiton appeared in 
 
 1778. 
 
 view; 
 
 f^t 
 
1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 193 
 
 view ; returned in a mist through Sidbury, Sidford, etc., and in a 
 moist plight at eight o'clock dismounted. 
 
 June 13. A large fleet appeared in the ofiing; near thirty 
 capital ships, judged to be Keppel's. Invited by Mr. Skaddon to 
 a sight of the cane King Charles I. had in his hand at his trial, 
 from whence the gold head dropped off in court ; interpreted by 
 the credulous as an ill omen. — It is a beautiful stick, and finely 
 shaded, and I suppose as much revered by his infatuated admirers, as 
 Aaron's rod that budded was by the devout Israelites. He also 
 possesses the Duke of Northumberland's golden key as Lord Cham- 
 berlain, which, when he acts in that capacity, is fastened to his 
 pocket flaps. Also King Charles II. 's cabinet, and some fine old 
 royal porcelain, as precious relics of infinite value. 
 
 June 16. An early ride to Peak hill; a distant sight of 
 Portland and about Abbotsbury. 
 
 June 22. Rode with Mr. Ogburn to Woodbury Castle, so called, 
 the remains tf a Danish fort, standing on the edge of a lof\y range 
 of hills ; the ramparts of earth and ditches still remain. The place 
 of arms contains about five acres: on the highest point is a house 
 built for hunting parties, etc., the roof projects in front, supported 
 by four pillars in rustic order, the bark remaining unstripped. 
 From hence to Exmouth to dinner ; a famous bathing town ; nearly 
 four hundred strangers have been here at a time. More lianri, ame 
 houses than Sidmouth ; returned home before eight o'clo' V. 
 
 June 24. This day my friend Mr. Isaac Smith was ordained 
 to the pastoral office over the little congregation of dissenters here.. 
 A minister of the Episcopal church, whose curiosity prompted him 
 to attend, continued through the whole servic, expressed great 
 delight at, and approbation of the performances, and a high opin- 
 ion of the solemnity and propriety of the whole. Pity that the 
 narrowness of party keeps asunder and divides in affection men en- 
 gaged in the same worthy design, and servants of the same kind 
 and benevolent master, whose chief command is mutual love and 
 good-will. 
 
 June 28. Mr. Berguyn, a North Carolina gentleman, called on 
 his way to Falmouth to take passage in a packet for America ; 
 encouraged by their assembly having voted to admit all refugees- 
 who apply. 
 
 25 
 
 
 ■ ■ I 
 
 
194 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 June 30. Admiral Keppel's fleet has taken three French 
 frigates. -.,* ,.4,;'.;i>t<^ 
 
 1778.] 
 
 TO HON WILLIAM BROWNE, CARDIFF, SOUTH WALES. 
 
 Sidmouth, June 30, 1778. 
 Dear Sir: " ^ 
 
 I hope this M^ill not be as long on the road as your favor of the 
 12th of May, that came to hand only a month after date. I de- 
 layed an answer that I might be more explicit to your question 
 about the houses I mentioned to you ; they are not furnished, but 
 furniture is to be obtained at fifteen per cent., beds and such arti- 
 cles at twelve. This I have from Col. Erving, who is now at Ex- 
 eter, but does not propose to abide there longer than the 26th of 
 September, when his lease will expire. Where to retreat he seems 
 undetermined ; be wishes to reside among people hospitable, social, 
 unceremonious and not dressy ; if such can be found. He requests 
 you to inform him through me, whether you have received any 
 information respecting Abergavenny in Monmouth. Is it pleasant, 
 and has it a plentiful and cheap market 1 Are furnished houses to 
 be had cheap 1 Are the people hospitable, social, and disposed to 
 form an unceremonious acquaintance, and are they expensive in 
 dress and dinners 1 The same is requested respecting Cowbridge 
 and Cardiff. Do you intend remaining at your present abode for a 
 long time, and who is with you in your neighborhood, and do they 
 propose to remain 1 
 
 My present companions are Dr. Smith, just ordained over his 
 little flock here, and our countryman Mr. Ogburn, in the same 
 house ; to which number I expect in ten days will be added Mr. 
 and Mrs. Sewall from Bristol. This place is a watering place, re- 
 sorted to by the neighboring gentry. Having bought a pony, I 
 make frequent excursions into the country hereabouts, passing my 
 time as agreeably as the untoward circumstances of my affairs al- 
 low. Should I not be happy enough to enlarge my party, I in- 
 tend to make a ten days' ramble through Cornwall with my friend 
 Dr. Smith, v;ho has become an inhabitant, and may continue to be 
 for some years. 
 
 Should that report induce Mr. Erving's retreating to your 
 
 I;"- 1 
 1*1 
 
1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 195 
 
 quarters, and you continue vrhere you are, I may pass a month 
 with you before winter. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 July 1. With Messrs. Smith and Ogburn rode to Honiton, 
 to see the annual procession of lace-makers ; alighted at the 
 Golden Lion, and was soon called over and invited to dine at a 
 Mrs. Youat's, whose daughter is presidentess of this society, in num- 
 ber exceeding a hundred. They have an afternoon sermon, and 
 afterwards walk in procession, in the following order : — the presi- 
 dentess with a wand adorned with flowers; then four maidens, 
 eight years old, with each a basket of flowers and large boquets, 
 walking between two arches adorned with flowers ; then follow 
 the patronesses, each with a white wand ; then the standard-bearer, 
 followed by two dozen couple, with a standard-bearer attending 
 them. In this order they paraded through the principal streets, 
 and then adjourned to the Golden Lion inn to take tea and pass 
 the evening in dancing and festivity. To this we were invited, but 
 my occasions calling me to Exeter, and a want of relish for such 
 mirth, concurred to send me ofi* the ground before the street parade 
 was over, leaving my companions to return home by moonlight. 
 Lodged at the " Valiant Soldier," Exeter. 
 
 Sidmouth, July 8. Rode to Hull-down to see the Exeter races. 
 The cup with two hundred guineas won by Mr. Wildman's horse 
 Lubin; sport indiflerent. The dust and heat were insufferable, 
 the numbers present supposed to be ten thousand. 
 
 July 10. Judge Sewall visited us ; in the afternoon walked 
 with him to Peak hill. 
 
 July 14. Received a letter from Peter Frye, Esq., without 
 mention of time or place. 
 
 TO MR. JOHN TIMMINS, LONDON, 
 
 Sidm.yl\ July 12, 1778. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I should be glad to see you at this bathing town of mud walls 
 and thatched roofs. Judge Sewall and lady, Samuel Sewa.1, Mr. 
 Smith, and Mr. Ogburn are here ; and at Exeter, fourteen miles 
 
 M 
 
I 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 off, are Col. Erving's family, Col. Vassall, Mr. Lechmere; and late 
 Lieut. Governor Oliver is soon to be there. The advices from 
 Boston discover a disposition I could scarce expect to hear. I 
 presumed in this flourishing state of their affairs, none durst whisper 
 a doubt of the omnipotency of the Congress, allied as they are to 
 France. Very truly, 
 
 .n. S. CURWEN. 
 
 TO MR. GEOKGE RUSSELL, B'RMINGHAM. 
 
 Sidmouih, My 13, 1778. 
 -Dear Sir: 
 
 Accept my warmest thanks for your kind solicitude about my 
 health, which is but in an ill state ; having a few days since re- 
 >ceived a shock of the kind which confined me last winter, and 
 nearly translated me to another, or rather no state of existence. 
 Don't let this expression hurt you ; I mean not a doubt of a future 
 «tate, but whether the soul does not remain inactive during its 
 reparation from the body, and until roused by the last trumpet to 
 life and activity, is a doctrine I cannot entirely disprove ; but no 
 more of principles. My mind is as easy, submissive and resigned, 
 as a conviction that the divine conduct is right can make it; to 
 aid which, I muster up all piy religion and philosophy, some- 
 times with success ; sometimes nature oppressed sinks under the 
 burden. 
 
 Having proposed in my answer to follow the order of your 
 letter, I come to a tender point, the condition of the amiable and 
 worthy partner of your soul, for whom I feel more than a common 
 friend's affection and regard ; you have my earnest prayers that 
 her life may be continued till it shall cease to be a blessing ; nor 
 can our fondest wishes, guided by roason, extend further. The 
 vicissitudes daily taking place should be daily lessons to teach us 
 the vanity of too fondly expecting felicity from flattering, transitory 
 circumstances here below. Should it please the sovereign disposer 
 of life to deprive you of your dearest friend, may you experience 
 all the advantages that religion and true philosophy afford ; as I 
 doubt not you view the evils of life with too religious an eye not 
 to consider every event, however irksome at present, as capable of 
 yielding the most solid, pure, and lasting comfort in the final issue. 
 
 *%-.... ,-i.-,i 
 
1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 197 
 
 This day I received a letter from an old friend, now in banishment ^ 
 with his wife and children at Halifax, conceived in the common 
 plaintive strain with all letters from that quarter ; complaining of 
 the spiritless measures of administration and their military servants. 
 In truth, vigor and activity seem not the characteristic of this 
 nation at this period ; the continued series of untoward events on ! 
 the side '•'' Great Britain, in this unnatural contest between her 1 
 and the lonies, has, I fear, given the C(mf de grace to her glory, i 
 The SU.1 of Britain is past the meridian and declining fast to the i 
 west, and America is for ever emancipated from the legislative 
 authority of this once potent empire ; alas ! no more so. The pro- 
 phetic falling off of the best jewel from our king's crown when on j 
 his head at coronation, is now accomplished by the loss of America, I 
 which I consider irrevocably gone ; whether to their advantage, \ 
 is a point, I fancy, the Congress and I should not join issue in : — ^■'' 
 the burden of supporting an independency with dignity is too heavy 
 for America to bear, especially the northern colonies, unless the 
 patriots there will discharge the troublesome public trusts and 
 offices without pecuniary emoluments ; requiring a much greater 
 degree of virtue, self-denial, and public spirit, than I think now 
 does or indeed ever did exist there, unless in profession. 
 
 I fancy by this time I have tired my friend in reading, as I 
 confess I have myself in writing, and conclude by wishing he may 
 live long, and see many prosperous days. 
 
 Your affectionate friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 July 15. Went off with Mr. Withers in his phaeton, accom- 
 panied by Messrs. Smith, Jarvis and Meservale, to Beer ; dined at 
 King's Head ; afternoon, were rowed a league out, and remained 
 out two hours. 
 
 
 
 I' *! 
 
 I ! , I" 
 
•t. 
 
 198 
 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 1 \ 
 
 T-V 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 [1776. 
 
 '5 fr' . < 
 
 ' "^ Sidmouth, July 17. Set off alone on an excursion to the west ; 
 at nine o'clock passing over Peak hill, through Otterton, and over 
 Welbry common ; my first stage at Mr. Withers', Lympston, inten- 
 tionally to persuade him to accompany me toTeignmouth, agreeably 
 to a vague promise from him the preceding day. He was gone to 
 Exeter. I then proceeded through Star Cross and Dawlish Sands ; 
 on the other side of the beach is an extensive sea and land view ; 
 from hence is about four miles to Teignmouth, where arrived at 
 six o'clock at Globe inn, facing the sands and beach. This is a 
 bathing town, and resorted to by more, and company of higher rank 
 than Sidmouth can boast. It is irregularly built, but the houses 
 more in number and of incomparably better appearance. The 
 beach for bathing lies at some distance from the town. Lodged 
 here. 
 
 July 18. Rose early, took the road to Newton Bushel, distant 
 six miles, through Bishop Stanton, passing also through King's 
 Stanton. Newton has three hundred houses, decently built ; shops 
 of almost every kind of goods, streets paved, two Episcopal and 
 one Presbyterian church. Breakfasted and soon set off, passing at 
 half a mile distant an old fashioned seat called Ford, belonging to 
 Lord Courtenay, in whose manor this town lies. From hence to 
 Dartmouth, lying sixteen miles distant ; the land in the approaches 
 thereto hilly and uneven, but all improved ; at three alighted at 
 a Mrs. Quick's, in a place called Kingsware ; this is a cluster of 
 houses on the hither side of the river Dart, where the harbor pilots 
 dwell, and has an Episcopal church. Ferried over much the 
 width of Charlestown ferry, about half a mile within the extreme 
 points of the harbor. 
 
 Dartmouth, Jtdy 20. At twelve A. M. departed for Torbay, 
 five miles distant ; an ugly town, houses low, and for the greater 
 part slovenly in appearance ; among them, however, a few decent 
 ones. The lower point adjoining the quay occupied by those who 
 
1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 199 
 
 depend on the hook and line ; here being no fewer than fourscore 
 boats daily employed in that service, all with a mast and sail, and 
 four to two tons burthen. They supply Exeter, Bath, Bristol, etc 
 quite across the country nearly a hundred miles north from them. 
 Dined at George inn, and took leave of Brixholm. Thence to 
 Barry Pomeroy, an estate of the Duke of Somerset, the house large, 
 but avenues in a neglected state ; magnificent editices and expan- 
 sive pleasure grounds seem not to be this duke's taste, or a scanty 
 purse restrains it. Hence to Bridgtown, contained in the parish of 
 Barry Pomeroy and part of the manor of the same name, within 
 which I was told Totness stands. The duke derives from his 
 estate here two thousand pounds yearly. Totness is a corporation 
 and a parliamentary borough ; is remarkable for the singularity of 
 its address to the first George of the Brunswick line at his accession 
 to the throne of these kingdoms ; after the usual flattery, such as is- 
 always paid to a new race of princes, they offered his majesty 
 sixteen shillings in the pound of their estates, and the other four if 
 he should want it, as a proof of their loyalty. 
 
 Jidy 21. Arose at seven o'clock, mounted my horse, rode to 
 Newton, before mentioned ; stopped there for a night. 
 
 Jvly 22. After breakfast departed for Chudleigh, but missing 
 the road, passed over Hull-down, leading to Dawlish, and arrived 
 at one o'clock at Exeter ; Mr. Erving happening in sight, urged 
 my driving with him. 
 
 Exeter, Jvly 24. After visiting my old acquaintances, returned 
 to Sidmourh by eight o'clock, evening. 
 
 Sidmouth, July 26. Met Mr. George Eveleigh, a gentleman of 
 South Carolina, educated both at school and college at Cambridge, 
 New England, whom I remember a school-boy when I was in col- 
 lege ; now the father of five grown up children. 
 
 TO MR. JOHN TIMMINS, LONDON." 
 
 Sidmouth, July 28, 1778. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Please let me know whether you have received any late ad- 
 vices from Boston or New England, by which you are informed of 
 the situation of the country, respecting its political, civil, or religious 
 condition ; the temper and disposition of its inhabitants respecting 
 
 ; 
 
 H H 
 
 \.l 
 
 
 I. i 
 
 li 
 
 f. 
 
 
200 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1778, 
 
 those who have left the country ; their inclinations or ability to 
 continue the war. ^ Would that the execrable spirit of persecution 
 
 ' might abate, they be restored to reason, and I to my native coun- 
 try ; an event I ardently long for : indeed, I sometimes feel resolu- 
 tion enough to attempt to go and throw myself on the mercy of 
 those whom party rage has rendered almost insensible to the ten- 
 der feelings of humanity ; but fear, and a settled aversion to their 
 levelling principles and persecuting practices, disarms me. 
 
 i^ With truth, your friend, 
 
 S. Cur WEN. 
 
 August 16. News received that Congress has rejected any 
 treaty with the British commissioners ; as might easily have been, 
 and was, I believe, fully imagined by all the world would be the 
 case at this late period, without an express specific acknowledg- 
 ment of their independency. 
 
 Jixminster, August 18. Walked to beach; seven bathing 
 machines standing there, dragged into the water by a horse each. 
 The alcove and ball room larger and more respectable than at Sid- 
 mouth. 
 
 TO MR. JOHN TIMMINS, LONDON. 
 
 Sidmouth, August 31, 1778. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 The dangerous, distrustful situation the nation is in, makes me 
 tremble for the next news from abroad, lest it shake the government 
 to its centre. In the annals of this country, I know of no period in 
 which England stood on a narrower point ; not in 1688, nor even 
 when the Scotch rebels had penetrated as far as Derby, in 1745. 
 The designs of Providence are inscrutable, not to be controlled by 
 _ human policy, nor defeated by human strength. 
 
 Although I have, all along, doubted that Congress would ac- 
 cept terms short of independence, I confess myself not a little 
 deranged at the confirmation of it. That Congress should be loth 
 to quit their authority, is not to be wondered at, for it is the nature 
 of power to endeavor to preserve itself ; but I cannot help flatter- 
 ing myself with hopes that America will soon see her interest in a 
 different point of light from Congress, and disappoint the ambitious 
 
 1778.] 
 
 views 
 dently 
 power, 
 may it f 
 re-union 
 
 Sept. 
 
 reports 
 
 commanc 
 
 may be 
 
 perilous s 
 
 Sept. 
 
 came in, 
 
 eating, dr 
 
 lower par 
 
 ware, ribl 
 
 Sept. . 
 
 on an inte 
 
 Colyton, ] 
 
 straggling 
 
 bill, and C( 
 
 through, V 
 
 or of the 
 
 suasion m( 
 
 The next c 
 
 with the f( 
 
 last stage f 
 
 and lodge* 
 
 Sept. 2 
 
 along the s 
 
 was to be 1 
 
 over bridge 
 
 sea, dividinj 
 
 a neck fori 
 
 Wey, and i 
 
 The marke 
 
 tM 
 
1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 201 
 
 views of men, however well qualified they may be to govern, evi- 
 dently disposed to sacrifice that country's happiness to their lust of 
 power. God only knows what will be the issue of the troubles ; 
 may it please him to save her from ruin, and accomplish a happy 
 re-union with this, and on a lasting basis. ^.W 
 
 Your assured friend, 
 
 , S. CURWEN. 
 
 Sept. 11. Keppel's and Byron's fleets are sources of incredible 
 reports from street and tavern politicians ; should both these sea 
 commanders be defeated, none knows the consequences — fatal ones 
 may be justly apprehended 3 this country was never in a more 
 perilous situation. ,, • 
 
 Sept. 21. The day of our half-yearly fair ; great numbers 
 came in, passing on the beach to view the sea, going off in boats,, 
 eating, drinking and buying, in the sheds and booths erected on the 
 lower parts of the streets, and filled with confectionary, toys, hard- 
 ware, ribbons, etc. Rode to Exeter in the evening. 
 
 Sept. 28. Departed on horseback, accompanied by Mr. Smith, 
 on an intended ramble to Weymouth and Portland. First stage to 
 Colyton, nine miles, where we dined. Hence to Charmouth, a 
 straggling town that extends from the top to the bottom of a long 
 hill, and contains one street of perhaps a hundred houses ; passing 
 through, we arrived at a villa, two miles distant, part of the man- 
 or of the Earl of Arundel, a Roman Catholic peer, of which per- 
 suasion most of the inhabitants on his lordship's estate here are. 
 The next cluster of houses on the road was Morkam's lake, which 
 with the former scarce make up a hundred houses. Our next and 
 last stage for this day Bridport, at the Bull inn, where we supped 
 and lodged. 
 
 Sept. 29. Left for Abbotsbury, ten miles distant ; the land 
 along the sea-shore a desert, not so much as a tree, 'shrub or bush 
 was to be seen. Passed through Weymouth to Melcomb Regis, 
 over bridge laid across the Wey, so called, being a small arm of the 
 sea, dividing these two towns. The latter lying on the land side, is 
 a neck formed by the bend, almost at right angles with the river 
 Wey, and is the place whereon the beach lies and visitors reside. 
 The market is large and better supplied than in the former. 
 
 26 
 
202 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 There is a range of brick buildings, twelve in number, tasty and 
 commodious, facing the beach, and but a small distance above it ; 
 at the end is an elegant assembly-room, and at a small distance 
 are shops of all kinds of articles, millinery, toys, etc. Coffee-houses, 
 circulating libraries, etc. The beach is furnished with twenty- 
 two machines for bathing, in finer taste than any I have seen. This 
 town, like Weymouth, is concerned in shipping ; its quay is long 
 enough for sixty vessels ; not half that number then in port. It 
 has two Episcopal churches and a Presbyterian meeting-house. 
 Weymouth is on the outer or south side of the river, consisting 
 principally of one street, well paved, but narrow. In front of the 
 town is a quay, facing Melcomb, filled with vessels. After dining, 
 we sallied forth ; finding nothing further to entertain us, soon re- 
 turned, and ordering forth our horses, took our departure towards 
 Portland, the last stage. The passage to it is over a water called 
 the Fleet, between a beach seven miles in length and the main 
 land ; by this beach Portland is joined to the main, but the way 
 is scarce ever attempted, consisting of small loose stones or deep 
 sand, so that a horse would sink down half-leg deep ; this approach, 
 therefore, must be too tedious to be used. The road from Mel- 
 comb to the island or peninsula is over a lofty plain of a mile in 
 length ; from hence is a hard gravel beach of over a mile : and 
 opposite the road stands an edifice in ruins, styled a castle, having 
 however more the look of a mansion house deserted by its own- 
 er, its solitary black site rendering it an uncomfortable residence. 
 We soon measured the beach, and were wafted over the Fleet 
 by a rope-ferry, as it is called in New England dialect. But the 
 beach on the Portland side, of a mile and a half, required a more 
 leisurely pace. The first village on the island of Portland is called 
 Chesilton, of about a hundred houses of reputable aspect ; — situation 
 low, on the plain of a beach ; from hence, being an easy ascent of 
 half a mile, we came to two villages. 
 
 In the morning (30th), climbed up the lofty plain to the spot the 
 flag-staff is erected on, being the northernmost summit, having the 
 castle situate at the northern exetremity, from which may be seen 
 at one view as far into the English channel as eye can reach ; to 
 Isle of Wight in the east, and to the north a vast extent of country. 
 Portland island is about five miles in length, breadth two ; on the land 
 
1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 203 
 
 
 side it is defended by a castle before mentioned. On the southern 
 clif& are two light-houses. Mounted our horses, and in our course lay, 
 in the middle road, the first village, called Reifon, which contains 
 the only church on the island, encompassed by stone wall, inclosing 
 an acre of yard. Passed through Ishwelt, Wikeham, Eison, Wes- 
 ton, and returned to the rope-ferry by which we came to the island, 
 and at one o'clock arrived at Crown inn, Melcomb. Thence through 
 Upway, situated in a fertile vale, abounding in trees and hedges. The 
 next village, lying a little out of our way, is Winterborne Monkton ; 
 the latter epithet I suppose denotes for what it was remarkable. 
 Through this village we passed to Maiden Castie, a famous en- 
 campment of Roman construction, supposed to have been built by 
 them soon after their first invasion. In their times Dorchester, two 
 miles distant, was their winter, as this spot was their summer resi- 
 dence. It is said to be the only remains of the kind in Great 
 Britain — form oval ; contains within the inner intrenchment many 
 acres, enough to hold three legions or eighteen thousand men. The 
 intrenchments entire, four without the other at each end — two on 
 each side or flank, encompassing the whole — depth thirty feet. It 
 has a stupendous appearance, and looks like a work of a people 
 capable of any undertaking, however difficult. Thence we jogged 
 on to Dorchester. 
 
 Dorchester, Oct. 1. Rambled over the town : here are assize 
 and session- house, prison and bridewell ; about 2500 inhabitants ; 
 houses decent, and streets paved. Avenues to the town pleasant 
 at all quarters, being lined with a row of trees on each side for 
 two miles ; from hence at ten o'clock we departed, shaping our 
 course towards the remains of Roman antiquity, the occasion of our 
 coming hither ; and in half an hour arrived at the amphitheatre, 
 which is entirely of earth ; the forms whereon the benches were 
 laid for spectators are yet entire. The outer line an oval, the earth 
 thrown up in the manner of an encampment, and' about twenty 
 feet high, encompassing the whole; the area or space wherein 
 spectacles were exhibited, measures forty or fifty yards longest 
 diameter ; two rows of benches, judged spacious enough to hold 
 two thousand spectators. Having satisfied curiosity, proceeded 
 through fields for the castle, lying on a lofty ridge at about a mile 
 and a half further. Having finished our survey, and amused our- 
 
204 
 
 JOURNAL AND LRTTER8. 
 
 [ms. 
 
 selves with fine prospects, we ascended by another quarter to the 
 fields and inclosures adjoining hereto ; crossing which, at length 
 reached turnpike at a village called Martinston, from hence to 
 Wlnterburn-Stepleton and Clenston ; here Me met the great 
 London road to Plymouth and the west ; r^la?! once again to salute 
 it and forsake the cross-roads that arc but indifferent at best, and 
 some execrable ; in this we kept till arrival at first and last stage 
 of this day, alighting in about two hours at Bull inn, Bridport, 
 distant from Dorchester seventeen miles. The business for which 
 <this town is famed, and carried on to great extent, is in sail-cloth 
 and white cordage ; in size little inferior to Dorset. 
 
 Bridport, Oct. 2. To Axrainster, Honiton, and Wi-'i ;)nl/«j, 
 where lodged. 
 
 Oct. 3. Alighted at Mrs. Godfrey's, my new lodging-house in 
 Sidmouth. 
 
 Sidmouth, Oct. 10. Spirit of privateering ftr^u'iuat France sur- 
 prisingly raised ; success incredible : throe £ast India ships home- 
 ward bound taken, and thirty-six St. Domingo and Martinico ships, 
 and a multitude of others. 
 
 Oct. 26. Accompanied Mr. Smith to Mr. William Lloyd's, at 
 Otterton, a substantial farmer. In conversation on different ranks 
 of mankind, and different consequent mode of living, my companion 
 told us the following tale from an Irish lady. A young country- 
 woman of hers wished she might be queen for a month, for then, 
 said sh*^, I would have bacon with ray broth. To which our hostess 
 added one of the like kind : a young lad of Cornwall wished he 
 might be king, for then, said he, I would ride on gates and eat fat 
 bacon with my broth. The demands of nature are few and easily 
 satisfied ; it is education and use that increase our appetites and 
 render them troublesome. 
 
 Oct. 27. Evening Mr. Smith visited me. Our sentiments 
 on toleration differ ; he holds that every subject in a state has an 
 absolute right to unlimited toleration, be his principles what they 
 *~ may. I think no man should be persecuted for opinion's sake, yet 
 he has no right to complain ^f nny disabilities he may be under, 
 whose avowed persuasion is, t'lat frih'> is not to hr> Vept with those 
 whose religious tenets dif ■ " -n ^' „ ^n, whoi>e religion absolves 
 him from most solemn engagements, nay, who thinks himself in con- 
 
lents 
 IS an 
 Ithey 
 
 yet 
 ider, 
 
 lose 
 Itlves 
 
 :on- 
 
 1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 206 
 
 science boimd to violate promises, vows and oaths ; nay, further, 
 thinks it higlily meritorious to disturb the peace and overthrow the 
 very government he hns sworn to support, when his priest directs 
 and opportiimt) presents. ( »pinions, merely such, the magistrate 
 ought by no means to roncern himself with, nor be subject to )ms 
 control ; and therefore every prareable man has an equal claim to 
 his protection in his person and property. 
 
 By letters from Lord Cornwallis at New- York, It appears Count 
 D'Estaing had been obliged hastily to retreat with his squadron 
 from Rhode Island by the arrival of Lord Howe, with twenty line- 
 of-battle ships and twenty frigates ; that a severe storm parted 
 the fleets ; that the Americans by a bridge of boats had landed 
 twelve thousand men on the island, and that (leneral Clinton had 
 strengthened his garrison by several detachments he himself had 
 brought from New-York ; that Gen. Lee, being accused of cow- 
 ardice and bad conduct, was suspended by a court martial. 
 
 Oct. 28. Lord Howe has arrived from Rhode Island in the 
 Eagle. Four of our frigates have been sunk at Rhode Island, when 
 invested by D'l^taing and the Provincials ; al- ) twenty-three ships 
 destroyed. 
 
 The Bostonians are said to be out of humf>r with their new 
 friends and allies, and no wonder ; French government, laws, 
 religion, manners, and policy, are totally alien .md unnatuial to 
 Americans, and will sit uneasy till custom and long use have fa- 
 miliarized them. 
 
 JVbv. 17. Rode to Beer with Mr. Smith ; visited the vicar of 
 Seaton and Beer, a character truly original ; a great humorist and 
 punster, not unlike Rev. Mather Byles of Boston in that line. He 
 is of enormous bulk, confined by gout, which he told us was his 
 third attack, resembling, in his own language, a furnace heated 
 seven times hotter than the former ; compared himself, in the midst 
 of excruciating pains, to his holiness seated to receive adoration in 
 his sanctified chair ; treated us hospitably, and was very facetious.^ 
 
 JVb». 23. Took my leave of Sid mouth, my residen e for ap- 
 proaching winter being to be at Exeter ; passed the r< ad in two 
 hours and a half, and sat down at new lodgings in Fore-street, near 
 East-gate. 
 
 Exeter, Mbv. 26. With Mr. Smith road to Newton Abbot to 
 
 i 
 
 tfh 1 
 
 III. 
 
 
 % 
 
 '11 
 
JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 Tisit a Capt. Hendley, returned from Newfound]; id, taken by Capt. 
 Babson and carried into Boston, where and at Cape Ann he resided 
 six weeks. He reports that the country is in a distressed condition, 
 wanting alnaost every comfort; no trade but privateering, by which 
 some have been raised from nothing to affluence : says the inhabi- 
 tants are embittered against the French, who have engrossed all 
 the trade, from whom they do not in return receive any advantage 
 of labor or supplies, but their own goods at exorbitant prices. 
 Wretched effects of civil discord ! How deplorable is the situation, 
 how wretched the prospects of that once happy region, which se- 
 curity, peace and plenty have of late abandoned. 
 
 December 4. Visited my venerable and reverend friend, Mr. 
 Towgood ; he is one of very few to whose respectful and undis- 
 sembled welcome I am not a little indebted ; to whom my grateful 
 acknowledgments are due. The river Exe, by late rains swelled 
 beyond the memory of forty years, has caused great damage. The 
 two islands lying within the banks of the river over against this 
 city, overflown; on them are tucks for drying woollen cloths 
 that are dyed and pressed in the city. 
 
 December 16. Attended for the first time Arden's course of 
 lectures on experimental philosophy, being the second of the course, 
 held in a chamber in the castle ; more than threescore present, and 
 continued two hours : subject, electricity. 
 
 December 21. Received a letter from Judge Sewall, full as 
 usual of humor and hopes. 
 
 FROM HON. J. SKWALL. 
 
 Bristol, December 18, 1778. 
 Dkar Sir : 
 
 Till I had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 1st inst, 
 I was as much at a loss from what part of this or any other globe 
 I should hear of you, as I was with respect to a certain com- 
 mander-in-chief, when, to use the words of a friend in a late letter 
 from Ncw-York, " after having proceeded up the Delaware within 
 twenty miles of Philadelphia, his place of destination, when a 
 looker-on would say they must (from the reason and nature of 
 things) land at Wilmington, instead of which he sees them tack about 
 
1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 — away they come — down the river again — huzza — make a circle 
 round Asspeak, up Chesapeake, and after travelling in the heat of 
 the season, in a hell of a climate, over a monstrous extent of coun- 
 try, they arrive at Philadelphia — ' the army in high spirits.'' " 
 Don't you think my friend's description is truly Shandean ? How- 
 ever, matters I hope are mending; the account you give me from 
 America, seems to be confirmed from all quarters. Judge Howard 
 is lately arrived here from New-York ; he tells me that a number 
 of gentlemen of influence and property, who have been lying on 
 their oars to see which way the game would finally go, as I sup- 
 pose, have lately come in, among whom is the famous Mr. Smith, 
 the lawyer ;* that they, together with Mr. Galloway, are unani- 
 mously of opinion, that from the unexpected tyranny of the Congress 
 and their sub-devils, the almost universal poverty and distress of 
 the people, and the general aversion to French connections, the 
 quondam union of the thirteen states is upon the point of dissolution, 
 and that nothing is wanting but a single effort to crush the rebel- 
 lion, root and branch. Judge Howard says he heard Smith say, 
 " if Great Britain don't conquer the colonies, it can only be because 
 she wont ;" that thest; gentlemen have been much with the com- 
 missioners, by whom they have been greatly attended to. With 
 these favorable accounts from America, I can't help connecting 
 the union that appears in parliament, respecting the grand point, 
 the reduction of the colonies ; for though the opposition to ministry 
 is still faintly kept up for form's sake, yet the language is so differ- 
 ent from that held in former sessions, that I can't help thinking a 
 sense of public danger, and a regard to national interest and honor, 
 begin to prevail over private resentments. From all these appear- 
 ances, I augur well j and I am happy in finding the general dpinion 
 among my friends and acquaintances is, (hat the prospect of a 
 speedy and happy suppression of the rebellion is fairer now than it 
 ever has been. Come, my dear friend, cheer up ; don't think of 
 going to that " country from whose bourne no traveller returns," 
 though there be no i.in or sorrow, before you have seen a happy 
 end to the sorrows and sins of your country. It w ill be such glo- 
 
 « The histurinn nl' Now-York, and cliief jiifiricc during the war . nubtr. 
 (|ii(?ntly of Catiuilii, 
 
 • i'l 
 
208 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 ' rious news to carry with you, that it is well worth waiting patiently 
 
 for many years; but I hope you will have it in one year ; and then, 
 
 I doubt not, you will find yourself more able to combat thewuivoid- 
 
 able evils of this state militant, and be less in a hurry to set out for 
 
 \ that unknown country, which must be your next stage. 
 
 j The situation of American loyalists, I confess, is enough to have 
 
 i provoked Job's wife, if not Job himself; but still we must be men, 
 
 philosophers, and Christians ; and bearing up with patience, resig- 
 
 / nation and fortitude, against unavoidable sufferings, is our duty in 
 
 1^ each of these characters. 
 
 There, sir, is a Roland for your Oliver, in the serious way. 
 My friends and family here are all well, and wish your health and 
 happiness. If you see my good friend the doctor before he receives a 
 letter from me, present him my best retspecta. 
 
 Adieu, . 
 
 \ J. Sewall. 
 
 ^ 
 
 \^^' 
 
 'I 
 
 i ■ 
 
 v^:^^ 
 
 ' \ ' 
 
 TO HON. WILLIAM BROWNE, COWBRIDGE, WALES. 
 
 Exetevy Dec. 26, 1778. 
 Dear Sik : 
 
 I have often in fancy, whilst reading a letter from a friend, 
 transported myself into his presence, and considered myself as at- 
 tending to his personal conversation, thereby increasing my own 
 enjoyment. This curious effect may perhaps be peculiar to me ; 
 however, I am pleasing myself that my friend Col. Browne, 
 although not apt to be carried into the regions of fancy, may on 
 occasion be capable of an innocent delusion of this kind. 
 
 Without further preface, my chief intention in this scrawl is to 
 amuse this dark gloomy season with the recital of a few circum- 
 stances relative to our own country that were told me by Capt. 
 Hendley, who was taken into Boston by an American privateer, 
 and passed six weeks there and at Cape Ann. The inhabitants, 
 he said, seemed discontented, and would gladly exchange their un- 
 happy condition for peace and a connection with their old friends, 
 could a constitutional line be drawn, and America be thereby freed 
 from the future attacks of administration. That they are dissatis- 
 fied with their new allies, against whom there are great heart- 
 burnings ; that all commerce is in the hands of the French, and 
 
1778.] 
 
 JOURNAL ANU LETTERS. 
 
 209 
 
 commodities held at an unreasonable height ; not a store belonging 
 to the inhabitants contains any European goods, all being in the 
 hands of the French, for which they will receive nothing but 
 money, taking in return no supplies from the Anglo-Americans, 
 nor employing a laborer ; in short, that the French 3re not of the 
 least advantage to them in any respect ; that privateering, the only 
 resource of the merchants, is almost annihilated by the great shock 
 the adventurers that way have received ; — that the European arti- 
 cles of import are extremely wanted, and at an enormous price ; 
 that the French are hated, and in turn they despise and oppress the 
 inhabitants, between whom and themselves there are frequent quar- 
 rels ; and one that lately made a noise in our papers here, which 
 happened at Boston a few months since, was occasioned solely by 
 the opposition of the natives to the French, no English soldier or 
 sailor being then in town; that those who now rule the roast there 
 are like a certain class of men mentioned in Scripture, taken from 
 the lowest of the people, and too tenacious of their ill-acquired 
 power and honors to part with them, or to suffer the least intima- 
 tion of reconcilement with Great Britain : honors did I say ? — for a 
 moment I forgot Addison's incontrovertible adage, 
 
 " When vice prevails, 
 The post of honor is a private station." 
 
 1 fear the measure of these men's folly is not yet quite full, but 
 I am egregiously mistaken if they are not making hasty strides to 
 their utter undoing. On advice of an order of the Congress for a 
 valuation of estates, real and personal, through their extended do- 
 mains, the Massachusetts Bay assembly incontestably, unanimously 
 and promptly refused compliance, and despatched Mr. Hancock to 
 Philadelphia with their determination and remonstrance. Their bills 
 of credit, which at first emission passed at the rate of four and six- 
 pence the dollar, had sunk to one and threepence, and passed 
 current only by permission at one and sixpence. The houses in 
 Boston and all along the coast are stripped of every article of fur- 
 niture and valuable effects, save what is absolutely necessary for 
 constant use, the inhabitants being in continued dread of a descent 
 on the coast, which, indeed, they have but too probable grounds to 
 apprehend. A passenger, lately fled from America on the score of 
 suflerings there, declares the late menace in the commissioners' 
 
 27 
 
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 j'im 
 
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 £ 
 
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 1. 
 
 ffil 
 
 mm 
 
210 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1778. 
 
 ♦& 
 
 proclamation will assuredly effect what neither persuasions nor 
 threats have yet had force enough to bring about, a solid and 
 firm union of all ranks and classes, for want of which alone in the 
 middle colonies, he says, the British army has not, long since, been 
 drivei;. into the sea. The manifesto, which I presume you have 
 seen, issued by the Congress in consequence of that proclamation, 
 renders it more than probable that should the dreadful expedient 
 threatened take place, his*"ry will hardly furnish a parallel to the 
 cruelty and carnage of the folloving campaign, which God in his 
 jnfinite mercy prevent. , I presume, before receipt of this, you will 
 have seen the account ot Lords Cornwallis and Carlisle's return to 
 Great Britain, and the shattered condition of Byron's fleet, on which 
 was placed such confidence and dependence, having sustained a 
 loss, it is to be feared, of several capital ships. The almost unin- 
 terrupted series of untoward events and curious accidents which 
 have befallen this people since the commencement of these mutual 
 confusions and strifes, has not seldom reminded me of a passage in 
 the song of Deborah and Barak ; I wish for form's sake I could 
 recollect otir New England version ; " Phey fought from heaven, 
 the stars in their courses fought against Sisera." This text is not 
 quoted by way of comparison ; I would not have you suppose that 
 I mean to compare the hosts of Sisera to the British army, for in 
 truth I do not think the Americans to be the chosen people of God, 
 or their armies the armies of the living God, though they have 
 only and simply Deo auspice for their motto on their bills and 
 standards. I should have finished the above by adding somewhat 
 of a more cheerful strain, but having finished my sheet must con- 
 clude with affectionate regards to Mrs. Browne, your son and self. 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Dec. 25. There have been twenty-eight king's ships, priva- 
 teers and letters of marque carried into Brest, from 20th ult. to 
 10th inst. ; a very respectable number, truly, considering the Eng- 
 lish are lords of the ocean ! Of the twenty-eight bishops only four 
 voted to adopt the new mode of carrying on the war by spreading 
 carnage and desolation through America, as decreed in the com- 
 missioners' proclamation. Whatever excuses or reasons politicians 
 may assign for extending or securing temporal dominion by such 
 
JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 211 
 
 cut-throat measures, these four servants of the meek and lowly 
 Jesus have exhibited a spirit that shculd through the duration of 
 time render them infamous, and their names and memory proverbi- 
 ally detestable. In the papers received to-day appears a mani- 
 festo of Congress in answer to the commissioners' proclamation, 
 announcing a retaliation of like measures. 
 
 Dec. 28. This day I am arrived at my grand climacteric, hav- 
 ing just completed my sixty-third year : with more propriety than 
 old Jacob may I say, "few and evil have been the days of the years 
 of my life." For what I am reserved, is known to God only ; many 
 have been my deliverances, many the deaths I have been rescued 
 from. May my remaining days be employed to more valuable pur- 
 poses, and to my own real honor and advantage, temporal and 
 eternal. Visiied by Mr. George Eveleigh, with whom and family 
 I have an agreeable acquaintance. He was one of the first couple 
 my old friend Mr. McGilchrist married in South Carolina, the cere- 
 mony performed at Wands in Christ Church parish. He was ed- 
 ucated at Harvard College, and boarded with President Wads- 
 worth ; at first sight of me at Bristol two years ago, he recognized 
 my name and person; having been at school in Cambridge while 
 I was a student in college. 
 
 '/V 
 
212 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1779. 
 
 1779.] 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Exeter, Jan. 1, 1779. A delightful day ; visited Mr. Eveleigh, 
 and by invitation passed the afternoon and evening there. Why 
 should presents be made upon the first day of January more than 
 at any other time 1 The original of this custom is attributed to 
 the reign of Romulus, and Tatius king of the Sabincs, who gov- 
 erned jointly in Rome in the seventh year of the city. It is said 
 that Tatius, having been presented on the first of January with 
 some boughs out of the forest of the goddess Strenia in token of 
 good luck, began this custom, and called the present strena. The 
 Romans made this a holiday, and consecrated it to the honor of 
 Janus, offering sacrifices to him ; and the people went in throngs 
 to Mount Tarpeia, where Janus had an altar clothed anew, and 
 chose to begin their respective employments on this day. They 
 wished one another good luck, and were very careful not to speak 
 any thing ill-natured or quarrelsome. The common presents among 
 the meaner sort were dates, figs and honey, which were usually 
 covered with leaf gold : and those who were under the protection 
 of great men used to add a piece of money. In the reign of Au- 
 gustus, the populace, gentry and senators used to send him new- 
 year's gifts, and if he was not in town, they carried them to the 
 capitol. From the Romans this custom went to the Greeks, and 
 from the heathens to the Christians, who early came into the prac- 
 tice of making presents to the magistrates. Some of the fathers 
 write strenuously against this practice on account of the immorali- 
 ties committed under the cover of protection : — but since the gov- 
 ernments of the several nations of Europe have become Christian- 
 ized, the custom is still retained as a token of friendship, love and 
 respect. 
 
 TO MR. JOHN TIMMINS, LONDON. 
 
 Exeter, Jan. 17, 1779. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Inability to provide for one's own support is a mortifying con- 
 sideration that embitters almost every circumstance of life. Once 
 
 I though I 
 
 now I thi 
 
 cessary tc 
 
 or wrong 
 
 ray fellov 
 
 render m( 
 
 plies I re( 
 
 and unkn 
 
 tediously 
 
 hour shou 
 
 earth to a( 
 
 a Latin &i 
 
 brook. ]\ 
 
 useful acti 
 
 and mind 
 
 and streng 
 
 thy object 
 
 want of e 
 
 Your r 
 
 did not un 
 
 act ; if yo 
 
 gees are f 
 
 threatened 
 
 ted States, 
 
 Jan. 2c 
 banished b 
 four out of 
 min Pickiii 
 my name a 
 ously here, 
 
 Jan, 3i 
 "Charles's 
 Barnstaple, 
 ence. 
 
1779.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 213 
 
 I thought health with virtue and a competency a happy condition ; 
 now I think otherwise ; experience has taught me that more is ne- 
 cessary to human happiness. Without something in pursuit, rightly 
 or wrongly estimated worthy, life is insipid ; — a connection with 
 my fellow men, constant employment, and a much less sura would 
 render me more pleased with the world and myself, than the sup- 
 plies I receive whilst I dream the blank of life along, unknowing 
 and unknown. Did I know how to emancipate myself from this 
 tediously uniform state of little more than mere animal life, not an 
 hour should pass before I would fly to any quarter of the habitable 
 earth to accomplish it. My past inactive state often reminds me of 
 a Latin adage, "frvges consumere. natus" a reproach I can but ill 
 brook. Man by the kind intention of his Creator was formed for 
 useful action ; selfish ease, indulgence and repose injures both body 
 and mind ; the former without exercise cannot maintain its health 
 and strength, nor will the latter, if unemployed on laudable, wor- 
 thy objects, refuse to stoop to base ones, or destroy its vigor for 
 want of exertion, or by sensual indulgence. 
 
 Your mention of the proscription act in your letter I fancy I 
 did not understand, never having seen any names inserted in any 
 act ; if you mean that lately in our newspapers wherein the refu- 
 gees are forbidden under penalty of transportation to return, and 
 threatened with death in case of a second entrance within the Uni- 
 ted States, that I have seen, but none other of the kind. 
 
 Yours, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 \i\i y 
 
 Jan. 23. The last " Remembrancer" contains a list of refugees 
 banished by act of the Massachusetts government, specifying only 
 lour out of the thirteen from Salem, viz., William Browne, Benja- 
 min Pickuian, John Prince, and John Sargent. The omission of 
 my name affords no comfort, fearing it may operate disadvantage- 
 ously here, being dependent on the bounty of the court. 
 
 Jan. 30. This day is, in Church of England language, 
 " Charles's martyrdom." Attended service ; Archdeacon Hull of 
 Barnstaple, preached a furious, high-tory address to a thin audi- 
 ence. 
 
 il !!i 
 
214 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1779. 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH. . 
 
 Exeter, Feb. 1, 1779. 
 Dear Sir: 
 f I hope your New England toryism will not end in English ja- 
 / cobinism, as your letter seems to indicate. Curiosity led me last 
 . night to the cathedral, where, if you are a real believer that those 
 sufferings of the pretended martyr were undeserved, your ears 
 would have been charmed with Archdeacon Hull's encomium on 
 him, and your liberal breast fired with indignant rage at his cruel 
 persecutors. But really, when I see the solemn mockery of a pul- 
 ; pit clothed in black, the staves of the city officers covered with the 
 same grim color, no music in the service of the day, which gener- 
 ! ally constitutes so essential a part of Christian worship ; God most 
 earnestly entreated not to lay this miscalled murder to the charge 
 of the nation, or to require his blood at their hands, who, to com- 
 pass his own tyrannous purposes, would have involved (and really 
 did as far as in him lay) this island and Ireland in confusion, car- 
 nage and desolation ; and further that nothing less than the blood 
 / of the Son of God can expiate this (in the Church language) inhu- 
 I man and execrable (but I durst affirm justly deserved) murder, I 
 : cannot fail to wish government would lay aside a service which 
 insults common sense, is a mere religious grimace, and which all 
 liberal minds justly despise. Were you to have seen the pitiful and 
 thin company, you would have wagered odds that they were har- 
 dened wretches, and went merely to save appearances. 
 
 I thank you for the mention of my name to your father, which, 
 if I judge from former experience, will be productive of no very 
 comfortable effects to me ; my friends having, I fear, adhered to the 
 notion that my departure was an intentional and full adieu. The 
 omission of my name in the banishment act I fear will prove inju- 
 rious to me here. That your father makes no mention of govern- 
 ment or the temper of the people, I presume arises from his prudence 
 and the surveillance of the rulers there, which is, I fancy, strict 
 enough. 
 
 Very affectionately, 
 
 S. CUKWEN. 
 
 Feb. 15. Evening walked with Mr. Eveleigh's family through 
 
gh 
 
 1779.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 215 
 
 Fore-street to see illumination on occasion o" Admiral Keppel's 
 acquittal by court martial on a charge of Sir x. gh Palliser ; the 
 result is the highest approbation of his conduct. London has 
 voted thanks for his bravery and the freedom of the city, and all 
 large cities and towns are following the example. 
 
 Feb. 20. James Russell on his way to Dartmouth, came here 
 to inform me that it was debated in Massachusetts Assembly whe- 
 ther my name should be inserted in the exclusion bill, and carried 
 by a small majority in my favor after a warm debate. 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH. 
 
 Exeter, Feb. 19, 1779. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I presume I am to expect all that is worth hearing from Judge 
 Sewall's letter to you. All well in Salem the last of December, so 
 Mr. Russell informs me. Two or three persons, I am told, who 
 had not money enough for shoes for their feet, are now riding in 
 coaches of their own in Boston. Solomon says, " I have seen ser- 
 vants on horseback and princes walking on foot j" I really think 
 the royal preacher was a prophet, and pointed at the events of our 
 day ; at least the present state of English America verifies the 
 remark. 
 
 Though the general election be not for these two years, a can- 
 vass for votes has begun already. Rolle against Baring and Chol- 
 wich, who have combined with the church and chambers. I have 
 seen one instance and heard of another of such gross condescen- 
 sion, that it has given me a thorough dislike to parliamentary can- 
 vassing, and manifests the pitiful notions of a nation's honor, virtue 
 and regard to public interest, which no man of common sense and 
 real integrity, and not poisoned by corrupt principles and practices 
 of the times, can stoop to, and which nothing but sinister, selfish 
 views can digest and submit to. Men of recluse lives only, such as 
 monks and speculative system makers, vent their spleen on the man- 
 ners, customs, principles and practices of their day, and call their 
 times the dregs and refuse. I will therefore suppose it always 
 was, and ever will be the case, with ambitious men, to use the 
 same low arts and base flattering compliances to gain their selfish- 
 ends; be it so, it is still unworthy conduct. God forbid that 
 
 \ 
 
 tiitfl 
 
 ! I' 
 
216 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1779. 
 
 1779. 
 
 wealth, power and influence achieved by such means as reason 
 condemns and honor despises, shall ever be in my possession. The 
 nearer I approach the verge of life, the juster I fancy my notions 
 are, and if indeed they shall prove so, I hope to be finally rid of all 
 essential errors before I put off this mortal coil and become an as- 
 sociate of pure, refined, unerabodied intelligences. 
 
 Yours, etc., 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 TO JONATHAN SEWALL, ESQ., BRISTOL. 
 
 Exeter, March 6, 1779. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I delayed answering your last favor, in hopes to transmit you 
 some little intelligence about our own country by means of a Salem 
 captain, who was taken on his passage to Cadiz, and carried into 
 Bristol, from whence he set off for L<)ndon, and after a short abode 
 passed over to France. His sudden dight from this land of toryism 
 and tyranny has deprived me of wished and expected information 
 respecting my family and friends, but instead of granting my re- 
 quest signified in a letter I wrote, he did not think it consistent 
 with the purity of his principles to correspond with a refugee, as 
 he told Mr. Timmins. 
 
 -^ The banishment act, which party resentment dictated, will, like 
 all overstrained penal measures, be its own destroyer, and the mali- 
 cious designs of its pioiooters be frustrated by the very means em- 
 ployed to manifest their venom and spite against the friends of law- 
 ful government and the constitutional rights of their country ; nay, 
 it was soon clamored against, and a noted brother counsellor of 
 your honor's, whom you well know, of the doubtful or rather 
 double gender, has publicly declared it to be a mad act, to which 
 one may add, as ever disgraced tyranny itself. How unlike is the 
 conduct of our countrymen, who, whilst contending or pretending 
 to contend for civil liberty, are contriving and exciting, with the 
 most rigorous severity, plans of oppression against many of their in- 
 nocent fellow subjects, feeble and unarmed, merely for spei ilative 
 opinions, to the disgrace of their pretensionsT^I say how unlike is 
 this conduct to those generous Athenians who undertook the expul- 
 sion of the thirty tyrants that had usurped the government of that 
 
 le 
 
 city 
 wereg 
 enemie 
 those h 
 which 
 tion, m 
 way of 
 run on 
 remarks 
 for the 
 happin 
 by any 
 false jud 
 my courj 
 my own 
 and amu 
 in Georg 
 quick red 
 of the ren 
 devoured, 
 of one r 
 succeeding 
 is pretty n 
 engrosses 
 with us ; 1 
 our comm( 
 in the laui 
 Keppel am 
 gether wit 
 house, the 
 away as no 
 altogether 
 Having 
 foregoing, i 
 I have used 
 
1779.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 217 
 
 of 
 
 he 
 
 city : themselves reinstated in the rank of citizens, their desire 
 were gratified ; they did not persecute with everlasting hatred their 
 enemies, but, determined not to yield to that slavery to which 
 those had basely submitted, they invited them to share the freedom 
 which themselves had so gloriously acquired. The above quota- 
 tion, my worthy friend will candidly suppose is only applied by 
 way of illustration, not comparison, which, however, does not 
 run on all fours, as the saying is. I was going to set down a few 
 remarks on the present state of the nation as it appears to my view ; 
 for the good of the nation, you know, in which each individual's 
 happiness is involved, is of too much importance to be neglected 
 by any who wish well to their country ; but having made so many 
 false judgments, and remembering the substance in a former favor, 
 my courage fails, and I think it more prudent to keep my ideas in 
 my own breast. There have been circulating, among some, curious 
 and amusing enough inconsistencies relating to General Campbell 
 in Georgia, from whose successful invasion multitudes augur the 
 quick reduction of America, and have taken anticipatory possession 
 of the remains of D'Estaing's fleet that the flames and sea have not 
 devoured, with Martinique and Guadaloupe. Unluckily the truth 
 of one report dispels, in the minds of judicious people, the 
 succeeding one, consigning it to forgetfulness, which I presume 
 is pretty much the case with you, unless the privateering business 
 engrosses the attention of your Bristol traders, which is not the case 
 with us ; but little concern that way and a declining trade leave 
 our commercial gentry time enough on their hands, now employed 
 in the laudable purpose of talking and disputing for the honor of 
 Keppel and the good of the nation. These political dabblers, to- 
 gether with clergy and attornies, rendezvous at Mills' coffee- 
 house, the mart of politics and scandal, and, I assure you, figure 
 away as notably as Fielding's coffee-house politicians, and are not 
 altogether unequal to them. 
 
 Having taken some pains, I hope you will be able to read the 
 foregoing, notwithstanding the abbreviations, which, for despatch, 
 I have used. 
 
 I am your affectionate friend, 
 
 S< CURWEN. 
 
 28 
 
 I I 
 
 
 k 
 
 H 
 
218 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1779. 
 
 Exeter, March 17. Attended a trial at Common Pleas in the 
 castle, Judges Hotham and Perryn ; evening, returning home met 
 a large crowd hallooing, having blue cockades in their hats, with 
 an old man at their head, and streamers flying at the end of long 
 sticks ; it proved a triumph for victory gained over the parish 
 priest in a tithe case : — I am told it is a customary practice. 
 
 ^pril 2. Good Friday. Canon Moore preached at cathedral 
 an excellent sermon, as his always are ; he is called Bishop Kep- 
 pel's sermon-writer, as the latter is not considered a good writer. 
 
 ^pril 12. Went to deliver a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Erving, 
 for Judge Sewall at Bristol, they being about to depart. 
 
 TO DR. CHARLES RUSSELL, ANTIGUA. 
 
 Exeter, April 2, 1779 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 You are now very near the intended seat of war ; may your lit- 
 tle island be protected from the ravages of the enemy. As the 
 events of war are doubtful, I promise myself no certain advantages 
 from the junction of Admirals Byron and Barrington ; — shall think 
 it no unfavorable campaign if we can retain our present posses- 
 sions, expecting no conquests besides St. Lucia, the surrender of 
 which, in sight of a superior French army and navy to British 
 troops, does immortal honor to the victors' bravery and skill. The 
 newspapers that are the mints of falsehood, are daily deceiving us 
 with relations of great distress in the French islands, great dissatis- 
 faction and heart-burnings between Daville, the governor of Mar- 
 tinico, and D'Estaing ; that the latter has, with a disabled fleet and 
 a scanty stock of provisions, been blocked up in Port Royal har- 
 bor, Martinico ; but our newspaper fabricators have so many pur- 
 poses to serve quite distinct from truth and the good of society, that 
 I rarely put into my list of facts what for amusement only I read 
 there. 
 
 Five or six thousand new levies are designed for America; our 
 privateers have been successful against the East and West Indian 
 French fleets, and the French have nearly balanced accounts by 
 taking and destroying near twenty of our frigates, besides prizes, 
 of which Lloyd's list presents us weekly with no contemptible 
 numbers. 
 
1779.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 999 
 
 The king's troops are in possession of Georgia, from which 
 some augur the reduction of all America, but from what reason I 
 cannot perceive ; one, two, or three colonies are but part of the 
 confederacy, and there must be some capital defeat, I presume, to 
 cool the ardor of minds so united as the Americans are at present. 
 
 ' I remain your friend, etc., 
 
 '' S. CURWEN. 
 
 (The above inclosed to William Cabot, London, to be deliv- 
 ered into Samuel Quincy's hands, who is soon going off to Antigua 
 as comptroller at Parkenbay.) 
 
 May 10. Walked to Poltimore, the seat of the late Sir Rich- 
 ard Bampfield, five miles out : — this miser for his penuriousness 
 was called Tenpenny Dick, endeavoring to reduce laborers' day 
 wages to that sum. It is an irregular old edifice, and its office, 
 deserted by its owner, foreshows approaching ruin. The heir, 
 whose name is Sir Charles Warwick Bampfield, is of so different 
 a humor from the late miser, that, in the space of eighteen months 
 he has puffed off sixty thousand pounds in cash, and an income from 
 lands of eight thousand a year, so far as to require many years' 
 mortgages, which the estate is now under, with an allowance of 
 three hundred a year only. It is said his expenses during his par- 
 oxysms of folly was thirty pounds an hour ; a sari ' istance of folly, 
 thoughtlessness, extravagance, and compliance h the luxuri- 
 ous taste and dissipation of the present age. 
 
 May 13, Ascension Day. The limits of each parish surveyed 
 by committees, a great number of boys attendant, carrying long 
 slender white rods in their hands ; at certain intervals stopping and 
 making loud huzzas. 
 
 A British fleet of nearly five hundred sail remains wind-bound 
 in Torbay under Admiral Arbuthnot, commanding over forty men- 
 of-war. 
 
 May 18. Byron's fleet, left in the West Indies, worsted by 
 D'Estaing. By Lord Gower's (president of the council) own ac- 
 knowledgment in the House of Lords, the nation is in a woful 
 plight, and justly alarmed lest Spain should take part against us, 
 as Count Almadava, their ambassador, intimated when he should 
 leave : — in which case it is my belief we have every thing to fear, 
 
 r 
 
 h 
 
 .;'•■ 
 
220 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1779. 
 
 the combined fleets greatly exceeding ours. Ireland discontented 
 and seemingly ready to join an invader ; Scotland uneasy; muti- 
 nies and discontent in the fleet, — distraction, etc., in councils. 
 
 May 19. Col. Erving and family removing to Exmouth, by 
 which I have lost one source of much enjoyment; — repeatedly 
 pressed to reside in summer with them, which I have hitherto with- 
 stood from a dislike to watering places. A fleet of sixteen ships 
 of the line and ninety transports, it is reported, were seen steering 
 towards Ireland ; should they land a general defection is to be feared. 
 
 June 5. This day informed by Lord Chflford's priest, that I 
 may have admittance to see his curiously wrought bed, presented 
 by the old Duchess of Norfolk, said to be the richest in Europe, for 
 which the queen has offered ten thousand pounds, and been refused. 
 It is said there are four thousand Romish priests and fifteen hun- 
 dred dissenting ministers of all persuasions in England and Wales. 
 The former succeed in making converts. 
 
 June 20. Yesterday Lord North announced in the House of 
 Commons that the Spanish minister had left. 
 
 Jane 23. It is said favorable news has arrived to govern- 
 ment ; — what a pity that views and passions of mankind were not 
 coincident with their real interest, enjoyment and felicity ; but, 
 alas ! they are at odds too frequently, — in the future world all 
 wrongs will be rectified. 
 
 June 28. Mr. John Sargent, my townsman, brought a letter 
 from Col. Browne, at Cowbridge ; he proposes to abide with me 
 five or six days. 
 
 July 8. At Lyrapston, ordination of Mr. Jarvis's brother ; met 
 ray friends Mr. Smith and John Sargent from Sidmouth. The actors 
 were Sir II. Trclawney, ])r. Kippis, of London, and Dr. Priestley, 
 who preached, and exhibited a picture of his own principles, deny- 
 ing in express terms need of particular aids in all cases since 
 Christ's appeinancc, being only nccossary for the establishment of 
 a religion ; — declaring man tu Lc in a similar state respecting 
 moral means as earth is in regard to seed put into it ; if it had 
 been in a previous state of fitness for bringing forth, its product 
 would be in proportion ; if otherwise, small or none at all. 
 
 July 14. Spectators on cliffs amazed with the sight of the 
 grand fleet sailing out of Torbay. 
 
ttie 
 
 1779.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 231 
 
 Exmouth, July 18. Attended worship at Lady Glenorchy's 
 chapel ; principles inculcated not unlike those at Lady Hunting- 
 ton's chapel. The preacher a Scotchman, (with a master of arts 
 gown,) a missionary of Lady G., who, with Mr. Holmes of Exeter, 
 fitted this chapel for the propagation of Scotch orthodoxy. After- 
 noon, at Withycomb-Raleigh parish, lying at the mouth of the 
 river Exe ; the houses are chiefly low, with mud walls and thatched 
 roofs; though there are a considerable number of brick, covered 
 with slate, reputable and handsome, owned chiefly by Exeter 
 people, who come down in shoals on Saturday afternoons for the 
 purpose of pastime and festivity among themselves on Sundays ; — 
 this being almost the only resort on that day, when the town is full 
 of them, not, as I am told, to the emolument or wish of the inhabi- 
 tants. 
 
 July 22. Received a letter from Mr. Bretland, Exeter, inclosing 
 a card left for me by Governor Hutchinsnri on his way to London 
 from the west, wV^ither he had been with C Iluiseii. 
 
 Aug. 17. Visited by Mr. Smith and Sann-'e! Sewall from Sid- 
 mouth ; reported that the combined fleet of France and Spain are off 
 Plymouth; people along the coast and through the country alarmed. 
 
 Aug. 23. A levelling spirit has unhappily taken place among 
 the lower classes ; menacing expressions ; they more than whisper 
 their wishes that the French may land, adding they had as lief have 
 a Louis as a George to reign over them. 
 
 Exeter, Sept. 6. Am informed that I am suspected to be an 
 American spy, disafTected to government ; this was reported by 
 one Calhier, a violent hater of the inhabitants of the American 
 continent and of all its friends and well-wishers : his malice I 
 despise, and his power to injure me with government I defy. 
 Exeter has become the seat of scandal, pride, inhospitality, foppery ; 
 an awkward imitation of London manners, to their folly, prevails. 
 
 Sept. 23. Left in the coach for Bristol, passing tlirough Wel- 
 lington, Taunton, Bridgewater, and Cross, and arrived at White 
 Hart inn, Bristol, where lodged. 
 
 Sept. 24. Took lodgings at Mrs. Froade's, York-street, Bruns- 
 wick-square. 
 
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 41 
 
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222 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1779. 
 
 
 TO MR. GEORGE RUSSELL, BIRMINGHAM. 
 
 Bristol, Sept. 28, 1779. 
 Dear Sir : ' 
 
 The alarming condition of public affairs of late has, I presume, 
 engaged your attention, and that of every thoughtful man ; what 
 remains for Great Britain to hope, I know not ; the causes of fear 
 are too many arid too obvious to escape the observation of the most 
 thoughtless and inconsiderate. It is to be wished she may save at 
 least a part of her foreign dominions ; which, if not secured by 
 treaty before the following campaign, will, I fear, fall a sacrifice 
 to the ambition of France and Spain, and the resentment of 
 America ; notwithstanding the late successes of Sir George Collier, 
 who has wounded the latter in the naval way, though not I believe 
 essentially. To counterweigh this, 1 fear Sir James Wright, the 
 late governor, despatched from hence to reassume the government 
 of Georgia, whose sudden departure from thence to New-York, 
 and General Provost's abandoning his troops at Beaufort, prove 
 beyond a doubt the pitiful condition they were in, and the great 
 probability of their falling a prey to Hopkins' squadron by sea, 
 and the provincial arms by land. What a wretched conclusion of 
 so hopeful a beginning, as it seems the royal army had at least in 
 expectation when they first set forward in their expedition against 
 Charleston ; which seems as if destined by Providence to bring 
 disgrace on the British arms. 
 
 I have just returned to this place with Colonel Erving's family, 
 to whom I am indebted for most of my happiness for more than a 
 year at Sidraouth, Exeter, and last at Exmouth. The latter dis- 
 agreeable by too great a mixture of Exeter folks, " who view with 
 eye malign and looks askance," as Milton describes Satan to have 
 done ; all strangers seeming to them as intruders on their property, 
 as they consider Exmouth, and appropriated only to their pleasure : 
 thither many families resort on Sundays, their day of festivity and 
 amusement. Yours truly, S. Curwen. 
 
 TO WILLIAM BROWNE, ESQ., COWBRIDGE, WALES. 
 
 Bristol, Sept. 28, 1779. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I presume you cannot in your distant retreat form an idea of 
 
1779.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 323 
 
 the great distress the southern coast of this island was in during 
 the continuance of the combined fleets in our channel, especially 
 on the lower coasts of Devon and Cornwall. The flight of the 
 inhabitants from Plymouth to Exeter and inland parts daring the 
 panic there, spread terror and dismay wherever they came ; ex- 
 cept to a few, who wished Sir Charles Hardy would, with his 
 thirty-seven ships and fourteen frigates, meet the Hectors of France 
 and Spain, having sixty-seven ships and fifty frigates ; and give 
 them, as they phrased it, a sound drubbing : for they were sure of 
 victory in case of an engagement. But thanks to the favorable stars 
 of Grf at Britain, at that moment in the ascendant, wiser heads 
 governed public councils ; he slipped by them and got safely up 
 to Spithead. 
 
 This day we have heard tlat Paul Jones, in the French king's 
 service, has taken a forty-four gun frigate, and entered the harbor 
 of Hull, and destroyed sixteen ships. 
 
 What think you of Sir George Collier's Penobscot expedition 1 
 The loss of so many ships must be insupportably heavy on our pro- 
 vince, and perhaps irreparable ; however, it is a great relief to the' 
 English trade, they being all large ships of war, and our sailors 
 expert and adroit in privateering business. 
 
 Very truly yours, S. Curwen. 
 
 ind 
 
 of 
 
 Sept. 28. Visited Colonel Erving and family ; afterwards 
 dined and took tea with my worthy friend. Judge Sewall; his 
 company, Mr. and Mrs. Faneuil. From thence I went to see Mrs. 
 Gardiner, her husband the doctor, and their daughter. Love Eppes. 
 Meeting Colonel Oliver, late lieutenant-governor of Massachusetts, 
 he informed me of his residence. 
 
 Sept. 29. Invited personally by Colonel Oliver to a family 
 dinner, meeting only his daughters and his brother-in-law, John 
 Vassal. 
 
 Sept. 30. By the Ladies' Magazine for August, I perceive that 
 the Massachusett's Bay government limits the return of the refugees, 
 or even absentees, to July, 1780. 
 
 Oct. 9. Took tea at Mr. Erving's ; his daughter handed me 
 an ancient manuscript copy of Goldsmith's Hermit, and Mr. Rus- 
 sell's lines on his wife, both excellent. 
 
 •t 
 
 mi^i 
 
224 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1779. 
 
 Oct. 15. Dined with Mr. Vassal in Queen's-square, in company 
 with Dr. Gardiner and Robert Hallowell, the elder of the Simp- 
 sons, Mr. Vassal's lady, and Miss Davis. At dinner, informed by 
 Dr. Gardiner, of many circumstances relating to my countrymen's 
 behavior during the siege of Boston, with which I was not before 
 acquainted ; and which, if true, proves that that people, Uke all 
 mankind, when civil commotions take place, are maddened into 
 party rage. I dare say, nothing peculiarly bad, cruel, wrong, or 
 unjust, characterizes that people at this unhappy period. 
 
 Oct. 17. Papers filled with unauthenticated reports of France 
 having swept the coast of Africa, and taken all our forts. 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH. 
 
 Bristol, Oct. 28, 1779. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I should not have delayed acknowledging the receipt of your 
 last favor until this day, had I not undertaken by my friend Eve- 
 leigh's request to furnish your reverence with an authentic and 
 minute detail of the progiess of the British army to Charleston, 
 their retreat, and late (for it seems to be shrewdly suspected here, 
 that at present they are in the hands and keeping of the French 
 and Congress,) dangerous and suffering condition at Beaufort. I 
 am afraid there are too strong reasons for apprehending that event, 
 it being rumored here, and generally believed, that administration 
 has received undoubted intelligence of D'Estaing's destination to 
 Georgia and the southern coast, with six thousand troops, and a 
 much larger naval armament than Great Britain has in those seas 
 to oppose them, with any probability of success, under Arbuthnot. 
 
 Should General Clinton, as the papers have lately intimated, 
 drain New York of five or six thousand troops, and proceed to 
 Georgia, and with a slender convoy (comparatively I mean) meet 
 D'Estaing, it is not difficult to foretell the fate of the American 
 war ; but this is mere supposition and chance, you will say ; the 
 former may arrive on the coast time enough to land himself and 
 troops, and send off his transports. It will be well for England if 
 he should, for the fate of their claims and pretensions on that con- 
 tinent depends on that single circumstance ] should the two fleets 
 meet in open sea, the odds will be so unfavorable on our side, as 
 
 1779.; 
 
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 Sir Ge^ 
 
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 Perhap; 
 
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 letters suj 
 
 ships anc 
 
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 cuted. I 
 
 soon exp( 
 
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 with Pete 
 JVbw. 
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 Mv. 
 dined with 
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 Mv. 
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 Dec. 
 Mrs. Fane 
 
1779.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 225 
 
 to approach the worst consequences. The Penobscot affair does 
 Sir George Collier's conduct and bravery great credit, leaves an 
 indelible stain on our countrymen and our province, at present in 
 a defenceless condition ; to balance this account the British cause 
 has suffered a disgrace and loss of equal magnitude at Stony Point. 
 Perhaps you have not heard, that but for a misunderstanding be- 
 tween the American generals, Verplanck's Point on the opposite 
 shore had suffered the same fate. Mr. ***** read me a letter 
 from Mr. * * * * *, of Falmouth, [now Portland, Maine,] wherein 
 he describes the sufferings of people late in comfortable circum- 
 stances, and many in a condition truly pitiable. It raised a sym- 
 pathy in my breast ; I could not restrain the tear of pity, the only 
 part of humanity in my power ; nor was I a little hurt by the 
 manner in which it was told ; political zeal, like religious, can steel 
 the heart against the feelings of nature. The succedaneum or sub- 
 stitute for bread, of which some have not tasted for months, was 
 dried plaice, powdered. Zeal, for aught I know, is sharpened 
 rather than blunted by sufferings, though that and some other 
 letters suggest that the people are almost worried out by the hard- 
 ships and evils of war ; many no doubt are those, I presume, who 
 gain nothing by it ; of which there are but few except the perse- 
 cuted. I pray God shorten the time of their tribulation ; may all 
 soon experience the blessings of peace, and unite in thanksgiving 
 with one heart and one mouth. 
 
 Very truly your friend, 
 
 S, CURWEN. 
 
 J^ov. 3. Dined with Messrs, Simpson and Waldo, in company 
 with Peter Frye, Benjamin Pickman and Richard Routh. 
 
 JVov. 16. Visited Mr. Lechmere; drank tea with Judge 
 Sewall. 
 
 JVov. 26. Visited Mr. Barnes and Col. Oliver with Peter Frye ; 
 dined with them and Benjamin Pickman at Mr. Lechmere's ; con- 
 versing on American politics and Sclera affairs. 
 
 JVov. 28. Dined with Col. Oliver in company with Peter Frye 
 and Benjamin Pickman. 
 
 Dec. 14. Dined at Judge Sewall's, and played quadrille with 
 Mrs. Faneuil, Mrs. Sewall and Mr. Francis Waldo. 
 
 29 
 
 
 \ii 
 
226 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1779. 
 
 Dec. 21. Visited Col. Erving ; drank tea by Mrs. Sewall's in- 
 vitation, and passed the evening in company with Mr. J. Vassal 
 and lady, and niece Davis, and Mr. R. Hallowell and lady. 
 
 Dec. 23. Received two letters from Richard Ward and wife, 
 (my niece,) the first since my absence ; and one from Williana 
 Pynchon. 
 
 TO DR. CHARLES RUSSELL, ANTIGUA. 
 
 Bristol, Dec. 23, 1779. 
 Dear Charles : 
 
 The numerous papers that will ^o with the fleet, renders it 
 needless for me to send such intelligence as I can at best but im- 
 perfectly furnish you with. There is little, however, of newspaper 
 news, besides what is contained in the Gazette, (which does not 
 always give in full, but perhaps as much information as is prudent,) 
 little, I mean, of what relates to the public. The old proverb justly 
 says, truth lies in a well, and difficult it is to draw it up. I believe 
 that of fifty reports five only will be founded in fact. It is the dis- 
 temperature of the times, not peculiar to this period, however, (as 
 the jaundiced eye gives its hue to every object,) to present only the 
 party complexion of the reliitor; for all the world here is divided 
 into American and anti-American, ministerial and anti-ministerial. 
 One fact I will venture to relate, to which I was an eye and ear 
 witness : residing at E.rmouth while the combined fleets of B^ance 
 and Spain rode masters of the English channel, in sight for many 
 days together 'of Plymouth, it is hardly credible how the brave, 
 magnanimous hearts of the English forsook them ; a panic seized 
 the country. The town of Plymouth was, as quick as thought, 
 drained of its inhabitants and property, and all the neighborhood ; 
 the people flying spread terror as they fled ; even the plague, or an 
 earthquake, could hardly have produced more terrific apprehen- 
 sions. Strange and unaccountable organization and state of the 
 human mind and body, that sudden fear should produce effects more 
 distressing than a deliberate, sensible view of danger ! It is equally 
 unaccountable that the enemy did not land ; for had they atCawsand 
 bay, then without any defence or works to annoy, and a safe shore, 
 with three or four thousand men, (unprovided as we then were with 
 munitions of war,) Plymouth, with the docks, works, and shipping, 
 
1779.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 227 
 
 would have fallen a prey to the invaders. There was not wadding 
 enough for one round in the garrison. That the enemy did not 
 land and attack Sir Charles Hardy, then lying off Scilly Islands 
 with a veiy inferior fleet, viz., thirty -seven of the line and twelve 
 frigates, with his sixty-seven capital ships and thrice that number 
 of frigates, is to be accounted for only on the same principle that 
 Ahitophel's wise counsel was rejected ; for nothing could save our 
 fleet from defeat, and the kingdom from ravage and desolation in 
 consequence ; but by an overruling power, whose wisdom appoints 
 and limits empires and their duration, this kingdom is preserved ; 
 the wisdom of the wise we see sometimes turned to foolishness, and 
 weakness made to triumph over strength and courage. 
 
 Since those alarms of two months back, another has succeeded 
 of perhaps equal magnitude : Ireland, availing herself of the dis- 
 tresses of her imperious, domineering sister kingdom, has raised forty 
 thousand men with arms in their hands, independent of government, 
 and a majority of 143 to 42 in their House of Commons; and loudly 
 and peremptorily demands a free trade, which this country has, 
 however bitter the dose, with seeming complacency and readiness, 
 granted. It is said the Irish are satisfied, and have besides offered 
 to raise twenty thousand men ; but where men think themselves 
 abridged of their natural rights, and have, or think they have power 
 to recover them, it will be lucky for Old England if the Irish do 
 not proceed to require other concessions. The former is not in a 
 condition to reject her demands, or to force her obedience. I will 
 not say Ireland can maintain her independence, but there are powers 
 willing and ready to support her resistance, and England cannot go 
 to war with all Europe. In truth, she receives ungrateful returns 
 for her generosity, unequalled by any state^since government ob- 
 tained amongst mankind — but enough of this. 
 
 I have received a second letter from my friend, Williano Pyn- 
 chon, Esq., and his relation in answer to ray complaint of my ban- 
 ishment is truly pitiable ; what he says will serve instead of a 
 hundred instances to exhibit to your view a picture of the distress- 
 ful situation of some of our friends, viz. : "If you knew half the 
 inconveniences your continuance here would have occasioned, it 
 would surely lessen your discontent ; had you lost your business, 
 all your debts, the fruits of many years' labor j been driven to sell 
 
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328 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1779. 
 
 your house and lands for payment of your debts and expenses ; and 
 thus reduced, you sHll would not freely nor safely walk the streets, 
 by reason of party rage and malevolence and the uncontrolled ran- 
 cor of some men." 
 
 " This comforts me, and ought to console you and every other 
 sufferer. I remain, dear Charles, 
 
 Your affectionate friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Dec. 26. Capt. Carpenter called in my absence ; he is master 
 of the cartel ship from Boston, lately arrived ; friends well at Salem 
 a month ago, when he left. Went to dock and saw Capt, Car- 
 penter, who handed me letters from Mr. Nathan Goodale, contain- 
 ing gentle hints relating to surprising revolutions in property, 
 which in such times of civil commotions ever take place. 
 
 Dec. 29. Capt. Carpenter dined with me, and passed the even- 
 ing ; he gave me a more circumstantial relation of Salem, its inha- 
 bitants, and concerns, its present commercial and civil state, than 
 I had received from any one before, though I fancy it is somewhat 
 too highly colored. 
 
 Dec. 30. Visited Mrs. Erving and presented her a Massa- 
 chusetts Bay apple, which she said she should taste with a high 
 relish, adding, " to that country I feel as great partiality and love 
 as to my native land." 
 
 Dec. 31. My young townsman, William Cabot, came down 
 from London to visit me, by invitation, in order to confer with 
 Capt. Carpenter. Evening at Judge Sewall's, in company with 
 Mr. and Mrs. Hartford. Thus ends another revolution of the sun. 
 
 L', 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOUSNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 229 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Jan. 1, 1780. Went with William Cabot through Clifton and 
 Hot Wells ; turned into merchants' dock to view the large Manilla 
 ship unloading; her length 172 feet, a prize, estimated variously 
 from jE50,000 to je300,000. Took tea at Mr. Wraxall's, passed an 
 agreeable hour, conversation turning on history, fulfilment of pro- 
 phecy, and convenience of ladies' ■pattens. Mrs. Wraxall has been 
 represented as a stiff religionist ; the contrary this evening has af- 
 forded a proof of: perhaps devotion and a conversible humor 
 have alternately the ascendant ; at best we are but a very changing, 
 uncertain, unsteady compound. 
 
 Jan. 5. Left for Bath at ten, and arrived there in less than three 
 hours ; patrolled the streets, viewing the Crescent, Queens-square 
 and Parade, Paragon-row, Pump-room ; saw there a numerous 
 company, walking, standing ; playing whist the only fashionable 
 game. This city in gratitude to Beau Nash, master of ceremonies, 
 had his picture taken at full length, and put up in the pump-room ; 
 and unluckily between small busts of the great Newton and Mr. 
 Pope, which Lord Chesterfield seeing, uttered these stanzas, viz.': 
 
 " Immortal Newton never spoke 
 
 More truth than here you'll find ; 
 Nor Pope himself e'er penned a joke 
 
 Severer on mankind : 
 The picture placed the busts between, 
 
 Adds to the satire's strength ; 
 Wisdom and wit are little seen, 
 
 But folly at full length." 
 
 TO NATHAN GOODALE, ESQ., SALEM, N. E. 
 
 Bristol, Jan. 10, 1780. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 I am obliged for the information contained in your letter brought 
 me by Capt. Carpenter, relative to my friends and acquaintances. 
 
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 ii 
 
 
 
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 PI 
 
230 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS, 
 
 [1780. 
 
 I am glad to hear that the members of the Monday night club are 
 permitted to assemble without interruption. I wish the continuance 
 of it, and an increase to each member of every valuable enjoyment, 
 and thank them for their kind remembrance of me. 
 
 You may, if you please, acquaint Mrs. Sargent, with my com- 
 pliments, that being about to write Col. Browne, I shall inform him 
 of what you mention concerning her. You write me that as I am 
 a friend to America, I shall always find friends there ; that I ac- 
 knowledge is a most desirable circumstance, but there are other 
 considerations necessary to make any spot on earth an object wor- 
 thy of any one's wish to reside in. My compliments to Mrs. 
 Goodale and Miss Higginson, and your next neighbors, Mr. and 
 Mrs. Cabot. 
 
 Yours, etc., 
 
 S. Cur WEN. 
 
 TO WILLIAM PYNCHON, ESQ , SALEM, N. E, 
 
 Bristol, Jan. 10, 1780. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 I commence writing, ray worthy friend, without knowing on what 
 subject or subjects, as there is scarce any that party prejudice may 
 not wrongly interpret and draw unfavorable inferences from ; besides 
 the governing powers in times of war, tumult and confusion assume 
 a liberty to dispense with the settled regulations of the state in 
 peaceable times, and among other precautions open letters from 
 foreign parts. I fear you are in the same predicament ; perhaps it 
 may be right, but it is a sad and mortifying restraint on distant 
 friends, and prevents that agreeable intercourse, which supports 
 friendship and adds to the enjoyments of life. 
 
 With regard to my peculiar situation, connection and senti- 
 ments, I must be reserved ; in general my condition is comfortable, 
 although in England it requires as many hundreds as I can realize 
 scores of pounds. Some people who came from your side of the 
 Atlantic affect to prefer this country to their own, whether it be 
 from affectation or a real preference, I pretend not to determine ; 
 pour moi, I wish for nothing more than peace and to return thither; 
 no approaches to the former I can as yet perceive. 
 
 1780.] 
 
 too 
 
1780.] 
 
 jot;rnal and letters. 
 
 231 
 
 A few weeks since wo heard of John Adams and Francis 
 Dana's arrival at Paris from the Congress : little good fruit, how- 
 ever, is to be expected unless one or other of the parties are dis- 
 posed to recede from their pretensions, which Great Britain seems 
 not at all inclined to at present. For my native country I feel a ■ 
 filial fondness ; her follies I lament, her misfortunes I pity ; her ; 
 good I ardently wish, and to be restored to her embraces is the 
 warmest of my desires. This country is, or might be, a paradise 
 of delights to those who enjoy a full purse, and are by education 
 and habit formed to relish its delights, amusements and pursuits ; , 
 but for me America is good enough. "^ 
 
 I was going on, having forgot to tell you that this is designed 
 to acknowledge receipt of your two last agreeable favors, for which 
 I acknowledge myself indebted to you in no less a sum than ten thou- 
 sand thanks; great as this sum is, I am rich in them, sincere ones 
 too ; but I am not likely to lessen my capital from the demands of my 
 American friends, you being one of the very few, to whom in the 
 epistolary way I owe any debts. Ten letters from Salem are all I 
 can boast in the course of almost five years, when scarce a coun- 
 tryman of ours but can count as many yearly. My complaints on 
 this head have proved fruitless and vain, and have more than half 
 determined me to suffer myself to be forgotten abroad, with a very 
 few exceptions; and render measure for measure, and repay 
 silence by contempt. But the tender feelings of the heart are not 
 to be wholly overcome ; what was anger and resentment, is by 
 age, the endurance of evils ; and, perhaps, a better way of think- 
 ing, changed into grief: can you then wonder, situated as I am, at 
 my anxiety and distress ? I do assure you the silence and neglect 
 on the part of my friends and acquaintances, has, more than banish- 
 ment, oppressed my mind ; the latter is not a light burden, and 
 when added to the former, exceeds my religion and philosophy to 
 support. The heart of old age, if not rendered callous by vicious 
 indulgences, is tender as in infancy ; but, to quit the plaintive strain, 
 — You tell me I forget de Reprib., &c. : I confess 1 am like poor 
 Faithful in Pilgrim's Progress, ever almost in the slough of despair; 
 would it were in your power to dart a ray of hope into my gloomy 
 mind. I thank my countrymen for the less unfavorable opinion 
 conceived of me than some others. For ray part, I would checr- 
 
 i < 
 
 I 
 
 •f4 
 
332 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 fully promote to the extent of ray power the good of individuals, 
 and that of the public ; but with regard to the latter, I cannot give 
 my approbation to their whole system of politics. The present 
 circumstances of affairs do not allow me to indulge one wish to 
 return, till they are a little better settled ; and can easily imagine 
 the evils you suggest, which, at ray time of life, would cjuickly 
 overwhelm ray poor crazy bark ; hardly able to keep above water 
 even where the waves are not rough. Please remember my kind- 
 est regards to all my acquaintance ; particularly the members of 
 the Monday night club, which I learn still subsists ; I wish its 
 continuance and increase of worthy members. I fear my worthy 
 old friend, Mr. McGilchrist, has forgotten me; apropos, it has been 
 my good fortune for a course of three winters passed in Exeter, to 
 find a worthy and intimate friend, who, in his moral, religious, and 
 philosophical character, bears the nearest resemblance to my said 
 Salem friend. To him I am indebted for much useful information 
 and entertainment ; for his and the sake of a very few, 1 left that 
 quarter with reluctance. It has been frequently in my thoughts 
 to make a collection of the best pieces that the press affords, for the 
 benefit of my friends and myself; but that depends on contingencies. 
 The execution of that, and some other designs I have had in my 
 mind and view, must be deferred, I fear, to a distant day. 
 
 Our friends are scattered all over the face of the land, and if 
 soon to be summoned to appear before the last tribunal, they might 
 truly be said to be brought from the east, west, north, and south. 
 Present my kindest regards to Mrs. Pynchon and all your family. 
 Sincerely wishing you a healthy body, quiet mind, and a full purse, 
 which I think comprehends all earthly blessings, 
 
 I am, with perfect esteem, your friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Jan. 13. Capf. Carpenter, young Jonathan Gardner, both of 
 Salem, and a Mr. Leavitt, having arrived in a cartel ship from 
 Boston, dined with me, and passed the afternoon and evening. 
 
 Jan. 20. Took tea with Mrs. Gardner, in company with Mr. 
 Randolph, brother of the Congress member, though of contrary 
 political principles. 
 
 Jan. 30. Charles's martyrdom ; attended service in cathedral j 
 
 1780. 
 
 young 
 the de: 
 any rei 
 betwee 
 nor cor 
 staves 
 color, 
 holiday 
 ous. 
 
 T( 
 
 Dear Si 
 Perh 
 particula 
 have con 
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 suffered ! 
 captivity 
 a cartel, ; 
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 be expect( 
 thought it 
 American 
 principle 
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 he look wi 
 young Gai 
 the annexi 
 may prove 
 exorbitant 
 scarcity, 
 in undeseri 
 their hands 
 as you and 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 233 
 
 young Camplin preached a serious discourse from "Blessed are 
 the dead that die in the Lord." He modestly and laudably avoided 
 any reference to the day. I could not fail to notice the difference 
 between this mock soleinnicy here and at Exeter : — here, no mayor 
 nor corporation attended in a procession of city officers, with their 
 staves covered with black, nor was the pulpit in the same grim 
 color. The service was read, with singing, as on other church 
 holidays ; assembly of an indifferent appearance, far from numer- 
 ous. 
 
 TO WILLIAM BROWNE, ESQ., COWBRIDGE, WALES. 
 
 Bristol, Feb. 10, 1780. 
 Dear Sir; 
 
 Perhaps it may amuse you to be made acquainted with a few 
 particulars relating to our own country and town, that may not 
 have come to your knowledge. About six weeks ago a prize ship 
 from Boston arrived here with thirty-six passengers, who were 
 suffered to depart, under verbal promise to return back again to 
 captivity if this government should not acknowledge the ship to be 
 a cartel, and send back an equal number of Americans to Boston 
 or to France. In the event, no notice is taken of them, as might 
 be expected ; the ship is claimed, and as yet stibjudice, though it is 
 thought it will be determined in favor of the claimants. The 
 American owner is a Mr. Mitchell, Irish by birth, American in 
 principle and alliance, being married to a daughter of George 
 Bethuno. The master, a Mr. Carpenter, who you know married 
 th(^ ungest of the Gerrishes, and tried to be a loyalist (applying, 
 unsuccessfully, however, for a pension) about two years since, 
 whilst he resided with his wife at Brorapton-row ; on his rejection 
 he took wit in his anger and returned to Salem. From him and 
 young Gardner, only son of Jonathan Gardner, Jr., Lhave obtained 
 the annexed list of prices, which, instead of a score of arguments, 
 may prove the low condition of Congressional credit, and show the 
 exorbitant rate of the useful articles of life, and perhaps their 
 scarcity. It is a melancholy truth ; hat whilst some are wallowing 
 in undeserved wealth that plunder and rapine have thrown into 
 their hands, the wisest, most peaceable, and most deserving, such 
 as you and I know, are now suffering want, accompanied by many 
 
 30 
 
 'fSj'n^ 
 
 i ^ 
 
 I I 
 
 
234 
 
 / 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 V 
 
 indignities that a licentious, lawless people can pour forth upon 
 them. 
 
 Those who five years ago were the " meaner people" are now, 
 by a strange revolution, become almost the only men of power, 
 riches and influence ; those who, on the contrary, were leaders and 
 in the highest line of life, are glad at this time to be unknown and 
 unnoticed to escape insult and plunder, the wretched condition of 
 all who are not violent, and adopters of republican principles. The 
 Cabols of Beverly, who, you know, had but five years ago a very 
 moderate share of property, are now said to be by far the most 
 wealthy in New England ; Hasket Derby claims the second place 
 in the list, and ****** puts in for a place amongst 
 the first three ; Mr. Goodale, by agency concerns in privateers and 
 buying shares, counts almost as many pounds as most of his neigh- 
 bors. The following are persons of the most eminence for business 
 in Salem, as far as my memory serves, viz. : Hasket Derby, Wil- 
 liam Pickman, George Crowninshield, William Vans, Capt. Harra- 
 den, a brave and notable privateer captain, Joseph Henfield, Capt. 
 Silsbee, Samuel Gardner, Joseph and Joshua Grafton's sons, Fran- 
 cis Clarke, Capt. George Dodge's youngest sons, Jos. Orne. E. H. 
 Derby's province tax is JEl 1,000, and his neighbors complain he is 
 not half taxed. The immensely large nominal sums which some 
 are said to be worth, shrink into diminutive bulk when measured 
 by the European standard of gold and silver. ^In New England a 
 dollar bill is worth only 2 f of an English halfpenny. Pins at Is. 
 a piece, needles at 2s., beef 2s. 6d., veal 2s., mutton and lamb 
 Is. 6d., butter 6s. per lb., rum eight dollars per gallon, molasses 
 two dollars, brown sugar 10s. per lb., loaf sugar 15s., Bohea tea 
 seven dollars per lb., coffee five dollars, Irish pork sixty dollars per 
 barrel, lemons 3s. apiece, wood twr-'y dollars a cord, ordinary 
 French cloth twenty-two dollars a yard, hose nine dollars a pair. 
 A suit of clothes which cost five guineas here, would cost five 
 y hundred dollars in Boston. Yours, &c. 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Feb. 13. To the Moravian chapel ; Mr. Washintrton, the set- 
 tled minister, preached from, " JJnd being fashioned asavian,^' etc. 
 The great point insisted on, as usual, was, that the supreme Deity, 
 
1780.} 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 235 
 
 the God and Father of all, or to use their own language, " the eter- 
 nal Jehovah, suffered death actually, truly and properly, in the per- 
 son of Christ, or was the real steering, dying being, who expired on 
 the cross." In the course of these extemporaneous or memoriter 
 effusions, such terms and expressions were used that made my blood 
 more than once almost forsake its channels ; in truth, I was as- 
 tonished and hurt to an extreme degree, and it has caused me to 
 resolve on forsaking this and all assemblies of like over-zealous 
 orthodox tenets. 
 
 Feb. 16. To the « Wells" over St. Vincent's through Clifton, 
 by Sir William Draper's ; from thence across Brandon hill to Judge 
 Sewall's, where drank tea in company with Mr. and Mrs, Barnes, 
 Miss Arbuthnot, their niece, and Miss Russell. 
 
 Feb. 29. Took a walk and went on 'change with Mr. Erving; 
 then a passage in the Bath coach at four o'clock, and at half past 
 six alighted at the " Three Tuns inn ;" from thence on foot to the 
 coffee-house in Orange-grove, where I remained for two hours 
 reading papers, drinking coffee, etc., and received information from 
 John Boylston, my countryman, that my friend Isaac Smith, for 
 whose sake I took this ramble, was to leave at nine to-morrow for 
 Bristol ; so I bespoke a seat in the same stage. Passed two hours 
 in the streets and Abbey-square among the crowd — ears entertained 
 by musketry discharged from the abbey leads and ringing of bells, 
 to celebrate Sir G. Rodney's victory over Don Langara ; — retired 
 to the inn, supped and lodged. Gov. Hutchinson's son William 
 died on the 20th instant. 
 
 Bath, March 1. After breakfast I entered the carriage and de- 
 parted with my friend Smith, and at twelve o'clock alighted at the 
 White Hart, Bristol. Mr. Smith dineil with me ; he having engaged 
 himself to Mr. Wright and lady, who were this afternoon to pay 
 a visit at Mr. Erving's, my friend and I joined con>pany to tea ; at 
 eight o'clock' with the family took a turn in Queen's-square, to 
 view the illuminations, which were brilliant, in honor of Sir G. 
 Rodney's victory of 16th January. 
 
 March 4. By invitation dined at Judge Sewall's with Mr. 
 Smith, R. and N. Lechraere, Col. Oliver, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Fran- 
 cis Waldo and Mr. Vassal. 
 
 March 6. Engaged at tea to partake of Mrs. Bearpacker's 
 
 >Af 
 
 \h'i . 
 
 
236 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 " mothering cake." It is a custom here on mid-lent Sunday for a 
 cake to be brought to mothers, in conformity to which custom some 
 females make a large one and present it to their acquaintance. 
 This custom continues in Gloncestershire, and is said to b? derived 
 from Joseph's making himself known to his brethren. 
 
 March 6. Dined at Mr. F. Waldo's with Mr. Simpson, his 
 nephew, and young Borland. 
 
 TO MR. LAKIN, BIRMINGHAM, 
 
 Bristol, March 6, 1780. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 You are pleased to compliment me on my knowledge of the 
 state of affairs in America, but really, should I attempt a narrative of 
 its -esent political and commercial condition, I fear it would be too 
 imperfect to afford you much useful information. So great a rev- 
 olution in both respects ha. ^^ken place since my departure, so dif- 
 ferent is the channel of business, so little the concerns that I have 
 amongst the commercial people here, and so slender my advices 
 about them, being chiefly newspaper intelligence, which you knovv 
 is not always the word of Apollo, that it would be rashness to '^o.: 
 mit to paper my undigested thoughts on those subjects. I stron' i\ 
 suspect the independency of America, or a system of political anu 
 civil government, will sooner or later be established there, to the 
 utter overthrow of the navigation act of Charles II., and the com- 
 merce of Great Britain with the American colonies and her other 
 foreign dominions, if she will be powerful enough to retain any, 
 which I fear j in this case it may be easily discerned that by open- 
 ing new channels, trade will assume a new face, and be conducted 
 by very different people, and on quite different principles. 
 
 You propose undertaking a journey here, and I assure you of a 
 cordial welcome to ray lodgings, to pass your time while here ; and 
 as conversation admits of less restraint than writing, I shall with 
 the greatest cheerfulness communicate as much as lies within the 
 compass of my knowledge relating to the subject of your inquiry. 
 I wish the benefit you might derive from my information would 
 bear any proportion to the pleasure I shall receive in communi- 
 cating ; for you can scarce be more obliging than to afford me an 
 occasion of paying in person my respects to him for whose former 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 237 
 
 civilities I am indebted more than is in my power at present to dis- 
 charge. To your kind inquiry I am happy to answer, my friends, 
 far removed from the seat of war, escape descents on their coasts 
 and inroads on their frontiers, which their brethren in the southern 
 colonies unhappily do not. A more particular relation I must de- 
 fer to a personal interview. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 a 
 id 
 Ih 
 
 pe 
 
 [d 
 li- 
 
 In 
 
 pr 
 
 March 11. Dined at Mr. Erving's with two daughters of a 
 Mr. Ewen, who had been residents on Rhode Island, but driven off 
 by civil storm ; and being told that Capt. and Mrs. Fenton with 
 myself, intended to dine with them at Brislington, expressed their 
 pleasure to see us next Monday. 
 
 March 14. Took tea at Judge Sewall's ; company Mr. Simp- 
 son, Mr. F. Waldo, Mr. Faneuil and lady, and Miss Russell. 
 
 April 14. Visited by Nathaniel Coffin and R. Hallowell ; 
 meeting widow Borland's eldest son John, recognized each other, 
 made mutual compliments and invitations. 
 
 TO WILLIAM PYNCHON, ESQ., SALEM, N. E. 
 
 Bristol, April 19, 1780. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 The bearer, being acquainted with the state of our political af- 
 fairs, will communicate more than would be prudent for me to 
 commit to paper, should I be disposed to dabble in that dangerous 
 business, politics. A tedious, uniformly insipid inactivity soon ren- 
 ders every place displeasing ; but my removal from henco depends 
 on contingencies not to be foreseen. If I leave, I shall engage in 
 a week's ramble, an-J like the father of the faithful, go, not know- 
 ing whither ; the world is nil before me where to choose my place 
 of rest, hitherto unfound, and with no land of promise before me. 
 
 Perhaps it may be amusing to you to be informed of the num- 
 ber of Americans in Bristol, who are comprised in the following 
 list :— 
 
 Col. Oliver and six daughters ; Mr. R. Lechmcre, his brother 
 Nicholas, wife and two daughters; Mr. John Vassal, wife and 
 
 
 
 HH^ii 
 
238 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 niece, Miss Davis ; Mr. Barnes, wife and niece ; Miss Arbuthnot ; 
 Mr. Na<' Hniel Coffin, wife and family ; Mr. Robert Hallowell, ^f« 
 and children ; Judge Sewali, wife, sister, and two sons j Samuel 
 Sawall with his kinsman, Mr. Faneuil, hud wife; Mr. Francis 
 Waldo and Mr. Simpson, together with Mrs. Borland, a sen 
 and three c ughters. I send this by young Gardner, who with 
 Mr. Leavitt and Capt. Carpenter lea\ es us to-morrow, and will 
 shift for their passage to America as they can. 
 
 Very truly, 
 
 , S. CURWEN. 
 
 TO MR. RICHARD WARD, SALEM, N. E. 
 
 Bristol, April 19, 1780. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Your two favors of the 5th and 12th of November are at hand. 
 You say, that " to the many we have written you, we have re- 
 ceived no answer ;" it is not a little unaccountable, that of many 
 not one should have arrived to me before these two ; for that in 
 truth is the case. That neither you nor my niece should in the 
 course of five years take the least notice of her only uncle, was in 
 my judgment a singular instance of forgetfulness ; that you was a 
 partisan I well knew, though not in the rankest degree I hope ; 
 and it is natural that she should be biassed to the side you took, 
 and I thus accounted for the dead silence through the long interval 
 between my departure and the receipt of yours ; but your declara- 
 tion has explained the difficulty, and I find, greatly to my satisfac- 
 tion, that other causes than those I suggested to myself have 
 prevented my receiving those instances of notice and regard which 
 your relation to me demanded. That I find no acknowledgment 
 in yours of the receipt of even one of the many sent to my niece 
 and you, is to be accounted for in the same way. 
 
 The Irish, availing themselves of the embarrassment of Great 
 Britain, have got an enlargement of privileges, and talk of making 
 further deiuiinds. That the war is at a distance from your own 
 doors, the melancholy reports from the southward afford you the 
 strongest reason r daily thanks ; may it not be your misfortune 
 in the Massachusetts Bay to experience the sufferings, ravages, 
 carnage and devastation of her sister southern colonics. 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 239 
 
 Absence from all I hold dear on earth is an evil, and the pecu- 
 liar condition I am in, increases its severity ; but I endeavor to 
 muster my whole stock of religion and philosophy, and with the 
 united aid of both, and a few amusements, life is tolerable. I 
 cannot prevail with myself to quit a peaceful region, and attempt 
 a passage across the Atlantic during this state of turmoil ; should I 
 choose a place to reside in on the western side of the globe, Halifax 
 would not be the spot ; nothing but the prospect of great gains, 
 which reconciles all climates and people, would make that place 
 in any degree tolerable ; besides, the expense of living is as extra- 
 vagant as in England, without any of its advantages to counter- 
 balance their many inconveniences and evils. I thank you for the 
 expressions of kindness and good-v: ill from you both respecting my 
 peace of mind. Tell your son, my namesake, I shall answer his 
 letter soon. With unfeigned regard, your uncle, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Jipril 24. This day, five years are complete since I abandoned ' 
 my house, estate, effects and friends. God only knows whether I ; 
 shall ever be restored to them, or they to me. Party rage, like 
 jealousy and superstition, is cruel as the grave ; — that moderation 
 is a crime in times of civil confusions, many good, virtuous and 
 peaceable persons, now suffering banishment from America, are 
 the wretched proofs and instances. — May it please God to inspire 
 with wisdom and true policy the principal conductors in this truly 
 lamentable war on both sides the Atlantic, and give peace in our 
 time. Did I know how to emancipate myself from this constrained, 
 useless, uniform blank of life, and enter on an active course, I 
 would joyfully seize the occasion. 
 
 Evening at theatre to see " Belle's Stratagem ;" entertainment 
 " Waterman." I would not indulge a cynical, surly disposition, 
 but cannot help acknowledging that I find great disappointment 
 at the theatrical performances. Actors fall below my idea of just 
 imitation ; to ray seeming they overact, underact, or contradict 
 nature ; — a hero is a bully, a gentleman is a coxcomb, a coxcomb 
 a fool, a lady affected, pert or insipid ; but gamesters,* chamber- 
 maids, footmen, indeed, the whole series of under-charactcrs, not 
 illy played. 
 
 1 
 
 »;' 
 
 i > 
 
 ■f 
 
 » 't 
 
 i ^. 
 
 
240 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 Jipril 28. A lethargy respecting the public interest has seized 
 the people of this country ; which the selfish principles, supremely 
 governing, or rather tyrannizing over all ranks and orders, ages, 
 sexes and conditions, has brought on them ; they are devoted vic- 
 tims, and so I leave them to their impending fate. I really think 
 that neither administration nor opposition is composed of uncommon 
 characters ; for if other men in each line were to succeed these that 
 now figure on the political stage, the same, or nearly the same 
 parts would be played ; for in the corrupt state of this people, 
 ministerial conduct, such as it is, is necessary ; I do not say expe- 
 dient, for the wheels of government cannot move an inch without 
 money to grease them. Did the circumstances of things admit, I 
 verily believe my favorite Lord North, who I take to be one of the 
 best characters in the whole British empire, would shine one of 
 the brightest luminaries that ever enlightened the political hemi- 
 sphere. 
 
 Walked abroad, and met one of my countrymen ; who informed 
 me that, by a packet twenly-five days from New-York, advices 
 had been received that General Clinton, after two months from 
 thence, had arrived at Georgia ; and had proceeded to within a 
 mile and a half of Charleston, S. C, before which he was to have 
 opened his batteries of forty cannon on the 11th of March; that 
 the town had from four to six thousand troops within, and a great 
 plenty of military and other stores ; that it was divided into four 
 parts by deep trenches or canals filled with water, intersecting 
 each other at right angles ; that the Americans were resolved to 
 dispute the ground inch by inch; but party representation adds, 
 however, that they had no great relish for a patriotic death. 
 
 Afternoon and evening at Judge Sewall's ; — company, Mrs. 
 Long of Ireland, Mr. and Mrs. Faneuil, Mr. Oxnard, with young 
 Inman and his wife, a son of Ralph's, in the military line, and Miss 
 Inman. 
 
 May 14. Evening at Lady Huntingdon's chapel ; Mr. Wills 
 preached; who took an affectionate leave, being about to depart on 
 a converting progress through South Wales. He warmly con- 
 tended against the damnable doctrine of Arianism ; the professors 
 of which, at one blow, he condemned to eternal perdition. Pity it 
 is that orthodoxy, meaning thereby not right, just thinking, but the 
 
i 
 
 1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 241 
 
 f 
 
 belief of established notions, under the sanction of civil authority, 
 should always, in all cases, and at all times, be accompanied with 
 uncharitableness ; the understood characteristic of the false church. 
 
 May 17. Public expectations are at the highest pitch re- 
 specting the success of General Clinton, and the great advantages 
 government will derive from it ; if it shall be the occasion, sup- 
 posing he shall beccme possessed of Charleston, of producing a 
 reconciliation on generous and safe terms, my joy will accompany 
 the general acclamation. 
 
 May 19. Nathaniel Coffin is going to Bath for his health. 
 Meeting R. Hallowell in the street, he read some paragraphs in a 
 letter from his father Gardiner at Poole, informing of the distresses 
 of our country, discontent of people at the continuance of the 
 troubles, and intimating wishes to return to former connections 
 with this country, wherein I cordially join ; — would that that happy 
 event might soon take place, with honor and safety to all parties ! 
 
 May 29. This being Restoration-day, some houses are distin- 
 guished by oak branches in front, which is a mark of attachment 
 to monarchy ; and by many of regard to the excluded family, at 
 least in some places, as Manchester, Exeter, &c. 
 
 June 5. This being the appointed day for setting out on a 
 tour of pleasure to the north by Judge Sewall, Samuel Sewall and 
 myself, I was early notified by a thundering at the door ; being 
 awake, I soon descended, and found my friend's eldest son with a 
 message, desiring my immediate presence at breakfast before de- 
 parture. Complying with the summons, on going over, I found 
 the family up, and all things in readiness, but the owner of the 
 carriage delayed us for an hour ; at length it arrived, and taking 
 leave of our friends, we set forward in an unpromising air ; 
 the morning being cloudy, with the appearance of rain, which 
 through the day came down in the form of a drizzle. At nine, we 
 alighted at the Bell inn, Newport, distant eighteen miles ; hence 
 to Gloucester ; roads for the greater part dirty and >ad ; grounds 
 fertile ; farm-houses, barns, and avenues slovenly ; fences in ill 
 repair and low. At twelve alighted at King's Head inn, at the last 
 mentioned place ; here took a collation ; taking a relay, departed 
 for Newton. Here it came into my head to inquire of our host, 
 who seemed to be lazy man, whether his was the house referred to 
 
 31 
 
 t 
 
 , 1>. ! 
 
 IWli "1 
 
 .■•'■iK! 
 
242 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 in Tom Jones, where Sophia Western's mufF was picked up by her 
 paramour ; to which he replied in the affirmative, and offered to 
 show the bed where it lay ; had his invitation been to see the 
 charming young lady herself, I doubt whether my answer would 
 have been what I gave him. Here we stopped no longer than to 
 have fresh horses put to. Hence to Worcester is twelve miles, 
 and over excellent roads j pleasant hedges and well cultivated 
 lands in view. 
 
 Worcester, June 6. Strolled for two hours, viewing the cathe- 
 dral and new bridge, which latter is now finishing, and a beautiful 
 structure. The new street leading to the centre of the city on one 
 end, and to the bridge on the other, will, when completed, be a fine 
 avenue, and among its greatest ornaments. At ten departed hence 
 to Horbrook, eleven miles ; here took a new relay, and choosing the 
 road through Kidderminster, alighted at Bridgenorth, distance from 
 former stage sixteen miles. This town lies in Salop, and for situa- 
 tion is most singular, part being on a lofty plain, faced with a rock 
 in some spots nearly perpendicular, the ascent to which is by slopes 
 and steps in a kind of serpentine line ; on the front is a terrace, 
 affording a view of the lower town. The town is situated on both 
 sides of the river Severn, communicating by a bridge ; a well 
 cultivated country is in prospect from the upper part, bounded by 
 hills in a circular line, rising gradually one beyond another ; the 
 lands interspersed with rows, clumps and forests of trees, and scat- 
 tered habitations of farm houses and gentlemen's seats. In the up- 
 per town are the remains of an ancient castle, destroyed when 
 Cromwell took the town, that before was in the king's interest ; 
 one side or line of the wall to the height of forty feet projects fif- 
 teen or eighteen feet, occasioned either by the settling of the ground, 
 or by force of many cannon balls striking on it at once. The ef- 
 fects on the front yet appear in the very many excavations in the 
 stone of the size of eighteen and twenty-four pound balls ; it is 
 separated by a chasm or breach of twelve to fifteen feet wide, and 
 as many long from the standing part ; thickness six feet. Cement, 
 not of hard consistency, has retained its present state much beyond 
 the memory of man. Be it as it may, the inhabitants are well sat- 
 isfied it will continue till a great convulsion of nature shall overturn 
 the great fabric of the globe itself. The town on the hill has two 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 243 
 
 churches exempt from the bishop, and called "'peculiars,^' under 
 jurisdiction of the Whitmores, who have right of visitation ; also 
 right of advowson, and can exercise all right of ecclesiastical juris- 
 diction except sacerdotal. 
 
 After an era passant survey, we took fresh horses and convey- 
 ance, and set off for Brosely, distant from hence eight miles ; to 
 this place arrived in an hour, took a look at the iron bridge. Next 
 stage Much-Wenlock, distance hence twelve miles ; a pitiful inn 
 and town, where we lodged ; Shrewsbury, our last stage, lying at 
 twelve miles distance. Here we visited the residence of Samuel 
 Porter, late of my native place, Salem ; but the prima facie view 
 of my townsman's lodgings convinced us that it was not a fit place 
 for us to remain at. After hearty congratulations, bid him adieu 
 for the present, and returned back to the Talbot inn, leaving our 
 other companions, Samuel Sewall and Samuel Porter, to measure 
 the distance through the fields on foot, where they soon arrived af- 
 ter us. Here we proposed to fix our tent for two or three days ; 
 having bespoke dinner, we had a social tete-a-tete, and after a 
 hearty meal, and a few glasses of port, took myself off to find out 
 my other townsman, Capt. Poynton, who was also become a resi- 
 dent here, and whom I found at a namesake's, living on Pride hill, 
 so called, within the town. After tea I took him to our companions, 
 and all joining issued forth to see the town and ascertain the ex- 
 pense of living, which we found higher than at Bristol. Shrews- 
 bury is populous, having several churches ; there is a most agree- 
 able walk of a circular form on the banks of the Severn, 
 half a mile in extent, and surrounded by lofty trees. There are 
 still ruins of an old castle, now become private property and the 
 seat of the owner, standing on a lofty eminence and commanding 
 the town. There is also a large building intended for a foundling 
 hospital, but not succeeding, is now fitted up for Spanish prisoners, 
 when they catch them. 
 
 Shrewsbury, June 9. We reassumed our post-chaise seats 
 and departed from " proud Salop," as it is called, for having refused 
 the offer of the crown to make it a city, saying " it is better to be a 
 large town than a small city" — leaving our two townsmen to their 
 respective enjoyments. However, before leaving this place, I must 
 observe, Mr. Samuel Sewall and myself, with Capt. Poynton, dined 
 
 ..i'"U I 
 
 I ' 
 
 **l 
 
 
 i I ' 
 
244 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 1780. 
 
 at Samuel Porter's lodgings, which we found well provided ; and 
 the next night, being the night preceding the one to our departure, 
 passed at the " Gullet" inn, the resort of all better sort to hear and 
 tell news. During my stay within, I heard read several letters 
 from lords, sirs, etc., from London, with relations of the mob that 
 was raging there. From hence to Ellesmere, sixteen miles, we ran 
 in two and a half hours, being accommodated with fresh horses ; 
 thence to Wrexham, eleven miles ; respectable in buildings, some 
 fine streets, a market and well built church, erected about the time 
 of the reformation ; its tower superbly decorated in Gothic style. 
 Next stage was Chester, at eleven miles distance ; stopped at the 
 Golden Talbot in Eastgate-street, house of best repute, large, with 
 a handsome coffee-room, ball and drawing rooms, it being the as- 
 sembly house. This small city is singularly circumstanced, having 
 a delightful terrace walk on top of walls encompassing it round, in 
 length near two miles, defended with a breastwork or parapet 
 about three feet high ; has no guns nor embrasures, nor platforms 
 for unevenness of surface within the walls and adjoining grass ; the 
 walk in some places is but a few feet above the level within, and 
 others as high as tops of chimneys. On the quarter bounded by 
 the river Dee it is sixty or eighty feet above the surface of the water; 
 on one or two streets is a covered way or walk raised one story 
 above the street called the rows ; the ascent is by many flights of 
 steps from the streets, rendering it very convenient to foot passen- 
 gers, especially in foul weather ; these are filled with shops and 
 stores above and below ; the passage ways are paved with flags, 
 the breadth twelve to fifteen feet. This city has the appearance 
 of antiquity, though there are many very genteel, tasty, and noble 
 houses ; I should judge the number between two and three thou- 
 sand, inhabitants about seventeen thousand. Just within the walls 
 is a most beautiful race-ground. I forgot to mention the cathedral, 
 of no great extent and rather indifferent appearance ; it was how- 
 ever in decent repair, but contained nothing remarkable. 
 
 Having taken a view of the whole place, we took leave of Ches- 
 ter, designing for Manchester by way of Duke of Bridgewater's 
 canal from Warrington ; on that route our first stage was Fords- 
 ham, an indifferent small village, distance ten miles. The keeper 
 of the inn an Irishman, not wanting in the characteristic mark of 
 
 that 
 tion 
 a pail 
 us to J 
 made 
 I real! 
 to Wa 
 Streets 
 a gutt« 
 passing 
 demy fc 
 son was 
 Wm 
 called A 
 two mill 
 whither 
 urges, to 
 the locks 
 the Mers 
 daily car 
 route. Ma 
 ing down 
 passage v 
 one brick 
 feet high, 
 enough, ii 
 counted o 
 are fifty U 
 sons. Ar 
 Hart" inn 
 for two h 
 into the fl 
 and met o\ 
 ulate him i 
 inn crowd 
 to congrat 
 returned he 
 Sunday, be 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 246 
 
 that country, a bold unblushing face ; after a plausible comm''nda- 
 tion of his carriages and horses, he gave us a sorry post-chaise and 
 a pair of miserable cattle ; he yet had the impudence to apply to 
 us to procure the land from Warrington to this paltry village to be 
 made a turnpike, saying it would be pounds in his pocket, which 
 I really doubt. He mistook us for parliament-men. From hence 
 to Warrington ten miles ; the inn, the " Red Lion," tolerable. 
 Streets narrow, dirty, and ill paved ; like many other towns, with 
 a gutter running through the middle, rendering it inconvenient 
 passing streets. This town abounds in dissenters, and has an aca- 
 deruy for young preachers of that persuasion. Governor Hutchin- 
 son was to have been buried at Brompton yesterday. 
 
 Warrington, June 11. Set off on foot for London bridge, so 
 called from its lying in the great London road across the canal, at 
 two miles' distance herefrom. This spot is a common rendezvous 
 whither flock all passengers whom curiosity prompts, or business 
 urges, to sail up to Manchester, at twenty miles' distance ; or down to 
 the locks at Runcorn, on the other hand, ten miles distant ; or across 
 the Mersey to Liverpool, this being the common route. Two boats 
 daily carry passengers up and down. Diverted from our intended 
 route, Manchester, we turned our course to a contrary direction, sail- 
 ing down to Runcorn to view the celebrated locks ; passed in our 
 passage under sixteen bridges laid across the canal, consisting of 
 one brick arch of eighteen to twenty-two feet span, and twelve 
 feet high. Of these we were told there are sixty-four ; probable 
 enough, including the branches and marine cut, for Judge Oliver 
 counted on the grand canal forty-eight. The boats for passengers 
 are fifty feet long and fifteen wide, and will hold a hundred per- 
 sons. Arrived at Runcorn in two hours, and supped at " White 
 Hart" inn. Samuel Sewall and myself having amused ourselves 
 for two hours in seeing a barge enter from the river Mersey 
 into the first lock and through to the canal, we 'returned back 
 and met our companion th(> judge, whose curiosity did not stim- 
 ulate him to stay so long in the cold as ours did ; and found the 
 inn crowded with great numbers of jolly lads and lasses, met 
 to congratulate our landlady's daughter, lately married and just 
 returned home, after a week's absence. The concluding scene of 
 Sunday, being considered in England as a relief from labor, is 
 
 :.,sl4'l 
 
246 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 1780. 
 
 generally spent in ale-houses by the middling and lower sorts, in 
 merry-making. 
 
 Runcorn, June 12. Walked abroad, shaping my course to 
 church-yard, where I saw the curate and his clerk ; name of former 
 was Sewell. I returned by the way I went, acquainting my com- 
 panions, who had arrived before me, of the adventures. They 
 regretted my neglect in making no inquiry, nor informing the 
 curate of their name ; but I was loth to incur the imputation of 
 impertinence which he justly might have made, in instituting inqui- 
 ries >;bout such matters as people of this country are shy about 
 communicating to strangers. At eleven o'clock reshipped our- 
 selves on board same barge, and returned back to whence we came, 
 where, finding a chaise ready for Liverpool, we again diverged 
 from our right-line course, Manchester, and struck off for that 
 town, twenty miles distant ; returning back to Warrington, pro- 
 ceeded to Prescott, at ten miles' distance, where took a relay. 
 This town is noted for coal-pits and watch movements ; from the 
 former Liverpool is principally supplied by wagons. 
 
 Entered the city of Liverpool, so celebrated for its commercial 
 character ; houses by a great majority in middling and lower 
 style, few rising above that mark ; streets long, narrow, crooked, 
 and dirty in an eminent degree. During our short abode here, we 
 scarcely saw a well-dressed person, nor half a dozen gentlemen's 
 carriages ; few of the shops appear so well as in other great towns; 
 dress and looks more like the inhabitants of Wapping, Shadwell, 
 and Rotherhithe, than in the neighborhood of the Exchange, or 
 any part of London above the Tower. The whole complexion 
 nautical, and so infinitely below all our expectations, that nought 
 but the thoughts of the few hours we had to pass here rendered it 
 tolerable. The docks however are stupendously grand ; the inner 
 one, called Town Dock, lying in the centre of it, and filled with 
 vessels exhibiting a forest of masts ; besides this, are three very 
 large ones lying in front of the city, communicating with each 
 other by flood-gates, intermixed with dry ones for repairing. The 
 lower or new one has a fine wide quay on its outer side, an agreea- 
 ble walk being lined with trees on either hand ; below this, on the 
 river, is now building, nearly finished, a circular battery with 
 embrasures for thirty cannon. Parade and barracks are in hand. 
 
 and w 
 allowc 
 Li 
 to us, 
 the cai 
 ' but for 
 out of, 
 his plar 
 with no 
 set forw 
 Warring 
 of boats 
 fresh pa 
 of the Is 
 of Nova 
 resided i 
 no incon 
 unruflled 
 dales, rjv 
 Chester, 
 calico-pri 
 passing tl 
 proached 
 walked oi 
 following 
 fast, takini 
 town; the 
 affording a 
 ing vale b( 
 houses, vil] 
 quick, and 
 and mysell 
 indeed the i 
 who consta 
 slow pace, 
 from carliei 
 we arrived 
 I visited th 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 247 
 
 and when completed will afford a charming walk and prospect if 
 allowed to the inhabitants. 
 
 Liverpool, June 12. Taking a circuitous ramble through this, 
 to us, disgustful place, returned to inn, paid our bill, and entered 
 the carriage we came in, which the driver and owner would fain, 
 but for Judge and Samuel Sewall's resolution, have jockeyed us 
 out of, designing craftily to shift us off to the common stage j but 
 his plan being disappointed, we were replaced in our own carriage, 
 with no company but ourselves. Bidding adieu to Liverpool, we 
 set forward to Prescott, where we took a relay and proceeded to 
 Warrington ; here we were detained two hours, waiting the arrival 
 of boats. At two o'clock we re-entered our apartmi 'nt, filled with 
 fresh passengers, among them Mrs. Dawson, wife of the governor 
 of the Isle of Man, returning from nn excursion ; she was a native 
 of Nova Scotia, and daughter of a Colonel Hamilton, and had, 
 resided in Boston. Mr. Corbet, an attorney of ]'rosely, also added 
 no inconsiderable pleasure by his social turn vhile sai^' ig on an 
 unruffled surface through a finely improved country, ov . hills and 
 dales, rivers and bridges ; in five hours we arrived sailiy at Man- 
 chester. Examined the ingenious machine"y and operations !' 
 calico-printing. Took carriage for Castletor at i \e peak of Derby, 
 passing through Stockport and Disley. Thv; country, as we ap- 
 proached the peak, hilly. By persuasion the judge reluctantly 
 walked out to the cave at Castleton, being desirous to defer it till 
 following morning, accompanied by Samuel Sewall. After break- 
 fast, taking leave of the vale, we ascended the hill overlooking the 
 town; the road extends to the further end in a circular line, 
 affording a pleasing view of the lofty surrounding hills and a charm- 
 ing vale beneath, diversified with trees, live hedges, scattered farm- 
 houses, villages, and towers j the descent on the side of the vale is 
 quick, and in case of accident hazardous. In ascending Mr. Sowall 
 and myself chose the safest anc' most expeditious way on foot, not 
 indeed the most comfortable, be"- _ ^ icrounded by a gang of children 
 who constantly accompany carriages, that necessarily move at a 
 slow pace, soliciting charity with piteous looks and accents, which 
 from earliest childhood thej' have been taught to frame. At length 
 we arrived at Bakewell. foarteen miles, and whilst changing horses 
 I visited the church-yard on an eminence, v/hence is a pleasing 
 
 ■~:..t-\ 
 
 'it 
 
 1 ': 
 
 U ^ ,' 
 
 
 
248 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 view of the vale, rendered more so by its contrast with the naked, 
 barren hills wherewith it is encompassed on all sides. This plain, 
 with scarce a rising to intercept the sight for miles, abounds in 
 pastures, grass and corn lands inclosed by live hedges, and trees in 
 rows and clumps ; of the latter there are many inclosures of con- 
 siderable extent, and of great height and bulk. Most of the best 
 improvements are on the Duke of Rutland's estate, who has a large 
 and noble old mansion-house, called Haddon Hall, within sight of 
 the traveller. 
 
 The road to Matlock is an excellent turnpike, through this de- 
 lightful vale, distance twelve miles ; the eye is refreshed a good part 
 of the way with a sight of the river Dee, a gentle stream which 
 continued to and beyond the last mentioned place, where we arrived 
 at twelve o'clock. Dismissing the coach, we took up our abode in 
 this indescribably pleasing, romantic spot for a few hours — sadly 
 regretting after leaving it that we had not dedicated longer time to 
 it. This cluster of half a dozen houses, including tradesmen's and 
 the large inn for servants and short visitants, as our company, are 
 fdled with apartments for the reception and accommodation of those 
 who resort hither for sake of bathing, to which it is confined. Its 
 remote situation, (its nearest neighbor on one hand Bakewell at 
 ten miles, and on the other Derby at sixteen,) separates it, in a 
 manner, from all society. It is situated on the banks of the Dee, 
 which by the approach of the craggy hills contract to little more 
 than the bed of the river, which flows even to the foot of them. 
 This spot lies under a circular range of hills conforming to the 
 course of the river ; the side of this range is in spots clothed with 
 bushes, shrubs, and trees of various dimensions, interspersed with 
 bare spots and shelving rocks, overhanging and threatening instant 
 fall. In some the ascent is quick, in other parts easy, and in the 
 midst of this unpromising barren wild arc levels that nature or in- 
 dustry have made, now improved as habitations for the poor but 
 perhaps contented lew, whose lot has cast them into this dreary 
 spot : each hut being accommodated with a small plat for garden 
 and yard. To the spectator on the other side, a view of these 
 singularly situated habitations is picturesque and pleasing. Just 
 below the houses for company's residence, on a plain lying but 
 little above the level of the river, arc covered baths, supplied by 
 
 hso. 
 
 streac 
 have 1 
 Ci 
 walk, 
 lead E 
 sultry 
 it is a 
 termini 
 by art. 
 ascent i 
 which i 
 no sraa] 
 to rest ( 
 of a sei 
 thought 
 both in ) 
 so e.ralt( 
 range of 
 head nes 
 river tha 
 which V 
 taken in i 
 promiscu 
 also they 
 some to 
 clifT; oth 
 cards.— C 
 time of r 
 inspire al 
 supposed 
 more ext( 
 through E 
 in (he fan 
 and myself 
 gilt pinchl 
 Iwught an 
 After 
 town ol D 
 
lie 
 
 kill 
 len 
 
 List 
 
 iut 
 
 I78O.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 249 
 
 streams from hills, issuing under the foundation of houses, but they 
 have no distinguishing character. 
 
 Crossing the ferry, of a hundred feet, we found a serpentine 
 walk, cut and levelled for a quarter of a mile, then limited by a 
 lead mine, now working. This walk is a delicious retreat in a 
 sultry day, the trees on either hand forming an embowering shade ; 
 it is accommodated with field seats, from whence are vistas, two 
 terminating in natural cascades, rendered, however, more perfect 
 by art. Returning back from hence to end of walk, we began our 
 ascent over slopes and steps to the summit of this very craggy hill, 
 which if, extremely tediou>'>, and puts the lungs as well as muscles to 
 no small exercise. About three fourths the way up stands an alcove 
 to rest the weary traveller, where we were glad to avail ourselves 
 of a seat for awhile. Having at length gained the summit, we 
 thought ourselves fully repaid for fatigue by the charming prospect, 
 both in respe( ! to its extensiveness and variety. Though we were 
 so e:i:alted, the Fox, as it is called, being the extreme end of the 
 range of mountains on other side, almost insulated, lifted its aspiring 
 head nearly as much above us as we were above the surface of the 
 river that we beheld flowing just under our feet. The manner in 
 which visitors live together is social and harmonious; the meals 
 taken in a common room, none having a prvcetlence ; their mixture 
 promiscuous ; attendance at a certain hour notified by a bell. Hither 
 also they repair to form parties, as chance or inclination points, 
 some to cross the water to serpentine walk, to climb the craggy 
 cliff; others to ride on horseback, or in carriages ; others again for 
 cards. — Generally after supper cards or dancing fill up the space to 
 time of repose. Their lonely situation contributes not a little to 
 inspire all with a desire to promote mutual enjoyment, which is 
 supposed to be met with here in this retired solitary retreat in a 
 more extensive degree than in any other place of public resort 
 through England. Here are manufactured neatly polished pieces, 
 in the fancy way, of Derbyshire spar, stone, etc. Judge Sewall 
 and myself bought each a sugar-basin and cream-bucket, edged with 
 gilt pinchbeck, and ladles with metal handles of the same, having 
 bought an egg-cup and pair of salts before at the Peak. 
 
 After dinner, departed over a fine turnpike, reaching to the 
 town ol Derby, distant sixteen miles, which we measured in two 
 
 32 
 
 ! '-• 
 
 \ ii 
 
 '■TI 
 
 i 
 
250 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEES. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 hours, and alighted at the " King's Head " inn. Here we met a 
 singular phenomenon in the person of John Tompson, a waiter at 
 this inn for forty-three years ; the fifteen years immediately pre- 
 ceding the present service porter to Sir Robert Sutton, and the 
 eleven years before that to the Earl of Ferrars. He is now eighty- 
 seven, and although somewhat decrepit and stooping, carries no 
 mark of age in his face, that still retains ?. rubicund complexion 
 without a single wrinkle. His memory, and indeed all his facul- 
 ties appear in full vigor. The Ferrars family show a respect for 
 their former servant by sending a carriage for him now and then, 
 especially at Christmas and holiday times, when he is made wel- 
 come; and "so late as last Christmas," said he, "I danced from 
 eleven to four o'clock there, and good music inspires me with vigor 
 to acquit myself to the satisfaction of my partners, and makes me, 
 for the while, return to youth." 
 
 Derby, June 16. After breakfast we all repaired with a con- 
 ductor to the silk mills, for which this town is famed, these being 
 the originals of this kind of manufactures in England, having been 
 introduced from Italy in a surreptitious manner by Sir Thomas 
 Lambe. At twelve we departed for Burton on Trent, thence to 
 " George" inn, Lichfield, and from thence to Birmingham, where 
 stopped at the " Hen and Chickens," High-street. Soon after our 
 arrival, S. Sewall and myself sallied forth, leaving the judge, reluc- 
 tant to exercise, to '^ntertain himself. It seems that sitting by the 
 window, he espiei' a countrymanof ours, resident here, passing by ; 
 on opening the casement, the other seeing him, came over and re- 
 mained with him till our return. He called again, accompanied 
 by Mr. Elisha Hutchinson, son of our late governor, who together 
 passed an hour and then departed ; the former inviting us to dine 
 next day, promising to accompany us to the manufactories. 
 
 June 17. Soon after breakfast. Judge Oliver, being the 
 other countryman before mentioned, agreeably to last evening's 
 promise, came and in a post-chaise accompanied us to Bolton and 
 Fothergill's manufactory, called Soho, about two miles out of 
 town, for gun-barrel boring by a fire engine. From thence to a 
 ramble inodo pedestri, and afterwards to Judge Oliver's to dinner, 
 and at tea Mr. Hutchinson joined us j in the evening went over to 
 Mr. Lakiii's. 
 
 1780.] 
 
 Jun 
 
 be gone 
 
 hamptoi 
 
 nesburyj 
 
 coals; ^ 
 
 contains 
 
 near Lie 
 
 from onl 
 
 churches 
 
 our next 
 
 three mi 
 
 supped a 
 
 June 
 
 fulfil a pi 
 
 cured am 
 
 visit was 
 
 blue colo 
 
 as we we 
 
 vice for t 
 
 directed o 
 
 of this cur 
 
 back as r 
 
 world affo 
 
 posed enti 
 
 in Shropsl 
 
 a truly roi 
 
 with it ab( 
 
 afterwards 
 
 and attend 
 
 Leaving tli 
 
 where I p? 
 
 in loyally ( 
 
 discharging 
 
 garden ! ' 
 
 straggling j 
 
 chance j in 
 
 houses in d 
 
 June 2( 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 251 
 
 June 18. Soon after breakfast, Judge Sewall's impatience to 
 be gone hurried us into a post-chaise, taking the road to Wolver- 
 hampton, distant from hence fourteen miles, passing through Wed- 
 nesbury, where" the coal-pits are that supply Birmingham with 
 coals ; we arrived at Wolverhampton in three hours. The town 
 contains one church, the parish is fifteen miles in length, reaching 
 near Lichfield. It is a deanery, and has a vicar or curate, salary 
 from only .£20 to ,£50, notwithstanding the pomposity of the 
 churches; — this is annexed to W.ndsor. From hence to Shiffnal, 
 our next stage, is twelve miles ; thence to Bronckton, a village, 
 three miles from last inn, and to Brosely three miles, where we 
 supped and lodged. 
 
 June 19. Mr. Corbit, surgeon, coming to our inn in order to 
 fulfil a promise of last night, accompanied us in a post-chaise, pro- 
 cured and ready against his arrival ; entering the vehicle, our first 
 visit was to the porcelain manufactory, noted for its fine Nankin 
 blue color, no other colors attempted here ; — lately was sent off, 
 as we were told by one of the burners, a complete set or table ser- 
 vice for the royal table, a sample whereof we saw ; from hence 
 directed our course to the iron bridge. For a more perfect view 
 of this curious and singular piece of pontal architecture, we returned 
 back as many miles as the day's journey consisted of; and the 
 world affords not its like : a bridge perfect in all its parts, com- 
 posed entirely of cast iron. It is laid over the Severn, from a town 
 in Shropshire, called Brosely, to Colebrook-dale side, and adjoining 
 a truly romantic spot noted for coal mines and iron stone, where- 
 with it abounds. Dined at the inn, company same as last evening ; 
 afterwards we all together walked to Surgeon Corbit's, or.r f^w^e 
 and attendant ; S. Sewall and myself drank coffee with his spouse. 
 Leaving this house. Judge Sewall and n^yself returned to ine inn, 
 where I passed a heavy, slerpy evening ; S. Sewall was engaged 
 in loyally celebrating General Clinton's success at Charleston, by 
 discharging a two-pounder half loadtd several times in a private 
 garden ! The town of Brosely, where we now are, is lonp and 
 straggling ; the houses seem to owe their present situation to mere 
 chance ; in general it has a dark, sooty, dirty look, few only of the 
 houses in decent style. 
 
 June 20. Having accomplished the object of our return, and 
 
 ii 
 
 J:! 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
<v 
 
 252 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEB8. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 being accommodated 'with a post-chaise, took our departure, and in 
 an hour were set down at Bridgenorth, having determined to take 
 passage on the Severn to Worcester at thirty miles from this ; this 
 variety in mode of travelling an agreeable one, especially as the 
 fare is but one shilling and sixpence, which consideration has 
 weight with those whose bank begins to ebb fast, having already 
 measured, of turnpike chiefly, almost five hundred miles. Adjusted 
 all with the master for passage next day, the interval between the 
 present hour and time of rest was chequered by eating, drinking, 
 walking, and playing at backgammon. 
 
 June 21. Entered our conveyance, which we found common 
 and for commodities instead of a passage boat; filled with wool and 
 bulky articles some feet above the gunwale, leaving us and one 
 fellow passenger but scanty room in stern sheets. First delay 
 was at Brindley ; here we refreshed with a collation ; next at 
 Stourport at junction of the great Staffordshire canal with Severn ; 
 at six o'clock landed at Worcester, just below old bridge. Jumped , 
 on shorCj leaving companions and baggage, who, before they left 
 the banks of the river, engaged to-morroiv's passage to Gloucester, 
 nearly same distance. From boat adjourned to the " Hop-pole" 
 inn ; soon after Mr. J. Vassal entered, we being seen by his ser- 
 vant ; he is on his return from Birmingham, having been there on 
 a reconnoitering plan, and speaks of it with the greatest dislika as 
 a dirty, ill-built hole. So different are men's *astes that ray com- 
 panions make it daily a subject of their pi aises. For my own part 
 I think it deserves neither extravagant praises, much less execra- 
 tions. It is of an amazing extent, all its new streets spacious and 
 straight, and not ill-built ; here are many excellent buildings, and 
 London itself docs not exhibit a more spacious and well-built one 
 than Newhall-street, though its paving is not of best quality. Be- 
 spoke beds and supper, ami Mi the inn for a ramble; directed 
 course to new bridge and then to Castle Mount, jeeming a work of 
 art. of a regular form, agreeable walk to the top or flat about 
 eighteen feet over, having evorgrt'ens around its border. Hence 
 returned back to inn. We partook of a splendid supper, which, 
 with other acts of a different complexion .rom the late adopted 
 pla.i of economy, shows that inconsistency is a common fault among 
 frail men. 
 
 1780.] 
 
 June 
 
 dirty tha. 
 
 having ta 
 
 of Upton, 
 
 being just 
 
 circumstai 
 
 and theref( 
 
 taking, as 
 
 to next s 
 
 horses. 
 
 three or fo 
 
 Stokes, we 
 
 under hedo 
 
 death to th 
 
 giving up 1 
 
 our money, 
 
 raising hin 
 
 which the j 
 
 same instan 
 
 which was, 
 
 he perceive( 
 
 it was foun( 
 
 verted it fro 
 
 body, but 1 
 
 through the 
 
 a slug near 
 
 morning. '. 
 
 hundred mil 
 
 P.-AR Sir : 
 
 : ^ake til 
 days to ackn 
 .job in Lone 
 safe custody, 
 government 
 there was on 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOXJENAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 June 22. At twelve departed, our boat more lumbered and 
 dirty than before, and passengers of still meaner sort; and it 
 having taken three hours to arrive at a landing within three miles 
 of Upton, to which we walked by land, distance passed by water 
 being just seven ailes from Gloucester. Under such ill-omened 
 circumstances were discouraged from proceeding further by water, 
 and therefore on arrival of boat, ordering, out our baggage, and 
 taking, as the sailors phrase it, London tack on board, proceeded 
 to next slage of fifteen miles, called Newport, where changed 
 horses. Our home is distant from this place eighteen miles ; at 
 three or four hundred yards without turnpike-gate at the head of 
 Stokes, we crossed a short thick foot-pad, who, running out from 
 under hedges, seized the reins of our horses, threatening instant 
 death to the driver if he did not stop ; whereupon he stopped, and 
 giving up the reins, ran to chaise door and was going to demand 
 our money, when S. Sewall supposing him only a rude fellow, 
 raising himself forward, made a push at him with his cane ; at 
 which the pad retreated back a few paces, discharging his pistol at 
 same instant, and ran off, presuming he had executed his threat, 
 which was, " damn you, I'll do for you." Judge Sewall thought 
 he perceived the wind of the bullet as it passed ; be that as it may, 
 it was found next morning. It grazed the moulding, which di- 
 verted it from a course that otherwise must have entered S. Sewall's 
 body, but how his head escaped is inconceivable ; it pierced 
 through the lining and lodged between it and leather top, proving 
 a slug near three quarters of an inch long, and was picked up next 
 morning. Thursday evening, June 22, concluded a journey of five 
 hundred miles in eighteen days. 
 
 ".ft"'.! 
 
 « M 
 
 I I 
 
 TO MR, JOHN TIMMINS, LONDON. 
 
 Bristol, June 24, 1780. 
 DrAR Sir : 
 
 ! ♦ake the earliest opportunity after my excursion of eighteen 
 days to acknowledge the receipt of yours. I hope the execrable 
 ..lob in London is thoroughly qncht'd, and the pi'imoters of it in 
 safe custod-. , •ady for the execution of deserved justice; I wish 
 government may arrive at th ':-ittom of this infern ■ , 'it, for that 
 there was one, no man in his scases can doubt. Thii. •> i the great 
 
 
254 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 1780.] 
 
 extent of country we passed during its rage, there appeared an 
 universal detestation against them j though should the flame catch 
 at some populous places, there are villains enough to be found 
 ready to join in plunder, rapine, murder and burning. 
 
 Very liuiy yours, 
 
 S. CCRWEN. 
 
 June 30. Walked to the quay to find a v. «■ * bound to White- 
 haven, intending, ifpracticalt' r, a water conveyance to Workmgton, 
 in Cumbtv-land. 
 
 July 6. Foot-pad taken in Bath-road ; Judge Sewall seeing 
 him thinks he is :l;e one that attacked n^. 
 
 July 8. Met Mr. R. llallowell, who i a formed me of his going 
 to London. Received a letter ircr ^. R., inclosing one from 
 R. W^ard, Salem, by Isa Whitt. via Amsterdam. 
 
 TO WILLIAM BROWNE, ESQ., COWBRIDGE, WALES. 
 
 Bristol, July 13, 1780. ' 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 By two letters from Salem, one from our friend William 
 Pynchon, of May 3, via Amsterdam, I am informed of the death of 
 Mr. McGilchrist on the SOth of the former month j a man of un- 
 disscmbled virtue and singular integrity, and the most friendly 
 heart ; to whose memory 1 cannot fail to pay the tribute of a tear. 
 Besides whom, the late ranting patriot J. W. is also gone to the 
 former generations. As for the rest, all our friends are well and 
 longing, but as almost without hope, for the good old times, as is 
 the common saying now, except among those, as he expresses it, 
 whose enormous heaps have made them easy and insolent, and to 
 wish for a continuance of those confusions by which they grow 
 rich. Our friend wishes to hear from you and other of our ^nvviss- 
 men and friends here. If you are disposed to oblige in this way, 
 a letter inclosed to my care, left at the New England Cofiee- 
 Ilouse, London, soon to be my residence, shall be forwarded. I 
 am far from being sanguine of essential good effects from Clinton's 
 success. 
 
 Truly yours, 
 
 S. CURWKN. 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 255 
 
 TO WILLIAM PYNCHON, ESQ. 
 
 Bristol, July 15, 1780. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 This may serve to inform you of the receipt of your favor of 
 May 3, and to convey my acknowledgments therefor ; nor do I 
 know any favors more deserving of thanks than letters from distant 
 friends and acquaintance ; in truth, I think, Solomon never uttered 
 more truth, or discovered more knowledge of mankind, than in the 
 following proverb : " Good news from a far country is as cold wa- 
 ter to a thirsty soul." To be made acquainted with the welfare of 
 my friends is among the first and warmest wishes of my heart, noi 
 doth it feel more pleasurable sensations than are derived from that 
 source. Since my last, the political state of affairs seems in many peo- 
 ple's opinion to have taken a more favorable turn for this country, but 
 good and ill often succeed each other in the whirl of human affairs 
 in quick succession ; for amidst a deal of good news daily pouring 
 in from abroad, a most tremendous cloud suddenly and unlocked for 
 arose and cov( ed ourhorizon,threateninginstant destruction even to 
 the very being of government itself. For some days it was feared 
 the city of London would be laid in ashes, during which the most 
 abandoned and profligate miscreants that were ever nourished by, 
 or have proved the curse of society, were to have availed them- 
 selves of the conflagration and terror occasioned thereby, and plun- 
 dered what the less cruel felons might have spared, perhaps mur- 
 dering those against whom their spite might have been levelled. On 
 the day that the petition of the Protestant associators,as they denomi- 
 nated themselves, was to be presented to the hojse, the subscribers 
 were by an advertisement of Lord George Gordon, their president, 
 desired to meet in St. George's Fields ; the reason alleged was, 
 that no building in London was large enough to hold the expected 
 numbers, and from thence to accompany him with the petition to 
 the house — meaning by so numerous an appearance to give weight 
 to it, or enforce it more effectually. The rabble, many of whom 
 were signers, likely enough for the most villainous purposes, for 
 w ilh such the more mischief the better sport, joined, making no 
 less a aumber, it is credibly said, than forty thousand ; a number 
 of such characters, and under such circumstances, truly alarming ; 
 
 ■'l'^' 
 
 1 
 
! • 
 
 1. 
 
 \ 
 
 256 
 
 JOaRNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 from hence they paraded through the borough of Southwark and 
 along London streets, at first it is said orderly, but no sooner had 
 they reached palace yard than they filled that and all the avenues 
 leading to the house. Throwing off the mask, they bawled aloud 
 for liberty and the Protestant religion ; and now their insolence 
 began, for many members of both houses undistinguishingly re- 
 ceived marks of their indignant rage ; some were stopped and 
 threatened, otherwise abused and assaulted, pulled out of their car- 
 riages, and glad to get off without hats, wigs, with lacerated gar- 
 ments and flesh-wounds j whilst many were happy to retreat unhurt 
 and absent themselves from the house for that day at least. The 
 distinguishing badge they wore was a blue cockade, which the 
 president, Lord George, had the boldness to wear in his hat to the 
 house, but being espied, he was desired, nay, even menaced, and 
 with reluctance suffered it to be taken out. The most sober, and 
 many su^.h, Hcubtless, there were among them, retired peaceably 
 and in good order ; but the rabble, by far the greater number, 
 having raised themselves into a frenzy, for fire you know is kindled 
 by collision, adjourned, resolving to plunder and destroy the houses 
 of those who from liberal principles had promoted a relaxation of 
 the supposed too great rigor of the act of William and Mary against 
 papists, that had been for many months the occasion of a paper 
 war on the subject, and excited a real or pretended terror in the 
 minds of many who were, or affected to be, afraid of the increase and 
 prevalence of popery. The houses of these and some unoffending 
 Roman Catholics fell a sacrifice the first day to their rapine and 
 malice ; what became not plunder, was destroyed, or devoted to 
 the flames. In the number were Sir George Saville's, a most wor- 
 thy character, a steady whig, and an anti-ministerialist, but being 
 a friend to taxation, and a man of property, was a suitable subject, 
 and worthy of these sons of liberty and supporters of the Protestant 
 cause to exercise their patriotism upon. 
 
 The second day, Lord Mansfield's house employed their patriotic 
 labor ; his valuable library, pictures, and household goods, to the 
 amount of near thirty thousand pounds, were plundered, broken, 
 destroyed and devotrd to the flames; — among other things, was a 
 large collection of manuscripts on various subjects, of immense loss 
 to the world, it is said. In short, as Lord Loughborough, late Mr. 
 
 1780.] 
 

 1780.] 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 S67 
 
 Wedderburne, says, seventy-two houses and four prisons are now 
 lying in ruins ; of the latter, the fine new building of Newgate- 
 street prison, King's Bench, Clerkenwell, and Surry Bridewell ; 
 from whence were let loose all the debtors and felons who assisted 
 in promoting those atrocious crimes, for which they were soon to 
 have suffered the justice of the laws. Had they directed their aim 
 at the Bank the first or second day of their rage, it is to be feared 
 they might have annihilated the books, papers, and records : — a 
 blow that might have shaken government to its centre, and in- 
 volved the nation in evils too horrid to mention. The third day it 
 was attacked ; providentially, the fate of a score or two, and a 
 strong party of dragoons and light-horse surrounding the palla- 
 dium, saved it from the merciless claws of these ravening wolves. 
 For three or four days, ten to fifteen houses were seen at one time 
 in the centre of the metropolis lighted up by design ; and to com- 
 plete this most abhorred plan of destruction, a design was formed 
 to cut off the new river pipes, but, in the moment of execution, it 
 was most happily prevented. 
 
 Thus this great city and the government are still preserved, 
 monuments of divine forbearance : — it hath pleased Him who saith 
 to the boisterous waves of the sea, " iiitherto shalt thou come, and 
 no further," to put a stop to the rage and madness of the people, 
 and for the present to control the malicious dc igns of our inveterate 
 enemies; for, that ■;; ravages of the late banditti took their rise 
 from abroad, has a face of probability. Though I cannci ;.ake upon 
 me to warrant the following or any paragraph in tae newspapers 
 to be the word of Apollo, it is yet confidently asserted in them, 
 that " n gentleman lately arrived from Holland has affirqaed that 
 he h^'-ard the Frpnch ambassador there declare openly, that London 
 would be laid in ashes with; i a month." So deep was the plan, 
 and so seriously in earnest to ensure complete -destruction, that 
 sich situations and kinds if business were pitched upon, as afforded 
 the most combustible materials for supplying a fierce flame, as 
 oil-dealers, distillers, warehouses, &c. ; but a I nd interposing Pro- 
 vidence stopped the devouring fire, and al! \l now once again 
 settled, quiet, and, it is to be hoped, safe. To secure which, and 
 overe>we the profligate and daring, enough of whom all great cities 
 abound in, a large encampment is still continued in Hyde Park of 
 
 33 
 
 •Hi; 
 
 J J} 
 
 
258 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 1780. 
 
 light-horse, dragoons and foot, and are to be kept up during the 
 summer; besides a party (notwithstanding the city mayor and 
 patriotic gentry's remonstrance about city rights,) patrolling and 
 keeping guard in London, to the great annoyance and terror of the 
 turbulent and dangerous. 
 
 Bath and Bristol were intended to have been theatres whereon 
 to have exhibited the future acts of the same tragedy. At the 
 former, the Roman Catholic chapel and the priest's house were 
 purged of all their effects that fell within the claws of these de- 
 structive harpies, and the combustibles they committed to the unre- 
 lenting flam'"' : but a party of the Hereford militia, and a troop of 
 drrgrons, being at »:ullable. vlistance, seasonably arrived to prevent 
 further miscfcief. The latter city, by a vigorous internal police 
 taking early precautions, dispersed a threatening iorm ; three or 
 four hundred banditti, collected in St. James's parish in this city 
 for the patriotic purpose of rapine and burning, were, by a well 
 timed early association, scattered and driven back to their dens ; 
 all the well disposed arming and patrolling through the streets for 
 several nights. During this miscreantic insurrection, Judge Sewall, 
 Samuel Sewall, and myself, were on an excursion in the country, 
 wherein we dropped on the abode of our townsfolks, Samuel Por- 
 ter and Captain Poynton ; the former carrying indelible marks of 
 personal identity, the latter of an amazingly increai.ed bulk and 
 gouty habit ; their present abode is Shrewsbury. I ather envy 
 than lament our worthy friend, Mr. McGilchrist, who i. now in a 
 more peaceable neighborhood, I dare say, than that he has quitted, 
 and I fancy without regret j would that you and I were wilh him, 
 resting, perhaps, in undisturbed quiet till the last grand tribunal 
 scene shall open, and restore the sleeping dust to life and activity ; 
 or, perhaps, roving in the unbounded fields of immensity, exploring 
 and admiring the astonishing operations of omnipotence. 
 
 Know you that the two great objects of American odium are 
 now no more : — Governor Bernard died some time since, and 
 lately Governor Hutchinson ; suddenly, as he was stepping bto 
 his carnage. 
 
 Mr. Timmins has recovered from a very severe fit of sickness, 
 anc* has taken up his residence with his family at Chelsea, for the 
 b€i 'it of the air. My future abode will be at London, or its 
 
 sense. 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 250 
 
 neighborhood. Letters will reach me there addressed to be left at 
 the New England CoflFee-House, Threadneedle-street 
 
 With great esteem, your assured friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 ■ July 16. Attended worship at College; Mr. Porvis, one of 
 the prebends, preached a very ingenious discourse ; afterwards I 
 was told it was not of his own composing ; as it is not an unusual 
 custom among the Episcopal clergy to read others' performances 
 in the pulpit. Afternoon saw Mr. Coates, who repeated his son's 
 invitation to tea, and on returning home, finding no one waiting 
 for me there, directed my footsteps to Bank-terrace, meeting a mul- 
 titude, as is ever the custom on pleasant Sundays. 
 
 July 18. From this day we have an addition to our family of 
 my countryman Nicholas Lechmere ; supped with him and a friend 
 of his named Maddocks. 
 
 July 19. Just finished a long letter to my friend Mr. Pynchon, 
 inclosing Lord Loughborough's speech to grand jury on St. Mar- 
 garet's hill at the trial of some of the London rioters. 
 
 JtUy 23. Afternoon walked with N. Lechmere over Durdham 
 Down to Ostrick ; crossed over to Cooke's Folly, a tower on the 
 banks of the Avon. 
 
 July 30. Drank tea at Mr. R. Lechmere's and after a social 
 tete-a-tete walked with him, and lady and daughter and brother to 
 College Green, where joined four Americans. Wrote to advise my 
 friend Timmins of my intention to bid adieu to Bristol, and make 
 London my residence till I shall be no more, for I despair of ever 
 leaving this island. 
 
 August 2. By invitation dined at Mr. R. Lechmere's with 
 Admiral Graves' lady, etc. 
 
 August 3. Mr. N. Lechmere accompanied me' to the stage for 
 Bath, where took leave. Found a female of fourteen only passen- 
 ger. At Temple-gate were joined by the well known Mr. Heathin, 
 late of Honiton in Devonshire, with bis. rnaidon sister ; the former 
 very loquacious, who without partialil)! savxis a compound of strong 
 sense, knowledge, vivacity and vanity. ****** My attention 
 was drawn to his reading the quack doctor's speech to the gaping 
 mob, his attendants, in Launcelot Greaves, written by the_late Dr. 
 
260 
 
 JOURNAL ANi) lETTBRS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 1780.] 
 
 Smollet ; he solicited my interei* .» itV. Mr. Nathaniel White, whose 
 preaching I had attended, and proposed still to attend at old Jewry, 
 in order to procure for him the use of his meeting-house on Sunday 
 evenings for lecture. At six o'clock alighted at Castle inn. Market- 
 street, Bath. Afler tea, taking a ramble met my said loquacious 
 fellow-traveller ; joining me, proceeded to a long walk in c>. lonely 
 road, of which he seemed glad to avail himself to recount his own 
 adventures. 
 
 Bathf August 4. Arose at seven o'clock, and joined by a Mr. 
 Graves, a young clergyman of Suffolk, whose obliging, social be- 
 havior rendered him an agreeable companion. On the road, about 
 half way to our first stage, a parson named Goddard overtaking us, 
 alighted from his own horse, delivered it to a servant, and entered 
 our carriage, adding a third to our company. For the first half 
 hour, our two Oxonians kept to themselves the whole conversation, 
 wherein were disclosed many clerical and academic tales, stories, 
 and anecdotes; among others I recollect the following: — Dr. 
 Barton, dean of Bristol and rector of St. Andrews, Holborn, who 
 was, according to British mode of expression, dark, meaning stone- 
 blind, being of a humorous disposition and great self-command, 
 having a mind to entertain himself, invited four eminent persons in 
 the same desolate condition as he was, to a dinner, none other being 
 present but the servants. These were Sir John Fielding, of as 
 eminent a character in the juridical line as perhaps any man in 
 the civilized world ; Mr. Stanley, the well known musician, and 
 others whose names I forget. After partaking of a joyous feast, 
 they took a humorous leave and departed. At eleven o'clock we 
 alighted at the Black Lion in Devizes, where, afler taking refresh- 
 ment, I walked forth to ramble, and espied a sign, for quaintness of 
 its device here noted. On the sign were painted five men, well 
 known by the name of the "Jive alls /" the first in order, accord- 
 ing to present mode of arrangement of church before king, stands 
 the parson in his sacerdotalibus ; he prays for ail : second, the 
 lawyer, in his gown, band, and tie-wig ; he pleads for all : third, 
 the soldier in uniform, with a fierce countenance j hefighisfor all : 
 fourth is a physician, with great wig and solemn phiz, and boluses 
 and julips in his hand ; he kills or cures all : the fifth and last is the 
 farmer, with his settled, thoughtful countenance ; he pays for tUl. 
 
 Les 
 inn, M 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 5261 
 
 Leaving this place, with fresh horses, arrived at " Great Castle** 
 inn, Marlborough, at two o'clock ; distant thirty-two miles from 
 Bath. This inn is famous through England for grandeur of struc- 
 ture, it having been a nobleman's mansion-house ; the excellence 
 and expensiveness of its accommodations, provisions, etc., are of 
 the highest style. Passed grounds wherein is a mount made by 
 art, the ascent to the summit in a spiral line of so gentle a rising as 
 to be imperceptible, in length half a mile, though encompassing it 
 but four times. The mount does not exceed a hundred feet diame- 
 ter, nor more in height ; the top is a plain, planted with trees, from 
 which is to be seen a distant view of the town, consisting of one 
 long street and a few short ones at right angles. 
 
 Newbury, our next stage, is a long town, consisting of buildings 
 in middle and lower style, decent and in good repair ; has one 
 Episcopal church and four dissenting meeting-houses. Its inhabit- 
 ants are avowed friends of American liberty, and disavowers of the 
 war. Departed hence at seven o'clock, slept at the " George 
 inn," Reading, a large, handsome, well-built town, principal of 
 this fine county (Berkshire) ; from hence to Colebrook, where I 
 stayed again and dined ; then travelled my last stage, London, be- 
 ing set down at the Swan inn, Holborn bridge, at the end of Fleet- 
 market, at six o'clock. After a short rest, daylight still remaining, 
 as it did some hours after, I walked forth to view the ruins of Mr. 
 Langdale's house, etc., almost adjoining the inn ; proceeding forward 
 to Newgate, but little distance, which was lying in a deplorable 
 state of ruin, destroyed by the mob. I returned back to my inn, 
 filled with honest but fervid indignation, which ought to warm the 
 breast of every peaceable well wisher to order, laws, safety, and the 
 rights of individuals : sleep put an end to my mortifying reflections. 
 
 
 r I •<- 
 
363 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 London, Jiug. 8. Engaged lodgings at Mrs. Councel's, No. 22 
 Castle-street, Falcon-square. 
 
 TO HON. JONATHAN SEWALL, BRISTOL. 
 
 London, Aug. 14, 1780. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I have been told by Mr. Jos. Green and his wife, and with such 
 an air of serious earnestness as to lead me almost into a belief of it, 
 that advice had last Saturday been brought to town by a vessel 
 said to have arrived from America, that on the 19th of May, the 
 moon being just then beyond the full, the sky clear and unclouded 
 at sunrise, and to all appearance promising a fine bright day, con- 
 tinuing some time in this state, when all at once a sudden darkness 
 overspread the face of the heavens, and so palpably thick was it, 
 that candles were lighted in the houses during its continuance till 
 three o'clock in the afternoon, to conduct the common concerns 
 and intercourse of life. A short interval of light or twilight ensued, 
 but was succeeded by a tenfold darker night than was ever known. 
 Perhaps I am misinformed ; if you have not heard of this extra- 
 ordinary and uncommon phenomenon, suspend yoi'.r belief till bet- 
 ter or no information follows, or in the former case a fuller and 
 more particular relation shall be made. Time, the great revealer 
 of secret things, will soon convince you ol itf truth or falsehood. I 
 am not myself determined in my opinion ; the belief of uncommon 
 events requires strong evidence ; should this be true, you have 
 astrologers, soothsayers, magicians, and wise men enough among 
 you to explain its meaning. 
 
 Very truly, your friend, 
 
 S. Curwen. 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 263 
 
 TO COL. WILLIAM BROWNE, COWBRIDGE. 
 
 London, August 16, 1780, 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 The contents of my last were chiefly to acquaint you of the re- 
 ceipt of a letter from our common friend, Mr. Pynchon, d. d 
 Salem, May 3. I shall now give you a part in his own words : 
 " I am pleased at having so safe a conveyance, but should be more 
 so could I write with freedom ; as I cannot, you will make allow- 
 ances for my scrawl. I may, however, acquaint you that your 
 family and friends are in health, and bear with cheerfulness and 
 fortitude the rubs, jostlings and vexations of turbulent times ; they 
 are wishing to see you, to tell you a hundred things which might 
 make you laugh, admire, and sometimes stare. During the winter 
 we have been blocked up with snow ; the oldest inhabitant re- 
 members not such quantities of it on the earth at any one time. 
 But we are now thawed out, and begin to rejoice that the price of 
 wood is fallen from $4,60 to $3,00 a cord. Had other necessa- 
 ries been proportionably dear, some of us might well wish for a 
 return of the good old times, as they are now called ; and those 
 whose enormous heaps have made them easy and insolent, might 
 wish for a continuance of the confusions by which they grew in 
 the Frenchman's style, " horrihlcment riches." Our worthy friend 
 Mr. M'Gilchrist foretold that he should not live to see an end of it, 
 and fearod that few of his old friends would ; he has gone into the 
 vale, a true prophet — he left us on the 20th April. His patience 
 and fortitude continued to the last ; his sickness and death were of 
 a piece with his life, and that you know was a lesson of virtue. 
 He delayed making his will a little loo long ; some of his preju- 
 dices and resentments appeared on that occasion. He gave to 
 " the Society for propagation of the gospel in foreign parts" all 
 arrears coming to hi"i, being three years' salary, and his part of 
 the donation made for missionaries who had suffered in these times. 
 I often wish to hear of (/ol. Browne and others of our town - 
 men and friends there." 
 
 In answer to a 'otter of mine some time ago, mentioning the 
 evils of exile at my time of life, he says, " What would your feel- 
 ings have been, my good friend, if while here you had lost your 
 business, all your debts, the fruits of many years' labor ; had been 
 
 ,t ' 
 
 / ■ ■ 
 
-Wi?r»^»~TmWJ^^pH1,^ 
 
 264 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS, 
 
 [1780. 
 
 driven to sell your house and land for the payment of debts and ex- 
 penses, and the remainder had sunk in your hands fifty pe- cent ; and 
 that though thus reduced, you could not freely nor safely walk the 
 streets by reason of party rage and malevolence, and the uncon- 
 trolled 'rancor of some men." A wretched and truly pitiable 
 condition this ! a just picture, I fear, of American popular liberty. 
 Dr. Charles Russell died at Antigua last June, and hip brother 
 James, who by lucky captures by a letter of marque has realized 
 fifteen thousand pounds sterling, is soon to be settled a Bristol 
 merchant, and bound in the matrimonial chain to Mr. R. Lech- 
 mere's second daughter, Mary, whom I think a fine, well accom- 
 plished lady. Mr. Jo. Green and wife told me the story of a dark 
 day having occurred in New England, on the 19th of May, such as 
 was never before known ; — in order to maintain the common in- 
 tercourse of life, candles were lighted and kept burning. For my 
 own part, though 1 am no behever in omens, I cannot but take this to 
 be a most extraordinary and terrifying event. Darkness, in the onei- 
 rocritic art, denotes distress, anguish, trouble, loss, sickness, death, 
 and the whole train of evils, physical and moral. Perhaps the 
 fearful among our country folks may find in themselves a disposi- 
 tion to be reconciled to the thoughts of a reconnection with this 
 country, which seems more likely to force terms on them than 
 since this foolish, needless, baneful quarrel commenced. 
 
 Here, or in this neighborhood, I propose to continue till I shall 
 take my flight to the upper regions, or descend to the shades below ; 
 for I am quite unsettled in my own mind whether a state of activity 
 or insensibility shall fill up the interval between death and the fu- 
 ture state of endless existence. 
 
 My respectful compliments wait on Mrs. Browne and son ; and 
 ardently wishing you and them the highest felicity, I remain, 
 
 With great esteem, 
 
 Your faithful friend, 
 
 S. CrjRWEN. 
 
 P. S. Mr. Francis Waldo, who will soon be with you, will 
 inform you of the troop of New Englanders resident in Bristol. 
 
 August IS. Took a long, solitary ramble through Charter- 
 housc-squarc, thence through Gray's-Inn-lane to Clerkenwell-green. 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 265 
 
 wherein is a building not before seen or heard about, called New 
 Hicks Hall, or Middlesex Sessions House, a large and handsome 
 structure; thence through Sraithfield and Long-lane, a narrow, dis- 
 mal, dirty street, to Aldersgate-street. 
 
 Augtist 19. Called at Francis Waldo's lodgings in Pall Mall, 
 and at Arthur Savage's in Brompton-row, and left a card for the 
 absentees ; not a little jaded by the circumambulation. 
 
 August 20. At Westminster Abbey ; the vergers not thinking 
 proper to offer rae a seat, I left the choir, and, like the multitude, 
 passed the hour of devotion in gazine; at the monuments and read- 
 ing inscriptions. From thence passing through cloisters, pro- 
 ceeded to Dean's court, inclosed in part by Westminster school 
 buildings ; returning back, stayed in choir during part of prayer 
 and sermon, and passed half an hour in poet's corner. Thence to 
 St. Margaret's church, the preacher having just then ascended the 
 pulpit ; I was minded to stay, but these church-servants neglecting 
 to open a pew door for me, I soon departed homewards. 
 
 August 23. To artillery-ground to view manoeuvres of the 
 military association, who performed manual ejcercises, firings, and 
 evolutions coiamendably. My curiosity, though still active, is soon 
 satisfied ; nor do I find a more convincing proof of its ••.;creasing 
 imbecility, if the expression be not improper, than in this par- 
 ticular. 
 
 FROM HON. JONATHAN SEW ALL. 
 
 Bristol^ August 22, 1780. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 By a letter from Mr. Waldo to Mr. Simpson, the account of 
 the miraculous darkness at Boston had reached Bristol before I was 
 favored with yours. The 'Aory I fir.Tily believe to be true, but like 
 many Jewish stories ^ »he Old Testament, I take it not in a /t/ero/, 
 but in a metaphorical or allegorical sanse. Take it as an allegory, 
 and it is easily to be credited ; but as this kind of writing is now 
 become rHther obsolete, it is necessary to premise, that under the 
 present tyranny in .America, no m;in there dares write upon politi- 
 cal subjects in plain Eiifilish ; if he writes at al', it must be in 
 dark enigmas, and in this scriptur:)l style I presume the letter from 
 
 34 
 
266 
 
 JOUENAL AND LETTERS, 
 
 [1780. 
 
 ■which .(ou derive your intelligence is written. Interpret it thus 
 The writer wished to let his friend here know what effect the news 
 of the reduction of Charleston had upon the mind? of the Boston 
 rebels, (or saints, if you like that word better,) but he dared not 
 communicate his intelligence in i language intelligible to all, and 
 therefore chose to give it in an aJeijory, trusting to the sagacity of 
 his friend, who, being a New England saint, as I presume, he 
 doubted not was well enough versed in Old Testament allegories, 
 to translate it into literal English, and thus it is : — On the 19th of 
 May, by a private hand, the news arrived of the surrender of 
 Charleston, and though at sunrise the sky was clear, and promised 
 a fine day, i. e., they were till thp.t morning assured Clinton would 
 be defeated, yet this fatal n^ws at once darkened their bright pros- 
 pect and induced a gloomy horror, so that candles were lighted in 
 their houses, — i. e., Adams, Hancock, Dr. Cooper, and other rebel 
 leaders went from house to house to assure the people the news 
 could not be true. This was the short interval of light, or twilight, 
 that ensueu, but soon after, on the sai.ie day, or perhaps the next, 
 (for allegories, you know, do not and need not go on all fours,) 
 an txprsss arrived with an official account confirming the dark 
 tale, and then the twilight was succeeded by a tenfold darkness — 
 a dark horror and blackness of despair fell on all. This is ray in- 
 terpretation. Si quid novisti reclius istis, candidiis imperii ; si non, 
 his utere mecvm.* It is consoling, pro tempore, at least. In my 
 sense of the story, you mv not hummed nor misinformed, but you 
 only, like many other commentatori', misinterpret. 
 
 I cannot devise the meaning of your quaint device at thedevizes, 
 unless the Jive alls intend five shoemakers, but this seems too 
 far-fetched to deserve even the eoithet of" quaint ;'' perhaps were 
 I to see the figures in Uieir characteristic attitudes, I might make a 
 better guess ; but with my present data, I give it up, and wish you 
 would explain it, or if you choose to try my genius at expounding 
 enigmatical paintings, which, I assure you, is but a sorry one, give 
 me the characteristic attitudes ; paint it to me as it is, and Til Xry 
 again. 
 
 I am mightily pleased with the news of the day : La Nymphe 
 
 • " Pray adopt it ; unless yoii can suggest ii better one." 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 267 
 
 taken by the Flora, which must be true, and the French seventy- 
 four gun ship by the Bienfaisant, which, as I always hope the best, 
 I hope is true ; besides a frigate taken and carried into Halifax, 
 which I likewise hope is true. I rejoice also that Admiral Geary 
 is arrived in the Channel. I hope the eighteen Russian men-of- 
 war will be taken into safe custody, and held till we are sure they 
 can do no mischief. Were I his Majesty's premier, I- would not 
 for a moment trust a b of a queen, who could murder her hus- 
 band and mount his throne— there'i no trusting such a jade ; if she 
 means fair, her ships are safe in our hands ; if, on the other hand, 
 as is most probable, she means, in conjunction with France and 
 Spain, to play the devil, obsfa prwcipm ought to be our motto. 
 Nip her in the bud, secure these eighteen ships, and her marine 
 power is annihilated — and considering the brimstone, besides mur- 
 dering her husband which I would never forgive, has been the in- 
 stigatrix of the northern association, why the deuce should we 
 stand upon ceremony with her ? VVhy should England regard the 
 laws of nations, while every power in Europe is setting them at 
 defiance 1 No, no. Providence, or their evil genius, has put 
 them into our hands, and all nature will ridicule us if we let them 
 escape. I hope his Majesty, God bless him, Lord North, Lord 
 Sandwich, and all the lords of the council, God bless them all, see the 
 thing in the light I do ; if they do, I am sure the Czarina's eighteen 
 ships will soon be mpuned by British seamen, and added to the 
 British fleet. Her consummate impudence in sending her fleet into 
 our harbors, after the infamous step she has taken, and our own 
 security, the first of all laws, will amply justify us. Tell Lord North 
 what I say when you see him next. 
 
 I should not have troubled you with my scolding at the Empress 
 of Russia, (against whom I iiave no personal enmity, except a lit- 
 tle for the murder of her husband, which I think concerns all hus- 
 bands,) had I not learned when I got half ilown the other side, 
 that Danibrth goes for London on I'hursday, by whom I can send 
 this, so that a cover will cost you nothing. 
 
 With very little malice against the Czarina, and none against 
 any other of God's creation, 1 am your sincere friend and humble 
 servant, J. Sewall. 
 
 Mr. Curwen. 
 
 m 
 
 ^i i 
 
 \" 
 
 
'"^aw 
 
 268 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 FROM HON. WILLIAM BROWNE. 
 
 Cowbridge, Waies, August 22, 1780. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I give you many thanks for your kind favor just received, and 
 gladly avail myself of your kindness to forward the inclosed, as ad- 
 dressed. I have also to acknowledge the receipt of two former 
 letters, which have long lain before dip. waiting for spirits to sup- 
 port the ennui of writing a single lii. . In short, to tell you a 
 truth, our prospects with regard to Ariif-ica were till lately so un- 
 promising, my finances were so small, my family and expenses so 
 increased, that, added to the common catalogut? of vexations which 
 attach themselves to us all, more or less, every exertion became a 
 burden, and I had nothing to do to be easy but to do nothing and 
 care for nobody. Fetter expectations have produced better spirits, 
 and brought with them better dispositions. It is with pleasure then 
 that I wish to revive a correspondence with an old and much 
 esteemed friend. It has puzzled all the wise men of Cowbridge to 
 divine from what part of London you have dated your letter ; va- 
 rious are the conje'-tures, some humorous and some plausible, but 
 none satisfactory ; so we have agreed to suspend our speculations 
 until we could consult the inhabitant of this unknown region. 
 
 I thank you for the extract from Mr. Pynchon's letter. A de- 
 tail of their sufferings would give us pain if they were all strangers ; 
 how much more then when we have so many friends among them 1 
 It brings, however, this pleasing reflection, that we made a wise 
 choice in leaving them. When you have collected an authentic 
 and satisfactory account of the phenomenon you mention to have 
 happened at Boston,* I wish you would communicate it, with its 
 circumstances, consequences, and impressions, unless it should first 
 appear in some public print. 
 
 I think you do perfectly right to make choice of London for 
 your residence the coming winter. It is the only place in which 
 a single man can spend the gloomy months with any satisfaction. 
 I wonder as much that more of our countrymen do not resort there 
 at that season, as that so many of them continue there when they 
 
 1780.] 
 
 ought to 
 
 * D»ik day. 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 269 
 
 ought to be sporting in green fields and by the side of purling 
 streams. Sed trahit sua quemque votupto^.* 
 
 I lately received a line from Mr. Porter, describing, in the most 
 gaudy colors imaginable, the happiness to which his situation has 
 introduced him, encouraging all the world to come to Shrewsbury, 
 and promising every felicity that the golden age could ever boast 
 of. What strange mortals we are ! Some men are always happy 
 where they are, some where they have been, and some where they 
 shall be ; and yet we are none of us satisfied with either past, pre- 
 sent, or to come. I wish I could remove your doubts about the in- 
 terval you mention, for then I could also administer some satisfac- 
 tion to myself. At present I have only that of subscribing myself, 
 dear sir, Your affectionate friend, 
 
 Wm. Browne. 
 Mr. Citrwen. 
 
 Aiigust 25. Visited the ruins of King's Bench prison and Sur- 
 rey bridewell, sad proofs of popular folly and violence ; the former 
 repairing. 
 
 TO THOMAS RUSSELL, ESQ., BOSTON. 
 
 London, August 25, 1780. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I am ignorant in what light my silence to you may appear ; 
 indeed, I am not satisfied of the propriety of it myself; however, I 
 doubt not your candor, when I declaie upon honor, that want of 
 real esteem and regard was not in the remotest view a cause. 
 Your obliging favor demanded an answer and thanks ; do not say 
 it is too late now, for I now offer them with equal warmth and sin- 
 cerity. I presume Lane and Fraser have long since informed you 
 that I availed myself of your friendly offer, that did me an essential 
 service ; but having determined not to mention any circumstances 
 relative to busoess in letters, for very obvious reasons, to which I 
 have steadily adhered, you will therefore please to excuse any 
 thing further on this head. Would that the safety of intercourse 
 between the two countries by letter was greater, but God only 
 
 • " Evtrv one fullowg tUe bent of his own iMimationi '' 
 
 1 ' 
 
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 M 
 
 
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 J 
 
 1 j 
 
 \^\ 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 * 
 
 
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 ■ -IT 
 
 
 It 
 
 ifl 
 
270 
 
 jOTJKNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [178tt 
 
 1780.] 
 
 knows when a period will be put to this execrably baneful war. 
 I fear it is hardly arrived to half its length, unless this country 
 gives up the chase, for the obstinacy of the Ancericans s\ippliesthe 
 want of resources. Yesterday news arrived of the most melancholy 
 complexion. Our western-bound fleet, the convoy and one ship 
 only excepted, fell into the hands of the French and Spaniards, 
 consisting of forty-nine merchant ships, transports and victuallers, 
 including five outward-bound East Indiamen. This is the most 
 capital blow England ever felt by an enemy at sea ; particulars in- 
 papers that accompany this. 
 
 • **•«** 
 
 Of the penchant of noble and wealthy ladies to vie with their 
 partners of the other sex in the laudable pursuit of gaming, etc., 
 take the following instance: At the time of my first arrival in 
 London, a house opposite Governor Hutchinson's, in St. Jaraes'- 
 street, was then finishing, called " Sqavoir vivre," being a gaming- 
 house of the highest modern taste, perhaps much more magnificent 
 in architecture and furniture than English America can boast, and 
 designed for gentlemen exclusively. The ladies' pride being piqued, 
 they bought up that which the governor lived in, and the two on 
 either side of it, and though in excellent repair, demolished them, 
 erecting in their room one in the same taste as its opposite neigh- 
 bor ; and to this day these two temples are devoted to the worship 
 of the blind deity. Fortune, on whose altars are nightly sacrificed 
 thousands, besides the peace and support of many of her foolish 
 and equally blind devotees. These, among a multitude of other 
 inctances, ai o proofs and memorials of the expensive taste and di- 
 versions of this age and country. 
 
 Messrs. Byles and Brattle having been refused a residence in 
 their own country, rerders my return (who I presume stand not so 
 fair as either of them) more doubtful, or rather more impracticable ; 
 and though it has ever been the first and the last wish of my heart 
 to return, and you know that very well, I presume you think a per- 
 mission not obtainable, having received no encouragement on that 
 head. 
 
 Most ardently and sincerely wishing you every blessing, I am, 
 with love to Mrs. R. and little family, 
 
 Your obliged friend. S. Ci'rwen. 
 
 Dear Sif 
 Since! 
 liit/e arrij 
 I ^- arn th| 
 relate it, 
 cur^prehej 
 and clear,! 
 that at nir 
 appearanc 
 veil was d 
 sae the hei 
 obliged to 
 it lightenei 
 and the ni| 
 felt. It wa 
 try were 1 
 were intimi 
 the day, th( 
 aext mornii 
 greasy or o 
 as far as H 
 from — I sa^ 
 spreading 1: 
 they do not 
 all. I give 
 and with al 
 the imagine 
 pearance ; 
 Boston, saj 
 houses ; bu 
 brilliant coi 
 in mind of 
 drinking, f 
 They add ' 
 namely, th 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOUllNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 'ROM HON. JONATHAN SEWALL. 
 
 271 
 
 Bristol, Aug. 24, 1780. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Since I wrote you by Mr. Danforth, Mr. R. Temple and family 
 'ha-iQ arrived here in thirty-two days from Boston, from whom 
 1 '. arn that the story of the dark day is literally true; but, as they 
 relate it, the phenomenon was truly wonderful, far beyond my 
 coraprehension. They say the morning was not as you state, fine 
 and clear, but rather lowering and drizzly, though far from dark ; 
 that at nine o'clock an uncommon darkness came on, without any 
 appearance of r? thicl' r.loud. Mr. Temple said it seemed as if a 
 vtfil was drawn over tLcm, which he seemed to look through, and 
 see the heaven beyond it. The darkness increased till they were 
 obliged to light candles, and this continued till three o'clock, when 
 it lightened up a little ; but before sunset the darkness returned, 
 and the night reset.bled the darkness of Egypt, which might be 
 felt. It was so intense that many persons in Boston and the coun- 
 try were bewildered in going from house to house where they 
 were intimately acquainted. (They say that during the darkness in 
 the day, the green grass appeared of a dark blue color ; and on the 
 aext morning, both the water and land were covered with a dark 
 greasy or oily substance ; that the darkness extended northward, 
 as far as Hudson river; and westward, as far as they had heard 
 from — I say as far as Lake Champlain ; and that it was the devil 
 spreading his wings over the northern rebellious colonies, and if 
 they do not repent, the next time he will certainly fly off with them^ 
 all. I give you this ..count to atone for my infidelity in my last, 
 and with all the ailoxvince I can make for the subtle workings of 
 the imagination. I roh.oss, I am puzzled to account for the ap- 
 pearance ; the your:g ladies, the Misses Temple, who were in 
 Boston, say candles were lighted all the day in the shops and 
 houses ; but in the evening, they were at a wedding-ball with a 
 brilliant company ; which, if they don't exaggerate, would put me 
 in mind of the inhabiants of the old world, who were eating and 
 drinking, feasting an-! frolicking, till the flood came, &c. &c. 
 They add another circumstance which increaseth the wonder ; 
 namely, that during the darkness there was not the least appear- 
 
 \ti,i\ 
 
 t ' ' 
 
272 
 
 JOURNAL AND LITTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 11 I ' 
 
 
 ance if fog, smoke or haziness. I wish you ■'.As]d consult that 
 learned body, the Royal Society, upon this Iwcs naturee, and let 
 me know the result ; for I do not believe all the wise men of 
 Boston will be able to explain it. 
 
 I have seen Boston r ',)ers to the 17th of July ; but they con- 
 tain nothing new, excf})! 'ha arrival of the Chevalier de Ternay 
 at Rhode Island, with seven ships of the line and troops ; upon 
 this occasion, all their pens are at work to rekindle the dying 
 patriotic fire. Washington, it seems, in expectation of de Ternay's 
 arrival, had made a requisition upon all the states, of men, horses, 
 provisions, &c. ; but, by the complaints in the papers, the levies 
 went on heavily. The plan seems to be to muster their utmost force, 
 and in conjunction with the French, to attack New-York, and 
 drive the British forces from the continent. I wish the; may have 
 courage to attempt it. General Kniphausen has burnt the little 
 village of Springfield in the Jerseys. A paper of July 6th, says. 
 General Clinton was rei urned to New-York ; but that of the 17th 
 leaves him up North riv^r, near forming a junction with General 
 Kniphausen. The ladies of Philadelphia have opened a subscription 
 for supplying the army with comforts and conveniences ; they have 
 appointed a treasuress to receive, and a committee to distribute the 
 donations ; and all the ladies upon the continent are earnestly and 
 pathetically exhorted to follow this laudable and patriotic example. 
 If the zeal and spirit of the peasants can again be raised, I think 
 this will prove a decisive campaign. Admirals Graves and Ar- 
 buthnot, it is said, are at New-York ; so that if the Chevalier De 
 Ternay did not get away with ships very soon, they probably, ere 
 this, are added to the British navy ; which would console for the 
 loss of the East and West Indiamen. 
 
 I must mention an advertisement I read in one of the papers, 
 which shows the value of the paper money there : — *' Forty dollars 
 is offered a pound for horsehair, or three shillings in hard money." 
 Or which is better, " the advertiser will work it up at the halves !" 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 
 Jonathan Sewall. 
 
 .iugmt 26. Visited Mr. Jo. Scott :— dined at Mrs. Hay's, 
 with James Harwood and S. Conant, (two young Americans, 
 
 1780.]| 
 
 strange 
 the firs4 
 on a tl 
 humorol 
 
 Dear Si] 
 
 Mr. 
 
 to his sisi 
 
 receipt o 
 
 Sargent ■ 
 
 having oi 
 
 contain n 
 
 sea; youi 
 
 of the ga; 
 
 this state 
 
 different v 
 
 London, a 
 
 of the mo( 
 
 places a m 
 
 a few year 
 
 wandered i 
 
 distant qua 
 
 which you 
 
 where fire 
 
 is laid out 
 
 and even b 
 
 has puzzle( 
 
 should oth 
 
 letter was 
 
 square — th( 
 
 ledge or an 
 
 of it; chan 
 
 rows of ne\ 
 
 in an unfini 
 
 square, this 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 273 
 
 strangers to me,) and was after joined by Mr. Thomas Danforth, 
 the first time of seeing him since my return, he having been absent 
 on a three months' excursion to the westward ; he brought me a 
 humorous letter from Judge Sewall. 
 
 August 27. Met S. Walsh and Peter Johonnot. 
 
 TO HON. WILLIAM BROWNE, COWBRIDGE, WALES. 
 
 Londm, August 29, 1780. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Mr. Francis "^' ' intended journey to Cowbridge on a A'isit 
 to his sister, Mrs .ilfords me opportunity of acknowledging 
 
 receipt of your 27th inst. Yours endorsed to Mrs. 
 
 Sargent will go for Holland under cover of mine ; 
 
 having ordered tli case of capture, (though my letters 
 
 contain neither treason, kn nor politics,) to throw them into the 
 sea ; yours will follow their fate. My present resilience is not that 
 of the gay and fashionable, and therefore unknown, suiting me in 
 this state of degradation not a whit the less on that score. The 
 different views and appearances that are daily arising in and about 
 London, are as great and almost as frequent as the different phases 
 of the moon in one of its revolutions, and render many spots and 
 places a mere terra incognita, that to those who have been absent 
 a few years were well known. For having about ten days since 
 wandered to the further end of Mary le Bone, being designed to a 
 distant quarter, on finding myself there, I inquired for the gardens 
 which you remember to have been resorted to by company, and 
 where fireworks were exhibited ; to my surprise the whole ground 
 is laid out in streets and covered with grand and elegant houses, 
 and even beyond it. In this ramble accident revealed a secret that 
 has puzzled you and the wise men of Cowbridge, that probably I 
 should otherwise never have possessed. Some months since a 
 letter was addressed to me by James Russell, dated Manchester- 
 square — the location of which was beyond the reach of my know- 
 ledge or any of those I had consulted, having never before heard 
 of it; chance, however, in this ramble directing my steps among 
 rows of new buildings, and directinjj; also my eye to a corner house 
 in an unfinished square of noble structures, inscribed Manchester- 
 square, this unimportant secret was thereby revealed. 
 
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274 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [178Cr, 
 
 I am afraid your sunshine of happiness is a little overclouded 
 by the mortifying advices in respect of our eastern and i\-estera 
 fleets ; the most capital blow England ever received by an enemy 
 at sea since King William's reign, fourscore years ago, when* 
 nparly four hundred sail were lost at one time. The loss is esti- 
 mated at a million, I hope it will not be more. To this another 
 stroke has succeeded in the capture of twelve Quebec ships, sup» 
 posed next in value to the East-Indiamen outward. I observe that 
 Samuel Porter, our townsman, has presented to your view a picture 
 in gaudy colors, as you expressed it, of the felicity of his situation ; 
 that he is pleased and contented, none has a right to doubt, for he 
 afiirms it, and he is a very honest fellow and knows his own feel- 
 ings ; but our tastes, however, are various as our faces, and he 
 doubtless has not made an improper choice for himself, though I 
 dare say Judge and Samuel Sewall could tell you it would not be 
 a proper one for you or themselves ; and were either to paint it, not 
 in high, but modest colors, you would fmd a difRculty in restrain- 
 ing the exercise of the risible muscles, Diogenes was delighted, 
 to take his abode in a tub, and although one may disapprove his 
 taste, who has a right to condemn his choice t 
 
 Pardon the dress of this letter ; for ever since my arrival in 
 town I find myself incapable of application ; the present hurry and 
 confusion, to which I have for several years been unused, dissipates- 
 and overwhelms the small share of spirits left me, and which old 
 age is daily lessening. 1 am often reminded of " Taunton, leac 
 Ned," as the song has it : 
 
 " My head is nstiinnod with the naise and the cries 
 Of tlieir criids Hnd their ureams, and their wliot puden pies ; 
 And they i«eep zitcU a naise all over the town, 
 Ich think that the world wor a turn'd up-zide-down." 
 
 With the kindest love and regards to Mrs. Browne and family, 
 I remain your affectionate friend, 
 
 S. CUKWEN. 
 
 Mgiuit 31. To Mr. Francis Waldo's, at " Gentlemen's Hotel," 
 Pall Mall ; met Mr. Jo. Greene on Holborn Hill, and walked ta 
 Brompton to call on Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Savage; both absent 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 276 
 
 At a bookseller's in St. Paul's Church-yard, met my Scotch towns- 
 man Andrew Dalglish, from Glasgow, and he wishes me to recom- 
 mend him private lod<5inQ;s. In the Strand met Mr. Frs. Waldo, 
 and accompanied him to Canon coffee-house, Spring Gardens, and 
 took tea, where were joined by Jo Scott, and remained till 
 eleven o'clock in talking pcditics. In the " Courant" of this day, 
 find a summary of form of government to be established in Massa- 
 chusetts Bay, to commence next October. It will be well if it be 
 productive ot as much security as the old. There are not wanting 
 those, I fancy, many on both sidt-s the great water, who do with 
 me fear the dire consequences of an estrangement from govern- 
 mental power and protection, and a pernicious alliance with a 
 faithless people; many there are as well affected to the real 
 interest of that coimtry as the most aidont republicans. If Fiench 
 troops in the English colonies iti North America be not pregnant 
 with direful evils, and destructive of American indepemlence, my 
 foreboding fears are imaginary may they prove so. I wish, how- 
 ever, the hot-brained politicians there may in time foresee the 
 baneful conserjuences early en:iu^h to prevent them, — if not, wo 
 betide the inhabitants! I hea-tily wish they never may experience 
 the cruelty and oppression that befell Flanders during the Duke of 
 Alva's sanguinary tyranny, and may its oppressions be of less dura- 
 tion, should they ever experience tliein from their present allies. 
 The politics of the court of Veisailles are not in their nature formed 
 to promote the liberty of English subjects; nothing but party rage 
 intercepts between the mental eye and a truth visible as the sun at 
 meridian in a cloudless day. 
 
 Sept. 2. Circuited to Smithfield, in order to see the ceremony 
 of opening Bartholomew Fair by the Lord Mayor — ^just finished. 
 The whole is a mere rabble rout, relis-habie only by " niene peu- 
 ple; " conducted by men, women, and children, in painted masks 
 and merry-andrew tawdry liresses. The amusements consist in 
 jumping, dancing, riding on roundabout horses with legs, speech- 
 making, etc., performed on scaffolds ; together with sleight-of-hand 
 tricks, in front rooms hired for that purpose; the ascent whereto 
 is by a kind of rough ladder-stairs, actors and performers inviting 
 in by a thousand antic postures and gestures. Passages round lined 
 
 it;. 
 
 I 
 
276 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 1780.] 
 
 I 
 
 with booths and tents, crammed with gingerbread, pastry, and all 
 kinds and varieties of baubles. 
 
 Sept. 3. To Richmond Gardens ; they fall short of my expeo> 
 tations — a dead level, laid out in long, straight gravel walks, not in 
 the best order — lined with trees and stumps, great numbers, we 
 were told, cut down to serve the king's kitchen for fuel. A little 
 beyond is a fine lawn, interspersed with trees, and accommodated 
 with field seats, commanding a delightful view of the river Thames, 
 here a smooth gentle stream, gliding along the side of a delightful 
 raised terrace, eight feet high, between gardens or lawns, for a mile 
 and a half, reaching to Kew hmise — for the pompous appellation 
 of palace it merits not. This walk reminds me of Sir John Dun- 
 ham's beautiful couplet : 
 
 " Though deep yet clear, though gentle yet not dull ; 
 Strcng witliout rage, without o'erflowing full." 
 
 From 
 
 only pleasing spot departed, taking a final leave of 
 these (I know not why) celebrated gardens, and directed our steps 
 to the Queen's Terrace, so called, on Richmond Hill, commanding, 
 though not a very extensive, yet a distinct and pleasing prospect, 
 having many fine objects in command of the eye besides the river, 
 which is almost under foot. Ascending to the top, passed the well 
 known inn of Star and Garter, remarkable for its elegant accom- 
 modations, and consequent high charges, and entered park, cele- 
 brated for its natural beauties. 
 
 Sept. 9. Met Mr. J. Waldo, of Bristol, and a Capt. Fletcher, 
 both violent Americans in principle ; the latter commander of a 
 letter of truce, (fal ) called,) who brought over Mr. R. Tem- 
 ple and family. 
 
 Sept. 12. At Guildhall, to see the polling for city members 
 for new parliament; conducted with regularity, the avenues crowded 
 with distributers of party papers, bawling aloud for their employ- 
 ers' favorites, friends of the respective candidates bringing on voters, 
 single p.ul in shoals. 
 
 Sept. 15. Charles J. Fox shot ahead of Lord Lincoln greatly 
 yesterday (candidates for Westminster) ; the latter, it is said, pro- 
 poses to keep the election going on till after some borough clec- 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 277 
 
 tions are over, in order to have a numerous host of friends, but he 
 must rally great numbers. 
 
 Sept. 16. To Mr. Timmins's, and after an hour's abode, walk- 
 ed together ; encountered Van Coulster ; his shabby dress gave me 
 uneasiness, indicating want ; he seemed in good spirits, however, 
 and inqiiired my lodgings — gave him a card. 
 
 Sept. 17. Attended worship at Lincoln's Inn chapel. Samuel 
 Peters preached — he is an indifferent speaker and composer — how 
 he got there is as hard to conceive as straws in amber. After, at 
 Essex chapel, Mr. Lindsay preached to a very respectable looking 
 assembly ; church is not crowded at this season — a most excellent 
 discourse, delivered with suitable gravity, and, I am disposed to 
 believe, sincerity. 
 
 Sept. 19. Market crowded with mob huzzaing for Fox. 
 
 Sept. 21. Election for sheriffs; all but livery excluded from 
 the hall on election of city officers. 
 
 Sept. 23. Walking through Old Bailey, and seeing a great 
 crowd, learnt that two pickpockets were to be whipped. Jack 
 Ketch, a short sturdy man, soon appeared with the culprits, one 
 after the other ; the first seemed like an old offender, and was mod- 
 erately lashed ; the mob said h^ had bought off the minister of 
 justice ; he writhed but little. The other was young, distress 
 painted strongly on his countenance ; he cried loudly ; his back 
 seemed unused to stripes ; from this time it will carry the marks 
 of legal vengeance, and proofs of his folly and wickedness. Going 
 forward, passed through the Strand; and returned by way of 
 Covent Garden to see election, which had been ended and poll 
 closed for two hours ; and the elected members, returning from the 
 procession, were just entering James' -street, mounted on two arm 
 chairs, placed on a board that was carried on eight men's shoul- 
 ders, accompanied by thousands with tokens of victory : red and 
 blue ribbons in their hats. 
 
 Sept. 25. At Covent Garden theatre ; performance, Beggar's 
 Opera ; parts well played, but great impropriety, not to say inde- 
 cency, in Mrs. Kennedy's personating McHeath. Bravery, gal- 
 lantry, and a fearless disregard of death, (he characteristics of that 
 notorious highwayman ; which female softness awkwardly imitates. 
 Following entertainment, falsely so called ; execrably foolish and 
 
 )\\ 
 
278 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 1780.] 
 
 childish. I am sorry to arraign even the shilling gallery for want 
 of judgment, in suffering such unmeaning stuff to pass for a farce. 
 
 TO WILLIAM CABOT, ESQ., NO. 7, LAMBETH-TERRACE. 
 
 JYo. 22, Castle-street, Falcon-square, Sept. 28, 1780. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Recollecting a request you made of me some months since by 
 letter, I now acquaint you that by reason of absence of mind at 
 that time, it was not in my memory that Mr. Lindsay, the minister 
 of the Unitarian society meeting at Essex House in the Strand, 
 had published a liturgy reformed agreeably to Dr. Samuel Clarke's 
 plan, free from the errors and jieculiarities of any and every par- 
 ticular sect among Christians; making the supreme Gud and Father 
 of all, in contradistinction to every other being, the sole objict of 
 religious worship ; but in the name and as the disciples of Jesus 
 Christ, whose Loid, head and master, all true Christians acknow- 
 ledge him to be. If you have not bou'jht one, they are to be had 
 of Mr. Johnson, bookseller, 72 St. Paul's Church-yard. His mode \ 
 of worship, I profess to think agreeable to the genuine spirit of the 
 gospel, and myself to be one of his worshipping congregation. 
 His plan, in my view, is scriptural ; his worship plain, simple, un- 
 mixed with superstitious, unmeaning: ceremonies, as all establish- 
 ments are more or less burdened with. His |)reaching is instructive; 
 his delivery serious, pathetic, and intelligible; his language ener- 
 getic and clear; the assembly, the most respectable for its numbers 
 I ever saw. Yours truly, 
 
 S. CtlRWEN. 
 
 Sept. 29. As I was walking in Holborn, observed a throng of 
 ordinary people crowding round a chaise filled with young children 
 of about seven years of age ; inquiring the reason, was informed 
 they were young sitmers who were accustomed to go about in the 
 evening, purloining whatever they could lay their hands on, and 
 were going to be consigned into the hands of justice. Great pity 
 that so many children, capable of being trained to useful employ- 
 ments and become blessings to society, should be thus early 
 initiated, by the wicked unthinking parents of the lower classes in 
 this huge overgrown metropolis, in those pernicious practices of 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 279 
 
 every species of vice the human heart can be tainted with, which 
 renders them common pests, and most commonly brings them to 
 the h.dter. 
 
 Oct. 6. At Treasury, Mr. Rowe out of town ; no orders till the 
 20th — the delay a hardship ; every expedient is used that craft can 
 devise and power execute to squeeze dependents. — Evening at 
 Saddler's Wells ; a variety of exhibitions, tumbling in great variety ; 
 among others was the following : a lad about six years old, stand- 
 ing on a man's hands, with arms outstretched, in an erect posture, 
 turned his body backwards so as to bring his face in a line with 
 his legs, and between them. After continuing in this seemingly 
 strained condition for a half minute, he gradually returned back to 
 his natural shape, keeping his poise without any aid. In rope- 
 dancing were the two following instances : a young person, habit- 
 ed and in appearance a female to the waist, and like a boy down- 
 wards, on the curtain being drawn up, was first seen lying on her 
 back, and swinging to and fro three feet above the floor of the 
 stage; rising without any assistance, she walked backwards and 
 forwards on it ; whilst in motion, a whalebone hoop of greater 
 diameter than her height was placed on the wire, into which she 
 stepped and WRiked backwards and forwards as before, and whilst 
 in it received in her hand a smaller hoop, whereon were placed two 
 tumblers, about two thirds full of red liquor, and whilst she was 
 swinging whirled the smaller hoop round many times without 
 spilling a drop. The same afterwards mounted a tight-ro{ e, hav- 
 ing baskets of the size of a half bushel fastened to her feet ; with 
 these she walked backwards and forwards, displaying various mo- 
 tions. After divesting herself of these incumbrances, she first 
 walked as before backwards and forwards, leaping, vaulting, and 
 throwing herself down. Her performances on the tight-rope were 
 accompanied by a balance-pole in her hand, and by two men who 
 slightly touched the pole when it descended below the horizontal 
 lines. Whilst on the slack-rope, she went through theVhole ex- 
 ercise of flourishing colors, consisting of a great variety of motions 
 — holding a standard in each hand. 
 
 if 
 
280 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780, 
 
 TO ARTHUR SAVAGE, ESQ., NO. 7, BROMPTON-ROW. 
 
 JVb. 22, Castle-street, Falcon-square, Oct. 14, 1780. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Your agreeable and obliging favor of the 11th instant came to 
 hand the day after its date, but a severe cold, yet confining me, 
 prevented the attention your politeness demanded. 
 
 I thank you for the kind information it contained respecting the 
 Roman denarii and English coins ; a few of which, if not above 
 the reach of my purse, I would gladly procure. 
 
 If my indisposition goes off and the weather permits, I will wait 
 on you next Monday afternoon. With compliments to Mrs. and 
 Miss Savage, I remain, etc., etc. 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 I 
 
 Oct. 15. Sunday afternoon, at the Temple. Stood for a time 
 to take another stare at old Plowden's funeral monument; the 
 figure in a decumbent posture, near the altar — a most expressive 
 face ; he died in 1585. This church is a noble old large structure,' 
 containing many funeral monuments and inscriptions. Just without 
 the church, and under arches, lie in a decumbent posture ten Tem- 
 plars, in their military garb and appurtenances, contained within 
 two separate inclosures. From church retreated with the company 
 into the gardens, always open on Sundays between and after 
 services. 
 
 Oct. 16. Visited Mr. A. Savage, and abode there till late in 
 the evening. 
 
 Oct. 17. To Oxford-street, to examine some silver Roman 
 denarii and Greek and English coins — for which they require far 
 more than I think them worth — a Cromwell half-crown at thirty- 
 six shillings ! But I am not medal mad. 
 
 Oct. 18. Received an order from the treasury for my quarterly 
 allowance. Bought ten silver Roman denarii. Mr. Samuel Hirst 
 Sparhawk and Andrew Dalglish drank tea with me. 
 
 Oct. 19. Went with Mr. Sparhawk to Disputing Club, at King's 
 Arms, Cornhill — Question : " Is it for the advantage of mankind, 
 that at the institution of government, rewards should have been given 
 to virtue, as well as punishments inflicted for vice V The proposer 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 281 
 
 \n 
 
 en 
 ler 
 
 varied the question, or rather dispute, by repeatedly declaring the 
 impossibility of establishing it, from the unsuccessful attempts of 
 ancient nations, as Egyptians, Chinese, former and modern. This 
 point was however contested, as in the instance of the Romans, who 
 made some faint attempts in corona civica and muialis — allowing 
 valor to be a virtue, and by exempting from taxes the father of four 
 children, placing the increase in society in that predicament ; and 
 in modern times the French, in bestowing the order of St. Louis, 
 and even the English in some instances, particularly the order of 
 the Bath — the late honor and pension to Capt. Farmer's eldest son 
 and widow ; all of which had and have a tendency to raise an emu- 
 lation in the breasts of gentlemen in that line. The whole of which 
 and many other fine things on this side the question, were smartly 
 and pointedly ridiculed by a Dr. Dodd, whose brilliancy of expres- 
 sion, liveliness of wit, and keenness of satire, kept the assembly in 
 almost one continued roar of laughter and applause. Some of the 
 speakers acquitted themselves to very general approbation, and 
 none failed to receive marks of applause. However low public 
 virtue and public spirit is thought to be, and unfortunately really 
 is, I could not but remark, with great satisfaction and delight of 
 soul, the loud and very general shouts of applause to every lively, 
 just sentiment and expression in favor or in support of the virtues, 
 public spirit, regard to the constitution, and the rights of mankind. 
 
 The room was large and handsomely furnished with glass 
 chandeliers ; and the entertainment so highly pleasing, amusing, 
 and instructive, that I am determined to attend hereafter every 
 Thursday evening, when circumstances shall permit. The presi- 
 dent enters at eight o'clock, and continues till ten. When the 
 question has been debaled, and no one, after a silence of two 
 minutes, offers to rise, he puts the c -ion, or rather reads it very 
 deliberately ; the vote is then taken am declared ; in the present 
 question, in the negative. 
 
 Oct. 25, It being Accession-day, park guns fired — saw a great 
 collection of people. 
 
 Oct. 26. Walked with Mr. Dalglish to Hempsted, passing 
 Caen Wood, Lord Mansfield's seat ; from thence to Highgate ; at 
 Gate-house we dined — from thence to Bagnigge-wells to tea — 
 passing home, we abode there two hours, and departed to King's 
 
 36 
 
 I if; 
 
282 
 
 JOURNAL ANU LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 Anns, Cornhill Disputing Club ; — question proposed was, " Would 
 it be proper at this crisis, considering our successes in South Caro- 
 lina, to offer the Americans independence V* After much warmth 
 ol' expression on both sides, though without scurrility or abuse, the 
 question was put ; thouj^h the first time (Icclareti by the president 
 uncertain on which side the majority lay, to me it appeared in the 
 affirmative; none denied the president's declaration. The second 
 time it was plainly in the negative. 
 
 Oct. 28. Had an agreeal)le t6te-a-t6te with Mr. T. Danforth, 
 on his Holland tour. Dined at Mr. Spaihawk's ; company J. Scott, 
 B, Cutler, and a young Mr. Perkins, late from New- York. Heard 
 many novel stories about America and the Americans. 
 
 TO REV. JOSEPH BRETLAND, EXETER. 
 
 Londm, Oct. 31, 1780. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I should not have failed to have answered your obliging favor 
 of the 30th ult. before this time, but the daily expectation of giv- 
 ing a satisfactory reply to your inquiry, (concerning the state of 
 the air previous to the darkness on which your conjecture was 
 founded,) has been the only cause of this delay. The young per- 
 son who brought the relation first to London from Boston, being 
 gone to Holland, has not yet returned ; nor has it been in my 
 power to obtain sight of any one from that country since ; despair- 
 ing of it for some length of time, I cannot prevail on myself to de- 
 lay any longer. 
 
 Your ingenious accounting for the appearances during and after 
 the darkness is natural, pleasing and intelligible. The trouble you 
 have taken to commit your thoughts on the subject to writing, de- 
 mands my thanks. The late performance of Dr. Priestley, which you 
 wished me to read, I have bought and read with great delight ; for 
 when the very existence of the Deity, as well as his moral govern- 
 ment, is denied and made the scorn and subject of light mirth 
 among the young, thoughtless and profligate, in conversation as 
 well as in the writings of philosophers and pretenders to cool, dis- 
 passionate, unprejudiced reasoning, I am pleased to find one of Dr. 
 Priestley's known abilities stand up in support of this most impor- 
 tant of all the articles of belief. Two or three difficulties having 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 283 
 
 occurred to me in reading, (which was done in a kind of currente 
 pede,) I shall give it a second or third examination, and hope by 
 the friendly aid of my worthy friend, to arrive at a more compre- 
 hensive knowledge oi the subject. I am glad Mr. H.*s arrogance 
 and malevolence, if you will allow the expression, against moral 
 obligation, is corrected by so masterly a hand ; but could wish the 
 doctor had not rated his philosophical abilities so low ; for should 
 his defenders find the least mistake, misrepresentation or misquota- 
 tion, his warmth will be construed to have proceeded from envy 
 and a bitterness of spirit against an author of estabhshed fame ; nor 
 ■will the friends to that side of the question fail to magnify it and 
 trumpet it forth to the doctor's disadvantage. 
 
 I am sorry I cannot give an answer of a contrary kind to my 
 friend's wish, so flattering to my pride, of my return to Exeter ; but 
 the increasing infirmities of old age, the advanced season of the 
 year, and, above all, the approaching period to the American dis- 
 pute, forbid my leaving the city. I fancy you will wonder at the 
 last reason assigned, but in truth that event, it is my real opinion, 
 is much nearer than is generally expected. I acknowledge I am 
 not acquainted with one courtier or court lounger, nor informed of 
 the deliberations or opinions prevailing in the cabinet. It is from 
 the appearances of affairs only I form my judgment. In a 
 chequered state of things, as is the case in common wars, the sen- 
 timents, opinions and judgments of all men vary with the vicissi- 
 tudinary, changing state of events; but in this baneful, woful 
 quarrel, such a continued, unbroken series of disappointments, dis- 
 asters and mortifying events have taken place, that it seems to me 
 to be morally impossible but the eyes of all thoughtful, prudent, 
 knowing men must open and discern the impolicy and impractica- 
 bility of accomplishing the great end for which this war was un- 
 dertaken — the reduction of the colonies to the obedience of the 
 British parliament. It may be objected that our prospects are 
 lightened, and we are in a course of conquering ;— that I deny, 
 for one swallow makes no summer. We have beaten the rebel 
 army, and expelled that army out of Carolina with half their num- 
 bers ; have rivetted the inhabitants to our interests ; they are be- 
 come loyalists and have sworn allegiance, and that they will always 
 
284 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 1780.] 
 
 
 do whilst you can command their estates and persons. This re- 
 minds me of the lines in Hudibras : 
 
 " 'Tis he that breaks an oath who makes it ; 
 Not he who for convenience takes it." 
 
 That the Americans practise this rule is true, but how far they 
 believe it to be just, I won't say. For proof I refer you to Rhode 
 Island, Philadelphia, and those parts of Long Island and the Jer- 
 seys, relinquished ; there are besides many other instances ; while un- 
 der British power they are loyal, that power removed, they as nat- 
 urally return to their former condition as any elastic body returns 
 to its natural form when the force is removed. That the reduction 
 of South Carolina with the defeat of Gates will draw North Caro- 
 lina and Virginia, I no more believe, than that Rodney will over- 
 power either of the fleets of the combined powers, and of course 
 take possession of some of their islands in the West Indies, which 
 nobody dreams of. 
 
 The situation of this country respecting neutral powers, is 
 alarming ', should Portugal declare against us, we shall not have a , 
 port on the sea coast of this terrestrial globe to carry our prisoners 
 into out of our own domirHons, whilst all the nations far and near 
 shelter and protect our enemies ; and that she is on the point of 
 forsaking our alliance is but too probable. If Great Britain shall 
 retain her rank among the great nations of Europe, and a respect- 
 able part of her foreign possessions, the miracle of her salvation 
 will be as great and auspicious as the deliverance of the children 
 of Israel from the oppressive power of Pharaoh and his hosts when 
 they stood trembling on the banks of the Red Sea, just before it 
 opened by divine command to let them pass through, and thereby 
 escape his power. Could my prayers and tears prevail, a plenty 
 should not be wanting to save our country from utter ruin, to which 
 I fear this once happy, favored isle is hastening by large strides. 
 
 Please make my compliments to such acquaintances as you 
 know I did and ought to esteem, and belieVe me very truly, 
 
 Your friend, 
 
 S. Cur WEN. 
 
 Londc 
 Court of 1 
 sage to th 
 no admitt 
 large, stoi 
 the passa 
 rod ; ques 
 previous t 
 but little 
 clearing tl 
 ance of tl 
 drawn aw 
 for the spi 
 hitherto b 
 
 Mv. ■ 
 or Ladies' 
 it not be 
 public sup 
 old bachel 
 question £ 
 young ladi 
 tion was, 
 tion then s 
 stood forth 
 mative. 
 witty ones 
 company, 
 in mid-rac< 
 lite and ki 
 ment. 
 
 Mv. 
 the prepari 
 
1780.] 
 
 J U U N A 1 
 
 ANU LETTERS. 
 
 285 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 London, JVov. 1, 1780. Went to Parliament House, through 
 Court of Requests to lobby of House of Commons ; thence to pas- 
 sage to the House of Lords ; the crowd in both great. I could gain 
 no admittance. I saw Lord George Germaine for the first time ; a 
 large, stout, raw-boned man. Met Mr. R. Temple and family in 
 the passage to the lords, waiting to see Mr. Querme of the black 
 rod ; questioned him about the state of the air in New England 
 previous to the mid-day darkness in May last year ; he remembered 
 but little about that event, or declined to say much about it. In 
 clearing the house to go to the lords to attend the king's accept- 
 ance of their speaker, and hear his speech from the throne, I was 
 drawn away, when otherwise I might have seen Lord North, that 
 for the space of five years, my residence in England, I have not 
 hitherto been favored with. 
 
 JVbu. 4. Accompanied Mr. Dalglish to La Belle Assembl6e, 
 or Ladies' Disputing Society. The question proposed was : " Would 
 it not be prudent and proper, considering the great demand for 
 public supplies, and the difficulty of raising them, to lay a tax on 
 old bachelors ?" The lady who first spoke, moved to alter the 
 question and include old maids, which was objected to by a fine 
 young lady, who answered in a lively, pleasing manner ; her objec- 
 tion was, however, overruled by a vote put by the president. Ques- 
 tion then stood as including old maids. Twelve female speakers 
 stood forth in succession, and the question was carried in the affir- 
 mative. There were many excellent thoughts expressed and some 
 witty ones ; some acquitted themselves to the approbation of the 
 company. A few, through diffidence or forgetfulness, s'topped short 
 in mid-race, and sat down, unable to proceed ; these met with po- 
 lite and kind indulgence, and wereclapped by way of encourage- 
 ment. 
 
 JVbv. 8. Towards Guildhall meeting ; great crowds to view 
 the preparations for to-morrow, when the mayor is to be sworn in 
 
 M 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 '\M 
 :,-;ii8Si!'l 
 
 
286 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 and invested with the regalia of the chief magistracy. The floor 
 of the hall is raised, half of the lower part partitioned off and in- 
 closed for the entertainment of the lord mayor, aldermen, and com- 
 mon council, with their guests. In the central line, through the 
 whole length, are hung three noble chandeliers, and round the 
 walls, in festoons, are placed small lamps of different colors. The 
 lady mayoress' drawing room is also adorned in the same manner, 
 and a music gallery built up for the present occasion. 
 
 J\rov. 9. Lord Mayor's day. My lord goes attended in a pompous 
 procession from Guildhall toQueenhithe stairs, and thence in the city 
 barge, gaudily decorated, by water to 'Whitehall stairs, from whence 
 he rides in a coach to Westminster Hall, to be sworn into his new 
 office by one of the barons of the exchequer. He returns by water 
 to Blackfriars Bridge stairs, where he lands and goes in city stage 
 coach to Guildhall, to partake of the banquet there provided, and 
 pass the remainder of the day in festivity, accompanied by city 
 councils, sheriffs, and olhur officers. Streets lined with crowds^ 
 besides company stands or tents erected in Cheapside, on both sides 
 as far as King-street, leading to Guildhall. A man in complete 
 armor attends the armorer's company on horseback, with such a 
 weight of iron as renders his duty a heavy and fatiguing one. 
 Called on by Samuel Sparhawk, to accompany me to a friend's 
 house on Ludgate hill, for an advantageoiissightof the procession, 
 but being too early, continued our walk to the park, where we met 
 Mr. Clark (father-in-law of Mr. Copley) for the first time since my 
 return to London ; he kindly welcomed me back, and invited me 
 to renew my visits at his house. 
 
 TO HON. JONATHAN SEWALL, BRISTOL. 
 
 London, JVov. 19, 1780. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 The delay to answer your favor of August 24, arose solely from 
 successive diappoinlments in my endeavors to obtain a true and in- 
 telligible relation of the state of the air immediately preceding the 
 darkness that covered the face of the heavens on the 19th of last 
 May ; the knowledge of this circumstance seems necessary in order 
 to assign a strictly philosophical reason for it. As the fact at pre- 
 sent stands, all reasoning about it depends on the truth of hy- 
 
 11 
 
n <mr f m "m m 
 
 1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS, 
 
 287 
 
 potheses ; my philosophical friend, Mr. Bretland, of Exeter, has 
 sent the following conjectural account of its cause, which I shall 
 transcribe for your amusement, and doubt not you will think it both 
 ingenious and probable. 
 
 " The uncommon phenomenon of which you have favored me 
 with an account, is deserving the attention of philosophers : the 
 previous circumstances of the atmosphere where it happened, seem 
 necessary to enable me to give a satisfactory explication of its 
 causes. If I may be allowed to conjecture, I suppose that before 
 it came on, there had been much dry and warm weather, and an 
 extensive stagnation in the air. If these were the previous circum- 
 stances, it may, I think, be accounted for by supposing that the 
 air having been very much dried, and the putrefaction of lakes and 
 vegetable substances having become very great and extensive, 
 there was a copious ascent of vapors, which are well known to 
 bav.> frequently a blue or purple tinge, and at the same time not 
 to form themselves into clouds sufficiently dense to obstruct the pas- 
 sage of the rays of light, or wholly interrupt the view of objects 
 between which and the observer's eye they may chance to be situ- 
 ated, though dense enough to reflect a very large proportion of the 
 rays of light from the upper surface, and sufficiently colored to 
 tinge the rays that pass through them, and so comp'uiicate their 
 own color to the objects on which these rays fe'l. Perhaps you 
 may more clearly apprehend my meaning by an example. Take 
 a spectacle-glass, of deep purple color, and look through it at an ob- 
 ject; and you will find that you can see the object distinctly ; and 
 let the light shine through it upon an '^' ject, and you will observe 
 the object but faintly illuminated, and to receive in some degree the 
 color of the glass. Now the greasy substance that fell in the night, 
 seems to have formed during part of the day a vast spectacle-glass, 
 as I may call it, through which the heavens were visible, and from 
 the rays passing through which, the glass received a blue or pur- 
 ple tinge. The light that came through that immensely large glass 
 was so little that a great darkness was occasioned by the want of 
 those inconceivably more numerous rays that were reflected by the 
 upper surface of the great spectacle-glass, and had no object inter- 
 posed, would have fallen as usual on the earth's surface. If the 
 boundaries of the vast spectacle-glass had been discoverable, the 
 
 ihm 
 
 ■ 'Hi 
 
 ",* !!l 
 
 
288 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780, 
 
 people of Boston would have perceived that there was a vast cloud 
 hanging over them ; but as they looked through a medium, the 
 limits of which they could not perceive, they were not able to dis- 
 cover any cloud, but as Mr. Temple justly remarked, the heavens 
 seemed to be covered only with a large transparent veil." 
 
 So far my friend. — I could wish it were possible to procure a just 
 account of this necessary circumstance in order to ascertain the true 
 cause of so singular a phenomenon, but this I fear is not obtainable. 
 How great was my disappointment at meeting your informant a 
 few days since in the lobby of the House of Lords, where I had some 
 conversation with him on the subject, but to no purpose, he I fancy 
 not having examined it with a philosopher's attention, or even 
 puzzled his head to investigate natural causes. 
 
 Much greater effects might have been expected from the almost 
 miraculous success of Lord Cornwallis, than we have now reason 
 to expect; but knowing my views of things are very different from 
 yours, I will not trouble you with my foreboding fears, and shall ' 
 bid adieu to the subject, which I never consider without reluctance. 
 
 Yours, truly, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 JVov. 11. Entered Chancery court, the chancellor sitting as he, 
 or the master of the rolls when he presides, always does, with hat 
 on, taking minutes of the case, as is customary in all the courts 
 for judges to do. 
 
 JVov. 12. Attended worship at Essex House chapel ; Mr. 
 Lindsay preached. In mid-service, a well dressed Scotch lady 
 entered the pew wherein a gentleman and myself were silting. 
 After service, she inquired of me if the preacher did not deny the 
 divinity of Christ, or rather, she affirmed that he did ; adding, she 
 never heard it so plainly declared in public before ; to which I 
 assented, telling her this congregation was set up professedly on 
 Unitarian principles ; disavowing all other objects of religious 
 worship and adoration, but the supreme, everlasting God, the 
 Father and Lord of the universe, the God and Father of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ ; who, in the text, is declared to be the Son of the 
 everlasting God. The settled members hold themselves the disci- 
 ples of Christ, and members of that body of which be is head. She 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 289 
 
 further added, that Mr. L. was a Socinian ; which I neither was 
 disposed nor could I deny, referring her to himself for a justifica- 
 tion of his principles, as far as he could make it satisfactory to her, 
 if her curiosity or wishes led her to make further inquiries ; giving 
 her a short relation of his conduct with respect to his forsaking the 
 Church of England, whereof he was a settled minister seven years 
 ago ; but his scruples in relation to the divinity of Christ had 
 forced him to relinquish a valuable living, and lucrative, honorable 
 prospects in that establishment, for an uncertain support among 
 those of his own more liberal sentiments ; and his integrity had 
 been rewarded here by this society. She seemed disposed to 
 lengthen our conversation, but having said all I had proposed to 
 impart at present, took a sudden leave. 
 
 After tea, called on Mr. Dalglish ; whom, with his friend, I 
 accompanied in a coach to " Carlisle House," at a Sunday evening 
 entertainment, called the promenade, instituted in lieu of public 
 amusement ; and to compensate for twelve tedious hours interval 
 laid under an interdict by the laws of the country, yet unrepealed 
 formally by the legislature, though effectually so in the houses of 
 the great and wealthy, from whence religion and charity are but 
 too generally banished. The employment of the company is 
 simply walking through the rooms ; being allowed tea, coffee, cho- 
 colate, lemonade, orgeat, negus, milk, &,c. ; admission by ticket, 
 cost, three shillings ; liress, decent, full not required ; some in 
 boots ; one carelessly in spurs happening to catch a lady's flounce, 
 he was obliged to apologize and take them off. The ladies were 
 rigged out in gaudy attire, attended by bucks, bloods, and macca- 
 ronies, though it is also resorted to by persons of irreproachable 
 character : among the wheat will be taics. The arrangement of 
 the house is as follows : — From the vestibule where the tickets are 
 received, the entrance is through a short passage into the first room, 
 of a moderate size, covered v/ith carpets, and furnished with wooden 
 chairs and seats in Chinese taste ; through this the company 
 passes to another of a larger size, furnished and accommodated as 
 the former ; passing this, yow enter the long-room, about eighty 
 feet by forty ; this is the largest, and lighted with glass chandeliers 
 and branches fixed to side walls, against wliich stand sofas covered 
 with silk, — floors carpeted. Hence tending to the left, you cross 
 
 a? 
 
 . 1 « 
 
 i : isl 
 
 rr- 
 
290 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 i! 
 
 the hall, and enter the wilderness or grotto, having natural 
 evergreens planted round the vralls ; the centre an oblong square, 
 about twenty-five feet long and fifteen broad, fenced with an open 
 railing, a few shrubs interspersed, flowering moss and grass ; in 
 one of the angles is a natural well, with a living spring, which 
 the i;ttendant told me was mineral. Fronting the entrance, in the 
 centre, at the further end is a cave cased with petrifactions, stones 
 artificially cut into resemblance of the former, and spars, with here 
 and there a dim lamp so placed as to afford but an imperfect sight 
 of surrounding objects. To the top of the arch leading to the cave, 
 is an ascent of two flights of steps on each hand, and over it a 
 room not unlike in form the cave below, painted in modern style 
 in oval compartments, containing hieroglyphics and ancient sto- 
 ries ; on the same elevation is a narrow gallery, continued on 
 either side to about half the length of room, fronted near three feet 
 high with an open Chinese fence or railing : — this room is about 
 fifty feet deep by thirty wide, lighted as the others with variegated 
 lamps, but rather dim ; next enter into two tea rooms, each with 
 tables for forty sets or parties. 
 
 So far for my imperfect description of this house, wherein the 
 well known Mrs. Cornelly used to accommodate the nobility, etc. 
 with masquerades and coteries. Dress of the ladies differed widely ; 
 one part swept their track by long trails, the other by an enormous 
 size of hoops and petticoats. The company usually resorting there 
 about seven hundred, as the ticket receiver told me ; — this evening 
 the house was thronged with a good thousand. The rooms were 
 filled, so that we could scarce pass without jostling, interfering and 
 elbowing ; for my own part, being old, small and infirm, I received 
 more than a score of full butt rt ncounters with females ; — whether 
 provision was not made for so k'rge a company, or whatever the 
 cause may be, it was full two hours before I could procure a dish 
 of tea, after fifteen vain attempts, nor was I singular ; and when 
 served, it was in a slovenly manner on a dirty tea-stand. I never 
 saw a place of public resort where the company was treated with 
 so little respect by servants ; even common tea-houses, whose charac- 
 ter is far humbler, as" Bagnigge Wells," " While Conduit House," 
 " Dog and Duck," etc., are in this respect preferable. It would 
 be treating " Ranelagh" with great indignity to bring it into com- 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 291 
 
 parison with th'u which is designed to supply its place during the 
 long vacation of that fashionable resort ; nor are Vauxhall Gardens 
 less than a thousand times beyond this in every eligible circum- 
 stance, unless I saw it under peculiar disadvantages. 
 
 Met Peter Frye and young William Eppes there ; also saw the 
 Di'ke of Queensbury, who I was told is a never failing attendant 
 0' • places of dissipation, which his seeming age should, one might 
 .. ink, restrain him from such juvenile amusements ; but old habits 
 are strong, and too powerful to be resisted when long indulged. 
 Tired of this scene I took myself off at the early hour of twelve, 
 and bidding adieu to Carlisle House, after a few egaremens arrived 
 with no small content at my own lodgings. 
 
 JVbv. 14. While rambling, Montague House came in view ; it 
 occurred to me to take another view of the Museum ; I entered and 
 applied to Dr. Harper, the under-librarian, who referred me to the 
 ticket porter for admission the following day at eleven o'clock. 
 Arriving at home, Wm. Cabot drank tea with me ; S. Sparhawk 
 came in afterwards, and abode two hours ; from whom I heard the 
 first account of Arnold's intentional withdrawing himself and four 
 or five thousand troops under his command from congressional 
 service to the royal standard at New-York; the failure of this 
 scheme of treachery, and his lucky escape from his enemies' hands. 
 From him also the relation of the seizure of Mr. Laurens' papers, 
 late president of the Congress, and now a state prisoner in the 
 tower ; giving an account of the desperate situation of their affairs, 
 with complaints of failure of their resources, and their inability to 
 support the war any longer without loans from Holland, France or 
 Spain. The above comes from Benjamin Thompson,* a native of 
 Massachusetts, (formerly an apprentice to my next door neighbor in 
 Salem, Mr. John Appleton, an importer of British goods,) now 
 under-secretary in the American department. 
 
 JVov. 15. Mr. Snelson calling at my lodgings by accident, I 
 told him of my intention of visiting the British Museum, and took 
 him with me. Dr. Gifford, the librarian, indulged me with the ad- 
 mittance of ray companions without a ticket. The company nu- 
 merous, of both sexes ; several inquisitive and chatty ladies not a 
 little heightening thn entertainment. In the Harleian collection 
 
 " Aftorwarils Count Rumford. 
 
 "^Mt 
 
292 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 was an ancient manuscript, near twelve hundred years old, most 
 curiously illuminated ; a copy of Genesis in Greek capitals, 
 ■written by Origen's own hand in a quarto size, inclosed in a beau- 
 tiful tin-gilt box resembling that fold, containing only its remains, 
 being unfortunately almost wholly destroyed in the Cotton library 
 conflagration many years ago. On the same shelves were also 
 many others of distant antiquity in the same wretched plight with 
 this. Here also is the remains of the original Magna Charta, 
 granted by King John at Runnymead, part of which is scorched 
 and illegible by the same catastrophe. An exact but not per- 
 fectly fac simile copy stands by its parent's side, with the arms of 
 those noble barons who extorted it from that unworthy prince, em- 
 blazoned and surrounding it. Also that most valuable manuscript, 
 the Alexandrian copy of the Bible, in Greek capitals, of fourteen 
 hundred years' duration. 
 
 Among the shell-fish kind is one of the smallest size, which 
 looks like the vertebra; of a small animal, for which an Italian 
 curioso paid three thousand sequins. Sir Hans Sloane at length 
 became possessed of it for thirty pounds sterling ! Among pearls 
 is one of the size of a pea, of a light purplish water, valued at five 
 hundred pounds. So liberal of money arc men of curiosity, that 
 the last mentioned sura has been offered for it. The innumerable 
 curiosities in the natural as well as artificial way, coming fast upon 
 me, confounded my memory ; the latter destroying the traces of the 
 former by the quickness of their transition. Dr. Gilford's respect- 
 ful and cheerful attention is very pleasing ; he is eighty-one years 
 old, lively and sprightly to an uncommon degree. I observed 
 Bgainst the wall of the Cotton library a bust of Pope Benedict XIV., 
 called from the liberality of his sentiments " the Protestant pope." 
 In the room of antiquities received from Sir William Hamilton, 
 and brought from Italy, is a vase having an inscription of Etruscan 
 original, in the ancient mode of writing in Greece, soon after the 
 importation of the sixteen letters from Phcnicia by Cadmus. 
 
 JVbi'. 16. State lottery being to be drawn, curiosity led me to 
 Guildhall, where a gallery for spectators is erected with seats, one 
 of which I obtained for sixpence. The first object that struck me 
 was a great number of clerks writing down the numbers of tickets 
 and quality as they were proclaimed. The wheels were placed 
 
 t!l! 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 293 
 
 on either hand upon a stage raised about six feet from the floor, at 
 the bottom of the hall under Beckford's statue; betwee-i were 
 seated the commissioners at a long table, and a boy at eacn wheel. 
 After delivering the ticket the boy raises his hand above his head 
 with fingers displayed open, and after two flourishes thrusts it into 
 the wheel, delivering the tickets severally to the man on either 
 side, who on cutting the tickets open, being tied and sealed, de- 
 clares the number. To prevent future pranks from boys employed 
 to draw out the numbers, a commissioner sits in a box directly 
 opposite each boy and near him ; who besides is obliged on taking 
 out each number to raise up his hand, holding the ticket between 
 his fore finger and thumb, delivering it to the man, who after 
 cutting it open announces its fate or fortune. 
 
 Walked to New England Coffee-house to inquire after new 
 lodgings; from thence to the Disputing Club at King's Arms 
 Tavern, Cornhill ; the question to be spoken, for properly it was 
 not debated, was, " Can the doctrine of polygamy, endeavored to he 
 established by a well known divine in a late publication, he defended 
 on the principles of reason, religion, or sound policy ?" After many 
 humorous and some solid arguments against it, in defence however 
 of which no one stood up on Dr. Maddam the author's grounds, 
 it was voted in the negative, one hand only in allirmative, produ- 
 cing a hiss or laugh of contempt and indignation. A gentleman 
 whom I took to be in the law line, stood up and modestly said the 
 argument had not had a fair discussion, as no one appeared but to 
 condemn and reprobate ; and after an apology, presumed to sup- 
 pose it might under certain regulations and restrictions by the 
 legislature, in certain supposable cases, be allowed, whereby some 
 evils, the too common attendants of matrimony, might be avoided 
 without incurring greater evils. This met with not the least coun- 
 tenance, yet the speaKer, who was a well behaved man of know- 
 ledge and ability, was treated with respect. It was moved that the 
 company should publicly reprobate the doctrine, but prudential 
 considerations prevailed to negative the motion. 
 
 JVov. 21. Left cards and compliments at Mr. Clarke's for 
 himself and Mr. and Mrs. Copley, who are abroad. 
 
 JVbw. 22. Mrs. Cowley, a celebrated playwright, dined with 
 us ; she is a small, sprightly body. Evening at a new play called 
 " Generous Impostor." 
 
 .\> "■ 
 
 r " 
 
294 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [17S0. 
 
 J|P 
 I! 
 
 JVbv. 23. Went to Crown CofFee-house to meet Mr. Arthur 
 Savage, disappointed ; — proceeded to Westminster Hall — courts 
 sitting. Saw Lord Loughborough for the first time since his title 
 and presidency of the common pleas ; he was single on the bench, 
 being on trials after term. Saw Judge Buller on king's bench ; he 
 appears shrewd, quick, ready, and promises for an active judge — 
 this being my first sight of him since his advancement. 
 
 JVov. 24. Taking out Mr. Dalglish, proceeded to Adelphi 
 Hotel to visit, en passant, Col. Peter Frye and his daughter, Mrs. 
 Oliver ;* after a short stay departed for Westminster Hall, the 
 doors of neither Lords nor Commons being open ; returning passed 
 through the Park, and met Samuel Sparhawk, who joined us to 
 Spring Garden Coffee-house. 
 
 JVov. 28. At Westminster Hall ; courts sitting. Mr. Justice 
 Skinner, lately advanced to chief baronship on exchequer bench. 
 Saw Mr. Justice Heath on common pleas bench, whom I knew and 
 frequently saw a sergeant at Exeter, his birth place. 
 
 JVbf. 29. Six provinces out of seven of the Dutch union have 
 acceded to the armed neutrality of the north, to prevent British 
 search of neutral ships suspected of carrying naval and military 
 stores to the enemy. 
 
 Sunday, December 3. Walked up the Strand, when to my 
 surprise I found myself all alone, not a person within sight, not a 
 coach to be seen or heard; which, considering the hour, (five 
 P. M.) was singular. In this predicament I walked on a hundred 
 yards or more; arrived at Spring Garden Coffee-house, and over a 
 dish of tea read the Morning Post, containing letters of Generals 
 Washington, Clinton, Arnold, and Major Andre. The latter, 
 though pitied here, perhaps justly, is' doubtless to be ranked in the 
 class of spies, and his punishment, however censured here, was in 
 my mind not undeservedly inflicted, and to be justified by the 
 universal practice of all nations, civilized and uncivilized, on per- 
 sons of that character. 
 
 Dec. 4. At New England Coffee-house, where conversed for 
 the first time with William Jackson, from whom learnt particular 
 circumstances of harsh treatment he received from fierce partisans 
 in Boston, Newburyport, etc. 
 
 Dec. 5. Evening at Patagonian Theatre, Exeter 'Change ; a 
 
 • Afterwarils the wife of Sir John Knight. 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL ANU LETTERS. 
 
 295 
 
 bauble of a thing. The show a burlesque farce, but I know not of 
 what ; performance in puppetry, speakers below the stage and in- 
 visible ; machinery awkward, scenery pretty. Among the auditors 
 was Lord Molesworth. 
 
 Dec. 12. Samuel H. Sparhawk called ; accompanied him to 
 Ladies' Disputing Club, at King's Arms, Cornhill. A lady pre- 
 sided and acquitted herself very commendably. Question : " Was 
 Adam or Eve most culpable in paradise ?" Mrs. President ad- 
 dressed the assembly with great propriety, just accent and pleasing 
 voice; explaining the nature of the meeting ; justifying ladies ap- 
 pearing to speak in a public promiscuous assembly. She was fre- 
 quently applauded ; on ascending the chair, she turned round and 
 gracefully saluted the company, discovering perfect self-possession, 
 void of all embarrassment. The other speakers also acquitted 
 themselves laudably, and were frequently clapped. Some spoke, I 
 won't say argued, on one side, some on the other ; very little 
 serious argument, unless declamation, quotations from Hudibras, etc. 
 can be so denominated. The subject afforded matter for mirth, but 
 the most serious speeches turned against the mother of us all. 
 
 The concluding speech was foreign to the question ; the subject 
 was the term " congress." The speakers were lively, and their wit 
 and humor produced shouts of laughter. The principal speaker in- 
 troduced her speech by observing that the word being understood 
 here as implying rebellion, she at first apprehended American 
 ladies were coming over in shoals to seduce the young gentlemen 
 from our island ladies ; but after considering the subject, and being 
 informed by a clergyman, to whom she applied for its meaning, had 
 found that the word has a harmless signification, and had been used 
 on this side the water in treaties of peace, as the congress of am- 
 bassadors of belligerent powers atNimeguen, Aix-la-Chapelle, etc., 
 that it is derived from a Latin word signifying a meeting together 
 to compose or reunite discordant parties. She was pleased to hear 
 it was not likely to give disgust to our state physicians, who were 
 laudably employing their skill and labor in administering harsh 
 medicines to the disordered members of our consumptive empire. 
 After a series of lively observations, she closed by wishing success 
 to the institution, and that it may do honor to female eloquence. 
 Question being put, whether Adam was most in fault, vote by three 
 
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 896 
 
 JOUHNAL ANU LETTERS. 
 
 [1780. 
 
 hands only, negatived by one. Tlius Eve stands acquitted in this 
 female school of oratory of being the most guilty, though I fancy 
 the major part considered as females are not so clear in the affir- 
 mative. 
 
 Mrs. Hayley, the great frequenter of all public city assemblies, 
 was there. A small interruption happened by a dirty boy's mixing 
 with the company ; the president declared her surprise at it. In 
 all large public collections of people of mixed character, persons 
 of unruly disposition are to be found, who will indulge themselves 
 in undue freedoms, if it can be done with impunity. 
 
 Dec. 14. Col. Browne called on me twice to-day in my ab- 
 sence. 
 
 Dec. 15. Called on Col. Browne and also on Arthur Savage ; 
 both out, the latter gone to Bristol with William Cabot. In my 
 way, met Thomas Hutchinson, whom I had not seen for four years. 
 
 Dec. 17. Afternoon, accompanied by John Parkhouse, I attended 
 the famous Herries' chapel of ease, St. John square ; he preached 
 in an animated style, with oratorical delivery, to an audience 
 crowded and respectable. 
 
 Dec. 19. Called on Mr. II. Clarke, in company with Col. 
 Browne ; we were invited to Mr. Copley's picture-room, wherein 
 were two exhibition pieces, viz., Brooke Watson's wonderful de- 
 liverance from a great shark that had twice seized him, and had 
 bitten off one leg. The other piece, Copley's own family, compri- 
 sing himself, wife, and thrii' children, and his father-in-law, Mr. 
 Clark. Here is also a large piece representing the House of Lords, 
 when Lord Chatham, in the height of his patriotic zeal, was seized 
 with a fit which proved fatal ; the piece represents the moment 
 of his being raised from the floor on which he had fallen, and was 
 lying in the arms and lap of the Duke of Cumberland, his son-in- 
 law ; number of lords sixty, in their dresses, attitudes, etc., either as 
 they then stood, or as the painter fancied they might, faces taken 
 from life as they successively sat lor this purpose. It is to be en- 
 graved for a print, deliverable next August twelvemonth, at three 
 guineas each. Mrs. Hay appeared in view so very like, that the 
 first glance announced for whom it was intended. After amusing 
 ourselves for some time, took leave and separated at door. This 
 day removed my lodgings to No. 10 1 urnival's Inn court. Appear 
 
 arrive. 
 
1780.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 297 
 
 ances are for enjoyment here ; experience manifold has taught me 
 not to rely on them, nor shall I draw up a Terdict till supported by 
 issue at departure. 
 
 Dec. 20. William Jackson called, (he lodges at No. 5 this 
 court,) and passed the evening till tea. 
 
 Dec. 21. More snow has fallen than has been known to be on 
 ground at once, or in same space of time, for many years. 
 
 Dec. 23. Samuel H. Sparhawk called to let me know he had 
 received letters from New England so late as October 19. Mr. 
 Jos. Green died about three weeks ago. 
 
 Dec. 26. Called on Mr. Peters ; he was absent, being officially 
 engaged at church, this being St. Andrew's day. 
 
 Dec. 28. This is my birth-day, allowing for difference occasioned 
 by altering the style. This day I have completed a circle of sixty-four 
 years ; but to how little moral advantage, it humiliates me to think. 
 May the short remainder of my probationary state be marked with 
 brighter lines, and the review of the interval, the present and last 
 hour of my rational life, when that awful and important hour shall 
 arrive, yield me a comfort that the retrospect of the past cannot 
 
 afford. 
 
 Being at Furnival's Inn Coffee-house, Mr. Peters and a Metho- 
 dist parson entered, joining company and conversation for a short 
 time. 
 
 Dec. 29. Paid my first mourning visit to Mr. Joseph Green's 
 widow ; she seems greatly oppressed with grief. 
 
 Dec. 31. Attended public worship at Essex-street chapel. 
 
 
 w 
 
 S8 
 
 'M 
 
298 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1781. 
 
 Ji 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 London, January 1, 1781. The first day of the new year; 
 may it please God to crown the endeavors of good men to bring 
 about that desirable event, peace and quietness among the con- 
 tending powers, before another annual revolution, to the honor and 
 safety of all concerned. 
 
 Jan. 2. Dined at Barley-mow, Salisbury cc'^t Mec'ing 
 Harrison Gray, learnt the capture of the vessel in .v'lioh S. Luuant 
 sailed from Holland ; she was carried into Cork. B_v this means, 
 several letters I addressed to different friends are throvvu into the 
 abyss. 
 
 Jan. 3. I know not whether the mercantile portion of the na- 
 tion consider aught but present objects — view of gam by priva- 
 teering — always successful at commencement of war. Ships of 
 the enemy being generally unprepared for defence, fall an easy 
 prey ; they therefore seem pleased with the spirited declaration of 
 the sovereign, if it may be called, of war. Letters of marque and 
 reprisal offered. By Lloyd's books three hundred Dutch merchant 
 ships are taken and safely moored in our ports, and more than three 
 thousand sailors. But this additional weight, added to that of 
 France, Spain and America, already on our hands, the successful 
 issue of which we seem to have but too much cause to despair of, 
 calls for united bravery, intrepidity, and efforts that this nation has 
 in times of like imminent danger exerted, and by divine favor, with 
 imexpected success. May we still experience the same kind and 
 favorable interposition, and make more grateful returns. Dined in 
 Salisbury court. Samuel Sparhawk drank tea with me, and told 
 me of my townsman Col. Browne's advancement to the gover- 
 norship of Bermuda ; an unexpected elevation, and T doubt not 
 acceptable to himself, encun^bered, as he is, with a wife and three 
 children. 
 
 Jan. 6. Mr. Pe* t th >. Lirving cuuedj the latter's lodg- 
 ings, Charlotte-streei;, ioiington. 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOURNAL ANP LETTBBS. 
 
 299 
 
 Jan. 9. Accompanied Mr. Dalglish to Covent Garden Theatre ; 
 comedy, Busy-body, — entertainment, the tasty pertormance of 
 Freemason procession, — scenery pompous, former part to my taste 
 unpleasiDg — Harlequin in dumb show ; why he is said to be a 
 freemason, I r iDnot divine, unless investing him with a square, 
 one of their badges, suspended by a ribbon and hung round bis 
 neck, so constitutes him. The skipping about of an antic dressed 
 out in a merry-andrew's coat, his face covered with black crape, 
 and a wooden sword by his side, put on for the purpose of sho ^ - 
 ing how ready he is at drawing it forth to slap his brother antics 
 on face, shoulders, etc. ; displaying the wonders of his transforming 
 power in converting trunks, dogs, and chests, into watch-boxes, 
 arbors, chimney-pieces, etc. ; his principal aim being to make 
 grimaces and wry faces at his favorite Columbine, who, by the 
 way, is a fine-looking girl, and made to be deeply in love with a 
 fantastic ape, without one probable reason for it. These spc les of 
 pantomime seem at present greatly in vogue ; to arraign the taste 
 is perhaps conceited ; but this remark will never come to light, if 
 ever, till, I dare say, it will be as de pised as it is now relished, 
 especially by the more enlightened class; as to the lower, they 
 ever were and ever will be too gross for any entertainment above 
 the lowest humor. I am, I confess, so to ally void of all relish for 
 such diversions, that I forbear condemning them, although I consider 
 them as a proof among many others of the depravity of the pre- 
 sent day. I would fain call it vulgar, but too many box spectators 
 seem to enjoy it and join the galleries. I can't, however, but 
 believe that all sensible persons do disapprove of these shows as 
 unworthy, but dare not openly avow their o; inion. The comedy 
 was excellent, and well performed ; and mucli exceeds in point of 
 wit, plot, etc., the, to me, flattish sentimental compositions of the 
 present day, with a few exceptions. After the silly harlequin had 
 skipped behind scenes, a most grand procession began, preceded 
 by a standard of light red color, the ground oi all the following 
 ones : the first contained a scroll whereon Wi s painted in large 
 golden letters, ENOCH, the first grand-master ; nis representative 
 following, accompanied by two attendants ; at a little interval ap- 
 peared, NIMROD, second grand-master, with his representative 
 and four attendants ; next was brought the front of the temple of 
 
 ^m 
 
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 i ' 
 
300 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1781. 
 
 1781.] 
 
 the Sun at Thebes; afterwards, the great p , ramid of Egypt and the 
 sphynx ; then, front of the temple of Jerusalem, built by King 
 Solomon ; Pharaoh's two daughters next followed, attended by 
 their Egyptian and Jewish female and male servants, the high- 
 priest properly habited, holding a pot of incense in his hand, — 
 breast-plate, and other insignia on, — closing with a long stream of 
 attendants and servants in rear ; next, front of Pantheon at Rome, 
 the founder or repairer, for it is uncertain which, M. Agrippa's 
 name in a list under the capital ; then, temple of Jerusalem, built 
 by Herod, destroyed by Vespasian, represented as in flames ; next, 
 William the Conqueror, and behind him was carried a prospective 
 view of the tower of London, as if built by him ; then, Edward 
 the Third, accompanied by his son clad in black armor, from thence 
 denominated the Black Prince, — giving liberty to, and taking the 
 chains off the legs of two captive kings, John of France, and 
 James 11. of Scotland, at the instance of his son, followed by a train 
 of attendants ; the front of St. Peter's at Rome then succeeded, 
 Julius II. having in his hand a crosier, and on his head a triple 
 crown, — alluding to his regal authority : he was attended by a 
 train of ecclesiastic officers and servants, and had the keys hanging 
 to his girdle, as lord chamberlain of the state-rooms in the upper 
 regions, and jailer in the lower dungeons ;— and like Jack Ketch, 
 who sometimes has a practice of his own office tried on hitrjelf, it 
 will be a wonder if some of the pontifical jailers, when others suc- 
 ceed, have not the keys of lower apartments turned upon them. 
 
 Next in order came Queen Elizabeth, dressed in royal robes, 
 and attended by her servants, both state and domestic ; then fol- 
 lowed King James, surrounded by court sycophants ; front of 
 banqueting-house as it now stands, undcfiled and undilapidated ; 
 next, Guy Fawkes, in dress of his day, holding a dark lantern, — 
 alluding to the gunpowder-plot, — he was forcibly seized and carried 
 off; next followed Inigo Jones, the restorer of Greek and Roman 
 taste in architecture, preceded by an ensign, having his name in a 
 scroll, with the masonic letters D. G. W. ; then came Charles II. and 
 attendants, followed by the front of St. Paul's, the present noble 
 structure, founded in his reign ; at length appeared William and 
 Mary, the former holding a sheet of paper with this inscription, 
 BUI of Rights, — words that I wish could be indelibly impressed 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 301 
 
 on the minds of kings, lords, commons, courtiers, and people of 
 this island ; for, on the practical remembrance of this short sen- 
 tence, depends the security of this unparalleled constitution, which 
 I verily fear is near its dissolution. Then followed the grand- 
 master, seated in a magnificent alcove ; then an arch, having an 
 inscription, Ancient Masonry ; then two pillars, on the top of each 
 a globe, — on one the celestial, the other a terrestrial, — and on a 
 list, by which they were kept steady, was inscribed Modem Ma- 
 sonry. The last in the procession were Solomon and Pharaoh's 
 daughter, seated on a throne of state, and over it a rich canopy 
 raised by six steps ; on the bottom steps, on each side, stood two 
 lions guardant, between them two young Egyptian damsels, dressed 
 in white, — and on each side of the throne, all the principal per- 
 sonages of the procession ranged, with standards displayed, made 
 a grand and glittering appearance. A fine chorus was sung, and 
 when ended, a universal shout of applause rang through the 
 house, and the curtain dropped. 
 
 Jan. 10. An extremely cold day, scarcely ever exceeded in 
 New England ; abode within all day, glad to have a shelter, which 
 many a poor wretch wants. I never felt stronger reasons for grati- 
 tude ; .Tiay the sense of it ever remain on my mind, for sure I am 
 it is a most pleasing sensation or feeling. 
 
 Jan. 12. Mr. Timmins brought me a packet from Salem, by 
 way of St. Kitt's, containing a long letter from Dr. Holyoke, and 
 one from Richard Ward. 
 
 Jan. 15. Colonel Erving and Mr. Arthur Savage called. 
 
 Jan. 16. Visited Mr. Wiswall ; accompanied Mr. Dalglish, at 
 his desire, to a visit at Samuel H. Sparhawk's. A second unsuc- 
 cessful one to Mr. Hughes, who was keeping his birth-day at his 
 sister Hutchin's. 
 
 Jan. 17. Drank tea with Mr. Barnes, his lodgings, No. 5 our 
 court ; in conversation till eleven. 
 
 Jan. 19. Visited Treasurer Gray, — he absent ;' his son John 
 at home. S H. Sparhawk and Mr. Harnes took tt-a with me, and 
 passed evening ; former says a Mrs. Tiiompson, arrived from New 
 England, informs that people in Massachusetts utter complaints 
 and discontents at Congress and the French without restraint ; — 
 when common sense resumes its reign, as it usually does, sooner 
 
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JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1781. 
 
 178:.] 
 
 or later, the scales which party zeal had clapped over the eyes of 
 the deluded people will fall off, and they will discover the errors 
 their own madness and ill-judged submission to leaders of selfish 
 wicked schemes have seduced them into. She adds, continental 
 dollar bills have, notwithstanding congressional authority, sunk 
 to sixteen for one since their enaission, though sent abroad for the 
 express purpose of restoring their credit ; so ineffectual is human 
 power to create something out of nothing ; also reports, that taxes 
 are risen to such a height as to exceed the produce of the land. 
 Those who have left America since the rupture, have brought ac- 
 counts so exaggerated that renders it prudent to receive them with 
 caution, and not give too hasty credit. However, that the people 
 are oppressed with taxes, is notorious j that they are in want of 
 money, of the common essential articles, is also well known ; and 
 personal safety is very precarious, etc. Nothing, I presume, but 
 despair, under the power of an American and French army, can 
 reduce this once happy people. May these destructive locusts soon 
 be expelled from the face of the country, and selfish purposes be 
 abandoned ; for the true interest of the English government con- 
 sists in a friendly and indissoluble union of all its members. 
 
 Jan. 21. To No. 8 Haymarket, to see Lieut. William Browne, 
 (ray friend Col. Browne's son,) of the 38th regiment ; he had 
 departed for Portsmouth in order to take shipping for Gibraltar. 
 
 TO JONATHAN SEWALL, ESQ., BRISTOL. 
 
 London, Jan. 23, 1781. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 A few days since, I received a long letter from our common 
 friend, Doctor Holyoke, who informs me that the winter of '79 — 
 80, exceeded any since 1740. It began before the middle of 
 December, and it should seem, lasted till June nearly ; no vegeta- 
 tion taking place till the last week in May ; that the snow con- 
 tinued to fall till the 11th of January, when it was between two and 
 three feet deep. Not a day in all January, nor till 10th of Feb- 
 ruary, was it warmer at eight o'clock A. M. than twenty-eight 
 degrees of Farenheit's scale, — which I fancy pretty thoroughly 
 cooled them ; and, on the 29th of January, the mercury stood at 
 six degrees below zero within doors, and abroad sunk two degrees 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 303 
 
 lower. Under all our distresses, we here enjoy, he says, one pros- 
 pect promising public happiness in future : — four or five years 
 since, less than half a pint of Siberian wheat was sown among 
 them, producing so incredibly, that, in the northern counties of 
 New England especially, there is reason to believe the harvest 
 this year will yield seed enough for the whole state another year. 
 Notwithstanding the evil doings of our countrymen, are not 
 you pleased to think they are likely to become independent of the 
 southern colonies, and eat, like the inhabitants of the other im- 
 proved countries on the face of the earth. Christian's food, and be 
 no longer confined to that which everywhere else is raised only for 
 the nourishment of horses and poultry ? I am glad at heart, but fear 
 that even this blessing, like food taken into a disordered stomach 
 abounding in acrimonious juices, but the more increases its morbid 
 state — for this unexpected supply, and at this juncture, will afford 
 the crafty, political, and spiritual misguides among them but too 
 plausible an occasion to trumpet forth this seemingly seasonable 
 interposition of divine Providence in their favor, and confirm and 
 harden them, amidst all their sufferings, in their infatuated destruc- 
 tive resistance to a power as necessary in my mind to their safety 
 and honor as a parent to his children in an infant state. Nor do I 
 fancy it would be a difficult matter for the aforementioned gentry 
 to persuade them that Moses and Joshua's prophetical declarations 
 to the children of Israel, that they should possess a land flowing 
 with milk and honey, and be filled with the finest of the wheat — 
 the two former of which you know they had plenty enough before, 
 — did ultimately refer to themselves, was typical of them, and was 
 now accomplishing — so entirely do they seem to have surrendered 
 up their understandings to the insinuations and influence of their 
 guides. The last year's taxes in Massachusetts were more than 
 commensurate to the produce of their lands, under the best improve- 
 ment ; if the force that keeps them under such deplorable circum- 
 stances is not insurmountable, their political folly exceeds any re- 
 corded in history. 
 
 With perfect esteem, your friend, 
 
 S. CURWKN. 
 
 |;iH«: 
 
 A 
 
 K*. 
 
304 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1781. 
 
 1781.] 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH. 
 
 London, Jan. 24, 1781. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Were I to write a theme, as you know was customary in the 
 last years at our schools, and should choose Tully's celebrated line 
 for the subject, " cedant arma toga, concedat laurea lingtue," our 
 Massachusetts might be quoted as an example. For amidst the 
 din and clash of arms, the hurry, tumult, and confusion of war, as 
 though they were enjoying the sweetest blessings of a well estab- 
 lished, secure peace, the rulers of the present government there 
 have instituted and incorporated a society for promoting literature 
 and the liberal arts, etc., by the name of the "American Acade- 
 my of Arts and Sciences f^ of which the following is a short rela- 
 tion, received lately from ray friend Dr. Holyoke : " Our legisla- 
 ture has lately incorporated sundry gentlemen in the several coun- 
 ties, to the number of sixty, enabling them to hold real and personal 
 estate, and has granted them other ample powers and privileges, for 
 the purpose of promoting those arts and sciences which may be 
 either useful or ornamental to society." To which he adds, " I 
 doubt not, you will wish the society may flourish j the cause of 
 science being the cause of humanity." I do fervently wish its en- 
 couragement and increase ; glad at heart that they have been dis- 
 posed to promote any plan to soften that ferocity and hardness of 
 heart which war, rapine, and plunder have lately spread among 
 them, and which the wisest and most prudent among them have 
 viewed with horror. I have never read this paragraph in my 
 friend's letter, but it reminded me of a line in Horace, unless I mis- 
 take the author, Emollit mores nee sinit esseferos* I was, for a 
 time, at a loss to account for their choice of this particular period 
 for such a purpose, considering the great and important business 
 upon their hands of forming a new state, etc., but am now fully 
 satisfied the foregoing hint was the true and pressing cause. 
 
 Dr. Langdon has quitted the chair of the presidency of Harvard 
 College, but for what reason I am not acquainted. 
 
 The late emission of paper by Congress cannot find credit 
 enough to obtain a currency — the old bills are eighty for one. 
 
 I remain truly yours, S. Curwen. 
 
 * Letters soften and refine the character. 
 
 Dear Sir 
 By m( 
 
 my lodgin 
 by her I v 
 first intelli 
 America, 
 times, no i 
 heartily c( 
 of all neec 
 
 Jan. 2 
 Erving's 1 
 
 Jan. 2 
 as usual, 
 Coffee-hoi 
 Massachus 
 
 Feb. 1. 
 Dalglish's 
 ins, John I 
 
 Feb. 5 
 Lord Geor 
 and as cloi 
 death by i 
 lasted till 
 the score c 
 
 Feb. 6. 
 his desire, 
 now belon 
 and undert 
 nothing re 
 at the em 
 founders, ] 
 supposed t( 
 and a smal 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOURNAI, AND LETTERS. 
 
 305 
 
 TO ROWLAND SAVAGE, ESQ., HALIFAX. 
 
 London, Jan. 25, 1781. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 By mere accident, going to the " Blue Post" almost opposite 
 
 my lodgings, I saw Mrs, Savage, which gave me great pleasure j 
 
 by her I was informed of your appointment at Halifax, being the 
 
 first intelligence concerning you since ray ill-omened departure from 
 
 America. Hope your post affords a genteel subsistence ; in these 
 
 times, no unfavorable circumstance to refugees, in which case I most 
 
 heartily congratulate you. Wishing you a supply and continuance 
 
 of all needful blessings, I am your friend, 
 
 S. Curwen. 
 
 Jan. 27. Mr. Barnes called on me to inquire about Colonel 
 Erving's lodgings, Islington. 
 
 Jan. 28. At St. Paul's — Dr. Whitfield preached ; company, 
 as usual, small but respectable. Passed an hour at Gray's Inn 
 Coffee-house ; received a list of the seized and forfeited estates in 
 Massachusetts. 
 
 Feb. 1. Dined at White Heart inn, Bishopgate-street, at Mr. 
 Dalglish's invitation, in company with Messrs. H. Hughes, Hutch- 
 ins, John Inman, and Whitlock. 
 
 Feb. 5. At Westminster Hall, being the important day of 
 Lord George Gordon's trial ; floor stowed as bale goods in a ship, 
 and as closely packed. Soon took myself off, rather than hazard 
 death by suffocation: — the collection was miscellaneous. Trial 
 lasted till four o'clock next morning, when he was acquitted on 
 the score of insanity. 
 
 Feb. 6. Accompanied Mr. Arthur Savage to Clerkenwell, by 
 his desire, to view an old secularized religious house, called Priory, 
 now belonging to the Duke of Portland, tenanted by a carpenter 
 and undertaker, who civilly accompanied us through ;' there is now 
 nothing remaining of old buildings but a small portion of cloisters, 
 at the end whereof is cut, " Jordan Bridget, Murrell Bridget, 
 founders, 1100." In a distant part are small remains of a wall, 
 supposed to be in a state of decay, and the two arches, a larger 
 and a smaller, the former ornamented, and both portions of a circle, 
 
 39 
 
 »'lh 
 
 <i 
 
 mmi 
 
306 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1781. 
 
 1781.] 
 
 which form prevailed before the introduction of the Gothic or Nor- 
 man styles. Returning from thence, turned into a court of several 
 narrow alleys, filled with small huttish kind of houses, the habita- 
 tions of filth and vice, named Blueberry Mley, notorious for its con- 
 stant supply of Tyburn. Ten have been dragged out from thence 
 in one session, for thievery and other enormities, and graced the 
 halter. Met our late Mr. Fisher ; I turned in with him to Mr. 
 Hutchins' auction room, who was then employed in disposing of 
 natural and artificial curiosities, from the South Sea, just imported 
 in the " Resolution." 
 
 Feb. 7. Visited Col. Browne and lady ; meeting Mr. Dalglish, 
 took him with me, and after a short stay departed to Mr. Tim- 
 mins's ; thence to Mr. Arthur Savage's, Brorapton-row. 
 
 Feb. 9. Mr. Dalglish called for me to accompany him to 
 Greenwich Hospital ; walking to Gracechurch-street, after half an 
 hour's delay, entered stage and soon arrived there, and thoroughly 
 examined it within and without. Dined in a detached room be- 
 longing to a tavern in the town, built and projecting over the river 
 Thames, from whence is a view of the Isle of Dogs, Blackwall and 
 Long Reach. Returned in stage; in our passage vas told the fol- 
 lowing : — an inhabitant of this town walks every day and has done 
 so for some years back, from seven to eight miles, having measured 
 within the period from whence the computation began to some 
 months since, forty-five thousand miles. Evening at Crown Tavern 
 Lodge ; Quick, the celebrated comedian, was raised to masonry — 
 a humorous, funny companion, who I fancy intends to entertain the 
 public with the secrets of this society. 
 
 Feb. 10. Accompanied Mr. Barnes to St. Nicholas College 
 Abbey, Old Fish-street. Dr. Porleus, Bishop of Chester, preached 
 an excellent and elegant sermon, in style and composition, and 
 pleasingly delivered. 
 
 Feb. 13. Visited by Parson Peters, and Parson Clarke, late a 
 townsman ; from a cold taken on board a prison ship in Boston 
 harbor, to which he was consigned by the patriots in punishment 
 of toryism, he has lost his voice, and is scarce able to articulate. 
 This, added to his deafness, renders him a lonely, pitiable object ; 
 he has received twenty pounds per annum from the society for pro- 
 pagating the gospel— government declining to give him a settled 
 
 to Engh 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 307 
 
 stipend, though it has once and again presented him with a scanty 
 gratuity. 
 
 Feb. 15. At Col. Browne's. Mrs. Browne informed me of 
 her treatment at Salem and Boston, after her husband's departure 
 to England. 
 
 Feb. 16. At Bow church to hear an annual sermon to society 
 for propagating the gospel in partibus transmarinis ; Dr. Hurd, 
 bishop of Lichfield and Coventry preached j present the lord may- 
 or, two sheriffs, two archbishops, Butler of Oxford, Thomas of 
 Rochester, and Markham of York. 
 
 Feb. 19. Evening, at an address on heads, exhibited in trans- 
 parency, as follows : Sterne, a pathetic apostrophe ; Capt. Cook, 
 the celebrated circumnavigator, an encomium, etc. Breslau's sur- 
 prising tricks on cards followed, interluded with music, and an 
 imitation of the thrush, blackbird, sky-lark, nightingale, wood-lark 
 and quail. 
 
 Feb. 24. To theatre to see Mrs. Cowley's new play j unfor- 
 tunately it was hissed off the stage just before the conclusion of the 
 last act J being in its progress of acting alternately and frequently 
 hissed by its foes and cheered by its friends ; the latter proved the 
 minority, and therefore unsuccessful, as all in minorities are in 
 state and church, as well as theatres. Many came for the express 
 purpose of supporting or damning it ; her husband, a writer in one 
 of the daily papers, employs his pen in criticising works of all other 
 stage writers, and has by the severity of his remarks raised up a 
 host of determined foes, to crush whatever proceeds from his quar- 
 ter; though no foreign considerations were needed to banish this 
 piece from the stage, its own intrinsic unworthiness was more than 
 enough ; being a low performance, and unworthy the pen of the 
 author of" Belle's Stratagem''^ and " Who's the Dupe." Knowing the 
 writer and her connections, I feel severely for them, especially, too, 
 as her brother is a fellow lodger, whose exquisite delicacy of feel- 
 ing must be cruelly wounded on this occasion. The prologue and 
 epilogue were excellent, and did great credit to the performers, Mr. 
 Lewis and Miss Young, who were rewarded with universal ap- 
 plause. 
 
 Feb. 26. Drank tea at the widow Greene's in company with 
 two Misses Joye of Boston, by whom I was informed of the follow- 
 
 'ftJ 
 
 U\ •/ 
 
 ;f 
 
308 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1781. 
 
 1781.] 
 
 ing : viz., a younger son of Francis Greene from Boston, who was 
 born deaf and dumb, who was under the tuition of a person in 
 Scotland, in the course of one year arrived to the power of forming 
 articulate sounds, and can now converse on any subject so intelli- 
 gibly as to be understood without difficulty by those acquainted 
 with him ; music only excepted ; he writes letters with propriety 
 and even elegance. This person engages to instruct dumb pupils 
 in all languages, and has examples of his success to prove his art ; 
 he has more than a hundred now under his management. A pro- 
 posal is about to be presented to the king by the Duke of Mon- 
 tague for establishing academies in several parts of England, to 
 instruct children of the poorer sort in this unhappy predicament, on 
 a public foundation ; — may it succeed, and thereby be brought into 
 usefulness many of promising parts. This plan is suggested by Dr. 
 Hunter, whose avocations render it impracticable to himself. 
 
 March 8. Met three of my countrymen at three different 
 times. Dr. Perkins, Mr. R. Clarke, and Mr. Elisha Hutchinson. 
 
 March 10. Col. now Governor Browne, called on me with 
 complaints of my neglect, which sundry avocations caused. 
 
 March 11. At Charing Cross just as there was passing a most 
 pompous procession of funeral coaches, attended on each side by 
 numerous flambeaux-men holding in their hands lighted torches in 
 branches of four. 
 
 March 12. Passed eight hours at Col, Browne's in a friendly 
 tHe-a4ete. 
 
 March 22. To Westminster Hall, and passing through, came 
 to foot of steps leading to the lobby of the House of Commons, 
 where, seeing an officer standing unemployed, I inquired about the 
 disposition and arrangement of rooms belonging to, and under and 
 adjoining the pile called St. Stephen's Chapel, lords' house, star 
 chamber, painted and Jerusalem chamber ; and from him received 
 a more particular and satisfactory account than I had ever before 
 had. Proceeding thence to the lobby of the commons house, I 
 found it filled with gentry in livery ; just peeping in, I went di- 
 rectly to the hatch leading to the antechamber of the gallery, which 
 the old enfeebled keeper opened to me. After the delay of a 
 quarter of an hour, I obtained entrance, and found many persons 
 there before me. The house was very full below -, among others 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 309 
 
 Lord North, %hom I discovered on the treasury bench by his blue 
 ribbon. The members sit with their hats on, but always uncover 
 when they rise to speak, and on depai salute the chair by a 
 bow. The speaker is always covered, and with the clerks habited 
 in black gowns; after some time he commanded to order, and 
 some members to their seats ; then directing his looks to a Mr. 
 Minchin with a motion of his head, the member arose, when a pro- 
 found silence ensued, and continued to be strictly observed through 
 the whole of the speech. He began by informing the house of a 
 motion he had to make and the subject of it, viz. : That a regular 
 and intelligible account should be rendered of the money granted 
 by parliament for the navy, for which inquiry and motion he as- 
 signe(|| three reasons ; one being the waste in expenditure. The 
 proof of this article arose from thirteen ships, of which he men- 
 tioned one instance only as a specimen ; the others were in the 
 same predicament. The Narcissus, in 1772, was estimated at 
 ^63,000, to complete with guns and stores ; on estimate of 1778 
 she was put in at JE5,000 ; in 1779 je5,500 ; and in 1780 at 
 £3,600 ; in the total .£17,100. At the end of that period she lay 
 in dock untouched, without a farthing's worth of stores or one gun 
 on board, and in the same unfit, unrepaired condition as at first. 
 During the course of his speech he was now and then interrupted 
 by a murmur on the other side the house, which was at times suc- 
 ceeded by " hear him, hear him," and very generally attended to. 
 Sir George Young followed, but was less minded. Sir Charles 
 Bunbury spoke next, who made a long and more formal oration on 
 same side, pretty well listened to, and frequently complimented 
 with " hear him, hear him ;" which expression was also used to two 
 men who followed, viz. Admiral Keppel, who spoke well, and 
 with some warmth, and Sir Hugh Palliser, who was called by 
 name by his party. He arose and began by justifying the admi- 
 ralty, attributing the present state of the navy, though respectable, 
 to malignant influence of party, which has, he said, diffused itself 
 effectually into the king's dock-yards, teaching the inmates to form 
 associations, whereby wise measures of the admiralty had in some 
 degree been defeated. He having finished and set down, the house 
 resounded with " Burke, Burke ;" hereupon the Irish orator arose, 
 and in a loud and manly voice, with singular energy and compass 
 
 M I 
 
 -n 
 
 I' •> J 
 
310 
 
 JO RNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1781. 
 
 of expression, and a torrent of eloquence, reprobated Sir Hugh's 
 account, exposed the futility of his arguments, excited universal 
 attention, and frequently raised more than a smile in the features 
 of his listening hearers. I should have mentioned Mr. Penton, one 
 of the navy board, who rose next to the motion maker, and justi- 
 fied the accounts rendered, as a mode adopted and by experience 
 found the best for more than a century past ; to which the reply 
 was that he had mbtaken the meaning of the objections in three 
 particulars. 
 
 March 23. With Mr. Danforth fetched a long walk to 
 Session Green in Paddington Road. 
 
 TO DR. EDWARD A. HOLYOKE, SALEM. 
 
 London, March 23, 1781. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Meeting the bearer this afternoon, he informed me of his in- 
 tended departure to-morrow for New-York. The shortness of the 
 warning puts it out of my power to be so particular in my answer 
 to your agreeable favor as it was my determination to be. In my 
 next, if I can procure a conveyance not exposed to state inquisition, 
 I shall fulfil my first purpose. I am now to acknowledge the 
 pleasing and interesting relations yours conveyed, and am glad that 
 at any rate ou: native country is and has been free from those op- 
 pressions, suflferings, and distressing evils that intestine commotions 
 and rage of civil war have subjected our unhappy fellow-subjects 
 in the southern colonies to. "Whether you have had real enjoy- 
 ments compared to its confessedly happy days within our remem- 
 brance, I pretend not to affirm or deny ; the accounts from those 
 who have for these two or three years since escaped from thence 
 and took refuge here, are such as do not excite the most fervent 
 wishes in the breasts of our countrymen here, who enjoy peace and 
 the comforts of life, to return back again soon. One would think 
 from the establishment of an academy of arts and sciences at a time 
 when the country is oppressed by a destructive war, yet uncertain 
 of the event, that the rulers of your state labored under I'etourdie 
 des hommes du bois, or possessed the magnanimity of the old 
 Roman senators ; be that as it may, I wish its continuance and 
 success. 
 
 1781.] 
 
 I am 
 
 thought in 
 and ninetj 
 sight I ha( 
 North J th 
 led me to 
 accident p 
 hitherto :- 
 Hall, I obi 
 nity of se 
 great Jrisl 
 elocution 1 
 diverted th 
 and would 
 ances that 
 with salute 
 English bl 
 quarrel for 
 
 visit, but S( 
 was sitting 
 inconveniei 
 ^pril 3 
 my absence 
 invited him 
 we walked 
 stage beint 
 three miles, 
 park, when 
 mortars am 
 the place ' 
 ing a chain 
 niently, wit 
 chain from 
 five hundrei 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 11 
 
 I am now going to relate a fact you would perhap nave 
 thought incredible ; the day on which I completed two hur,.lr''(l 
 and ninety-six weeks' residence on this island, favored me with a 
 sight I had never before had, of that extraordinary person. Lord 
 North ; though I confess curiosity had more than a score of times 
 led me to the lobby of the commons house and the gallery, but 
 accident procured me what my wishes and endeavors had failed in 
 hitherto : — for carelessly strolling without design into Westminster 
 Hall, I obtained admission to the gallery, where I had an opportu- 
 nity of seeing him with a full treasury bench and house. • The 
 great Irish born orator, Mr. Burke, spoke, and his thundering 
 elocution fixed the attention of the house, and his wit and satire 
 diverted them, and produced peals of laughter. More it is needless 
 and would not be prudent to mention. Theve are some appear- 
 ances that the Empress of Russia's mediation may be attended 
 with salutary effects. May a stop be put to the further effusion of 
 English blood ; too much has been spilt already in this destructive 
 quarrel for independence. 
 
 Very truly your friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 
 Wij 
 
 I 
 
 
 Jipril 2. Went to Leicester-square to pay Mr. R. Clarke a 
 visit, but seeing a nobleman's carriage at the door, presumed he 
 was sitting to Mr. Copley, and that therefore my company may be 
 inconvenient. 
 
 Jipril 3. Abel Willard and young Borland called to-day in 
 my absence, and left their address. Called on Mr. Dalglish, and 
 invited him to accompany me to Woolwich ; he readily complying, 
 we walked to Charing Cross and took coach to Greenwich ; the 
 stage being gone from thence, we walked to Woolwich, about 
 three miles. Passing through the town, we went on towards artillery- 
 park, wherein is an immense quantity of brass and iron ordnance, 
 mortars and shot of all dimensions ; passing through we arrived at 
 the place where the convicts were employed in labor, each hav- 
 ing a chain on both legs just long enough for him to walk conve- 
 niently, with a string tied thereto reaching to the waist to keep the 
 chain from falling down to the ankles. I am told there are about 
 five hundred employed, bringing dirt, sand and gravel from barges 
 
 '\A"\A 
 
312 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1781. 
 
 1781.] 
 
 on small carts, some in wheeling barrows, otheis in various 
 ways as they are qualified. The effects of their labor is visible in 
 a sea wall of earth, six hundred yards long, and having a broad 
 convenient footpath on top ; they are now employed in making and 
 sodding a new artillery parade. 1 could not refrain from many 
 mortifying reflections on the sad necessity human governments are 
 under to treat with such severity so many of our fellow-creatures, 
 furnished with the noble powers of reason and understanding, and 
 capable of employing them to the most useful purposes. Dined at 
 Crown and Anchor, and returned by eight o'clock. 
 
 ^pril 5. Mr. Arthur Savage and Mr. F. calling, we went to 
 St. Lawrence Jewry, to hear a sermon to the governors of the Lon- 
 don Hospital, from the excellent and worthy Bishop of Chester, 
 Dr. Porteus. He possesses a good enunciation and pleasant voice, 
 somewhat earnest, style elegant, periods happy and finely turned, 
 without any appearance of art or affectation. On the whole he is 
 a delightful speaker, never failing to instruct and charm a serious 
 and attentive hearer. 
 
 Received a letter from Rev. Thomas Barnard, inclosed in one 
 from Benjamin Pickman at Warwick. 
 
 ^pril 6. Drank tea at Mr. Copley's, with whom his father-in- 
 law, Mr. R. Clark, resides ; all the family present. 
 
 Jipril 8. Accompanied Col. Browne to hear the famed pulpit 
 orator, Mr. Duchee, late of Philadelphia, at Tavistock chapel, 
 Broad-court, Longacre, who figures even in London. His per- 
 formance, in point of language and delivery, greatly pleased us. 
 Dined and passed the evening at Col. Browne's. 
 
 April 11. Mr. Sparhawk, Rev. Mr. Peters, and Rev. Mr. 
 Clark took tea with me. 
 
 April 1 3. Good-Friday. To Westminster Abbey ; entering, I 
 found the choir shut ; no service, or over, but could not learn which ; 
 so totally ignorant or unconcerned are people here in general of 
 every thing not their immediate business or pursuit. Returning, I 
 stepped :n at Whitehall chapel, the Dean of Rochester was preach- 
 ing. Lord North and Judge Oliver attended at same place, though 
 I knew it not till informed by the latter, at whose house I drank 
 tea,^nd there met Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Hutchinson. Since my 
 last visit to Westminster Abbey, to my surprise I find a white mar- 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 818 
 
 : " M 
 
 ble monument erected to the honor of Dr. Isaac Watts; he is 
 represented as clad in a loose dress, sitting in a thoughtful posture, 
 his head covered with lank hairs resting on his left hand ; his right 
 leaning on a table, holding a pen, denoting his having just finished 
 a sentence ; his arm seized and grasped by a female figure, in loose 
 attire, which I suppose to represent one of the virtues. 
 
 ^pril 14. Visited Mr. Maddocks the florist's garden at Cam- 
 berwell ; a fine show of auriculas and hyacinths. 
 
 ^pril 17. Accompanied Thomas Goldthwait to Wiswall's 
 lodgings by his desire, he having called on me for that purpose, 
 in order to offer him the living at Dunmore in Essex, which the 
 rector gave Mr. Goldthwait leave to offer to any American clergy- 
 man out of employ. The terms offered were fifty pounds salary, 
 and considerable emoluments j for life, or as long as Mr. Wiswall 
 shall please ; the neighborhood is represented as agreeable. Met 
 Samuel Porter and sundry others of my countrymen in the Park. 
 
 ^pril 18. Evening at Covent Garden, to see " ^ new way 
 to pay old debts ;" entertainment, " Barnahy Brittle y" this part 
 by Quick, who also acted Justice Greedy. In the whole were 
 some humorous strokes, — many low ones, — all applauded. 
 
 ^pril 19. Went to Mr. Benjamin Thompson's lodgings, Pall 
 Mall. 
 
 ^pril 21. Went to see a model o' ncient Rome ; scale, one 
 inch to ninety feet, making a square of twelve feet : but the topo- 
 graphical or ground scale does not hold with respect to height of 
 buildings, pillars, etc., appearing on a larger scale. Meeting Mr. 
 Timmins, received an invitation to dine ; and at two o'clock set 
 off for his house on foot j in the meantime, Mr. Wiswall coming 
 to my door, instead of entering pursued his design of walking. 
 Directed our way through the fields to Islington Spa, Saddler's 
 Wells, Bagnigge Wells, places he had never before seen. Re- 
 turned by the way of Hatton Garden or street ; at Mr. Timmins's 
 met Gilbert Harrison ; returned home modo pedestri. 
 
 Jlpril 25. Rambled with Col. Browne round Mary-le-Bone ; 
 in the neighborhood of a spot, late gardens, I saw for first time 
 an old brick building called Queen Mary's country seat, in pretty 
 nearly the same condition she left it more than two centuries since; 
 being in a villa some miles from the city of London, in its then 
 
 40 
 
 ."r.*! 
 
 ' .11 
 
 m m 
 
 ■Al- 
 
 ;■ ■)' ■ 
 
314 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1781. 
 
 1781.] 
 
 circumscribed limits, three-fourths of the iray to it now built being 
 then country. It is low studded and lofty roof, small windows, 
 many juttings and projections ; is now in private hands, the Duke 
 of Portland's, and is used as a boarding-school. The grounds re- 
 main unaltered. 
 
 April 26. Mr. Goldthwait anil Mr. Danforth dined with me j 
 at five we departed by assignment to Mrs. Hay's ; Col. Browne 
 and lady were to have been of the party, which accident prevented. 
 We had Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson, late of Boston, and Mr. Greene, 
 who in dress equalled a nobleman of the highest rank and quality, 
 girded with a military side weapon. 
 
 April 27. Colonel Erving and Mr. Dalglish called ; the latter 
 for roe to accompany him to the commons' house. The subject of 
 debate was the East India officers, — the motion by Lord North j 
 his opponents were Burke, Charles J. Fox, etc. 
 
 Jipril 28. Visited my friend Governor Browne j confined by 
 an ill turn which seized him violently. I called to acquaint Mrs. 
 Browne, that " Belle's Stratagem" was to be acted to-night, 
 having engaged to accompany her to see it. 
 
 April 29, Sunday. At Essex House chapel, Dr. Priestley 
 preached an excellent discourse ; proving beyond contradiction 
 that religion and virtue are the only just sources of true delight and 
 joy, or as he modified the language, of settled, calm serenity of 
 mind. It was a discourse worthy a Christian divine, and happy 
 would those be on whose minds those blessed truths were im- 
 pressed in indelible characters. Rev. Mr. Wiswall was by my in- 
 vitation my fellow-worshipper at Essex House. Afternoon service, 
 Mr. Lindsay j)reachcd. My companion drank tea with me, ex- 
 pressing in conversation his professional dislike of Mr. Lindsay's 
 attempt to reform the liturgy. Religious prejudice is the unhappy 
 leaven of a narrow education, and manifests a fettered mind. I 
 hope I have sufficient reasons to rejoice that mine is free from 
 those manacles. I plainly see it may be politically useful to state 
 managers and hierarchists, whose views extend not beyond this 
 present mortal state ; but in no view is it to be supported on the 
 grounds of advancing the cause of truth and manly sentiment, and 
 genuine, unadulterated Christianity. 
 
 April 30. Entered Col. and Mrs. Browne's name with my 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOVRNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 315 
 
 own for admission some days hence at British Museum ; list filled 
 for two or three days. 
 
 May 4. D<ned at Col. Browne's, there heard of Mrs. Sar- 
 gent's death. Evening waited on Mrs. Browne to Covent Garden 
 theatre, to see " The Duenna." 
 
 May 7. To Mr. Maddocks' at Walworth, with Mr. Dalglish, to 
 see his fine show of tulips, which unfavorable weather deforms 
 greatly, preventing the beautiful, pleasing display that might other- 
 wise be expected. 
 
 May 8. Passed forenoon at the public exhibition of paintings, 
 sculpture,, and drawings of the Royal Academy in Somerset House, 
 Strand. A great concourse of well dressed, genteel people, as 
 usual ; large exhibition room crowded, but my good fortune secured 
 an advantageous seat, almost central, which from arrangement and 
 construction of room and pictures, yielded a fuller view and happier 
 light ; I kept in close connection with a gentleman of taste and 
 judgment, disposed to communicate, and seeming happy to show 
 off and please; by him I was entertained and instructed. 
 
 May 23. This day at eleven o'e.lnck entered British Museum. 
 Dr. Woide, the transcriber and publisher, complaisant ly showed 
 roe the Alexandrian manuscript ol llie New Testainent, favored me 
 with many ingenious remarks, and read meseveial passages which 
 I confess I should without his assistance have found it diflicult to 
 hobble through, from the peculiar manner of writing then used. 
 It is said to be older than the Arian controversy, and is without 
 the seventh verse of the fifth chapter 1st Epistle of St. John. It is 
 written in Greek capitals, without distinction of points or words, 
 letters following in equi-distant spaces. A lac simile copy is now 
 preparing by my informant, who appears learned, and is very 
 obliging. After having gone through part of our course in the 
 rooms, my companions Col. and Mrs. Browne appeared and joined 
 us. We were attended by Dr. Solander; some of our company 
 were persons of distinction, Lady Dowager Wynne and her young 
 son the baronet, and several others whose names I have forgotten. 
 Among other curiosities were shown us King Edward Vlth's 
 journal, written with his own hand — volumes of royal letters, etc. 
 It seems all letters from the princes of Europe to one another are 
 preserved, and after death of writer sent back to their respective 
 
 ': { HI 
 
 'I' 
 
 ! i. 
 
 LvS 
 
 
 i';^ 
 
316 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1781. 
 
 1781.] 
 
 courts ; they are of one size — seal never broken, a ribbon through 
 the wax is cut in order to open it. Dr. Solander showed us an 
 oyster-shell of a roundish form, about four inches over, which he 
 said was valued at a hundred guineas ; another larger beside it, of 
 less brilliant water, of no more value than ten ; they both had a 
 faint mother of pearl cast. On returning home found a letter from 
 Arthur Savage, informing me of Mr. Thompson's compliments and 
 wish to see me at eleven o'clock to-morrow, at his lodgings. 
 
 May 24. Went early in order to be at Mr. Benjamin Thomp- 
 son's in time, and being a little before, heard he was not returned 
 home from Lord George Gerraaine's, where he always breakfasts, 
 dines and sups, so great a favorite is he. To kill half an hour, I 
 loitered to the park through the palace, and on second return found 
 him at his lodgings ; he received me in a friendly manner, taking 
 me by the hand, talked with great freedom, and promised to re- 
 member and serve me in the way I proposed to him. Promises are 
 easily made, and genteel delusive encouragement the staple arti- 
 cle of trade belonging to the courtier's profession. I put no hopes 
 on the fair appearances of outward behavior, though it is uncandid 
 to suppose all mean to deceive. Some wish to do a service who 
 have it not in their power ; all wish to be thought of importance 
 and significancy, and this often leads to deceit. This young man, 
 when a shop lad to my next neighbor, ever appeared active, good- 
 natured and sensible; by a strange concurrence of events, he is 
 now under secretary to the American secretary of state, Lord George 
 Germaine, a secretary to Georgia, inspector of all the clothing sent 
 to America, and Lieut. Col. Commandant of horse dragoons at 
 New- York ; his income arising from these sources is, 1 have been 
 told, near seven thousand a year — a sum infinitely beyond his most 
 sanguine expectations. He is besides a member of the Royal So- 
 ciety. It is said he is of an ingenious turn, an inventive imagina- 
 tion, and by being on one cruise in channel service with Sir Charles 
 Hardy, has formed a more regular and better digested system for 
 signals than that heretofore used. He seems to be of a happy, even 
 temper in general deportment, and reported of an excellent heart ; 
 peculiarly respectful to Americans that fall in his way.* 
 
 * Aftei wards tho celebrated Count Rumford. 
 
 \ 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 317 
 
 Mem. A letter has been intercepted and published here, 
 thought by some to be a genuine production and unintentionally 
 fallen into British hands, signed Geo. Washington, showing his 
 opinion of American inability to support this burdensome and ex- 
 pensive war, unless France and other allies bestir themselves and 
 lend more essential aid than hirherto ; meeting Mr. Paxton and 
 Treasurer Gray, they both agreed in sentiment that it is a genuine 
 letter, and dictated by real judgment. 
 
 Drank tea at Mrs. Greene's by appointment ; met Mr. Wis- 
 wall, who was just going to his cure in Oxford. At his request I 
 jumped into the carriage with him, and alighted at Crosskeys, 
 Gracechurch-street ; thence to Boar's Head, Eastcheap, and in the 
 identical spot where Nym, Pistol, Bardolph, Hal, and Sir John 
 Falstaff were wont to assemble together to pass their jovial even- 
 ings three hundred years since ; after a regale of punch to the 
 remembrance of these jovial blades, we returned to Crosskeys. 
 
 June 5. Visited Governor Browne and Mrs. Browne, both un- 
 well ; promised to dine with them the last of the week. 
 
 June 8. Mr. Erving called. 
 
 Juiie 1 1. Visited Mrs. Greene and Abel Willard ; drank tea 
 with Mrs. Councel ; a Mr. Codner and Jones, both late from Boston, 
 there ; no material intelligence obtained from them. They say 
 provisions are double in price to usual in former happy times. 
 Never did an infatuated people wanton away their felicity more 
 foolishly. 
 
 June 13. Dined and passed the evening at Col. Browne's. 
 
 June 19. Paid farewell compliments to Elisha Hutchinson, 
 going soon to his summer residence at Birmingham. 
 
 June 22. Through Moorfields came across a mountebank or 
 stage doctor, on an elevated scatfold, covered with a ragged blanket, 
 discoursing to the more dirty-faced ragged mob; demonstrating to 
 their satisfaction, no doubt, the superior excellence of his nostrums to 
 those of the dispensary, and the more .safe and secure state of patients 
 under his management than hospitals and common receptacles of 
 sick and wounded poor ; whose lives, health, and ease, he said truly, 
 were as dear to them as those of the best gentry or highest nobility 
 in the land ; and he further added, of as much use to the public, 
 which for aught I know is equally true. 
 
 i 
 
 'Mi 
 
 j'-i 
 
318 
 
 JODUNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1781. 
 
 June 23. Went to Col. Browne's to take the last farewell of 
 him and Mrs. Browne, about to depart to his government at Ber- 
 muda ; never more expecting to see them again in this world. 
 
 June 25. Young Gould, a Bostonian, bound to New- York, 
 offered to take letters. 
 
 June 26. Capt. Coombs from New England via New-York, 
 whither he fled to escape persecution, as he said, (a Marblehead 
 refugee,) called and breakfasted with me ; strolled together to Ty- 
 burn, and returned by the square lying north of the city. Carried 
 him home to dinner, thenoe to Chelsea ; returning by Brompton, 
 met Treasurer Gray and Mr. Paxton ; the latter at first sight recol- 
 lecting, accosted me, according to his usual custom, politely and 
 with great openness. The traces of his countenance have been 
 lost in my memory, and I should have passed him. 
 
 June 28. At New England Coffee-house j saw more Bos- 
 tonians than for some years past. 
 
 June 29. Went to see the house in which the noted Jane 
 Shore died; found that it was demolished four yi-ars since, and a 
 new one erected on the spot, in three small tenements, whirh 
 stand in a lane directly faring Watergruel-row, so called. Was 
 informed that an underground communication had been discovered 
 between that house and Bishop Bonner's palace in that neighbor- 
 hood. 
 
 July 2. Wm. Cabot and Capt. Coombs drank tea with me. 
 
 July 4. Mr. A. Savage and Mr. T. Danforth called and took 
 coffee with me. 
 
 July 9. Meeting Mr. Deputy Ellis at a bookseller's in Corn- 
 hill, who resolved my doubt about the meaning of the word molten, 
 as applied in Scripture to images or figures in brass on metal ; sig- 
 nifying melted. 
 
 July 10. Left a note for Mr. A. Savage at Knightsbridge, to 
 acquaint him that Mr. Erving had been to appoint to-morrow to 
 call on him. 
 
 July 12. Visited Mrs. Hay ; there met two Winthrops, one 
 of whom, Thomas Lindall Winthrop,* had lately arrived from New 
 England In Captain Timothy Folger's ship. 
 
 ♦ Tlie lafo Lieut. Governor of Massachusetts ; the other wns his brother 
 Benjainin Winthrop, now of this city, who then resided in London. 
 
 178 l.J 
 
 July\ 
 passing 
 to Staine 
 and Mei\ 
 castle ; 
 
 WinCi 
 at eight 
 Sophia,- 
 bouse, 01 
 cufTs sms 
 buttons 
 white w 
 used in 
 mouth, 
 countenj 
 the mid( 
 removed 
 large, f( 
 appearec 
 about th 
 evening 
 royal. Pi 
 race hal 
 ranks, 
 far mor 
 affects 
 soften d 
 a ridinj 
 bonnet 
 state- ro 
 worked 
 feet lor 
 centre 
 except 
 sented 
 a scre( 
 the evi 
 form, 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 ai9 
 
 Jvly 14. Accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Snelson to Windsor ; 
 passing by Hammersmith, stopped at Turnham-Green ; from hence 
 to Staines, where we dined. At seven o'clock arrived at " Castle 
 and Mermaid" Windsor. Evening, walked on terrace in the 
 castle ; a pleasing prospect, filled with promiscuous company. _. 
 
 Windsor, July 15, Sunday. At St. George's chapel, prayers I 
 at eight; present, the King, Queen, Princesses Elizabeth and 
 Sophia, — about a hundred hearers ; we joined the train to Queen's 
 house, or rather to the gates. The King was dressed in blue fly, 
 cuffs small, open, and turned up with red velvet, cape of same, 
 buttons white, breeches and waiscoat of white cotton, an ordinary 
 white wig with a tail ribbon, a round black chip hat, small, as 
 used in riding. He is tall, square over the shoulders, large ugly 
 mouth, talks a great deal, and shows his teeth too much ; his 
 countenance heavy and lifeless, with white eyebrows. Queen of 
 the middle size and bulk, height five feet and a-half, — though far 
 removed from beautiful, she has an open placid aspect, mouth \ 
 large, foot splay : — at prayers their voices often heard, and they \ 
 appeared devout. They take no state upon them, walk freely 
 about the town with only a lord in waiting. ' At seven, every 
 evening after tea, the King, Queen, Prince of Wales, Princess- 
 royal, Princesses Sophia and Elizabeth, walk for an hour on ter- 
 race half a mile long, amidst t vvo or three thousand people of all 
 ranks. The Prince of Wales appears a likely agreeable person, 
 far more graceful than his father, who is ungainly. The prince 
 affects much the ^^ Jemmy" dress and air; age will doubtless 
 soften down the juvenile taste and affectation. The Queen's dress, 
 a riding-habit, same color and facings as the King's — a small 
 bonnet with a blue feather. Conducted to picture gallery and 
 state-rooms ; in one stands the Queen's bed, of a cream-color, 
 worked in flowers with silk floss beautifully shaded, about seven 
 feet long and six wide ; posts fluted, and gilt tester, having in the 
 centre an oval compartment, thought to be the richest in England 
 except Lady Clifford's at Wybrook, which was wrought and pre- 
 sented to her by the late Duchess of Norfolk, — twelve chairs and 
 a screen, wrought by her present Majesty's own diligent hand. In 
 the evening on the terrace, the King was in full dress, — blue uni- 
 form, sword and cockade ; the Prince of Wales the same. The 
 
 r i It 
 
 
 ;1I,: 
 
 
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380 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS, 
 
 [1781. 
 
 1781.] 
 
 Queen in a faint greenish silk full dress, except her head, on which 
 she had a bonnet with a feather of the same color as her dress. 
 
 Jidy 16. Crossed the river to Eton college or school, passing 
 through cloisters and quadrangles. I learnt from a lad that there 
 ■were three hundred and thirty pupils belonging to the school ; the 
 higher class had on gowns and caps of university fashion. After 
 breakfast, at castle, to hear the roll-call of Lord Falconberg's regi- 
 ment, now on duty, and hear the music ; two bands of which were 
 playing while the royal family were walking last evening. Took 
 our carriage and departed over Cranbrook bridge, and at two 
 o'clock arrived at the Eight, so calied, being a little island of two 
 acres in the river Thames, opposite Kew, just above the bridge. 
 We came hither expecting to have a fine dinner, but the boat had 
 been robbed by some Londoners ; were disappointed. Arrived at 
 lodgings at seven o'clock. 
 
 July 17. Took Captain Coombs to dine with me at the 
 " Thirteen Cantons; " — called on A. Savage. Spoke to Mr. Rowe 
 of Treasury about Captain Coombs; he encourages his application 
 to Lord North. 
 
 July 23. Met Mr. R. Clarke on horseback near Charing 
 Cross ; walked in Charter-House square and gardens ; am told 
 the number of men supported by the founder's munificence is four- 
 score, besides forty boys. 
 
 July 25. Rode to Enfield to inquire respecting board ; result 
 unsatisfactory. I rambled to the borders of the Chase, now laid 
 out in corn and grass, to the great advantage of the neighborhood. 
 In this town is a large, and for the age it was built in, a lofty 
 house of three floors, which had been the residence of Queen Eli- 
 zabeth ; having on the walls within the court, the arms of England 
 quartered with the fleur-de-lis of France, and Q. E. inscribed over 
 in plaster of Paris, almost obliterated by time and weather. Re- 
 turned home on foot without much fatigue. 
 
 July 26. Called for an interview with Mr. Benjamin Thomp- 
 son ; he and Lord George Germaine not returned from the 
 country. 
 
 July 27. Called again on Mr. Thompson ; neither he nor 
 Lord George returned. Passed two hours in Mr. Waller's front 
 dining-room, to have a sight of the French spy, De la Motte, who 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 321 
 
 was dragged on a hurdle to place of execution, Tyburn, to be 
 hanged ; tall and well grown, — dress black, flapped hat. 
 
 July 28. Went with Mr. Arthur Savage on a curiosity walk, 
 to gaze at Chiswick House and gardens ; by a card (without which 
 none are admitted) we found an entrance. It is a seat belonging 
 to the Duke of Devonshire, but forsaken by him. It was left him 
 by its former owner, the lace Earl of Burlington. It is properly a 
 miniature building, and in a peculiar taste ; not a room I think 
 twenty feet square, many smaller. The walls are covered with 
 pictures, some fine originals, principally copies ; grounds covered 
 with sphinxes and urns. Walks in Chinese taste, long, straight, and 
 gravelled ; cut hedges. From a terrace is a beautiful view over 
 a delightfully improved country, bounded by surrounding hills, in- 
 terspersed with gentlemen's seats ; farm houses, live hedges, corn 
 grounds, pastures with trees in rows, clumps and wildernesses. In 
 the grounds are a few temples and porticoes. Having satisfied 
 curiosity, as far as time would admit, we entered the road and be- 
 gan our homeward course, and arrived at three o'clock. 
 
 July 29. Dined at Capt. Hay's, by invitation card of yester- 
 day, with Mr. Danforth, and also Mrs. Geyer, just arrived from 
 New-York. 
 
 July 30. Went to W^estminster Abbey to meet Mr. Savage 
 by agreement, to explain to him the meaning of mottoes under 
 arms of the knights of the bath in Henry Vllth's chapel. Saw, for 
 the first time. Lord Chatham's effigy in wax, having the wig, shoes, 
 robes, etc., he had on when he expired in the House of Lords ; 
 said to be very like him, but very unlike every cut of him that had 
 before come to ray view. 
 
 July 31. Dined with Mr, Simpson and Mr. Higginson, and 
 abode there till four o'clock \ returned, and Mr. Smithson drank 
 tea with me. 
 
 Aug. 1. Capt. Coombs breakfasted with me ; accompanied 
 him to the Treasury, in order to put his petition, with Sir William 
 Pepperell's recommendation, into Mr. Rowe's hands ; who returned 
 it, advising to a further attestation of the alleged facts. Return- 
 ing, we stepped into Lincoln's Inn Hall, where was sitting Lord 
 Chancellor Thurlow in a case of lunacy, from whence I departed 
 
 41 
 
 n 
 
 L Hi n 
 
 \k , ^ 
 
 r" 
 
322 
 
 lOUKNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1781. 
 
 alone and dined at home. Drank tea \rith Harrison Gray and wife 
 at Brompton. 
 
 Aug. 3. Called at Mr. Thompson's lodgings, in Pall Mall 
 Court — disappointed — went to show Mr. Savage the grave of 
 Judge Chambers Russell, in Bunhill Fields burying ground; which 
 at sixty pounds expense has but a common grave stone. Thence 
 to the poor remains of a once royal palace, of which the outer gate- 
 way (St. John's Gate) is now standing, and only that; the site is 
 now a cowyard and stable ; so where once royalty was lodged, 
 beasts inhabit. 
 
 Aug. 4. Again disappointed in not finding Mr. Thompson at 
 his house, nor at the Treasury. 
 
 Aug. 6. Took tea at Mr. Copley's, with Mr. R. Clarke and the 
 family. 
 
 Aug. 8. In conversation with Mr. Peters, was informed that it 
 is and has been all along the detern>ination of the cabinet to set up 
 the noblemen's claim against New England charters, annihilate all 
 of them, and reduce the surviving inhabitants to a state of villen- 
 age, or expel them. He says he has sufficient authority to assert 
 this. Cruel, barbarous determination ! May heaven disappoint their 
 cursed device against innocence, justice, right, humanity, and every 
 laudable principle and virtue. May America and my countrymen, 
 more dear to me than ever, be made acquainted with this more than 
 IJrutual cruelty ; may disappointment be the issue of their attempts, 
 vexation and every evil the reward of such unexampled, oppressive, 
 rapacious designs, for it is but yet in embryo, never, I hope, to see 
 the light. I doubt not heaven has in store ample revenge for this 
 devoted country, whose rulers seem infatuated, and themselves on 
 the verge of ruin thereby. 
 
 Aug. 9. Mr. Jones, a Bostonian, drank tea with me. 
 
 Aug. 11. After one hour's waiting, admitted to Mr. Thompson 
 in the plantation office ; he seemed inclined to shorten the inter- 
 view, received me with a courtier's smile, rather uncommunicative 
 and dry. This reception has damped my ill grounded hopes, de- 
 rived from former seeming friendly intentions to promote my \ iews ; 
 this, my first, will be my last attempt to gain advantages from a 
 courtier, of which I never entertained favorable impressions. 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 323 
 
 Aug. 18. Took tea and passed the evening at Mr. and Mrs. 
 Hay's. 
 
 .Aug. 21. Dined at Capt. Hay's, with four gentlemen. 
 
 .dug. 24. To the Gresham lecture room to see Copley's picture 
 of Lord Chatham's death. 
 
 Sept. 4. Took tea with Dr. Jeffries, of Boston, a son of David 
 Jeffries. 
 
 \l 
 
 ' ! 
 
 TO MR. THOMAS WYER, NEW-YORK. 
 
 London, Sept. 12, 1781. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Having the other day met Mr. Berry, who informed me you 
 were settled in New-York with your wife, and that he would take 
 charge of a letter and deliver it into your hands, I am encouraged 
 to send this scrawl that serves to acknowledge the receipt of yours 
 of a distant date, and thank you for it. I hope your situation is 
 comfortable, though, at best, a man in the civil or commercial line 
 has many reasons of complaint in a garrison of disorderly, licentious 
 soldiers. I am glad to be informed that you are employed in busi- 
 ness, and hope it will turn out to good account. 
 
 It has been my wish ever since I have been from my own home, 
 that all who are in a state of exile, whether voluntary or not, ex- 
 cept those immediately concerned in the revenue, who could not 
 have remained in America, had been prudent enough to have kept 
 their political opinions to themselves, especially after the frenzy 
 had worked itself up so high in the minds of our zealous patriot 
 neighbors, and remained at their own dwellings, and made the best 
 shifts they could in these troubles. They might, I really think, have 
 found themselves, for the most part, in less disagreeable circum- 
 stances than they now are ; at least I can truly say it respecting 
 my own particular case. But the bad consequences of past errors 
 are now only to be lessened by a prudent forbearance of harsh re- 
 proachful language against the present rulers in the American 
 colonies that remain in subjection to Congress authority ; for what- 
 ever you warm transatlantic loyalists may think, it is probable, 
 however the general war may terminate, there never will be estab- 
 lished such a degree of British governmental authority in North 
 America as will cause much matter of triumph to American 
 
 
 M %f 
 
 I L i 
 
 4 
 
324 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1781. 
 
 refugees. I wish America would dissolve the execrable French al- 
 liance, that they have sufHcient reasons already to detest, and which 
 will, if continued much longer, issue in greater ruin. 
 
 We are now hemmed in by the combined fleets of France and 
 Spain, to the number of forty-nine capital ships, and eleven frigates, 
 which have been cruising for some time in the chops of the English 
 Channel. Ours, under Admiral Derby, is at present in Torbay. A 
 large East and West India fleet is hourly expected under a slender 
 convoy ; but government has taken the precaution to send out 
 some fast sailing cutters to apprise them of the danger. 
 Wishing you success and safety, 
 
 I am your friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Sept. 27. Accompanied Messrs. Savage and Toulmin to Drury 
 Lane, to see " School for Scandal," which was highly entertaining. 
 On the appearance of Mrs. Cargill, appointed to one of the parts, 
 a general hiss, followed by an unusual clap of approbation, for 
 some minutes kept on to discountenance the hiss, occasioned by her 
 whimsical caprices and rude disappointment of the public at Hay- 
 market Theatre about two months since. She is a pleasing per- 
 former and public favorite. 
 
 Oct. 2. Took tea and passed the evening at Mr. John Savage's 
 with Mr. A. Savage, except a walk to Chelsea Hospital. 
 
 Oct. 9. Papers say Adam Woohidge is appointed American 
 secretary's deputy, in lieu of Mr. Fisher, who now holds the office. 
 Mr. A. Savage dined and passed the evening with me. 
 
 Oct. 15. Went over to Chelsea ; met Mr. Benjamin Hal- 
 lowell there. Another countryman. Commodore Loring, discharged 
 from pension list by death, and another going same way ; Brigadier 
 Royall seized with small-pox, with hazardous symptoms. Capt. 
 Coombs dined with me. 
 
 Oct. 18. Thirteen criminals executed at Tyburn — a melan- 
 choly consideration that robberies have of late greatly increased, 
 as indeed has thieving of all kinds in the metropolis. 
 
 Oct. 20. Mr. Arthur Savage, and Miss S., and Mr. John Sav- 
 age, lady and son, drank tea with me. By the papers I find some 
 Salem privateers have fallen into the hands of the British. 
 Oct. 30. Dined with Mr. and Mrs. Hay. 
 
 1781.] 
 
 Dear S 
 Inclc 
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 You 
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 Mv. ! 
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 against thi 
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 By the 
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 Would thai 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 325 
 
 TO SAMUEL SEW ALL, ESa., SIDMOUTH. 
 
 London, Oct. 30, 1781. 
 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Inclosed is a bank post bill for <£24 6s. 8d., the balance of 
 your quarterly pension of ^£25 ; and while I reside in London will, 
 with great readiness, serve you or any acquaintance in this or any 
 way in my power. 
 
 You wish me to write you favorable news from America ; 
 would to God such was to be found written in the book of fate. 
 
 Respecting the state of the war in that quarter : the French, 
 you know, are in possession of the Chesapeake, with a much supe- 
 rior fleet to that of Great Britain ; for they reckon thirty-six capital 
 ships to our twenty-four, even after Digby's junction. General 
 Cornwallis's royal master is in the utmost distress for him, whom all 
 the world here fears to hear will have been Burgoyned, and there- 
 fore an end to this cursed, ill-omened quarrel, though not in a way 
 they wish ; for which the instigators and continuers deserve exe- 
 cration. It is, however, reported that twenty thousand men are 
 to be shipped off to America in February, part of whom are the 
 five thousand before destined to the East Indies. 
 
 I am yours, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 J^ov. 20. Letters from New-York inform us that New London, 
 in Connecticut, is burnt, with all the shipping, by six hundred 
 American Associators, so called, leagued in a band of destruction 
 against their native country : together with the loss of lives and 
 properties of the inhabitants, the assailants left of their number 
 two hundred dead on the spot; their death the just punishment due 
 to such parricides. 
 
 By the king's speech I find he intends, if parliament will fur- 
 nish men and money, to continue his efforts to reduce his rebellious 
 subjects in America to his royal will and pleasure, and his other 
 enemies to his own terms, if he can ; and no doubt they will con- 
 tinue to furnish both as long as they last, and until they shall fairly 
 and completely have dried up all the sources, which, perhaps, a few 
 more expensive, unsuccessful campaigns will effectually accomplish. 
 Would that this nation or its rulers were wise enough to sit down 
 
 I 
 
 ^ t'l 
 
 I i 
 
 ni 
 
 li 
 
3S6 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1781. 
 
 by its present losses, and make the best of what remains. Com- 
 merce and conquest are two things in nature very unlike, and re- 
 quire very different geniuses in carrying on ; and which is most 
 congenial and natural to these islanders is obvious. 
 
 JVov. 22. The wind continues westerly, detaining Admiral 
 Rodney's fleet of eight ships of the line in Torbay, bound for the 
 West Indies. The court and all apprehend some great blow there, 
 as they have reason from the great superiority of the French fleet 
 gone from Charleston since Cornwallis's surrender on the 19th ult., 
 of himself, officers, army, baggage, artillery, ammunition, de guerre 
 and de louche, to the American General George Washington, of 
 whom some of the vnse men of this country speak with undeserved 
 contempt. This being the second instance that has happened to the 
 best forces of this continent, and perhaps the first of the kind that 
 ever befell this haughty America-despising people. And the 
 flight of two English admirals, with a frequently declared superior 
 .fleet. Graves and Digby, (under the auspicious eye of one of the 
 royal offspring, Prince William Henry, who is training up, and I 
 hope will prove an ornament and a useful naval commander,) to 
 New- York with Clinton and his garrison of cooped-up troops, who 
 for a few weeks having breathed free air, are now chiefly return- 
 ing back to their winter amusements and useful employment of dan- 
 cing, card-playing, acting farces on mock stages, and decorating 
 their pretty persons for the astonishment and delight of their female 
 admirers. 
 
 Adieu to the character which once justly enough distinguished 
 the army and navy of this little empire ! 
 
 JVov. 23. Overtaken in the Park by a former travelling com- 
 panion, named Aspdin, of Philadelphia, on horseback j he recog- 
 nised me after an interval of four years. 
 
 TO MR. ANDREW DALGLISH, GLASGOW. 
 
 London, JVbv. 25, 1781. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 London, as you justly observe, to a pushing man and of abili- 
 ties is the place to gain great advantages, if he knows the world 
 and how to avail himself of lucky incidents, and is attentive to 
 them; but to one of a contrary character it is far otherwise. 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 327 
 
 Your reqi^t of my service Deed not be twice asked, if I know how 
 to perform any thing essential for you, or any friend ; but being 
 placed by Providence out of the reach of rendering services, I am 
 endeavoring to reason myself into the belief that I stand in need of 
 none myself, though possessing very little more than the necessa- 
 ries of life ; 'tis a hard task, though if attended with success, shall 
 not grudge my pains. Our townsman, Mr. Fisher, holds a quar- 
 tered, precarious office, at I fancy less than half its real income, 
 in, under, and returnable to Mr. Thompson, when he shall come 
 back, which I doubt not will be in the spring or summer following. 
 Clerkships, as all offices under government, are at open mar- 
 ket, and bought and sold as public stocks, the premium four, five, 
 or six years' income. The Treasury CoflFee-house, under the 
 arches, is the place where the sellers or brokers are to be seen at 
 business hours. If you have any connections that can recommend 
 you to men of influence, and can really engage their interest, (for 
 promises are the courtier's traffick, and mean nothing; people of 
 breeding are too polite to disoblige in any other way but by neg- 
 lect,) you may succeed ; without, it will be vain to attempt. Merit 
 is disregarded, implying a demand. Here it is not asked what you 
 have done, but what you are capable of doing, is worth attending 
 to. In whatever line you direct your views, I sincerely wish suc- 
 cess ; you might assuredly depend on my aid if it could or can be 
 of any use to you. 
 
 With real and hearty good will, 
 
 I am your friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 J\av. 26. Going through the Park, I found great numbers 
 there waiting for the king's passing to the parliament house, being 
 first day of session, when it is opened by a speech from the throne ; 
 the king in his robes, crown on his head, which, if capable of feel- 
 ing, must I think feel more distress than at any time since his brows 
 bore this emblem of royalty. The total overthrow in Lord Corn- 
 wallis's defeat, of his long projected and self-promised subjugation 
 of North America to an uncontrolled power, must have this effect. 
 Man's designs are often overruled by a more powerful authority. 
 Took tea at Mr. John Savage's, according to promise, with a room 
 full of company. 
 
 nlli fei 
 
328 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1781. 
 
 JVov. 30. Took my watch to London to be reformecLit proving 
 a useless companion in its present state of false intelligence; bor- 
 rowed one in the interim. 
 
 Dec. 5. Mr. Thomas Hutchinson and Mr. A. Savage took tea 
 with me. 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH. 
 
 Brompton, Dec. 15, 1781. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I delayed answering your last favor till I could send a satisfac- 
 tory one to your question aboutyour friend,Thoraas Barnard, Esq., of 
 Lincoln's Inn ; and now I have the pleasure to acquaint you that 
 he and I were this day as usual fellow-worshippers at Essex House 
 chapel, which seems to be his Sunday's resort, both for worship and 
 the communion, at which he attends with becoming devotion. 
 Our preacher to-day was Mr. Estin, of Lewinsmead, Bristol, for 
 Mr. Lindsay himself always performs the liturgy service. 
 
 Since Lord Cornwaliis's surrender, government, I am told, has 
 laid aside all other thoughts than to maintain, if practicable, Caro- 
 lina, Nova Scotia, New-York city, Charleston, and Georgia ; per- 
 haps since the majority for carrying on the war in America, when 
 the House of Commons consisted of more than four hundred, fell to 
 forty-one only ; a proof, notwithstanding the irresistible influence 
 of court, of the real sentiments of the landed interest. For the 
 aforesaid purpose immense quantities of army and navy ammunitions, 
 de guerre and de boiiche, will be sent over, and primarily furnish 
 America, and ultimately, 1 fea*-, ^^rance, with the ability to dis- 
 possess Great Britain of every loot of ground on the continent of 
 North America ; and it will be well if not the islands too. But 
 whoever is master of the ocean will doubtless command these; 
 whether Great Britain is or is not at present, is a fact easily to be 
 judged of; whether she will be in time to come, must be read in 
 a following page in the book of fate. 'Tis, I confess, foolish to an- 
 ticipate evils ; a wise man said, 
 
 " If evils coino not, ihon our fears iiro vam ; 
 Anil il'tlipy do, I'cnr l)tit iiii^^incnts tlio pain." 
 
 No mind is so fortified as not to feel concern for what may 
 
1781.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 happen, especially when smarting under the rod, nor insensible 
 when oppressed. 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Dec. 20. Went to London in order to pass a day at Capt. 
 Hay's ; he was departed to Portsmouth to meet his ship there. 
 
 Dec. 23. Sunday at Essex House chapel. Mr. Lindsay preached 
 an admirable dissuasive against placing terms of acceptance with 
 God on narrow party principles, as if he was engaged to support 
 Calvin, Arminius, or the Council of Nice, or any body of patriarchs, 
 archbishops or bishops whatever. 
 
 Dec. 31. Three days since was my birth-day, when I entered 
 my sixty-sixth year. What reason have I to lament the loss of 
 time and waste of powers that our indulgent Creator has bestowed 
 upon us for wise and useful purposes. 
 
 Henry Laurens, Esq., late president of Congress, was admitted 
 to bail and discharged from the Tower. 
 
 t i 
 
 48 
 
330 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1782. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Brompton, London, January 1, 1782. Dined at Mr. John Sa- 
 vage's, in the Grove. 
 
 Jan. 3. Called on Dr. Jeffries, a countryman of mine, at No. 
 28 South Moulton-street. In my absence, Mr. Timmins and James 
 Russell called. 
 
 TO SAMUEL SEWALL, ESQ., TAUNTON. 
 
 London, Jan. 8, 1782. 
 Dear Sib : 
 
 Mr. Rowe names the 21st for delivering out his orders to the 
 bank for payment of our quarterly stipends. I shall be Ok; the 
 watch, and avail myself of the earliest day for myself and yo 
 
 I presume you have heard of the death of poor Abel V i ' 'i.', 
 your late friend, whose continuance on the London stage WaS oi a 
 few days only after his return from Oxford. He is now gone 
 to that retreat from suffering, where the wicked cease from trou- 
 bling, and the weary are at rest. I am told the surviving mate is 
 a mourner in earnest. 
 
 I wish you the compliments of the season, and am glad to hear 
 from you, that you are enjoying the pleasures of cheerful mirth and 
 conviviality ; may they continue up to your desires, which I pre- 
 sume are ever confined within the bounds of temperance ; and 
 hope a full restoration of your health and spirits. Happy those 
 who can amuse or gladden their hearts with anticipation of future 
 good. The present prospect is too gloomy for my weak mind to 
 discover one gleam of hope. 
 
 Your faithful friend, 
 
 S. CUKWEN. 
 
 Jan. 10. Received a letter to convey to the widow Poynton, 
 at Salem, from her late husband's kinsman of same name, in Orange- 
 court, Leicestcr-fiehls, with a complaisant invitation to dine with 
 him next Sunday. 
 
1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND i£.ETTERS. 
 
 331 
 
 TO SAMUEL SEWALL, ESQ., TAUNTON. 
 
 Yeoman^ s Row, Jan. 24, 1782. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 I have the pleasure to inclose you a bank post-bill for jE24 6s.8d!., 
 wishing it safe to your hands. 
 
 I am not happy enough to present you with any good news of 
 our own selves or our public concerns, unless you will say none is 
 such, at a time when bad only may reasonably be expected from 
 almost all quarters of the globe. And though I would not raise 
 imaginary ideal terrors in the breast of any of my acquaintance, I 
 cannot forbear to mention a piece of intelligence received from an 
 acquaintance here, communicated to him by a lady, who, he says, 
 has intimate cabinet-council connections. He says, she has in times 
 past more than once or twice informed him of secret deliberations 
 and resolves done and acted there, that at the time surprised him, 
 and were afterwards verified by the events. She told this in con- 
 fidence, with great apparent concern of mind, etc., seeming firm in 
 belief, and fear of its being put into execution within a few months. 
 Hear then your doom : — it has been a subject of deliberation, and 
 is thought to be determined in the cabinet, to withdraw from the 
 American refugees in England all government support. So shame- 
 less and unexampled an act of barbarity, you probably may think, 
 cannot be perpetrated in a civilized state ; perhaps not. Politics 
 and morals, however, are founded on very different grounds, and 
 conducted by principles of a quite contrary comj^lexion from each 
 other. What is heterodoxy, base and unjustifiable in the one sys- 
 tem, may be in the other sound state orthodoxy, and free from 
 reproach ; viewed in the single light of supposed good of the state. 
 One cannot, therefore, tell what the administrators of public affairs 
 may think it politically prudent to do in the paroxysms of public 
 distress ; and their ways and means are unhappily in one at this 
 very time. I would fain disbelieve, but confess my fears step in 
 between apprehensions on one side, and doubt on the other, and 
 cast up the balance on the side of the latter. This day, 1 questioned 
 Mr. Rowe at the Treasury on the subject ; and he, with the apathy 
 
 of a stoic, and the composed countenance of a , coldly 
 
 replied, he had not heard of it. No, answered I, and I trust you 
 
 m 
 
 m 
 
 'V\ 
 
 iS'll 
 
333 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 1782. 
 
 1782.] 
 
 never will. The nonchalance of his behavior rather increased my 
 alarm than silenced my doubts. If you think it worth while to 
 make inquiries about it, perhaps some friend who has connections 
 with the court may convince you of its truth or falsity, — or, per- 
 haps, you will prefer to postpone a knowledge of evils till they 
 arrive, thinking that sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 TO JUDGE SEWALL, BRISTOL. 
 
 JVb. 1, Yeoman's Row, Brompton, Feb. 4, 1782. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 After so long a silence, I fancy you will wonder at this time 
 to hear from me, and I confess I should hardly have thought of 
 troubling you, but for a selfish purpose. I am directed by a son 
 of Esculapius to heighten my diet by a moderate use of the most 
 nutritive food, best dry wines, and spirits diluted in water, etc., ex- 
 cluding sweets, sours, and high seasonings, — in order to animate, 
 warm, and invigorate, as far as possible, an old, cold and enfeebled 
 body. Please inform me the proportions of spirits, milk, etc., of 
 the mixture that was recommended to you by a London physician 
 of note, to be taken by one in a decaying weak habit. 
 
 I durst not touch on the state of the nation, nor of our parti- 
 cular concerns as refugees, both of which, I presume, you suspect 
 to be in a very unpromising condition. 
 
 I believe you will wonder how I came to the place from whence 
 I date ; my situation is, luckily, for the time I proposed to abide 
 here, happy, from a coincidence of circumstances which could not 
 be foreseen. Your friend, 
 
 S. Curwen. 
 
 queen, 
 
 Feb. 7. At the queen's house with Mr. Hopkins to see the 
 plate, etc. ; ' first object that struck me was three large maund 
 baskets covered of table plate, as dishes, tureens, butter and sauce 
 boats, all with covers, raised, embossed and engraved. The king's 
 service was silver gilt ; the prince's, silver. We also were con- 
 ducted to the kitchen, where were eighteen male cooks busily 
 employed in their several various lines; the men in white jackets 
 
1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 333 
 
 and caps, and the women in white aprons and caps. By a late 
 royal order, no one is to appear in the kitchen with their natural 
 hair. When the king arrives from court at St. James's, (where 
 he attends five days in the week, Tuesdays and Saturdays being 
 the only ones he has in the week for his own private amusements, 
 concerns, etc.,) dinner is called, ou which a bustle ensues ; the 
 assistants of the silver scullery take such pieces as called for out of 
 baskets, place them on a warm stove, whence they are taken by 
 the cook and filled and taken to dining-room door, and delivered 
 to the person appointed to place them on the royal table. Com- 
 mon dinner, five dishes of meat, four of garden stuffs, and one 
 remove daily, and no more. He is exceedingly temperate, drinks 
 generally water, and rarely partakes of more than one or two 
 dishes. His supper is water-gruel, taken in a vessel peculiarly appro- 
 priated to his use, called the king's cup, and is of silver gilt, — shown 
 me by the yeoman. The king's company at table is the queen, prince 
 of Wales, (unless on his public dinner days,) the princess royal, 
 princesses Sophia and Elizabeth : the rest of the children at an- 
 other table in another apartment. The prince's dinner served up 
 by his proper officers in the same manner as the king's. The 
 queen, unless indisposed, always attends court and levee days ; as 
 soon as it is over she returns ; immediately dinner is served up 
 without waiting for her husband ; a proof of good husbandshlp. 
 It is said every king has a service of new table plate, the old being 
 disposed of; the silver is kept in bags and put into presses. I took 
 leave, and by advice returned by Buckingham Gate, Pimlico, 
 Grosvenor-place, in preference to Constitution Hill, which some- 
 tunes is hazardous, and at eight o'clock got safe home. 
 
 '"fill 
 
 FROM CHIEF JUSTICE OLIVER. 
 
 Birmingham, Feb. 9, 1782. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Your favor of the 4th inst. informs me of two canisters of snuff 
 which you have for inc. I am much obliged to you for your care 
 and trouble for an irritating powder for an American refugee, and 
 doubt not that it will be of a more agreeable nature than the so 
 many irritables we have all turned up our no.'^es at for five or six 
 years past. If you will be so kind as to send it to the Birmingham 
 
334 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1782. 
 
 1782.] 
 
 coach at the Green Man and Still, in Oxford-street, directed to me, 
 I shall be glad ; and it you will call upon Mr. Thos. Hutchinson,* 
 he will pay you for me. 
 
 I am sincerely glad of the safe arrival of our friend Governor 
 Browne ;f I wish him an easy cushion for his chair, but I fear a 
 barking crew of rebels will disrest him. Your friend Mr. Lakin 
 inquires after you when I meet him. 
 
 Health and ease attend you ; so wisheth 
 
 Your humble servant, 
 
 Peter Oliver. 
 Samuel Curwen, Esq. 
 
 Feb. 15. Mr. Thomas Hutchinson called and passed an hour 
 
 with me. 
 
 Feb. 17. The secret service list for the year 1781 is positively 
 
 charged with the following suras : — , 
 
 American departments exclusive of Refugees ^£83,000 sterl'g. ' 
 
 Admiralty 46,000 
 
 War Office 10,500 
 
 Secretary of State 53,600 
 
 Treasury 72,000 
 
 jE265,100 
 The request long urged by General Burgoyne, of having a 
 court martial appointed to decide upon his conduct in the affair of 
 Saratoga, has at last been complied with, and orders transmitted 
 from the war-office to the commander-in-chief in America for 
 sending over such officers as mentioned by the General as neces- 
 sary for his defence, by the first conveyance, to attend the trial. 
 If no unexpected impediment takes place, it will be held in the 
 spring. The administration seems loth to have an inquiry made ; 
 perhaps it will produce an exposure of orders, etc., judged not 
 prudent at present for the public eye. 
 
 Feb. 20. Bishop liowth of London, and Bishop Newton of 
 Bristol, both died on the 14th Inst. 
 
 Feb. 26. Walked to Chelsea with Mr. Dalglish, who returned 
 and dined with me. Miss Savage and father joined us at tea. 
 
 * Governor Hutcliinson'a son. 
 
 t William Btowno, of Salem, afterwards governor of Bermudas. 
 
1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 335 
 
 March 1. The Welsh procession from St. Andrew's church, 
 Holborn, to the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand to dine ; 
 the members, and all of that nation adorned with leeks and orna- 
 ments resembling them, stuck on the button-band of their hats, as 
 is usual on thib day, called in the Roman calendar St. David's 
 Day ; still continued in his honor, who is the titular saint of the 
 nation. This society is established for the support of the poor, for 
 which they have a fund, schools, etc. 
 
 March 2. Wrote several letters to be sent home by a Mr. 
 Sigourney. 
 
 TO DR. E. A. HOLYOKE. 
 
 London, March 2, 1782. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Since ray tedious answer to your only favor, I have frequently 
 thought of a mistaken notion asserted therein, which I naturally 
 fell into for want of making proper inquiry and receiving informa- 
 tion, arising from the vulgar prevailing notion in the province of 
 Massachusetts Bay, that our soil was peculiarly unfavorable to the 
 raising of wheat, which made me look upon the success of the Si- 
 berian as almost miraculous. A little while after I had sent off my 
 answer, I happened to fall into a conversation with a curious sen- 
 sible gentleman, who from repeated trials had proved the falsehood 
 of our vulgar notions, and had raised frequent large harvests of 
 excellent wheat from his own grounds, even from soils naturally 
 weak and indifferent. I am therefore convinced he justly derived 
 our people's pertinacious adherence to their own bad and wrong 
 tillage from a mere obstinate and lazy attachment to old customs, 
 handed down from father to son, and preferred in spite of yearly 
 
 disappointments from generation to generation. 
 
 # # # * ♦ * ' * 
 
 Your real friend and well wisher, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 m 
 
 VI 
 
 March 2. Lord George Germaine, who was admitted into the 
 administration on the idea of subjugating N. America to the un- 
 conditional authority of Parliament, having since Lord Cornwallis's 
 surrender of himself and the whole army to the victorious arms of 
 
\ 
 
 336 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1782. 
 
 1782.] 
 
 France and Congress, abdicated his post of secretary in the Ameri- 
 can department, left the House of Commons, and gone up to the 
 House of Lords by a patent of nobility. General Carleton, who is 
 confessedly of superior ability in point of military knowledge and 
 execution, is now appointed general-in-chief in America, when all 
 manoeuvres in his line are intentionally given up, and no opportunity 
 is afforded for exertion, except in the way the former generals, his 
 predecessors, have figured in amassing personal wealth out of this 
 already cruelly oppressed people. Lord George Germaine's ad- 
 mission to the upper house was accompanied by many severe re- 
 flections and motions to address the king to prevent it ; many lords 
 thinking it disgraceful to suffer tamely one to be added to their 
 number who stood disgraced by the sentence of a court martial, 
 and was forbidden the society of any of the officers of the army. 
 The Marquis of Caermarthen made the motion, and Lord Shelburne 
 warmly seconded it. Many speeches on the occasion. Last 
 Wednesday, General Conway concluded a long speech in the 
 Commons with the following motion, viz. : Resolved, " That it is 
 the opinion of this house, that a further continuance of an offensive 
 war in America for the purpose of subduing by force the revolted 
 colonies is totally impracticable, inasmuch as it weakens that force 
 which we ought to employ against our European enemies, and is 
 contrary to his majesty's declaration, who, in his gracious speech 
 from the throne, expresses a wish to restore peace and tranquillity." 
 This motion the ministerial party endeavored to dispose of by the 
 attorney general's motion for an adjournment, when at half past 
 one o'clock the house divided, and to the discomfiture of his 
 majesty's ministers they were in a minority by nineteen. General 
 Conway then moved that an address be presented to his majesty 
 on the above resolution. This was seconded by Lord Althorpe, 
 and carried without a division ; the minister not daring to risk a 
 second defeat. In consequence of this important decision, the nation 
 is at last within the prospect of enjoying the blessings of a peace 
 with America. 
 
 Lord Stormont wrote to the lord mayor and aldermen to pre- 
 vent, if possible, illuminations in the city; none were exhibited 
 but in the gallery on the top of the monument, which blazed with 
 more than sixscore lamps. As soon as the joyful tidings of the 
 
1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 337 
 
 minister's defeat and the nation's deliverance was announced in the 
 lobby and avenues of the house to the numerous multitudes that 
 waited in anxiety and perturbation to know the fate of their 
 country, the most vehement and heartfelt shouts of acclamation 
 pierced the ear, if it did not reach the heart of the minister, now 
 tottering on the treasury bench. Those noble and distinguished 
 characters, who by their steady perseverance and zeal had over- 
 come the ruinous system of ministers, were hailed by the grave 
 multitude as the saviours of their country. Expresses were des- 
 patched by the ambassadors to their several courts, announcing 
 this important decision, which naturally changes the system by 
 which the peace of Europe is disturbed. The king's answer to 
 the address of the Commons in consequence of General Conway's 
 motion for putting an end to the present war with America, con- 
 tained the following: "There are no objects more near to my 
 heart than the ease, happiness and welfare of my people ; and you 
 may be assured, that in pursuance of your advice, I shall take such 
 measures as shall appear to me most conducive to the restoration 
 of harmony between Great Britain and the revolted colonies, so 
 essential to the prosperity of both, and that ray efforts shall be di- 
 rected in the most effectual manner against our European enemies, 
 until such peace can be obtained as shall consist with the interest 
 and permanent welfare of ray kingdom." 
 
 March 4. Ad'v ice of the surrender of Minorca to the combined 
 armies of France and Spain, by Gen. Murray ; of the capture of 
 St. Kitt's by the French, to which fate Nevis and Montserrat will 
 probably soon submit. Essequibo and Demarara, taken by Rodney 
 and Vaughan, are retaken by a French squadron, and it will be 
 great good fortune if one single West India island be left to this 
 wretched, devoted country. 
 
 March 7. The large banking house of Brown and Collinson, 
 Lombard-street, was declared bankrupt to-day, and carries with it 
 a train of ruin. They were of the society of Quakers, and therefore 
 more unexpected, as people of that persuasion are generally pru- 
 dent, and not engaged in expensive luxurious modes of life. 
 
 March 10. A gentleman lately from Brest acquaints Lord 
 Sandwich that a piece of bad news had arrived there from the 
 West Indies, which renders somewhat probable the report of a 
 
 43 
 
 ii ..i 
 
 i!i'; f 
 
 u I 
 
338 
 
 JOUKNAt, AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1782. 
 
 1782; 
 
 master just arrived, that St. Kitt's was retaken by Admiral Sir 
 Samuel Hood, v/ho hearing of de Orasse's departure, immediately 
 sailed and obliged the French troops to the number of six thousand 
 to surrender. They had not forced the English lines at Brimstone 
 Hill, and were left exposed without a single ship to aid them. De 
 Grasse, thinking himself sure of the conquest, after safely landing 
 these, had left them to their chance, and went in quest of other ad- 
 ventures ; probably to assist in retaking St. Lucia. May it prove 
 true. 
 
 March 12. I find myself for some time laboring under distress- 
 ing symptoms, which I have reason to believe my nature too feeble 
 to withstand, and which must soon give way to and yield in the 
 struggle. May I retire where undue passion, ungoverned appetite, 
 and selfish regards shall have no rule or sway, and all shall be 
 peace, harmony, mutual regards, and no intemperate gratifications. 
 
 March 18. This day advice is come from Ireland of the most 
 serious nature; a large quantity of artillery is arrived there from 
 France, under the pretext of securing the island from foreign inva- 
 sion ; but from the known general prevailing wish among the peo- 
 ple, there is some reason to fear a general revolt from this govern- 
 ment, and an independency thereon. Should it take place, wo 
 betide this falling nation. 
 
 March 20. On the Karl of Surry's rising in the House of 
 Commons to make his motion about removing ministers. Lord North 
 arose, and after some altercation about the propriety of his standing 
 up at the same time with the member, on his explaining his motives 
 he was allowed to proceed, when he announced his (and the rest 
 of the king's servants') quitting the administration, and moved for 
 ah adjournment till next Monday, by which time the business now 
 in hand would be finished, and a new arrangement of ministers 
 settled, not one of the old ones to remain in office. A greediness 
 to share in the public plunder is, I fear, the primum mobile, nor 
 shall we, it is greatly to be apprehended, gain much advantage by 
 a new set, unless they shall totally change the system, form alli- 
 ances, (for not one at present have we,) if that shall be practicable, 
 put an end to the American dispute, and conciliate some of our 
 victorious foes. 
 ' On this occasion Lord Surrey happened to espy Arnold, the 
 
1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 339 
 
 American seceding general, in the house, sent him a message to 
 depart, threatening, in case of refusal, to move for breaking up the 
 gallery ; to which the general answered, that he was introduced 
 there by a member ; to which Lord Surrey replied, he might under 
 that condition stay, if he would promise never to enter it again, with 
 which General Arnold complied. This is the second instance of 
 puplic disrespect he has met with : the king having been forced to 
 engage his royal word not to employ or pension him ; a just reward ' 
 for treachery, which is ever odious. — ' 
 
 March 26. The town full of talk about the new ministry ; I 
 doubt their success in settling with America : that poor continent 
 is too much in the power of France to effect a reconciliation on 
 any terms but such as the haughty court of Versailles shall approve 
 of; and they, I dare say, will be humiliating enough to this in- 
 fatuated country : which term, all the world will soon see, may 
 with equal propriety be applied to English America. 
 
 March 27. Dined at Mrs. Snelson's on Ludgate-hill ; passed 
 an hour at the coffee-house before dinner, reading the newspapers 
 containing the following list of the expected new ministry, which 
 is a total change, there being, (as expressed,) " not a hoof left of 
 the old." Lord North and his compeers are obliged, from a minority 
 in some questions, and a slender decreasing majority in others, to 
 surrender their posts to the opposition; who come into play on 
 principles professedly opposite to the late schemes of the cabinet 
 respecting America, and the war consequent thereon : — 
 
 Marquis of Rockingham, First Lord of the Treasury. 
 
 Lord John Cavendish, Chancellor of the Exchequer. 
 
 Lord Camden, President of the Council. 
 
 Duke of Grafton, Lord Privy Seal. 
 
 Duke of Richmond, Master of Ordnance. 
 
 Secretary for Southern Department, Lord Shelburne. 
 Do. Northern do. Charles J. Fox. 
 
 Mr. Dunning, Attorney-General, with promise of being enno- 
 bled, seals first vacancy. 
 
 Mr. Lee, Solicitor-General. 
 
 Admiral Keppell, First Lord of the Admiralty. 
 
 General Conway, Commander in Chief of Forces. 
 
 Lord Howe, do. of Fleet. 
 
 1 i k 
 
 A >_ilS 
 
 4 
 
 
340 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1782. 
 
 1782.] 
 
 Duke of Rutland, Master of the Horse. 
 
 Mr. Barre, or Mr. Thomas Townsend, Secretary at War. 
 
 Mr. Burke, Secretary to the First Lord of the Treasury, also 
 Receiver and Paymaster-General. 
 
 Remaining Lords of the Treasury, Lord John Cavendish, Lord 
 Althorp, John Spencer, James Greville, and Frederick Montague, 
 Esqrs. 
 
 In order to keep in the present administration, the cabinet had 
 come to a full determination to propose a dissolution of Parliament 
 to the council ; which being proposed, was at length agreed to as 
 the only expedient to save their honor and support the present 
 measures ; the usual ministerial majority in the House of Commons 
 being every day visibly lessened. But the chancellor. Lord Thur- 
 low, with a fortitude and magnanimity peculiar to himself, and 
 worthy of the highest praise, withdrew and refused to affix the 
 seals, whereby this junto scheme is totally overset ; nor dare the 
 king nor his ministers discover any resentment at their disappoint- 
 ment. It is thought very serious consequences would have fol- 
 lowed, and public royal disapprobation. Thank God that there 
 yet remain any instances of virtue and regard to public safety 
 amidst our deplorable situation, mercenary views, incredible dissi- 
 pation, (wherein all ranks are involved,) profligacy and effeminacy 
 of manners, and the open unrestrained practices of genteel vice 
 and disregard of religion. 
 
 March 28. Visited Mr. Tiramins for two hours ; he returned 
 with me. That the Prince of Wales is not content to take all upon 
 trust, the following story perhaps will illustrate : — Returning lately 
 from an airing on horseback, attended by a companion and one 
 servant, on his arrival in St. James's Park, he alighted, and giving 
 his horse to the servant, proceeded on foot with his friend to the 
 gallery of the House of Commons, where he abode for some hours. 
 Whilst there, having entered with his hat on, he was ordered to 
 take it off, with which he complied, keeping his handkerchief up 
 to his face to prevent the discovery of his person. Having heard 
 many things before unknown to him, he departed, surprised and 
 informed. This excursion continued so long as to delay the royal 
 dinner for more than an hour, and occasioned an anxiety in his 
 royal parents' breasts ; his absence at meals being unusual. On 
 
1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 341 
 
 his entering, being questioned, he frankly owned where he had 
 been, not a little to the disapprobation of his father ; who has since 
 complied with his request to allow him a summer's progress through 
 the kingdom, which he has often solicited, in case he would pro- 
 mise to make no more such elopements. It is a maxim of state for 
 the present incumbent of the throne to keep the successor ignorant 
 as possible, and totally unconcerned and unused to court measures 
 and all public concerns, and this king seems inclined to put the 
 maxim in practice to its extent. 
 
 March 29. Good Friday ; attended worship at Whitehall 
 chapel, Lord North present. Being disappointed in Westminster 
 Abbey and St. Margaret' > church, (at the former by the lowness 
 of the reader's voice, at the latter by the service not having begun,) 
 proceeding cityward, just as I came to the gate leading from Par- | 
 liament-street to Scotland-^ ard, or Whitehall, who should cross \ 
 me but a large clumsy gentleman with a blr , ribbon across his i 
 breast, who, on inquiry, I found was Lord NoiU:, Following him | 
 into Whitehall chapel, I remained during the service. He is rather 
 above the common height, and bul'. f, ' atly exceeding urge legs, | 
 walks heavily, manner clumsy; -ery large featured, thick lips, 
 wide mouth, high forehead, large nose, eyes not lively ; head well 
 covered with hair, which he wears high before. The preacher 
 was Dr. Noel, dean of Salisbury, the only Episcopal preacher that 
 I ever saw or heard repeat the Lord's prayer by heart ; not one of 
 them daring to trust to their memoiy except this man. His manner 
 and delivery very agreeable, and his discourse excellent and useful. 
 Dined at Salisbury-court ; met Mr. Dalglish, who accompanied me 
 home to tea and passed evening. 
 
 March 30. Mr. Dalglish called, and we went together to the 
 Bishop of London's terrace-walk on the banks of the Thames at 
 Fulham, and returnvn \r- Little Chelsea. 
 
 March 31. Attended public worship at St. Paul's; Mr. Hys- 
 lop preached. Drank tea with Mr. Peters. He informed me 
 administration v ould not consent to the independence of America; 
 the ministerial plan is to govern America by a lord-lieutenant, and 
 create nobility ; and if she will not agree to Great Britain's pro- 
 posal, to make a partition treaty of the colonies with France, to 
 whom the northern colonies and Canada would be ceded, the 
 
 lif 
 
 H ! 
 
 ■€i 
 
342 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEBS. 
 
 [1782. 
 
 I 
 
 southern colonies remaining to Great Britain, — a fine bargain, 
 truly. 
 
 Jipril 4. Mr. Dalglish called at ten o'clock, and we departed 
 on foot to Hampton Court, passing through Chelsea, part of Ham- 
 mersmith to Fulham, crossed the river just above Putney bridge, 
 passed through that town, and to Bornes Mortlake to back of Kew ; 
 from thence to Richmond, crossing the river at the bridge, pro- 
 ceeded through Twickenham to Hampton, passing Bushy Park, a 
 tedious level of more than a mile in length, arrived at King's Arms 
 inn at two o'clock, where we dined. At four o'clock proceeded 
 to the palace; entered with a large company of females, who 
 arrived there at the same time with us, joining a master with a 
 number of young persons, his pupils, and a governess with a score 
 of young misses, rendering our company through the royal apart- 
 ments very numerous. The rooms almost all hung in rich tapestry 
 of Brussels manufacture, wrought in gold and silver, which, being 
 put up in King William's reign, time has somewhat tarnished. 
 Pity that the room built for the reception of the Cartoons, and 
 which they long adorned, is now by this king's whim robbed of 
 them to cover the staircase walls of Buckingham House. Return- 
 ing we arrived at " King's Arms" inn, on the borders of Kew 
 Green, and at the foot of the bridge leading to Brentford at eight 
 o'clock, where we supped and lodged. 
 
 Afril 5. We walked on Bankside terrace as far as Sion House, 
 meaning opposite thereto. Returning we passed the building, and 
 taking the foot-path by the river, kept it through Chiswick and 
 Hammersmith as far as it was continued, affording most agreeable 
 views ; then turning, crossed the country to Fulham and by little 
 Chelsea, arriving at Don Saltero's cafo on the bank of the river, 
 where we dined, and at four o'clock departed, arriving at my lodg- 
 ings at five o'clock, having in two days walked thirty-two miles, 
 (yesterday twenty-one, and eleven to-day,) and am at this present 
 writing no more fatigued nor less able to take another walk to- 
 morrow of the same length. 
 
 Jlpril 6. Capt. Coombs and Mr. Dalglish drank tea with me. 
 
 April 7, Sunday. Attended worship and communion at Es- 
 sex House chapel ; Mr. Lindsay read the service and officiated at 
 the communion. Dr. Priestley preached an excellent discourse. 
 
 I 
 
 lii 
 
1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 343 
 
 TO SAMUEL SEWALL, ESQ., SIDMOUTH. 
 
 Brompton, Afril 8, 1782. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 I fancy you need not give yourself any concern about future 
 supplies, which my last letter intimated. Government, it is proba- 
 ble, will not be guilty of such injustice as to withhold what the 
 public faith has engaged. Some ill-founded grants will be stopped, 
 and here the reform in this will end. 
 
 Truly your friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 ^pril 8. Removed my lodgings from Yeoman's Row to Mrs. 
 Smithson's, near the chapel, Brompton. 
 
 April 15. News from East Indies that our Admiral Hughes 
 had taken three places from the Dutch on the coast of Malabar. 
 Further accounts of the designed reform by new administration in 
 national expenditures and abolition of all needless sinecure estab- 
 lishments — wish it may prove true and of lasting advantage. 
 
 Jlpril 18. The delegates of the associated counties held their 
 first meeting in the new common council chamber at Guildhall. 
 During the late administration they were refused it with some 
 marks of contemptuous disapprobation. New men and new meas- 
 ures have effected a wonderful change in the common council of 
 Ix)ndon. 
 
 Jipril 19. This day seven years the fatal fight at Lexington, ^ 
 Mass., happened ; productive of such baneful consequences to 
 Great Britain and America ; what will be its issue, is known only 
 to Him who overrules the folly and wickedness of man, to serve his 
 own wise purposes ; may all of them who are so deeply interested 
 therein be prepared for it. 
 
 Jipril 20. It is affirmed that the cabinet, which consists of ten 
 members, have been thrice equally divided ; the lord president in 
 that case makes report to the king, and he agiees with one opin- 
 ion, which is then entered in the council books, with this addition, 
 " by command of his majesty." The king refused to give his opin- 
 ion, saying, " Let it he done as they determine among themselves.''^ 
 " But, sire, they are divided." " So let it remain (hen .'" — A strong 
 
 \ 
 
 '■'i'.' 
 
 1 
 
 ;i;.:ll 
 
 Wm 
 
 1 ll 
 
 
344 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1782. 
 
 I 
 
 ground of suspicion that neither measures nor men are to his 
 liking. 
 
 " The king in a pet, his affairs all deranged, 
 Has at last his unmerciful ministers chnnged ; 
 Brave news, quoth the Congress ; but better would be, 
 Had the king when he changed them omitted the C." 
 
 ^pril 24. Admiral Barrington has sent into Portsmouth four 
 French transports from Brest and a large ship armed enjlvte, and 
 was left chasing four men-of-war near the harbor. 
 
 April 25. Admiral Barrington arrived in harbor with ten 
 ships of the line and nine transports — French prizes, intended for 
 the East Indies, with another French ship of sixty-four guns armed 
 enjlute. 
 
 May 2. To Westminster Hall ; sat an hour in chancery court, 
 heard lord chancellor try three causes; method summary. 
 
 May 9. To Chelsea — took tea wijh Mrs. Timmins — Robert 
 
 Hallowell first acquainted me with Clark Pickman's death. 
 
 \ 
 
 TO RICHARD WARD, ESQ., SALEM. 
 
 London, May 11, 1782, 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Should your great and goad ally obtain the two only very pro- 
 bable objects of her American alliance, the impoverishment of 
 Great Britain and the consequent seizure of the late English colo- 
 nies, which sh -:ns at present in a fair way for, no man on this 
 side the Atlantic :.: his wits would, I think, whatever regard he 
 may feel for his native country, willingly forego a bare subsistence 
 here for French domination and wooden shoes there. I would 
 just suggest to you, should America in this hour refuse the offers 
 Great Britain may make of a separate peace ; or France refuse to 
 suffer her, (for we well know here the power she has acquired over 
 her,) and no partition treaty take place, (being in the present situ- 
 ation the best to be expected,) depend upon it, you fathers of the 
 present age will have it in their power ere many revolution? of the 
 sun, to tell their children the inestimable civil, religious and politi- 
 cal privileges you of this generation have wantoned away, and 
 with sad rogret recount the happy condition of former days ; nor 
 will the comparison with those you will then mournfully experi- 
 
 
1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 345 
 
 
 ence between English protection and French oppression, fail to 
 enhance your misery. You will then find the little finger of French 
 power heavier than the loin of the English government, with all its 
 apprehended train of evils. As a proof of my needless fears or 
 right judgment, convey my kind love to your wife andchildreiu 
 
 Your friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 TO HON. JONATHAN SEWALL, BRISTOL. 
 
 London, May 12, 1782. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Confined as I have been, for near two years, to a very narrow 
 circle without variety, like monotony in rausic, every thing about 
 me is become insipid. I am therefore going into a scene of new 
 objects, and hey for Flanders for a month. Naturalists say change 
 of air, even from bad to worse, is good for the health of the body ; 
 that of the Netherlands must, I think, be certainly salubrious and 
 nutritive. How happy should I be to have so agreeable a com- 
 panion as Judge Sewall. Who knows what effect a month's resi- 
 dence may produce ? For my part I fancy my thin lathy body in 
 that air, and by the use of rich generous Burgundy, etc., procurable 
 there at a cheap rate, may increase to a manly bulk. My heart 
 would dilate with pride and pleasure to receive a note of compli- 
 ance with my request — nor should I be displeased if your kinsman 
 Samuel Sewall should join and make a trio. Please remember me 
 to your family and those of our countrymen with you with whom 
 I am acquainted. 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 .May 12. It is suggested that the new administratioa mean to 
 increase the power of the crown by their projectti) nt "; militia. 
 As they have, or one of them at least, deceived the people by fre- 
 quently declaring he had a peace in his pocket, when the event 
 showed the falsehood of thosu declarations ; should thfir other pre- 
 tensions prove as futile and groundless, they will dtst . vc the exe- 
 cration of this and futuie generations, and will, I hope, meet a 
 deserved fate. At best, however, 1 expect not much good, and 
 
 44 
 
 ',4'. (■'■ 
 
346 
 
 JOUBNAI, AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1782. 
 
 their 
 
 think ours an ill-compacted junto of very short duration : 
 
 principles are not uniform nor concurrent. 
 
 \ May 17. At New England Coffee-house heard the glorious 
 
 I news of Admiral Rodney's defeat and capture of the French Ad- 
 
 l miral de Grassc, with five capital ships, and one sunk. With Mr. 
 
 Dalglish to Chelsea College Gardens — thence to Mr. Timmins's to 
 
 tea. 
 
 May 18. Trinquemale, the strongest garrison belonging to 
 the Dutch, and called the Gibraltar of the East Indies, being the 
 principal fortress on the island of Ceylon, has been captured by 
 Admiral Sir Edward Hughes, who was going against another fort, 
 which he hoped to reduce. 
 
 May 23. Dined at New England Coffee-house with New 
 England company. 
 
 May 24. With Mr. Dalglish went to Maddocks the florist's 
 exhibition of tulips ; he pointed out the bell king and bell queen 
 stocks, a bc;mliful and singular plant, which he is unable to in- 
 crease, having derived but one ollset in twenty-two years ; had 
 been olTercd twenty-two guineas for it ; the tints are exquisitely fine. 
 
 This day arrived further advice of Sir Samuel Hood's c&pture 
 of two more French men-of-war,^viz., L'Esprit of eighty guns, 
 and Philo of seventy-four, and tv.'o frigates, the Amiable, thirty- 
 two and Cores eighteen, in the West Indies. 
 
 May 25. Loiterin<^ through St, James's Park, and seeing 
 many people collected around the rails of Buckingham House, 
 stopped to see the Prince of Wales, who soon appeared in a phae- 
 ton with Col. Tarletoii, who, I was told, is frequently to be seen 
 with him. 
 
 June 3. Crossed Wos*m)n;;(cr bridge to visit Mrs. Hay .ijJ 
 Mr. Dalglish. 
 
 June 9. It is reported that the Russian ambassador anno, need 
 that the czarina has d^' ' Mtd, in case the Dutch refuse the offer 
 Great Britain has made, which she pronounces liberal, that she 
 will assist the English with her fleet — eighteen for channel servic*. 
 and twenty against the ])uti;h. 
 
 June 25. To Queen dock, Wapping, to see Capt. Coombs on 
 board a ship he is appointed to keep guard in ; stepped in at long 
 room, custom-house. 
 
 
1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 347 
 
 June 28. To Mark-lane corn market, to inquire for Indian 
 corn, and was told there had been none for two years. Afterwards 
 met Mr. Flucker in the Park, and conversed with him half an hour. 
 Met T. Goldthwait, and rode with him to Charing Cross ; invited 
 me to dine at his house, Walthamstow. 
 
 June 29. Took a long walk with Mr. Hutchinson. '' Met a"^ 
 man with a mug in his hand, which he said was once the famous 
 Shakspeare's,and that he inherited it from his wife's father, who was 
 heir to all Shakspeare's effects, being a descendant from him in the , 
 female line; and that Garrick had offered ten guineas for jtji 
 when he celebrated the jubilee at Stratford upon Avon.- The Pub- 
 lic Advertiser to-day says, " Administration have very laudably de- 
 termined on withdrawing their pensions from the American refu- 
 gees ; so that next year," says the writer, " we may hope for 
 some more haymakers than we are able to get for the present har- 
 vest." An ill-natured and I hope untrue declaration. 
 
 July 1. Visited Parson Peters ; meeting there Parson Wiswall, 
 accompanied him to Battersea bridge, having stepped into Don 
 Saltero's cafe, Chelsea, and drank tea. 
 
 , I 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH. 
 
 JVear Brompton Chapel, July 2, 1782. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 You desire me to be communicative about myself — a poor sub- 
 ject, truly, to write about. I am, however, to thank you for your soli- 
 citude, and at present, as you see by the date, am very near the 
 house of God, but never enter therein, keeping steady to our con- 
 venticle in Essex-street, Strand, which is my regular and constant 
 Sunday's resort ; retaining still my old New England prejudice of 
 observing the fourth commandment. My health is better than 
 usual, having escaped the epidemic hitherto. 
 
 Three days since I rr< I'ived a letter from T. B., wherein he 
 acquaints me that our frieii.!-; are well. I presume you have heard 
 of the death of Judge Lyndo and Clark Pickman. 
 
 Your townsman Allen is dead, leaving Sir William Pcj)perell 
 and George Erving his executors, directing that his remains shall 
 be -eiuoved after the troubles to the vault under King's Chapel, 
 Boston. 
 
 f 
 
 *■[ 
 ft 
 
348 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1782. 
 
 We have an American Thursday dinner club at the New Eng- 
 land Coffee-house. 
 
 Very truly your friend, 
 
 S. CORWEN. 
 
 t'fi ■ ( 
 
 W i 
 
 i 
 
 I ■' 
 
 !i 
 
 July 3. Meeting Parson Wiswall, on whose recommendation 
 I went to Battersea to eng'u^; lodgings for w fortnight ; from thence 
 to his church and attended prayers, -where ^.\te present nine in the 
 house exclusive of nuie pariisu hrys. Fro). thence we set off by 
 agreement on '\ walk ro Kingston on the Thames, nine miles, arri- 
 ving at the " St,.n." where took a cold repast, a pottle of straw- 
 berries ; arrived at lodgings before nine o'clock. New arrange- 
 ment of muiistry; Lord Shelbiune first commissioner of the 
 treasury, Earl Teriple secretary in Iuhi of Chs. Jas. Fox, and Mr. 
 Pitt, a favorite pp (rioiic speakei lieu of Lord Shelburne ; Burke 
 out, and BanC- also, with a pension of Jt'3,200 per annum ; Duke 
 of Manchester lord chamberlain. 
 
 July 4. Went to London to the Thursday dinner at New 
 England Coffee-house. 
 
 Jtdy 5. Went to Westminster, and in the lobby of the House 
 of Commons heard that Charles J. Fox, Lord John Cavendish, 
 Edmund Burke, and General Conway, have been dismissed from 
 the king's service ; the former on account of his speech last 
 Monday, declaring the independency of America to be agreed on, 
 which Lord Shelburne denied, having steadily refused his consent 
 thereto. Lord Rockingham's death, which happened last Monday, 
 has very probably hastened the present event. Returned as far as 
 Mr. Elisha Hutchinson's, Brompton, and drank tea with the 
 family. 
 
 July IL Dined as usual at New England fish-club dinner. 
 The king prorogued Parliament, and made a speech from the 
 throne in his robes and crown. 
 
 July 16. At Parson Peters's met young Parson Clarke, and 
 observing him speak articulately, and ',virh some degree of clear- 
 ness, expirssed ny surprise; and inquiring the Cuuse, he lold me 
 his speech cane to him on a sudden, and on the very day seven 
 yeirs that he wns first seized with the incapability of uttering 
 sounds. 
 
 m 
 
 '^ 
 
1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 349 
 
 
 July 21. To Kensington Gardens ; there met Thomas Danforth 
 and Samuel Porter ; the latter related an account of his voyage to 
 Oporto. 
 
 July 22. Went to Clapham Common to dine with Mr. Gilbert 
 Harrison ; Mr. Toulmin nnd his lady's mother there. Returned 
 through the fields ; the hejges perfumed by sweet smelling blossoms. 
 
 July 25. Had a view of the Duke of Cumberland's sailing 
 match on the river, from Mr. Hav's summer-house on the bank. 
 River covered with barges and boats, oars, scullers and sails ; the 
 duke in his own barge, ensign red, having an anchor and a length 
 of cable in gold-leaf depicted thereon. A great concourse attended ; 
 he was in going saluted by a discharge of small cannon ; the 
 boats departed from Blackfriars bridge, length of course to Putney 
 bridge ; premium a silver cup of jESO value. 
 
 July 27. Dined at New England Coffee-house on fish in com- 
 pany with Mr. Flucker, Francis Waldo, Mr. Hutchinson, Thomas 
 Goldthwait, etc. 
 
 July 29. Through Hackney to Walthamstow, where dined 
 with Mr. Goldthwait. 
 
 August 3. In passing Bird-cage Walk had a slight glimpse 
 of Count de Grasse at Sir Peter Parker's window j he is a stout, 
 very tall man. 
 
 August 4. At Battersea church ; the vicar, Parson Gardner, 
 preached. 
 
 August 21. Wrote Mr. Elisha Hutchinson at Birmingham. 
 Afterwards went to Capt. Coombs' at a Mr. Birch's, beyond Folly 
 Bridge, Dockhead ; on the door of a meeting-house I passed ob- 
 served the following words written in chalk, " We have erred and 
 strayed.''^ Unless the supporters of the doctrine of necessity, or 
 even expediency, of a universal confoin.ity to a state establishment 
 of the form of religious worship, can lay its foundation in reason or 
 a command in holy writ, I defy the ablest disputant to prove me 
 or any dissenter in England or elsewhere guilty of- a fault in ad- 
 hering to a different mode of external worship, or schism in a bad 
 sense. On the contrary, all political establishments being tinctured 
 with the reigning principles of the times when they were founded, 
 and men's notions and opinions changing with fashions, usages, 
 customs and language, a continued sameness is utterly impossible ; 
 
 
 \:i' 
 
 ii^li 
 
350 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1782. 
 
 II it. 
 
 ||: ;i 
 
 the endeavor therefore to compel men is offering a violence to the 
 understanding, and denotes the character called in Scripture the 
 man of sin, wherever found. 
 
 Jixcgust 28. Over Westminster Bridge to Mrs. Chapman's, 
 Kensington, to visit Mrs. Hay. Mr. Danforth called. Drank tea 
 at Parson Peters's. 
 
 August 31. This day the papers announce Prince William 
 Henry's* death, at New-York, being the second breach in the 
 royal family, Prince AlficLl, the youngest, having died last week. 
 There remain a dozen, a heavy burden yet on the national finances. 
 Called on Mr, Danforth, and there met Mr. Brewer, late governor 
 of Bermuda ; Mr. Danforth is assisting him in preparing his papers 
 in answer to sixteen allegations or acts of complaint lodged in the 
 king's council against him. 
 
 Sept. 1. Attended worship at St. Martin's ; Mr. Harrison 
 preached to a full assembly. After describing Christian poverty of 
 spirit, and assigning some reasons why Christ began his first public 
 discourse by recommending this virtue, he mentioned two sorts of 
 iron who were wholly destitute of it, viz., those Calvinistic profes- 
 sors who pretended to a certainty of their salvation, and those who 
 claimed it as a merit due to their good works ; both of whom he 
 pronounced deficient in the distinguishing characteristic of Christ's 
 rehgion. 
 
 Hept. 3. Capts. Peters and Walker called and took tea with 
 me ; the former a brother of Parson Samuel Peters, the latter from 
 Worcester. 
 
 Sept. 5. In walking through Parliament-street and seeing 
 crowds running through Scotland-yard, joined them, and on in- 
 quiry found they were accompanying Parson Lloyd, a clergyman, 
 returned from Bow-st-eet Justices' examination to Westminster 
 Bridewell, from whence he was taken this morning on a complaint 
 of highway robbery ; and it is said he is identified. He seemed 
 hardened, and of a rough, bold cast, and begged with a careless 
 boldness money of every well dressed person that passed as he was 
 being conducted to prison in irons ; his right hand being also 
 chained to an officer's, or one of the justice's men. 
 
 Sept. 0. Called at Mr. Wiswall's to accompany him to Holy- 
 
 • Pffinature— ho became king at the decease of hia brother George IV. 
 
 
1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 351 
 
 •well-lane, as far as the gateway of King John's palace, which he 
 never had seen before. 
 
 Sept. 7. Over Westminster Bridge to turnpike head of Kent- 
 street, designing to go to Edmund's great gardens at Deptford ; 
 but the time being far spent, and they a mile and a half distant, 
 1 proceeded no further ; and turning my steps homeward, passed 
 through Kent-street, a long narrow one, of low ordinary houses, 
 and inhabitants corresponding , scarcely one reputable person ap- 
 pearing in view. 
 
 Sept. 9. To Mr. Edmund's house, the great Deptford gardener, 
 to see his asparagus lot of forty acres. 
 
 Sept. 11. "Went with Mr. Peters to Mr. Hunter's seat at Hamp- 
 stead, west end — arrived at one o'clock ; kindly welcomed, dined, 
 drank tea, and departed at six o'clock. Passing through the fields, 
 arrived at the Edgeware road, where one of the queen's coaches 
 returning to town received us in. 
 
 Sept. 13. Called on Parson Peters, from whom learned more 
 of the convulsed state of Massachusetts and Connecticut than I had 
 heard before. The people there are more impatient than elsewhere 
 under public expenses, and retain more of the old republican leaven ; 
 but I know not whether they have not more political discernment 
 anu attend more closely to the steps of their rulers ; and in truth 
 the Bible, the law-book, and the gun, are more used tliere than in 
 any part of the English dominions ; thf rofore more than anywhere 
 else on the face of the globe — no oth.^r country having had sc 
 great a share of political and civil liberty. }.y 'he packet from 
 New-York, Sir William Pepperell here has ■ -^oelved a letter frou 
 the Rev. Williaai Walter there, informing him that the counties of 
 Worcester and Hampshire, in the Massachusetts Bay, have dclined 
 sending members to the provincial assembly, and also the payment 
 01 the tax of eight rhillings on each head through the United 
 States, laid by Con<;ress, amounting to four millions of hard dol- 
 lars, and that it ha(i only raised twenty thousand. That the said 
 counties had sent to know of Sir Guy Carleton on what terms Great 
 Britain would receive them. Also thai courts of justice and all 
 law proceedings were stopped in Beri^sl irr as well as in Worcester 
 and Hampshire, a general uneasiness having taken place by the 
 Congress's requisition to pay the tax in hard money. 
 
 im. '. V -H 
 
 
363 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 1 <! 
 
 K': : 
 
 '!| 
 
 [1782. 
 
 It is also reported that Dr. Saunders had received private letters, 
 acquainting hitn that four of the colonies had protested against con' 
 tinuing any longer their French alliance. 
 
 Sept. 14. Walked to Smithfield bars ; saw for the first time 
 since its demolition old Hicks's Hall, a few remains and rubbish 
 only, leaving road to St. John's-street very commodious and wide. 
 
 Lord Howe sailed with thirty-four ships to the relief of Gibral- 
 tar. 
 
 Sept. 26. It is announced that a commission was last Tuesday 
 perfected under the great seal, empowering General Sir Guy 
 Carleton and Admiral Digby at New-York to acknowledge 
 American independence ; and to treat with Congress, or either of 
 lie miiteen •' ites, cr any body of men. A fine bargain, truly, has 
 this orce powerful wealthy state offered to their lately despised 
 colonies. But human policy sometimes overshoots its markj 
 human wisdom is narrow, and human designs are controlled by a 
 "wiser director than govern court-cabinet councils, and who acts on 
 broader plans. 
 
 Sept. 30. Went to the city to deliver a letter for conveyance 
 to Rev. Mr. Peters ; from Blackfriars Bridge had a sight of city 
 barges with flags displayed, rowing down stream; having the 
 sheriffs, lord mayor and aldermen returning from Westminster Hall, 
 the former being this day sworn into office by one of the barons of 
 the exchequer. 
 
 Oct. 4. Advices received at Lord ShelLnrne's that the siege 
 of Gibraltar is raised. 
 
 Oct. 7. It is reported to-day, that the Spaiush floating gun- 
 batteries had been defeated before Gibraltar ; eleven burnt, sunk, 
 and destroyed, having one hundred and ninety-three brass cannon 
 of twenty-four pound shot, besides one hundred and fifty iron, same 
 calibre ; between fifteen hundred and two thousand men ; it hav- 
 ing been a general assault, begun on St. Louis's day, September 
 9th, and completed 13th ; - three hundred poor souls General Elliot 
 picked up in the water after the batteries were sunk, and sent them 
 in the same day to their friends and country : this by a letter from 
 the Hague. 
 
1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 TO MR. ANDREW DALGLISH, GLASGOW. 
 
 353 
 
 London, Oct. 7, 1782. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 In Hampshire government the opposition has been so general 
 and violent as to require a body of French soldiers to be sent 
 against them, who, on attempting to reduce the insurgents, were 
 attacked, and some lives on both sides lost, without accomplishing 
 the purpose ot their errand.* Yet for all this there is not the least 
 disposition in general, as a state, to accept of the terms Great 
 Britain has offered without the concurrence of their great and good 
 ally. On General Carleton's proclamation, the Congress and con- 
 tinental governments declared it insidious, and despised the offer of 
 independence, which they contemptuously said did not depend on 
 the consent of Great Britain. 
 
 The letter you inquire about was written by Parson Walter, 
 whom you know very well, and is of the same complexion with all 
 advices received from that quarter, which, ever since the com- 
 mencement of this quarrel, have been amusing the public with as- 
 surances of a speedy reduction of the rebellion, as they term it j 
 florid descriptions of the desperate situation of the rebel army ; the 
 sufferings of the country, a growing dislike of Congressional 
 authority, mutual heart-burnings and quarrels amongst its members, 
 and an increasing affection towards the mother country ; all which 
 from the first I disbelieved, and it now proves in event, after a 
 course of six years' delusion, tohave been the phantoms of a heated 
 party imagination. 
 
 I have seen at large a relation of the distresses and inability of 
 the New-York government under the republican rulers, in a repre- 
 sentation made by the House of Assembly to their government ; the 
 picture perhaps may serve for the rest of the colonies. It is the 
 opinion of some refugees that New-York is by this time evacuated, 
 and if one may judge from analogy, I think it is not improbable ; 
 for there never was a time w^ien government had so fair a prospect 
 of overturning that mighty colossus of independency as now : — 
 their distresses never greater, their resources exhausted, loans not 
 to be obtained, French troojxs few in number, and their own army 
 
 ♦ Wholly incorrect. 
 
 45 
 
 I '1 
 
 
 • il. if 
 
354 
 
 JOUKNA'u AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1782. 
 
 dwindled to a pitiful si:r: ^ 'jut Uie die is cast, and as the same ill 
 star which has had the ascendant ever since this baneful quarrel 
 commenced still continues to shed its malignant influence, govern- 
 ment has formally offered America unconditional independency 
 under the royal sign manual. Gen. Carleton writes that the colo- 
 nies are so determined against all governmental connections with 
 Great Britain, that if they cannot maintain their independency, they 
 will declare themselves colonies of France, and if they must be 
 slaves they will take a new yoke, however galling, rather than put 
 on the old one ; this, by the way, is carrying political resentment 
 to the highest pitch of folly and frenzy. 
 
 Very truly your friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 m; 
 
 
 Oct. 9. This day, for sundry reasons, ought to be inserted in 
 the very short list of dies albi, (white days,) which I note, that on 
 inspection I may refresh my memory with a pleasing recollection 
 amidst the gloom, that from a constrained absence from my native 
 country but too generally overspreads my grief-laden mind. 
 
 Oct. 11. Attended Mayne the banker's sale of goods, and also 
 Beranger's, late gentleman of the horse to his majesty ; bought 
 nothing ; things well sold. Mr. William Clarke drank tea with me. 
 
 Oct. 15. I am told by Mr. Rose no orders are to be delivered 
 till the commissioners, consisting of two members of parliament, 
 Mr. Coke and Mr. Wilmot, have examined the refugee claimers 
 and their claims ; that it may require more than a month's time. 
 Proceeded to Oxford-street to pay Mr. Danforth a visit ; whilst 
 there Mr. Hale entered. Met in streets many returning from an 
 execution of ten felons at Tyburn. 
 
 Oct. 16. In conversation with a gentleman at an ordinary, I 
 observed in him the prevailing characteristic infirmity of this 
 nation, rendering them both envied and hated by Europe, viz., an 
 overweening conceit of English bravery, accompanied with a con- 
 tempt for other nations ; which in this day of their distress they 
 now feel the sad effects of, in the cool indifference the other states 
 view her embarrassments, though without producing a reformation 
 as far as I can perceive. It is generally believed the French and 
 Spaniards will retire from before Gibraltar on the approach of the 
 
1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEBS. 
 
 355 
 
 fleet under Lord Howe ; in case of reverse, I know not what raci'c^ 
 disappointment, and despair might he the natural effects; i-hf* 
 political evils are too obvious not to be seen and dreaded. 
 
 Oct. 17. It is reported the Bavarian resident minister has 
 received the following important advices, viz., that Lord Howe has 
 had an engagement with the combined fleets ; taken twelve and de- 
 stroyed seven, with the loss of four or five of his own ships ; all 
 taken are Spanish, not a French one among them ; they retreated 
 into Cadiz harbor, and he pursued his course to Gibraltar, which 
 is thereby relieved, being the great object of his voyage. 
 
 A few hours after, the above was followed by another, viz., — 
 that Lord Howe in defence of Gibraltar had surrendered to the 
 successful arms of the combined fleet. 
 
 By Captain Afflick from New-York, is arrived a confirmation 
 of the loss of the French seventy-four, the Magnifique, with the 
 Triumphante of eighty guns from the West Indies under Vaudreuil, 
 bound to Boston ; the one foundered, the other ran ashore at Point 
 Alderton ; also the loss of the British ship Lion of sixty-four guns 
 on her passage to New- York. 'Tis said also transports are gone 
 from New-York to take off the troops, etc., from Charleston, and 
 that they are also abandoning New- York ; government being in 
 that case determined to take away every difficulty respecting Ame- 
 rican independence, to bring on a treaty for a general peace. 
 
 Oct. 18. Passing through Tooley-street in the Borough, ob- 
 served the name of Southernwood on a door ; having knowledge of 
 one of that name in my first voyage to London in 1738, I am 
 determined to call and make inquiry about the family of Cottenbilt, 
 with whom I then lived. 
 
 Oct. 19. Went on a visit to Mr. Danforth ; acquainted him 
 •with Mr. and Mrs. Hay's compliments and invitation to dinner to- 
 morrow with me at their house No. 4 Golden-square ; staid till 
 eight. 
 
 Oct. 23. To Treasury ; gave a card with my name and ad- 
 dress to a Mr. Allen, clerk to Mr. Townshend, one of the secretaries 
 of state, agreeably to an order, to be questioned as to my claims as 
 a refugee for support ; the value of my estate and effects left 
 behind, losses sustained, etc. etc. 
 
 Oct. 25. Went at eleven o'clock, in compliance with a sum- 
 
 i I I 
 
 "f'^J 
 
356 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1782. 
 
 !■ 
 
 mons from Messrs. Wilmot and Cooke, (members of Parliament, 
 chosen by the lords of the treasury to examine the claims of the 
 American sufferers, state their claims and produce vouchers,) to 
 attend them at the American secretary's office, Treasury-house, 
 Whitehall. Was examined and dismissed, after being directed to 
 bring a certificate of ray bemg a person of property, and of steady 
 uniform attachment to principles of loyalty, which I propose to 
 bring from the late provincial secretary, Mr. Flucker. 
 
 Od. 26. Drank tea at Samuel H. Sparhawk's, Bedford-court, 
 Red-Lion square, and remained till nine o'clock. 
 
 Oct. 28. Passed afternoon and evening at Mr. Danforth's, 
 who assisted me in drawing up ray certificate to present to the 
 commissioners. In the evening Dr. Jeffries, a brother exile, called 
 in and announced the arrival of an express with advice that Lord 
 Howe is relieving Gibraltar ; the French and Spanish looking 
 on him from Algeziras bay without even attempting to loose ground 
 and meet him ; an apparent proof that with ffty-one capital ships 
 they thought themselves unoqual to his fleet of thirty-four. It is 
 likewise added, that the Spaniards by the late high wind have lost 
 three ships. 
 
 Oct. 29. Went to Mr. Flucker's with the following certificate 
 for his signature, viz. : — " General Gage and Governor Oliver 
 being absent from London, we, the subscribers, do certify that 
 Samuel Curwen, Esq., late of Salem, in the province of Massa- 
 chusetts Bay, is descended from an ancient and respectable family 
 in said province. That he has been a deputy Judge of Admiralty 
 and Provincial Impost Officer, and ' ir near thirty years in the com- 
 mission of the peace for the county of Essex ; had always main- 
 tained a most respectable character, and was early distinguished 
 for his attachment to the established constitution of the province, 
 and its dependence on and subordination to the authority of the 
 king of Great Britain, and was esteemed a gentleman of consider- 
 able property and fortune." 
 
 Called in ..o afternoon and received my certificate, signed, 
 " Thomas Flucker, secretary of the province of Massailiusetts Bay." 
 While there, joined by ('ol. Morrow, just arrived from Cowbridge, 
 in W .les, on a like errand. 
 
 Jcl, 31. Cu'-ied at Mr. Timmiiis's; he was engaged in pack- 
 
1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 357 
 
 ing up his goods in order to remove to Wolverhampton, where he 
 is about commencing business. 
 
 JVov. 1. To Pimlico, where took tea with Parson Peccs. 
 
 JYov. 2. Reported that Lord Howe has had an engagement 
 with the combined fleet, and has defeated and dispersed it. 
 
 JYov. 8. Saw in my landlord's parlor the poorest nobleman I 
 believe in the three kingdoms, a Lord Kirkcudbright,hTo\ight up a 
 glover, and who for years worked at this trade in Glasgow ; he is 
 now a captain in the king's guards. Passing a coach, I observed 
 its number 1000, the highest number licensed. 
 
 JSTov. 11. Received my order for quarter's pension of JE25 ; 
 the first given to any refugee on the new establishment of no de- 
 duction to the officer of commissions. 
 
 JVov. 25. Cold air ; St. James's canal frozen hard enough to 
 bear skating on. 
 
 JYov. 26. The meeting of Parliament summoned for to-day is 
 postponed to Thursday 5th proximo, in expectation that the com- 
 missioners at Paris may by that time come to their ultimate deter- 
 mination about peace or war ; or on the preliminaries whereon a 
 peace is to be foundt'd. Franco and Holland fancy they see too 
 well the probable consequences of prolonging the war, to accept the 
 terms proposed ; presuming in the issue Great Britain must accede 
 to what they shall demand, and who does not ? None, I dare say, 
 hut those who will not, and only such are blind. 
 
 JYov. 27. Newspapers filled with contradictory reports about 
 peace ; all dread a continuance of this nefarious, ill-omened, ill- 
 judged, distracted quarrel. 
 
 J\ov. 30. Dined and passed the day at Capt. Hay's. Mrs. Chap- 
 man, with whom these my friends board at Kensington Common, 
 near Vauxhall Carucns, says that the famous Sterne, author of 
 " Tristram Shandy,'''" Sentimental .Journey" etc., was totally void 
 of the fine fevlings of humanity, -.vhich he so beautifully paints, and 
 arc characteristics of his writings, wliicli in respect thereto show him 
 to bo an original genius ; and but ill dischargod the various relative 
 /luties of life ; one instance otdy excepted, which was an immockrate 
 fondness of an only diivighter. As a prool amoiig others, he sulftred 
 an aged mother, which hvi for the proof of it is hardly to be credited, 
 to die in a jail for want of money to discharge a d'-jt of twenty 
 
368 
 
 JOURNAL AWn LETTERS. 
 
 [1782. 
 
 pounds. The public ought to know the character of a ■writer who 
 so ill in practice exemplified what his pen so justly and beautifully 
 describes. This was told her by a very intimate acquaintance of 
 Sterne, who was personally informed of his whole history. 
 
 Dec. 3. Yesterday Vergennes' secretary brought notice that 
 the commissioners appointed by Great Britain and the thirteen 
 United States, had signed a provisional treaty, whereupon stocks 
 rose five per cent. The following letter was published : 
 
 Whitehall, Dec. 3, 1782. 
 The Right Honorable the Lord Mayor : 
 
 In consequence of my letter to your lordship of the 22d ult., I 
 take the earliest.opportunity of acquainting you that a messenger 
 is this moment arrived from Paris with an account of provisional 
 articles having been signed on the 30th ult., by his majesty's com- 
 missioners and the commissioners of the United States of America, 
 to be inserted in and constitute a treaty of peace, which is to be 
 concluded when terms of a peace shall be agreed upon between 
 Great Britain and France. 
 
 I am, etc., 
 
 I. TOWNSHEND. 
 
 I 
 
 Dec. 4. CalledonMr. Heard at Herald's office; there learned, 
 in a conversation with a Mr. Webb, of seeming great political 
 knowledge, that at the time the House of Commons left the late 
 administration in a minority, or in other words, refused to support 
 Lord North's measures, the king took it to heart, and resented it so 
 far as'to declare he would leave them (as he expressed it) to them- 
 selves, and go over to Hanover, from whence his family came, and 
 proceeded so far as to order the administration to provide two yachts 
 to transport himself there ; whereupon the queen interfered, and 
 remonstrated against such a desperate measure, so fatal to her and 
 his family, as well as his own personal interest. Others, too, repre- 
 sented the distressful condition to which the nation would he re- 
 duced by the absence and want of royal authority, though it 
 seemed to little effect, so sadly chagrined and provoked was ho. 
 
 Lord Kockingharn also joined the remonstrants, and showed 
 the necessity of a change of men and measures, wiih no better 
 
1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 359 
 
 success ; — so naturally obstinate and pertinaciously bent was he on 
 his favorite plan of subjugating his (here called) rebellious subjects 
 in America, and bringing them to his feet, till he was told that as 
 sure as he set his foot out of the kingdom, the parliament would 
 declare the crown abdicated and the throne vacant, nor would he 
 ever be permitted to re-enter the kingdom again, — which argu- 
 ment, it seems, brought him to a more cool and juster sight of the 
 folly of such a step, and the absolute necessity of stooping to a 
 compliance with the requisitions of the public. I do not pretend 
 to indicate the measures of opposition, but a more unsuccessful ad- 
 ministration, from whatever cause it proceeded, which time will 
 satisfactorily perhaps explain, was never before engaged to promote 
 royal designs. "What may be the condition of Great Britain and 
 America at the period of the present distressful war, God knows ; 
 for my own part, I tremble at the event, as desirable as it may be, 
 for I can view neither country without the most fearful apprehen- 
 sions of dreadful distresses j whoever began and voluntarily con- 
 tinued this unreasonable, pernicious dispute, does and will deserve 
 the execration of this and future ages, and in the language of 
 ****," The child will rue, that is yet unborn, the fatal mea- 
 sures of Lord North's administration." 
 
 Dec. 5. The king delivered his speech from the throne. I 
 went to see him robe and sit on the throne at the House of Lords j 
 he was clothed in green laced with gold when he came, and when 
 he went, in red laced ; it being the custom to change his garments. 
 The tail of his wig w- - m a broad, flowing, loose manner ; called 
 the coronation tail, a J abode in the lords' chamber scarce ex- 
 ceeded half an hour, iri which he read his speech of eleven pages. 
 
 As one proof among many that might be given of the restraint 
 and disguise of real sentiments on the part of courtiers, from the 
 highest characUi in the presence chamber to the lowest lounger 
 and attendant at ministerial levees, take the following : — When the 
 king found himself obliged to take new ministers, a.'id give up Lord 
 North and his i.-sociates, it is notorious that it was abhorrent to the 
 royal mind, and being naturally of a pertinacious, obstinate temper, 
 was with the utmost difficulty brought to yield a reluctant consent. 
 On the first court day aikr the appointment, when he was in a 
 manner forced oul of his closet into the room of audience, be re- 
 
 '■ i :' 
 
 ! Jt' 
 
 ilf ^l 
 
 "y. , 
 
360 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1782. 
 
 li 
 
 ceived his new servants ■with a smile, and transacted business with 
 them aftfTwards with as much seeming cordiality and openness, as 
 if they hfl been in his favor, and in his most intimate conceits; so 
 seemin ^ly satisfied rind so serene was the royal countenance, that 
 all the newspapers sounded forth the gracious monarch's obliging, 
 condescending goodness to thf public wishes, though nothing was 
 farther from his heart, had not the necessity of his affairs impelled 
 him thereto. At the same time coming up to Mr. Wilkes, he said 
 he was glad of the opportunity to thank him for his very proper 
 and laudable behavior i;i the late riot ; took notice of his looks, 
 which indicated a want of health, advised him to a country air and 
 exercise, which, said his majesty, I find by experience an excellent 
 expedient to procure and preserve health ; all this with the same 
 apparent sincerity, as if they had been in a continued course of 
 pr->'ing and receiving comphments, congratulations, and acknow- 
 ledgments for mutual kindnesses and good offices, though all the 
 world knows there was not a man in the three kingdoms more 
 thoroughly hated, nor whom he had taken a more foolish and un- 
 necessary pains to ruin. The above-mentioned interview being 
 told of in company, Mr. Wilkes took occasion to remark in the 
 following words : — " To have heard the king, one would have 
 thought I was consulting a quack on the score of my health." 
 
 Dec. 6. Reail the king's speech, declaring his offer of inde- 
 pendency to America, and his hopes soon of a general peace. 
 
 Dec. 16. Received from a Cumberlander a note inforniing me 
 of Miss Curwen, an heiress of said county, having married with a 
 Mr. Christian, posstssiri if a small estate adjoining her large one. 
 
 Dec. 17. Dined at Capt. Hay's, with Mr. Danforth and a Mr. 
 Burges, a warm opposer of American independence, who asserted 
 that a great majority of his countrymen (English) abhor the idea, 
 (which Mr. Danforth silently controverts,) declaring they will for- 
 cibly oppose the plan ; thinks tl'o minister who attempts it deserves 
 the gallows, anil will join in bringing him to it ; with this reserve 
 only, should Lord North and a great majority of the parliament co- 
 incide, then it would be proper for the nation to ac(| osce; he 
 also declared his abhorrence of the successors of Lord 'Sov\]> and 
 his associates. 
 
 Dtc. 20. Went to general court martiai at the Horse Guards, 
 
 I 
 
 i« I 
 
11 
 
 1782.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 361 
 
 m 
 
 on General Murray, and abode in the crowd two hours, till adjourn- 
 ment at three o'clock ; in the course of the trial, a witness in favor 
 of the impeached had been several times called for on account of 
 some privateers ^e was accvtsed of being concerned in, particularly 
 the Hannah, afterwards bought ibr government service. Sir Wil- 
 liam Draper proposed that the witness should be asked whether 
 Gen. Murray had received any profits on the sale of prize goods ; 
 the demand threw Gen. Murray into an apparent embarrassment, 
 and cast a concern on his face, to me very plainly to be seen ; but 
 his witness, Neal, with an unblushing, unembarrassed, brazen 
 countenance, relieved his friend by giving a direct negative. Sir 
 William, expressing great astonishment, turning to him asked, 
 " Do you, upon your oath, say that you do not know that General 
 Murray had any profits arising from the sale of prize goods ?" 
 The witness repeatedly said he did not know he had, which seemed 
 to put Sir William into an agitation. This thorough-paced witness 
 appeared determined not to do his work by halves. I know not 
 what effect a true answer to the question would have had, but it 
 seems it might have led to an inquiry which the general would, 
 perhaps, be glad to prevent. 
 
 Dec. 21. At court-martial, and in the course of this day's evi- 
 dence, it appears that Sir VVm. Draper catches hold of every cir- 
 cumstance that t an possibly admit of the least complaints •, and what 
 man's conducl, who is possessed of discretionary powers, does not ; 
 at least, it appears General Murray has not acted a base, rapacious 
 part, nor tyrannical ; at least, not seemingly beyond the limits of 
 his written commissions as governor and vice-admiral of the island 
 and its dfpendencits prudt'iitiy saving iippearanci'S. In the issue, 
 by the complexion of facts at this stage, not to anticipate, I fancy 
 he may acquit liimself, if not with great honor, at least without 
 blame : nor perhaps may Sir William incur the disgraceful blame 
 of Admiral Keppel's accuser. Sir Hugh Palliser. Though the 
 prosecution of both really proceeded from the same cause, a real 
 dislike ; the accusers of each, in other respects, stand under very 
 different predicaments. 
 
 Dec. 23. Two hours at the Horse Guards at General Murray's 
 trial; letters bet we<n the parties were read that manifested suffi- 
 ciently mutual heart-burnmgs and antipathies. 
 
 46 
 
 'l;r 
 
 
\l 
 
 362 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1782. 
 
 Dec. 28. The papers announce the refugees forsaken or neg- 
 lected by Lord Shelbume and his compeers ; the gratitude of courts 
 ought to be reckoned among the nonentities of Lord Rochester's 
 hst. For my own part, I am too far down the hill of life to be 
 muclj distressed at the events of a peace with America on any terms, 
 or continued war — let the younger look to it. This day completes 
 my sixty-seventh year ; with nsore propriety than Jacob, I may 
 truly say, " Few and evil have .' .ca the days of the years of my 
 life." God best knows when a period will be put to them ; its 
 suddenness I deprecate not — may I not be unprepared for the event. 
 
 Dec. 3L Walked in the Park with Robert Lechmere. Capt. 
 Coombs took tea with me, and Mr. Wiswall called. 
 
1783.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 363 
 
 CHAPTER XVII, 
 
 Lo-^don, Jan. 6, 1783. Walked for two hours in the Park ; 
 saw Lord Shelburne for the first time to my knowledge. He is of 
 a middling size and well set ; walks strong and springy ; his dress 
 a brown frock and boots, with a whip in his hand. 
 
 Jan. 7. On an inquiry concerning Mr. Cottenbilt, I find he 
 died about six years since, and his wife about twenty : two daugh- 
 ters, six and seven years old when I lodged with them in Whale- 
 bone-court, in 1738, are now living and widows, one at Enfield, 
 and the other in Holland. 
 
 Jan. 9. Walked to Brompton ; visited Mr. Hutchinson ; drank 
 tea and passed the evening with Mr. Danforth in philosophical 
 conversation. 
 
 Jan. 17. Met my former townsman and neighbor, George 
 Deblois, in Cheapside, whom I have not seen for more, than seven 
 years ; gave him my address. 
 
 Jan. 21. In passing along Parliament-street, saw a long fu- 
 neral procession, say fifty carriages ; on inquiry, found it was an 
 officer named Townshend, who had served in America. 
 
 Jan. 23. Advices have arrived that the British troops have left 
 Charleston and arrived at New-York ; and yesterday the Commons 
 completely liberated Ireland from its oppressive thraldom, to which 
 it has been subjtct to the king and his ministers for many years. 
 
 Jan. 24. This day strong reports that preliminaries of peace 
 are signed. It is said great sacrifices are to be made by the 
 British in the east ; if that be all, it will be well. Lord Grant- 
 ham, ooe of the secretaries of state, acquainted the; .lord mayor that 
 the |irehrainaries were signed ; this is a matter of joy to all well 
 disposed to the true interest of their country. It is said to be a much 
 more favorable peace than, all things considered, could hv nxpectod. 
 
 Jan. 25. George Deblois and Capt. Coombs took tea with me 
 and passed the evening. 
 
 Jan. 28. Mr. Danforth told me of a meeting of Massachusetts 
 
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 354 
 
 JOURNAL AND T. ETTEES. 
 
 [1783. 
 
 refugees at Sir William Pepperell's, to deliberate on what may be 
 proper to be done respecting an application. Meeting adjourned 
 till Saturday next at same place. 
 
 Jan. 29. At king's bench, Westminster Hall; heard a judg- 
 ment on a point of law respecting the license of a dissenting 
 meeting-house, given against the justices, who endeavored to avail 
 themselves of a subterfuge to avoid granting it ; wherein Lord 
 Mansfield spoke sharply to the counsel for the justices. Afternoon 
 at New England Coffee-houss, reading the prelimina.-ies of peace, 
 which I confess astonish me :— a tract equal to half of Europe is 
 surrendered. 
 
 Jan. 30. King Chmles's Day. Attended service at Westmin- 
 ster Abbey; a considerable throng of fellow-worshippers in the 
 great aisle of the choir ; my station or seat was in the prebend's 
 stall. Dr. Bagot, the lately elected bishop of Bristol, of a most 
 diminutive size, preached a loyal court sermon, giving the C*rircu 
 of Ecgland's styled loyal martyr a most exalted character ; - ,iicli 
 if just, that unhappy prince has been sadly misrepresented. He 
 did not, however, descend to scurrillities or abuse ; thorough-paced 
 in hierarchical principles, but not intolerant. 
 
 Feb. 1. Attended a meeting of refugees at Sir William Pep- 
 perell's house, Wim pole-street, to consider of somewhat to be done 
 respecting an application to Parliament, if agreeable to administra- 
 tion. Chose Sir W'illiam Pepperell agent to inquire of Mr. 
 Secretary Townshend and Lord Shelburne, first lord of the treasury, 
 if this course is acceptable to them. 
 
 Lord North approves of it, and advises all the colonies to unite 
 together. Broke up at three o'clock ; number present thirty-three 
 — being all or nearly all in town that had received treasury allow- 
 ances. 
 
 Feb. 3. Met my countryman Mr. John Powell, from Ludlow ; 
 also met Mr. De Berdt, whom I had not seen for seven years ; he 
 having resided in the country since his marriage, six years ago. 
 Agreed to dine with him to-morrow. My townsman, Samuel 
 Porter, also came to see mc ; neither time, climate, change of place 
 or circumstances will ever alter this man's character ; I never knew 
 one whose characteristic qualities are so deeply impressed as his. 
 Feb. 5. Attended the adjournment of the Massachusetts refu- 
 
1783.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 365 
 
 g(' lurk's Head, Gerard-street, Soho ; w^icn Sir William 
 
 Peppei^ reported that Lord Shelburne, by Mr. Secretary Towns- 
 hend, thought the present an improper time to present a petition to 
 Parliament. We enlarged his powers, etc., and after much con- 
 versation on sundry particulars adjourned to next Saturday week 
 at same pla>.e. Thirty present. 
 
 Feb. 7. By the papers of this day it appears that the ratifica- 
 tion of the preliminaries was signed by the French king on the 
 3d instant, and are arrived here as soon as completed. The part 
 of France received by Mr. Fitzherbert and forwarded. The Dutch 
 have not yet acceded. An armistice or cessation of hostility by sea 
 agreed ya be .' (,cn us. 
 
 Feb. 11. Informed that Sir William Pepperell has summoned 
 a part of the Massachusetts refugees to meet at " Turk's-Head" for 
 a sneci' occasion : — called at the Treasury, was informed that a 
 board woi'ld be held this week, and the commissioners' report 
 acted on, aad orders respecting the Americans given out. 
 
 Feb. 13. Notified to attend a meeting; of refugees — voted to 
 empower Sir Wm. Pepperell to join in a petition to Parliament 
 mcdgre au minisire d'etat, (in spite of the minister of state.) 
 
 L i| 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH. 
 
 London, Feb. 11, 1783. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Perhaps it may not be unpleasing to you to be made acquainted 
 that the refugees from the province of Massachusetts Bay, under 
 the denomination of loyalists; to the number of thirty- three, met at 
 Sir Williar i l-epperell's to consult about the choice of an agent to 
 confer with M\e agents of the other provinces, in order to form a 
 plan for adt' essing, remonstrating, or petitioning Parliament ; but 
 whether ot the three I am ignorant, though present at the choice, 
 which by an unanimous vote fell on Sir William ; — and also to re- 
 ceive a report from him of Mr. Secretary Townshend's answer 
 respecting Lord Shelburne's approbation or disapprobation, without 
 the former it being judged improper to proceed. Mr. Townshend 
 excused hif.;tt;lf to Sir William for not having applied to Lord 
 Shelburne, by pleading business, but promised to call on him the 
 next day, etc., if practicable, and thus the aifair stood till the 5th 
 
 11 1? 
 
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 366 
 
 JOUnNAL AND LET'KRS. 
 
 [1783. 
 
 inst, to which time the meeting was adj ■•umed, when Sir William 
 reported that Lord Shelburne thought the present an improper time 
 to present a petition to Parliament. Since the meeting I find there 
 are those averse to •)' measures at present, and amongst others I 
 confess myself a ('/! icrilient for the following reason : the king 
 having taken the refugees under his care by recommending thoir 
 case to the consideration of Parliament. 
 
 Expectation is on tiptoe respecting the result of the commis- 
 sioners, Wilmot and Coke, chosen by the lords of the treasury to 
 examine, settle, adjust and proportion the claims and allowances of 
 the refugees, who have been and are on the list of grantees — 
 before whom we in that class have been. Some are apprehensive 
 of a retrenchment ; some have too much reason ' » fear a total ex- 
 cision ; very few, indeed, iiave hopes of an addition. It is reported 
 and expected that tlie petitioners who hitherto have had no allow- 
 ances, will be soon called betbrc them to show the grounds of their 
 pretences to governmental charity, when probably some pittance 
 will be granted. The salaries of all the oflicers under the crown 
 in the thirteen United States have been for some time past struck 
 off; and part to some will be given under the same denomination 
 with us, who have held none before. Judge Auchmuty of Boston 
 has for these several months been annihilated, and reduced to the 
 condition of a humble petitiniu-r for a hundred pounds. 
 
 Sir William finding his powers too limited, they were enlarged, 
 and he is now empowered to consult and act in all cases in con- 
 junction with the agents iVom the other provinces, giving his 
 private word not to lake any important step without consulting his 
 constituents ; which precaution was universally thought necessary, 
 as Joseph Galloway is suspected of sinister designs. 
 
 It is said that they are making great retrenchments in offices 
 and officers' salaries and fees. 'I'hink you while this spirit lasts, we 
 useless, burdensome aliens shall escape untouched ? that we dogs 
 shall be longer suffered to take the bread out of their own chil- 
 dren's mouths ? I trow not. 
 
 I fancy you wonder at the terms granted America, as all the 
 world does ; but perhaps it may abate when you shall be told the 
 agent Mr. Oswald is eighty-two years old, has been a correspond- 
 ent of Congress, and is a very particular friend of Mr. Laurens. 
 
1783.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 367 
 
 Hv for had the wish of administration been ever s' 
 li umise at all events matters with America, it is aOu 
 
 ble tract 
 irrecovei. 
 sent to Frail 
 
 As Americans will have a right by treaty to navigate the lakes 
 to and from the ocean, and almost the whole of the country where 
 furs are taken lies within the territories, it will be well if Great 
 Britain gets any supply of that commodity but from the high 
 mightinesses of America. Whether our rulers had any, and what 
 concealed purpose in this American treaty, I have not penetration 
 enough to discover ; that it proceeded from ignorance is hardly 
 supposable, if from inattention, unpardonable ; and I confess the 
 last most 
 violent to 
 supposal; ild ultimately have insisted on such imme' ,• 
 
 vceed all Europe in extent. But it is now 
 IS cast — the ratification completed here and 
 a the 3d was ratified there and exchanged. 
 That a peace was ;,ccessary, all moderate men allow, and most, 
 that in all other respects saving America it is as favorable as could 
 have been expected ; in my mind better. I think our enemies 
 have shown laudable moderation. 
 
 With great regard, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 TO REV. ISAAC SMITH, SIDMOUTH. 
 
 London, Feb. 14, 1783. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 In a letter I received yesterday from my friend William Pyn- 
 chon, Esq. of Salem, is the following : — " Capt. John Derby will 
 most willingly accommodate any of his countrymen who may wish 
 to return with him." Capt. Derby, in a large ship of his brother's, 
 is now at Nantz, to return in a month ; which is encourisr^ing to 
 all not under the ban of the states, and I am told their prejudices 
 are surprisingly abated, and there seems a disposition to forgot past 
 animosities and kindly receive all the fugitives. 
 
 This day I went to the Treasury to inquire about my allowance, 
 and to my comfort found it stood as at first. A few are raised, 
 some struck off, more lessened. Of those that have come to my 
 knowledge. Gov. Oliver's is lessened JEIOO, out of .£300; Mr. 
 Williams, who has married a fortune here, is struck ofFj Harrison 
 
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 368 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEHS. 
 
 [1783. 
 
 Gray, with a wife and two children, struck off; his brother Lewis 
 lessened to ^£50 ; D. Ingersoll reduced from ^£200 to JCIOO ; Sam- 
 uel H. Sparhawk from JC150 to jC80; Benjamin Gridley from 
 jei50 to jeiOO; Thomas Danforth's, Samuel Sewall's, Samuel 
 Porter's, Peter Johonnot's, G. Brinley's, Edward Oxnard's and 
 mine, continue as at first ; Chandler's raised j£50 ; Samuel Fitch's 
 j£20 ; Col. Morrow's £dO ; one whose name I forget is sunk from 
 j£100 to j£30 ; and many names and sums totally forgotten. On 
 the whole, it is said the sum paid last year to refugees, amounting 
 to near je80,000, is now shrunk by the late reform to JE38,000 ; 
 and if the commissioners act on the same frugal plan respecting the 
 petitioners whose cases will probably soon be considered, 1' very 
 much doubt \7hether the sum of last year's expenditure under this 
 head, including all their additional allowances, will not exceed 
 this year's. 
 
 This is the great, the important day on which the prelimina- 
 ries are to undergo a most critical and severe discussion, and will 
 determine the fate of Lord Shelburne's administration ; news un- 
 luckily for it has arrived, that the government of Virginia has 
 declared they will pay no regard to any remonstrance, or request, 
 or requisition respecting refugees, which manifests the fatality of 
 the preliminary article recommending the same. 
 
 Your faithful friend, S. Curwen. 
 
 Feb. 17. Mr. Flucker died suddenly in his bed yesterday morn- 
 ing, and is the forty-fifth of the refugees from Massachusetts within 
 my knowledge, that have died in England. He was secretary of 
 state for Massachusetts. 
 
 Feb. 18. Mr. Deblois told me that Virginia had expressly de- 
 clared they would not regard any remonstrance, requisition, or 
 request of Congress respecting the loyalists of their province, as the 
 fifth preliminary article between Great Britain and America stipu- 
 lates : the fatality of which was visible enough before this proof. 
 It is likely the rest of the states will copy so laudable an example, 
 and exhibit thereby to the world a specimen of their power, want 
 of virtue, naoderation, and disregard to the principles of humanity. 
 Shame to Great Britain that these unhappy persons stand in need 
 of a recommendation promising such small efficacy — a striking les- 
 
1783.] 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 369 
 
 son to future generations never to support the reins of government 
 against the determined resolution of a very numerous people. The 
 House of Commons did not rise till seven o'clock this morning ; 
 being engaged in debate on preliminary articles of peace, and pro- 
 visional articles between Great Britain and America. The magni- 
 tude and importance of the subject deeply employs the attention 
 not only of the managers, but the public universally, Vfho are all 
 ears for the result. Lord Sbelbume and administration are left in a 
 minority by sixteen in the Commons. In the House of Lords strong 
 opposition to the terms of peace. English pride cannot brook to 
 receive the dictates of a conqueror. 
 
 Feb. 19. Evening at Dr. Graham's lecture on health, in his 
 " Temple of Health," in Pall Mall, near St. James's. The firat room 
 entered was properly a vestibule, from whence through folding 
 doors one passes into the apartment holding the electric bed, about 
 seven feet square, raised three feet from the floor ; over the frame 
 at the head are iixed two balls gilded of four inches diameter and 
 one inch apart, to receive the electric spark from the machine 
 above, continued down in a glass tube through the floor. Passmg 
 this, you enter the room of Apollo, through a narrow entry, having 
 on each hand two or three niches containing statues gilded, about 
 half the natural size. The first object that meets the eye is the 
 temple of Apollo, being a round cupola five feet in diameter, 
 supported by six fluted pillars of the Corinthian order and eight 
 feet high, in imitation of scagliola ; in the centre stands a tri- 
 podal frame with concave sides, on which rests in each angle a 
 lion couchant, supporting a long frame for the branch of six or 
 eight lamps, adorned (or rather overcharged) with crystals, whose 
 tremulous motion by the company's walking adds great brilliancy 
 to the appearance, the walls all around having many branches 
 with three candles each, besides two more large central branches^ 
 suspended by gilt chains from the ceiling. The dt corations in the 
 frippery kind arc in great profusion in this as well as in the other 
 room, consisting of glass in various forms and sizes, inlaid and 
 hanging — many gilt statues of Apollo, Venus, Hercules, Escula- 
 pius, etc., besides a few pictures. The master discovered a ready 
 elocution, great medical knowledge, and appeared well qualified to 
 support the character he assumes. 
 
 47 
 
 i 
 
|( ; 
 
 370 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1783. 
 
 March 4. Called at G. Deblois's lodgings, and found that he 
 sailed for Halifax on the 1st. Met Capt. Coombs, Avho informed 
 me that Mr. Rowe at Treasury was drawing our pensions ; hast- 
 ened and received my order. 
 
 March 7. Government unsettled. Old administration out, no 
 successors agreed on. Lord Gower has been solicited by the king 
 to accept the premiership, or to be first lord of the treasury — the 
 lord chancellor and Charles Jenkinson are of the interior cabinet. 
 It is said the king has scarce eaten these two days, and is violently 
 reluctant to take Charles J. Fox into his counsels ; and the party 
 wherein he is engaged is by far the most powerful, to which Lord 
 North has lately allied himself; to separate which has been the 
 king's endeavor, but it seems without success. It is generally 
 thought the king must at length yield. He will have to adopt the 
 whole Rockingham party, or suffer the wheels of government to 
 stop till Parliament remonstrate, which it soon must if the arrange- 
 ment is not immediately made, all national business being at a 
 stand. k^ : •' " i 
 
 March 15. Administration not fully settled ; the king claim- 
 ing the right of filling up vacancies in the cabinet in case of death 
 or removal, ai>d the new administration demanding to have none 
 added but by *heir consent, that there may be no jarring among 
 themselves ; and they will not act till this be settled. 
 
 March 17. Visited Mr. Richard Clarke— thence to the Treas- 
 ury to inquire when- the commissioners were to meet again, and 
 meeting Mr. AUeyn, a clerk, was informed about Mrs. Gen. Wins- 
 low's* allowance ; finding a mistake had been made by Mr. Rowe 
 to her prejudice, 1 proceeded to inforrr brother Clark of it, and 
 from thence to her own lodgings j sht ^ absent I returned, and 
 stopping at her sister Deblois's, found her there, and rejoiced her 
 heart by acquainting her that her allowance stood as at first grant- 
 ed, and received her thanks. 
 
 March 19. Walked '.J Park. Meeting Mr. Thomas Hutchin- 
 son, joined and accompanied him to Hyde Park corner ; he ac- 
 quainted me that Col. Phips, who is just arrived, relates that, 
 during his captivity at Boston he was civilly treated by all ranks, 
 
 * Lady of Gen. John Winslow of Marshfield, n refugee. 
 
1783.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 871 
 
 and although obliged to reside at Cambridge, the state forbidding 
 strangers a residence at Boston, he could easily obtain leave to visit 
 (here in the daytime. 
 
 f. ., TO ANDREW DALGLISH, ESQ., GLASGOW, v* si-. , 
 
 London, March 17, 1783. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 My design herein is to give you my crude, and ask in return 
 your better digested thoughts, on the present critical situation of 
 Great Britain and the States of North America. However exult- 
 ing they may feel in this first hour of their deliverance from British 
 governmental authority, they have in my poor opinion an immeas- 
 urable distance of road to travel over, intercepted with bogs, preci- 
 pices, cloud-topped, scraggy mountains and deep valleys, before 
 they will be able to arrive at an improvable champaign country, 
 where ease, plenty and content are to be found : — in other words, 
 that country abounds in lawless, ungovernable subjects, disposed, 
 however, to imitate the vices, follies and luxurious fashions of 
 wealthy states, with comparatively little running cash, immense 
 debts, no funds established, and permanent and powerful creditors 
 to account with. 1 was yesterday told by Mr. R. Clarke that 
 Massachusetts was answerable for a yearly interest of twenty thou- 
 sand sterling due for a loan. We are at this period in this country 
 in a kind of anarchy ; no settled administration, the most import- 
 ant national concerns neglected or delayed. 
 
 The Rockingham party is, evidently, the most numerous, and 
 therefore most powerful, and since the coalition between the man 
 of prerogative and the man of the people, the latter, very justly so 
 styled, can carry all before him. The great obstacle, however, to 
 a full establishment of the cabinet is, it seems, whether the present 
 lord chancellor and Lord Stormont shall be of it ; which the king 
 insists upon, designing them, if he can prevail to bring them in, as 
 checks on the rest, these two being professed abhorrers of the pres- 
 ent designs of the embryo administration. The other point is the 
 king's right to fill up vacancies that may happen by death or 
 removal, which is refused him, saying they will have none but 
 those in whom they can confide. If the king gains his point, af- 
 fairs will go on in the old channel, and there will be no reform ; if 
 
 
372 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1783. 
 
 he yields, he will scarcely be more than a doge of Venice, and the 
 cabinet will rule and possess the whole power of the state. 
 
 Respecting the pubhc, it seems to be of no importance who is in 
 or who is out ', all are in pursuit of one plan invariably to the neglect 
 of the general welfare, or more properly at the expense of it. In 
 this inter-reign Lord Shelburne sits and acts in the treasury, and Mr. 
 Pitt as chancellor of the exchequer : — as to the character of the for- 
 mer, though I profess no veneration for him, yet, as an active minister 
 at the head of affairs, whether the public could, in this crisis, have 
 been better served, is a doubt in my mind, notwithstanding the 
 clamor raised by the newspaper writers. I fancy if you will read 
 his speech of the 14th February, and that published in the Ad- 
 vertiser of this day, you will see more reasons for the minister's 
 justification than disappointed pride, private interest, personal dis- 
 like and party rage will allow ; but when one reflects on the al- 
 most universal cry of the nation for peace ; the act of the legislature 
 last session, wherein the independence, the only bone of contention, 
 was as good as given up, and the king almost commanded to put 
 an end to the war in America ; the insupportable load of the na- 
 tional debt, and without some capital reform, which in a time of 
 war is utterly impracticable, will in the event prove so; the ruin- 
 ous prospects from a decided superiority in the East and West 
 Indies, which would have enabled our proud, revengeful enemies 
 to require much more humiliating demands than the present terms ; 
 one would think the nation should rather rejoice to have escaped 
 so dreadful a catastrophe as a continuance most probably might 
 have brought on, and be thankful our enemies were inspired with 
 such a moderate spirit. It is not to be conceived that proud, stub- 
 born, successful enemies, just on the eve of obtaining the long wished 
 object of their ambition, would be persuaded to relinquish all the 
 advantages gained in war without any compensation. The great 
 moderation of the French court under such advantageous circum- 
 stances as they now confessedly are, was shown before parties ap- 
 peared so prominent ; but Britons, unused to receive the law, cannot 
 without hard st? uggles submit — time and cool reflection will clearly 
 manifest the wisdom of the act of last session, and if that be ac- 
 knowledged, the conduct of the late administration, meaning Lord 
 Shelburne and his associates, must of consequence be approved. 
 
 Dr. 
 
1783.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 
 Before the preliminaries are ratified or hostilities ceased in the~ 
 channel, an American ship laden 'with oil, with her thirteen stripes 
 flying, came into the river from Nantucket by way of Ostend, and 
 our London traders were but little less in a hurry ; for within a few 
 days after the preliminaries were published, ten or twelve vessels 
 were posted up in the coffee-houses, advertising for freights to_ 
 New- York and Boston. Nor, indeed, does government seem much 
 less precipitate, for a commercial treaty act is now under consider- 
 ation of a committee of the whole house, and will probably in a 
 few days be ready for the royal signature. The loyalists have been 
 for these two months very deeply engaged in forming plans to 
 counterbalance the dreadful evils consequent on ministerial neglect 
 in the late treaty. I can foresee no good to arise from their indus- 
 try; on the contrary, apprehend mischief, and therefore decline 
 attending. 
 
 What think you of returning to your late abode, Salem 1 
 Should it be my lot, I shall wish for a few old acquaintances, 
 without which the great revolutions in public and private, will, I 
 apprehend, render my return not, desirable. Please favor me with 
 your undisguised sentiments freely on the foregoing, and whatever 
 intelligence you may think proper. 
 
 Very truly your friend, 
 
 S. CuawEN. 
 
 * 
 
 March 20. Attended the Royal Society's weekly meeting at 
 Somerset House ; going into the antechamber common to the An- 
 tiquarian Society and Royal Society, one waits until an acquaint- 
 ance or friend appears to procure your name to be set down in the 
 list, which is read aloud by an attendant at the president's order ; 
 when the society, who are already met, are about to begin, each per- 
 son regularly enters and takes his seat, (long slips .being placed on 
 either side a middle aisle.) At the head of the room sits the pres- 
 ident, now Sir Joseph Banks, with his hat on his head, all others 
 uncovered ; he in a chair of state elevated three or four steps ; just 
 below it and on the same level with the floor is a half round ma- 
 hogany table, having only two assessors, viz., the two secretaries, 
 Dr. Matty, a person of profound knowledge and learning, but of a 
 
 m 
 
 
 p. 
 
374 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTEBS. 
 
 [1783. 
 
 most diminutive, unpromising person, and a Mr. Grey, \<?ho read 
 the communications to the society respecting experiments and any 
 acquiritions of knowledge in astronomy, etc. Among others on 
 this occasion was read a letter from the famous Herschel, lately in- 
 vited from Bath to Windsor by the king, and for his use the round . 
 tower there is assigned : by his discoveries in astronomy it seem^*' 
 our solar sy:;;«^m is travelling through the immensity of space in a 
 progressive motion, which he deduces from an apparent change of 
 relative situation of some fixed stars most visible or of largest di- 
 ameter, and therefore nearest to us. The election of members is 
 by ballot, each member putting in his vote into the box, presented 
 to each separately, which being delivered into the president's 
 hands, he empties out on the desk before him, and after counting, 
 declares the candidate elected (or otherwise) a fellow of this soci- 
 ety ; an instance I saw this night, and it is not a common sight. 
 A candidate stands four months after proposed before balloted for. 
 Dr. Cope, Bishop of Clonfert, being this night proposed, the prea- 
 dent out of regard to his dignity as a peer of Ireland, dispensed 
 with the usual forms and proceeded to a ballot, which was not ob- 
 jected to. The assembly was in number to appearance scarce 
 short of two hundred — the room a noble one, eighty feet by 
 thirty, and twenty high ; the walls covered on all sides with half 
 length and quarter portraits, arranged one above the other — Sir 
 Isaac Newton's being at the head of the room in the centre of the 
 middle space, and opposite the door. A person of modest assu- 
 rance may push himself in amongst the company, few of the visit- 
 ors being known, and no inquiry made on whose account one 
 appears there. A friend engaged Dr. Fothergill to insert my name, 
 which he entered by speaking to Dr. Matty, without entering his 
 name. Every one who appears is presumed to have some relish 
 for and acquaintance with some one or more of the branches of 
 literature, etc., for that reason the society is not strict in examining 
 their pretences to attend. The meeting begins at eight, and com- 
 monly ends at ten — none spoke but the president, nor read but the 
 secretaries. 
 
 March 21. Met the king in a sedan chair, accompanied by ten 
 or twelve yeomen and footmen, going to St. James's. New min- 
 
1783.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 
 J 
 
 istry is said to have been settled ; Lord North, 'tis said, to return 
 to public life as a secretary of state. If so, probably at the king's 
 earnest entreaty, otherwise it is hard to account for. 
 
 March 24. To the reproach of the king and the nation, gov- 
 ernment is without a ministry, notwithstanding the daily reports of 
 an arrangement ; selfishness, venality, rapacity and dissipation are 
 the characteristics of this age and nation ; to which must be added, 
 in order to finish the picture, a total disregard of the idea of public 
 welfare, which all men speculatively consider as a necessary, but as 
 a crazy phantom, and therefore practically neglected. 
 
 March 28. At the lobby of the House of Commons, which \ 
 soon after meeting adjourned to Monday. Favored for the first 
 time with a sight of young Pitt, that forward political plant ; may 
 he imitate his father as well in integrity and amor patriae, as in 
 oratorical ability and natural powers. Some think appearances 
 promise a more abundant harvest; should he continue in the 
 national councils the public will be highly favored of heaven. 
 
 March 29. At Treasury, informed by Mr. Rowe that Lord 
 Shelburne had surrendered his seat as first lord. No ministry set- 
 tled, nor to appearance is like to be soon ; the king unyielding, 
 and the candidates as stiff and uncomplying. The old story of 
 Lord Bute's pernicious influence prevails again ; there is some ad- 
 vice unseen that supports the king's obstinacy, for I know not what 
 else to call his non-compliance. 
 
 March 30. At St. James's, in the gallery ; the king and queen ' 
 passed through from the chapel to the green-room ; on leaving the 
 antechamber I luckily, being small, crowded myself under the elbow ! 
 of a good-natured yeoman, and in the front rank had ^ full view of 
 the king, queen, prince of Wales, and the court t. ,• On the 
 other side of the yeoman stood a boy, who on the king's approach, 
 bending one knee, presented a petition ; the king took it without 
 any further notice, and after walking a few steps, put it into the 
 hand of the lord in waiting. Soon after I departed, leaving the 
 gallery filling, and the passage under the piazzas in the court 
 middle lined double on both sides, to have a sight of the company J 
 going up. 
 
 March 31. Samuel Porter, Peter Frye and myself, visited Mr, 
 Hughes at dinner and tea. 
 
 m 
 
376 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1783. 
 
 Jipril 2. Read a Boston newspaper, where I saw poor Coombs' 
 estate in Marblehead advertised for sale. I really pity my poor 
 fellow refugee, and think him cnielly treated by his savage towns- 
 men. This day's paper announces administration settled : — 
 
 Duke of Portland, First Lord of the Treasury. 
 
 Lord John Cavendish, Chancellor of the Exchequer. m ^ 
 
 Lord North and Charles J. Fox, Secretaries of State. . *f j 
 
 Lord Stormont, President of the Council. 
 
 Earl of Carlisle, Lord Privy Seal. c, 
 
 Lord Keppel, first Lord of the Admiralty. \ - ^ 
 
 Mr. Burke, Paymaster of the Forces. v;<. 
 
 Colonel North, Treasurer of the Navy. 
 
 ^pril 5. Called at Mr. Tassey's to have a sight of the curious 
 cabinet of satin wood, inlaid and decorated with many devices, 
 figurative, etc., on front and sides : its contents, rows of drawers 
 containing impressions of intaglios, cameos, seals, etc., to the num- 
 ber of more than six thousand, duplicated, to be sent to the Empress 
 of Russia by her express order, — value, several thousands; she is 
 a great encourager of ingenious artists, particularly English ones. 
 
 ^pril 7. Passed a crowd attending procession in Parliament- 
 street, going to take the Westminster candidate, Charles J. Fox, 
 from his lodgings to the hustings under St. Paul's, Covent Garden 
 portico. First marched musicians two and two, then four men sup- 
 porting two red painted poles having on top the cap of liberty of 
 a dark blue color; to each was fastened a light blue silk standard 
 about nine feet long and five wide, having inscribed thereon in 
 golden letters these words, " The Man of the People ;" followed 
 by the butchers with marrow-bones and cleavers ; then the com- 
 mittee two and two, holding in their hands white wands ; in the 
 rear the carriages. They stopped at his house in St. James's- 
 street, where taking him up, he accompanied them in Mr. Byng's 
 carriage through Pall Mall and the Strand to the hustings, when 
 the election proceeded ; made without opposition, no competitor 
 appearing agninst him. 
 
 ,MprU 13. Called on Mr. Jonathan Williams and Captain 
 Johnson, and conducted them to Essex House chapel ; Mr. Lindsay 
 preached ; — subject, the address of the gospel to the poorer and 
 middling ranks, which shows both the wisdom and goodness of God. 
 
1783.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 377 
 
 '"i: April 19. Met two numerous companies of sailors parading 
 through the streets with an ancient; told they were going to 
 demand of the king their wages, having been discharged without 
 payment ; but in returning through the Park could get no intelli- 
 gence of their having made any demand at the Palace or Admiralty, 
 and conclude they had been persuaded to separate on a promise of 
 speedy payment ; a number yesterday having obtained the king's 
 promise that the sailors should be relieved by the first instalment 
 of the present loan to be made in a few days. 
 
 May 13. Captain Coombs called early by agreement with me, 
 and then departed to take coach for Kew Bridge at nine o'clock ; 
 arrived at eleven ; from thence on foot through Kew and the ter- 
 race to Richmond, and through Twickenham to Hampton Court ; 
 dined at King's Arms; proceeded through the gardens to the 
 palace, and passing through observed the paintings in better order 
 than before ; was informed they were lately cleaned by the king's 
 order, and some new ones brought from the queen's house and 
 Kensington ; returned back through Bushy Park by a returned 
 chaise. Was told that Kensington Palace may be seen as well as 
 the others ; and also, that Hyde Park came to the crown by the 
 Duchess of York, Lord Clarendon's daughter, the mother of queens 
 Mary and Anne, and would in eight years revert back, unless the 
 the king should obtain a new lease thereof. 
 
 May 14. Went to Shoreditch work-house to see a Mr. Best, 
 who is remarkable as a most perfect textuarian, and without 
 looking in the Bible refers to particular texts, repeating the very 
 words and all of them, to the number of many verses, often some- 
 times apposite to the circumstances of the applier ; — seems not at 
 a loss for any word or order in the text, and repeats slowly. He first 
 looks into the right hand, pretending to a great knowledge of pal- 
 mistry ; among other parts, he applied the 3d, 4th, and 5th verses 
 of 30th Deuteronomy to me, being then a refugee from America 
 in London. His language is only in Scripture phrases; his room, 
 large in extent, is filled almost with work of his own, in straw, of 
 Scripture stories — as the creation, flood, passage of the Israelites 
 over the Red Sea, etc. ; — New Testament — the nativity, baptism 
 in Jordan, miracle of loaves and fishes, broad and narrow way, 
 crucifixion, lying in the tomb, rising from the dead — called ascen- 
 
 48 
 
 *?1 
 
378 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LBTTBHS. 
 
 [1783. 
 
 CDon — day of jodgment, last trumpet sounding, etc. These are 
 separate compartments made of straw, with divisions in the same 
 style and materials ; he is continually, when not intermipted by com- 
 pany, at work in making small works of flowers, rings in imitation 
 of large seal rings, one of which he put on my finger. By his 
 ready application and repeating the Tery words of Scripture, and 
 the places where they are to be found, he stems to have got the 
 whole Bible by heart ; after looking into my hand, he referred me 
 to sundry texts, some of which I confess struck me with astonish- 
 ment and confusion. Though not more than fifty-five years of age, 
 he is so totally void of care respecting himself, that he must be put 
 to bed and taken out, fed with meat and drink like an infant ; he 
 will not bear to be called Mr. nor thanked for his presents, — loves 
 fruit, and will accept of it, but not money. The posture he receives 
 his visitors in is sitting within his little straw cell ; looks on one 
 only when he takes a hand to examine, and if he likes his visitor, 
 on his departure seizes the hand in both his and kisses it warmly, 
 bidding God speed in Scripture phrase. 
 r May 19. Went out accompanied by Mr. Pickman to Drury Lane 
 . play-house to see Mrs. Siddons, the favorite tragic actress of the 
 ! public, in the character of Jane Shore, which she well supported. 
 ^ May 22. Informed that the refugees', or as they affect to deno- 
 minate themselves, loyalists', petition to Parliament is presented, 
 and supported by Lord North and all in administration, that all 
 who have pensions may receive them by their agents, go where 
 they will, even if they shall return to either of the United States. 
 
 June 16. Joseph Hooper called and drank tea ; gave him a 
 certificate as he desired, though I fancy it will be of no effect, 
 respecting his property, business, and manner of living ; of which, 
 as I know, I can say but little. 
 
 June 19. Walked to White Conduit House, to see a great 
 cricket match played ; Lords Winchelsea, Easton, and Strathaven, 
 and Sir Peter Burrill, etc. ; a very severe headache drove me off 
 the field. 
 
 June 30. Visited the artificial flower-garden at Spring Gar- 
 dens ; a beautiful imitation, laid out in walks, containmg in its 
 borders a great variety of the most curious flowers and many spe- 
 cies of wall fruit, with birds of the season and climate placed in 
 
■A,- y: 
 
 1783.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 379 
 
 natural attitudes on the boughs in good preservation ; having also 
 a small piece of water, with hjet d'eau in the centre, and a swan 
 floating on its surface, besides a stream of water falling down a 
 rugged precipice into a basin : the upper part of the sides covered 
 with perspective views, which enliven the room, being of faint 
 green ground, and eighty feet by fifty and twenty-five high, the top 
 almost an entire skylight. 
 
 July 9. At the gallery of the House of Lords; Mr. Cooper, a 
 counsellor at law, pleading at the bar in a case wherein the distillers 
 were concerned ; on the third reading of bill. Lord EflBngham 
 rose and objected to various clauses, all of which were overruled, 
 and the bill passed. A message from the Commons was received 
 and read. In the former case. Lord Effingham called the first lord 
 of the treasury, the Duke of Portland, who rose, and to my seem- 
 ing acquitted himself very indifferently ; in his person he is un- 
 pleasing in figure and countenance. Lord Effingham had the ap- 
 pearance both in person and dress of a common country farmer ; a 
 green frock coat, with brass buttons, his hair short, straight, ano to 
 appearance uncombed ; his face rough, vulgar and brown, as also 
 his hand ; in short he had the look of a laboring farmer or grazier* 
 There were three bishops and twenty-three lay lords present : re- 
 mained there two hours. 
 
 JtUy 11. At the bottom of Buckingham-street, on the bank of 
 the river, is a very convenient stone alcove, where 1 met a foreigner, 
 who proving communicatively inclined, I attended for near an hour 
 to his relations ; the subject being the small degree of liberty this 
 country enjoys compared with the states of Germany, particularly 
 the king of Prussia's dominions, which he endeavored to exemplify 
 from that monarch's readily redressing all acts of injustice from his 
 courts, or from the oppressions of one subject to another. Another 
 proof was the burdensome taxes of this country, to which the Ger- 
 man states are not liable ; the demesnes of the princes, and other 
 sources, furnishing them with an income independent of taxes. A 
 third was the exorbitant fees and delays of justice in our courts* 
 which are just causes enough for complaint, crying aloud for re* 
 dress ; which, alas! there is but little reason to hope for. 
 
 July 12. By appointment, dined at Mr. De Berdt's, a brother 
 of the late Mrs. Joseph Reed of Philadelphia ; about six o'clock, 
 
380 
 
 JODBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1783. 
 
 ti >l 
 
 departed with Mrs. De Berdt in her chaise for their country house, 
 in Wormly parish, on Sir Abraham Hume's land and manor, Herts ; 
 passing through Shoreditch parish, Kingsland, Stoke Newington, 
 Tottenham, High Cross, Edmonton, Pender's End, Enfield, Wal- 
 tham Cross, Theobalds, and Cheshunt. Mr. De Berdt arrived soon 
 after on horseback. 
 
 July 13, Sunday. Attended worship at a meeting-house iu 
 Turnford in the morning ; in the afternoon at the parish church, 
 standing on Sir Abraham's ground, who is the presentee thereof; 
 a miserable, dark, old, forsaken temple, seemingly in a state of dere- 
 liction, though its revenues are far from contemptible, amounting to 
 .£200 and more ; its present incumbent is a D. D. Accompanied 
 my friends to the christening of a daughter and churching of the 
 mother • after service partook of tea and christening cake. 
 
 July 14. Set otT through Lord Monson's grounds for Mr. 
 Hughes' at Hoddesdon ; arrived in an hour, and passed another hour 
 •with him ; then returned and rode with Mr. and Mrs. De Berdt 
 over the Lea and New rivers into Essex, along the meadows; 
 leaving there, we entered a rough, lonesome road that continued 
 to the top of a very long hill of quick ascent. On the summit 
 stands Roydon, from whence forward both lands and road had a 
 very different appearance ; passed Stansteadbury church, standing 
 on the edge of the eminence, and half a mile distant from the town 
 or any house, except one gentleman's seat in its neighborhood, 
 overlooking the extensive field called the llyehouse field, perhaps 
 from the grain of that kind for which it is noted. Descending into 
 the plain, stretching for a mile or two on either hand, we passed 
 the house well known in the history of Charles IL, for the real or 
 imaginary plot against government laid there ; and also the two 
 rivers, New and Lea, running scarce more than ten rods asunder, 
 through the whole length of the plain, and parallel to each other ; 
 at ten o'clock arrived home. 
 
 July 21. Wrote to Thomas Russell, Esq., Boston, and intro- 
 duced Mr. Coap. 
 
1783.] 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LETTBBS. 
 
 381 
 
 TO WILLIAM PYNCHON, ESQ., SALEM, N. E. 
 
 London, July 26, 1783. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 The raging fever of the times will doubtless abate, for no vio- 
 lent fermentations are lasting, but not perhaps till the purposes of 
 raising it are answered. The political frenzy of your country, and 
 the peculiarly critical situation of American refugees here, put it 
 out of ray power to be decided respecting my future destination. 
 However, as I wrote Mr. Ward, age and infirmities have made 
 such inroads on me, as render of little importance the public deci- 
 sions here or there. I ardently wish and pray for the welfare of 
 both countries ; but to whisper a truth in your ear, I should not 
 entertain a single thought of crossing the Atlantic at my advanced 
 time of life, even under the pleasing prospect of a friendly and 
 kind reception, was it iiot for the short enjoyment of my friends 
 and acquaintance ; mui-n less is the thought pleasing with such 
 prospects as must present themselves to those misguided, unfortunate 
 persons, who retired from America to Europe and elsewhere in the 
 beginning and during the late troubles. I strongly suspect America 
 will not find such a cordial and unrestricted liberty from the Euro- 
 pean powers respecting commerce and the creation of a powerful 
 navy, as she fondly and delusively imagined. Now the hurry of 
 war is over, men's minds are more at leisure to view the importance 
 of keeping within proper bounds the new rising states, of such 
 vast extent of sea coast, such variety of soils, such capability of im- 
 proving its native materials, and which, if suffered, will grow to a 
 dangerous height. 
 
 Please present my kind respects to friends and acquaintance, 
 and believe me 
 
 Your friend, 
 
 • S. CURWEN. 
 
 July 27. To the Tower, and encompassing it once round on 
 the ramparts, left it, and passing over Little Tower-hill, joined a 
 company attending a field speaker ; one in the outer ring proved 
 boisterous and severe, but the preacher was too much engaged to 
 attend to the noise that disturbed most in that quarter. 
 
 
 
I 
 
 382 
 
 JOCTBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1783. 
 
 July 29. Called on Mr. and Mrs. Mather ; afterwards William 
 Vans called ; I took a stroll with him and tea at Bagnigge Wells ; 
 thence home by way of Peerless-pool and Moorfields. 
 
 TO GEORGE RUSSELL, ESQ., BIRMINGHAM. 
 
 London, July 20, 1783. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Your kind wishes I read with heartfelt satisfaction, for I meet 
 with very few who profess the slightest regard ', on this subject I 
 could enlarge, but my feelings would urge to a style prudence for- 
 bjds me to use. You express yourself as one not callous to impres- 
 jions of humanity, as interest and passion render too many ; " that 
 when the horrors of war cease, there should end all animosities." 
 I wished and hoped it too, but with what success the world too 
 evidently sees ; not a single expectation of mine through the pro- 
 gress of this baneful war but has ended in disappointment. To 
 keep myself from all future mortifications, I am determined to take 
 no further part or concern in public measures, than what arises 
 from unavoidable constraint by personal interest ; and considering 
 the sour aspect of American politics respecting absentees, I cannot 
 but think my plan an obvious dictate of wisdom. Local attach- 
 ment having lost its force in me, and so averse as I am to a tedious 
 voyage, that could I persuade a few friends that it was not for want 
 of a due regard, I know not whether, at this advanced time of life, 
 I should not retire to some quiet village, and there pass in undis- 
 turbed ease, unknowing and unknown, the short portion of my 
 remaining days. Perhaps, at your time of life it is hard to conceive 
 the propriety of the foregoing intimation ; but you will remember 
 old age blunts the passions as well as the reason, and renders rigid 
 and stiff the finer fibres of the brain, those vehicles of animal spirit, 
 by means of which impressions of all kinds are less frequent and 
 strong. 
 
 You very justly observe, that the true state of the case is not 
 always to be known from newspaper representation, and I can add, 
 scarce ever even when public instruments are pretendedly copied. 
 However, in the present case, I fancy you may, without injury 
 to truth, believe the resolves from the town of Worcester to be 
 genuine ; nor less those very curious ones from the New Jerseys, in 
 
in 
 
 /, 
 
 1783.] 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 383 
 
 the M . ng Chronicle of the 26th inst, (if I have not mistaken a 
 day or two,) wherein you will see the predicament of us. poor re- 
 fugees in the opinion of our late fellow-subjects ; but party zeal is 
 blindness as well as madness. ' Both the foregoing as well as others 
 of like import, I have seen in my own town newspaper, called the 
 Salem Gazette, nor does it want confirmation from verbal testimony, 
 and a multitude of letters from friends and foes corroborate the same. 
 Your wish and expectation that the present delirium, as I call it, will 
 not be lasting, is common ; it is in all men's mouths ; its con- 
 tinuance will, I dare say, be of fatal length to me, as well as in its 
 operation. 
 
 To show on what footing I stood before the news of peace had 
 intoxicated them, take the following extracts. In one letter, dated 
 2d January last, from a worthy friend and correspondent, he says : 
 — " It is the general desire that you be urged to return, with assur- 
 ances that you will be joyfully and respectfully received, and may 
 reside here in peace and safety." Another writes : — " Your friends 
 and acquaintance ardently wish for your return, and continuance 
 among us in peace and security all your days." 
 
 The ship Captain, (Holton Johnson of Lynn,) with whom I 
 came from America, was, by a revolution common at such periods, 
 translated into a legislator in our Massachusetts Assembly ; being 
 about two months since in London, told me that had not his interest 
 and efforts prevailed, my name would have been inserted in the^ 
 banishment hst, and my estate confiscated. The reality of this fact 
 depends on the relator's veracity ; the reasons, if any, must be 
 private pique and malice ; no public crime was ever alleged, but 
 merely leaving the country in her distress. If success is justification, 
 I confess guilt. 
 
 A subsequent letter of 12th May, says : — " It seems clear to 
 your best friends that your caution was not groundless." In one 
 of June 5th : — " Since plundering and privateeririg have declined 
 the reverend Dr. Whitaker exerts himself on the whar,."-" as well 
 as in the desk against the return of Americans ; let your patience 
 an<i fortitude continue a month or two longer, and I believe that 
 you may safely leave faction and party rage to spend their utmost 
 spite without harm." In one of 14th June, from the same :— 
 " Mrs. r. hath been at Providence, etc., and finds that Rhode 
 

 384 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1783. 
 
 Island and Connecticut are surprised at the conduct of Massa- 
 chusetts, as to the return of absentees who have not been inimical 
 to America. That Mr. Sparhawk and others, who went thither 
 from New-York and other places, were treated with great humanity 
 and respect ; that they encourage the return of Americans. These 
 and other occurrences considered, I doubt not of seeing an alter- 
 ation of measures before the end of the present session of the 
 Assembly ; I trust we shall not long continue to drive our own 
 people into other states." 
 
 The Dr. Whitaker before mentioned, of Salem, is a notorious 
 character in America, and not unknown here, whose employment 
 some years ago was that of an itinerant preacher, leading about a 
 tawny native of America for people to look at, and hear his preach- 
 ment ; he was also at the same time engaged in the more profitable 
 pursuit of soliciting charity for the establishment of an Indian col- 
 lege in the frontier wilderness of my country. He is usually called 
 Dr. Meroz in America, from his constantly applying the 23d verse 
 of the 5th chapter of Judges to the poor refugees. 
 
 I am far from wishing ill to the cause of liberty, much less to that 
 of my native country, to which on the contrary, as a citizen of the 
 world and a friend to the inalienable rights of mankind, I wish every 
 kind of good, but am equally far from thinking America has gained 
 its delusively fancied prize by independence. By some congress- 
 ional manoeuvres of late, a train I fear is laid for the establishment 
 of a power much more fatal to liberty than Great Britain durst have 
 aimed at, whilst she could have retained any governmental autho- 
 rity there. Their liberation is a doubtful proof of the divine ap- 
 probation of their cause. Many there thirsted after it, and so did 
 the Israelites for a king, which God at length g ive them, in his 
 anger : and he has, I fear, given them their heart's desire by way of 
 punishment for wantoning away those singularly great advantages 
 of a civil, religious and political nature, with which he had favored 
 them above all people upon the face of the whole earth. They 
 often were used to compare themselves to God's highly favored peo- 
 ple, and I truly think their case is not unlike ; mercies and preserva- 
 tions as numerous, nor does their folly and ingratitude fail to finish 
 the comparison. If any expressions here are not altogether of the 
 complexion of your own notions, I know your candor will make 
 
1783.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 385 
 
 allowances for the difference of our situation, though I am not aware 
 of an unfriendly bias in my mind. ' 
 
 Your faithful friend, > 
 
 S. CCRWEN. 
 
 August 6. At Now England CofTee-'house to read the papers, 
 filled with relations .'f the rising spirit of Americans against the 
 refugees, in their .. ivns and assemblies. Intoxicated by success, 
 under no fear of punishment, they give an unrestrained loose to 
 their angry, malevolent passionS, attribute to the worst of causes 
 the opposition to their licentious, mobbish violation of all laws, hu- 
 man and divine ; and even some of the best of the republican party 
 seem to think, at least their practice squints that way, that the sup- 
 posed goodness of their cause will justify murder, rapine, and the 
 worst of crimes. But cool impartial posterity will pass a better 
 judgment, and account for the violences of the times from party rage, 
 which knows no bounds. 
 
 TO :iR. JOHN TIMMINS, WOLVERHAMPTON. 
 
 London, August 9, 1783. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 By the newspapers from America, particularly our quarter, I 
 find there remain but slender grounds of hope for success in at- 
 tempting the recovery of debts or estates ; a general shipwreck is 
 seemingly intended of all absentees' property — the towns in their in- 
 structions to the representatives making it a point to prevent the 
 return of them, and consequent confiscation of all their property, 
 notwithstanding the provision in the fifth preliminary article. These 
 lawless people regard not any obstacle when the gratification of their 
 angry passions or the object of gain is in view ;->-some of their re- 
 solves perhaps you may have seen. I yesterday read in a Boston 
 Gazette, published (in June) by Edes, the well known sedition- 
 trumpeter, the following copied out for your view from the resolves 
 of the town of Lexington, of the same complexion with the rest of 
 their town meeting measures: "Common sense and the laws of nature 
 and nations concur to pronounce them one and all aliens from the 
 commonwealth. As to the idea of admitting some and rejecting oth- 
 ers, it is easy to see that the wisdom of angels would be puzzled to 
 
 49 
 
386 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1783. 
 
 draw a line — to determine when or where to stop. Upon the whole 
 we cannot but think it indispensably necessary for the peace and 
 welfare of this state, and the freedom and happiness of the United 
 States, that a decided part be taken to prevent the return and the 
 recovery of their estates, and property that was formerly theirs." — 
 Though in this you see the temper is unfriend ly* and adverse, the 
 language is decent. From a paragraph of to-day's paper is the fol- 
 lowing : " Letters by an American vessel yesterday from Boston 
 brought certain information of a very unfavorable nature to the 
 loyalists, whose situation is extremely precarious, and no step is 
 likely to be taken for their relief." The same letters add, that 
 " several parts of the country are in a state of convulsion, in a strug- 
 gle to get repossessed of estates seized by individuals during the 
 troubles." Sitting by Frederick Geyer in the N. E. Coffee-house, he 
 said that John Amory had written him that he was made to hope by 
 his friends for a readmission into Boston, having already been per- 
 mitted to have a sight of his children, &c. He had received letters 
 by Callahan from Boston, by whom thirteen passengers have just 
 arrived ; among them are Leonard Jarvis, Samuel Eliot, and a Mr. 
 Seaver. 
 
 I suppose you have heard of Capt. Smith's treatment at Phila- 
 delphia. Such, however, is the course of human affairs, and it may 
 be, for aught I know of, consummate wisdom and a just retribution 
 of rewards and punishments ; for I am far from thinking there is 
 such a very great disproportion of happiness here below among 
 individuals, as is the common opinion, or that external circumstan- 
 ces are of any weight in the question of the quantity of human 
 happiness of each one individual compared to another. In a little 
 space of time I shall be dead to a sense of all these puzzling 
 events ; it may be, shall see the reasonableness and equity of the 
 providential government in a clear and satisfactory light. 
 
 Heartily wishing you health, success, competency and content- 
 ment, I am, with cordial esteem, 
 
 Your friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Jiug. 12. P. S. — The London Evening Chronicle of this day 
 contains a sensible and excellent circular letter from General 
 Washington to the several state governors; the forementioned di- 
 
 ! 1 
 
1783.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 387 
 
 rected to Governor Greene, of Rhode Island. If you have not seen 
 it, the liberality of that government absolves this from all imputa- 
 tions on the score of tolerating the Roman Catholics in Canada — 
 they having far outgone these by admitting persons of all faiths as 
 well as none to a full participation, not only of the liberty of living 
 and exercising their religion among them, but to all the immunities, 
 rights, privileges, emoluments, and honors of the state. This is, I 
 confess, carrying toleration to the very largest extent. S. C. 
 
 TO RICHARD WARD, ESQ., SALEM. 
 
 LondoUy August 11, 1783. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I refer you to my letter by Mr. Conant for an explicit answer 
 to your question, " Do you propose to spend the remainder of your 
 days abroad V though I do not think my expression, " The wished 
 for period of my return is not arrived," carried any doubts of what 
 were my intentions. With regard to that event, you best can tell ' 
 whether I or any exile from America, whatever our wishes may 
 be, shall ever be suffered to make an attempt ; a subject I consider 
 with some indifference, age and infirmities having made such in- 
 roads on my constitution as leave me but little to hope or fear from 
 the result of public councils or the imprudence of private conduct. 
 So far, however, am I from indifference to the real welfare of 
 America, that I ardently wish moderate counsels may prevail, for it 
 is the universal opinion that her credit and interest will be essen- 
 tially hurt, should an illiberal, impolitic exclusion of all absentees 
 take place. I am free to declare my apprehension that the lower, 
 illiterate classes, narrow-minded and illiberal all over the world, 
 have too much influence, and that political and civil events bear 
 some proportion to the wisdom of public councils ; not always, as 
 instances of a contrary kind may be adduced through a succession 
 of many ages in the history of mankind. " 
 
 Please to acquaint the " Social Library" company, whatever 
 occasions they may have for a supply from hence, they shall be 
 freely welcome to my services. With best love to my niece and 
 your children, 
 
 I am your friend, 
 
 S. CuftWBN. 
 
 I] 
 
 t ':, 
 
n 
 
 4 
 
 1388 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1783. 
 
 ' Aug. 17. Attended public worship at St. Giles's, Cripplegate. 
 The number of youthful voices accompanying the organ rendered 
 that part of the service pleasing and devout. After service 
 walked to the altar to see the funeral monument of a woman 
 rising out of a coffin ; the inscription too high for me to read, but 
 said to perpetuate the extraordinary event of a woman of this 
 parish being brought to life after interment, by the sexton's de- 
 scending into the vault to cut off from her fingers some rings, 
 which by swelling could not otherwise be recovered. Report adds, 
 that raising herself in the coffin, she quitted it and followed the 
 sexton out of the church, and proceeded homewards, and arriving 
 there at midnight and knocking hard at the door, awakened the 
 maid, who went trembling to her master, saying she was sure the 
 knock was that of her mistress ; on going down and opening the 
 door, to their astonishment found it to be her mistress indeed. 
 Report further adds, that this same woman lived to have seven or 
 eight children. On asking the female pew-opener, she replied : 
 " That is the report, but having been but a late parishioner, she 
 could not say, but some thought it meant to denote the resurrection 
 tf the body." Below is the bust of the famous martyrologist 
 " Johannes Foxus," put up by his son Samuel about 1590. 
 
 Aug. 31. Attended worship at the church of St. Austin and 
 St. Faith the Virgin, united parishes close under St. Paul's, and 
 the latter so called as I was informed on inquiry at St. Paul's of 
 the verger ; he further said that it was in the gift of the dean and 
 chapter. A Mr. Ryder, author of a history of England, preached 
 an ingenious and entertaining discourse. Afternoon at the Magda- 
 len, where heard an excellent, pathetic, and finely adapted address 
 to the tenants by Mr. Sellon, minister of Clerkenwell, one of the 
 justly celebrated preachers of the day. 
 
 Sept. 3. Mr. Foster, the late appointed clerk to commissioners 
 for examining loyalists, advertises to-day for them to bring in an 
 estimate of their estates, effects, losses, etc., to him at his chambers, 
 Middle Temple, before the 29th inst. 
 
 Sept. 19. Yesterday evening received a note from Mr. De Berdt, 
 inviting me to accompany Mrs. D. to his country house at Brox- 
 burn Herts to pass a few days during his absence in Wiltshire, 
 where, after three hours, we arrived in Mrs. D.'s chaise before tea. 
 
1783.] 
 
 lOUBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 389 
 
 Sept. 23. At twelve o'clock set ofiF with Mrs. D. for Ware, 
 through Hoddesdon, Ryefields, Stansfield, Mardock Mill, the late 
 residence of Mr. De Berdt. 
 
 Sept. 25. To Hoddesdon; meeting Mr. James Inman and 
 another gentleman, accompanied the former home. 
 
 Sept. 26. Proceeded with Mrs. De Berdt Londonwards, meeting 
 and overtaking multitudes in carriages and on foot, bound to the 
 Waltham Abbey-statute for servants — a day established by act of 
 Parliament, following the last day of Fairs, for hiring servants. 
 The males appear with the tools or insignia of their respective em- 
 ployments ; the females of the domestic kind are distinguished by 
 their aprons, viz., cooks in colored, nursery-maids in white linen, 
 and the chamber and waiting-maids in lawn or cambric. Here 
 resort all who want to go into, or are out of service, as well as 
 those families who stand in need of servants. After a few delays 
 and the interval of three hours, arrived in London, passing through 
 Clapton and Hackney, deviating from the usual road for variety 
 sake. 
 
 Sept. 29. Visited Mrs. Hay ; first time since her return from 
 Scotland. At New England Coffee-house, saw a nuaiber of young 
 Massachusetts men bound home in Callahan, gone down the river. 
 In Oxford-street, called at Mr. Danforth's and S. Porter's; both 
 absent. 
 
 Oct. 4. At ten o'clock, set off with Mr. D. in a post-chaise for 
 Lord Tylney's seat, Epping Forest ; conducted through the rooms 
 and from them to the grotto, which, in my opinion, is the most 
 pleasing and elegant I ever saw ; though Goldney's at Clevedon 
 is by some esteemed before this ; and which, perhaps, in the rich- 
 ness of some of its spars may exceed. 
 
 Oct. 6. This day was proclaimed peace with France, Spain, 
 and Holland, with the usual formalities, at Palace, Charing 
 Cross, Cheapside Conduit, and the Royal Exchange ; had a sight 
 of the procession in Pall Mall, but the crowds disappointed me 
 from hearing the proclamation, or seeing the ceremony of admis- 
 sion through Temple-bar into the city. 
 
 Oct. 8. At New England Coffee-house in company with Mr. ^ 
 Nathaniel Gorham, lately arrived from Boston, whom I had well 
 known. He is a native of Charlestown, late a member of Congress, 
 
 'I :l 
 
 lit ''■■ 
 
390 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1783. 
 
 f and of the Massachusetts Assembly, and who is now here on the 
 \ score of obtaining a benevolence for the sufferers at the destruction 
 of that town, June 17, 1776, by the king's troops; which, all things 
 considered, carries with it such a face of effrontery as is not to be 
 matched.^ Invited him to tea; received a letter from my wife's 
 brother, James Russell. -,«rtw<js 
 
 ' TO HON. JAMES RUSSELL, LINCOLN, MASS. 
 
 London, Oct. 8, 1783. 
 My Dkar Sir : 
 
 I thank you for your favor of the 21st August, the first from 
 you since my unhappy abandoning my former home in April, '75. 
 You write, " I give you joy on the return of peace j" as far as it 
 shall be productive of real good to the parties concerned, it has my 
 approbation; respecting myself it is an event of the smallest 
 moment, were the appearances in your quarter ever so bright and 
 pleasing ; how much less when the thirteen late peaceable happy 
 colonies are reduced to the licentious and gloomy condition whereii^L 
 they now are, if general report may be depended on. In truth, 
 were your sister* no more, there would need no act of Massachusetts 
 or any other assembly, or senate, to prohibit my return. So far as 
 to America and myself ; now to another point, that of interest. 
 After I had written to your son Thomas of Boston on the subject, 
 I had heard of the sale of your late son Charles's estate at Lincoln 
 to your son Chambers ; I will presume you did not forget my 
 demand of j£300 sterling, and somewhat more for his bond to me, 
 though. your silence respecting it has since raised my apprehension. 
 Mr. Thomas Russell will address you on this subject, and I trust 
 sufficient will be received to remunerate him for monies obtained 
 on his credit by me for my support soon after my arrival here. 
 Wishing you and your family every good, 
 I remain, my dear sir. 
 
 Your affectionate brother, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 Oct. 9. Received a note from Mr. De Berdt, inviting me to 
 dinner on Friday with Mr. Gorhara and Mr. Barrett of Boston. 
 
 * Mrs. Cur wen. 
 
1783.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 391 
 
 Od. 25. Accompanied Mr. Gorham to House of Commons 
 and Westminster Abbey. 
 
 Oct. 28. Saw Captain Nathaniel West and Captain Smith for 
 the first time ; received information from the former that his brother 
 Eben was living, (whom I feared was dead,) and about to return 
 to Salem. 
 
 Oct. 29. Mr. J. Fletcher drank tea with me, and related in 
 detail his misfortunes, present condition and views. 
 
 TO MRS. ABIGAIL CURWEN, SALEM. 
 
 Londm, Oct. 30, 1783. 
 My Dear Wife : 
 
 The peace, or rather acknowledged dismemberment of the late 
 English colonies from their mother country, has, it seems, been so 
 far from affording a prospect to such of the American absentees 
 who might be willing to return back, that, on the contrary, from 
 what appears, the present governing party are determined to pass 
 bills of final exclusion of all such as left their country after the 
 troubles commenced. If their government is in the hands of what 
 their great and good allies call the " mesne peuple," which two 
 short words you have Anglo-GalUc friends enough among you to 
 translate, no liberal public measures are to be expected. If it was 
 not for your sake, or that you would follow my fortune or accom- 
 pany my fate, I should not hesitate for a moment taking up my 
 future a(bode, which cannot possibly be but of short continuance, 
 somewhere out of the limits of the republican government. " The 
 world," as Adam said on his expulsion from paradise, "is all 
 before me, where to choose my place of rest, and Providence my 
 guide." By this you see, I have not fixed my views ; nor can I, 
 prudently, till your government shall have come to a final deter- 
 mination respecting your runavxtys, or, as they affect to call them- 
 selves by the pompous character oi loyalists ; which, however, does 
 them no more credit here than with you. Wishes for the welfare 
 of my friends still warm my heart ; as to the rest, I read with cold 
 indifference the insurrections in Pennsylvania, and the carryings-on 
 in the late English colonies, having lost local attachment. 
 
 If your fortitude has increased in the proportion that your 
 health and spirits have improved, perhaps you will not find it an 
 
 ■ 1'!' 
 
 91 
 
 jit^li^ 
 
 
 ,;{i;|P| 
 
 
 i ' • 
 
 1 
 
 
 '■'1 
 
 1 
 
 
 

 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1783. 
 
 insurmountable difficulty to resolve on a land tour to Canada, or a 
 voyage to some other English settlement. Whatever shall be the 
 result of your thoughts, let me be made acquainted therewith as 
 soon as convenient. Should a final expulsion be concluded on, 
 you will no longer hesitate. 
 
 Mr. Jay and John Adams are here, and if administration was 
 kindly affected towards American sufferers, perhaps some good 
 might arise ; though for my own particular case, I have no favor- 
 able opinion of the gratitude, or even justice, of kings or courts ; 
 nor of the friendly regards of the two forementioned Americans 
 towards us in the unhappy predicament of petitioners for the bounty, 
 not to say justice, of the court ; from the latter, [Adams,] it is cur- 
 rently said and believed, harsh declarations have fallen here as well 
 as in Holland and France respecting us, nor has he probably 
 changed his mind. The ancients say, "Qui trans mare cviruvf, 
 codum rum animum mutant."* 
 
 Of a different complexion and temper is Mr. Nathaniel Gorham, 
 with whom I have had several interviews ; he is moderate, reason* 
 able, and conciliatory ; would that his views prevailed among his 
 countrymen. He has just informed me that on the 4th proximo, 
 agreeably to Charles J. Fox's appointment, he was going to wait 
 upon Lord Keppel ; if a member of the American Continental 
 Congress can lower himself to use the derogatory term of vmiting 
 on the first lord of the English admiralty. 
 
 Yours, in all affection, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 ^J<l 
 
 JVbv. 5. Last night a very destructive fire consumed many 
 houses, upwards of forty, between Aldersgate, Bartholomew Close, 
 and Cloth Fair, supposed the most extensive in London for many 
 years ; the fire yet unextinguished ; no account yet given of the 
 damage, loss, etc. 
 
 JVov. 24. At the American commissioner's office, late Duke 
 of Newcastle's house, Lincoln's-Inn-Fields, for directious respecting 
 a memorial. 
 f JVbtJ. 25. Attended among the rrs! of t . - jtants to .u»ea 
 
 * Those who cross the seas, change their abode but not their minds." 
 
1783.] 
 
 JOUBNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 393 
 
 sight of the air-balloon < lischarged from the Artillery-ground, at one ' 
 o'clock ; it rose moderately, and in a southerly direction ; was in 
 sight ten or twelve mirnites ; its appearance to my eye, after it 
 diminished to four or live inches in diameter, was like three round 
 balls in contact, in sliipc of a tn.n.nilar body with obtuse angles. 
 I should think the number.'^ in Moorlields exceeded fourscore thou- 
 sand. The sight was amusing ; perhaps posterity may improve on 
 this newly investigated subject, and make what is now only a 
 pleasing show, a commodious, perhaps pernicious, aerial convey- 
 ance. 
 
 JVov. 28. Capt. Carpenter, of Salem, called ; he is just from 
 Lisbon. 
 
 TO WILLIAM PYNCHON, ESQ. f 
 
 London, J^ov. 28, 1783. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 However unfavorable to my wishes the result of the American 
 Assemblies may be, I shall be gratified by receiving the earliest 
 advices. Capt. Nathaniel West brings me a message from the 
 principal merchants and citizens of Salem, proposing and encour- 
 aging my return; which instance of moderation I view as an honor 
 to the town and respectful to myself, and I wish to return my . 
 thanks through you. It affords me pleasure, and I would cheer- 
 fully accept the offer ; but should the popular dislike rise against 
 me, especially if co-operating with governmental resolves, to what ' 
 a plight should I be reduced,^ being at present (but for how long 
 is a painful uncertainty) on the British government list for JCIOO 
 a year,(a competency for a single person exercismg strict economy,) 
 to surrender this precarious allowance without public assurances 
 of personal security. 
 
 It would be little short of madness, should the popular rage com- 
 bine with the public decisions to prevent our future residence ; de- 
 prived of all assistance, and even the last refuge of Ihe wretched, 
 hope here, expelled there, v Imagine to yourself the distress of an 
 old man, without health, under such adverse circumstances, and 
 you will advise me to wait with resignation till the several Assem- 
 blies shall have taken decisive measures on congressional recom- 
 mendation, agreeably to the provisional treaty, if that body shall 
 
 50 
 
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 in 
 
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394 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [11 S3. 
 
 deem it prudent to conform to what their commissioners have agreed 
 to. But enough of this. One of your Massachusetts public min- 
 isters, Mr. John Adams, is here in all the pride of American inde- 
 pendence; by Mr. Gorham I am told he uttered to him the follow- 
 ing speech, that " together vnth the war he had buried all animosity 
 against the absentees." Though he is of a rigid temper, and a 
 thorough-paced republican, candor obliges me to give him credit 
 for the humanity of the sentiment, being spoken in private, and to 
 one of his own party, and probably without an intention to be pub- 
 lished abroad. In a conversation with my informant, he further 
 replied, that he chose to consider himself as a plain American 
 republican ; his garb plain, without a sword, which is carr}'ing his 
 transatlantic ideas, I fear, a little too far. Should he have the cu- 
 riosity, or his public character render it expedient, to attend at a 
 royal levee, or at a drawing-room at St. James's on a court day, I 
 hope he will not deserve and meet with as mortifying a repulse as 
 our late chancellor, Lord Thurlow, at the court of Versailles ; whose 
 surly pertinacity in wearing a bob-wig occasioned his being re- 
 fused admittance into the king's presence. However frivolous a 
 part of dress soever a sword may appear to one of Mr. Adams's 
 scholar-like turn, he is by this time, I fancy, too well acquainted 
 with the etiquette of courts to neglect so necessary an appendage, 
 without which no one can find admittance out of the clerical line. 
 I have nothing further to add but my ardent wishes for an in- 
 crease of the health and happiness of yourself and family ; for I 
 am very truly, 
 
 Your friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 I -I 
 
 i 
 
 Jfov. 30. Attended worship at the chnpel in Margaret-street, 
 Cavendish-square, where Mr. Ford, from Liverpool, officiated, using 
 the liturgy appointed for the dissenters on the plan of preconceived 
 forms in that place ; it being the first use of it in London. 
 
 Dec. 2. Mr. Gorham passed three hours with me. 
 
 Dec. 5. Evening at t'ovcnt (lardcn Theatre, to see old Mack- 
 lin in the characters of Shylock in the Merehant of Venice, and in 
 Sir Archy McSarcasm in Marriage u la Mode, a farce of his own 
 writing ; in both he excels, and although more than fourscore years 
 
1783.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 395 
 
 of age manifests an exertion that would credit even youth. The 
 house crowded ; the character of Portia, in the former, performed 
 by a Miss Roscoe, her first appearance. 
 
 Dec. 18. Yesterday Charles J. Fox's famous East India bill was 
 on a second reading thrown out of the House of Lords, by a ma- 
 jority of nineteen, the vote being seventy-eight in favor, and ninety- 
 seven against it. The Prince of Wales in the minority, being his 
 first vote as one of that house. 
 
 Dec. 20. House of Commons in an uproar, occasioned by a 
 supposed design to dissolve them and form a new arrangement of 
 administration ; the members of which, one of the papers has, as 
 usual in extraordinary cases, presented the public with. 
 
 Dec. 28. Attended public worship at Essex House chapel. 
 Mr. Lindsay preached from — " For we know that if the earthly 
 house of this our tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of 
 God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens ; for in 
 this we groan earnestly, desiring to be clothed upon with our house 
 which is in heaven. If so be that being clothed, we shall not be 
 found naked." A text and discourse not unsuited to my particular 
 situation, this day completing my sixty-eighth year, and in a dis- 
 consolate condition, laboring under bodily infirmities, dreadful un- 
 certainties respecting my temporal supplies, and but too conscious 
 of many more imperfections and follies, moral and natural ; how- 
 ever doubtful what may be the consequence of a separation of soul 
 and body, I most ardently long for a deliverance from personal 
 evils, and a retreat to that state of quietude where the weary are at 
 rest. 
 
 Dec. 31. Visited Mr. De Berdt by invitation ; from thence to 
 Capt. Hay's, and engaged to dine there next Friday. 
 
 This concludes a most unpleasing, unprofitable year, meaning 
 in such a sense as dignifies the rational nature of mortal men. 
 May the following year be productive of belter moral ell'ects than 
 the last. 
 
396 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1784. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 London, Jan. 17, 1784. At New England Coffee-house, recog- 
 nised by Col. Tonge, whom at first sight I knew not, till he made 
 himself known. 
 
 Jan. 24. Last night Mr. Pitt's East India bill lost by a ma- 
 jority of eight ; probably a dissolution of Parliament will follow. 
 f A wretched plight is this distracted nation in, from an obstinate, 
 1 despotically inclined king, and a set of profligate, unprincipled men 
 ji^ of influence and politicians. I fear there is not sense enough left 
 of the importance of public interest and liberty among the people, 
 to oppose the pernicious designs and measures of court and Parlia- 
 ment, and that the people, from whose efforts alone good may be 
 I expected, however unaided by nobles or gentry, will soon, oppressed 
 and overloaded by taxes, submit to any measures their haughty im- 
 perious masters shall impose. Thus the government, once the 
 boast of Great Britain and the envy of the world, will soon find 
 itself on a level with the most contemptible of those nations on 
 whom it justly looked with pity, and imprudently with contempt. 
 I think its ruin near enough for my old age to have the cruel mor- 
 tification of seeing, brought about by the most impolitic and foolish 
 of all attempts, the late American war ; and in the short space 
 of nine years fallen, when at the highest pinnacle of power, glory, 
 L and wealth it had ever attained, to its present state of despair. 
 Feb. 2. Disturbed by disagreeable dreams from whatever 
 cause, which, however, I pretend not satisfactorily to account for 
 to myself; I find my imagination much more busily employed now 
 than in my youth. 
 
 Feb. 3. Joseph Hooper called on me to accompany him to the 
 American Commissioner's office in Lincoln's-Inn-Fiekis, which I did, 
 and gavi a relation on oath, which proved my unacquaintedness 
 •with his affairs of no advantage to his cause. Afterwards at New 
 England Coffee-house, reading the papers, filled with melancholy 
 accounts of the party squabbles in the House of Commons between 
 Foxites and Pittites, the former of whom have got a majority to 
 
1784.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LSTTERS. 
 
 397 
 
 address the king to turn out the latter and his associates, which has 
 produced such a chagrin in the king's mind, it is said, as has deter- 
 mined him to retire to Hanover, and leave this distracted country 
 under the government of guardians of the realm, of which his son, 
 the Prince of Wales will be first in the commission. 
 
 Feb. 9. The extreme severity of the weather seems to ill-in- 
 fluence the tempers of the state managers, whose pertinacious 
 obstinacy forebodes, by their struggles in the House of Commons and 
 their opposition in the House of Lords, to bring on a state convul- 
 sion. Should healing measures not soon be adopted, and the meet- 
 ing bill run out, the army will of course be left without restraint, 
 and the dogs of war be let loose ; the consequence all have rea- 
 son to dread, none fully foresee. 
 
 Feb. 13. The two political game-cocks, Pitt and Fox, are at 
 length to compromise, and the public business, for a while at least, 
 be suffered to go on, which during the contests between the House 
 of Commons on the one side, and the king supported by the House 
 of Lords on the other, has stagnated, to the great reproach of the 
 contenders, and injury of the public interest, which, however, in 
 this period of venality and selfishness, seems to be a consideration 
 of the smallest importance, if any at all. 
 
 Feb. 17. Received several letters from Salem, encouraging me 
 to hope I may be permitted to return to my native country. 
 
 w 
 
 FROM WILLIAM PYNCHON, ESQ. 
 
 Salem, Jan. 2, 1784. 
 Dkau Sir: 
 
 I have made inquiry amongst your friends, and all agree that 
 although there seems to be no prospect of a repeal of the laws 
 against absentees, yet the inhabitants of this town, the committees, 
 and all orders, seem very desirous of your returning in the spring. 
 As Mr. Cabot, by whom I shall send this, is urgent for it, and can 
 inform you of the present temper and disposition of the people 
 towards you, it will be needless for me to give you particulars. 
 Assurances from hence as to security, etc., while the laws remain 
 unrepealed, wc cannot give you, other than private opinion only. 
 Mr. Cabot will acquaint you, and, by what Mr. Vans says, you will 
 have it in letters from several, that there is little or no danger of 
 
 " i, ..f ^ 
 
 *'-^f|^ 
 
 i! 
 
398 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1784. 
 
 any prosecutions on the laws but from the respective towns, com- 
 mittees, etc., where the absentee belonged ; and all seem to agree 
 there can be, from present appearances, no danger from any of this 
 town. Mr. Cabot will acquaint you as to the successes of all who 
 have returned hither, and as to such as have returned to other 
 states. At Providence, and in some parts of Connecticut, those who 
 returned have been more cordially received and treated, and we 
 hope a like temper will take place in Massachusetts in the spring 
 and summer. Alcock evasit et abdicavit with bag and baggage, 
 and Whitaker seems to be hastening after him. These two politi- 
 cians seem to have been the authors and promoters of more mis- 
 chief than it is possible that any two who are left behind them 
 either should or would effect, or even attempt. They resembled 
 Swift's committee of ways and means for continuing the war and 
 promoting malevolence and contention as long as possible ; but at 
 length they became contemned and deserted by all, and I cannot 
 recollect any better proof or assurance you can have than the fate 
 of these two persons as to the temper of the people of this town, 
 and as to their disposition for peace and benevolence. However, 
 you will doubtless attend to what you see in the public prints, as 
 the resolves of assemblies in this and the other states, and judge for 
 yourself. Mr. Dana has returned from Russia, and if you return 
 here, during his continuance among us, it may prove a fortunate 
 circumstance to you, as I have heard him repeatedly say much in 
 favor of your attachments, connections, etc. 
 
 I remain, dear sir, most respectfully, your friend, 
 
 William Pynchon. 
 
 f Feb. 28. Mr. Pitt by invitation in the city, at Grocer's Hall, 
 Cheapside ; great throngs attended ; he was drawn in his carriage 
 by men. Returning late in the night, he was assaulted, and his 
 and other carriages broken to pieces by men armed with bludgeons ; 
 supposed, not without reason, by Fox's party, and his party's en- 
 couragement — a peevish, ill-judged resentment. 
 
 March 7. Met Mr. "William Walter, late from Nova Scotia, 
 who at first sight recollected me and spoke ; my eye and memory 
 weakened by age, and his features somewhat hardened, I could not 
 suddenly recognize him. 
 
1784.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 399 
 
 March 16. Met my friend and countryman Mr. Isaac Smith, 
 on the eve of his departure for Boston ; took him home to tea, but 
 could not persuade him to pass the evening, being before engaged 
 with the " Dr. Franklin Club" at London Tavern. 
 
 March 20. Mr. Pitt, the great popular minister, because 
 Charles J. Fox's antagonist, who is become the man of the people^ 
 (as Fox and his supporters arrogantly assumed to be, now the popu- 
 lar odium, on account of his East India bill,) dined this day at the 
 London Tavern, being the third public dinner of late in the city ; 
 and who in his turn will probably, before the expiration of many 
 months, be as much condemned and hissed as he is now caressed and 
 applauded — popular breath rarely if ever long keeps one direction. 
 March 26. Proclamation issued for dissolving Parliament, this 
 being the third session, the House of Commons proving refractory 
 and unyielding to the king's measures and servants, young Pitt, 
 Thurlow, Gower, etc. The great seal was stolen last night from 
 Lord Thurlow's, Great Ormond-street, with two swords and thirty 
 guineas. 
 
 ^pril 3. Accompanied my friend Mr. Isaac Smith and his 
 brother in a post-chaise to Gravesend, the former being bound to 
 Boston in the ship United States. Lodged at the Falcon inn. 
 
 Jipril 4. Took a long stroll to Milton Abbey ; saw the small 
 remains of its ruins. 
 
 Jipril 6. The poll finished at Guildhall, the four former city 
 members rechosen. A Mr. Cooper, owner of a wine vault, stated 
 at my lodgings that contested elections generally consumed six 
 thousand hogsheads of port wine extra, and th t twenty-four thou- 
 sand was the average yearly consumption of Great Britain and Ire- 
 land. 
 
 Jipril 8. Mr. Allcyn, at Treasury, stated that no payment 
 would be made these two months at soonest, for thg public embar- 
 rassments will greatly delay our quarterly payments. 
 
 Jipril 10. Drank tea at Mr. De Berdt's, where met General 
 Reed, late from Philadelphia. 
 
 Jipril 14. Visited Col. Willard at No. 81 Charlotte-street, Port- 
 land-place, to inquire about government's offer to convey refugees 
 inclined to reside in Nova Scotia, with allowance to be continued 
 as if in England. 
 
400 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 
 I' 
 
 f 'If 
 
 [1784. 
 
 Jjpril 30. Walked to Limehouse church ; returned by Stepney 
 church-yard, and saw therein a tomb inclosed within iron rails, in 
 form of a coffin, said to contain the remains of a wife buried above 
 ground in compliance with the will of a testator, who gave the 
 husband an estate on that condition : he is depicted on a glass win- 
 dow fronting the burial-ground as looking out at her tomb. After- 
 wards, at New England Coffee-house, met Mr. Cox, who asked me 
 to tea with young Smith ; which I accepted, meeting there his 
 father-in-law and Mr. Jackson of Newburyport. 
 
 May 2. Attended service at Limehouse church ; Dr. Watson, 
 bishop of Llandaff, preached a most excellent charity sermon to a 
 crowded assembly. Bidding prayer was long, catholic, and charm- 
 ingly delivered ; concluding sentence was," JVow to the King eter- 
 nal,*' etc., instead of the usual one, " JVow to God the Father, God 
 the Son," etc. His enunciation is loud, sonorous and manly, his 
 person robust and tall. 
 
 May 3. Attended the scrutiny in aldermen's room, Guild- 
 hall, between Sawbridge and Atkinson, a case decided in favor 
 of an act of Parliament against city right of aldermen's consent to 
 the removal of a livery man from one company to another, with- 
 out which it was asserted he was disqualified to vote for a member 
 of Parliament, although of the livery and free. 
 
 May 4. Mr. Danforth met me, and together we visited Mrs. 
 Hay and staid till eight o'clock. 
 
 FROM WILLIAM PYNCHON, ESQ. 
 
 Saiem, March 2, 1784. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 As Messrs. Sparhawk, Bartlett and others are going in the 
 Pilgrim, it will be needless to attempt giving you a particular ac- 
 count of occurrences here. You will doubtless hear from them of 
 the alteration in the temper of the people towards ' absentees, par- 
 ticularly of our town. Alcock's going off, (or absconding,) with 
 Dr. Whitaker's sinking in the esteem of the people, even at the 
 fish-market and brandy-shops, has produced a good effect ; many 
 show their disapprobation, and some their utter detestation of 
 certain intolerant dispositions and persecuting measures. 
 
1784.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 401 
 
 I said nothing about our Social Library, because of the present 
 state of our finances and the want of regular meetings of the 
 society. Mr. E. Hasket Derby has lately imported a considerable 
 library of modern books, which proved to be very dear, as many 
 think, and might have been purchased much cheaper by you ; 
 therefore the proprietors wish to avail themselves of your advice 
 and assistance, whether you shall continue in England or return 
 hither. I find Mr. D. Oliver, third son of your good friend Andrew 
 Oliver, Esq., goes also in the Pilgrim. All who can cross the 
 Atlantic seem determined to go and procure their goods from Eng- 
 land ; not one discovers a disposition to receive them from France, 
 notwithstanding their generosity towards us. Going to England 
 is now as formerly called going home. 
 
 Many of our politicians seem desirous of seeing an English 
 ambassador in America to balance the increasing interest and 
 influence of France, whose intrigues perplex and alarm us. You 
 doubtless have heard of Mr. Dana's return from the court of 
 Russia without concluding a commercial treaty there : he is now 
 chosen a member of Congress, and is soon to set out, warmly en- 
 gaged in opposition to French politics. 
 
 I have advised Mr. Oliver to seek you out and inform you about 
 us all, who wish and expect your return in the summer ; as he is 
 young, and a stranger, I doubt not you will notice him and render 
 him all the kind offices which you may observe him to need. I 
 have desired Mr. Bartlet to advise with you as to some of the 
 latest and best plays, farces, etc., which we wish much to see. 
 
 March 4. The Pilgrim not sailing this morning, I find time to 
 recollect an omission I made last night. Some Americans have 
 lately returned via Philadelphia to Boston, among them William 
 McNeal, who went olf with the troops from thence, and E. Wil- 
 liams, who was an officer in the British service at New-York, and 
 now receives half pay. McNeal, by means of the Committee of 
 Safety, was taken up and used roughly on account of his conduct, 
 as it is said, during the blockade at Boston ; but W^illiams met 
 with no insult or obstruction there or at Salem, but is gone into the 
 country to settle his affairs and then return to Nova Scotia. It is 
 true he did not choose needlessly to go to the parade, or insurance 
 offices, etc., but went about Salem visiting his particular friends, 
 
 61 
 
 t <>« 
 
 li V 
 
 J -■€ 
 
402 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1784. 
 
 and met with no indecency in the streets or elsewhere. Many- 
 have urged me heretofore to write, that you might return and 
 reside here without the least danger or insult ; but while such as 
 Alcock and Whitaker had the lead, I could not think nor say so. 
 Now I may safely tell you what I have heard heretofore in the 
 market-place, from some that are most desirous now for your 
 return : — " Oh, let them return, by all means ; but they must re- 
 member, that they are to down on their knees to the General 
 Court in the first place, to the committee in the next, and to their 
 townsmen too, and ask pardon, and then we may even let them 
 stay among us, piovided they behave as they ought; even your 
 Col. Browne himself must submit to this." 
 
 Your own and your friends' feelings require no observation on 
 such insolence. This cannot now tend in the least to discourage 
 your return ; lest it should heretofore, I thought best not to mention 
 it. Farewell. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 William PracHON. ■ > 
 
 (i 
 
 I 
 
 TO WILLIAM PYNCHON, ESQ., SALEM. 
 
 London, May 9, 1784. 
 My Dear Sir : 
 
 Your favor of the 2d and 4th March was delivered into my hands 
 by Mr. Bartlet, the sight of whom was as unexpected as agreeable. 
 He acquaints me with an event foretold to the late Mr. Barnard and 
 myself at Hartford, some thirteen years ago, by a clergyman of that 
 town, concerning the mischievous incendiary (Dr. Whitaker) lately 
 dismissed from the remnant of God's heritage over which he had for 
 too long a time lordedj viz., that his proud, restless, turbulent spirit 
 would not suffer him to continue long without attempting to disturb 
 the peace of all within reach of his pernicious influence, and must force 
 the neighborhood sooner or later to banish him. I confess, though 
 at this great distance of time and place, I cannot resist the most 
 pleasurable sensations on hearing this event. Whatever is the cause 
 of an alteration in the people's notions, the effects probably will 
 prove advantageous to their characters and interest. 
 
 My design being to continue in England till autumn, if the pro- 
 prietors of the Social Library shall think me likely to serve their inter- 
 
1784.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 403 
 
 est in the purchase of books, no exertions shall be wantir" in my 
 power to do them justice. There is one circumstance reu ig to 
 books with which you may be unacquainted : the first edition of a 
 book of character and quick sale bears a high price till the run has 
 abated ; besides, the modish outside dress, emblematic of the taste o'f 
 the age, enhances the price not a little. Second hand books, and 
 those out of the tonish line, may generally be bought reasonably ; 
 books of amusement and the beauties of modern writers are in com- 
 mon estimation, and sell dear. 
 
 Respecting Mr. Hasket Derby's library, if it was sent through a 
 merchant, probably an addition was put to the bookseller's price of 
 at least 25 per cent., not an uncommon practice here. 
 
 Your mention of young Mr. Daniel Oliver is sufhcient to 
 recommend him to my respect and notice, if he shall see fit to 
 desire it ; without which it is not likely I may see him, being 
 rarely in the way of Americans, having forsaken the New England 
 Coffee-house, grown old, the transatlantics young and unknown to 
 me, and their manners and language unpleasing. 
 
 The easy credit obtained here is astonishing, and characterizes 
 truly this nation, who are credulous, generous, unsuspecting, and 
 wealthy beyond belief; if great mutual complaints and sufferings 
 do not follow the immense indiscriminate exports to America, I 
 shall be much out of my reckoning. 
 
 It will not be surprising to me if French politics will be as 
 much execrated among you as they were admired and praised 
 during the war ; it is morally impossible, that despotic as the court 
 of Versailles is, she can relish the republican principles and maxims 
 of the United States longer than she can make them subservient to 
 her own ambitious purposes. All the world knows the ruin of 
 Great Britain was the only object of her assisting America to throw 
 off her dependence, and the folly of her statesmen has aided the 
 views of that intriguing power. Never had this country a fairer 
 opportunity of disappointing the pernicious views of her rival 
 neighbors than the present, were there a public spirit in this in- 
 fatuated nation ; but, alas ! a regard to the public welfare is no 
 more to be found among its rulers. However indignantly I behold 
 the conduct of her neighbors, I confess France should be consid- 
 ered only as a rival power, striving to give the law to a state that 
 
 i| 
 
 .S9<{; 
 
 ,ii.ii 
 
404 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1784. 
 
 has for more than a century made it a professed principle to thwart 
 all her political views. I hope your people will have more 
 wisdom than to permit an aristocratic spirit to take place among 
 you ', for of all civil oppressions that is most intolerable. 
 
 I sincerely thank you for all your favors, particularly the last ; 
 the contents of your letters might have been published at the 
 market-cross without injury to your character in the height of the 
 war, unless with such persons as Alcock and Whitaker, whose 
 mad party zeal construed into guilt every innocent word and act 
 of those they were disposed to slander and vilify. 
 I am, with great truth, 
 
 Your faithful and grateful friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 May 9. After service proceeded to Mr. Daniorth's lodgings 
 to take him by agreement to Kensington Garden '. where after a 
 few turns adjourned to " Adam and Eve" ordinary. Mr. Samuel 
 Porter and young Farnham afterwards joined us in the gardens,*, 
 which we found excessively crowded ; among others the Duke of 
 Chartres, brother of the French king, and two other French noble- 
 men. 
 
 May 11. Saw John Sparhawk from (near) Portsmouth for the 
 first time. 
 
 May 13. Saw Captain Ingers>'.!l from Salem. 
 
 May 15. With Mr. Bartlet purchased plays for Mr. Pynchon, 
 and law-books for Mr. Ward. Mr. Bartlet presented me with a 
 medal struck in Philadelphia ; — in a round compartment stands, 
 
 " U. S 5 . . . . 1783 ;" — round, " Libertas et JustUia y" on the 
 
 other side, in the centre, an eye surrounded by a glory ; the whole 
 encompassed by thirteen stars, — with the legend, *' J^ova Constel- 
 laiio." 
 
 May 17. To Covent Garden ; abode an hour amidst very 
 numerous throngs, this being the last day of polling, and Fox to be 
 chaired, it is feared ; great riots and destruction will be the conse- 
 quence. The foot-guards and a squadron of horse are ordered 
 to hold themselves in readiness, and approach within a callable 
 distance. An the afternoon went to Covent Garden, now emptied; 
 the company gone to attend Mr. Fox's procession, — the hustings 
 
1784.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERSr 
 
 405 
 
 removed, and all the stands taken down. • Proceeded thence to 
 Charing Cross, which, to my surprise, I found crowded ; the pro- 
 cession then just beginning to march by from Westminster Hall, 
 in the following order : — the officers of each parish distinct, with 
 their peculiar standards, attending two and two, with wands in their 
 hands ; bands of music ; next gentlemen on horseback ; then others 
 on foot ; in the rear was Mr. Byng, whose appearance was an- 
 nounced by " Byng and Fox for ever .'" Then followed a few 
 horsemen ; then Mr. Fox, mounted on a lofty chair, on and around 
 interwoven with a laurel bower almost encompassing him ; soon 
 after appeared a lofty white silk banner, with this inscription, — 
 " Sacred to female patriotism ;" and was immediately followed 
 by the Duchesses of Portland and Devonshire in their coaches, 
 around which were laurel festoons, each drawn by six horses ; the 
 •whole concluded with about thirty private carriages. An innume- 
 rable crowd attended, and with vociferous acclamations, but no 
 riot nor mobbing; government having wisely provided the horse 
 and foot-guards, which probably discouraged the ill-disposed. 
 
 May 20. Parson Walter and Mr. Danforth visited me and 
 took tea. 
 
 May 21. Visited by Captain IngersoU from Salem, from whom I 
 have heard more particulars relative to the present state of the town 
 and its inhabitants than for several years. 
 
 i; 
 
 TO WILLIAM VANS, ESa., SALEM. 
 
 London, May 21, 1784. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Your favor of 2d January, was, I acknowledge, unexpected ; 
 but did not surprise me, though at this late day. The difference of 
 your sentiments from mine and those of my mistaken friends, 
 needed not to have caused the destruction of your former letter ; 
 for how wide soever our political notions have been, or perhaps 
 now are, that letter, I dare say, conceived in purity of intention, 
 and brought forth in decency of expression, could not have failed 
 to prove informative and amusing ; and on that score a welcome 
 present. Besides, I sit in judgment on no man ; wishing for candor 
 towards myself, I think it my duty to practise it in my turn to all j 
 referring it to God alone to approve or condemn, who alone has 
 
 
406 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1784. 
 
 the right ; and to knaves and fools Tvho have none, to usurp that 
 right. 
 
 The doubts tnat have hitherto discouraged my attempting to 
 trust the faithless waves again, are derived from more than one 
 source. However wanting in respect the appellation, I had 
 rather be accounted a timid friend, a light you say I am 
 viewed in, than an enemy ; a reproach I am not conscious to 
 have deserved. 
 
 Your report of the returned penitents to their former habitations, 
 strengthens my belief of lenity towards myself, should I ever be in 
 a condition to stand in need of such lenity. However, if I rightly 
 understand the meaning of your caution to address to the care of a 
 friend, you yourself, sanguine and positive as you are of the safety 
 of my person and property, think it a proper precaution to slip 
 behind the curtain for a while after entering on the territories of the 
 United States ; a part, Mr. Vans, I shall on no account stoop to 
 act, dissimulation being no part of my character, and I am too late 
 in life to assume new habits. 
 
 I am well pleased to hear of the singular moderation of the 
 town of Salem; if other towns have been violent in words only, 
 as your letter intimates, their character is greatly injured and the 
 public abused. 
 
 Having answered your letter, I now take leave, after subscribing 
 myself with due regards. Your friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 June 8. William Browne, lately arrived from Gibraltar, where 
 he served as an officer during the siege, son of Colonel Browne, 
 now governor of Bermudas, called on me after an interval of 
 six years ; he appears intelligent, and his manners much refined. 
 
 June 11. To my townsman, S. Porter's lodgings, Kensington, 
 through the gardens. There seems no inclination in him or any 
 refugees to return back ; fed, I presume, with delusive hopes of a 
 compensation, or rather deluding themselves with ungrounded ex- 
 pectations founded only in their vain wishes and desires of court 
 compassion, which may be justly added to Lord Rochester's list of 
 ideal nothings. 
 
 June 19. At one o'clock the funeral procession of Sir Barnard 
 
1784.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 407 
 
 Turner, sheriff, passed through Bishopgate-street amidst great 
 crowds, though much lessened by the delay which the populace 
 mistook for its being laid aside ; the body had been arrested after 
 it was put into the hearse, in the street, for a considerable debt, 
 which was afterwards compromised, on whose or what account is 
 variously stated. The hearse was preceded by two lines of the 
 artillciy association, headed by an officer and five privates abreast, 
 their firelocks reversed, marching in slow pace, muffled drums 
 beating, trumpets sounding, and other instruments playing the 
 104th psalm tune ; the hearse was adorned with large flowing 
 plumes of os*^rich feathers, just before which was led the horse of 
 the deceased, dressed in black ; on the saddle were laid the hat, 
 sword, and boots crossed. A small detachment of the artillery 
 company followed the carriage of the deceased and those of his 
 brother sheriffs ; after which the whole closed by fourteen car- 
 riages, each drawn by two pair of horses ; the whole was to 
 proceed nine miles, to Tottenham ; solemn and pompous in the 
 extreme. 
 
 June 22. At New England Coffee-house read Mr. Pitt's speech 
 and motion to stop the smuggling of tea, by a repeal of the heavy 
 duty on that article, and substituting a lighter one ; and to prevent 
 any injury to the revenue, by laying an additional house and 
 window tax, whereby the poor and middling classes will be eased; 
 and the burden, as it ought, will lay on the wealthy. Pol^ ng in 
 the Borough for the election of a member in the room of ti late 
 Sir Barnard Turner ; candidates. Sir Richard Hotham, and Mr. 
 Paul Mesurier. 
 
 I'^yvn 
 
 of 
 
 of 
 
 FROM HON. JONATHAN SEWALL. 
 
 Bristol, June 28, 1784. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Accept my thanks for your kind communication of your inten- 
 tions to revisit America, and for your obliging offer of accepting 
 any services I may wish to trouble you with. I am clear in my 
 judgment that you are perfectly right in your present determination ; 
 you have taken no active part, — ^your family has remained unmo- 
 lested, and Mr. F. Cabot assures me, that whenever you choose to 
 return you will be received with the warmest cordiality by all your 
 
 ■'■'■ i ; 
 
 11^ 
 
408 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1784. 
 
 old friends, and will receive no insult from any ; in short, that you 
 may go as safely as he can. This was his closing expression. 
 You have not told me when you intend to embark ; if you think 
 proper to give me seasonable notice of the time, p'^rhaps I may 
 trouble you with the care of one or two letters, provided you dare 
 be the bearer of them from an alien — traitor by law, vide Act of 
 1779. If you have any qualms, as I don't know but you may, 
 upon good grounds, give me but a hint of your fears or wishes, 
 and I shall conform to either, as my letters will be of no importance 
 to myself or ray correspondents — no treason, no politics, I assure 
 you. If you go, as I with twenty-eight others still remain exiles, 
 it is not probable we shall ever see each other again, in this world- 
 God only knows what kind of one the next will be, whether more 
 or less dirty— be it what it may, if we meet I shall most joyfully 
 take you by the hand. Indeed I don't absolutely despair of seeing 
 you again in this strange w^orld, for upon my soul, though I was 
 born and bred yet I am a stranger in it ; but^my design is to go 
 out to N. Scotia this autumn or early in the spring — there, if you 
 wish, you may see me, but while the unjust, illiberal, lying act of 
 1779 remains unrepealed, never will I set foot on the territories of 
 the thirteen United Independent States. I feel no resentment 
 against them. I wish them more happiness in their unnatural in- 
 dependence than my judgment allows me to hope for them — but I 
 have been mistaken throughout the whole voyage; yet, however 
 I may have been out in my former opinions, I wish my judgment 
 may still be erroneous — I wish, most sincerely, my native country 
 may meet all the happiness she has sought, per fas et nefas — she 
 thinks she has obtained it— I wish she may not be mistaken ; but I 
 have my doubts. 
 
 Mrs. Sewall accepts with thanks your compliments, and returns 
 them most cordially ; my sister, whom you kindly remember, died, 
 poor girl, on the 17th of May last, after a paralytic stroke about 
 three months before ; I think I may say, she has gone with as few 
 faults on her head as any of us can expect to go with. I miss her 
 greatly, — but why should we complain ? 
 
 1 am your humble servant and sincere friend, 
 
 JoNA. Sewall- 
 

 1784.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 409 
 
 TO HON. JUDGE SEWALL, BRISTOL. 
 
 London, June 29, 1784. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 On some accounts I shall return to America with reluctance, 
 having many doubts on my mind of meeting such a reception as 
 will encourage my continued abode in that land of purity, sanctity 
 and liberty. I feel too independent a spirit within to apprehend or 
 regard any danger from republican licentiousness, which ever has 
 been my contempt and abhorrence. 
 
 The following in^er nos. The success of my application to the 
 commissioners, now sitting in the Treasury, I am as yet ignorant of j 
 my memorial or petition was this day delivered in, and is to be con- 
 sidered to-morrow. Whatever shall be the event I shall endeavor 
 to support the same spirit, though a success equal to my supposed 
 just expectations would serve as pillars or buttresses in an old tot- 
 tering edifice, to add strength and support thereto. 
 
 Please make ray compliments to your family, and to Mr. Sam- 
 uel Sewall if in your neighborhood. 
 
 Dear sir, your affectionate friend, etc., 
 
 S. Curwen. 
 
 June 29. After composing the following petition, I proceeded 
 with it to the Treasury — dubious of its fate or fortune. 
 
 " To the Commissioners appointed by act of Parliament to con- 
 sider the sufferings and service of the American loyalists: 
 
 " The petition of Samuel Curwen humbly showeth ; That your 
 petitioner was forced to abandon his home and dwelling by the 
 repeated menaces of the people within a few days after the unhap- 
 py rencounter at Lexington, who reproached all* persons with the 
 invidious appellation of lories, as they chose to call such as did not 
 openly accuse the king's troops as aggressors, were for supporting 
 law and order, and for forbearing future violences ; among which 
 number your petitioner was one. Taking refuge aboard a vessel 
 bound to Phihulephia, he arrived there, hoping to find an asylum 
 from outrage and indignity ; but in this he was mistaken, for 
 though that city liad during all former wars shown a manifest dis- 
 like to military levies and arrangements, and when in the late dis- 
 
 62 
 
 I « 
 
 ! .1 
 
\ 
 
 410 
 
 JOURNAL AND BETTERS. 
 
 [1784. 
 
 pute, a sinpfular moderation ; at this period the political frenzy 
 had risen to an equal height as in New England, and your petition- 
 er was soon informed that that city could prove no refuge to him, 
 even by those friends under whose protection he sought for safety j 
 the only condition of his continuing there was a public renunciation 
 of his principles, acknowledging his errors, and promising future 
 obedience to the new assumed powers. Loth to be held up to the 
 public in so disgraceful and mortifying a view, and to confess a 
 falsehood, he took the only alternative in his power. All communi- 
 cation witL the northward by sea being forbidden by the city 
 committee of safety and inspection, lest General Gage's troops at 
 Boston should be supplied with flour, etc., and by land no letters 
 could be sent but under the inspection of the state inquisitors — the 
 regular post* office established by act of Parliament being shut up, 
 and travelling by land dangerous to any but those called sons of 
 liberty — he therefore took shipping again, and after a series of 
 dangers in a very tedious passage, arrived in London, where and 
 in the country, he has resided to the present time, subsisting whilst 
 his own stock lasted on that, and since on the public bounty. 
 Having received some overtures since the peace took place from 
 some of his townsmen of Salem, which, together with the sad de- 
 rangement of his affairs there, makes him wish to revisit his native 
 country of New England, but the advices from his friends rendering 
 it still doubtful whether he can with safety and comfort pass the 
 remainder of his days there — being near the verge of threescore 
 years and ten — he proposes therefore to retreat to Nova Scotia 
 or one of the royal colonies, in case he cannot obtain a resettlement 
 on the forementioned conditions, and therefore humbly requests 
 liberty to appoint an agent here to receive the usual allowance 
 hitherto indulged him, and for so long a time as may be judged 
 proper to continue it. 
 
 And your petitioner as in duty bound, etc., 
 
 Samuel Curwen." 
 
 July 2. Went to Treasury ; returned re in/eda, not a little 
 deranged but not much disappointed ; my expectations from court 
 not being high, I can suffer but rarely any inconvenience, taking 
 care not to put myself in the way of frequent mortification. The 
 
1784.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 411 
 
 present application is of a kind I should have thought not liable to 
 a repulse, many such favors having been already granted, if the re- 
 quest deserves not rather the appellation of a just demand. 
 
 Jtdy 5. Went to the Treasury, and there received the agreea- 
 ble information that the commissioners had granted my petition to 
 appoint an agent to receive my quarterly allowance after my de- 
 parture from England, on making satisfactory proof of ray being 
 alive at the successive periods of payment. From this I date an 
 end to my doubts respecting my embarkation ; its issue time must 
 reveal. 
 
 July 7. Made an early visit to Mr. Gorham, to talk on the 
 subject of our passage with Capt. Ingersoll. 
 
 July 8. On 'change met Capt. Folger and John Spar- 
 hawk, both of whom I wish to embark with Mr. Gorham and my- 
 self with Capt. Ingersoll. Mr. Jonathan Jackson called on me for 
 a letter of introduction to Mr. George Russell of Birmingham, 
 which I cheerfully gave, acquainting Mr. Russell that he possessed 
 an unblemished reputation and extensive property, in case he may 
 form any commercial arrangement there. 
 
 'X 
 
 TO REV. JOSEPH BRETLAND, EXETER. 
 
 London, July 9, 1784. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I could not, with my strong sense of obligation to Mr. Bretland 
 for the many instances of respectful attention received from him 
 during my residence in the west, leave England without acknow- 
 ledging them. My departure from London will be within a fort- 
 night — a voyage at this late hour of my life is an undertaking, 
 even were the prospects bright, I would gladly dispense with ; but 
 duty and interest call too loudly to be resisted. . I presume your 
 acquaintance on the western continent lies in a very narrow com- 
 pass ; however, if it shall be in my power to serve or amuse you 
 in respect to the concerns in that distant quarter, I shall feel my- 
 self obliged by gratifying your wish. 
 
 1 know not in what employment I am to pass the small rem- 
 nant of ray days, should Providence permit ray safe return home ; 
 but I shall not think part of it ill-bestowed in directing and assist* 
 ing the studies and pursuits of my niece's children, who are just of 
 
 Ihi 
 
412 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1784. 
 
 an age to receive useful ideas — with regard to the English, Latin 
 and Greek tongues, I shall esteem it a peculiar favor if you will 
 be pleased to forward me a hst of books and the order in which 
 they should be used. 
 
 Very truly your friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 July 10. To the Treasury ; found the American door besieged 
 by a score of mendicants like myself, waiting their turns — though 
 I thought my early attendance would have entitled me to No. 1, 1 
 was glad to stand No. 21 ; so great was the crowd that I was 
 more than once about to depart and leave them. 
 
 July 11. With Capt. Coombs took an airing to the tower, 
 having encompassed it on the ramparts, and taken a view of the 
 American thirteen stripes flying on eight vessels lying in one tier ; 
 the first view I ever distinctly had of their independent naval glory. 
 Arranged about going with Capt. Ingersoll. 
 
 July 16. Gave a power of attorney to George Bainbridge of 
 Bread-street, to receive my pension quarterly. 
 
 July 18. Mr. Cassini, the French mathematician, having 
 presented through his ambassador in London a memorial, praying 
 that some person would undertake to cany triangles from Green- 
 wich to Dover to meet the French at Calais, in order to determine 
 the exact distance between the observatories of Paris and Green- 
 wich ; his majesty, who is ever ready to patronize useful schemes, 
 immediately granted one thousand pounds for the carrying it on, 
 and General Roy was, by his own consent, fixed upon for the un- 
 dertaking. 
 
 TO REV. JOSEPH BRETLAND, EXETER, DEVON. 
 
 London, July 19, 1784. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Your obliging favor of the 17th is just received. For a long 
 time I was flattered with the expectation that my philosophical ac- 
 quaintance would comply with his promise to answer your favor, 
 till I had in truth forgotten I had not written you, and my delay 
 arose from his, which at last ended in a refusal. He seems to value 
 
1784.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 413 
 
 himself on a freedom from the shackles of fear, and thinks that 
 an advantage which no believer in the existence of a Deity can 
 boast of, and to that principle refers all those labored treatises to 
 prove one ; and though fully convinced of the truth of his system, 
 is satisfied a universal belief of them in the present state of things 
 would not be productive of beneficial effects in society, which to 
 me is instead of a thousand arguments to manifest their falsity. 
 
 I would with unfeigned pleasure travel further than the distance 
 between us to meet my worthy friend, but unless the weather pre- 
 vent, or some unforeseen accident intervene, to which human af- 
 fairs are liable, I shall take shipping within four days. It repents 
 me much that I had not availed myself of leisure to have visited 
 you ; but past neglects may be, like this, lamented, not repaired. 
 
 Your kind information in respect to method of teaching, I thank 
 you for ; your friendly caution I take in good part, and shall not 
 fail to attend to it; and your request, you may depend on my 
 compliance with. 
 
 Be pleased to make my respectful compliments to all friends. 
 1 remain, with real regard, 
 Yours, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 July 20. Went to Mr. Copley's, George-street, Hanover- 
 square, to take my leave of him, and pay my last compliments to 
 his father-in-law, Mr. R. Clarke, and the family. Mr. Copley ab- 
 sent at Tunbridge. 
 
 July 22. Accompanied by Mr. Nathaniel Gorhara, breakfasted 
 on board ship Union, Capt. Jonathan Ingersoll, wherein I have en- 
 gaged my passage to Boston ; met Benjamin Pickman the elder 
 and younger. Dined at Mr. De Berdt's, in company with General 
 Joseph Reed of Philadelphia, and Mr. Gorham ; also drank tea 
 and passed the evening there. 
 
 July 25, Sunday. Attended worship at Mr. Lindsay's chapel, 
 Essex-street, Strand ; took my final leave of Mr. Lindsay and Dr. 
 Disney at the chapel door. 
 
 July 28. Took leave at lodgings 107 Bishopgate-street with- 
 in, and proceeded to the ship Union, lying at Irongatc, where I 
 purpose to abide till my arrival at Gravesend. Paid twenty guineas 
 
 1 
 
 [ ' 
 
 ■ M 
 
rA: 
 
 414 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1784. 
 
 in part for my passage money. From henceforth I bid an ever- 
 lasting farewell to London. At ten o'clock the Tower guns, to the 
 number of eighty, were discharged ; this being the day appointed 
 by royal proclamation to be observed as a thanksgiving for the 
 general peace. , Despatched a boat to bring Capt. Coombs from 
 his brig Minerva ; Capt. Patterson and Cleves also drank tea with us. 
 
 Jiug. 1. Proceeded down the river with a fair wind. 
 
 ^ug. 2. Anchored off Deal. 
 
 Aug. 3. Capt. IngersoU with two passengers arrived on board ; 
 immediately after the ship broke ground, and in an hour entered 
 the Channel"; and now hey for the ocean. 
 
 Aug. 4. This morning all our passengers breakfasted together 
 f jr the first time ; their names, Nathaniel Gorham, William Smith, 
 Lewis and Francis Deblois, of Boston, a Mr. Isle, and myself. 
 
 Aug. 6. Stood in for St. Helen's road ; thence proceeded to 
 Cowes harbor, Isle of Wight, where we anchored ; went ashore, 
 took tea and supped at the Vine inn. 
 
 Aug. 7. With four fellow-passengers took coach for Newport, 
 the only borough town on the island, consisting of four hundred 
 houses ; it lies at the head of water beyond Cowes five miles ; re- 
 markable for no manufactures or productions, natural or artificial : 
 thence trudged it on foot to Carisbrook Castle, on an eminence a 
 mile or more distant, now in ruins, and inhabited by a family named 
 Poney, consisting of two or three maidens and their servants. The 
 church is a living of =£120 per annum. After dinner we all set oS 
 for our ship. 
 
 Aug. 8. Got under weigh, and at six o'clock are now in the 
 bay, steering for Lyraington road, where we arrived at nine o'clock 
 and anchored, waiting for the ebb to carry us through the Needles 
 at a league's distance. These rocks lie on the island side of the en- 
 trance, and on the opposite shore of the main land of England. On 
 a point, of a mile or so in length, stands Hurst Castle, remarkable 
 in history for being the prison of King Charles, not long before his 
 execution. 
 
 Aug. 10. Supposed off Berryhead, at five leagues distant. 
 Afternoon changed our course and entered Dartmouth harbor. 
 
 Aug. 11. At six o'clock A. M. in the offing, Start bearing N. 
 by E., four leagues distant ; dead calm ; ten vessels in sight. 
 
1784.] 
 
 JOUBNAI, AND LETTERS. 
 
 415 
 
 Aug. 13. Spoke brig Paragon, twenty-eight days out from 
 Alexandria, with Mr. and Mrs. Hughes on board. 
 
 Se^L 25. Arrived at Boston, and at half past three o'clock 
 landed at the end of Long-wharf, after an absence of nine years 
 and five months, occasioned by a lamented civil war, excited by 
 ambitious, selfish men here and in England, to the disgrace, dis- 
 honor, distress, and disparagement of these extensive territories. 
 By plunder and rapine some few have accumulated wealth, but 
 many more are greatly injured in their circumstances ; some have 
 to lament over the wreck of their departed wealth and estates, of 
 which pitiable number I am ; my affairs having sunk into irrC' 
 trievable ruin. 
 
 \ 
 J 
 
 TO CAPT. MICHAEL COOMBS, LONDON. 
 
 Sa/ewi, Mass.^ Oct. 9, 1784. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 This day fortnight, at half past three P. M., I landed on the 
 head of the Long-wharf, in Boston, being the first American ground 
 I had touched since May 12, 1775, when I departed from Phila- 
 delphia. It is no less strange than unaccountable, how low, mean 
 and diminutive every thing on shore appeared to me. On Sunday, 
 being the day following, I left for this place, where I alighted at 
 the house of my former residence, and not a man, woman, or child, 
 but expressed a satisfaction at seeing me, and welcomed me back. 
 Thus much for myself. 
 
 The few things for your widow I have delivered into her hands, 
 and I find her a woman of uncommon vigor and equanimity, nor 
 do I think one to be met with who has better acquitted herself in 
 the late trying times. By her resolution she has preserved the 
 household furniture from confiscation and waste, and your account- 
 books from inspection, though menaced and flattered by the state 
 agents. The melancholy derangement of my own affairs has so 
 entirelyunsettled me, that I can scarce attend to any thing. I 
 think it very unlikely my house can be saved.* It shall be among 
 my first engagements to attend to your affairs. 
 
 With real regard, your friend, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 * It was saved fioin confisoatiun. 
 
 \i.-^' 
 
 
 ri*; 
 
416 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 TO JONATHAN SMITH, ESQ., PHILADELPHIA 
 
 [1784. 
 
 Salem, Oct. 9, 1784. 
 Dear Sir ; 
 r A few days since I returned to the place of my nativity, after 
 an absence a more than nine years, in which interval I find great 
 revolutions <o have taken place, not only with regard to the civil 
 and political state of America in general, but also with respect to 
 the property of individuals. Whilst some from the narrowest and 
 baset condition have arisen to high honors and great wealth, others 
 from comfortable, reputable, and even respectable and affluent, 
 have fallen into indigent and distressed circumstances;! and al- 
 though the latter is not exactly my case, I confess myself verging 
 to that point ; my affairs are sadly deranged, but I hope time and 
 application will cure the disorder. For that purpose, I beg you 
 will forward to me a box containing my account-books left in your 
 father's hands for security during my absence. 
 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 TO CAPT. MICHAEL COOMBS, LONDON. 
 
 Sdem, Mv. 15, 1784. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I have waited on Mr. Sewall,* a lawyer of your town ; from him 
 I learn he has undertaken to procure the necessary papers, and 
 will, at my pressing instance, set about it immediately ; my argu- 
 ment being constantly, delay is almost as Jhtal to my friend as total 
 neglect. 
 
 I am now to congratulate you on the salvation of your wharf 
 and warehouse from the villainous hands of the rapacious harpies, 
 the commissioners ; that part of your real estate, by great luck was 
 neglected in the libel by which your other was seized and confis- 
 cated, and therefore it still remains y?ur property. What debts 
 are claimed and proved, must, by the law that confiscates, be levied 
 on and taken out of the estate sold, the remainder escheats to the 
 
 ♦ Mr. Samuel Sewnll, of Marblehead, afterwards chief justice of Maa- 
 sachuBettg, 
 
1784.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 417 
 
 public treasury. But so infamously knavish has been the conduct 
 of the commissioners, that though frequent attempts have been 
 made to bring them t' "'istice, and respond for the produce of the 
 funds resting in their hands, so numerous are the defaulters in that 
 august body, the General Court, that all efforts have hitherto proved 
 vain. Not twopence in the pound have arrived to the public trea- 
 sury of all the confiscations ! 
 
 Mr. Sewall says, were you disposed, he would advise you not 
 to come here, until the act respecting refugees or absentees be 
 passed, which will be, it is thought, this session. 
 
 The triumphant here look down with contempt on the van- 
 quished ; their little minds are not equal to the astonishing success 
 of their feeble arms. God bless the worthy and blast the villainous 
 of every party.* 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 S. CURWEN. 
 
 TO HON. JUDGE SEWALL, BRISTOL, ENGLAND. 
 
 Salem, Mv. 22, 1784. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 I find myself completely ruined. I confess 1 cannot bear to 
 stay and perish under the ruins of my late ample property, and 
 shall, therefore, as soon as I can recover my account-books, left in 
 Philadelphia on my departure from America, and settle my deranged 
 affairs, retreat to Nova Scotia, unless my allowance shall be taken 
 from me. I am ignorant whether it may be prudent to make appli- 
 cation to the commissioners on American refugees' affairs ; but being 
 here by their indulgence, I wish my allowance may continue. And 
 if in this representation you can afford me any assistance by your- 
 self, or in concert with Mr. Danforth, to whom I have also written, 
 I shall thankfully acknowledge your counsel and aid, as a kind en- 
 deavor to rescue from want your old and faithful friend, 
 
 S. CuRWEN. 
 
 "t 
 
 ♦ Capt. Coombs, to whom the foregoing letter was addressed, and who is 
 often mentioned in Judge Curwen's Journal, was a respectable merchaot of 
 Marblehead, Mass., to which place he returned some years after the peace, 
 and died there at an advanced age. 
 
 68 
 
 ! 6' 
 
418 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 [1795. 
 
 f 1795. [The following letters were written ten years after 
 \ Judge Curwen's return, when in his eightieth year. He survived 
 ! several years longer, having died at Salem April, 1802.] 
 
 TO SAMUEL CURWEN, ESQ.. 
 
 Dorchester, Feb. 6, 1795, 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Many years are elapsed since I saw you. Hearing lately that 
 you were returned to Salem, I have taken this opportunity to write 
 to you. In the year 1741 1 was taken ill, and continued poorly 
 several years, but as Providence ordered it, got better and have kept 
 school here fourteen years ; I was treasurer for the town thirty-seven 
 years, and one of the selectmen and assessors thereof forty years. 
 Although the most of our class that are dead seemed more likely 
 to live long than I, yet to a wonder I am spared. It pleased God 
 in his holy providence a few yeai-s since to deprive me of my habi- 
 tation by fire ; by the help of friends I have got up a house, and 
 have so far finished it that I and my family live in it. 
 
 Be pleased to let me hear from you, if you can send a letter to 
 Mr. Hopestill Capens, a kinsman of mine living in Boston, near 
 the market ; I hope I shall receive it. If you come to Boston, be 
 pleased to come over and see me ; I live within four miles of the 
 state-house. 
 
 From your classmate, 
 
 Noah Clap. 
 
 TO NOAH CLAP. 
 
 Salem, February 18, 1795. 
 My Friend Clap: 
 
 Your unexpected but agreeable letter of the 6th inst. was re- 
 ceived about a week since, wherein you say you are among the 
 very few of our fellow-students and classmates that are still in the 
 land of the living. This has been a subject of my frequent thoughts 
 and inquiry; the result follows : Willis, Clap, Cook, Curwen, Parsons, 
 Smith, Pierce, Snell j Hovey uncertain.* You observe, " although 
 
 * Judge Curwen was of the class (thirty-eight in number) graduated at 
 Harvard College in 1735 ; of whom it seems eight, and perhaps ninei were 
 living in 1795. 
 
1795.] 
 
 JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 
 
 419 
 
 most of our classmates thai are dead and gone seemed more likely to 
 live than 1" etc. ; on which I remark, it is a subject of constant obser- 
 vation among persons of thought and reflection, to which by expe- 
 rience I subscribe, that most of those whose health-promising coun- 
 tenances, lively spirits, and great bodily strength promise long 
 life, are most commonly cut off in the midst of life, while the more 
 feeble, complaining, and those frequently confined by illness, are 
 continued to a comparatively long life, and rendered capable of 
 more enjoyment than in the days of youth and middle age, of which 
 number I profess myself to be one. I'hanks to the gracious Being 
 who has, in mercy I hope, lengthened my life to one of the longest 
 periods in these days, being entered, more than two months, in my 
 eightieth year ; which I presume is your length of years. 
 
 Agreeably to your invitation, I shall, when the roads and wea- 
 ther prove favorable for travelling, continue my next journey as 
 far as your dwelling, and in the mean time I remain, with due 
 regards, 
 
 Your friend and well wisher, 
 
 S. CURWKN. 
 
 '■ .■■if 
 
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 ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENT.^, 
 
 AND 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF INDIVILUALS 
 
 MENTIONED IN THE FOEEGOINu WORK. 
 
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SUPPLEMENT 
 
 ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 ADDRESS OF THE MERCHANTS AND OTHERS OF BOSTON, i 
 TO GOV. HUTCHINSON. 
 
 Boston, May 30, 1774. 
 
 We, merchants and traders of the town of Boston, and others, 
 do now wait on you, in the most respectful manner, before your 
 departure for England, to testify, for ourselves, the entire satisfac- 
 tion wc feel at your wise, zealous, and faithful administration, dur- 
 ing the few years that you have presided at llie head of this province. 
 Had your success been qual to your endeavors, and to the warmest 
 wishes of your heart, we cannot doubt that many of the evils under 
 which we now suffer, would have been averted, and that tranquillity 
 would have been restored to this long divided province ; but we 
 assure ourselves that the want of success in those endeavors will 
 not abate your good wishes when removed from us, or your ear- 
 nest exertions still on every occasion to serve the true interest of 
 this your native country. 
 
 While we lament the loss of so good a governor, we ara greatly 
 relieved that his Majesty, in his gracious favor, hath appointed as 
 your successor a gentleman who, having distinguished himself in 
 the long command he hath held in another department, gives us 
 the most favorable prepossessions of his future administration. 
 
 We greatly deplore the calamities that are impending and will 
 soon fall on this metropolis, by the operatiof of a late act of Par- 
 liament for shutting up the port on the first of next month. You 
 
 'fi 
 
424 
 
 ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 cannot but be sensible, -if, of the numberless evils that will ensue 
 to the province in general, and the miseries and distresses into 
 which it will particularly involve this town, in the course of a few 
 months. Without meaning to arraign the justice of the British 
 Parliament, we could huml. y wish that this act had been couched 
 with less rigor, and that the execution of it had been delayed to a 
 more distant time, that the people might have had the alternative 
 ; either to have complied with the conditions therein set forth, or to 
 have submitted to the consequent evils on refusal ; but as it now 
 stands, all choice is precluded^ and however disposed to compliance 
 or concession the people may be, they must unavoidably suffer 
 very great calamities before they can receive relief. Making res- 
 titution for damage done to the property of the East India Company, 
 or to the property of any individual, by the outrage of the people, 
 we acknowledge to be just ; and though we have ever disavowed, 
 and do now solemnly bear our testimony against such lawless pro- 
 ceedings, yet, considering ourselves as members of the same commu- 
 nity, we are fully disposed to bear our proportions of those damages, 
 whenever the sum and the manner of laying it can be ascertained. 
 "We earnestly request that you, sir, who know our condition, and 
 have at all times displayed the most benevolent disposition towards 
 us, will, on your arrival in England, interest yourself in our behalf, 
 and make such favort' le representations of our case, as that we 
 may hope to obtain jpeedy and effectual relief. 
 
 May you enjoy a pleasant passage to England ; and under all 
 the mortifications you have patiently endured, may you possess the 
 inward and consolatory testimonies of having discharged your trust 
 With fidelity and honor, and receive those distinguishing marks of 
 his Majesty's royal approbation and favor, as may enable you to 
 pass the remainder of your life in quietness and ease, and preserve 
 your name with honor to posterity. 
 
 William Blair, 
 Jaines Selkrig, 
 Archibald Wilson, 
 Jeremiah Green, 
 Samuel H. Sparhawk, 
 Joseph Turin, 
 Roberts & Co., 
 
 John Greenlaw, 
 Benjamin Clark, 
 William McAlpine, 
 Jonathan Snclling, 
 James Hall, 
 William Dickson. 
 John Winslow, jr., 
 
ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUUENTS. 
 
 425 
 
 Theophilus Lillie, 
 
 Miles Whitworth, 
 
 James McEwen, 
 
 William Codner, 
 
 James Perkins, 
 
 John White, 
 
 Robert Jarvis, 
 
 William Perry, 
 
 James & Patrick McMasterp, 
 
 William Coffin, 
 
 Simeon Stoddard, jr. 
 
 John Powell, 
 
 Henry Laughton, 
 
 Eliphalet Pond, 
 
 M. B. Goldthwait, 
 
 Peter Hughes, 
 
 Samuel Hughes, 
 
 John Semp]«, 
 
 Hopestill Cap<;n, 
 
 Edward King, 
 
 Byfield Lynde, 
 
 George Lynde, 
 
 A. F. Fhipps, 
 
 Rufus Green, 
 
 David Phips, 
 
 Richard Smith, 
 
 George Spooner, 
 
 Daniel Silsby, 
 
 William Cazneau, 
 
 James Forrest, 
 
 Edward Cox, 
 
 John Berry, 
 
 Richard Hirons, 
 
 Ziphion Thayer, 
 
 John Joy, 
 
 Joseph Goldthwait, 
 
 Samuel Prince, 
 
 Jonathan Simpoon, 
 
 James Boutincau, 
 
 Nathaniel Hatch, 
 
 54 
 
 Martin Gay, 
 Joseph Scott, 
 Samuel Minot, 
 Benjamin M. Holmes, 
 Archibald McNiel, 
 George Leonard, 
 John Borland, 
 Joshua Loring, jr., 
 William Jackson, 
 James Anderson, 
 David MitchelsoD, 
 Abr8hf.m Savage, 
 James Asby, 
 John Inman, 
 John Coffin, 
 Thomas Knight, 
 Benjamin Green, jr. 
 David Green, 
 Benjamin Green, 
 Henry H. Williams, 
 James Warden, 
 Nathaniel Coffin, jr., 
 Silvester Gardiner, 
 John S. Copley, 
 Edward Foster, 
 Colbourn Burrell, 
 Nathaniel Greenwood, 
 William Burton, 
 John Winslow, 
 Isaac Winslow, jr., 
 Thomas Oliver, 
 Henry Bloye, 
 Benjamin Davis, 
 Isaac Winslow, 
 Lewis Deblois, 
 Thomas Aylwin, 
 William Bowes, 
 Gregory Townsend, 
 Francis Green, 
 Philip Dumaresq, 
 
 l.i 
 
426 
 
 ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 Harrison Gray, 
 Peter Johonnot, 
 George Erving, 
 Joseph Green, 
 John Vassa]], 
 Nathaniel Coffin, 
 John Timmins, 
 William Tailor, 
 Thomas Brinley, 
 Harrison Gray, jr., 
 John Taylor, 
 Gilbert Deblois, 
 Joshua Winslow, 
 Daniel Hubbard, 
 Hugh Turbett, 
 
 Henry LyddeH, 
 Nathaniel Gary, 
 George Brinley, 
 Richard Lechmeie, 
 John Erving, jr., 
 Thomas Gray, 
 George Bcthune, 
 Thomas Apthorp, 
 Ezekial Goldthwaite, 
 Benjamin Gridley, 
 John Atkinson, 
 Ebenezer Bridgham, 
 John Gore, 
 Adino Paddock. 
 
 ADDRESS OF THE INHABITANTS OF MARBLEHEAD TO GOV. 
 
 HUTCHINSON. 
 
 MarUehead, May 25, 1774. 
 
 His Majesty having been pleased to appoint his Excellency the 
 Hon. Thomas Gage, Esq., to be governor and commander-in-chief 
 over this province, and you, (as we are informed,) being speedily 
 to embark for Great Britain : We, the subscribers, merchants, 
 traders, and others, inhabitants of Marblebead, beg leave to present 
 you our valedictory address on this occasion ; and as this is the 
 only way we now have of expressing to you our entire approbation 
 of your public conduct during the time you have presided in this 
 province, and of making you a return of our most sincere and 
 hearty thanks for the ready assistance which you have at all times 
 afforded us, when applied to in matters which affected our naviga- 
 tion and commerce, we are induced from former experience of 
 your goodness, to believe that you will freely indulge us in the 
 pleasure of giving you this testimony of our sincere esteem and 
 gratitude. 
 
 In your public administration, we are fully convinced that the 
 general good was the mark which you have ever aimed at, and we 
 can, sir, with pleasure assure you, that it is likewise the opinion of 
 all dispassionate thinking men within the circle of our observation, 
 notwithstanding many publications would have taught the world to 
 
ILLTTSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 think the contrary ; and "we beg leave to entreat you, that when 
 you arrive at the court of Great Britain, you would there embrace 
 every opportunity of moderating the resentment of the government 
 against us, and use your best endeavors to have the unhappy dis- 
 pute between Great Britain and this country brought to a just and 
 e:^ui'able determination. 
 
 "We cannot omit the opportunity of returning you in a particular 
 manner our most sincere thanks for your patronizing our cause in 
 the matter of entering and clearing the fishing vessels at the 
 custora-huuse, and making the tishermen pay hospital money ; we 
 believe it is owing to your representation of the matter, that we 
 are hitherto free from that burden. 
 
 We heartily wish you, sir, a safe and prosperous passage to 
 Great Britain, and when you arrive there may you find such a re- 
 ception as shall fully compensate for all the insults and indignities 
 which have been offered you. 
 
 Henry Saunders, 
 Richard Hinkly, 
 Samuel Reed, 
 John Lee, 
 Robert Ambroae, 
 Jonathan Glover, 
 Richard Phillips, 
 Isaac Mansfield. 
 Joseph Bubier, 
 Richard Stncy, 
 Thornns Procter, 
 John Fowle, 
 Robert Hooper, 3d, 
 John Gallison, 
 John Prince, 
 George McCal!, 
 Joseph Swasey, 
 
 Nathan Bowen, 
 Thomas Robie, 
 John Stimson, 
 John Webb, 
 Joseph Lee, 
 Thomas Lewis, 
 Sweet Hooper, 
 Robert Hooper, 
 Jacob Fowle, 
 John Pedrick, 
 Richard Reed, 
 Benjamin Marston, 
 Samuel White, 
 Joseph Hooper, 
 John Prentice, 
 Robert Hooper, jr. 
 
 I; m 
 
 ADDRESS OP THE BARRISTERS AND ATTORNEYS OF MAS- 
 SACHUSETTS TO GOV. HUTCHINSON, MAY 30, 1774. 
 
 A firm persuasion of your inviolable attachment to the real 
 interests of this your nativs country, and of your ci nstant readiness, 
 by every service in your power, to promote its true welfare and 
 
 i J 
 
428 
 
 ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 prosperity, will, we flatter ourselves, render it not improper in us, 
 barristers and attorneys at law in the province of Massachusetts 
 Bay, to address your Excellency upon your removal from us, with 
 this testimonial of our sincere respect and esteem. 
 
 The various important characters of Legislator, Judge and first 
 Magistrate over this province, in which, by the suffrages of your 
 fellow-subjects, and by the royal favor of the best of kings, your 
 great abilities, adorned with a uniform purity of principle, and in> 
 tegrity of conduct, have been eminently distinguished, must excite 
 the esteem and demand the grateful acknowledgments of every 
 true lover of his country, and friend to virtue. 
 
 The present perplexed state of our public affairs, we are sensi- 
 ble, must render your departure far less disagreeable to you than it 
 is to us,— we assure you, sir, we feel the loss ; but when, in the 
 amiable character of your successor, we view a fresh instance of 
 the paternal goodness of our most gracious sovereign ; when we 
 reflect on the probability that your presence at the court of Great 
 Britain, will afford you an opportunity of employing your interests 
 more successfully for the relief of this province, and particularly of 
 the town of Boston, under their present distresses, we find a conso- 
 lation which no other human source could afford. Permit us, sir, 
 most earnestly to solicit the exertion of all your distinguished 
 abilities in favor of your native town and country, upon this truly 
 unhappy and distressing occasion. 
 
 We sincerely wish you a prosperous voyage, a long continua- 
 tion of health and felicity, and the highest rewards of the good 
 and faithful. 
 
 We are, sir, with the most cordial affection, esteem and 
 respect. 
 
 Your Excellency's most obedient and very humble servants, 
 
 Robert Achmuty, 
 Jonathan Sewall, 
 Samuel Fitch, 
 Samuel Quincy, 
 William Pynchon, 
 James Putnam, 
 Benjamin Gridley, 
 Abel Willard, 
 
 Andrew Cazneau, 
 Daniel Leonard, 
 John Lowell, 
 Daniel Oliver, 
 Sampson S. Blowers, 
 Shearjashub Brown, 
 Daniel Bliss, 
 Samuel Porter, 
 
ILLUSTKATIVB DOCUMENTS. 
 
 429 
 
 David Ingersoll, 
 Jeremiah D. Rogers, 
 David Gorham, 
 Samuel Sewall, 
 
 John Sprague, 
 Rufus Chandler, 
 Thomas Danforth, 
 Ebenezer Bradish. 
 
 From the Essex Gazette of June 14, 1774. 
 
 Messrs. Hall : 
 
 As it is generally known that an Address from the Merchants, 
 Traders and others, in the town of Salem, to the late Governor 
 Hutchinson, was signed by numbers of gentlemen belonging to the 
 town ; and it being as well known that his Excellency gave his 
 answer to the same, it remains now a matter of great speculation, 
 especially amongst those of the town of Boston who were foremost 
 in promoting a plan so apparently beneficial in the present exigency 
 of affairs in this province, what sufficient reason can be assigned 
 by the subscribers, (contrary to the very design of such an address,) 
 for then not making it public. Many conjectures might be admitted 
 upon this matter, not to the honor of the concerned, which we 
 shall omit for the present. Yours, 
 
 Z. Y. 
 
 From the Essex Gazette of June 1, 1175. 
 
 Salem, May 30, 1775. 
 Whereas we the subscribers did some time since sign an address 
 to Governor Hutchinson, which, though prompted to by the best 
 intentions, has, nevertheless, given great offence to our country : 
 We do now declare, that we were so far from designing by that 
 action, to show our acquiescence in those acts of Parliament so 
 universally and justly odious to all America, that on the contrary, 
 we hoped we might in that way contribute to their repeal ; though 
 now to our sorrow we find ourselves mistaken. And we do now 
 further declare, that we never intended the offence which this ad- 
 dress has occasioned ; that if we had foreseen such an event we 
 should never have signed it ; as it always has been and now is our 
 wish to live in harmony with our neighbors, and our serious de- 
 termination is to promote to the utmost of our power the liberty, 
 the welfare, and happiness of our country, which is inseparably 
 connected with our own. 
 
430 
 
 ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 w 
 
 John Nutting, 
 N. Goodale, 
 Ebenezer Patnam, 
 Francis Cabot, 
 N. Sparhawk, 
 Andrew Dalglish, 
 
 E. A. Holyoke, 
 William Pynchon, 
 Thomas Barnard, 
 Nathaniel Dabney, 
 William Pickman, 
 C. Gayton Pickman. 
 
 In Committee of Safety, Salem, May 30, 1775.— The declar- 
 ation, of which the above is a copy, being presented and read, it 
 was voted unanimously that the same was satisfactory ; and that 
 the said gentlemen ought to be received and treated as real friends 
 to this country. 
 
 By order of the Committee, 
 
 Richard Debbv, Jr., Chairman. 
 
 In the same paper of June 1, 1775, immediately following the 
 above, is a communication to the Committee of Safety, from the 
 late Rev. Thomas Barnard, dated May 25, 1775 : — \ ^ 
 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 A suspicion of being inimical to those with whom we are con- 
 nected in society, and whom we esteem and love, cannot but give 
 severe pain to a generous mind. Unhappily, I have been viewed 
 by my countrymen in a light so disagreeable. The address which 
 I signed to Governor Hutchinson upon his leaving this province, I 
 signed with no party views, with no design whatever of injuring 
 that country with the prosperity of which my dearest human in- 
 terests are closely connected, but with strong hopes of promoting 
 the lasting peace and welfare of my native land. But I own, ray 
 fond expectations arising therefrom have been disappointed. The 
 cause of America I look upon capable of full defence by the voice 
 of justice and the British constitution; and shall be ever ready to 
 support it in that way which the united wisdom of the continent 
 ^all dictate. 
 
 Such are my sentiments, and upon the strength of them I would 
 request of my countrymen to throw the veil of charity and forgive- 
 ness over any incautious action of mine, which may have led them 
 to think unfavorably of me, and to grant me a place in their 
 esteem, which I shall ever think myself happy in deserving. 
 
 Thomas Barnard, Jr. 
 
 'I- 
 
ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 431 
 
 In Committee of Safety, Salem, May 26, 1775.— The declara- 
 tion, of vrhich the above is a copy, being presented and read, it was 
 voted unanimously that the same was satisfactory ; and that the 
 said gentleman ought to be received and treated as a real friend to 
 his country. 
 
 By order of the Committee, 
 
 Richard Derby, Jr., Chairman. 
 
 From the Essex Gazette, June 14, 1774. 
 
 ' Last Saturday, (June 11th, 1774,) the following address was 
 presented to his Ej^cellency the Governor : — 
 
 To his Excellency Thomas Gage, Esq., Captain-General, Governor 
 
 and Commander-in-Chief of the Province of Massachusetts 
 
 Bay in New England, and Lieutenant-General of his Majesty's 
 
 Forces. 
 May it please your Excellency : 
 
 We, merchants and others, inhabitants of the ancient town of 
 Salem, beg leave to approach your Excellency with our most 
 respectful congratulations on your arrival in this place. 
 
 We are deeply sensible of his Majesty's paternal care and 
 affection to this province, in the appointment of a person of your 
 Excellency's experience, wisdom and moderation, in these trouble- 
 some and difficult times. 
 
 We rejoice that this town is graciously distinguished for that 
 spirit, loyalty, and reverence for the laws, which is equally our glory 
 and happiness. 
 
 From that public spirit and warm zeal to promote the general 
 happmess of men, which mark the great and good, we are led to 
 hope under your Excellency's administration for every thing that 
 may promote the peace, prosperity, and real welfare of this pro- 
 vince. 
 
 We beg leave to commend to your Excellency's patronage the 
 trade and commerce of this place, which, from a full protection of 
 the liberties, persons and properties of individuals, cannot but 
 flourish. 
 
 And we assure your Excellency we will make it our constant 
 endeavors by peace, good order, and a regard for the laws, as far 
 as in us lies, to render your station and residence easy and happy. 
 
 it 
 
 ,' r- 
 
 U' 
 
 t 
 
432 
 
 ILLUSTBATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 John Sargent, 
 Jacob Ashton, 
 William Wetmore, 
 James Grant, 
 Henry Higginson, 
 David Britton, 
 P. G. Kast, 
 Weld Gardner, 
 Nathaniel Daubney, 
 Richard Nicaclls, 
 William Cabot, 
 Cabot Gerrish, 
 William Gerrish, 
 Rowland Savage, 
 William Lilly, 
 Jonathan Goodhue, 
 Nathan Goodale, 
 William Pickman, 
 C. Gayton Pickman, 
 Nathaniel Sparhawk, 
 William Vans, 
 Timothy Orne, 
 Richard Routh, 
 Stephen Higginson, 
 
 John Prince, 
 George Deblois, 
 Andrew Dalglish, 
 Joseph Blaney, 
 Archelaus Putnam, 
 Samuel Porter, 
 Thomas Poynton, 
 Samuel Flagg, 
 Benjamin Lynde, 
 William Browne, 
 John Turner, 
 P. Frye, 
 Francis Cabot, 
 William Pynchon, 
 John Fisher, 
 John Mascarene, 
 E. A. Holyoke, 
 Jos. Bowditch, 
 Ebenezer Putnam, 
 S. Curwen, 
 John Nutting, 
 Jos. Dowse, 
 Benjamin Pickman, 
 Henry Gardner. 
 
 \1 
 
 Tht *' LoYAi. Address from the Gentlemen and Pjuncipal Inhab- 
 itants OF Boston to Governor Gage on his departure for 
 England, October 6, 1775," was signed as follows : 
 
 John Erving, 
 Thomas Hutchinson, jr., 
 Silvester Gardiner, 
 Wm. Bowes, 
 John Timmins, 
 Nathaniel Coffin, 
 John Winslow, jr., 
 Alexander Bymer, 
 Robert Hallowell, 
 Robert Jarvis, 
 Duvid Phipe, 
 
 John Tayler, 
 Archibald McNeal, 
 Francis Green, 
 Benjamin Davis, 
 John Sampson, 
 William Tayler, 
 John Inman, 
 Wm. Perry, 
 John Gore, 
 Isaac Winslow, jr., 
 Thomas Courtney, 
 
ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 433 
 
 // 
 
 John Love, 
 Hugh Tarbett, 
 Nathaniel Perkins, 
 John Powell, 
 James Selkrig, 
 Archibald Cunningham, 
 William Cazneau, 
 David Barton, 
 John Semple, 
 Henry Lawton, 
 William Brattle, 
 John Troutbeck, 
 Stephen Greenleaf, 
 William Walter, 
 James Perkins, 
 Phillip Dumaresque, 
 Joshua Loring, jr., 
 Henry Lloyd, 
 William Lee Perkins, 
 George Leonard, 
 Thomas Brinley, 
 Daniel Hubbard, 
 Samuel Fitch, 
 John Atkinson, 
 Joseph Turin, 
 Samuel Hirst Sparhavvk, 
 Ebenezer Brigham, 
 William Codner, 
 Jonathan Snelling, 
 Benjamin Gridley, 
 Gilbert Deblois, 
 Edward Hutchinson, 
 Miles Whitworth, 
 Daniel McMasters, 
 John Hunt, 3d, 
 James Lloyd, 
 William McAlpine, 
 John Greecart, 
 
 William Dickeraon, 
 William Hunter, 
 Robert Semple, 
 John Joy, 
 
 Gregory Townsend, 
 Isaac Winslow, 
 Byfield Lyde, 
 Richard Clarke, 
 Benjamin Fanieul, jr., 
 Thomas Amory, 
 George Brindley, 
 Ralph Inman, 
 Edward Winslow, 
 B njamin M. Holmes, 
 William Jacksc n, 
 Richard Greer, 
 Jam- s Murray, 
 Joseph Scoti, 
 Peter Johonnot, 
 Nathaniel Gary, 
 Martin Gay. 
 Samuel Hi gher, 
 William Coffin, jr., 
 Adino Paddock, 
 Andrew Cazneau, 
 Henry Llndall, 
 Theophilus Lillie, 
 Henry Barnes, 
 .M. B. Goldthwait, 
 Lewis Gray, 
 Nathaniel Brinley, 
 John Jeffries, jr., 
 Archibald Bowman, 
 .i nathan Simpson, 
 Nathaniel Tayler, 
 James Anderson, 
 Lewis Deblois- 
 
 "m 
 
 00 
 
I 
 
 434 
 
 ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 The Loyal Address to Governor Gage on his departute, October 
 I*, 1775, OF THOSE Gentlemen who were driven from their 
 Habitations in the Country to the Town of Boston, was 
 signed by the following persons : 
 
 John Chandler, 
 James Putnam, 
 Peter Oliver, sen., 
 Seth Williams, jr., 
 Charles Curtis, 
 Samuel Pine, 
 David Phips, 
 Richard Saltonstall, 
 Peter Oliver, jr.. 
 
 Jonathan Stearns, 
 Ward Chipman, 
 William Chandler, 
 Thomas Foster, 
 Pelham Winslow, 
 Daniel Oliver, 
 Edward Winslow, jr., 
 Nathaniel Chandler, 
 James Putnam, jr. 
 
 conspiracy act. 
 An Act to confiscate the estates of certain notorious conspirators 
 
 against the government and liberties of the inhabitants of the late 
 
 province, now state, of Massachusetts Bay. 
 Whereas the several persons hereinafter mentioned, have wick- 
 edly conspired to overthrow and destroy the constitution and gov- 
 ernment of the late province of Massachusetts Bay, as established 
 by the charter agreed upon by and between their late majesties 
 William and Mary, late King and Queen of England, etc., and the 
 inhabitants of said province, now state, of Massachusetts Bay ; and 
 also to reduce the said inhabitants under the absolute power and 
 domination of the present king, and of the parliament of Great 
 Britain, and, as far as in thera lay, have aided and assisted the 
 same king and parliament in their endeavors to establish a despotic 
 government over the said inhabitants : 
 
 Sect. 1. Be it enacted by the Council and House of Repre- 
 sentatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the 
 same, that Francis Bernard, baronet, Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., 
 late governor of the late province, now state, of Massachusetts 
 Bay, Thomas Oliver, Escj,, late lieutenant governor, Harrison 
 Grey, Esq., late treasurer, Thomas Fluckcr, Esq., late secretary, 
 Peter Oliver, Esq., late chief justice, Foster Hutchinson, John Er- 
 ^''ng» jr-i George Erving, William Peppercll, baronet, James 
 
ii m 
 
 ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 435 
 
 Boutineau, Joshua Loring, Nathaniel Hatch, "William Browne, 
 Richard Lechmere, Josiah Edson, Nathaniel Rea Thomas, Timo- 
 thy Ruggles, John Murray, Abijah Willard, and Daniel Leonard, 
 Esqs., late mandamus counsellors of said late province, William 
 Burch, Henry Hulton, Charles Paxon, and Benjamin H^llowell, 
 Esqs., late commissioners of the customs, Robert Auchrnuty, Esq., 
 late judge of the vice-admiralty court, Jonathan Sewall, Esq., late 
 attorney general, Samuel Quincy, Esq., late solicitor general, 
 Samuel Fitch, Esq., solicitor or coun'sellor at law to the board of 
 commissioners, have justly incurred ihe forfeiture of all their prop- 
 erty, rights and liberties, holden under and derived from the govern- 
 ment and laws of this state ; and that each and every of the persons 
 aforenamed and described, shall be held, taken, deemed and ad- 
 judged to have renounced and lost all civil and political relation 
 to this and the other United States of America, and be considered 
 as aliens. 
 
 Sect. 2. Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all the- 
 goods and chattels, rights and credits, lands, tenements, and hered- 
 itaments of every kind, of which any of the persons herein before 
 named and described, were seized or possessed, or were entitled to 
 possess, hold, enjoy, or demand, in their own right, or which any 
 other person stood or doth stand seized or possessed of, or are or 
 were entitled to have or demand to and for their use, benefit and 
 behoof, shall escheat, enure and accrue to the sole use and benefit 
 of the government and people of this state, and are accordingly 
 hereby declared so to escheat, enure and accrue, and the said gov- 
 ernment and people shall be taken, deemed and adjudged, and are 
 accordingly hereby declared to be in the real and actual possession 
 of all such goods, chattels, rights and credits, lands, tenements and 
 hereditaments, without further inquiry, adjudication or determina- 
 tion hereafter to be had ; any thing in the act, entitled, " An act 
 for confiscating the effects of certain persons commonly called ab- 
 sentees," or any other law, usage, or custom to the contrary not- 
 withstanding ; provided always, that the escheat shall not be 
 construed to extend to or operate upon, any goods, chattels, rights, 
 credits, lands, t"iiements or hereditaments, of which the persons 
 afore named and described, or some other, in their right and to 
 their use, have not been seized or possessed, or entitled to be seized 
 
 il 
 
436 
 
 ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 or possessed, or to have or demand as aforesaid, since the nineteenth 
 day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred 
 and seventy-five. — [Passed A'pril 30, 1779. JVot revised.l 
 
 STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 An Act for confiscating the estates of certain persons commonly 
 
 called absentees. 
 Whereas every government hath a right to command the per- 
 sonal services of all its members, whenever the exigencies of the 
 state shall require it, especially in times of an impending or actual 
 invasion, no member thereof can then withdraw himself from the 
 jurisdiction of the government, and thereby deprive it of the bene- 
 fit of his personal services, without justly incurring the forfeiture 
 of all his property, rights and liberties, holden under and derived 
 from that constitution of government, to the support of which he hath 
 refused to afford his aid and assistance : and whereas the king of 
 Great Britain did cause the parliament thereof to pass divers acts 
 in direct violation of the fundamental rights of the people of this 
 and of the other United States of America ; particularly one cer- 
 tain act to vacate and annul the charter of this government, the 
 great compact made and agreed upon between his royal predeces- 
 sors and our ancestors ; and one other act, declaring the people of 
 said states to be out of his j^i i.-,.:;'tion ; and did also levy war 
 against them, for the purpose of erecting and establishing an arbi- 
 trary and despotic government over them ; whereupon it became 
 the indispensable duly of all the people of said states forthwith to 
 unite in defence of their common freedom, and by arms to oppose 
 the fleets and armies of the said king ; yet nevertheless, divers of 
 the members of this and of the other United States of America, 
 evilly disposed, or regardless of their duty towards their country, 
 did withdraw themselves from this, and other of the said United 
 States, into parts and places under the acknowledged authority and 
 dominion of the said king of Great Britain, or into parts and places 
 within the limits oi' tlio snid states, but in the actual possession and 
 under the power ol the tlects or armies of the said king ; thereby 
 abandoning the liberties o!" their country, seeking the protection of 
 the said kitig, and of his floets or armies, and aiding or giving en- 
 
;s 
 
 ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 4m 
 
 couragement and countenance to their operations against the Uni- 
 ted States aforesaid : 
 
 Sect. 1. Be it enacted by the Council and House of Repre- 
 sentatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of 
 the same, that every inhabitant and member of the late province, 
 now state, of Massachusetts Bay, or of any other of the late prov- 
 inces or colonies, now United States of America, who, since the 
 nineteenth day of April, Anno Domini one 'housand seven hun- 
 dred and seventy-five, hath levied war or conspired to levy war 
 against the <Tovernment and people of any of the said provinces or 
 colonies, or United States ; or who hath adhered to the said king 
 of Great Britain, his fleets or aimies, enemies of the said provinces 
 or colonies or United States, or hath given to them aid or comfort; 
 or who, since the said nineteenth day of April, Anno Domini one 
 thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, hath withdrawn, without 
 the permission of the legislative or executive authority of this or 
 some other of the said United States, from any of the said prov- 
 inces or colonies, or United States, into parts and places under the 
 acknowledged authority and dominion of the said king of Great 
 Britain, or into any parts or places within the limits of any of the 
 said provinces, colonies, or United States, being in the actual pos- 
 session and under the power of the fleets or armies of the said 
 king ; or who, before the said nineteenth day of April, Anno Domini 
 one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, and after the arrival 
 of Thomas Gage, Esq., (late commander-in-chief of all his Britan- 
 nic Majesty's forces in North America,) at Boston, the metropolis of 
 this state, did withdraw from their usual places of habitation within 
 this state, into the said town of Boston, with an intention to seek 
 and obtain the protection of the said Thomas Gage and of the said 
 forces, then and there being under his command ; and who hath 
 died in any of the said parts or places, or hath not returned into 
 some one of the said United States, and been received as a subject 
 thereof, and (if required) taken an oath of allegiance to such 
 states, shall bo held, taken, deemed and adjudged to have freely 
 renounced all civil anil political relation to each and every of the 
 said United States, and be considered as an alien. 
 
 Sect. 2. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that all the goods and chattels, rights and credits, lands, tenements, 
 
 
 
 
 III ' 
 
 i 
 
 m 
 
! 
 
 >• 
 
 438 
 
 ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 hereditaments of every kind, of which any of the persons herein 
 before described were seized or possessed, or were entitled to pos- 
 sess, hold, enjoy or demand, in their own right, or which any other 
 person stood or doth stand seized or possessed of, or are or were 
 entitled to have or demand to and for their use, benefit and be- 
 hoof, shall escheat, enure and accrue to the sole use and benefit of 
 the government and people of this state, and are accordingly here- 
 by declared so to escheat, enure and accrue. — [^Passed A'pril 30, 
 1779. Kot revised.'\ 
 
 IJANDAMUS COUNSELLOKS. 
 
 Salem, Aug. 9, 1774. The following were appointed by his 
 majesty, counsellors of this province by writ of raanf'amus,* viz : — 
 
 Col. Thomas Oliver, Lieut. Governor, President ; Peter Oliver, 
 Thomm Flucker, Foster Hutchinson, Thomas Hutchinson, Jr. 
 Harrison Gray, Judge Samuel Danforth, Col. John Erving, Jr. 
 .Tames Russell, Timothy Ruggles, Joseph Lee, Isaac Winslow, Israel 
 Williams, Col. George Watson, Nathaniel Ray Thomas, Timothy 
 Woodbridge, William Vassall, William Browne, Joseph Greene, 
 James Boxdineau, Andrew Oliver, Col. Josiah Edson, Richard 
 Lechmere, Commodore Joshua Loring, John Worthington, Timo- 
 thy Paine, William Pepperell, Jeremiah Powell, Jonathan Simp- 
 son, Col. John Murray, Daniel Leonard, Thomas Palmer, Col. 
 Isaac Royall, Robert Hooper, Abijah Willard, Capt. John Er- 
 ving, jr. 
 
 STATE OF MASSAf'HUSETTS. 
 
 An Act to pvcvent the return to this state of certain persons 
 
 therein named, and others who have left this state or either of 
 
 the United States, and joined the enemies thereof. 
 
 Whereas Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., ]-.*e governor of this state, 
 
 Francis Bernard, Esq., fo-merly governor of this state, Thomas 
 
 Oliver, Esq., Jate lieutenant governor of this state, Timothy Rug- 
 
 gles, Esq., of Hardwick, in the county of Worcester, WilliiUn Ap- 
 
 thorp, merchant, Gibbs Atkins, cabinet maker, John Atkinson, John 
 
 Amory, James Anderson, Thomas Apthorp, David Black, William 
 
 Burton, William Bowes, George Brindley, Hubert Binir, Thomas 
 
 Brindley, Jam^s Barrick, merchant, Thomas BraHlc, Esq., Samp- 
 
 ♦ Those wh.'sc nmnes are in italics lUone tool« tlie ontlt o[ oHit-c 
 
 y-uA'iT, 
 
ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 439 
 
 
 son Salter Blowers, Esq., James Bruce, Ebenezer Bridgham, Alex- 
 ander Brymer, Edward Berry, merchants, William Burch, Esq., 
 late commissioner of the customs, Mather Bylcs, Jun., clerk, "Wil- 
 liam Codner, book-keeper Edward Cox, merchant, Andrew 
 Cazneau, Esq., barrister at law, Henry Canner, clerk, Thomas 
 Courtney, tailor, Richard, Clark, Esq., Isaac Clark, physician, 
 Benjamin Church, physician, John Coffin, distiller, .John Clark, 
 physician, William Coffin, Esq., Nathaniel Coffin, Esq., Jonathan 
 Clark, merchant, Archibald Cunningham, shop-keeper, Gilbert 
 Deblois, merchant, Lewis Deblois, merchant, Philip Duinaresque, 
 merchant, Benjamin Davis, merchant, John Erving, Jun., Esq., 
 George Erving, Esq., Edward Foster and Edward Foster, Jun., 
 blacksmiths, Benjamin Faneuil, Jun., merchant, Thomas Flucker, 
 Esq., late secretary for Massachusetts Bay, Samuel Fitch, Esq., 
 Wilfret Fisher, carter, James Forrest, merchant, Lewis Gray, mer- 
 chant, Francis Green, merchant, Joseph Green, Esq., Sylvester 
 Gardiner, Esq., Harrison Gray, Esq., late treasurer of Massachu- 
 setts Bay, Harrison Gray, Jun., clerk to the treasurer, Joseph 
 Goldthwait, Esq., Martin Gay, founder, John Gore, Esq., Benjamin 
 Hallowell, Esq., Robert Hallowell, Esq., Thomas Hutchinson, Jun., 
 Esq., Benjamin Gridley, Esq., Frederick William Geyer, merchant, 
 John Greenlaw, shop-keeper, David Green, merchant, Elisha 
 Hutchinson, Esq., James Hall, mariner, Foster Hutchinson, Esq., 
 Benjamin Mulbury Holmes, distiller, Samuel Hodges, book-keeper, 
 Henry Halson, Esq., Hawes Hatch, wharfinger, John Joy, house- 
 wright, Peter Johonnot, distiller, William Jackson, merchant, John 
 Jeffi-ies, physician, Henry Langhton, merchant, James Henderson, 
 trader, John Hinston, yeoman, Christopher Hatch, mariner, Robert 
 Jarvis, mariner, Richard Lechmere, Esq., Edward Lyde, merchant, 
 Henry Lloyd, Esq., George Leonard, miller. Henry Leddle, book- 
 keeper, Archibald McNeil, baker, '^^hristoplui Minot, tide-waiter, 
 James ^'' ;r' v, Esq., William McAlpine, bookbinder, Thomas 
 Mitchell, manner, William Martin, Esq., John Knutton, tallow- 
 chandler, Thomas Knight, shop-keeper, San. lel Prince, merchant, 
 Adino Paddock, Esq., Charles Paxon, Esq., Sir William Pepperell, 
 baronet, John Poweli, i^sq., William Lee Perkins, physician, Na- 
 thaniel Perkins, Esq., Samuel Qiiincy '>(]., Owen Richard;- w., .- 
 Wc..^'jr, Samuel Rogers, merchant, Jonathan Simpson, E»q.,Gt^^e 
 
 
440 
 
 I r, I. U S T K A T 1 V K I) U M K N T N . 
 
 i,'-ii«i»;' 
 
 A^'4 
 
 r lit! 
 
 
 Spooner, merchant, Edward Stowc, mariner, Richard Smitli, mer- 
 chant, JoiiaMmn Snellinp, Esq., David Silshy, triitK-r, Samuel Sew- 
 all, Es(j., Abraham Savage, tax-gatht'u;r. J')sc|.h Scott, Esq., 
 Kranciii Skinner, clerk to the hitc council, V'Dliatn Siinpsoi!, mer- 
 chant, ilichnid Shcrwin, saddler, Il!'i)iy '-Mtth, r;i'>rcliit!it, .lohn 
 Semple, merchant, ll(»bert S^unple, merchart, T'liomns .*"' I'rig, 
 merchant, Jaines Sdkrig, meit hant, Kubert Scrvifi-, trad'-i, .Ni<uon 
 Tufts, trader, Arodi Thayer, 1;*" marhJi..' to the admiralty court, 
 Nathaniel 'i iiylor, tlcpi-ly naval (.nicer, John Troulbeek, clerk, 
 Gregory Townsend, I'k]., William Taylor, merchant, William 
 Vassal, Esq., Joseph Taylor, merrhant, Joshia i'p.am, Esq., 
 William Wnl*or, clerk, .Samuel Walcrhou.se, luer; i imt, Isaac 
 Winslow, merchant, John Winslow, jr., hukL; ' DiKid Willis, 
 imuiner, Obadiah Whiston, bliicksmlth, Ai< -libalo Wilson, trader, 
 John White, mariner, William W^irdesi, peruke-maker, Nathaniel 
 Mills, John Hicks, John Howe, and John Fleming, printers, all of 
 liosU.n, in the county of Sudblk, Robert Auchmuly, Kscj., Jo.shua 
 Loriog, Esq., both of Roxbury,in the same county, Sanmel (Solds- 
 hury, yeoman, of Wrentliam, in the county of Suffolk, Joshua 
 Ijoring, jr., nnnvhant, Nathaniel Hutch, Escp, both of Dorchester, 
 in the snnui county, William Rrown, Es(|., Henjamin Pickman, 
 Ksq., Samuel Porter, Es(]., John Sari^cant, trader, all of Salem, in 
 the county of Mssex, Richard Saltonstall, Ksq., of Jlaverhill, in the 
 same county, Thomas Robic, trader, Renjamin Marston, merchant, 
 both of Marblehead, in saiil county of Kssex, Moses Jiadger, clerk, 
 of Haveihill, aforesaid, Jonathan Sewall, Est]., John Vassal, Es(|., 
 David Phipix", Es(|., John Wutting, carpenter, all of Cambridge, in 
 the coum'y of Middlesex, Isaac Royall, Es(]., of Medfonl, in the 
 same county, Henry Rarnes, of Marlborough, in said county ol' 
 Middlesex, merchant, Jeremiah Dummer Rogers, of l/ittleton in the 
 same cotnity, Esq., Daniel Rliss, of Concord, in the said county of 
 Middlesex, Esq., Charles Russell, of Lincoln, in the same county, 
 physicnin, Joseph Adams, of Townsend, in said county of Middle- 
 sex, Thomas Danforth,of Charlestown, in said county, Es(j.,.loshua 
 Smith, trader, of Townsend, in said county, Joseph Ashley, jr., 
 gentleman, of Sunderland, Nathaniel Dickenson, gentleman, of 
 Deerfield, Sanuel blissi, shopkeepct, of Cireonfiehi, Roger Dicken- 
 son, yeoman, Joshah Poraroy, i 'r-'icmn, and Thomas Cut'v., 
 
 t 
 
 vLil 
 
lI.LtJRTnATIVR noCTJMENTS. 
 
 441 
 
 
 ppnllcniun, of llairii'ld, Jormthiiti l}|is'<, Ks(|., of Sinin^rficld, Wil- 
 iiatii (lalwiiy, ycoiniiii, ol Oonw.iy, MNjjili VVilliiiuis, iitlorm-y at 
 law, of Dccificld, JiuiH's Oliver, fj^critlcinan, ol' Ooiivviiy, nil iti llic 
 coiinfy of lliiiripsliiic, I'clliam Wirisl(i>v, Ks(|,, (Jdincliiis W!iit<', 
 luarincr, Kdwaid Widslow, jr., Ksii.,all of I'lyiiimiih, in llic < ounty 
 of I'lyiiioiilli, |»clrr Oliver, Ms(|., I'clcr Oliver, jr , |iliy.si(iiiii, Ijolh 
 of JVIi(l(llel)oroii^li, in the same eoiinly, Josiali Kdson, Ks(|., of 
 Uri(l!i,-ev\'at('r, in llie said eoiinly of i'lymnnili, l/ienleiiani Daniel 
 Dunliar, of llalifav, iti the same eoimly, Chailes (!iirlis, of Scilii- 
 nle, in the said coutity of I'lynioiilli, ;renileman, Nallr.miel Hay 
 Tliotnas, Ks(]., Israel Tilden, ('alel) (Carver, Selli Mryanl, IJenjamin 
 Walker, (lideon VValUer, Zera Walker, Adam Mall, teilMii, Isaac 
 .loic.e, Josepli Piiillips, Daniel Wliile, jr., ("oriielms Wlnte, tertius, 
 Melzar (!arver, lioki! Hall, 'I'liomas Decrow, ,J(dm Hal<( i , jr., all 
 ol' Marslifield, in llit; said county of IMyinoiitli, (iideon White, jr., 
 Daniel Leonard, lOsi]., Setli Williams, jr., gentleman, Solomon 
 Sinilli, Ijoalrnan, all of 'J'aunlon, in the comity o( liuslol, Thomas 
 Oilberi, Ks(|., Perez (Jill'rt, Khenezer Hathaway, jr., Lot Stratige, 
 the third, Zebedeu Terree, Hraiilnrd (lilhert, all of l'"re(town, in 
 tlin same counly, Joshua iJroomer, Shadracli Hathaway, (Jalvin 
 Hathaway, Liillier Hathaway, Henry 'I'isdel, William JJurden, 
 Levi ('hace, Shadracli (>hase, Itichard Holland, lObenezer I'hillip.s, 
 Samuel (lilberl, gcintleman, Thomas (jillierl, jr., yef)man, both of 
 lierkley, in the said county of Jirislol, Ammi (^hace, (Jaleb W'hea- 
 ton, Joshua Wilboro, lA'muel Mourn, f^entleman, Thomas Perry, 
 yeoman, David Atkins, laborer, Saimiel Perry, mariner, Stephen 
 Perry, laborer, John Ulackwell, jr., laborer, I'Vancis Firuiey, la- 
 borer, and Nehemiah Webb, mariner, all of Sandwich, in the 
 counly of Uarnstable, KIdad Tu|)per, of Dartmouth, in the county 
 of lirislol, laborer, Silas Perry, laljorer, Selh I'erry, manner, Kli- 
 sha liouin, gentleman, Thomas llumpus, yeoman, Kphraim KIlis, 
 jr., yeoman, Kdward JJourn, gentleman, Nii.'holas (Jobb, laborer, 
 William liourn, cordvvaino-, all of Sandwich, in the county of 
 IJarnslable, and Seth JJani^s, of Harwich, in the county of Barn- 
 stable, mariner, John Chandler, Ksij., James Pulnarn, Esq , Rufus 
 f'br):idler, gentlenan, William Paine, physician, Adam Walker, 
 blach :'aitl', William ChandK-r, <^'enlleman, all of Worcester, in the 
 county of Worcester, John Walker, gcntleiuan, David Bu^h, yco- 
 
 5G 
 
 ■ 
 
442 
 
 ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 man, both of Shrewsbury, in the same county, Abijah Willard, 
 Esq., Abel Willard, Esq., Joseph House, yeoman, all of Lancaster, 
 in the said county of Worcester, Ebenezer Cutler, trader, James 
 Edgar, yeoman, both of Northbury, in the same county, Daniel Ol- 
 iver, Esq., Richard Ruggles, yeoman, Gardner Chandler, trader, 
 Joseph Ruggles, gentleman, Nathaniel Rugyles, yeoman, all of 
 Hardwick, in the said county of Worcester, John Ruggles, yeo- 
 man, of said Hardwick, John Eager, yeoman, Ebenezer Whipple, 
 Israel Conkay, John Murray, Esq., of Rutland, in said county of 
 Worcester, Daniel Murray, gentleman, Samuel Murray, gentle- 
 man, Michael Martin, trader, of Brookfield, in the said county of 
 Worcester, Thomas Bearaan, gentleman, of Petersham, in the same 
 county, Nathaniel Chandler, gentleman, John Bowen, gentleman, 
 of Princeton, in thv^ said county of Worcester, James Crage, gen- 
 tleman, of Oakham, in the same county, Thomas MuUins, black- 
 smith, of Leominster, in the said county of Worcester, Francis 
 Waldo, Esq., .4rtb'ir Savage, Esq., Jeremiah Potc, mariner, Thom- 
 as Ross, mariner, James Wildridge, mariner, George Lyde, cus- 
 tom house officer, Robert Pagan, merchant, Thomas Wyer, mari- 
 Thomas Coulson, merchant, John Wiswall, clerk, Joshua 
 
 ner. 
 
 Eldridge, mariner, Thomas Oxnard, merchant, Edward Oxnard, 
 merchant, William Tyng, Esq., John Wright, merchant, Samuel 
 Longfellow, mariner, all of Falmouth, in the county of Cumber- 
 land, Charles Callahan, of Pownalborough, in the county of Lin- 
 coln, mariner, Jonas Jones of East Hoosuck, in the county of 
 Berkshire, David Ingersoll, of Great Barrington, Esq., in the same 
 county, Jonathan Primlall, Benjamin Noble, Francis Noble, Elisha 
 Jones, of Pittsfield, in the said county jf Berkshire, John Graves, 
 yeoman, Daniel Brewer, yeoman, both of Pittsheld, aforesaid, 
 Richard Square, of Lanesborough, in the said county of Berkshire, 
 Ephraim Jones, of East Hoosuck, in the same county, Lewis Hub- 
 bel, and many other persons have left (his state, or some other of 
 the United States of America, and joined the enemies thereof and 
 of the United States of America, thereby not only depriving these 
 states of their personal s( rvi( is at a time when they ought to have 
 afforded Iheir utmost aid in defending the said states, against the 
 invasions of a criiel enemy, but manifesting an inimical disposition 
 to the said states, and a design to aid and abet the enemies thereof 
 
ILLUSTRATIVE DOCUMENTS. 
 
 m 
 
 in their wicked purposes, and whereas many dangers may accrue 
 to this state and the United States, if such persons should be again 
 admitted to reside in this state : 
 
 Sect. 1. Be it therefore enacted by the Council and House of 
 Representatives, in general court assembled, and by the authority 
 of the same, that if either of the said persons, or any other person, 
 though not specially named in this act, who have left this state, or 
 either of said states, and joined the enemies thereof as aforesaid, 
 shall, after the passing this act, voluntarily return to this state, it 
 shall be the duty of the sheriff of the county, and of the selectmen, 
 committees of correspondence, safety, and inspection, grand jurors, 
 constables, and tythingmen, and other inhabitants of the town 
 wherein such person or persons may presume to come, and they 
 are hereby respectively empowered and directed forthwith to appre- 
 hend and carry such person or persons before some justice of the 
 peace within the county, who is hereby required to commit him or 
 them to the common gaol within the county, there in close custody 
 to remain until he shall be sent out of the state, as is hereinafter 
 directed ; and such justice is hereby directed to give immediate in- 
 formation thereof to the board of war of this state : and the said 
 board of war are hereby empowered and directed to cause such 
 person or persons so committed, to be transported to orae part or 
 place within the dominions, < . ui the possession of the foi ^es of the 
 king of Great Britain, as soon as may be after receiving suci) '':■■ 
 formation ; those who are able, at their own expense, and (nhers 
 at the expense of this state, and for this purpose to hire a vessel 
 or vessels, if need be. 
 
 Sect. 2. And be it fuvtfcor enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that if any person or persons, who sb'U be transported as aforesaid, 
 shall voluntarily return into this stale, without liberty first had and 
 obtained from the general court he shall, on conviction thereof 
 before the superior court of judicature, court of assize and general 
 gaol delivery, suffer the pains of death without benefit f clergy. — 
 ^Passed, September, 1778.] 
 
 WORCESTJiii RESOLUTIONS RELATING TO THE ABSENTEES 
 
 AND REFUGEES. 
 
 Tlie follow'ng votes were passed by the citizens of Worcester, 
 
444 
 
 ILLUSTRATIVE D0CDMENT8. 
 
 May 19, 1783, and contain the substance of their doings relative 
 to the refugees : 
 
 Voted, — That in the opinion of this town, it would be ex- 
 tiet ■■)• dangerous to the peace, happiness, liberty and safety of 
 these s''' ^s, to suflfer those, who, the moment the bloody banners 
 were displayed, abandoned their native land, turned parricides, and 
 conspired to involve their country in tumult, ruin and blood, to 
 becoma the subjects of and reside in this government; that it 
 would be not only dangerous, but inconsistent with justice, policy, 
 our past laws, the nnK''c. faith, and the principles of a free and 
 indf^endent btaie, to admit tlitm ou^-^elves, or have them forced 
 upon us without our consent. 
 
 Voted, — That in the opinion of this town, this commonv- '.'alth 
 ought, with the utmost caution, to naturalize or in any other way 
 admit as subjects a common enemy, a set of people who have been 
 by the united voice of the continent, declared outlaws, exiles, 
 aliens and enemies, dangerous to its political being and happiness. 
 
 Voted, — That while there are thousands of the innocent, peactv 
 able and defenceless inhabitants of these states, whose property 
 has been destroyed and taken from them in the course of the war, 
 for whom no provision is made, to whom there is no restoration of 
 estates, no compensation for losses; that i' wjuld be unreasonable, 
 cruel and unjust, to suffer those who were the wicked occasion of 
 those losses, to obtain a restitution of the estates they refused ) 
 protect, and which they have abandoned and forfeited to their 
 country. 
 
 Voted, — That it is the expectation of this town, and the 
 earnest request of their committees of correspondence, inspection 
 and safety, that they, with care and diligence, will observe the 
 movements of our only remaining enemies ; that until the further 
 order of government, they will, with decision, spirit and firmness, 
 endeavor to enforce and carry into execution the several laws of 
 this commonwealth, respecting these enemies to our rights, and the 
 rights of mankind ; give information should they know of any 
 obtruding themselves into any part of this state, suffer none to 
 remain in his town, but cause to be confined immediately, for 
 the puipns of transportation according to law, any that may 
 presume lo >..iter it. 
 
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NOTICES OF THE CURWENS. 
 
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 George Curwin, the first of the name in New England, came, ' 
 as stated in the introduction, from Workington, Cumberland, Eng- 
 land, where he was born December 10, 1610, and where, says 
 Camden, " is the stately, castle-like seat of this ancient, knightly 
 family." He settled at Salem, and in company with the celebrated 
 Hugh Peters laid the foundation of the mercantile enterprise of 
 Salem,'^and first commenced building vessels in that port ; he was 
 afterwards extensively engaged in commerce during the whole of 
 his long life. His books of account, and his mercantile correspond- 
 ence with Sir William Peake, (lord mayor of London in 1666,) 
 show that he had embarked in the London trade previous to the 
 year 1658. The late Rev. Dr. Bentley thus notices him in his Sketch 
 of Salem, published in the Collections of the Massachusetts His- 
 torical Society, in 1800 : — " This year ( 1685) Salem lost another 
 eminent man, Capt. George Curwin,'who came here in 1638 with 
 his family, and was rich. He was often engaged in town affairs, 
 and commanded a troop of horse. He was also a representative 
 in the general court. There is a three-quarter portrait of him in 
 the hands of Samuel Curwen, Esq.,* boii of the Rev. George Cur- 
 win, and his great-grandson. He had a fine round forehead, large 
 nostrils, high cheek bones, and gray eyes. His dress a wrought- 
 flowing neckcloth, a sash covered with lace, a coat with short 
 cuffs and reaching half way between the wrist and elbow, the 
 shirt in plaits below ; an octagon ring and cane, which still 
 remain." 
 
 He died on the 3d of January, 1685, leaving no debts, and one 
 of the largest estates that had been administered upon in the colony, 
 which was inventoried at only je5,96-l 19s. 7d., but comprised be- 
 sides the homestead, four dwelling-houses, four warehouses, and 
 two wharves in Salem ; three farms in the vicinity, containing fif- 
 teen hundred acres; a warehouse and wharf in Boston ; the ketches 
 
 * AiUhoi of the foregoing jcuinal.— Ed. 
 
446 
 
 NOTICES OF THE CURWENS. 
 
 
 George, Swallow, John, and William, valued at jei050; in mer- 
 chandise je2,232 ; in gold and silver coin ^£93 7s. Od., in English 
 and New England money, and 621 ounces of plate. Among the 
 wearing apparel inventoried, are a silver-laced cloth coat, a velvet 
 ditto, a satin waistcoat, embroidered with gold, a troping scarf and 
 hat band, golden topped and embroidered gloves, and a silver- 
 headed cane, which still remains. 
 
 In the settlement of the estate, Capt. Curwin's widow Eliza- 
 beth, who was a daughter of Hon. Herbert Pelham, one of the 
 council of assistants, and also sister-in-law of Governor Josiah 
 Winslow, of Plymouth colony, claimed some plate given her by 
 the lord mayor, by her father, and by the governor ; together with 
 eight pounds in gold which her husband had received fro7u Mr. Pope, 
 being the "produce" of an Indian boy sent her by the governor and 
 council from Plymouth. 
 
 His five daughters married Hon. James Russell and Edward 
 Lynde, Esq., of Boston, William Browne, jr., Escj., and Josiah 
 Wolcott, Esq., of Salem, and President Wadsworth of Harvard 
 College. 
 
 Annexed is a view of the house erected by Capt. Curvvin, in 
 1642, still standing at the corner of Essex and North streets. It 
 was altered by the late Richard Ward, Esq., about seventy years 
 ago, and his daughter (the present occupant, to whom it has 
 descended) is the last survivor of the fifth generation from the ori- 
 ginal owner ; her granddaughter, who resides with her, is of the 
 seventh generation of the family born in it. The unfortunate per- 
 sons arrested during the witchcraft delusion were examined in this 
 house by Justices Corwin and Ilathorne, before being committed. 
 
 Capt. John Corwin, the eldest son, was born in Salem, July 28, 
 1638. He became a merchant, and was elected deputy to the 
 general art, from Salem, where he resided. He married Mar- 
 garet, third daughter of John Winthrop, jr., governor of Connecti- 
 cut, in May, 1665 ; her mother was the only child of the famous 
 Hugh Peters, who suffered with the regicides at the restoration of 
 the monarchy, in London, in 1660. Capt. Corwin died in 1683, 
 leaving an only son, George, born February, 1666. The latter, who 
 married Susannah, and afterw h Lydia, daughters of the Hon. 
 Baitholomew Gcdney, of the provincial council, is the Captain 
 
NOTICES OF THE CUR WENS. 
 
 441 
 
 Corwin mentioned in Hutchinson's History of Massachusetts, in the 
 expedition against Canada, under Sir William Phips, in 1690. He 
 •was unfortunately sheriff of the county of Essex in 1692, and for 
 officiating during the witchcraft delusion, was severely persecuted 
 by the friends of the sufferers, till his death, which took place in 
 1696. 
 
 Bartholomew Couwin, the only son of the last mentioned 
 George, removed to Amwell, Hunterdon county. New Jersey, and 
 married Esther Burt ; he had four sons, viz., George, John, Joseph, 
 and Samuel, and died May 9, 1747. Samuel Corwin, of Amwell, 
 a grandson of Bartholomew, informed the editor in 1822, that the 
 books and papers left by his grandfather were destroyed, with other 
 movables, during the revolutionary war, when his uncle Joseph 
 removed to Canada, and the family of his uncle George, who died 
 in 1780, removed to Kentucky. Probably Governor Corwin of 
 Ohio is a descendant of this branch. He also informed the editor 
 that John Corwin, a great grandson of Bartholomew, was living at 
 Baltimore. 
 
 Hon. Jonathan Corwin, second son of the first mentioned 
 George, was born at Salem, Nov. 14, 1640. He commenced his 
 public career as a deputy to the general court, and the following 
 extract from the records of Salem, shows much confidence in him; 
 and at the same time the action of that town towards re-establish- 
 ing a government under the venerable Bradstreet, in opposition to 
 the tyranny of Sir Edmund Andros : — " May 7, 1689. Captain 
 John Prince and Mr. Jonathan Corwin were chosen to assist in the 
 council at Boston, to be held on the 9th inst. ; and we desire that 
 the honorable the governor, the magistrates, and deputies chosen 
 in the year 1686, would (having always due respect to our de- 
 pendence on the crown of England, and the obligation we are 
 under by the late ('jrlaration before the surrender of the last 
 government) reassumc our charter r;overnment, by taking tlicir 
 places and forming a general court as soon as possible ; milo which, 
 we shall readily and cheerfully suliject ourselves, and be always 
 assistmg to the utmos* of our power with our lives and estates as 
 formerly." 
 
 Mr. Corwin was named n provincial counsellor in the charter 
 of 1691, and served until he was appointed a judge of the suprcue 
 
 i:^ 
 
448 
 
 NOTICES OF THE OURWENS. 
 
 court in 1702; llie latter office he resigned in consequence of ill 
 health, in 1715. He died in July, 1718, leaving a widow; the 
 daughter of Sir Henry Gibbs of Dorsetshire, whose estate was 
 sequestrated in 1648, during the revolution. Of their children, 
 Anne died in youth ; Elizixbe'h married James Lindall, Esq., of 
 Salem ; and George, born in 16S2, who was graduated at Harvard 
 college in 1701. He prepared himself for the church, and was 
 ordained and settled in that of his ancestors in Salem ; the first 
 founded in the colony of Massachusetts Bay. He is thus noticed 
 in the historical collections of Massachusetts, as copied from the 
 records of the church : — 
 
 " Died, at Salem, Nov. 23, 1717, the Rev. Georce Curw n, in 
 the thirty-fifth year of his age, and the fourth of his orihi'iied 
 ministry. He was highly esteemed in his life, and very dcseiNLdly 
 lamented at his death ; having been very eminent for his ea: ly im- 
 provement in learning and piety, his singular abilities and great 
 labors, his rem?"'"~ble zeal and faithfulness. He was a great bene- 
 factor to our poor." 
 
 There is a good half-length portrait of him in the gallery of 
 the Essex Historical Society. He married Mehitable Parkman ; 
 and their sons were Samuel, author of the foregoing Journal, born 
 in 1715; and George, born in 1717. The latter graduiited at 
 Harvard college in 1735, and engaged in commercial pui suits with 
 success, until interrupted by hostilities whh France ; which induced 
 him to join in the expedition against Louisburg. His commission 
 as commissffry, bearj the signature of Governor Shivley, and is 
 dated February 1, 17 15. Ho married Sarah, daughter of Benjamin 
 Pickinan, Esq., of Salem ; and died in the prosecution of a mer- 
 cantile enterprise at St. Eustatia, in 1746. His children were, 
 George, born in 1739, who early embarked in commerce, and was 
 drowned while on a voyage to the West Indies in 1761 ; Sarah, 
 who died urn. ried; and Mehitable, who married the late Richard 
 "Ward, Esq., of Salcra, and died in 1813, at the age of seventy- 
 two. 
 
 The late Samuel Curwen Ward, Jr., a grandson of the last 
 mrnfioncd, at the request of Judge Curwen, took his name, by an 
 act o'the legislature of Massachusetts ; and the three sons of the 
 former are all that now bear that name in New England. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES, 
 
 GEN. PEPPERELL. 
 
 General Sir William Pepperell, Baronet, was born at 
 Kittery Point, Maine, in 1696. His father, Col. William Pep- 
 perell, a native of Cornwall, England, settled in 1676 at the 
 Isles of Shoals, where he was for many years extensively en- 
 gaged in the fishing business. After acquiring considerable prop- 
 erty, he removed to Kittery Point, and erected there a large man- 
 sion house, now standing, where he died on the 15th February, 
 1734, opulent and well esteemed. One of his daughters married 
 the Hon. John Newmarch ; the other died in 1766, having suc- 
 cessively married Hon. John Frost, Rev. Dr. Colman, and Rev. 
 Benjamin Prescott, all of whom she survived. Sir William was 
 his only son, and about the year 1727 was chosen a member of his 
 majesty's council for the province of Massachusetts, to which he 
 was annually re-elected until his death, a period of thirty-two 
 years. With a vigorous frame, firm mind, and great coolness when 
 in danger, he was well fitted for his residence in a country exposed 
 to a ferocious enemy, and soon attained the rank of colonel. 
 
 W^hen the expedition against Louisburg was contemplated, 
 all eyes were turned to him, then president of the council, and he 
 was commissioned by the governors of New England to that all- 
 important command, on the 31st January, 1745. He furniftlied 
 this motto for the flag, which gave th^^ nterprise the air of a cru- 
 sade: " Mil desperandiim Christo (luce. He invested the city in 
 the beginning of May, and articles of r apitulation were signed in 
 July. After this important and brilliant achievement, by command 
 of his majesty he repaired to England and received a colonelcy in 
 tho army, from which he was ran .1 to be; a major-gennral in 1755, 
 and a lieutenant-geneia) in 1759. Besides the dignity of a baionet, 
 which was conferred upon him, he obtained the thanks of the min- 
 istry, and peculiar tokens of respect from several of the royal 
 family. His affability gained hiui friends among cU classes, and 
 h's mann ts wfic i ot aifected by his exaltation. Tlie welfare of 
 h'^: country uiune could have taken him from his domestic enjoy- 
 
 57 
 
 
 1 J i 
 
 I 
 
 il:*l| 
 
 m 
 
h 
 
 450 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 ments and the head of the provincial councii, to the fatigues of the 
 camp and to doubtful victory. He married Mary, daup;hter of 
 Grove Hirst, a granddaughter of Chief Justice Sewall. Their only 
 son Andrew, graduated at Ilarvp.id College in 1743, and died 
 March 1, 1751, aged tw ;nty-nve ; and their only daughter Eliza- 
 beth married Col. Nathaiael Sparhawk, member of the council of 
 Massachusetts. Sir William's dress was in the expensive style of 
 his day, scarlet cloth trimmed with gold lace ; portraits of him and 
 Lady Mary are preserved at Portsmouth, N. H , and there is a full 
 length of him in the gallery of the Essex Historical Society, at 
 Salem, Mass. Sir William died at his seat in Kittery, (near Ports- 
 mouth,) June 6, 1759, aged sixty-three ; and Lady Mary on the 25th 
 November, 1789. Her natural and acquired powers were highly re- 
 spectable, and she was admired for her wit and suavity of manner. 
 Sir William was succeeded by his grandson, William P. Spar- 
 hawk, who assumed Lis name, and was created a baronet ; he was 
 a loyalist in the revolution, and died in Lond-n, December, 17, 
 1816, when the title became extinct. 
 
 GOV. SHIRLEY. 
 William Shibley, governor of Massachusetts, was a native of 
 England, and was bred to the law. After his arrival at Boston, 
 about the year 1733, he practised in his profession, till he received 
 his commission as governor, in 1741, in the place of Mr. Belcher. 
 He planned the successful expedition against Cape Breton, in 1745 ; 
 but, while his enterprising spirit deserves commendation, some of 
 his schemes did not indicate much skill in the arts of navigation 
 and war. He went to England in 1745, leaving Spencer Phips, 
 the lieutenant-governor, commander-in-chief, but returned in 
 1753. In 1754, he held a treaty with the eastern Indians, and 
 explored the Kennebec, erecting two or three foils. In 1755, be- 
 ing commander-in-chief of the British forces in America, he planned 
 an expedition against Niagara, and proceeded himself as far as 
 Oswego. In June, 1756, he was superseded in the command of 
 the army by Abcrcrorabie. lie embarked for England in Septem- 
 ber, and was succeeded by Mr. Pownall. After having been for a 
 number of years governor of one of the Bahama islands, ho returned 
 to Massachusetts, and died at his seat in Iloxbury, March 24, 1771. 
 Though he held several of the most lucrative ollices 'vithiii the 
 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES, 
 
 451 
 
 the 
 
 gift of the crown in America, yet he left no property to his chil- 
 dren. The abolition of the paper currency was owing in a great 
 degree to his firmness and perseverance. His penetration and un- 
 remitting industry gained him a high reputation. But it was 
 thought that, as a military officer, he was not sufficiently active in 
 seizing the moaient for success. During his administration, Eng- 
 land became acquainted with the importance of this country, and 
 the colonists learned to fight. Governor Shirley published Electra, 
 a tragedy, and Birth of Hercules, a mask, 17G5. 
 
 COL. MOULTON. 
 
 Colonel Jeremiah Moulton was born in York, Maine, in 1688, 
 and M'as taLm prisoner by the Indians, January 22, 1692, old style, 
 when York was destroyed by the Indians. He was released, with 
 other children, in gratitude for the humanity of Colonel Church, 
 who in one of his expeditions had released several Indian prisoners, 
 old women and children. The savages were not ungrateful for 
 acts of kindness. In August, 1724, he and Captain Harmon with 
 two hundred and eight men, and three Mohawk Indians, marched 
 against the Indian settlement at Norridgewock, in consequence of 
 attacks upon the frontiers. There, being four companies, the other 
 commanders were Captain Bourne and Lieut. Bean. They left 
 Richmond fort August 8, old style, or August 19 ; the next day 
 arrived at Taconic Falls on the Kennebec, where they left their 
 boats and a guard of forty men. August 21, they marched by 
 land, and in the evening fired upon two Indians, who proved to be 
 the daughter and wife of Bomaseen ; the former was killed, the 
 latter taken prisoner. August 23, they approached the village; 
 Harmon with eighty men marching circuitously by the fields, and 
 Moulton with eighty men directly upon Norridgewock, which he 
 surprised. The Indians, consisting of about sixty warriors, were 
 defeated, and the chapel and village destroyed. Father Ralle was 
 killed in a wigwam, and twenty-six Indians, among whom were 
 Bomaseen, and his son-in-law Mog, also Job, Canabesett, and 
 Wissemeniet, all noted warriors. One of the Mohawks was killed, 
 but none of the whiter. Harmon carried the scalps to Boston, and 
 having been chief in command, was made a lieutenant-colonel for 
 the exploit of Moulton, who obtained no reward. At the reduction 
 of Louisburg in 1745, he commanded a regiment, and was after- 
 
 $4 
 
 i^jl 
 
 \W 
 
452 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 ' I 
 
 wards sheriff of the county, councillor, and judge of the common 
 pleas and of probate. He died at York*, July 20, 1765, aged 77. 
 His son and grandson were sheriffs of York county. 
 
 COL. VAUGHAN. 
 
 Lieut. Col. William Vaughan served under General Pepperell, 
 in the expedition against Louisburg, in 1745 ; although he refused 
 any regular command, he made himself highly useful during the 
 whole siege by his advice in councils, vigilance in rp lunoitering the 
 enemy, and promptitude while in command of per'ous enterprises. 
 
 He died in London, December, 1746, in the prime of life, 
 where he went to press his claim for the above service. The imme- 
 diate paternal ancestor of Col. Vaughan, was Major William 
 Vaughan, who came from England about the middle of the seven- 
 teenth century, and settled at Portsmouth, where he became a 
 wealthy merchant. He died in 1720. His son George was lieutenant- 
 governor of New Hampshire ; born in IG68, graduated at Harvard 
 College in 1696. Afterwards agent for the province, and on the 
 ..ccession of George L was appointed lieutenant-governor in 1715; 
 he died December, 1725. lus son William^ the subject of the 
 abr,ve, was born at Portsmouth, Sept. 12, 1703. He had settled 
 at uamariscotta, thirteen miles below fort Pemaquid, and his men 
 were employed in fishing. Here he conceived the idea of the cap- 
 ture of Louisburg, repaired to Boston, and conferred with Governor 
 Shirley upon the subject ; proposing that it should be taken by 
 surprise by going over the walls in winter upon drifts of snow. 
 
 COL. GRIDLEY. 
 
 CoL. Richard Gridley was born in Boston, 1711. After serv- 
 ing as an engineer at the reduction of Louisburg, in 1745, he en- 
 tered the army as colonel of infantry and chief-engineer, in 1755. 
 Under Winslow he was concerned in the expedition to Crown 
 Point, 1756, and constructed the fortifications on Lake George. 
 He served under Amherst in 1758, and was with Wolfe on the 
 plains of Abraham, the following year. At the commencement of 
 the revolution, he was appointed chief-engineer, and skilfully laid 
 out the works in fortification of Breed's Hill, the day before the 
 battle of June 17, 1775, in which he was wounded. He died at 
 Jstoughtor, June 20, 1796. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 453 
 
 at 
 
 GOV. BERNARD. 
 
 Sir Francis Bf"nard, Bart., governor of Massachusetts, arrived 
 in the province from New Jersey, as successor to Governor Pownall, 
 August 2, 1760, and continued at the head of the government 
 nine years. His administration was during one of the most inter- 
 esting periods in American history. He had governed New Jersey 
 two years, in a manner very acceptable to that province ; and the 
 first part of his administration in Massachusetts was very agreeable 
 to the general court. Soon after his arrival, Canada was surren- 
 dered to Amherst. Much harmony prevailed for two or three 
 years, but this prosperous and happy commencement did not con- 
 tinue; there had long been two parties in the province, — the 
 advocates for the crown, and the defenders of the rights of the 
 people. Governor Bernaid was soon classed with those who were 
 desirious of strengthening the royal authority in America ; the 
 sons of liberty, therefore, stood forth uniformly in opposition to 
 him. His indiscretion in appointing Mr. Hutchinson chief-justice, 
 instead of giving that office to Colonel Otis of Barnstable, to whom 
 it had been promised by Shirley, proved very injurious to his cause. 
 In consequence of tlys appointment he lost the influence of Colonel 
 Otis; and by yielding himself to Mr. Hutchinson, he drew upon 
 him the hostility of James Otis, the son, a man of great talents ; 
 who soon became the leader on the popular side. The la 's for 
 the regulation of trade, ardthe exactions of the officers of customs, 
 were the first things which greatly agitated the public mind ; and 
 afterwards the stamp act increased the energy of resistance to the 
 schemes of tyranny. Governor Bernard possessed no talent for 
 conciliating ; he was for accomplishing ministerial purposes by 
 force ; and the spirit of freedom g ithered strength from the open 
 manner in which he attempted to crush it. His speech to the 
 general court after the repeal of the stamp act, was by no means 
 calculated to assuage the angry passions that had lately been ex- 
 cited. He was the principal means of bringing the troops to 
 Boston, that he might overawe the people ; and it was owing to 
 him that thoy were continued in the town. This measure had 
 been proposed by him and Mr. Hutchinson, long before it was 
 executed. While he professed himself a friend to the province, 
 he was endeavoring to undermine its constitution, and to obtain an 
 
 hi j!l 
 
454 
 
 BIOGU APHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 essential alteration in the charter, by transfarring from the general 
 court to the crown the right of electing the council. His conduct, 
 though it drew upon hira the indignation of the province, was so 
 pleasing to the ministry, that he was created a baronet, March 20, 
 1769. Sir Francis had too little command of his tempe/; he 
 could not conceal his resentments, nor could he restrain his 
 censures. One of his last public measures was to prorogue the 
 general court in July, in consequence of their refusing to make 
 provision for the support of the troops. The general court, how- 
 ever, before they were prorogued, embraced the opportunity of 
 drawing no a petition to his majesty for the removal of the 
 governor. It was found necessary to recall him ; and he embarked, 
 August 1, 1769, leaving Mr. Hutchinson, the lieutenant-governor, 
 commander-in-chief. There were few who lamented his departure; 
 he died in England, June, 1779. 
 
 If a man of greater address and wisdom had occupied the place 
 of Sir Francis, it is very probable our revolution would not have 
 taken place so soon. But his arbitrary principles, and his zeal for 
 the authority of the crown, enkindled the spirit of the people ; 
 while his representations to the ministry excited them to those 
 measures, which hastened the separation of the colonies from the 
 mother country. From the letters of Governor Bernard, which 
 •were obtained and transmitted to this country by some secret friend, 
 it appears he had very little regard to the interests of liberty. His 
 select letters on the trade and government of America, written in 
 Boston, from 1763 to 1768, were published in London in 1774 ; 
 his other letters, written home in confidence, were published in 
 1768 and 1769.* 
 
 GOV. HUTCHINSON. 
 
 Thomas, (son of Colonel Thomas Hutchinson, an eminent mer- 
 chant and member of the council, who seized the famous pirate, 
 Kidd, when he resisted the officers sent to arrest him,) was gra- 
 duated at Harvard College, in 1727. He at first embarked in 
 commercial pursuits, but did not succeed. He then studied the 
 common law of England, and the principles of her constitution. 
 He was elected for ten consecutive years to the assembly, and for 
 
 • So Allen's Biography. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 455 
 
 three years was spf '-"v. He succeeded his uncle, Edward Hutch- 
 inson, as judge o' te, in 1752. He was a member of th 
 council from 1749 to i.o6; lieut. governor from 1758 to 1771. 
 On the death of Judge Sewall, in 1760, he was appointed chief- 
 justice ; all which he filled with distinguished ability. " His 
 oratory "^Hrrraed beyond that of any man ; there was equal fluency 
 and pathii-i mhis manner; he could be argumentative and smooth j 
 he was acuve, diligent and plausible ; and, upon all occasions 
 seemed to be influenced by public spirit more than selfish consider- 
 ations. His respect to religious institutions, his sympathy with the 
 distressed, his affability, integrity, industry and talents, procured 
 in a very high degree the pubhc confidence." In 1767, he was 
 appointed one of the ccmriiiNJioners for setthng the boundary 
 with New-York; and, amidst all the vituperations against him, 
 Massachusetts has cause to remember with gratitude that his ad- 
 vice only prevent' a the other commissioners, Hancock, Hanly and 
 Brattle, from abandoning the claim to the western territory of 
 New- York, which was retained and sold for a large sum. 
 
 On the departure of ' Governor Bernard in 1769, the admin- 
 istration devolved on Lieut. Governor Hutchinson ; and in March, . 
 1771, he received his commission as governor just as he had con- 
 cluded to advise the government that it would be desirable for him 
 to remain chief-justice, and pass his days in peace. Unhappily for 
 himself he accepted the appointment, and from this time till his 
 departure in 1774, he was Cv;nstantly in dispute with the council 
 and assembly. Among the subjects of controversy, was the pro- 
 vision made for his support by the crown. By his speech of Jan. 
 6, 1773, asserting the snprerne authority of parliament, he pro- 
 voked a discussion by the roiincil and house which had better 
 never been uttered ; and the nnnister recommended him not to 
 renew the discussion. His views he at all times candidly and 
 manfully explained to the legislature ; in many speeches and mes- 
 sages which display his learning, temper and abilities. 
 
 The confidential letters written by him, and others to Mr. 
 Whately, a former membf r of parliament, in opposition to the 
 ministry, which caused so much excitement in 1772, were procured 
 by Dr. Franklin through Mr. i'emple, (afterwards consul general 
 to United States,) from Mr. Whately's executor, and caused a duel 
 
 m 
 
 
 Urn 
 
456 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 between the two latter. Dr. Franklin sent them to Mr. Cooper, 
 with an injunction that they should not be copied or published ; 
 of which restriction the Doctor rema''i '-'3, that " as distant dfyjeds 
 seen only through a mist appear / ^ff?'^, the same may happen 
 from the mystery in this case." In this state they remained six or 
 eight months, and finally were communicated to the legislature 
 in secret session. In the letters was no sentiment the governor 
 had not avowed in his public addresses. All that was objected to, 
 and for which the council reproached him, was the following : — " I 
 never think of the measures necessary for the peace and good 
 order of the colonies without pain ; there must be an abridgment 
 of what are called English liberties. I doubt whether it is possible 
 to project a system of government, in which a colony three thou- 
 sand miles distant shall enjoy all the liberty of the parent state." 
 For this, the council and assembly voted an address for his removal j 
 and at a hearing before the privy council of his friends, Mr. Man- 
 duit and Mr. Wedderburne, on his behalf, the decision was in 
 favor of " the honor, integrity, and conduct of the governor." 
 
 In an unpublished letter of John Adams to Colonel Joseph 
 Ward, dated Quincy, Oct. 24, 1809, he says :— « If I was the 
 witch of Endor, I would wake the ghost of Hutchinson, and give 
 him absolute power over the currency of the United States and 
 every part of it ; provided always, that he should meddle with 
 nothing but currency. As little as I revere his memory, I will 
 acknowledge that he understood the subject of coin and commerce 
 better than any man I ever knew in this country. He was a mer- 
 chant, and there can be no scientific merchant without a perfect 
 knowledge of the theory of a medium of trade. It will be in vain 
 to talk of public credit, until we return to a pure, unmixed circu- 
 lation of standard gold and silver. There can never be a govern- 
 ment of laws in money matters, without a fixed philosophical and 
 mathematical standard. Contracts can never be inviolable with- 
 out a stable standard." 
 
 Governor Hutchinson deserves great honor for his labors in 
 regard to the History of Massachusetts, which he published from 
 its first settlement to the year 1760. In so high estimation was 
 it held, that at the expiration of more than half a century after its 
 publication, successful efforts were made by the most influential 
 
 |i 
 
BIOORAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 467 
 
 persons there to obtain the unpublished part of this history, which 
 they pronounced, " a work of inestimable value, resting oh the solid 
 basis of tiiUity and truth ; the accuracy and fidelity of which was 
 universally felt and adcnowledged." These efforts of the govern- 
 ment of Harvard College, the Historical Society, of Judge Davis, 
 Governor Gore, Dr. Kirkland, Dr. Lowell, and James Savage, Esq., 
 who secured the private circulation of five hundred copies before 
 publication, and whose s'titirc-nts on the leading subject are at 
 variance with those of its jthnr ; are proud testimonials of the 
 character of Governor I on in the field of his labors and 
 
 sacrifices, and amidst th* of his persecutors. 
 
 Governor Hutchinsoi «l jpton, near London, June 3, 
 
 1780, aged sixty-nine, am. .> mi i at Croydon. 
 
 I 
 
 JOHN HANCOCK. 
 
 In the posthumous vohime of Governor Hutchinson's History of 
 Massachusetts,* he says: — " Mr. Hancock's name has been sounded 
 through the world as a principal actor in this tragedy. He was a 
 young man, whose father and grandfather were ministers in country 
 parishes, of irreproachable characters, but, like country ministers 
 in New England in general, of small estates. His father's brother, 
 from a bookseller became one of the .nost opulent merchants in 
 the province ; he had raised a great estate with such rapidity, that 
 it was commonly believed among the vulgar, that he had pur- 
 chased a valuable diamond for a small sum and sold it at its full 
 price. But the secret lay in his importing from St. Eustatia great 
 quantities of tea in molasses hogsheads, which sold at a very great 
 advance ; and by importing, at the same time, a few chests from 
 England, he freed the rest from suspicion, and always had the 
 reputation of a fair trader. He was also concerned in supplying 
 the oflScers of the army, ordnance and navy, and made easy and 
 advantageous remittances ; when he died, he left to his nephew 
 more than fifty thousand pounds sterling, besides the reversion after 
 the death of his widow, of twenty thousand more. The uncle was 
 always on the side of government ; the nephew's ruling passion 
 was a fondness for popular applause. He changed the course of 
 his uncle's business, and built and employed in trade, a great 
 
 * Published in 1828. 
 
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 BIOORAFHICAt NOTICES. 
 
 number of ships ; and in this way, and by building at the same 
 time several houses, he found work for a great number of trades- 
 men ; made himself popular — was chosen selectman — represent- 
 ative — moderator of town meetings, etc. He associated with those 
 who were called friends of liberty. His natural powers were 
 moderate, and had been very little improved by study, or appli- 
 cation to any kind of science. His ruling passion kept him from 
 ever losing sight of its object, but he was fickle and inconstant in 
 the means of pursuing it ; and though, for the most part, he was 
 closely attached to Mr. Sarauel Adams, he has repeatedly broken 
 off from all connection with him for several months together. 
 Partly by inattention to his private affairs, and partly from want of 
 judgment, he became greatly involved and distressed ; and the estate 
 was lost with much greater rapidity than it had been acquired." 
 
 President Quincy, in his invaluable History of Harvard Univer- 
 sity, has devoted a chapter to the wrongs which that institution 
 suffered at the hands of Mr. Hancock as its treasurer ; and closes 
 the detail as follows : — " From respect to the high rank which 
 John Hancock attained among the patriots of the American Revo- 
 lution, it would have been grateful to have passed over in silence 
 his long denial of the rights of the college, and withholding its 
 property, had truth and fidelity of history permitted. But justice 
 to a public institution which he essentially embarrassed during a 
 period of nearly twenty years, and also to the memory of those 
 whom he made to feel and to suffer, requires that these records of 
 unquestionable facts, which at the time when they occurred 
 were the cause of calumny and censure to honorable men, actuated 
 in their measures solely by a sense of official fidelity, should not 
 be omitted. In republics, popularity is the form of power most 
 apt to corrupt its possessor, and to tempt him, for party ends or 
 personal interest, to trample on right or set principle at defiance. 
 History has no higher or more imperative duty to perform, than 
 by an unyielding fidelity to impress this class of men with the 
 apprehension that, although through fear or favor they may escape 
 the animadversions of contemporaries, there awaits them in her 
 impartial record the retribution of truth." 
 
 President Quincy also says of him : — " His manners were full 
 of suavity and attraction ; his love of place and populari^v intense. 
 
 I 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 459 
 
 He early joined the patriotic party, whose leaders perceived the 
 advantage of placing him at their head ; and giving him every 
 distinction they could command. By the continued influence of 
 these possessions, manners and circumstances, he acquired a popular 
 power, which in this country has scarcely been exceeded." 
 
 " The style of living he adopted, and the openness of his hand 
 to every object coinciding with his views or his interests, kept his 
 ample resources in a perpetual state of exhaustion. It suited both 
 his interest and policy to postpone debts, and gratify friends." 
 
 SAMUEL ADAMS. 
 Of this distinguished patriot of the Revolution, Gov. Hutchin- 
 son, in the posthumous volume already quoted, says : " Mr. Samuel 
 Adams's father had been one of the directors of the Land Bank in 
 1741, which was dissolved by act of parliament. After his de- 
 cease his estate was put up for sale by public auction under author* 
 ity of an act of the general assembly. The son first made himself 
 conspicuous on this occasion. He attended the sale, threatened the 
 sheriff to bring an action against him and all who should attempt 
 to enter upon the estate under pretence of a j urchase ; and by in- 
 timidating both the sheriff and those who intended to purchase, he 
 prevented the sale, kept the estate in his possession, and the debt 
 to the land company remains unsatisfied. He was afterwards col- 
 lector of taxes for the town of Boston, and made a defalcation, 
 which caused an additional tax upon the inhabitants. These things 
 were unfavorable to his character, but the determined spirit he 
 showed in the cause of liberty would have covered a multitude of 
 such faults. He was for near twenty years a writer against gov- 
 ernment in the public newspapers ; at first but an indifferent one ; 
 long practice caused him to arrive at great perfection, and to ac- 
 quire a talent of artfully and fallaciously insinuating into the minds 
 of his readers a prejudice against the characters of all whom he 
 attacked, beyond any other man I ever knew. This talent he em- 
 ployed in the messages, remonstrances, and resolves of the House 
 of Representatives, most of which were of his composition, and he 
 made more converts to his cause by calumniating governors and 
 other servants of the crown, than by strength of reasoning. The 
 benefit to the town from his defence of their liberties, he supposed 
 
460 
 
 BIOORAPblOAL NOTICES. 
 
 an equivalent to his arrears as their collector ; and the prevailing 
 principle of his party, that the end justitied the means, probably 
 quieted the remorse he must have felt from robbing men of their 
 characters, and injuring them more than if he had robbed them of 
 their estates." ' — < 
 
 ""'""'"' JOHN ADAMS. -'-..t'.'^ 
 
 The same writer has the following notice of another eminent 
 leader of the revolution : " Mr. John Adams was a distant relation 
 and intynate acquaintance of Mr. Samuel Adams. After his edu- 
 cation at the college he applied to the study of the law, a short 
 time before the troubles began. He is said to have been at a loss 
 which side to take. Mr. Sewall, who was with the government, 
 would have persuaded him to be on the same side, and promised 
 him to desire Governor Bernard to make him a justice of the peace. 
 The governor took time to consider of it, and having, as Mr. Adams 
 conceived, not taken proper notice of him, or given him offence on 
 some former occasion, he no longer deliberated, and ever after 
 joined in opposition. As the troubles increased he increased in 
 knowledge, and made a figure, not only in his own profession, but 
 as a patriot, and was generally esteemed as a person endowed 
 with more knowledge than his kinsman, and equally zealous in the 
 cause of liberty ; but neither his business nor his health would ad- 
 mit of that constant application to it which distinguished the other 
 from all the rest of the province. In general he may be said to be 
 of stronger resentment upon any real or suf 1 personal neglect 
 or injury than the other, but in their rest* t against such as 
 opposed them in the cause in which they were engaged, it is diffi- 
 cult to say which exceeded. His ambition was without bounds, 
 and he has acknowledged to his acquaintance that he could not 
 look with complacency upon c^ny man who was in possession of 
 more wealth, more honors, or more knowledge than himself." 
 
 LIEUT. GOV. GUSHING. ^ 
 
 Thomas Gushing, LL. D. was the son of a very popular speaker 
 
 of the Assembly of Massachusetts ; graduated at Harvard College 
 
 in 1744 ; was fond of public life, and paid too little attention to 
 
 pecuniary considerations ; was many years a representati\ e, and in 
 
BIOORAFHIC&L NOTICES. 
 
 1763, when Governor Bernard negatived Mr. Otis as speaker, he 
 was elected in his place, and continued in that office till chosen a 
 member of the first Congress, to meet in Philadelphia in 1774. He 
 was elected lieut. governor in 1779, which office he held till his 
 death in 1788. His name as speaker having been signed to all 
 the public papers, made it known abroad, where he was considered 
 the leader of the wbigs. Dr. Johnson, in his pamphlet called 
 " Taxation no Tyranny" says, " one object of the Americans is to 
 adorn the brows of Mr. Gushing with a diadem." And he was at 
 other times the object of the sarcasm of ministerial writers. He was 
 a member of the corporation of Harvard College, and attentive to 
 its affairs, from which he received a diploma of doctor of laws. 
 
 JUDGE PAINE. 
 
 Robert Tbkat Paine, L.L. D., one of the signers of the decla- 
 ration of independence, was born in Boston, 1731; graduated at 
 Harvard College in 1749 ; studied law ; and conducted the pros- 
 ecution on the part of the crown with great reputation, in the 
 absence of the attorney general, in the trial of Capt. Preston and ' 
 his men of " Boston massacre" memory in 1770. In 1773 he was 
 elected a member of the General Assembly, and afterwards was 
 chosen a member of the continental Congress, which met at Phil- 
 adelphia in 1774. The following four years he was re-elected and 
 rendered importani services in introducing the manufacture of salt- 
 petre, then imperfectly understood, while the colonies were suffer- 
 ing for the want of gunpowder. He was also of the committee for 
 the encouragement of the manufacture of cannon, and other imple- 
 ments of war. In a letter to the Hon. Joseph Palmer, as president 
 of the Massachusetts provincial Congress at Watertown, he com- 
 plains of an intrigue to supplant him iu the good opinion of his 
 constituents, and says he " has just discovered a malicious and 
 slanderous correspondence between John Adams and Thomas Cush^ 
 ing." On the organization of the Supreme Court in Massachusetts 
 in 1776, he was named for one of the judges, which be declined at 
 Arst, as John Adams, many years his junior, had obtained the ap- 
 pointment of chief justice; but upon the resignation of the latter^ 
 Mr. Paine took his seat on that bench. His son, who afterwards 
 bore his name, was a distinguished writer of national and patriotic 
 poetry. 
 
462 
 
 BIOORAFHICAL NOTICES* 
 
 %.i 
 
 GOV. HARRISON. 
 
 /.i-;;?'-**.!^*;'^' 
 
 m^^ 
 
 Col. Benjamin Harrison, one of the signers of the declaration 
 of independence, was a native of Virginia, and graduated at the 
 college of William and Mary. He commenced his political career 
 as early as 1764, in the legislature of his native colony. The royal 
 government offered him a seat at the council board, a tempting bait 
 for young ambition, 'vhich he had the resolution to refuse, as the 
 measures of the ministry were already unfriendly to the liberty of 
 the provinces ; and when the time came for active resistance to 
 arbitrary power, he was ready for service. He was in the first 
 general Congress of 1774, and the three succeeding ones, and was 
 particularly useful as chairman of the board of war. After his 
 resignation in 1777, he was elected speaker of the House of Bur- 
 gesses of Virginia, and filled the chair till 1782, when he was 
 elected governor, to which office he was twice re-elected. He 
 retired in 1785 to private life, but in 1788 became a member of 
 the convention which ratified the Constitution of the United States. 
 He died in 1791. Gov. Harrison was father of General William 
 H. Harrison, late President of the United States. 
 
 LIEUT. GOV. A. OLIVER. 
 
 Of Lieut. Governor Andrew Oliver, Gov. Hutchinson says, 
 ** A very small porti ^n of mankind have so well deserved to be 
 characterized. " Integer vitce seclerisque purus." Scarce any man 
 ever had a more scrupulous and sacred regard to truth, and yet, to 
 such a degree did the malignant spirit of party prevail as to 
 cause a writer* in the public papers in England to bring against 
 him a charge of perjury. The Council of Massachusetts Bay, from 
 whose votes and resolves this writer attempted to support the 
 charge, by a vote which they caused to be printed, repaired the in- 
 jury as well as they could ; but a consciousness of his innocency 
 and integrity was his best support. This abuse, however, together 
 with the reproaches most injuriously cast upon him by the resolves 
 of the council and house, in which he was treated as the deter- 
 mined enemy to the liberties of his country, the interest whereof. 
 
 * Arthur Lee, under the signature of Junius Amerieanus. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 463 
 
 according to the best of his judgment, (which was much superior 
 to that of his most virulent persecutors,) he always had at heart, 
 affected his spirits and evidently accelerated his death." 
 
 Lieut. Gov. Oliver was a son of Hon. Daniel Oliver, of Bos- 
 ton, and graduated at Harvard College in 1724. He was a repre- 
 sentative from Boston, member of the council, and secretary of the 
 province, before his last troublesome dignity as lieut. governor, 
 which office he filled from 1770 to 1774 ; until death closed his 
 career on the 3d March in that year. His removal had been 
 clamorously called for by the people through the provincial as- 
 sembly. Lieut. Gov. Oliver was a liberal benefactor to his cUma 
 mater in books, ancient manuscripts and anatomical preparations. 
 
 HON. S. QUINCY. 
 
 Samdel Quincy, brother of Josiah and Edmund, of Boston, 
 graduated at Harvard College in 1754, was a poet and an elegant 
 prose writer. As solicitor for the crown, he was engaged with 
 Robert Treat Paine in the memorable trial of Capt. Preston and 
 the British soldiers in 1770 ; his brother was opposed to him on 
 that occasion, and both reversed their party sympathies in their 
 professional position. He was an addresser of Gov. Hutchinson, 
 and went to England early in 1775. He was included in the ban- 
 ishment act of September, 1778. In April, 1779, he was appointed 
 comptroller at Parkin Bay, Antigua, and died on his passage from 
 Tortola to England for his health, August 9, 1789, aged 55. Mr. 
 Quincy married a sister of the late Henry Hill, Esq., of Boston. 
 His son, of the same name, who graduated at Harvard College in 
 1782, was an attorney at law in Lenox, Massachusetts, where he 
 died, Jan. 1816, leaving a son Samuel, now an alderman of Bos- 
 ton. His other son, Josiah, is an eminent counsellor at law of 
 Romney, New Hampshire, and president of the senate of that 
 state. 
 
 HON. JON. SEWALL. 
 
 Jonathan Sewall, LL. D., was born at Boston, August, 1728. His 
 
 father, Jonathan Sewall, merchant, was a nephew of Chief Justice 
 
 Stephen Sewall, and grandson of Major Stephen Sewall, of Salem. 
 
 He graduated at Harvard College in 1748, and was a teacher at 
 
 
 1-4 
 
464 
 
 BIOOBAPHICAL NOTIOBI. 
 
 Salem till 1756. He married Esther, daughter of Edmund Quincy, 
 Esq., of Braintree, afterwards of Boston, and sister of Dorothy 
 Quincy, wife of Governor Hancock, and of Elizabeth Quincy, 
 wife of Samuel Sewall, Esq., of Boston, the father of the late Hon. 
 Samuel Sewall, chief justice of Massachusetts. JV^r. Sewall stu- 
 died law with Judge Chambers Russell, of Lincoln ; commenced 
 practice in his pr ^fession at Charlestown, and at the death of 
 Jeremy Gridley, Esq., he was appointed attorney-general of Mas- 
 sachusetts, September, 1767. He was an able and successful law- 
 yer. The elder President Adams was his intimate friend, though 
 opposite in politics, and has done justice to his memory. He was 
 solicitor-general before he succeeeded Gridley in the office of attor- 
 ney-general. His eloquence is represented as having been soft, 
 smooth, and insinuating, which gave him as much power over a 
 jury as a lawyer ought ever to possess. It is proper here to take 
 notice of one fact relative to Sewall. He commenced the suit in 
 May, 1769, in favor of a negro against his master for his freedom, 
 viz., James vs. Richard Lechmere, of Cambridge. The late Chief 
 Justice Dana was counsel for the defendant. The suit terminated 
 the following year in favor of the negro; and I believe it was the 
 first case where the grand question was settled abolishing slavery 
 in that state. The case of the negro Somerset, which Blackstone 
 commends so highly, and which has been a matter of self-gratu- 
 lation in England, was not settled till 1772 ; two years after the 
 decision in favor of James. In 1768, he was appointed judge of 
 admiralty for Nova Scotia, and although he went there once or 
 twice in that capacity, he remained but a short period. At the 
 commencement of the revolution, he was residing at Cambridge, in 
 the Vassall house, afterwards Washington's head quarters, and 
 since occupied by Andrew Cragie. He left this country for Eng- 
 land early in 1775. He had before ably vindicated the characters 
 of Governors Bernard, Hutchinson, and Oliver, and was esteemed 
 an able writer. He was proscribed in the Conspirator's Act of 
 April 30, 1779. He resided chiefly in Bristol till 1788, (for the 
 education of his children,) when he removed to St. John's, New 
 Brunswick, having been appointed judge of the vice-admiralty 
 court there, where he resided till his death, which occurred Septem- 
 ber 26, 1796, at the age of sixty-eight. His widow survived him. 
 
filOORAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 465 
 
 and removed to Montreal, where she died at an advanced age. 
 His son Jonathan, was at school at Hackney in 1777, and after- 
 wards resided at Quebec, where he sustained the offices of solicitor 
 and attorney-general, and judge of the vice-admiralty court, until 
 1808, when he was appointed chief justice of the province, which 
 he resigned in 1838, and died November 12, 1839, aged seventy- 
 four. In 1832, he received the degree of doctor of laws, from 
 Harvard College. His son Stephen was appointed solicitor-gene- 
 ral in 1810, and resided in Montreal, but lost that office in 1814, 
 in consequence of political differences with the governor ; he died 
 there of Asiatic cholera in the summer of 1832. 
 
 - ISAAC SMITH. --^J' ' ■v-'.^'l^ll 
 Rev. Isaac Smith graduated at Harvard College in 1767, where 
 he was a tutor 1774r-5, when he left for England, having a brother 
 settled there. He was a loyalist, and a dissenting minister, much 
 esteemed for the catholic tenor of his discourses. He was ordained 
 June 24, 1778, over a society of dissenters at Sidmouth, Devon- 
 shire, but returned to New England after the peace, and became, 
 librarian in Harvard College, from 1789 to 1791, and subsequently 
 preceptor of Dummer academy, at Byfield, near Newburyport, 
 Massachusetts. He was a brother of William Smith, Esq. of Boston. 
 
 JOSEPH GREEN. 
 Joseph Green, Esq., a wit and poet, born at Boston,1706, received 
 the rudiments of learning at the South Grammar School from Mr. 
 Williams, and graduated at Harvard College, 1726. He was the 
 author of many fugitive pieces, chiefly satirical, against the gover- 
 nor or assembly, as chance might direct. He was a fir ^ 'Jassical 
 scholar. He turned his attention to commerce, of which he o- tained 
 a comprehensive knowledge, and acquired a handsome property. 
 To integrity and generosity were added in him politeness and ele- 
 gance. His humor, learning and taste might have connected him 
 with the influential, and procured for him almost any distinction ; 
 but he would never accept public office. He signed an address to 
 Governor Hutchinson on his leaving the government. In 1774, 
 when an act passed Parliament depriving Massachusetts of her 
 charter, a number of counsellors were appointed by mandamus ; 
 
 59 
 
4m 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 i 
 
 among them \vas Mr. Green, who declined the honor as soon as 
 summoned, giving in his resignation to Governor Gage. Of his 
 poetical pieces, " the Elegy on Mr. Old Tenor," and the satire on 
 the processions of Free-masons, have passed through many editions. 
 During the Whitfieldian controversy, there was a cluh of sentimen- 
 talists who wrote what they pleased, and, as the pamphlets were 
 emitted from the press, it was easy to conjecture the parts he wrote, 
 especially if a line of poetry was introduced. They also took a 
 part in politics, and hegan by attacking the administration of 
 Governor Belcher, putting his speeches into rhyme. In the con- 
 troversy with Great Britain, previous to the Revolution, most of 
 these gentlemen joined the party of loyalists. Mr. Green was in- 
 cluded in the act of banishment of 1778, and having left Boston 
 early in 1775, passed the remainder of his days in England, where 
 he died at London, December 11, 1780, aged seventy-four. 
 
 ^ - JASPER MAUDUIT. \f 
 
 Jasper Mauouit, Esq., of London, the friend of Governor Hutch- 
 inson and Lieutenant Governor Oliver, successfully vindicated 
 their characters respecting their letters to the privy council, as- 
 sisted by Mr. Wedderburne. He was for a long time treasurer of 
 the Society for propagating the Gospel among the Indians of New 
 England, and agent for the Assembly of Massachusetts Bay in 
 London. His zeal was greater for the conversion of Indians, than 
 for the important concerns of the province. 
 
 ISRAEL MAUDUIT. 
 
 Israel Maudott, Esq., secretary of Lord George Germaine, was 
 distinguished as the writer of several pamphlets, in which the char- 
 acter of Greneral Howe was severely attacked. 
 
 WARD NICHOLAS BOYLSTON. 
 
 Ward Nicholas Boylston, Esq., the son of Benjamin and Mary 
 Hallowell, (his mother being the sister of Nicholas Boylston,) was 
 born at Boston in 1749 ; by the desire of his maternal uncle, his 
 name was changed in 1770. In 1773, he embarked for Newfound- 
 land ; from thence he sailed to Italy ; travelled through Turkey, 
 Syria, Palestine, and Egypt, and along the Barbary coast ; and 
 
 nil i 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 m 
 
 returned through France and Flanders to England, in 1776. He 
 entered into business as a merchant, and remained in London till 
 1800, when he returned to Boston, and continued to reside in 
 Massachusetts till his death, which occurred in January, 1828, 
 at the age of seventy-eight. 
 
 He possessed a mind emulative of the spirit of his maternal 
 ancestry, which he acknowledged in a letter dated May 20, 1800, 
 when he founded at Cambridge the " Boylston Medical Library." 
 In this he expressed the pride he felt in being nearly allied to his 
 maternal great-uncle, Dr. Zabdiel Boylston, " who first introduced 
 the inoculation for the small-pox into America, from whence it 
 was carried to England, and has ever since been extending its 
 beneficial influence through the world;" and also to his uncle, 
 Nicholas Boylston, " whose memory is known and honored for 
 his liberal donations to Harvard University." In 1840, Mr. Boyl- 
 ston's fund for a college and anatomical museum amounted to 
 nine thousand dollars; which was in addition to the medical 
 library of eleven hundred volumes, and the fund fo^ prize disserta- 
 tions, established by him in 1800. 
 
 JOHN PRINCE. 
 Dr. John Prince, of Salem, Mass., a refugee, who removed to 
 Halifax, in 1775. He married a daughter of Hon. Richard Derby, 
 of Salem, and was proscribed in the banishment act of Massachu- 
 setts, Sept. 1778. John Prince, Esq., of Boston, who married a 
 daughter of E. H. Derby, Esq., is a son. 
 
 JOSEPH HOOPER. 
 Joseph Hooper, Esq., of Marblehead, was a graduate of Harvard 
 College in 1763, and a refugee in 1775. He was a son of Peter 
 Hooper, Esq., a " mandamus" counsellor, who rose from abject 
 poverty to apparently inexhaustible wealth ; engrossing for years 
 a large part of the foreign fishing business at Marblehead, which 
 was very extensive about the year 1760. For a while he pur- 
 chased all the fish brought into that quarter, sent it to Bilboa 
 and other ports in Spain, and received gold and silver in return, 
 with which he purchased goods in England, etc. He built splendid 
 houses in town and country, rode in a chariot like a prince, and 
 
468 
 
 BIOORAFUICAL NOTICES. 
 
 was ever after known as " King Hooper." For years he knew not 
 the state of his affairs, and died insolvent in 1790. At his elegant 
 house in Danvers, (since Collins's,) he entertained Governor Gage 
 for some time in 1774. The mansion late Chief Justice Sewall's, 
 in Marblehead, was built by his son Joseph Hooper. He became 
 a paper manufacturer at Bungay, Suffolk, England ; where he 
 died in August, 1812. Although his name does not appear in the 
 proscribing act, a rope walk of his and some lots of land were 
 sold by the commissioners, with other confiscated property, in 1781. 
 
 GENERAL CARLETON. 
 
 Sir Guy Carleton, (afterwards Lord Dorchester,) a distin- 
 guished British officer in America ; was appointed a brigadier- 
 general in this country in 1766 ; he was made major-general in 
 1772. At the close of the year 1774, a commission passed the 
 seals, constituting him captain-general and governor of Quebec. 
 When Canada was invaded by Montgomery in 1775, Carleton was 
 in the most imminent danger of being taken prisoner upon the St. 
 Lawrence after the capture of Montreal ; but he escaped in a boat 
 with muffled paddles, and arrived safely at Quebec, which he found 
 threatened by an unexpected enemy. Arnold, though he had been 
 repulsed by Colonel McLean, was yet in the neighborhood of 
 the ciiy., waiting for the arrival of Montgomery, previously to 
 another attack. General Carleton, with the skill of an experienced 
 officer, took the necessary measures for the security of the city ; 
 his first act was to oblige all to leave Quebec who would not take 
 up arms in its defence. When Montgomery approached, his sum- 
 mons was treated with contempt by the governor, whose intrepidity 
 was not to be shaken ; by his industry and bravery, Carleton saved 
 the city. After the unsuccessful assault of the last of December, in 
 which Montgomery was killed, he had nothing more immediately to 
 apprehend. In May, 1776, he obliged the Americans to raise the 
 siege ; and it was not long before he compelled them to withdraw 
 c otirely from Canada. In October, he recaptured Crown Point ; but 
 as the winter was advancing, he did not attempt the reduction of 
 Ticonderoga, but returned to St. John's. In the beginning of the 
 next year he was superseded in his command by Burgoyne, who 
 was intrusted with the northern British army. Carleton's expe- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 469 
 
 rience, abilities, and services were such as rendered him worthy 
 of the command, which was given to another. Though he imme- 
 diately asked leave to resign his government, he yet contributed 
 all in his power to secure the success of the campaign. In the 
 year 1782, he was appointed, as successor of Sir Henry Clinton, 
 commander-in-chief of all his majesty's forces in America ; he 
 arrived at New-York with his commission in the beginning of May. 
 After the treaty was signed, he delayed for some time the evacu- 
 ation of the city, from regard to the safety of the loyalists ; but 
 November 25, 1783, he embarked, and withdrew the British ships 
 from the shores of America. He died in England at the close of 
 the year 1808, aged eighty-three ; he was a brave and an able 
 officer, and he rendered important services to his country. Though 
 he was not conciliating in his manners, and possessed the severity 
 of a soldier, yet his humanity to the American prisoners, whom 
 he took in Canada, has been much praised. In excuse for the 
 little attention which he paid to the honorable burial of Mont- 
 gomery, it can only be said that he regarded him as a rebel.* 
 
 GENERAL BURGOYNE. 
 It is curious that a man of such celebrity as a writer, a 
 senator, and an officer, as the late Lieutenant General John 
 Burgoyne, should be found among the number of those of whose 
 youthful days no memorial has been preserved. Neither the 
 time, place, nor circumstances of his birth are known. Even 
 his parentage is doubtful. He is said, but upon what authority it 
 does not appear, to have been a natural sun of that Lord Bingley 
 who died at an advanced age, in 1774. That he bad the advan- 
 tage of a liberal education and early intercourse with polished 
 society, is sufficiently evident from his writings ; and it is probable 
 that he was early devoted to the profession of arms, for on the 
 10th of May, 1759, he was raised to the rank of Lieut. Colonel, 
 and in the August of the ensuing year, he was appointed Lieut. 
 Col. Commandant of the 16th Light Dragoons. His after services 
 at different periods, in Spain, Portugal and America, are all well 
 known, especially the unfortunate termination of his military career 
 at Saratoga, which, though it tarnished not his honor, cast a shade 
 
 * See Allen's Biography. 
 
470 
 
 BIUORAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 over his brow, ever afterwards conspicuous to the physiogno- 
 mical eye. He arrived in England on parole in May, 1778, and 
 published a letter to his constituents, throwing the blame of the 
 failure of the expedition on Lord Sackville, (George Germaine,) 
 the secretary of the American department; and a reply to it, 
 doubtless written by Lord Sackville, exhibits some of the peculiari- 
 ties of the style of Junius. He made on certain occasions no ordi- 
 nary figure in parliament, and towards the close of the year 1781, 
 when a majority of parliament seemed resolved to persist in the 
 war, he joined the opposition, and advocated a motion for the dis- 
 continuance of the fruitless contest. He knew that it was impos- 
 sible to conquer America. " Passion, prejudice and interest," said 
 he, " may operate suddenly and partially ; but when we see one 
 principle pervading the whole continent, the Americans resolutely 
 encountering difficulty and death for a course of years, it must be 
 a strong vanity and presumption in our own minds, which can only 
 lead us to imagine that they are not in the right." He moved in the 
 first circles, and married Lady Charlotte Stanley, a daughter of the 
 Earl of Derby ; and yet we know not who and what originally he 
 was. He was the author of four successful dramas : The Maid of 
 the Oaks, the Lord of the Manor, Richard Cceur de Lion, and the 
 Comedy of the Heiress ; and yet the curiosity of his biographer, 
 even in this anecdote-dealing and memoir-sifting age, cannot trace 
 his origin, or the scenes of his education. The fable of the Lord of 
 the Manor seems, in some degree, to have been suggested (though 
 sufficiently disguised in the modification of character and circum- 
 stances) by the incident of his own matrimonial connection ; for 
 his was a clandestine and unauthorized marriage, at a time when 
 he held only a subaltern's commission in the army, and is said to 
 have excited at first the resentment of the lady's father to such a 
 degree, that he declared his resolution never to admit the offenders 
 into his presence, though in process of time the anger of the earl 
 subsided, a reconciliation was effected, and was succeeded by a 
 warm and lasting attachment. It is probable, also, that the mem- 
 ory of his lady, who died in the year 1776, at Kensington Palace, 
 during his absence in America, is embalmed by the afTectionate 
 regrets of the General in that beautiful air in the first act of that 
 opera : 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 4ff]r 
 
 , •; .? *' Encompassed in an angel's frame, 7 
 
 An angel's virtues lay ; ' 
 
 Too soon did heaven assert the claim, 
 And call its own away. 
 
 My Anna's worth, my Anna's charms, 
 
 Must never more return ! 
 What now shall fill these widow'd arms ? 
 
 Ah, me ! my Anna's urn !" 
 
 It is some confirmation of this conjecture, that General Bur- 
 goyne contracted no second marriage. Taste and sentiment, rather 
 than vigor and originality, and familiarity with local manners and 
 the superficies of character, rather than the comprehensive views of 
 the sources of human action and penetration into the deepest re- 
 cesses of the human heart, characterize the genius of this writer ; 
 and his satire, though well pointed, will accordingly lose its inter- 
 est when the memory of th? fleeting follies and temporary politics 
 at which it is levelled shu!l have died away. Of his dramatic 
 works, incompa ibly the most valuable is the comedy of " The 
 Heiress," which may, indeed, be called the last comedy produced on 
 the English stage. 
 
 From the peace till his death, which took place in August, 
 1792, he lived as a private gentleman, devoted to pleasure and the 
 muses. The following letter, addressed by him to Garrick, is cha- 
 racteristic : 
 
 TO DAVID GARRICK, ESQ 
 
 Wednesday, JVov. 9, 1774. 
 My uear Sir: 
 
 Your obliging and most friendly letter was delivered to me 
 yesterday, at the moment I was sitting down to dinner with com- 
 pany, or I should have endeavored on the moment to return my 
 acknowledgments, with a warmth of expression due to that with 
 which you have honored me. In regard to the very signal dis- 
 tinction you propose to me of the freedom of the house, and the 
 manner of presenting it, I hope you will permit me to decline the 
 parade, and at the same time believe me truly sensible of the honor 
 of it. I should feel myself as proud to be seated in Drury Lane 
 by your deliberate judgment of my talents, as ever an old Roman 
 
472 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 did in acquiring the freedom of his theatre by public services ; but 
 you are at present too partial towards me ; and, till I appear in 
 my own eyes more worthy, I must request you to bound your kind 
 intentions to an order for admittance occasionally to your green- 
 room, where I promise neither to criticise your men ill-naturedly, 
 nor lead astray yourself. The having contributed the songs and 
 music, and other reasons alleged for my introduction to your re- 
 hearsals, will, I conclude, equally pass with the company for this 
 additional favor, without the necessity of any farther discovery. 
 But as you kindly insist upon my directions, I desire it to be done 
 by a simple order to Johnson, and no gold box, nor silver box — 
 not even a mulberry one : you must give me a reception Hamlet- 
 like — I will have no appurtenances of welcome. I think I may, 
 without vanity, congratulate you upon the piece having laid hold 
 of the audience last night. A general relish was very discernible. 
 
 I could not help agreeing with a critic who sat near me, and who 
 expressed himself delighted with the genteel scenes, that the intro- 
 duction of the lamplighters was too coarse to assort with the rest. 
 Suppose three or four of your girls were introduced in the act of 
 weaving cords of flowers, such as the dancers use in the second 
 act. They might fix one end of the cord to the scene, and keep 
 slipping back as they weave the flowers, in the manner the rope- 
 makers do, which would be picturesque. In that case, O'Daub's 
 part might begin with his conversation with the architect ; and he 
 might present himself to the girls in some nonsense like the follow- 
 ing : " O^Daub. — If these pretty maids would pay me with a kiss 
 a-picce, 'faith, I'd paint them all round for nothing at all. Surely 
 they look as bright as a May morning already, and a touch of my 
 brush will make them remembered by those who never saw 'em." 
 
 II after this the two additional verses of the song were added, the 
 words would apply, and Moody's action might have effect. Should 
 you approve this idea, or any one like it, the alteration is so short 
 it might be studied and acted in half an hour ; but I submit it to 
 you on the sudden, like many crudities with which I have troubled 
 you. Lord Stanley is come to town, and very earnest to see " The 
 Maid of the Oaks." I send to Johnson's for a box for Lady Betty 
 to-morrow, that she may do him the honors, and I hope I shall 
 succeed. If you could send me the copy this afternoon, I would 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 473 
 
 return it i;* .,ne for you to put it into the printer's hands to-mor- 
 row afterhooii. Believe me, with the truest sense of the value of 
 your firiendship, dear sir, your faithful and obedient, etc., etc. 
 
 J. BURGOYNE. 
 
 GENERAL CLINTON. 
 Sir Henry Clinton, an English general, son of the colonial 
 Governor Clinton, was the grandson of the Earl of Lincoln. After 
 distinguishing himself in the battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, he was 
 sent unsuccessfully against New-York and Charleston. He after- 
 wards, in September, 1776, occupied the city of New- York. 
 October 6, 1777, he assaulted and took forts Clinton and Mont- 
 gomery. In 1778, he succeeded Howe in the command at Phila- 
 delphia, whence Washington compelled him to retire. In May, 
 1780, he took Charleston. It was he who negotiated with Arnold 
 in his treason. He returned to England in 1782, and died Dec. 
 22, 1795 ; a few months before, he had been appointed governor 
 of Gibraltar. He published a narrative of his conduct in America, 
 1782 ; Observations on Cornwallis's Answer, 1783 j Observations 
 on Stedman, 1784. 
 
 LORD CORNWALLIS. 
 
 Charles Cornwallis, Marquis, commander of the British army 
 in America, surrendered at Yorktown, October 19, 1781; an event 
 which brought the war to a close. In 1790, he was governor- 
 general of India, and by his victories in the war with Tippoo Saib 
 acquired high reputation. Again was he appointed, in 1805, 
 governor of India ; where he died, at Ghazepore, October 6. He 
 married in 1768, Miss Jones, a lady of large fortune; who is said to 
 have died of a broken heart, in consequence of his engaging iri the 
 American war. He published an answer to the Narrative of Sir 
 Henry Clinton, 1783. 
 
 LORD HOWE. 
 
 AnMiRAL Eabl Howe was born in 1725, and on the death of his 
 brother the general, succeeded to his title and estate. He com- 
 manded the British fleet which arrived at Staten Island July 12, 
 1776; and was named in the commission to offer proposals of 
 
 60 
 
 It.' ■ 
 
 M 
 
474 
 
 BIOORAFHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 peace. In July, 1777, he c )nvoyed the two hundred and seventy 
 transports in which the army sailed from New-York to the Chesa- 
 peake. He repaired to Newport in the winter as a safe harbor ; 
 which place he relieved on the 30th Aug., 1778, when threatened 
 by the Americans and French, by arriving from New-York with a 
 hundred sail of ships. In September, he resigned the command to 
 Admiral Gambier. On the 1st of June, 1794, he obtained a vic- 
 tory over the French, and died August 5, 1799, Lord Howe was 
 the brother and successor in his title of the General Lord Howe 
 who fell in the attack on Ticonderoga in 1758, in whom, said 
 Mante, " the soul of the army seemed to expire ;" and to commem- 
 orate whom the province of Massachusetts Bay caused a monu- 
 ment to be erected in Westminster Abbey. 
 
 GENERAL HOWE. 
 General Sir William Howe, brother of Richard, Earl Howe, 
 was the successor of General Gage in command of the British 
 forces in America. He first arrived at Boston in May, 1775, with 
 General Burgoyne, and commanded in the battle of Bunker Hill ; 
 he took possession of New-York in September, 1776 ; and was one 
 of the commissioners to offer terras of peace. In July, 1777, Sir 
 William sailed for the Chesapeake, and entered Philadelphia, Sept. 
 27 ; he defeated the Americans on the 4th of October, same year, 
 at Germantown. In May, 1778, he was succeeded by General 
 Clinton. In the House of Commons, in December same year, 
 when assigning his reasons for quitting his command in America, 
 he particularly blamed Lord Sackville, (formerly Lord George 
 Germaine,) the minister, for not sending reinforcements, nor co- 
 operating in his plans ; and in the January following, Lord Sack- 
 ville, if he was the author of the letter to Admiral Howe, 
 returned the invective. He published a second edition of his 
 narrative relative to his command in 1780 ; he died in 1814. 
 General Charles Lee said, " Howe was the most indolent of mor- 
 tals, and never took pains to examine the merits or demerits of the 
 cause in which he was engaged. That the king and parliament 
 formed the supreme power ; that supreme power is absolute and 
 uncontrollable ; and consequently all resistance rebellion ; that he 
 was a soldier and bound to obey in all cases whatever : these were 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 475 
 
 his notions, and this his logic. He was naturally good-natured, 
 and as an executive soldier all fire and activity ; brave as Caesar. 
 His understanding good, but confounded by the immensity of the 
 task imposed upon him." 
 
 GENERAL GATES. 
 Horatio Gates, a major-general in the army of the United 
 States, was a native . England ; is said to have been a natural 
 son of Horace Walpole, Lord Orford. In early life he entered the 
 British army, and laid the foundation of his future military fame ; 
 he was aid to General Monckton at the capture of Martinico ; and 
 after the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, he was among the first troops 
 which landed at Halifax under General Cornwallis. He was with 
 Braddock at the time of his defeat in 1755, and was shot through 
 the body. When peace was concluded, he purchased an estate in 
 Virginia, where he resided until the commencement of ihe Ame- 
 rican war in 1775 ; when he was appointed by Congress adjutant- 
 general, with the rank of brigadier-general, and accompanied 
 Washington to Cambridge. In August, 1777, he took command 
 of the northern department, and succeeded in capturing Bur- 
 goyne in October. Congress passed a vote of thanks, and ordered 
 a medal of gold to be presented to him by the president. His 
 conduct towards his conquered enemy was marked by a delicacy, 
 which does him the highest honor ; he did not permit his own 
 troops to witness the mortification of the British in depositing their 
 arms. After Gen. Lincoln was taken prisoner, he was appointed, 
 June 13, 1780, to the command of the southern department ; 
 August 16, he was defeated by Cornwallis at Camden. After the 
 peace he retired to his farm in Berkley county, Virginia, where 
 he remained until the year 1790, when he came to reside in New- 
 York ; having first emancipated his slaves, and made a pecuniary 
 provision for such as were not able to provide for themselves. 
 Some of them would not leave him, but continued in his family. 
 On his arrival at New-York, the freedom of the city was presented 
 to him. In 1800, he accepted a seat in the legislature j his poli- 
 tical opinions did not separate him from many respectable citizens, 
 whose views dilTered widely from his own ; he died April 10, 1806, 
 aged 77. A few weeks before his death, he wrote to his friend Dr. 
 
 Mi 
 
476 
 
 BIOOBAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 !1 ,1 
 
 Mitchell, then at V ishington, on some business, and closed his letter, 
 dated Feb. 27, 1806, with the following words : — ^"I am very weak, 
 and have evident signs of an approaching dissolution. But I have 
 lived long enough, since I have lived to see a mighty people ani- 
 mated with a spirit to be free, and governed by transcendant 
 abilities and honor." He retained his faculties to the last ; he 
 directed that his body should be privately buried, which was ac- 
 cordingly done. General Gates was a whig in England, and a 
 republican in America ; he was a scholar, well versed in history 
 and the Latin classics. While he was just, hospitable and gene- 
 rous, his manners and deportment yet indicated his military cha- 
 racter. 
 
 JUDGE DANA. 
 Francis Dana, LL.D., chief justice of Massachusetts, was a 
 descendant of Richard Dana, who died at Cambridge about 1695. 
 His father was Richard Dana, an eminent magistrate ; he was 
 born at Charlestown in August, 1742, and after graduating at 
 Harvard College in 1762, studied law with Judge Trowbridge ; he 
 passed the year 1775 in England, where he had a brother, Edmund, 
 a minister at Worcester, who died in 1823. In 1776, he was ap- 
 pointed a delegate to Congress, and taking his seat in November, 
 1777, continued in that body until in November, 1779, he accom- 
 panied Mr. Adams to Paris, as a secretary of legation. He was 
 elected December, 19, 1780, as minister to Russia; where he 
 remained, though not publicly received, from August, 1781, till the 
 close of the war, returning in December, 1783. He was chosen a 
 delegate to Congress in 1784 ; and a member of the Massachusetts 
 Convention, where he advocated the constitution. The office of 
 envoy extraordinary to France in 1799, he declined; and Mr. 
 Gerry was deputed in his stead, with Messrs. Marshall and Pinck- 
 ney. Appointed chief justice of Massachusetts in 1792, he dis- 
 charged very impartially and ably the duties of that office until 
 his resignation in 1806 ; he died at his seat in Cambridge, April 
 25, 1811, aged sixty-eight. Judge Dana was a learned lawyer, 
 and presided in court with great dignity ; his opinions on the bench 
 were remarkable for their clearness and perspicuity. In his politics 
 during the days of violent excitements, he was strongly attached 
 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 477 
 
 to the federalists. His correspondence while in Europe, is con- 
 tained inSparks's Diplomatic Correspondence, vol. 8th. ;<., 
 
 COLONEL PICKERING. 
 Hon. Timothy Pickering, LL. D., the son of a prominent citi- 
 zen of Salem of the same name, was born there on the 17th July, 
 1746, and graduated at Harvard College in 1763. The memorable 
 distinction of conducting the first resistance in arms to the power of 
 the mother country fell to his lot, at his native place, on Sunday the 
 26th of February, 1775, when the march of Col. Leslie's regiment 
 of royal troops was resolutely intercepted, and his further progress 
 arrested by him at the head of the militia, at the bridge over the 
 North River. The draw of the bridge was hoisted, and Col. Pick- 
 ering presented himself on the opposite side. He informed Col. 
 Leslie that the military stores he came to seize were the property 
 of the people, and that they would not be surrendered without a 
 struggle. Col. Leslie ordered his men into a large gondola at the 
 wharf, to secure a passage over the river. In a moment Major 
 Sprague, the owner of the gondola, sprang on board and beat a 
 hole through the bottom, by which it was sunk. While effecting 
 this he was wounded by the soldiers with their bayonets, and thus 
 was here shed the first blood of the Revolution. The Rev, Mr. 
 Barnard now interposed, and by judicious persuasions prevented 
 the impending catastrophe ; and Leslie, pledging his honor, that if 
 Col. Pickering would let him pass the bridge, so that it might ap- 
 pear a voluntary act on his part, he would abandon the attempt to 
 seize the stores ; and this being acceded to on the part of Col. Pick- 
 ering, the former returned immediately to his transports at Marble- 
 head, and re-embarked his regiment from the harbor that night. 
 
 Col. Pickering marched at the head of the Essex regiment as 
 soon as he heard of the Lexington atfair, on the 19th of April of 
 the same year, to Medford, in order to intercept the enemy, but was 
 not in season. He also took up the line of march with his regi- 
 ment for the heights of Charlestown on the 17th June, but arrived 
 too late to participate in the affair of Bunker Hill. Col. Pickering 
 compiled a manual for the drill and exercise of the troops, which 
 was in general use until the Baron Steuben published his more ex- 
 tensive work. He was appointed the same year a judge of the com- 
 
 
 i'M 
 
 
 ^P 
 
478 
 
 BIOORAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 mon pleas, and succeeded Mr. Curwen as admiralty judge for the 
 district including Boston and Salem. In the autumn of 1776, he 
 commanded the Essex regiment under General Washington in 
 New Jersey. 
 
 The following is an extract of a letter from General Washing- 
 ton to Congress, dated at Morristown, May 24, 1777 : 
 
 " I beg leave to inform Congress, that, immediately after the 
 receipt of their resolve of the 26th of March, recommending the 
 office of adjutant general to be filled by a person of ability and 
 unsuspected attachment to our cause, I wrote to Colonel Timothy 
 Pickering, of Salem, offering him the post, in the first instance, and 
 transmitting at the same time a letter to Colonel William R. Lee, 
 whom Congress had been pleased to mention, to be delivered to 
 him in case my offer could not be accepted. This conduct in pre- 
 ference of Col. Pickering, I was induced to adopt from the high 
 character I had of him, both as a great military genius, cultivated 
 by an industrious attention to the study of war, and as a gentleman 
 of liberal education, distinguished zeal, and great method and ac- 
 tivity in business. This character of him I had from gentlemen of 
 distinction and merit, and on whose judgment I could rely. 
 
 " When my letter reached Col. Pickering, at first view, he 
 thought his situation in respect to public affairs would not permit 
 him to accept the post. That for Col. Lee he sent immediately to 
 him, who, in consequence, repaired to head quarters. By Col. 
 Lee I received a letter from Col. Pickering, stating more particu- 
 larly the causes which prevented him accepting the office when it 
 ' was offered, assuring me that he would, in a little time, accommo- 
 date his affairs in such a manner as to come into any military post 
 in which he might be serviceable and thought equal to. 
 
 " Here I am to mark with peculiar satisfaction, in justice to 
 Col. Lee, who has deservedly acquired the reputation of a good 
 officer, that he has expressed a distrust of his abilities to fill the ap- 
 pointment intended for him ; and hearing that Col. Pickering would 
 accept it, he not only offered, but wished to relinquish his claim to 
 it in favor of him, whom he declared he considered, from a very in- 
 timate and friendly acquaintance, as a first-rate military character ; 
 and that he knew no gentleman better or so well qualified for the 
 post among us. Matters being thus circumstanced, and Colonel Lee 
 
 I 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 479 
 
 pleased with the command he was in, I wrote to Col. Pickering on 
 his return, who accepted the office, and is daily expected." 
 
 He immediately marched with the army to Pennsylvania, and 
 was by the side of Washington at the battle of Brandywine, on 
 the 14th September ; he was also present at that of Germantown, 
 October 4. He was soon after elected by Congress a member of 
 the Board of War, with Generals Gates and MiiHin. The arrange- 
 ment of the staff department was also intrusted to him and General 
 Mifflin. In August, 1780, he succeeded Gen. Greene as quarter- 
 master-general, and discharged the arduous and complicated duties 
 of that department with promptness and fidelity. 
 
 Col. Pickering was employed in various negotiations with the 
 Indian tribes, and in 1791 was appointed postmaster-general, which 
 office he held till 1794, when he succeeded Gen. Knox as secretary 
 of war. In August, 1795, he temporarily had charge of the state de- 
 partment, and upon the resignation of Mr. Edmund Randolph, in 
 December, received the appointment of secretary of state. This 
 was the last office he held under Washington ; from which he was 
 removed by President Adams, in May, 1800. It was this circum- 
 stance to which the eloquent and eccentric John Randolph alludes 
 when Col. Pickering's political course was attacked in the House 
 of Representatives some years after ; on that occasion Randolph 
 declared that he would gladly surrender all his own riches and 
 honors to be able to say, what that patriot (Pickering) could say, 
 viz., " that he ever enjoyed the unbounded confidence of Washing- 
 ton while living — and the enmity of his successor." 
 
 On Col. Pickering's removal from office, he commenced the 
 settlement of new lands in the back woods of Pennsylvania ; but 
 soon after disposing of them, he returned to Massachusetts, and at 
 Wenham, near his native town, he, like Cincinnatus, cultivated 
 with his own hands a farm which he purchased. He could not 
 long be spared from public life, and from 1803 to 1811 he was a 
 senator of the United States, and from 1814 to 1817 he represented 
 his district in Congress, to the delight and satisfaction of his con- 
 stituents- He died at Salem on the 29th June, 1829, aged 84. 
 His active life afforded but little leisure for literary pursuits, yet 
 his writings were vigorous and elegant. From early life he was a 
 professor of Christianity. In the service of his country he was 
 
 -■'ill' 
 
 il 
 
 
480 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 faithful, disinterested, and energetic. His feelings were strong, 
 and in his political controversies he was ardent and sometimes ve- 
 hement ; but his exemplary morals, strict integrity, and pure prin- 
 ciples satisfied all of his sincerity. Col. Pickering has left a num- 
 ber of descendants ; the most distinguished is the great philologist, 
 the Hon. John Pickering, LL. D., his eldest son, now president of 
 the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. 
 
 ri4' tv r 
 
 ; JUDGE BLOWERS. * , 
 
 Hon. Sampson Salter Blowers, a native of Boston, and grand- 
 son of the Rev. Thomas B. Blowers, second minister of Beverly, 
 Massachusetts, graduated at Harvard College 1763, of which in- 
 stitution he is now senior alumnus, or the oldest living graduate. 
 He was born in March, 1742, and is consequently one hundred 
 years of age. He studied law with Governor Hutchinson, and 
 married the daughter of Benjamin Kent, a lawyer celebrated for 
 his eccentricity and wit. Mr. Blowers was, with John Adams and 
 Josiah Quincy, jr., engaged to defend Capt. Preston and the British 
 soldiers, on their trial at Boston, November, 1770, for what was 
 termed " the Boston massacre." On the eve of the Revolution, in 
 1774, he sailed for England, and returned in the autumn of 1778, 
 just in time to find his name in the proscribing act of the Massa- 
 chusetts Provincial Assembly. He was forthwith imprisoned, but 
 soon liberated and sent in a cartel to Halifax. From this time he 
 pursued his profession there ; was raised to the supreme bench in 
 1795 ; became the chief justice in 1801, and resigned all his honors 
 in 1803. Judge Blowers has never revisited his native place. His 
 sister died at Boston in March, 1842, at the age of ninety-eight ; 
 she was the widow of an officer of marines, who fell on board the 
 Alliance frigate, in an action with two British sloops of war, May, 
 1781. 
 
 The following notice of Judge Blowers appeared in the Boston 
 Daily Advertiser, in March last : — 
 
 " The old man of whom ye spake ; is he yet alive ?" 
 
 The Hon. Sampson Salter Blowers, of Halifax, [Harvard Uni- 
 versity, 1763,] this day completes his century of years ; the elder 
 patriarch of Harvard's living alhmni. He was a native of Boston, 
 his father living (as we some time ago learned from an authority 
 
 i| 
 
BIOORAPHIOAL NOTICES. 
 
 481 
 
 near in blood) at the time in Quaker-lane, now Congress-street : a 
 nephew of Pyam B., merchant, [H. U. 1721,] and grandson of Rev. 
 Thomas B., second minister of Beverly, [H. U. 1695.] Young 
 Blowers entered upon the study of law with Hutchinson, then simply 
 judge of probate and lieutenant-governor ; and married the daughter 
 of Penj. Kent, Esq.,* [H. U. 1727,] an attorney at law in Boston, 
 " celebrated for his eccentricity and wit," who, like himself, be- 
 came a refugee, and died in Halifax, at an advanced age, in 1788. 
 In November, 1770, then in his noviciate at the bar, he was em- 
 ployed as junior counsel to Messrs. Adams and Quincy (the latter 
 his classmate) in behalf of the eight British soldiers of the 29th 
 regiment on their trial for what was long and most absurdly called 
 " the Boston massacre." The victims of that night (March 6th, 
 1770) though magnified by the effen'escence of the time into mar- 
 tyrs of liberty, did but poor credit indeed to the name, and as to 
 most of them, abundantly provoked the death they found. Gordon, 
 with strange looseness for one who was writing in the midst of the 
 scene, says, (Vol. I. 194,) " The soldiers had the same counsel as 
 their commander." But Robert Auchmuty, who according to Eliot 
 made, in defence of Capt. Preston, a plea so memorable and per- 
 suasive, as " almost to bear down the tide of prejudice against him, 
 though it never swelled to a higher flood," had no concern in the 
 succeeding trial ; while the subject of this notice was certainly not 
 retained in the earlier one. On the eve of the Revolution (1774) 
 S. S. B., for some reason or object sailed for England, and returned 
 in the fall of 1778, just in time to find his name in the proscribing 
 act of the provincial assembly of Massachusetts, (October,) which 
 
 * Kent was a minister of Marlborough, a very brief period [1733-'35] ; 
 thongh 80 unclerical was his deportment, and his humor, that we might rather 
 have wondered bad his stay been longer. He removed to Boston ; and so late 
 as 1769, his name is found, in somewhat odd association, with those of the 
 most prominent and strenuous Whigs of the place, as a committee of safety 
 in a communication to Dr. Franklin. To him it is, we suppose, that the doc- 
 tor, in a letter written from Philadelphia, within the last year and a half of 
 bis own life refers : — " You tell me our poor friend Ben Kent is gone ; I hope 
 to the regions of the blessed : or at least to some place where souls are pre- 
 pared for those regions. I found my hope on this, that though not so orthodox 
 as you and I, he was an honest man and had his virtues. If he had any hy- 
 pocrisy, it was of that inverted kind, with which a man is not so bad al h« 
 seems to be." (See Sparks's Franklin, VII. 366, X. 400.) 
 
 61 
 
 ■'*«ll 
 
 I 
 
.,^: 
 
 482 
 
 BIOOBAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 I 
 
 could not then have been passed many weeks. He was imprisoned 
 forthwith ; but within the next fortnight was despatched m a cattel 
 to Halifax. From this time, as we are told, he steadfastly pursued 
 his profession there ; being raised to the supreme bench in 1795, 
 becoming its presiding head in 1801, and resigning all his honors in 
 1833. 
 
 Though his lot was cast with the obnoxious side. Judge B. 
 stood by no means alone among his companions. The class of 
 1763 was fruitful in loyalists, generally also refugees: — Bliss of 
 Springfield, and Upham of Brookfield, (the last, father of the pre- 
 sent minister of Salem,) were constituted a few years after judges 
 of the highest court of New Brunswick;* Dr. John Jeffries oi Boa- 
 ton, (after signalizing himself in a then novel sphere,) returned a 
 few years in the rear of the peace, to resume practice in bis native 
 town ; Hooper of Marblehead, second son of " old King Robert," 
 and Porter, for a time an eminent attorney in Salem, both died in 
 England. 
 
 Judge B. has left behind him in the race the longest-lived of 
 his classmates by more than ten years. Col. Pickering, of Salem, 
 one of the three latest survivors, died Jan. 29, 1829. The last of 
 the trio, Samuel Perley, settled successively at three several places 
 in New Hampshire, and finally in Grsiy, Maine, finished his course 
 at the latter, November 28, 1831. Of the thirty-six hundred de- 
 parted sons of Harvard, our living Methuselah (with the exception 
 of the venerated Dr. Holyoke) has alone fairly rounded his century ; 
 Mr. Porter, of Ashfield, on Connecticut river [H. U. 1745] who 
 died February, 1820, having failed only one month of that honor- 
 able mark.f 
 
 * No othei class perhaps can show so many instances of the highest 
 judicial elevation. Three refugee judges of the supreme court ! to which must 
 be added the Hon. Nathan CwsAfii^, of Scituate — a zealous Whig — who deeply 
 ingratiated himself with the popular party by the st/i-it of his decisions, as 
 first judge of admiralty in 1776, against captured 'Etx'.'ii\. ';■. ssiil.- ; and who at 
 a later period [1789-1801J was one of the highe?* Lonc'i ■ ;/ '*t --sachusetf 
 There is yet one other distinction to which the ' ■ - ■ ... i . appropriates. 
 "Dm first English Oration, ever heard upon the Commencement boards was 
 pronounced by Jed. Huntington of Norwich, Conn., (afterwards well knowa 
 as a general officer in our revolutionary contest, and father of the late Rev. 
 Josh. Huntington, of the Old South Church.) 
 
 t In such a connection as this, and for the sake of the narrow circle who 
 
BIOGRAPHtCAL NOTICES. 
 
 483 
 
 * That the usual concomitants of such longevity should be here 
 also found in its train, few will probably be surprised to read. It 
 has been well known for four or iive years past that decay had 
 been coming over the mind of this centennial patriarch ; and on 
 the recent progress (autumn of 1840) of the Hon. J. Q. Adams 
 through the provinces of Nova Scotia, by whom Judge B. also was 
 visited, this fact was anew confirmed. 
 
 This notice must not be closed without adding, what all readers 
 (it need hardly be qualified) will be surprised to be told : — There 
 yet lives in this city, long sequestered from the world, a sister of the 
 distinguished graduate, before us, a widow of more than sixty years' 
 date, "whose days have almost even run with his," (ninety-eight,) 
 a coincidence alike extraordinary and interesting. The husband 
 
 are curious in such matters, it may not be amiss to speciry the tv^elve alamni 
 who have reached the highest point of longevity. Those unaste'i7:ed, it will 
 be observed, we presume not to number their days, but give their age at the 
 moment we are writing. 
 
 * 1746. Dr. E. A. Holyoke, of Salem, died March 31, 1829, lUO year's 7 
 months. 
 
 1763. Hon. S. S. Blowers, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 100 years. 
 
 * 1745. Rev. N. Porter, minister of Chebacco parish (Ipswich) anu of Ash- 
 field, died February 29, 1820, 99 years 11 months. 
 
 * 1759. Hon. Paine Wingate, minister a few years at Hampton Falls, 
 N. H., and afterwards in high civil trusts, died at Stratham, N. H., March 7, 
 1838, 98 years and 10 months. 
 
 * 1744. Col. Peter Frye, formerly of Salem, and in various public trusts, 
 died (as a refugee) at Camberwell, Surrey, near London, February 1, 1S20, 
 (his birthday,) 97 years. 
 
 * 1712. Mr. John Nutting, Salem, successively grammar schoolmaster, 
 register of deeds, and collector of the port, at different times, died May 20, 
 1790, 96 years 4 months. 
 
 * 1753. Rev. Peter Thacher Smith, minister of Windham, Me. [1762-'90] 
 d. as P. T. S. " Esq.," October, 1826, 95 years 3 months. 
 
 1765. Dr. Ezra Green, surgeon in the continental navy, under John Paul 
 Jones and since physician in Dover, N. H., 95 years ten months. 
 
 * 1728. Thaddeus Mason, Esq., register of deeds for Middlesex, died ai 
 Cambridge, May 1, 1802, 95 years 4 months. 
 
 1767. Hon. Timothy Farrar, New Ipswich, N. H., formerly a judge of 
 the S. J. C. of N. H., 94 years 8 months. 
 
 * 1741. Mr. Joseph Waldo, merchant in Boston, died ("as a refugee) 
 in Bristol, England, April, 1816, 94 years. 
 
 * 1710. Rov. Joseph Adams, minister of Newington, N. H., 37i years, 
 died May 26, 1783, 94 years. 
 
 Jpril 2, 1842. 
 
484 
 
 BIOORAPHlCAt NOtlCES. 
 
 of the latter, a lieutenant of marines in the celebrated and ever- 
 fortunate Alliance frigate, fell in an engagement of that ship on 
 her passage from France, with two sloops of -war, May, 1781. 
 Though not wanting in inducements to the contrary therefore, it is 
 worthy of record that Judge B. has never, as we are told, revisited 
 his native place, since he went forth from it an exile with the fla- 
 ming sword behind him, interdicting his return. 
 
 T. BRINLEY. 
 Thomas Brinley, a merchant of Boston, graduated at Harvard 
 College, 1744. He was an " addresser'' of Gov. Gage and Gov. 
 Hutchinson. A refugee in England in 1775. Proscribed in the 
 act of banishment of the assembly of Massachusetts, Sept., 1788. 
 Probably died abroad. 
 
 N. COFTIN. 
 Nathaniel Coffin, Esq., of Boston, the father of Sir Isaac Coffin, 
 Bart., who was his fourth and youngest son. Mr. Coffin graduated 
 at Harvard College in 1744 ; was cashier of the customs at Boston ; 
 an " addresser" of Gov. Gage ; a refugee in 1775 ; was proscribed 
 in the banishment act of 1778, and died in England before Novem- 
 ber, 1783. 
 
 GOV. CASWELL. 
 
 Hon. Richard Caswell, of North Carolina, at the head of a 
 regiment Feb. 1776 ; he defeated General McDonald with a party 
 of fifteen hundred Scottish emigrants and ignorant and disorderly 
 frontier inhabitants, styling themselves " loycdist regulators," at 
 Morris Creek bridge, about sixteen miles from Wilmington, with 
 the loss of seventy killed and wounded, and fifteen hundred excel- 
 lent rifles. His force was but one thousand strong, and the victory 
 of essential service to the American cause. 
 
 Besides being a member of the first congress, he was president 
 of the convention which formed the constitution of North Carolina, 
 under which he was governor from 1777 to 1780, and from 1785 
 to 1787. He died at Fayetteville, Nov. 20, 1789. His equanimity 
 of temper endeared him to his friends and commanded the respect 
 of his opponents ; for Lis constant watchfulness of the welfare of 
 the people and his private virtues prevented his having enemies. 
 
t'ki 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 486 
 
 JOSEPH HEWES. 
 
 Hon. Joseph Hewes, of North Carolina, as a member of con- 
 gress early patronized the celebrated John Paul Jones, and was 
 ever his confidential correspondent. It is to Mr. Hewes's discrimi- 
 nating judgment of character, in no small degree, that we owe the 
 train of unsurpassed naval victcries achieved by that hero ; for 
 there was great opposition to his preferment on the score of 
 foreign birth and want of influential connections, which latter con- 
 sideration had great weight at that period. Jones relied inplicitly 
 on Mr. Hewes, and in a letter says, " I will cheerfully abide by 
 whatever you think right," and to him he referred the Hon. Robert 
 Morris, respecting las claim for rank, who ever after was his friend. 
 
 DR. SHIPPEN. 
 
 WiLi-iAM Shippen, M. D. of Philadelphia, graduated at Nassau 
 Hall, New Jersey, in 1754, and completed a medical education at 
 Edinl)urgh. He delivered in 1764, at Philadelphia, the first course 
 of ar atomical lectures ever pronounced in America. He was the 
 founder of the medical school, which finally rivalled that of Edin- 
 burgh. He was early opposed to " the supremacy of parliament 
 over the colonies in nil cases whatsoever,'" and, in 1777, was ap- 
 pointed director general of the medical department in the army 
 of the United States. Dr. Shippen died at Gerraantown, July 11, 
 1808, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. 
 
 GOV. MIFFLIN. 
 
 Thos. Mifflin, of Pennsylvania, was actively engaged in oppo- 
 sition to the measures of the British parliament. He was a member 
 of the first congress in 1774, and was among the first commissioned 
 at the organization of the continental army, having been appointed 
 quarter-master-general. In Octob.r, 1788, he succeeded Dr. 
 Franklin as president of the supreme executive council. In Sep- 
 tember, 1790, the constitution lor Pennsylvania was formed by a 
 convention, over which he was chosen the first governor. He pos- 
 sessed extraordinary powers of elocution, which he exercised with 
 success during the insurrection in Pennsylvania in 1794. He 
 retired ixom the gubernatorial chair at the close of the year 1799, 
 
 ■ill ! 
 
486 
 
 BIOOBAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 and on the 20th Jan. 1800, died at Lancaster in the fifty-seventh 
 year of his age. 
 
 JUDGE ALLEN. ; ' 
 
 William Allen, chief justice of Pennsylvania, was the son of 
 William Allen, an eminent merchant of Philadelphia, who died in 
 1725. On the approach of the Revolution he retired to England, 
 where he died, September, 1780. His wife was a daughter of 
 Andrew Hamilton, whom he succeeded as recorder of Philadelphia 
 in 1741. He was much distinguished as a friend to literature. 
 He patronized Benjamin West, the historical painter. By his 
 counsels and exertions Dr. Franklin was much assisted in estab- 
 lishing the college in Philadelphia. He published " the American 
 Crisis," London, 1774, in which he suggests a plan " for restoring 
 the dependence of America to a state of perfection." His princi- 
 ples seem to have been not a little arbitrary. On his resignation 
 of the office of chief justice, to which he had been appointed in 
 1750, he was succeded till the Revolution by Mr. Chew, attorney- 
 general, and Mr. Chew by his son Andrew Allen. This son died 
 in London, March 7, 1825, aged eighty-five. At the close of 1776 
 he put himself imder the protection of Gen. Howe, at Trenton, 
 with his brothers John and William. He had been a racmljer of 
 congress and of the committee of safety ; and William a lieutenant- 
 colonel in the continental service. 
 
 GEN. REED. 
 
 Joseph Reed graduated at Nassau Hall, New Jersey, in 1757. 
 He engaged with zeal in opposition to parliament, was of the com- 
 mittee of correspondence, and afterwards president of the conven- 
 tion of New Jersey. On the organization of the army, he became 
 first aid t') General Washington; the next yoar adjutant-general. 
 While he •• ;is a member of congress, in 1778, the commissioners 
 from England arrived, and one of them. Gov. Johnstone, addressed 
 private letters to him, Francis Dana, and Robert Morris, to secure 
 their influence towards the rciitoration of harmony, with intimations 
 of honors and emoluments. Mr. Reed's former despondence being 
 known, a lady, supposed to be the wife of Dr. Adam Ferguson, (the 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 487 
 
 secretary of the commissioners,) assured him as froDi Gov. John- 
 stone, that ten thousand pounds sterling and the best office in 
 America should be at his disposal, if he would effect a reunion. 
 He replied that " he was not worth purchasing, but such as he 
 was, the king of Great Britain was not rich enough to do it." 
 
 In October, 1778, he was chosen president of Pennsylvania, 
 which office he held till the autumn of 1781. He died March 5, 
 1785, aged forty-three, having visited England for his health the 
 year before without good effect. 
 
 Mr. Reed published remarks on Gov. Johnstone's speech in 
 parliament, with authentic papers relative to his propositions in 
 1779, and an address to the people of Pennsylvania in 1783. 
 
 WILLIAM PYNCHON. 
 
 William Pynchon, Esq., an eminent counsellor at law, of Salem, 
 Massachusetts, was a loyalist, but did not leave the country. The 
 windows of his house in Summer-street were broken by the mob 
 on demanding his recantation as a Hutchinsonian addresser, pre., 
 vious to the Revolution ; and he left them long in ruins, except that 
 they were boarded up, in testimony of the licentiousness and law- 
 lessness of Ihe times. Mr. Pynchon was a native of Springfield, 
 and graduated at Harvard College in 1743 3 he died, March 14, 
 1789, aged sixty-eight. 
 
 JOSEPH LEE. 
 Hon. Joseph Lee, of Ciunbridyje, Mass., was the son of a Salem 
 merchant. Ilavhig remained in Boston during the siege, he sub- 
 jected himself to unpopularity with the patriots, although his luke- 
 warmness in the loyalist principles prevented his becoming an 
 object of public notice. He was judge of the common pleas for 
 Middlesex ; and died at his scat in Cambridge. T)ecember, 1802, 
 at the advanced age of ninety-three years. His brother, Thomas 
 Lee, Esq., a merchant of Salem, graduated at Harvard Collepre in 
 1722 ; and during the revolutionary war resided at Newark, New 
 Jersey. He had been appointed mandamus counsellor, but was 
 compelled by the people to resign, Sept. 2, 1775. 
 
 JUDGE OLIVER. 
 Hon. Andrew Oliver, of Salem, son of Lieut. Gov. Andrew 
 
R ! 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 Oliver, and nephew of Chief Justice Peter Oliver, graduated at 
 Harvard College in 1749 j studied law ; was often a representative 
 to the assembly, and c judge of the common pleas for Essex 
 previous to the Revolution. He was one of the founders of the 
 American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a member of the 
 American Philosophical Society at Philadelphia ; he was reckoned 
 among the best scholars of his day, and possessed 6ne talents. 
 Judge Oliver was never fond of public life, but ardently attached 
 to his books and his friends. Besides an Essay on Comets, which 
 was published in 1772, several valuable communications of his 
 are contained in the first volume of the Transactions of the American 
 Academy. He was honored with a commission of mandamus coun- 
 sellor, which he declined ; he married Mary, daughter of Chief 
 Justice Lynde, and several descendants remain of the second and 
 third generations j he died in December, 1799, aged sixty-eight. 
 Judge Oliver was a loyalist, and the only member of his family 
 who did not renounce his country in consequence of the Revolution. 
 
 BENJAMIN GOODHUE. 
 Hon. Benjamin Goodhue, was born at Salem, Massachusetts, 
 October 1, 1748, and graduaten at Harvard College in 1766. He 
 early embarked in commerce, with credit and success ; he was a 
 whig of the Revolution ; represented the county of Essex in the 
 senate of his native state, from 1784 to 1789, when he was elected 
 a representative to the first United States Congress under the new 
 constitution ; and with Mr. Fitzsimmons of Philadelphia, formed 
 our code of revenue laws, a majority of which have remained in 
 force to this day. In 1796, Mr. Goodhue was elected a senator in 
 congress for Massachusetts, where he was distinguished as chair- 
 man of the committee of commerce, but resigned and retired from 
 public life in 1800 ; his colleague in the senate was Caleb 
 Strong, for many successive years the popular governor of Massa- 
 chusetts. Mr. Goodhue's politics were of the Washington school ; 
 and that party is now generally admitted to have been the purest 
 ever known in our country. He died July 28, 1814, leaving an 
 irreproachable name to his only surviving son, Jonath; n Goodhue, 
 Esq., of New-York ; a merchant, who in character and credit has 
 stood second to none in this commercial emporium, during a resi- 
 dence )( thirty-six years. 
 
 his 
 fro 
 
 per 
 nofl 
 anJ 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 489 
 
 DR. HOLYOKE. 
 
 Edward Augustus Holyoke, M.D,, L.L.D., son of President 
 Holyoke of Harvard College, was born August 13, 1728, and 
 graduated in 1746. In 1755, he married Judith, daughter of Col. 
 Benjamin Pickman of Salem ; and after her death, which occurred 
 within the year, Mary, daughter of Nathaniel Viall, Esq., of Boston. 
 " The period of the Revolution was a trying one to him, and he 
 never loved to dwell upon the recollection of it ; his feelings in 
 the spring and summer of 1775 were intensely painful. In referring 
 to that period, he said he thought he should have died with the 
 sense of weight and oppression at his heart ; he had sent his family 
 to Nantucket, and the loneliness of his home increased the feeling 
 of desolation. Most of his intimate friends and near connections 
 favored the royal cause ; and his own education had attached him 
 to the established order of things, while his peaceful temper shrunk 
 from the turmoil of a revolution. Although most distinguished men 
 who had adopted the royal cause, found it expedient to leave the 
 country, it does not appear that he was ever impeded in the prose- 
 cution of his professional business or studies for a single day. Once 
 only he committed himself, by signing a complimentary address 
 to Governor Hutchinson, in common with a number of the most 
 distinguished citizens of the town of Salem, when the governor 
 was about leaving the country. He afterwards felt himself obliged, 
 as well as a number of his associates, to publish a sort of apology 
 for this act ; which " recantation," as it was called, contained 
 nothing that was servile or disgraceful. He died March 31, 1829, 
 at the great age of one hundred years. 
 
 " In deeds of piety and benevolence he was ever active, and 
 his gifts were bestowed with the most scrupulous secrecy ; and 
 from his intimacy in the families of all classes, seldom misapplied." 
 
 He had been a practising physician in Salem for seventy-nine 
 years. On some days he made a hundred visits ; and at one 
 period, there was not a dwelling-house in Salem which he had 
 not visited professionally. About fifty medical gentlemen of Boston 
 and Salem gave him a public dinner on his centennial anniversary. 
 
 JUDGE LYNDE. 
 
 Hon. Benjamin Lvnde, of Salem, chief justice of the supreme 
 
 62 
 
490 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 court, (as was his father of the same name,) was born at Salem, 
 and graduated in 1718, at Harvard College. He was judge of 
 probate from 1745 to 1771 ; he presided in November, 1770, at 
 the trial of Captain Preston and his soldiers, for the part they took 
 in what was called " the Boston massacre." He resigned his seat 
 on the bench of the supreme court in 1771, and died October 3, 
 1781, aged eighty-one. It was a remarkable coincidence, that 
 father and son should have been chief justices of the supreme 
 court, and occupied a seat on that bench between them for nearly 
 sixty years. Judge Lynde's daughter, Mary, was the wife of the 
 Hon. Andrew Oliver of Salem, author of the Essay on Comets. 
 
 JUDGE ROPES. 
 
 Hon. Nathaniel Ropes, of Salem, born in 1727, was graduated 
 at Harvard College in 1745, and applied himself to the study of 
 the law. The violent measures in opposition to government were 
 obnoxious to him ; and when he found he could no longer be use- 
 ful there, he retired from the council in 1769, and from the bench 
 of the superior court just before his death, in the spring of 1774; he 
 was firm in loyalist principles. 
 
 After ineffectual negotiations with Gov. Hutchinson, the in- 
 flexible assertor of royal prerogative, at the termination of the first 
 session of 1773, it was resolved, " that any of the judges who while 
 they hold their offices during pleasure shall accept support from the 
 crown, independent of the grants of the general court, will discover 
 that he is an enemy to the constitution, and has it in his heart to 
 promote the establishment of arbitrary government." In February, 
 1774, four of the judges, Trowbridge, Hutchinson, Ropes and 
 Cushing, on the appeal being made by the assembly, replied that 
 they had received no part of the allowance from the king ; which 
 was deemed satisfactory. Judge Ropes' house was assailed, not- 
 withstanding, by a mob, and the furniture and windows throughout 
 broken the night before his death, (by small-pox,) which event it 
 doubtless accelerated. 
 
 With the exception of the reports of his decisions in the su- 
 preme court, the following obituary notice from his political oppo- 
 nents is all that is on record respecting him : 
 
 From the Essex Gazette, March 22, 1774. 
 
 " Died, on the 18th inst., in the forty-eighth year of his age, the 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 491 
 
 Hon. Nathaniel Ropes, some years since representative of this town 
 in the general assembly, afterwards a member of the council, 
 chief justice of the common pleas, and judge of probate of wills 
 for the county of Essex, and also a justice of the superior court for 
 this province." 
 
 Judge Ropes married a daughter of the Rev. John Sparhawk 
 of Salem, and their deceased sons were merchants of that place. 
 Nathaniel married a daughter of Dr. Putnam, and John a daugh- 
 ter of Jonathan Haraden, Esq., a distinguished naval commander 
 in the Revolution against Great Britain. Their daughters married 
 William Orne, Jonathan Hodges, and Samuel Curwen Ward, also 
 merchants of Salem, all deceased ; of their descendants many are 
 
 now livinj;. 
 
 THOMAS ROBIE. 
 
 Thomas Robie, Esq., of Marblehead, a son of Dr. Thomas Ro- 
 bie, who was graduated at Harvard College, in 1708, and after 
 being a resident fellow or tutor there, established himself in the 
 practice of physic at Salem, and married a daughter of Major Ste- 
 phen Sewall. The subject of this notice became a merchant, and 
 married a daughter of the Rev. Simon Bradstreet, who was the 
 great-grandson of Gov. Bradstreet, called the " Nestor of New 
 England." Mr. Robie being strongly on the side of the royal 
 government, was an addresser of Gov. Hutchinson, and quitted the 
 country about the commencement of the war ; he first went to 
 Halifax, but afterwards to London, February 5, 1776. He passed 
 his time of exile mostly in Halifax, where one of his daughters 
 married Jonathan Stearns, Esq., another refugee, who graduated 
 at Harvard College in 1770, became attorney-general of Nova 
 Scotia, and died 1798 ; another was married to Joseph Sewall, 
 Esq., late treasurer of Massachusetts. His son, Simon Bradstreet 
 Robie, Esq., of Halifax, solicitor of the province of Nova Scotia, is 
 a gentleman of great wealth and respectability. Mr. Thomas Robie 
 returned after the peace, and re-embarked in commercial pursuits 
 in Salem, to a limited extent. He was amiable, intelligent and 
 exemplary, and died at Salem about thirty years since, well es- 
 teemed. 
 
 
 
 hill 
 
 m 
 
 krre, the 
 
492 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 
 ■:(i 'I 
 
 JOHN SARGENT. 
 John Sargent, Esq., a merchant of Salem, who became a refu- 
 gee and was banished by the act of 1778. 
 
 JUDGE CHIPMAN. 
 
 Hon. Ward Chipman graduated at Harvard College, 1770, 
 grandson of Rev. John Chipman of Beverly, and son of John C, 
 Esq., of Marblehead. Mr. Chipman studied law in company with 
 Jonathan Sewall and Thomas Aston Coffin, (a cousin of Sir Isaac 
 Coffin,) afterward secretary of Sir Guy Carleton, and in 1784 
 commissary-general at Quebec. Mr. Chipman became judge of 
 the supreme judicial court of New Brunswick, and died at Freder- 
 icton, February 9, 1824. He was brother-in-law of the late Hon. 
 William Gray, and retained an affection for New England, though 
 an exile. His son, of the same name, and successor to his station 
 and honors, was the most conspicuous member of the class which 
 graduated at Harvard College, in 1805. \ \ 
 
 COL. MURRAY. 
 
 CoL. John Murray was a representative of influence in the assem- 
 bly of Massachusetts for many years from Rutland. Daniel Bliss, 
 Esq. married one of his daughters, the other the Hon. Joshua Up- 
 ham, aid to Sir Guy Carleton, afterward judge of supreme court, 
 Brunswick. His son Daniel graduated at Harvard College 1771 ; 
 a mandamus counsellor, was a major of dragoons, proscribed in 
 1778; lived on half-pay 1830. His son Samuel graduated at 
 Harvard College 1772, acccompanied the British troops to Lexing- 
 ton in 1775, and died before 1785; he was proscribed in 1778. 
 
 BENJAMIN FANEUIL. 
 
 Benjamin Faneuil, Esq., a merchant of Boston, and with Joshua 
 Winslow, consignee of one-third of the East India Company's tea 
 destroyed in 1773 ; was a refugee to Halifax, afterwards in Eng- 
 land. 
 
 JAMES BOUTINEAU. 
 James Boutineau, Esq., attorney of Boston, father-in-law of John 
 Robinson, commissioner of customs, who made the personal attack 
 
 Vi 
 
 Ci 
 a£ 
 
 ma 
 
 II I 
 
oshua 
 's tea 
 Eng- 
 
 jf John 
 attack 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 493 
 
 on James Otis, Esq., -which produced so great a derangement ^ ^ind 
 in the latter, as to lead to his withdrawal from the public service. 
 
 CAPT. FENTON. 
 
 Capt. John Fenton, expelled, being a loyalist, from the assem- 
 bly of New Hampshire, July, 1775, on which account he expressed 
 himself freely as to public measures. This enraged the populace, 
 and he fled to the governor for protection ; they placed a mounted 
 field-piece before the door, threatening to discharge it, when he 
 was delivered up and sent to Exeter ibr trial. Gov. Wentworth 
 upon this took refuge in the fort. 
 
 Capt. Fenton had been a captain in the navy, but sold out his 
 commission ; he was permitted to retreat to England. 
 
 JOHN ERVING, JUN. 
 
 Col. John Erving, son of Hon. John E., of Boston, graduated 
 at Harvard College, 1747, was colonel of the Boston regiment of 
 militia, a warden of Trinity church, a mandamus counsellor in 
 1774, a refugee, proscribed in 1778, died at Bath, England, June 
 17, 1816, aged eighty -nine. He married a daughter of Gov. 
 Shirley ; his son. Dr. Shirley Erving, entered Harvard College in 
 1773, but his education was cut short by the Revolution ; he be- 
 came a respectable physician at Portland, Me., and died at Boston, 
 July 7, 1813, aged fifty .five. The widow of Dr. Erving is still 
 living at Boston, aged eighty-two. She has two sons and one 
 daughter ; the latter the wife of Rev. B. C. C. Parker, of the Epis- 
 copal church. 
 
 JONATHAN SIMPSON. 
 
 Jonathan Simpson graduated at Harvard College, 1772, son-in- 
 law to John Borland, Cambridge ; was a refugee, proscribed in 
 1778 ; was a commissary of provisions m the British army, at 
 Charleston, S. C. ; closed his days at Boston, December 7, 1804, 
 aged eighty-two. 
 
 RICHARD ROUTH. 
 
 Hon. Richard Routh was collector of the customs at Salem ; 
 married Abigail, a daughter of Wm. Eppes, Esq., Virginia, (a 
 
 ' ' i 
 
 i ' I! 
 
494 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 granddaughter of Col. Benjamin Pickman, of Salem.) At the 
 death of Mr. Eppes, which soon after occurred, his widow married 
 Dr. Sylvester Gardner of Boston. Mr. Routh became a refugee, 
 and was collector of the customs for the island of Newfoundland, 
 and subsequently its chief justice ; he died in 1801. His son, Sir 
 Randolph Isham Routh, is commissary-general to the British army 
 in Canada ; auother son, H. L. Routh, Esq., is a merchant of high 
 character in New-York ; others are engaged in commerce in dif- 
 ferent parts of Europe. 
 
 DR. BYLES. 
 
 Rev. Mather Byles, son of the Rev. Mather Byles, D. D., 
 graduated at Harvard College, 1751, was minister at New London, 
 Conn., the desk of which was closed to him in 1768 ; he was then 
 an Episcopal minister of Boston till the Revolution, wh<>n he was a 
 refugee, and proscribed in the act of 1788. He died a rector at St. 
 John's, New Brunswick, in March, 1814. 
 
 The father of the Rev. Dr. Byles was a distinguished minister 
 and loyalist of Boston ; and for his political principles was, during 
 the violent times of 1777, separated from his people, to whom he 
 was never afterwards united. In 1776, he was denounced in town 
 meeting as inimical to his country, and obliged to enter into bonds 
 for his appearance at a public trial bei'.^re a special court, at which 
 he was pronounced guilty, and sentenced to confinement on board 
 a guard ship, and in forty days to be sent to England with his 
 family. When brought before the board of war, by whom he was 
 treated respectfully, his sentence seems to have been altered, and it 
 was directed that he should be confined to his own house, and there 
 guarded. After a few weeks the guard was removed -, a short 
 time after, a guard was again placed over him, and again dismissed. 
 Upon this occasion he observed, in his own manner, that " he tuas 
 guarded, reguarded, and disregarded." The substance of the 
 charges against him was, that he continued in Boston with his 
 family during the siege ; that he prayed for the king, and the 
 safety of the town. He died July 5, 1788, aged eighty-two. Dr. 
 Byles's firat wife was a niece of Gov. Belcher, and his second, the 
 daughter of Lieutenant Governor Tailer. His literary merit intro- 
 duced him to the acquaintance of many men of genius in England ; 
 
 imii 
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 tersi 
 
 liteij 
 mar 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 495 
 
 toas 
 
 the 
 
 his 
 
 the 
 
 Dr. 
 
 ,the 
 
 intro- 
 
 and; 
 
 the names of Pope, Lansdown, and Watts are found among his 
 correspondents. Pope sent him a copy of his Odyssey in quarto, 
 and from Dr. Watts he received copies of his works as he published 
 them. 
 
 Mr. Mather Brown, afterwards artist to the king, a grandson 
 of Dr. ByleSj embarked for Europe in 1780, with a letter of intro- 
 duction from his grandfather to Harrison Gray, Esq., London, a 
 firm friend of the family. 
 
 Mr. Copley had likewise been intimate with Dr. Byles before 
 he left Boston. An amusing little circumstance took place the 
 morning after the birth of Mather Brown. Mr. Copley entered the 
 house full of gaiety and animation, and after congratulating the 
 family, requested to see the infant. The nurse brought it ; he 
 caught it from her arms and ran down stairs with it ; the nurse, 
 not understanding the matter, followed him in great consternation, 
 entreating for the child. When he reached the street door he laid 
 it carefully on the mat, and left the house. It is to this circum- 
 stance that the following letter of introduction alludes. 
 
 " A certain ancient gentleman in New England dictates the 
 following words : 
 
 " Boston, December 5, 1780. 
 " My Dear Copley : 
 
 " Do you forget your old connections 1 I am always rejoicing 
 to hear of your reputation and felicities, on your side of the water. 
 You will, I am very certain, be pleased to see the gray-eyed little 
 boy (as you always called him, though his eyes were very black) 
 that you left upon the entry-floor, at New Boston. See how times 
 have turned them ! I may not write, and need not say more to 
 one [on whose friendship I have so firm a reliance." Here the 
 old patriarch leaves off. 
 
 " To Mr. Copley, in the solar system." 
 
 His intention was first to go to France; and Dr. Byles desired him 
 immediately to call on Dr. Franklin, with whom he was well ac- 
 quainted. In a letter, dated Paris, 23, 1781, he writes : 
 
 " Dr. Franklin has given me a pass, and recommendatory let- 
 ters to the famous Mr. West. He treats me with the utmost po- 
 liteness ; has given me an invitation to his house, and shown me 
 many new electrical machines and experiments ; one of which, 
 
 ill 
 
 ^: 
 
 
 5c 'ill 
 
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496 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 contrived for perpetual motion, greatly pleased me. I delivered 
 him my grandfather's message ; he expressed himself with the 
 greatest esteem and affection for him, and has since introduced me 
 at Versailles, as being grandson to one of his most particular friends 
 in America." 
 
 In his first letter from London, 1781, he writes : 
 
 " In consequence of the recommendation of Dr. Franklin, at 
 Paris, who gave me letters to his fellow-townsman, the famous Mr. 
 West, of Philadelphia, I practise gratis with this gentleman, who 
 affords me every encouragement, as well as Mr. Copley, who is 
 particularly kind to me, welcomed me +0 his house and lent me his 
 pictures, etc. At my arrival, Mr. Tieasurer Gray carried me and 
 introduced me to Lord George Germaine, who promised me his 
 protection during my stay." 
 
 In a letter, 1783, he thus wrote : " I have exhibited four pic- 
 tures in the exhibition ; the king and queen were yesterday there." 
 In 1784 : " I have painted several Americans. Yesterday I had 
 two pictures shown to his royal highness the Prince of Wales ; 
 they were carried to his palace by his page. He criticised them, 
 and thought them strong likenesses. I believe I never told you 
 that the king knew a picture of mine, in the last exhibition, of the 
 keeper of Windsor Castle, and took particular notice of Mr. Gray's 
 picture; asked who it was, and who did it, and what book he had 
 in his hand. Mr. West told him it was the treasurer of Boston 
 painted by his pupil, a young man, Mr. Brown of America. The 
 king asked what part. He told him Massachusetts." 
 
 In 17S5, he writes : " Among other great people, I have painted 
 Sir William Pepperell and family, and the Hon. John Adams, 
 ambassador to his Britannic Majesty. On the 20th of June, I had 
 the honor to be introduced to the Duke of Northumberland at 
 his palace ; his grace received me with the utmost politeness," 
 
 In a letter, 1786, he writes : " I have near a hundred pictures 
 of my countrymen in my rooms, which are universally known ; 
 Messrs. Adams and Jefferson on one side of the room, and on the 
 other. Treasurer Gray and Sir William Pepperell." 
 
 It may well be supposed that this intelligence rejoiced the 
 hearts of his relatives in Boston. Dr. Byles added a postscript to 
 one of his daughter Catharine's letters, in these words : " You will 
 
 son 
 of 
 
f- 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 497 
 
 he glad to see your grandfather's hand — my God, bless the lad ! — 
 There you see his heart" 
 
 ROBERT TEMPLE. 
 
 Robert Temple, Esq., of Tenhills, near Boston, was an elder 
 brother of Sir John Temple, baronet, the first consul general from 
 England to the United States. Mr. Robert Temple's eldest daugh- 
 ter married the Hon. Hans Blackwood, afterwards Lord DufFrin ; 
 the second Temple Emmet, Esq., and youngest died single. Mr. 
 Temple died in England before 1783, and his death is noticed in the 
 " list of exiles who died during the Revolution," published in the 
 American Quarterly Review, 184 L 
 
 SAMUEL H. SPARHAWK. 
 
 Samuel Hirst Spaehawk, graduated at Harvard College 1771, 
 an addresser of Gov. Gage, and a refugee to England with his 
 brothers Nathaniel and William, was the third son of Col. Nathan- 
 iel Sparhawk of Kittery, who married the only child of Sir Wil- 
 liam Pepperell, baronet, the hero of Louisburg in 1745. Mr. 
 Sparhawk's brother William became heir to the estate and honors 
 of his grandfather, having been created a baronet in 1774. The 
 former died in Kittery, August 29, 1789, aged 38. 
 
 STEPHEN GREENLEAF. 
 Stephen Greenleaf, of Boston, an addresser of Gov. Hutchin- 
 son, May, 1774, and of Gov. Gage, in October, 1775. Was sheriff 
 of Suffolk county. He died Jan. 26, 1795. 
 
 COUNT RUMFORD. 
 
 Sir Benjamin Thompson (Count Rumford) was born in Woburn, 
 Massachusetts, in 1752, and while a clerk in the employment of 
 Mr. John Appleton, merchant of Salem, first displayed his fondness 
 for experimental philosophy, (when accidentally his face was 
 somewhat marked by a pyrotechnical explosion,) in which he was 
 afterwards a proficient under the professor of natural philosophy at 
 Cambridge, and became a teacher. He made an advantageous 
 marriage, and became a major of militia; was instrumental in 
 preserving the library and philosophical apparatus when the col- 
 leges were converted into barracks ', as a loyalist he rendered im- 
 
 63 
 
498 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 portant services to the British generals, and was received by Lord 
 George Germaine as under secretary in the office for colonial af- 
 fairs. Towards the close of the war he was sent to N€w-York, 
 and raised a regiment of dragoons, of which he was the colonel. 
 He commanded at Huntington, Long Island, in 1782-3, where he 
 caused a fort to be erected in the church-yard, contrary to tlie wishes 
 of the inhabitants. He returned to England in 1784, and received 
 the honors of knighthood and became under-secretary of state. 
 Subsequently, recommended by the prince of Deux Fonts ( afterwards 
 king of Bavaria), he entered the service of the reigning elector pala- 
 tine and duke of Bavaria, where he effected many useful reforms, 
 civil and military ; among them a scheme for the suppression of 
 mendicity, v/hich he carried into execution at Munich and other 
 places, providing labor for able-bodied paupers, and exciting a 
 spirit of industry among the poorer classes of people, for which he 
 was rewarded by the sovereign of Bavaria with the commission of 
 a lieut. general, several orders of knighthood, and created Count 
 Ruraford. He returned to England in 1799, and employetl him- 
 self in making experiments on the nature and application of heat 
 and other subjects of economical and philosophical research. He 
 suggested the plan and assisted in the foundation of the Royal In- 
 stitution. In 1802 he removed to Paris, and his wife being dead, 
 he married the widow of the celebrated Lavoisier. He purchased 
 a country house at Auteuil, about four miles from Paris, and em- 
 bellished the grounds. He died there in August, 1814, leaving 
 only a daughter, the offspring of his first marriage in the United 
 States. Besides a great number of communications in scientific 
 journals, he published four volumes of essays, political, eco- 
 nomical, experimental, and philosophical. In 1796 he remitted 
 five thousand dollars in three per cent, stocks, to the Ameiican 
 Academy of Arts and Sciences ; the income to be appropriated as a 
 premium to the author of the most important discovery on light 
 and heat. By his last will he laid the foundation of that professor- 
 ship to Harvard University, which has rendered his name justly 
 esteemed with its friends. His useful and eventful life has been the 
 subject of faithful history. He be(|ueathed an annuity of one thou- 
 sand dollars, and the reversion of another of four hundred tlollars, 
 also the reversion of his whole estate, which amounted to upwards 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 499 
 
 of twenty-six thousand dollars, "for the purpose of founding 
 a new institution and professorship, in order to teach by regular 
 courses of academical and public lectures, accompanied with 
 proper experiments, the utility of the physical and mathematical 
 sciences for the improvement of the useful arts, and for the ex- 
 tension of the industry, prosperity, happiness and well-being of 
 society." 
 
 THOMAS HUTCHINSON, JUN. 
 Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., eldest son of Gov. Hutchinson, a 
 merchant of Boston, and, with his brother Elisha, a consignee of a 
 third of the East India Company's tea which was destroyed. He 
 ■was a refugee, and proscribed in the act of 1778. He had been 
 denounced in 1769, as a foreign importer, contrary to the agree- 
 ment of the Boston merchants. He had been a judge of the com- 
 mon pleas for Suffolk, from 1772 to the commencement of the 
 Revolution. He died at Heavitree, near Exeter, England, in 
 1811, aged 81. 
 
 WILLIAM CLARK. 
 Rev. William Clark, son of Rev. Peter Clark, of Salem vil- 
 lage (Danvers,) graduated at Harvard College 1759; was the 
 Episcopal minister of Quincy, from 1768 to 1777, when, in conse- 
 quence of aiding two distressed loyalists to an asylum, he was 
 prosecuted as unpatriotic. Being forcibly taken before the revolu- 
 tionary tribunal at Boston, and refusing to swear allegiance to the 
 commonwealth, he was condemned to be transported to foreign 
 parts, and was immediately confined to a prison ship in the harbor. 
 By the efforts of Dr. Ames, a zealous whig, in his behalf, he was 
 liberated, after losing his health and speech. He went to Eng- 
 land, obtained a pension, and died Nov. 4, 1815. 
 
 FRANCIS GREENE. 
 Francis Greene, Esq. of Boston, a merchant ; graduated at 
 Harvard College 1760 ; a refugee, proscribed in the act of 1777 ; 
 married a widow lady, by which he became step-father to two 
 deaf and dumb children, and his interest in them made him an au- 
 thor ; (" Essay on imparting Speech to the Deaf and Dumb," Lon- 
 don, 1783.) Some changes in the funds reduced his property, and 
 
 i:l 
 
 ■ I 
 
500 
 
 BIOORAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 in his last days he was dependent on his half pay as a British officer, 
 having been at the capture of Havana in 1762. He died at his 
 residence, Medford, April 21, 1809, aged 67. 
 
 For the share he had in the farevpell address to Gov. Hutchin- 
 son, he was beset when travelling in July, 1774, through Norwich 
 and Windham, Connecticut. 
 
 COL. BORLAND. 
 
 John Linuall Borland, eldest son of John Borland, of Cam- 
 bridge, took to the profession of arms, after having graduated at 
 Harvard College, 1772; and at his death in England, Nov. 16, 
 1825, he is styled a lieut. colonel of his majesty's forces. Dr. 
 Francis Borland, second son of J. Borland, Esq., of Cambridge, 
 graduated at Harvard College, 1774, was a physician in Portsmouth, 
 N. H., a few years j died at Somerset, Bristol Co., Mass., 1826. 
 
 COL. BROWNE. 
 
 Hon. William Browne, governor of Bermuda, son of Samuel 
 Browne, Esq., of Salem, and a grandson of Gov. Burnet, graduated 
 at Harvard College in 1755. He was colonel of the Essex regi- 
 ment, and succeeded Judge Ropes on the bench of the supreme 
 court in 1774, for a short time. The provincial assembly urging 
 their title to nominate to judicial and civil trusts, he was requested 
 to resign that office, held under the royal seal, as also the honor of 
 mandamus counsellor, to which he had been called by a county 
 committee, which he contrived to evade. He was one of the sev- 
 enteen " rescinders" in 1768. In the several capacities of represent- 
 ative, colonel, counsellor anrl judge, he rendered himself obnoxious 
 by adhering to government ; which was thus incidentally noticed 
 in a newspaper, when he found it expedient to take refuge in Bos- 
 ton in the autumn of 1774 : 
 
 " Agreeable to the advice of the respectable provincial con- 
 gress, the training band company of Lynn, being part of the first 
 regiment in the county of Essex, formerly commanded by William 
 Browne, Esq., {politiailli/ deceased of a pestilent and mortal disor- 
 der, and now buried in the ignominious ruins of Boston,) met on 
 Monday, the 15th inst., for the purpose of chooaing, etc. etc." 
 
 Col. Browne was esteemed among the most opulent and benevo- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 601 
 
 lent individuals of that province prior to th'j Revolution ; and so 
 great was his popularity, that the gubernatorial chair was offered 
 him by the " Committee of Safety" as an inducement for him to 
 remain and join the "sons of liberty." But he felt it a duty to ad- 
 here to government, even at the expense of his great landed 
 estate, both in Massachusetts and Connecticut, the latter compri- 
 sing fourteen valuable farms, all which were afterwards confiscated. 
 He went to England via Halifax, in April, 1776, and was gov- 
 ernor of Bermuda from 1781 to 1790, when he returned to Eng- 
 land, where he died in Percy-street, Westminster, Feb. 13, 1802, 
 aged 65. Col. Browne married his cousin, a daughter of Gov. 
 Wanton, of Rhode Island, and was doubly connected with the 
 Winthrop family ; the wives of the elder Browne and Gov. Wanton 
 being daughters of John Winthrop, F. R. S. gi eat- grandson of the 
 first governor of Massachusetts, who graduated at Harvard College 
 in 1700. Col. Browne's son William was an officer in the British 
 service at the siege of Gibraltar in 1784. 
 
 JUDGE SMITH. 
 Hon. William Smith, chief justice of the province of New- 
 York, (his father of the same name, was an eminent lawyer and 
 judge of New-York supreme court, died 22d Nov. 1769, aged 73,) 
 was graduated at Yale College, 1745 ; was a loyalist in the Rev- 
 olution, and subsequently became chief justice of Canada. In 
 1757, he published a history of the province of New-York to 1732, 
 to which the New-York Historical Society published a posthumous 
 continuation to 1762. Governeur Morris studied law with him, as 
 did also many other distinguished men. 
 
 GOV. WENTWORTH. 
 
 Sir John Wentworth, Baronet, governor of New Hampshire, 
 was born in 1736 ; graduated at Harvard College in 1755 ; was a 
 son of Mark Hunking Wentworth, and nephew of Benning Went- 
 worth, who was his immediate predecessor in the gubernatorial 
 chair. He was appointed to that office in 1767, and filled it to 
 the satisfaction of all parlies, till the commencement of the Revolu- 
 tion in 1775, when, being a loyalist, he took refuge on board a 
 man-of-war in July, for Nova Scotia, and was appointed lieut. 
 
 11 
 
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 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 in 
 
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 governor in 1792. Soon after he went to England and was cre- 
 ated a baronet, and was succeeded by Prevost of New Brunswick 
 in 1808. He possessed a sound judgment, liberal views, and a 
 highly cultivated taste. He was the friend of learning and learned 
 men. Dartmouth College was established during his administra- 
 tion, and flourished under his patronage. He always endeavored 
 to promote the interest of the province, and through his influence 
 its settlements rapidly increased. He exerted himself to preserve 
 the union between this country and Great Britain, but was obliged 
 to yield to the spirit of the times, and submit to a separation. He 
 greatly promoted agricultural improvements. He erected a splen- 
 did mansion on his farm at Wolfsborough, on the border of Lake 
 Winnipiseogee. He died at Halifax, April 8, 1820, aged 83. He 
 married the widow of Theodore Atkinson, jr., whose maiden name 
 was Frances Deering, in 1769. Portraits of Sir John and Lady 
 Frances are preserved at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 
 
 JUDGE INGERSOLL. 
 
 Hon. Jared Ingersoll, a judge of admiralty, was born in Mil- 
 ford, Connecticut, in 1722, and graduated at Yale College in 1742; 
 settled as a lawyer in New Haven, and in 1757 was agent for the 
 colony in England. He was appointed a distributor of stamps for 
 Connecticut under the famous stamp act, and thereby lost his pop- 
 ularity; the people compelled him to resign, August 24, 1765, 
 which was soon after his return from England, but not deeming his 
 resignation suflliciently explicit, a large number from the eastern 
 part of Connecticut set off for New Haven, and meeting Mr. Inger- 
 sol at Weathersfield, compelled him to renounce the office and cry 
 out "Liberty and property." The next day five hundred men 
 escorted him to Hartford. 
 
 On being appointed admiralty judge for the middle district, 
 about the year 1770, he removed to Philadelphia. In consequence 
 of the Revolution he returned to New Haven, and died in August, 
 1781, in his 60th year. 
 
 ELISHA HUTCHINSON. 
 
 Elisha Hutchinson, Esq., second son of Gov. Hutchinson, 
 graduated at Harvard College 1762. He was in company with 
 
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 the 
 
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BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 his eldest brother Thomas consignee of one third of the East India 
 Company's tea, destroyed at Boston in 1773. He went to Eng- 
 land a refugee, in 1775 ; was proscribed in the banishment act of 
 1778, and resided in England till his death, which took place at 
 the house of his son, Rev. John Hutchinson, Blurton parsonage, 
 Trentham, Suffolk, in 1824, at the age of 8 1. 
 
 His brother William Sanford Hutchinson, died of consumption 
 in England, Feb. 20, 1780, aged 28. 
 
 WILLIAM HUTCHINSON. 
 William Hutchinson, Esq., nephew of Gov. Hutchinson, grad- 
 uated at Harvard College in 1762 ; was a refugee in 1775 ; and 
 died Feb. 6, 1791, in Europe, aged 57. He was a king's counsel- 
 lor at the Bahamas. 
 
 JOHN S. COPLEY. 
 John Singleton Copley, Esq., a distinguished historical painter, 
 was born at Boston. His mother was a daughter of Gen. Wins- 
 low, and his sister the wife of Col. Henry Bromfield, who resided 
 in London, 1775. He married a daughter of Richard Clarke, Esq., 
 one of the consignees of the East India Company's tea ; and being 
 au addresser of Gov. Hutchinson, was early a refugee loyalist. 
 Mr. Copley visited Italy in 1774, and joined his wife and children 
 in England in 1776. He resumed his profession in the metropolis 
 with unsurpassed success. His "Death of Chatham," "Defence 
 of Gibraltar," and " Charles I. in the House of Commons," placed 
 him among the first artists of the age. He died in the full exercise 
 of his talent, suddenly, in 1815. Many of his superb portraits 
 adorn the mansions and galleries of IMassachusetts. His only sur- 
 viving son, Lord Lyndhurst, as distinguished in the legal profession 
 as his father was as an artist, was born in Boston in 1772, and 
 graduated at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he distinguished 
 himself, winning many prizes. In 1816 he was elected to parlia- 
 ment. In 1819 became solicitor-general; in 1826, on the death 
 of Lord Gifford, master of the rolls, and in 1827 lord high chan- 
 cellor of England, which honorable post he at present holds for 
 the third time ; all of which offices he has filled with distinguished 
 
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 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 ability. He was raised to the peerage in 1827, and his armorial 
 motto, '^ ultra pergen," may well apply to his former career. A 
 sister of Lord Lyndhurst married Gardner Greene, Esq. of Bos- 
 
 ton. 
 
 
 IMi 
 
 REV. S. A. PETERS. 
 
 Samuel A. Peters, D. D., an Episcopal clergyman, of Hebron, 
 Connecticut, where he was born, December 12, 1735, He gradu- 
 ated e.i; Yale College 1757. In consequence of loyal principles he 
 was dismissed in 1774 from his charge of the churches at Hebron 
 and Hartford, and went a refugee to England. He remained abroad 
 until 1805, when he returned to New-York. In 1817 and 1818, 
 he made a journey to the west as far as the falls of St. Anthony, 
 claiming a large territory under an Indian grant to Capt. Jonathan 
 Carver. He is the reputed author of a History of Connecticut, pub- 
 lished at London, in 1781. It is of a similar stamp with Knicker- 
 bocker's History of New-York, and does but little credit to its 
 author. Dr. Peters would never acknowledge the paternity of this 
 work, but the fact is now well established. He died at New-York, 
 April 19, 1826, aged ninety. His remains were entombed at He- 
 bron. Dr. Peters was chosen bishop of Vermont, while in Eng- 
 land, but did not accept the charge. 
 
 He left one daughter, who accompanied him in exile, and mar- 
 ried Mr. Jarvis, afterwards secretary of the province of Upper 
 Canada ; she is now living at Queenstown. Dr. Peters also left a 
 son, who died of yellow fever at New Orleans, where the eldest 
 son of the latter now resides. 
 
 TIMOTHY ORNE. 
 Timothy Orne, Esq., of Salem, graduated at Harvard College 
 in 1768 ; became a merchant, and married a daughter of William 
 Pynchon, Esq. He died before 1791. 
 
 MAJOR HAWLEY. , 
 Joseph Hawley, of Northampton, Massachusetts, was born in 
 1724, was graduated at Yale College, and possessed strong natural 
 powers, improved by the study and practice of the law. He early 
 
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 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 505 
 
 embarked in political life, and retired from the assembly in 1776, 
 with an influence seldom equalled, obtained not less by his great 
 talents than his unsullied and unimpeachable integrity. His opin- 
 ions were followed almost implicitly, and the leaders in the assem- 
 bly despaired of carrying any measure to which he was opposed. 
 At a time when the distresses of the war had produced disaffection, 
 and a faction was organized in the western part of Massachusetts, 
 in almost open resistance to the constituted authorities, he in- 
 duced nearly all to sign a humble petition to government, praying 
 for an act of indemnity for the past, and promising future obe- 
 
 dience. 
 
 Major Hawley declined all honors and employment when his 
 popularity was at the highest, and thus formed an example of those 
 public spirited, generous citizens, (ready to share the peril and de- 
 cline the reward,) who illustrate the idea of a commonwealth, and 
 who, through the obstruction of human passions and infirmities, 
 being of rare occurrence, will always be the most admired and no- 
 ble ornaments of a free government. 
 
 He was certainly a great man, and a thoroughly upright one ; 
 a disinterested patriot whose feelings and convictions were in bfe- 
 half of freedom. He closed his earthly career at Northampton, 
 in 1788, at the age of sixty-four. 
 
 R. CLARK. 
 
 Richard Clark, Esq., of Boston, graduated at Harvard College 
 in 1729, became an eminent merchant, and, with bis sons, was con- 
 signee of a third of the East India Company's tea destroyed in 
 Boston in 1773, on which account his house in School-street was 
 assaulted. Went to London, where he arrived December 24, 1775. 
 Was proscribed in the banishment act of the assembly of Massa- 
 chusetts, October, 1778. He was one of the addressers of Gov. 
 Gage on his departure from Massachusetts. He resided in London 
 till his death, at the house of his son-in-law, John Singleton Copley, 
 February 27, 1795. Mr. Clark was a pall-bearer at Gov.Hutch- 
 ii.son's funeral in 1780. Jonathan, his son and partner, who 
 accompanied his father, returned to America after the peace, and 
 resided in Canada. 
 
 64 
 
 ! I 
 
 
 ! H !1 
 
 t ,1 
 
 
 i i 
 
506 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 T. FLUCKER. 
 
 Thomas Flucker, Esq., secretary of Massachusetts 1771, on 
 the promotion of Mr. Oliver to be lieutenant governor; was a 
 refugee, and pass^d his remaining days in London, where he died, 
 February 16, 1733. His son Thomas graduated at Harvard Col- 
 lege, 1773, was a lieutenant in the 60th British regiment. His 
 daughter was the wife of Maj. Gen. Henry Knox, of the revolu- 
 tionary army, and afterwards secretary at war. 
 
 S. SEWALL. 
 
 Samuel Sewall, Esq., the friend of Attorney General Jonathan 
 Sewall, in exile, was a great-grandson of Ch. Justice Samuel Sewall, 
 and grandson of Samuel Sewall, Esq., of Brookline, who married 
 Rebecca Dudley, a daughter of the governor. His father was 
 Henry Sewall, Esq., of Brookline; a gentleman much respected, who 
 died there in 177 1, aged fifty-two years. This son Samuel, born 
 December 31, 1745, graduated at Harvard College 1761, lived 
 unmarried a counsellor at law in Boston ; was an " addresser" of 
 Gov. Hutchinson and Gov. Gage ; left for England in 1775, was 
 proscribed in the banishment act of September, 1778 ; passed the re- 
 mainder of his life in England, and died at Bristol, May 6, 1811, 
 aged sixty-six years. His large estate in Brookline, inherited in 
 right of his mother, was forfeited. 
 
 HARRISON GRAY. 
 
 Harrison Grky, Esq., receiver-general of Massachusetts, wrs 
 born at Boston, and bred a merchant. His patrimonial inher- 
 itance, aided by industry, enabled him to acquire a handsome for- 
 tune. In June, 1753, he was chosen treasurer of the province by 
 the general court, and continued in that office till October, 1774. 
 He adhered to government from the beginnir^g of the controversy, 
 but the moderation of bis conduct, his superior fitness for the otiice, 
 and the confidence in his integrity, secured him public favor through 
 the stormy period which commenced soon after his first flection, 
 and continued until his appointment to and acceptance of the office 
 of mandamus counsellor in 1774. But this was an unpardonable 
 offence in the eyes of the sons of liberty. It was, however, unsoli- 
 
if 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 507 
 
 cited, unexpected, and accepted with great reluctance, being stren- 
 uously pressed upon hiL ^j the leaders of the loyalist party ; and 
 as most of those who had been appointed his colleagues, living in 
 the country, were compelled by popular excitement to decline the 
 office, he was led to believe that residing in Boston, then garrisoned 
 by an army, he had no such apology for shrinking from the service, 
 aad accordingly sacrificed inclination to a conscientious sense of 
 duty. In October, 1774, the royal government being ended in fact, 
 the provincial congress resolved, " that no more taxes he paid to 
 him," and soon after made choice of Henry Gardner for his suc- 
 cessor. This authority he could not be expected to recognise ; he 
 therefore retained the books and files at his office, till the evacuation 
 by the British troops, and then left them in exemplary order ; they 
 are slill in the public archives of Massachusetts, and show the mo- 
 del of a faithful state treasurer. He might perhaps have been jus- 
 tified in retaining a lien upon these as a security against loss and 
 damage to a very valuable real and personal estate which he left, 
 and which was soon after confiscated ; but his high sense of official 
 duty forbade his recourse to any such precaution, and he withdrew 
 from a country which he loved not less than did those who stayed 
 at home, taking nothing which belonged to the public ; but being 
 himself a creditor to many of the principal persons among the sons 
 of liberty, at the head of whom was John Hancock, who owed him 
 a large sum for borrowed money, no part of which would he pay 
 in his lifetime, and of which a small part only was received from 
 his executors. "When the British fleet retired from Boston, Mr. 
 Gray, urged by a sense of duty, with the male members of his 
 family tore himself away from his adored and only daughter, Mrs. 
 S. A. Otis, and went to England, where he lived to a great age 
 upon a small pension from the British government. 
 
 Perhaps no man among the many excellent persons who went 
 into exile at that time, was more beloved and regretted by his po- 
 litical enemies ; for a more genuine model of nature's nobleman 
 never lived. 
 
 J. FISHER. 
 John Fismek, Esq,, collector of Salem in 1768, a brother-in-law 
 of Gov. Wentworth, of New Hampshire j a refugee, he was employed 
 
 ■v I 
 
 i 1 
 
 ' •ii 
 
508 
 
 BIOOBAFHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 as secretary to Lord George Germaine, the American secretary, on 
 the departure of Mr. Thompson (Count Rumford) to America, in 
 which office he was succeeded by Mr. Adam Woolridge in 1781. 
 
 E. OXNARD. 
 Edward Oxnard, Esq., graduated at Harvard College in 1767 ; 
 afterwards a merchant at Falmouth, (Portland,) Maine, and a tem- 
 porary reader at the Episcopal church at that place, from the de- 
 parture of Mr. Wiswall in May, 1775, to the burning of the town. 
 He was a refugee during the contest ; was proscribed in the ban- 
 ishment act in 1778, and returned at the close of the Revolution, 
 and again embarked in commercial pursuits. He died July 2, 1803. 
 
 JUDGE BLISS. 
 Hon. Jonathan Bliss was born at Springfield, which he repre- 
 sented in the assembly of Massachusetts. He graduated at Harvard 
 College in 1763, and attended Lord Percy to Concord on the 19th 
 April, 1775 ; was a proscribed refugee by the banishment act of 
 1778 ; he had been one of the " rescinders" in Gov. Bernard's ad- 
 ministration. He married a daughter of Col. John Worthington, 
 of Springfield, a loyalist; another daughter married the Hon. 
 Fisher Ames. He became chief justice of New Brunswick, his as- 
 sociates, being Ward Chipman, and Edward Winslow, refugees, 
 and sons of Harvard. He died at Fredericton, N. B., 1822, aged 
 eighty years. 
 
 GENERAL RUGGLES. 
 
 Timothy Ruggles, born in Rochester, Massachusetts, Oct. 1711, 
 eldest son of Rev. Timothy Ruggles, of that place, graduated at 
 Harvard College, 1732, and soon after commenced the study of the 
 law. He represented his native town in the provincial assembly 
 at the age of twenty-five, and procured the passage of an act still 
 in force, prohibiting sheriffs from filling writs. He practised some 
 years in Rochester, when he removed to Sandwich. His reputation 
 was so great that he was early and frequently employed in the ad- 
 joining counties of Barnstable and Bristol, and was the principal 
 antagonist of Col. Otis in causes of importance. He occasionally 
 attended the courts in Worcester early in his professional career. 
 He removed to Hardwick as early as 1763. In 1757 he was ap- 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 509 
 
 pointed judge, and in 1762 chief justice of the common pleas, which 
 he held till the Revolution. He was also surveyor-general of the 
 king's forests, an office of profit, attended with but little labor. 
 Besides professional employment, he was engaged in military and 
 political occupations. In 1756, he was a colonel in the army un- 
 der Sir William Johnson, in the expedition against Crown Point. 
 In September of the same year, he was next in command to John- 
 son at the battle of Lake Geerge, where the French army, under 
 Baron Dieskau, met a signal defeat. He was actively engaged in 
 the campaigns of 1756-'57, and in the following year, with the 
 commission of brigadier-general, was under Lord Amherst, and 
 served with him in his expedition against Canada in 1759-'60. 
 
 Gen. Ruggles was speaker of the provincial assembly in 
 1762-'63. In consequence of the grievous exaction of the British 
 government, delegates were chosen by the legislature to meet the 
 delegates from the other colonies at New-York, to seek out some 
 public relief from immediate and threatened evils, by a representa- 
 tion of their sufferings to the king and parliament. Gen. Ruggles 
 was chosen as one of the delegates on the part of Massachusetts, 
 .md was president of that celebrated congress of distinguished men 
 from nine of the colonies. At this meeting, October 19, 1765, an 
 address to the king was voted, and certain resolves framed, setting 
 forth the rights of the colonies, and claiming an entire exemption 
 from all taxes, excepting those imposed by the local assemblies. 
 Gen. Ruggles refused his concurrence in the proceedings, for which 
 he was censured by the house of representatives, and was repri- 
 manded by the speaker in his place. Hutchinson says, when he 
 consented to be a delegate, he expected nothing more would be 
 required of him than was expressed in the vote of the assembly, 
 and left the house in order to prepare for his journey ; that after- 
 wards, on learning that the house had voted to instruct the dele- 
 gates to insist upon the exclusive right of the colonies to tax 
 themselves, he determined not to serve, but was finally prevailed 
 with by his friends. In 1774, he was made mandamus counsellor, 
 accepted and was qualified. Continuing firm in his adherence to 
 the loyalist party, with whom were all his predilections, he was 
 compelled to leave the country, and all his large estates were con- 
 fiscated. He remained in Boston during the siege; afterwards 
 
 :!!•: ! 
 
 i:,^, 
 
 '.; r 
 
510 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 spent a few months on Long Island, and then went to Nova Scotia, 
 where he died in 1798, aged 87. Few in the province were more 
 distinguished, and few more severely dealt with in the bitter con- 
 troversies preceding the Revolution ; as a military officer he was 
 distinguished for cool bravery and excellent judgment and science 
 in the art of war, and no provincial officer was held in higher 
 esteem for those qualities. His appearance was commanding and 
 dignified, being much above the common size ; his wit ready and 
 brilliant ; his mind clear, comprehensive and penetrating ; his 
 judgment was profound, and his knowledge extensive. His abili- 
 ties as a public speaker placed him among the first of his day ; and 
 had he been so fortunate as to embrace the popular sentiments of 
 the times, there is no doubt he would have been ranked among 
 the leading characters of the Revolution. 
 
 D. OLIVER. 
 
 Daniel Oliver, Esq., son of Chief Justice Peter Oliver, a 
 learned and accomplished lawyer of Worcester county, graduated 
 at Harvard College in 1762. A refugee loyalist of the Revolution, 
 he died at Ashted, Warwickshire, May 6, 1826, aged 82. His 
 father was an antiquarian, and copied with his own hand Hub- 
 bard's manuscript History of New England, which the son refused 
 the loan of to the Massachusetts Historical Society for publication 
 in their Collections. 
 
 MAJOR BRATTLE. 
 
 Thomas Brattle, graduated at Harvard College in 1760 ; an 
 absentee, proscribed in the act of 1778 ; long after his return from 
 England, he remained at Newport, R. I., his fate being in suspense. 
 He finally recovered his confiscated house and grounds at Cam- 
 bridge J he died Feb. 7, 1801, aged 59. 
 
 SAMUEL PORTER. 
 
 Samuel Porter, Esq., an eminent attorney at law, of Salem, 
 Massachusetts ; graduated at Harvard College in 1763 ; an ad- 
 dresser of Gov. Hutchinson in 1774, and a rffugee to England j was 
 proscribed in the banishment act of 17' , and died in London, 
 June, 1798. 
 
 ton: 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 Ml 
 
 DR. AUCHMUTY. 
 Rev. Samuel Auchmutv, D. D., brother of Robert Auchrauty, 
 Esq., of Boston, graduated at Harvard College in 1742 ; was 
 rector of Trinity church, New-York. The degree of D. D. was con- 
 ferred on him by Oxford University ; he died March 3, 1777. His 
 son. Sir Samuel Auchrauty, G. C. B., a lieut. general in the British 
 army, died in 1822. 
 
 JUDGE AUCHMUTY. 
 Hon. Robert Auchmuty, of Boston, judge of the admiralty court 
 in 1768 ; was a brother of the Rev. Dr. Samuel Auchmuty, rector of 
 Trinity church. New- York, who died in 1777. Their father was also 
 a judge of the admiralty court. The son appeared once after his 
 appointment, says Eliot, in defence of, Captain Preston and his 
 soldiers, and his argument w^as described as so memorable and per- 
 suasive, " as almost to bear down the tide of prejudice against him, 
 though it never swelled to a higher flood." He was a zealous 
 loyalist, and died in England ; he wrote some of the obnoxious 
 letters to Mr. Whately, surreptitiously obtained with those of the 
 governor and others. 
 
 KEV. J. TROUTBECK. 
 John Troutbeuk was assistant minister at King's chapel, Bos- 
 ton ; a refugee, he died in exile some time before November, 1783. 
 
 DR. OLIVER. 
 
 Peter Oi ueb, of Salem, third son of Lieut. Governor Andrew 
 Oliver, a rtiuiioe, was driven into Boston in 1775 ; signed the ad- 
 dress to Gov. Gage; died in London, April 4, 1795; surgeon in 
 the British army. His widow, (daughter of Col. Peter Frye), was 
 afterwards married to Admiral Sir John Knight, and died at her 
 seat at Camberwell near London. 
 
 REV. J. WISWALL. 
 John Wiswall, son of the grammar scnool master of Boston 
 of the same name, graduated at Harvard College in 1749, and was 
 the first minister of the first Episcopal church at Portland, Maine, 
 in 1764. When Capt. Mowatt's little squadron lay in the harbor, 
 April, 1775, to which the town (then called Falmouth) shortly 
 
 >i 
 
 
512 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 II 
 
 after owed its destruction, Mr. Wiswall's intimacy as well as that 
 of some other citizens with its officers, procured his arrest and close 
 examination by the committee of safety. In May he left his people 
 and the place, and never returned. He was proscribed in the 
 banishment act of 1778. Mr. Wiswall was a curate at Oxford, 
 in 1781. After the peace he came to Nova Scotia, and was in- 
 duced at their urgent request to take charge of a portion of his 
 former flock, with other emigrants from the United States gathered 
 at Cornwallis in that province. 
 
 COLONEL HCKMAN. 
 
 Benjamin Pickman, Esq. was born at Salem in 1740 ; graduated 
 at Harvard College in 1759. He was a merchant in early life, a 
 representative of the provincial assembly, and commandant of the 
 first regiment of Essex county. He did not take a popular view of 
 the subject of revolution, but left the country at the commencement 
 of it, and consequently was proscribed, and his estate included in 
 the confiscation act ; but after his return from England a portion 
 of it was recovered, not however without much difficulty. Col. 
 Pickman married a daughter of Dr. Toppan of Boston, and died at 
 his native place in April, 1819, aged 79. He was a son of the 
 Col. Pickman who died at Salem, in 1773, aged 66 ; a member of 
 the provincial council and judge of the common pleas, whose 
 sisters married Curwen, Ward, and Ropes, the father of Judge 
 Ropes, and whose brother Samuel was governor of Tortola. 
 The first mentioned Col. Pickman left a number of children. The 
 late Dr. Thomas Pickman, who graduated at Harvard College in 
 1791, was one, whose first wife was a daughter of Jonathan 
 Haraden, Esq., a distinguished naval commander during the Revo- 
 lution, on the side of America ; and after her death, Miss 
 Palmer, granddaughter of Hon. Joseph Palmer, president of the 
 Massachusetts provincial congress of 1776. William Pickman, 
 Esq., another son, resides in Salem ; and Col. Benjamin Pickman, 
 who graduated at Harvard College in 1784, and immediately com- 
 menced his travels by the way of England. He married a 
 daughter of Elias llasket Derby, Esq. ; was extensively and suc- 
 cessfully engaged in commerce ; represented Essex south district 
 in congress ; and for several years the county, in the senate of the 
 state- His philanthropy was unbounded, and Salem has sustained 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 513 
 
 suc- 
 
 strict 
 
 the 
 
 jined 
 
 a great loss by his removal to Boston, to reside with the widow 
 of his son Col. Benjamin T. Pickman, late president of the senate of 
 Massachusetts ; — she is a niece of the Rev. Isaac Smith, so often 
 referred to in the body of this work. 
 
 It is a remarkable coincidence, that of four successive genera- 
 tions, the eldest sons bearing the same name have been colonels, 
 and three of them in command of the same regiment. The last 
 mentioned was for several years at Jilxeter academy, and com- 
 pleted a commercial education in the counting-house of Messrs. P. 
 and H. Le Mesurier and Co., of London, preparatory to establi.:h- 
 ing himself in mercantile business at Boston. He was an aid-de- 
 camp of Gov. Brooks ; and like all his above-mentioned ancestors, 
 possessed a great share of public spirit, and a dignity and elegance 
 of manner rarely attained ; his many virtues array themselves be- 
 fore the writer on every recollection of the friend of his youth. 
 
 COL. FRYE. 
 Peter Frye, Esq., of Salem, was born in Andover, and gradu- 
 ated at Harvard College in 1744. He was a judge of the common 
 pleas and register of probate for Essex county, and colonel of 
 the first regiment. He was for several successive years a repre- 
 sentative in the provincial assembly, and was one of the seventeen 
 noted " rescinders^ in February, 1768 ; a term of reproach applied 
 to the minority, whose votes sustained Gov. Bernard in his demand 
 that an obnoxious vote be rescinded, at the Earl of Hillsborough's 
 request. In the event of refusal he was directed to dissolve the 
 assembly. The vote repelling the demand was 92 to 17. Col. 
 Frye adhered to government, and was a refugee in 1775. He 
 married a daughter of Col. Pickman, of Salem. His daughter 
 Love married Dr. Peter Oliver, and afterwards Admiral Sir John 
 Knight, K. C. B., and died ..t her seat at Caraberwell, near Lon- 
 don, in 1839. Col. Frye died also at the residence of his daugh- 
 ter, on the 1st of February, 1820, aged 97. He was* included 
 among the banished by law in September, 1778. 
 
 SAMUEL WATERHOUSE. 
 
 Samuel Waterhouse, Esq., was appointed collector of the cus- 
 toms for Boston, in 1772 ; a loyalist in 1776 ; he retreated to Phila- 
 
 65 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 I* '' 
 
614 
 
 BIOOSAPHICAL N0TICE8. 
 
 delphia soon after the battle of Lexington ; was an absentee, and 
 included in the proscription act of September, 1778. ■ .• . 
 
 JUDGE PUTNAM. 
 
 Hon. JaImes Putnam, born in 1725, in the part of Salem now 
 called Danvers, was a relative of the distinguished patriot General 
 Israel Putnam ; he graduated at Harvard College in 1746 ; studied 
 law with Judge Trowbridgff, who was ever his friend and associ- 
 ate. He commenced practice at Worcester, where his office was 
 soon thronged with clients, whose confidence he ever retained. 
 He became eminent as a well-read lawyer, skilful in pleading and 
 safe in counsel. He «vas appointed attorney-general of the prov- 
 ince when Jonathan Sewall was raised to the bench of the court 
 of admiralty, and was the last under the provincial government- 
 Putnam Was a firm and zealous loyalist, anu .ook refuge in Bos- 
 ton, accompanied the British army to New-York, thence to Halifax, 
 where he embarked for England in 1776. 
 
 On the organization of the government of the province of New 
 Brunswick in 1783, he was appointed a member of his majesty's 
 counsel, and a judge of the superior court. He resided in the city of 
 St. John's, and continued in office till his death, which occurred 23d 
 Oct., 1789. 
 
 He was stern ds a judge, but patient and inflexibly just. Re- 
 served in private life, his wit and humor were irresistible. It was said 
 (to Charles S. Putnam, Esq., of Fredericton, a descendant) by a suc- 
 cessor on the bench, that he was " an unerring lawyer, never astray, 
 and I am inclined to think, the best lawyer in J^orth America.''^ 
 
 DR. RUSSELL. 
 
 Dr. Charles Russell, son of Hon. James Russell, of Charles- 
 town, succeeded to his uncle Judge Chambers Russell's estate at 
 Lincoln ; graduated at Harvard College, 1757 ; ;flarried Elizabeth, 
 only child of Col. Henry Vassall, of Cambridge ; sailed for Mar- 
 tinique in April, 1775 ; was proscribed in the Massachusetts ban- 
 ishment act of 1778 ; was a physician at Antigua, where he died 
 in 1780. 
 
 ofi 
 
 ii 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 615 
 
 JOHN VASSALL. 
 
 John Vassall, Esq., Cambridge, graduated at Harvard College 
 1757 [son of Col. John Vassall, who graduated in 1732] ; the noble 
 mansion he built became Washington's head-quarters in 1775-6. 
 He lived in princely style there, but, having taken a very active part 
 to uphold the royal cause in vain, he resigned all to the ravagers ; 
 and large estates being still left to hira in Jamaica, went with his 
 family to England. His loyalty went so far that he would not use 
 on his arms the family motto, " sape pro rege, semper pro repub- 
 lica." Of his four sons, Spencer, the eldest, rose to be a lieut. 
 colonel in his majesty's service, and his gallantly at the assault on 
 Monte Video, where he fell, Feb., 1807, won for him abundant praise. 
 
 He was proscribed by the Massachusetts assembly in the ban- 
 ishment act, Sept., 1778; and died at Clifton, England, October 2d, 
 1797, aged 60, immediately after rising from a hearty dinner. His 
 widow died there, March 31, 1807. 
 
 LIEUT. GOV. T. OLIVER. 
 
 Hon. Thomas Oliver, the last colonial lieut. governor of Mas- 
 achusetts, a native of Dorchester, graduated at Harvard College 
 .(753. In 1774 he was made lieut. governor, as well as manda- 
 mus counsellor, but his life had been previously so retired, and his 
 habits and tastes so much in unison, as to give some color to the 
 rumor of the day, that Thon^as had been mistaken for Peter (the 
 thief justice) in making out the commission. He is spoken of by 
 the few who remember him, as a model of affability and courtesy. 
 He married a daughter of Col. John Vassall j built and occupied 
 the elegant mansion in Cambridge, long the residence since of Gov. 
 Gerry. Col. Oliver was a refugee, and included in the proscription 
 act of September, 1778. He died at Bristol, England, Nov. 29, 
 1815, aged 82. He was a man of letters, and lived in the shades 
 of retirement while he was in Europe. 
 
 CAPT. POYNTON. 
 
 Thomas Povnton, of Salem, Massachusetts. His windows were 
 broken by the mob, because he refused to recant for addressing 
 Gov. Hutchinson ; retreated to England in 1775, where he died. 
 
 T. danforth. 
 
 Thomas Danforth, Esq., son of Judge Danfortw, of Cambridge, 
 
 
516 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 where he graduated in 17 o2 ; pursued the profession of the law at 
 Charlestown till the Revclution, when he became a refugee. He 
 ended his course in London, April, 1820, where he practised many 
 years in his profession. He w<^s proscribed in the act of Massachu- 
 setts, Sept,, 1778. 
 
 Ill 
 
 H ' 
 
 :*<i|l 
 
 tl^ 
 
 CHIEF JUSTICE OLIVER. 
 Hon. Peter Oliver, LL. D., chief justice of Massachusetts, and 
 brother of Lieut. Governor Andrew Oliver. Their father was the 
 Hon. Daniel Oliver, of Boston, a member of the council, distin- 
 guished alike for his piety, public spirit and philanthropy. Judge 
 Oliver was born in 1713, and graduated at Harvard College in 
 1730. He was appointed to the supreme bench of the province 
 September 15, 1756. His residence was at Middleborough. On 
 the appeal made to the judges by the general assembly in Febru- 
 ary, 1774, whether they had received any part of their allowance 
 from the king, he alone of all the judges dared to brave popular 
 sentiment, and answered that he " had accepted the king's bounty, 
 and could not refuse it in future without royal permission." This 
 caused the concentrated weight of indignation to fall upon him. 
 The assembly voted that he had rendered himself obnoxious to the 
 people as an enemy, and immediately presented a petition for his 
 removal. Articles of impeachment for high crimes and misde- 
 meanors were exhibited, which Gov. Hutchinson refused to coun- 
 tenance. The grand jury at Worcester, on the 19th of April fol- 
 lowing, presented to the court a written refusal to serve under the 
 ch-ef justice, considering it illegal for him to preside until brought 
 to answer to the above-mentioned charges. He became a refugee 
 in 1775, and died at Birmingham, England, in October, 1791, aged 
 79. His son Peter died at Shrewsbury, England, in 1822, aged 81. 
 
 JUDGE RUSSELL. 
 Hon. Chambers Russell, son of Hon. Daniel Russell, of Charles- 
 town, Massachusetts, graduate at Harvard College in 1731. 
 Was a representative from Linc(jln in the legislature ; afterwards 
 a judge of the supreme court of Massachusetts, from 1752 to 1761 ; 
 also a judge of admiralty. He died Nov. 24, 1767, aged 54, in 
 London, whither he went in pursuit of health. 
 
mi 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 517 
 
 DR. LLOYD. 
 
 James Lloyd, M. D., was born at Lloyd's Neck, Long Island, 
 (New-York,) in 1728 ; a son of Henry and grandson of James 
 Lloyd of Boston, who died there in 1693. At the age of seventeen 
 he removed to Boston, where his two elder brothers were settled j 
 one of them was agent of purchases for the British government, 
 and held the office at the commencement of the Revolution. Here 
 he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Clarke, and after 
 completing his studies in Paris, he commenced practice in 1752. 
 He was soon after surgeon of the garrison in Castle William 
 in Boston harbor, and was in extensive practice in the town and 
 vicinity, before the arrival of the troops in 1775, under command 
 of Sir William Howe, who sought out and renewed his acquaint- 
 ance with Dr. Lloyd, his former physician. Sir W^illiam and Earl 
 Percy became his tenants, having rented an adjoining estate (late 
 Gardner Green, Esq.'s) then under his care, belonging to his 
 relative Mr. Vassall. 
 
 Immersed in the labors of his profession, and interfering no fur- 
 ther in politics than an expression of his sentiments ; not theorizing 
 as to the future, and seeing the country at large generally happy 
 and increasing, it is not surprising that with many other patriotic 
 men. Dr. Lloyd should have thought that the time for final separa- 
 tion from the mother country had not arrived, and that a course 
 less decisive might have procured a redress of grievances without 
 passing through the hazards of a revolution. Events may have 
 proved the errors of these opinions, but as the results of an honest 
 independence of judgment, they were never disguised by Dr. Lloyd. 
 He was an addresser of Gov. Gage in 1775, and consequently a 
 loyalist, though never molested. In 1785 he protested against the 
 alteration of the liturgy at King's Chapel, Boston. He died at 
 Boston in March, 1810, " full of years and full of honors ; an orna- 
 ment to his profession, an exainple to his survivors, with the esteem 
 of all who knew him, and the blessing of those ready to perish." 
 He left a daughter, Mrs. Sarah Borland, relict of Leonard Vassall 
 Borland, and a son worthy of such a father, the late Hon. .lames 
 Lloyd, LL. D., who for many years represented Massachusetts in 
 the senate of the United States. 
 
 W 
 
 f 
 
 T 
 
 lJI 
 
 li 1 
 
 ■1 
 
 I I' 
 
518 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 F. WALDO. 
 
 Francis Waldo, second son of General Waldo of Portland, 
 Maine ; he was a representative of Falmouth, now Portland, in 
 1761-2, and the first collector of that port. He graduated at Har- 
 vard College in 1747 ; was a refugee in 1775, and died in Kent, 
 England, May 9, 1784. 
 
 B. HALLOWELL. 
 
 Benjamin Hallowell, Esq., a comptroller of the customs, Bos- 
 ton, but resided at Medford; went to England a refugee ; at the 
 peace returned to America and resided in Canada, where his 
 (laughter married Chief Justice Elmsly, and now resides at Toronto, 
 a widow, with her son and daughter. 
 
 D. BLISS. 
 
 Daniel Bliss, Esq., eldest son of Rev. Samuel Bliss, of Con- 
 cord, born in 1740 j graduated at Harvard College in 1760; stud- 
 ied law with Abel Willard, Esq., and was admitted to the bar 
 May, 1765. He married a daughter of Col. John Murray, of Rut- 
 land. He had a high standing at the bar, being well versed in his 
 profession, and enjoying a good reputation as a general scholar, 
 and as a man of high moral and religious principle. He was early 
 imbued with principles favorable to the prerogative ; but was never 
 a bitter, nor even a warm partisan. He was urged to join the 
 popular party, but his oath of allegiance awakened scruples of con- 
 science, and his family ties, friendship, and society, gave force to 
 his objections. He repaired to Boston with his family a few days 
 before the commencement of hostilities, and thence with the British 
 troops to Quebec. He was appointed commissary of the army, and 
 for not making use of the facilities and opportunities which the 
 office afforded for speculation, all he got for his honesty was, as he 
 told a friend, to be laughed at by the British officers. 
 
 At the close of the war, he settled at Fredericton, New 
 Brunsw:ck, where he sustained the office of chief justice of the 
 inferior court, and resided till the time of his death in 1806. He 
 revisited his native state, and would gladly have spent his days 
 there in the midst of his early associations, but the decree of gov- 
 ernment was an effectual barrier to it. 
 
 in 
 
New 
 )f the 
 He 
 days 
 gov- 
 
 BIOGRAFHICAL NOTICES 
 
 519 
 
 He possessed an active and sprightly mind, with great fluency 
 and fascination in conversation. Of his sons, the elder, in the 
 British army, resides in Ireland; the younger, John Murray Bliss, 
 is a distinguished judge in New Brunswick. 
 
 COL. UPHAM. 
 
 Joshua Upham, Esq., the son of Dr. Upham, of Brookfield, was 
 born in that town in 1741. He was graduated at Harvard Univer- 
 sity in 1763,* in a class with several who afterwards acted impor- 
 tant parts on the general stage. One of the first woollen factories 
 ever attempted in this country he established in 1768, at Brookfield. 
 On finishing his professional studies, he was admitted to the bar 
 in Worcester, August, 1765. He commenced practice in his 
 native town, and pursued his business with successful assiduity in 
 the courts, till 1776, or the following year. He removed from 
 Brookfield to Boston, where he resided till 1778, and thence to 
 New-York, where he continued during the remainder of the war. 
 While in New-York he was aid-de-camp to Sir Guy Carleton, and 
 before he left the British army, became a colonel of dragoons. . 
 
 On the organization of the government of the province of New 
 Brunswick, in 1784, Upham, who had been one of the first settlers 
 there, returned to his favorite science, the law. He was appointed 
 judge of the highest court in the province, and sustained the impor- 
 tant and responsible duties of his office with industry and ability. 
 
 In 1807, he was selected by his brethren on the bench to visit 
 England, for the purpose of obtaining from the government a more 
 perfect organization and arrangement of the judiciary in the British 
 American provinces. He fully succeeded in the object of his ap- 
 pointment, but did not live to return to his country. He died in 
 London in the year ISOS.f While in London, he enjoyed the 
 
 • The late Timothy Pickering was his class-mate and room-mate. The' 
 early friendship survived the bitter and hostile spirit that grew up inter parict 
 iu the revolutionary war. On the return of peace, they renewed their cor- 
 respondence, which is said to have been of an atfectionate and delightful 
 character. 
 
 t He was buried in the church of Mary-le-bone. Judge Upham was twice 
 married. His first wife was a daughter of Col. Murray of Rutland ; and the 
 second a daughter of Hon. Joshua Chandler, of New-Huven. 
 
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 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 
 friendship of Mr. Palmer, who afterwards bequeathed his valuable 
 library to our university, of Sir John Wentworth, Sir William 
 Pepperell, Lord Dorchester, and Mr. Percival.* 
 
 Judge Upham held a high rank as counsellor and advocate ; 
 he had a great command of language ; not a mere flow of words, 
 but the music and harmony of arrangement and style ; the well of 
 English undefiled, and adorned with classical elegance. He pos- 
 sessed, in a remarkable degree, that rare talent, fine powers of 
 conversation, of which Lord Bacon laid down the true rule, and 
 indulged occasionally in a happy vein of satire. With brilliancy 
 and wit,t he united many virtues, and a sound judgment. " The 
 prevailing excellence of his character," to use the words of one 
 who fondly cherishes his memory, " was a benignity of spirit, 
 which seemed to affect 'he exercises of his intellect, as well as of 
 his affections." 
 
 Judge Upham was pleasing in his person and address, while he 
 was imbued with all that grace which comes before education, 
 and which education can hardly bestow. Like Bliss, he was of 
 that peculiar class of the old school of manners, of which, pro- 
 bably, even the youngest among us have seen some surviving 
 specimens. 
 
 COL. WILLARD. 
 Abijah Willard, of that part of Lancaster now called Har- 
 vard, Worcester county, Massachusetts, where he was born in 
 1722 ; was appointed one of the mandamus counsellors, took re- 
 fuge at Brooklyn, Long Island, and at the close of the war settled 
 at Lancaster in New Brunswick, where he died, in May, 1789, 
 aged 67. His family returned to Lancaster, Massachusetts, after 
 
 * Mr. Petoival, then prime minister, a few days before he was assassinated, 
 gent to the son of Judge Upham £100 sterling to assist him in his education. 
 This son is the Rev. Charles W. Upham, now of Salem, Massachusetts, well 
 known by his historical writings. 
 
 t Major Garden, in his interesting volume of anecdotes of the war in the 
 southern department, relates an anecdote of Upham that may well be intro- 
 duced here. The British troops, it will be recollected, wore in red, and the 
 American in blue uniforms. " About the period of the final departure of the 
 British from New- York, an excellent repartee made by Major Upham, aid- 
 de-camp to Sir Guy Carleton, to Miss Susan Livingston, has been much cele- 
 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 521 
 
 his death. A son and daughter are now living at the homestead ; 
 the daughter was the second wife, and is now the widow of the 
 Hon. Benjamin Goodhue, late senator in Congress from Massachu- 
 setts. Mr. Willard was in the army in different grades, from the 
 taking of Louisburg to the peace of 1763. He was at the taking 
 of Quebec, where he commanded a regiment, and what is some- 
 what remarkable, he raised his regiment in thirty days, and was 
 ready to march for the reduction of Canada under Lord Amherst. 
 There were few in his station that did more for his country than 
 he, in civil or military capacity, until 1775, when the troubles with 
 the mother country commenced. He was the first person perse- 
 cuted for his loyalty in America, which induced him to reside 
 under the British government the remainder of his life. He never 
 bore arms against America ; though offered a colonel's commission 
 by Gen. Howe, he refused, saying, " he would never Jight against 
 his country." He was commissary to the British troops at New- 
 York, and much ridiculed by the officers for accounting to the 
 government for various items that loose commissaries had habitu- 
 ally appropriated to their own use as perquisites. 
 
 ABEL WILLARD. 
 Abel Willard, Esq., the earliest lawyer in the north part of 
 Worcester county, was the son of Col. Samuel Willard, of Lancas- 
 ter, who for some years was one of the judges of the court of common 
 pleas. The son was born at Lancaster, Jan. 12, 1732. graduated 
 at Harvard University in 1752, and studied law in Boston, with 
 Benjamin Pratt, the distinguished scholar and jurist, well known 
 at that period. He was admitted to the bar in Worcester, Novem- 
 ber term, 1755 ; he at once went into extensive business in his 
 native town, and devoted his time and opportunities to the profes- 
 sion till the period of the Revolution. His talents were quite 
 respectable ; he was regarded as a sound jurist, and much reliance 
 
 brated. ' In mercy, major,' said Miss Livingston, " use your influence with 
 the commander-in-chief to accelerate the evacuation of the city ; for, among 
 your incarcerated belles, your meschianza princesses, the scarlet fever must 
 continue to rage till your departure.' ' I should studiously second your 
 wishes,' replied the major, ' were I not apprehensive that, freed from the 
 prevailing malady, a worse would follow, and that they would be immediately 
 tormented with the blue devils.' " 
 
 66 
 
522 
 
 StOOEAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 IM't 
 
 was placed upon his opinion. No one was ever a greater bene- 
 factor in the neighborhood in which he lived ; instead of fomenting 
 quarrels, and lending himself to the complaint of every one who 
 might come to him with a list of grievances, he did all in his power 
 to check the angry passions of clients, and promote peace. He 
 would frequently accompany a client to the party complained of, 
 and succeed in reconciling their differences. Indeed, so far did he 
 overcome the prejudices of the many, then entertained against the 
 profession, that he was emphatically termed the honest lawyer. 
 Willard possessed that true modesty that ever marks the ingenuous 
 mind ; and, although of a cast of character approaching somewhat 
 to timidity, he was full of moral courage, of stern integrity, and 
 unyielding purity of principle. In his person he was tall and of 
 good figure. In his disposition he was mild and conciliating, and 
 his good qualities were marked in his benignant expression. 
 
 In September, 1770, he formed a partnership in his profession 
 with the late Judge Sprague, of Lancaster, which is believed to 
 have been the earliest connection of the kind in the county of 
 Worcester. He might have remained in that town in peace and 
 respect, and indeed with high personal consideration, during the 
 invading bitterness and the easily adopted suspicions and preju- 
 dices of our revolutionary struggle ; but, alarmed at the approach- 
 ing tempest, an^d with many others believing that it would 
 overwhelm every thing in its course, he resorted to Boston during 
 the impending danger, when the character of the contest became 
 at once fixed, and it was impossible again to pass the dividing line. 
 He left the country during the war, and died in England, Nov. 
 1781. His widow* survived him, and died in Boston but a few 
 years since. Col. Abijah Willard, before noticed, was his bro- 
 ther. 
 
 
 RUFUS CHANDLER. 
 
 RuFus Chandler, Esq., the son of Col. John Chandler, was 
 born at Worcester, May 18, 1747. He was fitted for college by 
 the Rev. Mr. Harrington, of Lancaster, and graduated at the uni- 
 
 * A daughter of the late Rev. Daniel Rogers of Littleton ; another daughter 
 was the wife of Samuel Parkman, Esq., of Boston, and Retr. Jonathan New. 
 hall of Stow.— Mdrtii of J. Willard at Worcester, 1829. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 m 
 
 was 
 
 versity 'n Cambridge in 1766 ; he commenced the study of the 
 law with James Putnam, and was admitted to the bar Nov. term, 
 1768. From that time till the closing of the courts in 1774, he 
 continued in the profession at Worcester. Like most of the influ- 
 ential family of his name, who had had extensive and almost 
 unbounded sway in that county ab primo origine, he adhered to the 
 royal party, and left the country during the war. He ever after- 
 wards resided in London as a private gentleman, till his death, 
 October 11th, 1823 ; he was proscribed by the act of 1778. He 
 was not distinguished for eloquence, nor for great intellectual 
 power, but he held a respectable rank in his profession, and gained 
 much praise in the practical parts of his business ; and for his neat- 
 ness, accuracy, and punctuality as an office lawyer. His fidelity 
 to his clients insured him their esteem, and a very considerable 
 amount of business. Through life he observed the strictest rules 
 of economy, the rather from a regard for such as had a right to 
 his aid, than from any love of money for its own sake. In his per- 
 sonal habits he was remarkably precise ; he was the nice man ; 
 he possessed great moral worth and purity, and a conciliating dis- 
 position.* 
 
 COMMODORE LORING. 
 
 Joshua Loring, of Dorchester, Mass., was one of the five com- 
 missioners of the revenue, and proscribed in the act of 1778 ; his 
 son Benjamin, who graduated at Harvard College in 1772, was an 
 absentee, but not proscribed ; his eldest son, Joshua Loring, jr., was 
 an addresser of Gov. Gage, and proscribed in 1778. — Commo- 
 dore Loring died an exile, in 1781. 
 
 ISAAC ROYALL. ^ 
 
 Hon. Isaac Royall, of Medford, was remarked by every one for 
 hu» timidity ; he halted between two opinions respecting the Revo- 
 lution, until the cannonading at Lexington drove him to Newbury- 
 port, where he embarked for Europe. He was a proscribed refugee, 
 and his estate, since that of Jacob Tidd, Esq., was confiscated. He 
 died of small pox in England, Oct. 1781. His bounty laid the first 
 professorship of law at Cambridge, and a legacy of plate to the first 
 
 * See Mr. Willard's Worcester Address. 
 
524 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 church at Medford shows that his regard for his country was not 
 weakened by distance, nor seared by proscription. He bequeath- 
 ed more than two thousand acres of land in Granby and Royalton, 
 in Worcester county, for the estabhshment of the aforesaid profes- 
 sorship. He was for twenty-two years a member of the council. 
 His virtues and popularity at first saved his estate, as his name was 
 not included with those of his sons-in-law, Sir William Pepperell 
 and George Erving., in the " conspirators' act," — but on the repre- 
 sentation of the selectmen of Medford, "that he went voluntarily to 
 our enemies," his property was forfeited and taken under the con- 
 fiscation act. He made bequests to Medford and Worcester, and 
 legacies to the clergymen. While a member of the house of repre- 
 sentatives, he presented the chandelier which adorns its hall. 
 
 SIR T. BERNARD. 
 
 Sir Thomas Bernard, Bart., D. C. L., third son of Sir Francis, 
 governor of Massachusetts, graduated at Harvard College 1767 ; 
 entered early at Lincoln's Inn, and was called to the bar in 1780 ; 
 made treasurer of the Foundling Hospital 1795. The death of his 
 brother (Sir John) in the West Indies, 1809, devolved a baronetcy 
 upon him. Oxford created him soon after a doctor of the civil 
 law. He was the active and liberal patron of various charities, 
 and author of divers small tracts, the best known of which " The 
 Comforts of Old Age," saw a fifth edition (12mo) in 1820. Sir 
 Thomas died at Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, July 1st, 1818. — 
 His sister, Mrs. King, was authoress of a volume entitled " Scripture 
 Characters ofFeraalesP 
 
 GEORGE ERVING. 
 
 George Erving, Esq., merchant of Boston, was a refugee includ- 
 ed in the conspirators' act ; married previously a daughter of Isaac 
 Royall, Esq., of Medford. He died in London, January 16th, 1806, 
 aged 70. 
 
 LORD G. GERMAINE. 
 
 Lord George Germaine, afterwards Lord Sackville, was tried 
 by court martial on account of his conduct at the battle'of Minden in 
 1759, and a. sgraced. To him has been attributed the authorship of 
 
BIOOaAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 685 
 
 Junius's Letters ; but it is hardly possible that an officer who had 
 been publicly pointed at and formally convicted by a court martial 
 as a coward, would pen the following remark of Junius respecting 
 himself: " His character is known and respected in Ireland as much 
 as it is here ; and I know he loves to be stationed in the rear as well 
 as myself." 
 
 He was secretary of state for the American department during 
 the war of the Revolution, and it is generallyjadmitted that his ad* 
 ministration was bad. 
 
 In a letter to LordjHowe, on his naval conduct, attributed to Lord 
 Sackville, he says, " Had your lordship and your brother saved the 
 northern army, which you had abundant power to do, the rebellion, 
 then in its infant state, must have been suppressed ; the war with 
 France and Spain had not happened ; and what is yet of more mo- 
 ment to the peace and safety of the empire, that faction, which is 
 daily distracting the councils of state and wrenching asuiJer the 
 union of power which is necessary to its safety, .iould nc. hide its 
 monstrous head in the dark cells of its own folly and treason." 
 
 Gen. Howe had fiiends in parliament, and Lord George Gei- 
 maine's orders and instructions were the subject of their n'lilippics ; 
 and they were powerful enough to make that minister fetn\?. 
 
 SIR W. DRAPER. 
 Sib William Draper rendered himself famous by his correspon- 
 dence with " Junius," in vindication of the character of the Marquis 
 of Granby as commander-in-chief ; for although as a writer he was 
 second only to Junius, he was foiled by him, and withdrew from the 
 contest extremely mortified. He soon after left England, arrived 
 at Charleston, S. C, in January, 1769, and travelled towards the 
 north as far as New- York, receiving every attention on his way. 
 At New-York he married Miss DeLancey,*" a /adyo/"grca^ connec- 
 tions there and agreeable endowments, ^^ £ . -p the London Magazine 
 for 1766. She died in 1778. In 1778 ii •" - . ,is appointed Governor 
 of Minorca. He built at Cliflon near Bristol a monument of taste, 
 and called it "Manilla House;" and he also erected in College 
 
 ♦ Daughter of James De Lancey, chitf justice and lieut. governor of New 
 York, who died in 1760. 
 
 ! « 
 
526 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 Green, Bristol, a mausoleum over the remains of his parents, whom 
 he delighted to honor. 
 
 SIR WM. PEPPERELL. 
 
 Sir William Pepperell, Bart., son of Col. Nathaniel Sparhawk, 
 of Kittery, and grandson of Sir William Pepperell, Baronet, the hero 
 of Louisburg, whose only daughter was mother of the subject of 
 this notice. He graduated at Harvard College in 1766, and was 
 for many years a member of the council of Massachusetts. After 
 the decease of his grandfather, (who adopted him on the death of 
 his only son Andrew,) he was created successor to his title in Oc- 
 tober, 1774. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Hon. Isaac Royall, 
 of Medford. He was a refugee, and proscribed in the act of 1778. 
 He died in Dorset-street, Portman-square, Dec. 2, 1816, aged 70, 
 having previously lost lady Pepperell and his only son William. His 
 daughters were married as follows : — Elizabeth to the Rev. Henry 
 Hutton, A. M., of London ; Mary to Sir William Congreve, and 
 Harriet to Sir Charles Thomas Palmer, Bart. — Lady Palmer and 
 Lady Congreve were living in 1832. 
 
 On the 16th Nov. 1774, in a county congress, held at Wells, 
 York counly,5Maine, he was denounced as follows in the fourth 
 resolution passed that day : 
 
 '• Resolved — Whereas the late Sir Wm. Pepperell, honored and 
 respected in Great Britain and America for his eminent services, 
 did honestly acquire a large and extensive real estate in this coun- 
 ty, and gave the highest evidence not only of his being a sincere 
 friend to the rights of man in general, but of having a paternal love 
 to this county in particular ; and whereas the said Sir William, by 
 his last will and testament made his grandson residuary legatee and 
 possessor of the greatest part of said estate, who hath, with purpose 
 to carry into force acts of the British parliament made with appa- 
 rent design to enslave the free and loyal people of this continent, 
 accepted and now holds a seat in the pretended board of counsel- 
 lors in this province, as well in direct repeal of (he charter thereof 
 as against the solemn compact of kings and the inherent rights of 
 the people. It is therefore resolved, that he Imth therefore forfeit- 
 ed the confidence and friendship of all true Iriends of American 
 liberty, and, with other pretended counsellors now holding their 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 527 
 
 seats in like manner, ought to be detested by all good men : and it , 
 is hereby recommended to the good people of this county, that as 
 soon as the present leases made to any of them by him are expired, 
 they immediately withdraw all connection, commerce and dealings 
 from him — and that they take no further lease or conveyance of his 
 farms and mills until he shall resign his seat pretendedly occupied 
 by mandamus. And if any persons shall remain or become his ten- 
 ants after the expiration of their present leases, we recommend to 
 the good people of this county not only to withdraw all connec- 
 tion and commercial intercourse with them, but to treat them in 
 the manner provided by the third resolve of this congress." 
 
 COL. DAVID PHIPS. 
 
 Col. David Phips, son of Lieutenant Governor Spencer Phips, 
 of Massachusetts, was gradu.it^d at Harvard College in 1741; 
 was colonel of the troop of guards in Boston, 1773 ; an addresser of 
 Gov. Hutchinson in 1774, and of Gage in '75; high sheriff of Mid-- 
 dlesex county in 1775. Driven into Boston, he went to England, 
 which country he left in April, 1777, for America, with Admiral 
 Montague, and afterwards served under General Knyphausen. His 
 house at Cambridge, afterwards Wm. Winthrop's, was confiscated. 
 He died in England, July 7, 1811, aged eighty-seven, styled in 
 the Gentleman's Magazine " Capt. David Phips, R. N." 
 
 His sisters married Andrew Bordman, Judge Joseph Lee, Col. 
 John Vassall, and Richard Lechmere, all magnates of Cambridge. 
 
 Several books of the British peerage represent the family of 
 the Marquis of Normanby (Lonl Mulgrave) as descended from 
 Sir William Phips, governor of Massachusetts in 1691. This is 
 a manifest error ; Sir William having no children adopted his 
 nephew Spencer Phips, (afterwards lieut. governor of Massa- 
 chusetts,) father of Col. Phips, the subject of this article. The 
 ancestor of Lord Mulgrave was Sir Constantine Phipps, an eminent 
 London lawyer in the reigli of Queen Anne. 
 
 JOSEPH (iALLOWAY. 
 
 JosKi'ii Galioway, an eminent lawyer and speaker of the assem- 
 bly of Pennsylvania ; a member of the first congress, 1774 ; changed 
 sides, and joined the British in New-York in December, 1776 j 
 
528 
 
 BIOOSAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 I 
 
 went to England, and with Gen. Robertson, in 1778, misrepresented 
 the state of the public miud and resources of the provinces. Col. 
 Trumbull, in a letter to Gov. Trumbull, dated Sept. 12, 1780, says : 
 " Mr. John Temple (afterwards Sir John, consul-general) has been 
 indefatigable in his endeavors to defeat the misrepresentations of 
 Gen. Robertson and Mr. Galloway at the bar of the bouse of com- 
 mons, and to convince this country of the impracticability of coer- 
 cing America. His acquaintances among the friends of America 
 are the Dukes of Richmond ^d Rutland, Mr. D. Hartley, Dr. 
 Price, Mr. Burke, etc., who pay great attention to his information." 
 He died in England, 1803, aged seventy-three years, after publish- 
 ing several works. Mr. Galloway appeared as an evidence against 
 Gen. Howe, in the house of commons, at the instance of Lord 
 Gocrge Germaine ; and Eliot says of Galloway : " Nothing can 
 exceed the perfidy of that satellite of the minister of war, whose 
 own ignorance and gross absurdities were more glaring than Gen. 
 Howe's." 
 
 BENJAMIN GRIDLEY. 
 
 Benjamin Gridley, Esq., graduated at Harvard College, 1751, 
 and practised law at Boston. He was an addresser of Gov. Gage; 
 proscribed in the act of September, 1778. 
 
 E. WILLIA>^S 
 
 Elijah Wiluams, Esq., attorney at law, of Deerfield, Massa- 
 chusetts, graduated at Harvard College, 1764 ; became an officer 
 in the British army, soon after the affair at Lexington, in April, 
 1775 ; returned in the spring of 1784, and received half pay during 
 life. Died in 1793, aged forty-seven. 
 
 J. JACKSON. 
 Hon. Jonathan Jackson was treasurer of Harvard College from 
 1807 to 1810, when he died. He was much esteemed as a man 
 of talents, integrity, and of amiable and courteous manners. 
 
 ADMIRAL WINTHKOP. 
 
 RouEur WiNTiiRor, vice-admiral in the British navy, was the 
 youngest son of John S. Winthrop, Es(j., of Ncv -London, Connec- 
 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 m 
 
 ticut, where he was born, Sept. 7, 1764. On his father's side, he 
 was a lineal descendant of the early governora of Massachusetts 
 and Connecticut, of the same name ;* his mother was Elizabeth, 
 daughter of William Sherriffe, Esq., of London, whose first hus- 
 band was Capt. John Hay, of the British army. After the death 
 of his father, young Winthrop, when fourteen years of age, left 
 New-London for New-York imder a flag of truce, consigned to 
 the care of a maternal uncle attached to the British force stationed 
 here, by whom a midshipman's warrant was obtained for him in 
 the royal navy. Of his subsequent career the following notice, 
 taken from an English publication,! furnishes an interesting though 
 concise account. 
 
 " May 10th, 183i?, died at Dover, of paralysis, aged seventy, 
 Robert Winthrop, Esq., vice-admiral of the blue. Mr. Winthrop 
 was a midshipman on board the Formidable, bearing the flag of 
 Sir George B. Rodney, in the memorable battle of April 12, 1782. 
 He was a lieutenant in 1790, and at the conquest of Martinique, in 
 1794, he commanded a battalion of seamen, attached to Prilice 
 Edward's brigade. In the spring of 1796, he commanded the 
 Albicore .sloop at the capture of St. Lucia ; and about the same 
 time, he captured near Barbadoes, I'Athenienne, French corvette, 
 of fourteen guns. He was afterwards appointed to the Undaunted 
 frigate, and in that ship had the misfortune to be wrecked, on the 
 Morant Keys, during a heavy gale of wind, August 27, 1796. His 
 post commission bore dale Dec. 16, following. 
 
 " Captain Winthrop's next appointment was to the Circe, of 
 twenty-eight guns, stationed in the North Sea ; and in June, 1798, 
 he served in the expedition sent against Ostend. Major General 
 Coote, who commanded the army employed on that occasion, has 
 recorded in his despatches, ' the indefatigable exertions and good 
 conduct' of Captain Winthrop, who superintended the landing of 
 the troops. Iii the summer of 1799, Capt. Winthrop was intrusted 
 
 * Tlio lino of (loscont wnd as follows : — 1. John Winflirop, first Rovcrnor 
 of Mnssaoliuscttg, (lU^d in lOli*. 2. .lolui Winthrop, jr. governor of Connecticut, 
 d. 1076. 3 Wait S, Wiiitlirop, ciiiof justice of the superior court of Mai- 
 •iichusctt«, a. 1717. 4. .lohn Winthrop, F.R. S., U. 1747. 5. John S. Win- 
 throp, fiitlier of the n'li-.iirnl, d. 1770. 
 
 t Goniluman's Magazine. London, 1632. 
 
 67 
 
 i 
 
 19 
 
 I 
 
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 ii 
 
 I. i 
 
 lil) 
 
 yi 
 
630 
 
 BIOORAFHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 with the command of a small squadron, employed on the coast of 
 Holland, the boats of which, in the night of the 27th of June, very 
 gallantly cut out twelve sail of merchantmen from the Wadde, 
 without having a man hurt, notwithstanding they were much 
 annoyed by the fire from the enemy's batteries and gun-boats. On 
 the 10th of July, the boats also cut out three more valuable vessels, 
 and burnt anothei" laden with stores. 
 
 ** In the following month the Circe assisted at the capture of the 
 Helder ; on which occasion all the Dutch ships lying in the Nieuwe 
 Diep, together with the naval magazine at the Nieuwe Werk, con- 
 taining a large quantity of stores, were taken possession of by 
 Captain Winthrop. This event led to the surrender of the 'inemy's 
 fleet in the Texel. In October of the same year, Capt. Winthrop's 
 boats, under his own immediate direction, carried off from the port 
 of Delfzel a sloop of war and schooner ; the Lynx of twelve guns, 
 and the Perseus of eight guns. 
 
 •' In the autumn of 1800, in the expedition against Ferrol, 
 Captain Winthrop commanded the Stag frigate, but v.hich was 
 unfortunately stranded in Vigo bay, on the 6th of September, and 
 was obliged to be destroyed by fire, after the stores had been 
 removed. 
 
 " On the renewal of war, after the peace of Amiens, Captain 
 Winthrop obtained the command of the Ardent, a sixty-four gun 
 ship, stationed on the coast of Spain ; where he drove on shore 
 La Bayonnaise, French frigate, of thirty-twc guns and two hundred 
 men, frora the Havana bound to Ferrol. The crew, to prevent 
 her being takt.-i possession of, set her on fire, by which she was 
 totally destroyed. The Ardent was subsequently employed off 
 Boulogne, under the orders of Lord Keith. From that ship he was 
 removed into the Sybille frigate, about July, '''05, a;id on the 3d 
 of May, 1807, he cnptured I'Olseau, French lettur-of-marque. In 
 the ensuing summer, he was appointed to the command of the 
 Dover district of cea-fencibles. He attained the rank of rear- 
 admiral in 180&., and of vice-admiral in 1830. 
 
 " Admiral \N iiithrop married, December 23, 1804, Miss Far- 
 brace, of Dover, oy w hom he has left a family ot two sons and 
 four unmarried daughters." 
 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 631 
 
 THOMAS LINDALL WINTHROP. 
 
 Thomas L. Winthrop, LL. D., half-brotber of the preceding, was 
 born at New-London, Conn., March 6, 1760. His mother was the 
 only daughter of Francis Borland, Esq., a merchant of Boston, and 
 granddaughter of Timothy Lindall, Esq., of Salem. Mr. Win- 
 throp began his collegiate course at Yale College, but finished it 
 at Harvard, where he graduated in 1780. Soon after taking his 
 bachelor's degree, he embarked at Nantucket for Amsterdam, in a 
 merchant ship, which was captured on the passage and carried 
 into an English port ; by permission of Admiral Duckworth, 
 however, he was allowed to visit London on his parole, and after- 
 wards travelled in the interior of the country, and on the continent. 
 At the close of the war, he returned to the United States with 
 Commodore Truxton, and engaged in commercial pursuits at Bos- 
 ton, where he continued to reside during the remainder of a long, 
 useful, and not unhonored life. 
 
 In 1786, Mr. Winthrop was married to Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Sir John Temple, and granddaughter of Governor Bowdoin. The 
 only son of the latter having no issue to perpetuate the family 
 name, Mr. Winthrop's second son, the late James Bowdoin, of 
 Boston, a gentleman of great personal worth and literary distinc- 
 tion, assumed it by the desire of his uncle, taking with the name a 
 large estate.* Another son of Mr. Winthrop, Hon. Robert C. 
 Winthrop, has recently represented the city of Boston in congress, 
 with distinguished reputation. 
 
 In politics Mr. Winthrop belonged to the old republican party ; 
 he was several times elected to the Massachusetts senate, and in 1826, 
 was chosen lieut. governor of the state, by the votes of both political 
 parties, which office he continued to fill by successive annual elec- 
 tions, until his retirement in 1832. He was an active and liberal pa- 
 tron of iiterat-, ind benevolent institutions, over MVtral of which he 
 jires'ded duriug ;ho latter part of his life. He was for a long period 
 an officer of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. At the 
 timeofhisil^cease he was president of the Ameri(..!n Antiquarian So- 
 ciety, the Massachusett: ''i^torical Society, and the State Agricul- 
 
 * ]\Ir. Umvdoin contributed many vuluabli tpers to the Collection- .; 
 the M "%. Hist. Society, being deeply coiivertuiii with tho eatly tustury 'A. 
 New EngUnd. 
 
 is; 
 
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532 
 
 BIOOKAPHICAIi NOTICES. 
 
 Ik^i. 
 
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 tural Society j and the libraries of the two former institutions were 
 greatly indebted to his liberality for many important additions to 
 their historical treasures. Governor Winthrop -xas also a member 
 of various other learned and economical iisstitiUions both in t^ua 
 country and Europe, with some of which he niaiinrihied a constant 
 correspondence. Indeed, the greater part of his time for several 
 years before his death was devoted to tht se objccLs, p.na to the 
 promotion of the religious and benovolent eirlerprises of the day. 
 He died universRlly beloved for his many virtues, and respected for 
 his public services, at his residence in Boston, on the 22d of Feb., 
 1841, having nearly completed the 'Mghty-flrst year of his ag i. 
 
 Governor Winth'op was iri his perscn tall and commaiuiing, 
 and remaikable for the elegance and suavity of h?> aaiirjers ; 
 c'ljoyuig an ample fortune, he lived in a style of geneious hospi- 
 tality, and for many years was in the habit of receiving at his table 
 luosi, strangers of consideration who visited the New England 
 i/'.tropolis. The members of the state legislature, and of the 
 nnjjerous dissociations with which he was connected, have reason 
 to remember the liberal character of his hospitable attentions ; and 
 the latter lost in him a munificent patron and benefactor. In his 
 religious opinions he was firm, but catholic and tolerant ; attached 
 to the communion of the Episcopal church, he died as he had lived, 
 a humble and sincere Christian. 
 
 N. GORHAM. 
 
 Hon. Nathaniel Gokham, born at Charlestown, Mass., 1738, 
 was often a member of the legislature, and in 1784 was elected to 
 congress, of which body he was afterwards president. He was 
 also a judge of the common pleas for several years, and assisted 
 in Ibrming the constitution of the United States, as a member of 
 the convention. His early advantages were only those of a com- 
 mon school, but possessing talents of a high order, he appeared to 
 advantage iu compariy with literary men. He at one time tnijaged 
 in mercantile pursuits, but left them for public life, in debate he 
 had independence enough to dissent froir. measures he disapproved, 
 and therefore he did not escape the obloquy of the ignorant, who 
 confounded all moderate men with those ,vho were unfriendly to 
 the cause of liberty, lit.' died in 1796. 
 
 m 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 533 
 
 DR. APTHORP. 
 
 Rev. East Apthorp, D. D,, born in Boston, 17.33, educated at 
 Cambridge, England ; took orders, returned, and was settled over 
 the church erected under his care at Cambridge, Massachusetts. 
 Here he published a pamphlet in defence of the conduct of the 
 " Society for Propagating the Gospel," which was attacked by 
 Dr. Mayhew, who was answered by Dr. Seeker, Archbishop of 
 Canterbury. This controversy rendered his situation irksome, and 
 he left for England. It was thought by many, that the establish- 
 ment of the Episcopal church at Cambridge was for the purpose 
 of converting the students, who were generally dissenters, and 
 with ulterior views, which excited the most acrimonious jealousy. 
 Dr. Apthorp was afterwards successively vicar of Croydon, and 
 rector of Bow church, London, which he exchanged for the pre- 
 bendary of Finsbury ; he had many friends among the dignitaries 
 of the church, and was generally beloved and respected. He mar- 
 ried a daughter of Foster Hutchinson, Esq., brother of Gov. Hutch- 
 inson. His only son was a clergyman. His daughters married Dr. 
 Cary and Dr. Butler, heads of colleges, and a son of Dr. Paley. — 
 His sisters were married to Dr. Thomas Bulfinch, of Boston, and 
 Robert Bayard, Esq., of New-York. He published two volumes of 
 Discourses on the Prophecies, delivered at the Warburton lecture, 
 Lincoln's Inn, and a volume in answer to Gibbon. The last 
 twenty-six years of his life he passed at Cambridge, England, with 
 almost total loss of sight j he died April, 18 16. 
 
 R. WARD. 
 
 Richard Ward, Esq., of Salem, son of Joshua Ward, one of 
 the jusucos for Essex county, first appointed on the establishment 
 of republican government in Massachusetts, was born in Salem, 
 Aprils, 174 i. He ardently espoused the popular cause with his 
 father, and opposed the arbitrary measures of parliament He was 
 a member of the committee of safety and protection during the 
 entire period of the Revolution, and under direction of Gen. Charles 
 liCe constructed at the neck the fort bearing his name, for the 
 defence -'f the haibor and town of Salem. He accompanied Col. 
 Pickering witli the regiment in which he was a subaltern officer as 
 
■V-f'7^-'''^^' 
 
 634 
 
 EIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 soon as the Lexington affair was known, to Medford, in order to 
 intercept the enemy, but they were not in season. They also took 
 up the line of march for the heights of Charlestown, on 17th June, 
 but arrived too late to participate in the affair of Bunker Hill. 
 
 His commission, dated at Watertown, June 6, 1776, as " cap- 
 tain of the third company of the frst regiment of Essex county, 
 whereof Timothy Pickering, jr., is colonel," vas granted " by the 
 major part of the council of the Massachusetts Bay, in Jfew Eng- 
 land," and by them signed during the interval between colonial 
 and republican government, on paper bearing the impress of the 
 crown and the sign manual of the king, with the colonial seal ap- 
 pended. The following are the signatures attached to it, and of 
 those who signed it, one was afterwards president of the continental 
 congress, and six weie governors and lieutenant-governors of Mas- 
 sachusetts : — viz., J. Bowdoin, J. Winthrop, Caleb Gushing, R. 
 Derby, Jr., T. Gushing, B. Lincoln, S. Holten, Jabez Fisher, Moses 
 Gill, B. White, Wiiliar^. Phillips, Benjamin Austin, John Whet- 
 comb, Henry Gardner, Daniel Davis, and D. Hopkins. Mr. Ward 
 had married the daughter of George Gurwen, in 1762, and owing 
 to her feeble health, the cares of his numerous family devolved upon 
 him ; and its imperative claims, as well as that of their uncle's 
 family, (the author of the foregoing Journal), pressed so heavily 
 that he was obliged, after having served with his regiment com- 
 manded by Col. Pickering in New-Jersey, under Washington, in 
 1777, to retire from the military service of his country. He was 
 for a long period at the head of the town government, and a 
 member of the state legislature, as well as an acting justice of the 
 quorum for Essex county many years. He was from the beginning 
 prof/ji/ient in the ranks of the anti-federal or old republican party, 
 but never a heated partisan. 
 
 Mr. Ward possessed great firmness and equanimity of temper, 
 and his suavity of manners and obliging disposition endeared him 
 to all. He died in November, 1824, in the eighty-fourth year of 
 his age, and a widowed daugfitcr only survives of his large family. 
 Children of his sons, George C, Samuel C, and Richard, are 
 living in different parts of the union. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 535 
 
 S. A. OTIS. 
 
 Hon. Samuel Allyne Otis, a brother of the Hon. James Otis 
 and General Joseph Otis, was born in 1741, and graduated at 
 Harvard College in 1759. He soon after became a merchant of 
 Boston. In 1776 he was first elected a representative to the gen- 
 eral court, and he was also a member of the convention which 
 framed the constitution of Massachusetts. During the Revolution 
 he was a member of the board of war. In 1787, he was one of the 
 commissioners to negotiate with the insurgents of " Shay's i?e- 
 hellion." He was elected a member of congress in 1788, and after 
 the adoption of the new constitution was secretary to the senate of 
 the United States, which office he filled with scrupulous fidelity and 
 suavity of manner, without being absent from his post a single day 
 during a period of thirty years, and till his death, amidst the colli- 
 sion of party strife, to the entire satisfaction of all. He died at 
 Washington, April 22, 1814, aged seventy -three. Mr. Otis was 
 first married to the only daughter of the Hon. Harrison Gray, re- 
 ceiver-general of Massachusetts, and afterwards to the widow. of 
 Edward Gray, Esq. His son, Samuel A. Otis, Esq., died at New- 
 buryport the same year with his father. His other sen is the Hon. 
 Harrison Gray Otis, of Boston, long the able and eloquent repre- 
 sentative of Massachusetts in the national senate. 
 
 S. GARDINER. 
 
 Sylvester Gardiner, M. D., was born at Nairagansett, Rhode 
 Island, in 1717 ; commenced the practice of medicine in Boston, 
 by which, and the importation of drugs, he accumulated great 
 wealth ; he also ir.herited an oxlensive landed estate in Maine. 
 He married the widow of William Eppes. Esq., of Virginia, who 
 was a daughter of Col. Benjamin Pickiuan, of Salem, Massachu- 
 setts, and died at Poole, England, lea'- >ng a son William Eppes, 
 who married a Miss Randolph, of Bristol, England, and whose son 
 is an assistant commissary-general of the British army ; a d. Jsrh- 
 ter, Love Eppes, who married Sir John Lester, of Poole, and Abi- 
 gail Eppes, who married Richard Routh, Esq., also a loyalist. 
 
 From his high standing and extensive acquaintance. Dr. Gar- 
 diner selected his associates from such as were congenial to his 
 taste, and his hous^ vvas the resort of the literary and scientific 
 
 I* 
 
 m. 
 
 
,^^- 
 
 536 
 
 BIOGKAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 m , 
 
 from both sides the Atlantic. Among his guests were Sir William 
 , Pepperell, Gov. Hutchinson, Earl Percy, Admiral Graves, Majors 
 Pitcairi ■■ d Small, and General Gage. The Revolution broke up 
 thes4 a .j;;!^' ions, and after the siege of Boston he sought shelter 
 at Halifax, and afterwards in England, where he passed with 
 heavy heart ten years of exile. For being a refugee, his large 
 estate and stores of drugs were confiscated, but owing to some er- 
 ror, his lands in Maine were recovered after his return, at the close 
 of the war. He closed his eventful life at Newport, Rhode Island, 
 August *",, 1786, in Iiis tjjtli j ear. The following tribute is inscribed 
 on a monument erected to bis memory at Gardiner, Maine : 
 
 Sacrum Memoriie 
 SYLVESTRIS GARDINER, 
 
 Qui natus, baud obscuro genere, in insula Rhodi, 
 
 Studuit Parisiis, et Bostoniaj diu medicinam feliciter 
 
 Exercuit. Postquam satis opum paravisset, 
 
 Navavit operam ad domandam ornandamque 
 
 Hanc orientalem regionem, tunc incultara. 
 
 Hie sylvas latu patentes evertit, molas omnigenas 
 
 ^dificavit, omnia rura permultis tuguriis ornavit, 
 
 Teraplum Deo erexit, 
 
 Atque hsec loca habitantibus pater-patriae dici 
 
 Profecto meruit. 
 
 Vir acerrimo ingenio, medicus sciens, 
 
 Maritus fidelis, pius in liberos, 
 
 In obeundis negotiis vigilans, sagax, indefessus, 
 
 Integer vita», in sacris Uteris doctus, 
 
 Christiana} fidei omnino addictus, 
 
 Eccksiffique Anglicana; observantissimus, 
 
 Mortuus est in insula Rhodi, 
 Anno Domini MDCCLXxxvr, atatis lxxix.' 
 
 Ut viri dt" ecclesia deque Republic^ optirae meriti 
 
 Memoriam commendaret posteris, suffique insuper 
 
 Erga a''um v-nciandum pietatis monuraentum extaret, 
 
 Honorarium hoc raarmor erexit, 
 
 Nepos hasresque, 
 Rubertus Hallowell Gardiner. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 537 
 
 DR. JEFFRIES. 
 Dr. John Jeffries, of Boston, son of David Jeffries, Esq., bom 
 Feb. 5, 1744 ; graduated at Harvard College in 1763 ; studied in 
 London, and was honored with the degree of M. D. at Aberdeen in 
 1769. He was a physician in Boston till the Revolution ; after- 
 wards surgeon of a ship in the British squadron in Boston harbor, 
 and attended the wounded at Bunker Hill; went to Halifax in 
 1776 as surgeon-general, and to England in 1779, and had in both 
 places professional employment under the crown. He recommenced 
 his regular medical life in London in 1780, and on the 7th Jan- 
 uary, 1785, he acquired a sort of eclat by crossing the English 
 channel with Blanchard in a balloon, when he landed in the forest 
 of Guines in France, which procured for him the attention of the 
 most distinguished personages of the day, and an introduction to 
 all the learned and scientific societies of Paris. He returned to 
 Boston in 1789, to an extensive practice ; and delivered the first 
 public lecture on anatomy, a branch of his profession of which he 
 was very fond. After a successful practice of fifty-three years, he 
 died at Boston on the 16th of September, 1819, aged seventy-six 
 years. 
 
 i! 
 
 C. PAXTON. 
 
 Charles Paxton, Esq., one of the commissioners of the customs, 
 and the writer of one of the obnoxious letters to Mr. Whately, 
 took refuge in England during the war. He was a pall-bearer at 
 Gov. Hutchinson's funeral in 1780. Of his subsequent career we 
 have no information. 
 
 LIEUT. GOV. GOLDEN. 
 
 Cadwallader Colden was born at Dunse, Scotland, 17th Feb., 
 1688 ; he was educated at the University of Edinburgh, and devo- 
 ted himself to medicine and mathematics, in both o) which he made 
 great proficiency. 
 
 He emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1708, wl er( he practised 
 physic for several years, and then returned to Great Britain, and 
 acquired reputation as a medical writer. He came a second time 
 to America in 1716, and after passing two years in Pennsylvania, 
 he settled at New-York, and the next year was appointed the first 
 
 68 
 
638 
 
 BIOOBAPUICAL NOTICE; 
 
 surveyor-general of the lands of the colony, and a master in chan- 
 cery. In 1720 he was a king's counsellor under Gov. Burnet. He 
 had resided on a tract of land, for which he received a patent, near 
 Newburgh on the Hudson, then on the frontier, where he was ex- 
 posed to attacks from the Indians. He was appointed lieut. gov- 
 ernor of New-York in 1761, and occupied this station during the 
 remainder of his life, being repeatedly at the head of affairs by the 
 absence or death of several governors. While acting governor, 
 the stamps arrived and were placed under his care in Fort George. 
 The people assembled in great numbers, determined to destroy 
 them ; but although the fort was pronounced untenable by engi- 
 neers, and the people threatened to kill him, he defended his trust, 
 and succeeded in securing it on board of a British man-of-war. 
 He was burnt in effigy by the populace, who destroyed his car- 
 riage. After Gov. Tryon's return in 1775, he retired to his seat 
 at Flushing on Long Island, whore he died Sept. 28, 1776, in his 
 89th year.* Mr. Golden wrote, besides numerous medical and bo- 
 tanical essays, a valuable history of the Five Indian Nations, and 
 an essay on the " Principles of Action in Matter," to which is an- 
 nexed a Treatise on Fluxions. 
 
 Among his correspondents were Linnaeus, Gronovius, the Earl 
 of Macclesfield, Dr. Franklin, and many other of the most scientific 
 men of his time. 
 
 DR. COOPER. 
 
 Myles Cooper, D. D., president of King's, now Columbia Col- 
 lege, New-York, was born in 1734, and educated at the university of 
 Oxford, where he graduated as master of arts in 1760. Arriving 
 in New-York, and recommended by the archbishop of Canterbury 
 as well qualified to assist in a college, he was received by Presi- 
 dent Johnson in the most affectionate manner, and appointed pro- 
 fessor of moral philosophy. After the resignation of Dr. Johnson, 
 he was chosen to the presidency in February, 1763. Soon after, 
 Dr. Clossey, a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, where he had 
 
 * Tlio seat of Gov. ColJen at Flushing was called Spring Hill j it was 
 conliscatcd, and is now the property and reaidonco of Hon. Benjamin W. 
 Sirong. 
 
 V I 
 
'resi- 
 
 pro- 
 
 nson, 
 
 after, 
 
 had 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 539 
 
 also taken the degree of doctor of physic, was appointed professor 
 of natural philosophy. 
 
 A grammar school was also established and connected with 
 the college, under the charge of Mr. Gushing, from Boston. The 
 classes were now taught by Dr. Cooper, Dr. Clossey, and Mr. 
 Harper, with great advantage. 
 
 In 1775 Dr. Cooper was a stanch loyalist, and on being dis- 
 covered as a public writer on the side of the crown, a large mob 
 assailed him in the night at the college, with threats against him, 
 but Alexander Hamilton kept them at bay by his unsurpassed elo- 
 quence, while Dr. Cooper escaped to a friend's in the upper part of 
 the city, from whence he was put on board a vessel bound to Eng- 
 land. This was in the month of May, 1775. 
 
 On the 10th of the same month, prior to his departure, Dr. Cooper 
 wrote to his friend and fellow-sufferer, Isaac Wilkins, Esq., who 
 had preceded him to London, as follows : " All things yet in statu 
 quo. On Sunday I went to Morrisania to visit Mrs. Wilkins j she 
 was as well as could be reasonably expected, after parting with 
 you, and returned that evening to Castle Hill, where I hope she 
 will enjoy your return in safety. I had not time, you know, to 
 write by you, save to Mr. Blackburn and Mr. Vardill, but they will 
 sufficiently introduce you to all whom you would wish to see for 
 for the present. If I think of any thing I can do for you, I will 
 write by Mr. Cooke, for Bristol next week, and I will let no op- 
 portunity escape that I hear of, without giving you a line, whilst I 
 continue in this country of confusion, which for the sake of the col- 
 lege I am minded to do as long as I can with any degree of pru- 
 dence. Should this congress be as hot as the last, we arc undone; 
 should cooler measures be adopted, we may yet be preserved ; for 
 Britain, though stout, is exorable." 
 
 From Oxford, Feb. 4, 1777, where he had resided for three 
 months, he thus writes to the same friend then at Long Island : 
 " Mr. Wetherhead wrote me about Mr. Seabury's pay ; I have ap- 
 plied to the bishop of London to interfere with the admiralty, and 
 hope all will be settled to his satisfaction. I wish much to hear 
 from him ; in the mean time, my best respects to him, Wetherhead, 
 Samuel Bayard, etc. I will write to as many as I can by this pack- 
 et, but, like an improvident man, I have deferred the business to the 
 
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 III 
 
 it! 
 
 It : 
 
 A 
 
540 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 last, and now am called upon by the provost to attend some affairs 
 of the college, which are agitating before the house of commons ; 
 so that it is out of my power to say whether or not I shall be able 
 to write another line. Dr. Clossey shall hear from me pres- 
 ently." 
 
 From Edinburgh, 26th Feb., 1779, he wrote to the same friend 
 at Long Island, as follows : " I received your obliging letter of 2d 
 October, in London ; I had not been there for a year before, and 
 was only there then for a few days, having gone from this remote 
 region into the south to take possession of a very small living pre- 
 sented me by the present chancellor, from which business I returned 
 as quickly as possible to this city, which has been my residence for 
 fourteen months past, and where I am too agreeably situated to 
 think of moving unless for the better ; or unless I should be obliged 
 to reside on the little living aforesaid ; or unless, which would be 
 best of all, a happy termination of American disputes should enable 
 me to resume my old situation ; and till such an event takes place, 
 I do not expect to be completely satisfied. 
 
 " You gave me spirits by representing matters in your quarter in 
 a better light than I had viewed them. Indeed, Drs. Inglis and 
 Seabury had been uniform in their information, so much of it as 
 came to ray knowledge, of the same purport ; but the corrobora- 
 tive evidence even of a layman to two priests still had its effect. I 
 wish to heaven you may not be wrong in your opinions. My most 
 affectionate regards to Mr. Cutting, Mr. Golden, the Ludlows, Dr. 
 Ogden, etc., whom I suppose you frequently see." 
 
 To the ;,ame friend, care of Rev. Dr. Inglis at Nev.'-Yorkj he 
 wrote from Edinburgh, May 30, 1783, as follows : " 0, my dear 
 friend ! I shed tears most copiously when I first opened your letter, 
 and upon tli' perusal of it now in ordf;r to answer it, 1 am more 
 affected tliaii oefore. Heavens ! what confusion must you all be wit- 
 nesses of in your unhappy situation. And yet I cannot help fcim- 
 ing some li()[)c.s, that now the contest is ended the govcrniiig pow- 
 ers will relax their severity, and endeavor to bring over to them 
 the minds of those whose persons and properties they have posses- 
 sion of. I long for accounts from New-\ ork tliat I can depend upon ; 
 for I have not received a line from any of my correspondents there 
 since their independency ; a circumstance that t.nust occasion such 
 
 
BIOa&APHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 541 
 
 changes in the American system as cannot be conceived,! trust, hy 
 the wisest at this distance. 
 
 " 'Tis true I have taken a living ; it is in Berkshire, half-way 
 hetween London and Bath, and twenty-six miles from Oxford ; a 
 spot as delightful as can well be imagined, yet I don't know if ever 
 I shall go thither to reside. I am as pleasantly situated here as I 
 could wish to be." 
 
 He had been for some time one of the ministers of the Episco- 
 pal chapel of Edinburgh, where he died May 1, 1785, at the age 
 of 51. Dr. Cooper possessed wit and humor to a great degree ; and 
 pleasing manners, united to agreeable conversational powers. Al- 
 though he had long expected death, he died suddenly, soon after 
 writing the following epitaph of himself: 
 
 It 
 
 V. I 
 
 " Here lies a priest of English blood, 
 Who, living, liked whate'er was good ; 
 Good company, good wine, good name ; 
 Yet never hunted after fame. 
 But, as the first he still preferred, 
 So here he chose to be interred ; 
 And, unobserved, from crowds withdrew, 
 To rest among a ciiosen few ; 
 In humble hope that Sovereign Love 
 Will raise him to the blest above." 
 
 uch 
 
 SIR F. BARING. 
 
 Sir Francis Baring, Bart., born April 18th, 1760, was a son of 
 John Baring, of Larkbeer, near Exeter, England, from which city the 
 former was first elected to parliament on the 9th Nov. 1776, an in- 
 teresting account of which is contained in the third chapter cf this 
 work. He early distinguished himself by his accurate knowledge and 
 dexterity in financial calci'lations i.t the eventful period in which 
 his public career commenced, and the reputation thus early acquir- 
 ed continued throughout his life. He exhibited a just knowledge of 
 the interest of his coimtry, and an anxiety to extend her commerce. 
 In negotiating the various loans recjuired from time to time, his af- 
 fluence and talents enabled him to assist the minister, and he final- 
 ly became the leading member of the monied interest ; and even 
 the prosperity of England, at certain periods, may be said to h'iVe 
 revolved around him as i[simmuvi, mobile. He wasi designated by 
 
 
 i ! 
 
 f 
 
542 
 
 BIOORAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 n 
 
 Mr. Erskine as " the first merchant of the world," and his services 
 on all occasions of great national interest, particularly as a director 
 of the East India Company and as a member of parliament, were 
 too important to escape the notice of administration, and entitle 
 his memory to grateful recollection. The honor of baronetcy was 
 conferred upon him on 29th May, 1793. 
 
 Sir Francis possessed such influence in the commercial world, 
 that his death, which occurred on the 12th September, 1810, oc- 
 casioned a sensible depression in the public stocks. He married a 
 daughter of William Herring, Esq., a cousin and coheiress of Dr. 
 Herring, archbishop of Canterbury. 
 
 The sister of Sir Francis married the celebrated lawyer John 
 Dunning, afterwards Lord Ashburton, which title became extinct 
 at the decease of their only son. 
 
 Sir Thomas Baring, bnrn in 1772, succeeded his father in the bar- 
 onetcy. Another son, Alexander Baring, now Lord Ashburton, be- 
 came the head of the great commercial house, and did not retire from 
 it until 1830. He was born in 1774, visited this continent in 1794, 
 and travelled through the greater portion of the then United States 
 on horseback, before 1797. He met the present king of France at 
 the Falls of Niagara when there was but one house in Buffalo, and 
 that a very indifferent one. Mr. Baring married a daughter of 
 the Hen. William Bingham, one of the most opulent and public 
 spirited citizens of Philadelphia, then a senator in congress from 
 Pennsylvania. The house of Baring, Brothers & Co. have with 
 scrupulous fidelity attended to the interests of the United Stdtes as 
 government agent for nearly half a century, which entitles every 
 member of H to our gratitude ; and wc can never too highly appre- 
 ciate the services and sacrifices of Lord Ashburton in his recent em- 
 bassy, which has secured to Great Britain and the United States a 
 treaty satisfactory to all the right minded of both countries. 
 
 Mr. Baring, having served as a member of the house of commons 
 for many years, and hold with honor, for a short period, the chancel- 
 lorship of the exchequer, was elevated to the peerage in 1835, a 
 proud testimonial of his distinguished abilities, and a just reward for 
 a life levoted to the honor and best interests of his country. 
 
a 
 
 for 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 643 
 
 B. MARSTON. 
 
 Benjamin Marston, Esq., son of Col. Benjamin Marston, of 
 Salem, Massachusetts, graduated at Harvard College in 1749. Be- 
 came a merchant at Marblehead, and was a refugee, proscribed in 
 1778. He closed his career as a commissary in the service of the 
 African Company at Baalam's Isle, on the coast of Afiica, in 1793. 
 
 E. WINSLOW, JuN. 
 
 Hon. Enw^ARD Winslow, jr., of Plymouth, Massachusetts, was 
 graduated at Harvard College in 1765; he was compelled to take re- 
 fuge in Boston in 1775, and became a colonel in the British service. 
 
 He was afterwards a counsellor and judge of the superior court 
 of New Brunswick, where he died, at Fredericton, in 1815, aged 
 70. He and his cousin, Pelham Winslow, were among the found- 
 ers of the " Old Colony Club" in 1769, now the "Pilgrims' So- 
 ciety." 
 
 S. ROGERS. 
 Samuel Rogers, merchant of Boston, who graduated at Har- 
 vard College in 1765, was proscribed as an absentee, Sept. 1778, 
 and relumed to Boston, where he died June 1, 1804, aged 57. 
 
 S. WILLIAMS. 
 Seth Williams, Esq., of Taunton, graduated at Harvard Col- 
 lege in 1755 — pursued the study of the law, and was in practice 
 at the commencement of the Revolution. T^c was a refugee, and 
 died in London previous to 1791 
 
 COUNT DE GRASSE. 
 Francois Joseto Paul, Count de Grasse Tilly, born in 1723, 
 made his first appearance in the ^va. '.jctween England and France 
 as the ally of the North American colonics, in com.uand of the 
 frig. '• Robustc, in tli'> battle of Ourssant, July, 1778 ; the first se- 
 rious act of hostility between the V\() powers, and the first step of 
 the f )unt de Grasse in defence of American liberty. Under Count 
 d'Hslaing, in command of a squadron, lie aidea in taking the island 
 ofG nada, in 1779, when the British fleet was saved from total 
 
 m 
 
 iii 
 
 ii 
 
 HI 
 
 111 
 
544 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 : 
 
 defeat by a calm at the close of the action. Aftf three years of 
 distinguishefl services he left Brest in 1781, in command of a fleet 
 of a hundred and fifty sail, (twenty of the line,) and in thirty-six 
 days fell in with Admiral Hood, then blockading Martinique, whose 
 supeiiority of sailing alone enabled him to escape, with severe 
 damage to four of his ships. 
 
 After a short stay at Port Royal de la Martinique, he concerted 
 with ihe Marquis de Bouillf the attack of Tobago, the success 
 of which, and its rapidity of execution, are well known. 
 
 His distinguished talenls and zeal in the cause of America 
 gained her entire confidence ; and measures of co-operation were 
 concerted between Genevals Washington and Rocharabeau and the 
 French admiral, which resulted in the defeat of Cornwallis at 
 Yorktown, and virtually closed the WBr between Great Britain and 
 America. Count de Grasse was solicited for protection against the 
 British fleet daily expected upon the coast, for a reinfccement of 
 troops, for provisions " de guerre aud de bouche,'" and for 1,200,000 
 francs for the more pressing necessities of the French troops. To 
 all of these demands he lent most zealous and efficient aid, and in 
 the short space of twelve days he (.oliected all his disposable naval 
 force, (without endangering St. Domingo,) embarked three thousand 
 four hundred troops, and by his personal influence, and the actual 
 pledge of his estates in St. Domingo and France, raised the funds 
 desired. The expedition (necessarily a secret one) arrived at the 
 capes of the Chesapeake on the 28th August, the same day that 
 Admiral Hood appeared olf New-York with fourteen vessels of the 
 line. He succeeded in landing the troops, and on the 5th Septem- 
 ber was prepared and engaged the British fleet until nightfall, 
 when they separated. After four days' vain search for his oppo- 
 nents, he returned to the capes in lime to intercept two frigates, 
 the " Iris" and " Richmond," which were leaving the bay with des- 
 patches they had been unable to deliver to Cornwallis. The allied 
 armies (informed of the approach of the French fleet, by the frig- 
 ate " La Concorde," on 15th August) arrived at the mouth of the 
 Elk on 6th September, one hour only after the bearer of despatches 
 from Count de Grasso. Count Rochambeau spoke of this coinci- 
 dence as most remarkable, that a combined expedition of land and 
 naval forces, the one from the north of America and the other from 
 
if 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 645 
 
 the West Indies, shovld both arrive in the same bay only one hour 
 apart. On the 19th October, Lord Cornwallis capitulated to the 
 united forces of France and America ; six thousand five hundred men 
 were made prisoners of war, one hundred and sixty cannon, twen- 
 ty-two flags, and forty transports fell into the hands of the allies. 
 
 This expedition originated with Count de Grosse ; the plan was 
 matured by Washington, Rochambeau and himself in concert. 
 
 To the activity of all the commanders is mainly due this tran- 
 sccndant success, as only eight days after the capitulation was 
 signed an increased British naval force arrived off the capes with 
 seven thousand troops on board ; enough, in all probability, to 
 have sustained the royal authority in the south. 
 
 Congress passed a resolution on the 28th October, to erect a mon- 
 ument at Yorktown in commemoration of this great event, and also 
 the following : " That the thanks of the United States, in Con- 
 gress assembled, be presented to his excellency the Count de 
 Giasse, for tne skill and valor he has shown in attacking and beat- 
 ing the British- fleet, in Chesapeake Bay, and for the zeal and ar- 
 dor by which he gave, by the naval force under his command,, the 
 most effective and distinguished succor and protection to the allied 
 army in Virginia." Congress also presented him four pieces of 
 cannon, inscribed as follows : •' Taken from the English army, by 
 the combined forces of France and America, at Yorktown, Virginia, 
 August 19, 1781. Presented to his Excellency Count de Grasse, 
 in testimony of the inestimable services rendered by him on that 
 day." 
 
 The cannon remained at the chateau of Tilly, fourteen leagues 
 from Paris, until during the French Revolution the property and all 
 its dependencies were lost to the family. 
 
 On the 13th February, 1782, the island of St. Christopher sur- 
 rendered to Count de Grasae and the JMarquis de Bouille. 
 
 In command of the united forces of France and Spain, in the 
 West Indies, the count sustained his high naval reputation, and de- 
 fended himself successfully against the English fleet, until the 12th 
 April, when (his vessels having been injured by contact with each 
 other, his own ship, the " Ville de Paris," being run afoul of by the 
 " Zt;l»Je") he was attacked by eleven of the enemy. His sails torn 
 ai)d ships ungovernable, his crews fasting and worn down with the 
 
 69 
 
 i 
 
 I ; 
 
 :f 
 
 I) 
 
 i 
 
546 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 exertions of the previous nights, and without chance of success, 
 he hauled down his flag, after combatting from eight A. M. 
 till six P. M. History offers no example of a longer or more spir- 
 ited naval engagement, or a more obstinate resistance. It was 
 proved at a court of inquiry, that the most important manoeuvres, as 
 well as nine signals from the admiral, were neglected. Count de 
 Grasse (which is worthy of notice) never left the quarter-deck dur- 
 ing the action, nor received a wound ; he had a hundrerl nJ twen- 
 ty-one killed onboard the Ville de Lyons, and a very iai^^e number 
 wounded. 
 
 Carried a prisoner to England, the hero became negotiator, and 
 exerted himself with that government to incline it to peace. He 
 had the gratification of taking to France, in August following, 
 verbal propositions of peace to the iVeiich government, from Lord 
 Shelburne, first lord of the treasury. France insisted upon the ac- 
 knowledgment of the independence of the Ui.itcd States as a con- 
 dition of the treaty, and the preliminaries were signed at Paris on 
 the 2Jth November, 1782. 
 
 History shows that the United States are as much indebted to 
 the uncasing efforts of the Count de Grasse in her favor after his 
 return to Europe, as for his brilliant achievements in the (yhesapeake 
 and West Indies. It may be said that his life was consecrated to 
 securing independence to the North American colonies ; for its ac- 
 complishment he employed all his valor, all his talents, all his zeal, 
 and finding his task completed, and object gained, he died on 
 the 14th January, 1788, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. 
 
 Count de Grasse left an only son, who served with honor in the 
 several grades of the French army, and was decorated by Count 
 Rocharabeau at St. Domingo with the cross of St. Louis in behalf 
 of Louis XVI. At the massacre of Cape Francois, he saved him- 
 self and family on board an American'vessel, which landed them in 
 complete destitution at Charleston, where, with other exiles, they 
 experienced the hospitality and sympathy of the inhabitants. 
 Count de Grasse became a citizen of the United State?, and subse- 
 quently returned to the service of his country, his attachment to 
 which was manifested in the campaigns of Italy and Spain. 
 
 The French Hevolution deprived him of his estates, and he has 
 b vain awaited from government, to the age of seventy-eight, a 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 547 
 
 recompense of his services. Should we do more than justice to 
 the memory of one of the bravest and most devoted defenders of 
 our liberties, in sharing with him the inheritance acquired by the 
 united valor of our fathers ? 
 
 The only surviving daughter of the first Count de Grasse, is the 
 widow of the late Francis Depau, Esq., of this city, one of our most 
 enterprising, opulent, and public spirited merchants, to whom all 
 praise and credit is due for greatly extending our commerce with 
 France, by establishing the first line of packets between New- 
 York and Havre. 
 
 COL. EDSON. 
 JosiAH Edson, Esq., of Bridgewater, graduated at Harvard Col- 
 lege in 1730, was a representative in the general assembly of 
 Massachusetts, from that town. He was a refugee, and banished 
 by the act of September, 1778 ; he had been commissioned a man- 
 damus counsellor in August, 1778, but declined serving ; he died 
 previous to 1782. 
 
 W. VASSALL. 
 
 William Vassall, Esq., of Boston, was appointed a counsellor 
 in 1774, by writ of mandamus, but did not serve ; he was a re- 
 fugee, and banished by the act of September, 1778. He died in 
 Surrey, England, in 1800, aged eighty-five ; he graduated at Har- 
 vard College in 1733. 
 
 JUDGE HUTCHINSON. 
 
 Hon. Foster Hutchinson, a brother of Governor Hutchinson, 
 and one of the last judges in the supreme court of Massachusetts 
 under the charter, to which he was appointed in 1771. He gra- 
 duated at Harvard College in 1743; he accepted the appointment 
 of mandamus counselloi in 1774, and soon after was compelled to 
 take refuge in Boston, and Wvame an absentee. He was proscribed 
 in 1778, and charged by the act of 1779, as a conspirator against 
 the liberties of his country ; ho died at H;ililax, in May, 1799. 
 
 N. K. THOMAS. 
 Nathaniel Ray Thomas, Esq., of Taunton, Bristol county, 
 Mass., WiW. graduated at Harvard College in 1751 j appointed by 
 
 ii ff! 
 
 ii:n 
 
^BTf* ^yw^t-^^^-ffi^ 
 
 548 
 
 BIOORAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 writ of mandamus a counsellor in 1774, but declined serving. He 
 •was proscribed in the act of 1778, and died in Nova Scotia, 1791. 
 
 PELHAM WINSLOW. 
 Pelham WiNSLOw, Esq., an attorney of Plymouth, Massachu- 
 setts, was a son of General John Winslow, of Marshfield ; and 
 graduated at Harvard College in 1753. He was driven into Bos- 
 ton, and was a major in the British service ; proscribed by the act 
 of 1778 J and J."cd at Flushing, Long Island, in 1783. 
 
 JUDGE LEONARD. 
 Hon. Daniel Leonard, of Norton, Massachusetts, graduated at 
 Harvard College in 1760 ; a member of assembly. He was a dis- 
 tinguished political writer, and a member of the legal profession. 
 In 1774, he was the antagonist of John Adams, in relation to " the 
 rights and prospects of the colonies," under the respective signa- 
 tures of Novanglus and Massachusettensis. He was a refugee in 
 1775, and was proscribed in 1778 ; he was afterwards chief justice 
 of Bermuda, and died in London, June 27, 1829, aged eighty-nine. 
 
 COL. SALTONSTALL. 
 
 CoL. Richard Saltonstall, was the eldest son of Richard Salton- 
 stall, of Haverhill, Mass., a judge of the superior court of that pro- 
 >ince. He was born, April 5, 1732, and graduated at Harvard 
 College with distinguished honor, in 1751. Colonel Saltoiisall 
 entered into the military service of the province in the French war, 
 in 1756, and was at Fort "William Henry, Lake George, at the 
 time of the memorable capitulation and massacre, August 9, 1757. 
 When the Indians fell upon the unarmed prisoners, he escaped, 
 and arrived a few days afterwards at Fort Edward, on the Hudson, 
 nearly exhausted by hunger and fatigue. He commanded a regi- 
 ment from 1760 to the close of the war. On Lis return to Haver- 
 hill, he was appointed sheriff of the county of Essex, which office 
 he held until he left the country. 
 
 When the dillicuities between the colonies and the mother 
 country came on. Colonel Saltonstall was opposed to forcible 
 resistance ; he believed that it must be ineffectual, and that the 
 colonies would fall before the power of Great Britain. He was 
 
BIOGRA?P'CAL NOTICES. 
 
 649 
 
 greatly beloved and respected ; he often represented the town in 
 the general court. It was long before he lost his popularity, not- 
 withstanding his opinions ; but in the autumn of 1774, a great 
 number of T>e-sons collected before his house, armed with clubs, etc., 
 and with threats of violence, contrary to the advice of some friends 
 who were wlcii him, and who had gone for the purpose of aiding 
 ia his escape, he came to the door and addressed the excited as- 
 sembly with great calmness, firmness and dignity ; reminding them 
 of his services for his country, that he had exposed his hfe in its 
 defence, etc. Seldom has a speech been more effectual ; it quelled 
 the excited passions of the muJtii.t-'e, and they dispersed. He was 
 soon after compelled to take refuge in Boston, and embarked 
 for England, in 1775. 
 
 Col. Saltonstall rirusei; to accept a commission in the British 
 army, saying, that if he couIj^ not conscientiously engage on the 
 side of his country, he would not take up arms against her His 
 reputation as an officer was high, and it is supposed that he might 
 have had an important command in the American army, if he had 
 embraced the popular cause. 
 
 Col. Saltonstall was proscribed by the law of 1778, and passed 
 the remainder of his days in England. In one of his letters, written 
 soon after the peace, he expressed great affection for the delightful 
 place of his nativity ; but he add'd, — " I have no remorse of con- 
 science for my past conduct. I have hr.d more satisfaction in a 
 private life here, than I should have had in being next in command 
 to General Washington, where I must have acted in conformity to 
 the dictates of others, regard!' io of my own feelings." Colonel 
 Saltonstall resided on the bea 'iful family estate in Haverhill, 
 known as " the Saltonstall plat ," where he lived in a style of 
 liberal hospitality, sustaining the character of a truly upright and 
 honorable man, and an accomplished gentleman j he was never 
 married. 
 
 He was kindly received by his remote family connections in 
 England ; and his friends erecitd a monument to his memory at 
 Kensington, with the following iiiscription : 
 
 " Near this place are interred the remains of Richard Salton- 
 stall, Esq., who died October 1, 1785, aged fifty-two. He was 
 an American loyalist, from HaverV-ll in the Massachusetts j where 
 
 lip I 
 
 I: 
 
 1: 
 
650 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 he was descended from a first family, both for the principal share 
 it hau in the early erecting, as well as in rank and authority in 
 governing that province. And wherein he himself sustained, with 
 unshaken loyalty and universal applause, v-uiifus important trusts 
 and commands under the crown, both civil and military, from his 
 youth till its revolt ; and throughout life maintained such an amia- 
 ble private character, as engaged him the esteem and regard of 
 many friends. 
 
 " As a memorial of his merits, this stone is erected." 
 Col. Saltonstall was a descendant in the sixth generation from 
 Sir Richard Saltonstall, one of the patentees of the colony of 
 Massachusetts Bay, and who arrived at Salem, in the Arabella, 
 (or Arbella,) June 12, 1630, with Governor Win ihrop and their 
 associates, " bringing out the charter with them." He was also 
 a patentee of Connecticut, and may be considered as one of the 
 principal founders of both colonies. A memoir of this family may 
 be found in the publications of the Mass. Historical Society. 
 
 Dr. Nathaniel Saltonstall, brother of Colonel Saltonstall, was a 
 decided whig of the Revolution. The Hon. Leverett Saltonstall, 
 of Salem, an able and eloquent representative, now in congress 
 from Massachusetts, is his son. 
 
 N. CHANDLER. 
 
 Nathaniel Chandler, son of Col. John Chandler of Worcester, 
 graduated at Harvard College, in 1768, was a practising attorney 
 at Petersham, when the troubles commenced, and was compelled 
 on account of his principles to take refuge in Boston. He was 
 proscribed in 1778. Had for a while led a corps of volunteers in 
 the British service at New-York. He afterwards went to Eng- 
 land, returned, and died at Worcester, 1801, aged fifty-one. 
 
 DR. B. S. OLIVER. 
 
 Brinley Sylvester Oliver, M. D., fourth son of Lieut. Governor 
 Andrew Oliver, graduated at Harvard College in 1774, studied 
 medicine and surgery, and was afterwards a surgeon in the British 
 service. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 551 
 
 DR. PAINE. 
 William Paine, M. D., son of Timothy Paine, Esq., of Wor- 
 cester, Mass., graduated at Harvard College in 1768. He was 
 practising professionally at Worcester at the commencement of the 
 Revolution ; was a refugee, and proscribed in 1778. Became an 
 apothecary to the British forces in Rhode Island and New-York. 
 At the peace he settled at New Brunswick, and was a represent- 
 ative for Charlotte county. He removed to Salem, Mass., where 
 he practised from 1787 to 17!) a., success in his profession. The 
 death of his father caused 1 *< ret Mm to Worcester, where he 
 closed his checkered life, o April, 1833, at the age of 
 
 eighty-three. 
 
 WM. L. ij: 
 
 William Chandler, Esq., youngest on of Col. John Chandler, 
 of Worcester, Mass., was compelled to take refuge in Boston, and 
 was proscribed in 1778. He returned after peace was restored, 
 and died in his native place, July, 1793, aged forty. Mr. Chandler 
 graduated at Harvard College, in 1772. 
 
 CHARLES CURTIS. 
 Charles Curtis, of Scituate, Mass., graduated at Harvard Col- 
 lege, 1765. Driven into Boston, he was proscribed in 1778, and 
 died in New-York, previous to 1832. 
 
 DR. P. OLIVER. 
 
 Peter Oliver, Jr., second son of the chief justice of the same 
 name, both of Middleborough, Plymouth county, Mass. ; the former 
 graduated at Harvard College in 1761. He had practised in Scit- 
 uate in early life ; was driven into Boston, and in consequence 
 became a refugee in England, where he died, at Shrewsbury, in 
 Sept. 1822, aged eighty-one. 
 
 REV. M. BADGER. 
 Rev. Moses Badger, of Haverhill, graduated at Harvard Col- 
 lege, 1761 ; was a refugee, proscribed by the act of Sept. 1778. Af- 
 ter the peace he returned, and was rector of King's Chapel, Provi- 
 dence, Rhode Island, where he died, Sept. 19, 1792. 
 
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 BIOOBAPBICAL NOTICES. 
 
 s J. D. ROGERS. 
 
 Jeremiah Dummer Rogers, Esq., an attorney at law of Little- 
 ton, graduated at Harvard College, 1762. He was a refugee, pro- 
 scribed in 1778, and died at Halifax, 1784. 
 
 T. A. COFFIN. 
 Thomas Aston Coffin, Esq., son of William Coffin, of Boston, 
 and cousin of Sir Isaac Coffin, remained in Boston after the siege, 
 and was proscribed in 1778. He was private secretary to Gen. 
 Carleton, and in 1784 was appointed commissary-general to the 
 British troops at Quebec. He died in London, May 3d, 1810, 
 aged fifty-six. Mr. Coffin graduated at Harvard College in 1772. 
 
 REV. B. LOVELL. 
 Rev. Benjamin Lovell, youngest son of the grammar school 
 master at Boston, was graduated at Harvard College in 1774. He 
 became a refugee, first to Halifax, where he married, and after- 
 wards to England. Mr. Lovell took orders, and M'as settled at 
 Ashe, Surrey, where he died, March 14, 1828, aged seventy-three. 
 
 J. rUTNAM, Je. 
 James Putnam, Jr., Esq., son of Hon. James Putnam of Wor- 
 cester, graduated at Harvard College in 1774 ; was a refugee in 
 1775; became barrack-master, and subsequently one of the house- 
 hold of the late Duke of Kent ; of whose will he was executor. 
 He died in London, March, 1838. 
 
 GOV. FRANKLIN. 
 Hon. William FRAioaiN, born in 1731, a natural son of the 
 celebrated Dr. Franklin, was the last of the royal governors of 
 New Jersey, and one of the most conspicuous persons in opposition 
 to the principles of the Revolution. Although born upon the 
 American soil, he was from feeling and principle a loyalist ; and 
 his firm adherence to government, under the most adverse circum- 
 stances, and with all the influence of his father's example to con- 
 tend against, as well as his disapprobation of the course he took, 
 showed a self-sacrifice seldom equalled, and renders him well 
 worthy of notice, while his sufferings eLlitle him to our sympathy. 
 
I ■( 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 553 
 
 Of his early history very little is known ; he was a captain in 
 the army during the French war, and served with credit at Ticon- 
 derofl;a. He afterwards accompanied his father to England, where 
 he appears to have been received with distinction. He was 
 honored by the university of Cambridge with the degree of Master 
 of Arts, and we find him enjoying the intimacy and confidence of 
 the Earl of Bute, on whose recommendation Lord Halifax appointed 
 him, in 1763, the governor of New-Jersey. 
 
 Governor Franklin seems to have studied the best interests of 
 his province, and for some time enjoyed considerable popularity, 
 but he did not possess the good fortune to retain it. In the first 
 dispute which occurred between him and the assembly, in relation 
 to the removal of a defaulting treasurer, he manifested a useless 
 obstinacy, in opposition to their wishes, which served to deprive 
 him of their confidence, and to prevent any influence which he 
 might otherwise have exerted in opposition to the Revolution. He 
 also gave offence by showing, in all contests between the mother 
 country and her colonies, that be remained faithful to his principles ; 
 for he steadily advocated the claims of government, and in answer 
 to the strong remonstrances uf the assembly he invariably aimed 
 to show them that their situation was much to be preferred to the 
 uncertain results of a revolution. At length the current of opinion 
 became strong against him, and he found that his exertions served 
 only to excite a more determined opposition. He labored assidu- 
 ously to prevent the formation of an independent provincial govern- 
 ment and the union of the colonies, and afforded encouragement 
 and protection to the most violent opponents of the Revolution. 
 But what gave the greatest offence was his proclamation calling 
 together the royal assembly, in order tu oppose their action to that 
 of the provincial congress. This me^-surc alarmed the latter body, 
 and they at once resolved that his proclamation ought not to be 
 obeyed, that he had acted in violation of their resolves, and had 
 proved himself an enemy to the liberties of his country ; that mea- 
 sures should be taken to secure his person, and that all payments 
 of salary to him should cease. He was then arrested by order of 
 the convention, and on his refusal to sign a parole, detained in close 
 custody. In the mean time an application had been made to the 
 continental congress for advice as to the course to be pursued, 
 
 70 
 
 ■^ ^l 
 
mA. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 suggesting that it would be more safe to confine him in some other 
 state than New-Jersey ; and that body recommended that, after an 
 examination, he should be transferred to the custody of the gover- 
 nor of Connecticut. He was accordingly brought before the con- 
 vention for examination, but his firmness did not desert him, and he 
 steadily refused to answer any questions, denying the authority of 
 that body, which he asserted had usurped the government. He 
 was then sent to Connecticut, and after a confinement at Middle- 
 town of nearly two years, was liberated in exchange for an Ameri- 
 can general officer, when he retired to England, on a pension, 
 which was continued during life. He died on the 17th November, 
 1813, at the age of eighty-two. 
 
 Gov. Franklin, though wanting the genius of his father, was a 
 man of talents, firmness, and integrity. That his conduct was the 
 result of sincere convictions cannot be doubted. He had been 
 raised to his dignified station without any solicitation on his part, 
 or on the part of his father, and it is probable that a feeling of gra- 
 titude may have held him more steadily in his course. It is evident 
 that he sacrificed much in acting as he did, if it were only the 
 f iendly intercourse with his parent, who had previously bestowed 
 upon him much of his confidence and affection. The letters be- 
 tween them had been frequent, but when the course of the gover- 
 nor became manifest, their intercourse entirely ceased. The last of 
 the doctor's letters was in January, 1774, and he had no further 
 communication with his son till after the peace, when the latter, in 
 1784, wrote to his fathei )using a reconciliation. The doctor 
 remarks in his answer, t.. j lothing had ever caused him so much 
 pain as " to find himself deserted, in his old age, by his only son :" 
 he finds for him, however, an excuse in his situation, but remarks 
 that " there are natural duties which precede political ones, and 
 cannot be c xMnguished by them." The intercourse thus recom- 
 menced continued, probably, till the death of the illustrious philoso- 
 pher and statesman. 
 
 Gov. Franklin was twice married, and left, at his death, one 
 son, William Temple Franklin, editor of the works of his grand- 
 father, who died in Paris, May 25, 1823. 
 
 Gov. Franklin caused a monumental tablet to be placed in the 
 chancel of St. Paul's church, Now- York, with the following inscrip- 
 tion: 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICflS. / 
 
 *' Beneath the altar of this church are deposits J the remains of 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Franklin, wife of his Excellency William Franklin, 
 late governor, under his Britannic Majesty, of llie province of New- 
 Jersey. Compelled to part from the husband she loved, and at 
 len^^th despairing of the soothing hope of his speedy return, she 
 sunk under accumulated distresses, and departed this life 28th July, 
 1778, in the forty-ninth year of her age. r. 
 
 ... Sincerity and sensibility, . , 
 
 . . :t> •• Politeness and affability, 
 
 >.,*;=.,.... Godliness and charity, <> >' ■ i. 
 
 were, with sense refined and person elegant, in her united. 
 From a grateful remembrance of her affectionate tenderness and 
 
 constant performance of all the duties of a good wife, 
 , , this monument is erected, in the year 1787, 
 
 ,.„-.. 'Vs^ ' by one who knows her worth, * v. - 
 A? • . and still laments her loss." -' 
 
 I. WILKINS, D. D. . 
 
 Isaac Wilkins, of Westchester, New-York, son of Martin 
 Wilkins, Esq., who in infancy, at the decease of his father, an opu- 
 lent planter, and an eminent man of the island of Jamaica, was 
 brought to the province, and received the best education the coun- 
 try afforded. The former married Isabella Morris, a sister of that 
 eloquent patriot and statesman, Gouverneur Morris.* Mr. Wilkins 
 first prepared himself for the church, but did not take orders. As a 
 member of the provincial assembly, he was subsequently distin- 
 guished for loyalist principles, and his eloquence and integrity ac- 
 quired for him an influence rarely attained, and which for a consid- 
 erable time prevented the prostration of the colonial government. 
 
 The following extract from his speech on the resolutions for 
 adopting the measures recommended by congress, shows the interest 
 he felt in the subject : 
 
 " We have before us the choice of peace or war, of happiness 
 or misery, of freedom or slavery ; and can we hesitate which to 
 choose ? By proceeding in a firm, but loyal and constitutional 
 
 " Another brother, Sir Staats L. Morris, K. C. B., who entered the British 
 army in early life, attained the rank of lieut. general, and married the duoh- 
 ego of Gordon. 
 
 J'^ 
 
 In 
 
 -,-r-^-_*- — 
 
556 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 manner, in the settlement of this unhappy difference vrith our 
 mother country, we cannot fail, I am convinced, of meeting with 
 success, of securing to ourselves a free constitution, and of a restor- 
 ation to the favor and protection of the parent state, which, next to 
 the favor of heaven, will be our best and strongest safeguard and 
 security. This is the critical moment of our fate ; we have it now 
 in our power to do the most essential good or mischief to ourselves 
 and our posterity. If we neglect this opportunity of promoting 
 our common felicity, and of establishing our liberties on a firm and 
 lasting basis, we may perhaps never have another, and shall repent 
 of our fatal infatuation and folly when too late to retrieve the mis- 
 take; when the horrors of civil war shall be increased by the 
 curses of our wretched and deluded constituents, who, in the bitter- 
 ness of their hearts, shall point us out as the authors of their ruin, 
 and when we shall be obliged to submit to the laws of conquest, 
 or the penalties of rebellion. I have shown that the rise of this 
 dispute with Great Britain has been an unreasonable jealousy on 
 our part, originating from an impolitic exertion of authority on 
 hers; and that it is our interest, as well as duty, to cultivate the 
 closest union with her. I have shown that by a peaceful conduct 
 we may procure for ourselves, and perhaps for our sister colonies, 
 a more perfect system of government than that we have hitherto 
 enjoyed, which was indeed better calculated for our infant state 
 than for the present period of our maturity ; a period that requires, 
 however paradoxical it may seem, more liberty and a stricter gov- 
 ernment. I will only add, that if contrary to my most ardent 
 wishes, contrary to the dignity of this house, to the dictates of hu- 
 manity, and our duty to our constituents and country, you adopt the 
 measures of congress, and by that means involve our country in a 
 civil war, that most dreadful of calamities, I declare my honest in- 
 dignation against your course, and call heaven to witness I am 
 guiltless of the blood of my fellow subjects that will be shed on the 
 occasion — I am guiltless of the ruin of my country." 
 
 About the 1st of May, 1776, Mr. Wilkins was compelled to 
 abandon his family and country, and embarked for England, 
 after taking the following leave of his countr}men, which appeared 
 in Rivington's Gazette, of May 3, 1776 : 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 567 
 
 " Mr Countrymen : 
 
 « Before I leave America, the land I love, and in which is con- 
 tained every thing that is valuable and dear to me, my mfe, chil- 
 dren, friends, and property, permit me to make a short and faithful 
 declaration, vrhich I am induced to do, neither through fear, nor a 
 consciousness of having acted wrong. An honest man and a Chris- 
 tian hath nothing to apprehend from this world. God is my judge 
 and witness, that all I have done, written, or said, in relation to the 
 present unnatural dispute between Great Britain and her colonies, 
 proceeded from the honest intention of serving my country. Her 
 welfare and prosperity were the objects towards which all my en- 
 deavors have been directed. They still are the sacred objects which 
 I shall ever steadily and invariably keep in view, and when in 
 England, all the influence that so inconsiderable a man as I am can 
 have, shall be exerted in her behalf. 
 
 <| It has been my constant maxim through life to do ray duty 
 conscientiously, and to trust the issue of my actions to the Al- 
 mighty. May He, in whose bands are all events, speedily restore 
 peace and liberty to my unhappy country; may Great Britain and 
 America be soon united in the bands of everlasting amity, and 
 when united, may they continue a free, virtuous, and happy nation, 
 to the end of time. 
 
 " I leave America and every endearing connection, because I 
 will not raise my hand in opposition to ray sovereign, nor will I 
 draw my sword against my country ; when I can conscientiously 
 draw it in her favor, my life shall be cheerfully devoted to her 
 service. " Isaac Wilkins." 
 
 Bishop Seabury wrote Mr. Wilkins on the 30th of May, 1775, 
 that Drs. Cooper and Chandler had sailed from New«York the pre- 
 vious week for England. 
 
 Mr. Samuel Bayard, jr., wrote Mr. Wilkins in London, dated 
 New-York, 6th June, 1775, " that the few soldiers who were here 
 embarked on board the Asia yesterday ; their baggage was stopped 
 by some of our inhabitants, and one or two soldiers deserted. Stop- 
 ping the baggage is said to have been contrary to the sentiments 
 of most people here. We are, however, very quiet. The military 
 made no resistance, as the officers were afraid of greater desertions 
 
 i' 1 
 
558 
 
 BIOOBAPBICAL NOTICE!* 
 
 if the soldiers remained in the streets." On the 6th July he writei ai 
 follows : " Wooster's camp I suppose you know is within two miles 
 of us — it is in a field adjoining the sand-hill, and on the left hand 
 side of the new road which runs through N. Bayard's land, so that 
 this road is on the east side, and the road over the sand-hill on the 
 north side of the camp. The number is said to be fourteen hundredi 
 The^e are a part of the five thousand which the continental con- 
 gress have directed to be kept in this province. We have for ten 
 f.y' days past received contradictory accounts of an action between 
 >'' Gen, Gage and the provincials, which happened on the 17th June. 
 
 No account from Gen. Gage yet. Surely, if those who now direct 
 aifairs had a real love of the country at heart, they would use every 
 means to obtain their desires before they involved us in the horrors 
 of war. If influenced by laudable motives, their measures appear 
 . to be the effect of infatuation ; the uncertainty of what this may 
 urge them to is such, that when I go to bed I know not whether I 
 may not be waked by the noise of cannon battering the town, as 
 there is the Asia of sixty guns lying just opposite my bed." 
 
 On the 13th of July he further writes as follows : " Yesterday 
 • some of our Connecticut troops seized the cutter of the Asia, with 
 eight or ten men, who came on shore to bring a sick man. They 
 hauled the boat into the street, (the men belonging to her sitting 
 in, huzzaing and calling them their horses ;) some time after they 
 put the boat in the water and set fire to her. I hear Gen. Wooster 
 has wrote a polite letter to Capt. Vandeput, assuring him that this 
 outrage was without his knowledge, and contrary to his wishes. It 
 is said the boat will be paid for." August 2, he also writes thus : 
 *' Although we are but looked upon as enemies to the liberty of 
 our country, yet I can answer for you, as I believe you can for me, 
 that w^ as sincerely wish her every blessing and the enjoyment of 
 every liberty which the nature of civil government can admit, as 
 the loudest of those who at this thne are in opposition to govern- 
 ment ; and I am convinced you will use all your influence and 
 abilities to promote the good of your country ; which I hope our 
 infatuated countrymen will one day be convinced of and acknow- 
 ledge." ..ii ,t* -f.-y .M-i , i .i 'im.i .. 
 
 Mr. Wilkins returned to Long Island in 1776, then under con- 
 trol of the British, where he remained until the close of the war. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 559 / 
 
 While in England, Mr. Wilkins recommended to Lord North 
 terms on which the breach could be healed, but they were not 
 heeded. 
 
 On the 4th of Feb., 1777, from Oxford, Dr. Cooper, form- 
 erly president of King's College, New- York, wrote to Mr. Wil- 
 kins, at Long Island, as follows: "I have heard of your sufferings 
 with much pain, though I own without surprise ; you may remem- 
 ber I tried to dissuade you from going so soon on that very account. 
 But that * ♦ * * * * should have been the very instrument of 
 this wickedness, is far more than I could have supposed, and I 
 heartily pray, (with a safe conscience, too,) that he may have an 
 ample and speedy reward. The same good wishes attend all the 
 laborers in the vineyard of Satan, wheresoever dispersed." 
 
 At the close of the war, Mr. Wilkins was, by the terms 
 of the banishment act, compelled to leave the republic, and 
 he repaired to Shelburne, Nova Scotia, where he remained several 
 years, and subsequently removed to Lunenburgh, in the same pro- 
 vince. He obtained leave to return to his nativ land previous to 
 1803, and having taken orders, was .settled over the parish of 
 West Chester, where he continued highly esteemed for lofty prin- 
 ciple, ever exhibited through a protracted and checkered life, which 
 closed soon after penning the following epitaph : 
 
 .J 
 
 Sacretr 
 
 To the memory of ■"-■.-•"' V 
 The Rev. ISAAC WILKINS, D. D. - 
 
 who for 31 years was the • . 
 
 diligent and faithful tnxnister of , .y 
 
 this parish, - ; M 
 
 placed here, as he believed, by nis Redeemer. 
 
 He remained satisfied with the 
 
 pittance allowed him, rejoicing that even in that 
 
 he was no burden to his 
 
 parishioners: . ^ : 
 
 nor ever wished nor ever went forth . * 
 
 to seek a better living. . ■ . 
 
 Mr. Wilkins died 5th February, 1830, aged eighty-nine years. 
 
 t 
 
 * 
 
 :v^ 
 
 lX>' 
 

 m0 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. ' 
 
 REV. IVORY HOVEY.* 
 
 Rev. Itory Hovev was born at Topsfield, near Salem, Mass., 
 on the 3d of July, 0. S. 1714. He graduated at Harvard College 
 in 1735, in the class of Mr. Curwen. He studied theology, and 
 was settled at Matapoiset, a parish of Rochester, Massachusetts, in 
 1740. He left that place in 1765, and was soon afler resettled in 
 a parish of Plymouth, where he passed the remainder of an unusu- 
 ally long and useful life. He married in 1739, Olive, daughter of 
 Capt. Samuel Jordan, of Biddeford, Maine, who survived him a 
 few months. Mr. Hovey was able to continue his ministerial la- 
 bors till a few days before his death, which took place on the 4th 
 of November, 1803, in the ninetieth year of his age. It is remarked 
 by Dr. Alden, (from whose Collection these particulars are obtained,) 
 that for some time before his decease, Mr. Hovey " was but the 
 third among the living of his alma mater." He probably outlived 
 all of his classmates, although he survived Mr. Curwen by 
 only eighteen months. 
 
 For sixty-five years before his death, says Alden, Mr. Hovey 
 kept a journal, in which those things designed for his own partic- 
 ular use were penned in a short hand, as is said, of his own inven- 
 tion. This journal, closely written, amounts to the astonishing 
 number of seven thousand octavo pages. The same author pub- 
 lishes an excellent letter of great length, addressed by Mr. Hovey 
 to a young candidate for the ministry, written twelve days only 
 before his death. 
 
 * See above, page 418, where it is mentioned as uncertain whether this 
 classmate of Mr. Curwen was living in 1795. The present notice of Mr. 
 Hovey has been prepared since that part of the work was printed. 
 
// 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 i' / 
 
 661 
 
 ^<: 
 
 SAMUEL QUINCY. 
 
 [The folWing additional particulars and documents relating 
 to this unfortunate gentleman are derived from original papers, 
 of ^hich copies have been made and forwarded to us since the 
 preceding notice of him was in type. Aside from the fact that 
 they have been communicated by a lady, (Miss Eliza S. Quincy, jr., 
 of Cambridge, Massachusetts,) these documents possess too deep 
 an interest to be withheld from the public, although their publica- 
 tion renders the article more voluminous than is strictly consistent 
 vrith the plan of this work.] 
 
 Mr. Quincy was born in that part of Braintree now Quincy, 
 Massachusetts, April 13, 1735. He was the second son of Josiah 
 Quincy, who at that time resided on the estate of his ancestor in 
 that town, and who afterwards removed to Boston, and became an 
 eminent merchant of that place. His mother's name was Hannah 
 Sturgis, daughter of John Sturgis, Esq. of Yarmouth, Massachusetts. 
 She died in Boston, August, 1755, aged 43, leaving three sons and 
 one daughter. She was an excellent and religious woman, and had 
 received the best education the country at that time afforded. Her 
 children honored her memory, and the eminence and usefulness of 
 their lives and characters bore testimony to the virtuous principles 
 she had early instilled. 
 
 Endowed with Bne talents, Mr. Quincy became eminent in the 
 profession of the law, and succeeded Jonathan Sewall as solicitor- 
 general of Massachusetts. He was also distinguished for his know- 
 ledge and attainments in general literature, and as the author of 
 numerous fugitive essays in prose and verse, that appeared in the 
 journals of the day. He was the intimate friend of many of the 
 most distinguished men of that period, and an early correspond- 
 ent of John Adams. 
 
 In ( arly life he appears to have coincided in his political 
 course and opinions with his brothers. During the movements 
 preceding the Revolution, his name appears on the records of the 
 town of Boston, associated with that of Josiah Quincy, jr. From 
 the letter written by him to his brother, so ardent a patriot, on 
 receiving a copy of bis " Observations on the Boston Port Bill,'* 
 
 71 
 
 '.II 
 
 
562 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 it appears that their afTection for each other remained unal- 
 tered.* 
 
 The feelings of his father and family, who were all devoted to 
 the cause of freedom and independence, were undoubtedly deeply 
 wounded by the course Samuel Quincy pursued, as a letter of his 
 sister, Mrs. Lincoln, evinces. But they always continued to take 
 an affectionate interest in his fate and fortunes ; and the want of 
 letters from his father and friends, to which he alludes in his 
 letters from London, undoubtedly arose from the difficulties of 
 transmitting letters to London at that troubled period. His father 
 was then advanced in life, and lived in retirement at Braintree on 
 his paternal estate. 
 
 The following impassioned letter was written to Mr. Quincy by 
 his sister, Mrs. Lincoln, when on the eve of his departure for Eng- 
 land: > • 
 
 TO SAMUEL QUINCY. 
 
 Braintree, May 11,1775. 
 My dear Brother: 
 
 I write this in hopes to put it into the letter my father has just 
 written. If iti should reach you, it may serve to convince you that 
 I have not forgotten that you are my only brother. He must judge 
 what I feel, when I tell him that I fear I shall never see him again. 
 
 Our two departed brothers died upon the seas. You perhaps 
 will say your body is sound ; it may be so, but the sick in mind 
 call for more than Esculapian aid. 
 
 If any thing could surprise me now, the hearing of your going 
 home would ; but of late every thing that is marvellous and strange 
 is to be expected. I have not time to enlarge upon the compli- 
 cated distresses of our country, of families, or of individuals, but 
 shall briefly say that our connections have experienced such a se- 
 ries of melancholy events as are not to be paralleled. We, ray 
 brother, I hope, can sympathize in sorrowing for the loss of a bro- 
 ther, whose character was, as far as any man's of his age ever was, 
 unimpeachable. 
 
 In his labors for the salvation of his country, he was indefati- 
 
 * See Memoir of J. Quincy, jr._, by his aon President Quincy, p. 160. 
 
 all 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 563 
 
 gable. His death, I hope, will prove a warning to others — not to 
 pursue too eagerly any point. Nature kept upon the stretch will 
 give way. He did not sufficiently consider the tenderness of his 
 frame, and it may truly be said he fell a martyr in the cause of 
 liberty. 
 
 In the monody on our eldest brother I find the following lines ; 
 they may with equal propriety be applied to the younger : 
 
 " That heart which late, inflamed with patriot zeal, 
 , Braved the bold insults of its country's foe, ., .^ 
 
 No more its pious frenzy can reveal, 
 Nor e'er in Freedom's cause again shall glow."' 
 
 Let it not be told in America, and let it not be published in 
 Great Britain, that a brother of such brothers fled from his coun- 
 try — the wife of his youth — the children of his affection — and from 
 his aged sire, already bowed down with the loss of two sons, and 
 by that of many more dear, though not so near connections, to se- 
 cure himself from the reproaches of his injured countrymen, and to 
 cover such a retreat, obliged to enlist as a sycophant under an ob- 
 noxious Hutchinson, who is a tool under a cruel North, and by 
 them to be veered about, and at last to be blown aside with a cool 
 " to-morrow, sir." 
 
 "Refusal, canst thou wear a smoother form ?" 
 
 My blood chills at the thought of the meanness of a seeker,, 
 and flames with indignation at such treatment from those in power. 
 Arouse from your lethargy — let reason take the helm — disregard 
 all greatness but greatness of soul ; — then the little trappings that 
 royalty can confer will lose their lustre, that false lustre which I 
 fear inclines you to the prerogative side. Spare me, and do not 
 call what I have written impertinent, but ascribe it to the anxiety 
 of a sister, really distressed for thee. I behold you leaving your 
 country, " a land flowing with milk and honey," and in which, as 
 yet, iniquity of all kinds is punished, and its religion as yet free 
 from idolatry, (how long it will continue so God only knows — we 
 have reason to fear a depredation on our religious system next,) 
 for a country where evil works are committed with impunity. Can 
 
 r- 
 
 :- !i 
 
564 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 you expect there to walk uprightly ? Can you take fire bto your 
 bosom and not be burned 1 
 
 I take a long farewell, and wish you success in every laudable 
 
 undertaking. 
 
 Your afiectionate sister, 
 
 H, Lincoln. 
 
 TO HENRY HILL, ESQ., CAMBRIDGE. 
 
 Boston, May 13, 1775. 
 Dear Brother: 
 
 There never was a time when sincerity and affectionate unity 
 of heart could be more necessary than at present. But in the midst 
 of the confusions that darken our native land, we may still, by a 
 rectitude of conduct, entertain a rational hope that the Almighty 
 Governor of the universe will in his own time remember mercy. 
 
 I am going, my dear friend, to quit the habitation where I have 
 been so long encircled with the dearest connections. 
 
 I am going to hazard the unstable element, and for a while to 
 change the scene — whether it will be prosperous or adverse, is not 
 for mc to determine. I pray God to sustain my integrity, and pre- 
 serve me from temptation. 
 
 My» political character with you may be suspicious ; but be as- 
 sured, if I cannot serve my country, which I shall endeavor to the 
 utmost of my power, I will never betray it. 
 
 The unhappy event which took place yesterday, was as unex- 
 pected as it was distressful ; my concern for your safety, as well as 
 my anxiety for the agitation of my dear partner, wounded me to the 
 heart. Oh, cruel separation. 1 had many things to say ; I could 
 have talked with you for ever ; but the will of Heaven forbade it. 
 
 The kind care of my family you have so generously offered, 
 penetrates me with the deepest gratitude. If it should not be in 
 my power to reward you, you will have that recompense greater 
 than I can give you, the approbation of your own heart. Would 
 to God we may again enjoy that harmonious intercourse I have 
 been favored with since my union with your family. I will not 
 despair of this great blessing in some future and not very distant 
 period. • * God preserve you in health and every earthly «Mijoy- 
 inent, until you again receive the salutation of 
 
 Your friend and brother, Samuel Quincv. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 565 
 
 4;:':;> "• f ■• \ ^d/V-^' ' vg '>t-.;ii: 
 
 ,,,,,^^ EXTRACTS FROM MR. QUINCY'S LETTERS, j,, . 
 
 London, July 25, 1775. 
 * * I have now been here a month. I have not yet seen 
 Lord North or Lord Dartmouth, not because I could not, but be- 
 cause I have not been sent for, and choose my own time if I do it at 
 all. I mention this to show you how mistaken you are when you 
 suppose I shall be strictly examined. I have just returned from a 
 visit to one of the first law officers, by whom I was very politely 
 received. As to politics I say nothing ; suffice it that my opinion 
 of men and things remains the same, and is confirmed every hour. 
 * * We have just received the news of the battle of the 17th of 
 June, by the Cerberus ; but this is a subject on which I dare not 
 venture. Every thing is peace here ; I wish it may soon return to 
 my dear, dear country. 
 
 TO HENRY HILL, ESQ. 
 
 London, August 18, 1775. 
 You conjure me by the love of my country, to use my best 
 endeavors to bring about a reconciliation, suggesting that the 
 Americans are still as determined as ever to die free, rather than 
 live slaves ; I have no reason to doubt the zeal of m^' fellow- 
 countrymen in the cause of freedom, and their firmness in its de- 
 fence, and were it in my power, my faithful endeavors should not 
 be wanting (nay, I have a right to say they are not) to effect an 
 accomn-.odation. But, my good friend, I am unhappy to find that 
 the opinion I formed in America, and wb' h in a great measure 
 governed my conduct, was but too justly founded. Every propo- 
 sal of those who are friendly to the colonies, to alter the measures 
 of government and redress the grievances of which they complain, 
 is spurned at, unless attended with previous concessions on their 
 part. This there is less reason every day to expect, and thus the 
 prospect of an accommodation is thrown at a distance ; nor is there 
 yet the least reason to suppose that u formidable if any opposition 
 will be f'ran)ed against administration in favor of America- The 
 people of this country are united in their attachment to the reigning 
 
 J 
 
 ill I 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 prince and his family. The king's ministers are their own ; and 
 though a clamor against those who are in power, which is ever the 
 case in popular governments, in some measure divides the metrop- 
 olis, the city politics never were on a lower ebb. Their petitions 
 and remonstrances are received with indignation, as they are con- 
 ceived to originate from an arUi-ministerial spirit, and not as the 
 offspring of true patriotism or friendship to America. The politi- 
 cal subordination of the colonies is in this island a sacred tenet. It 
 is not, therefore, very surprising, that the late alarming strides of 
 colony opposition have taught them to suspect a determination to 
 emancipate the continent from every civil connection with this 
 country, and a dangerous design of independency, notwithstanding 
 the denial of it in words. Under this apprehension, the yeomen, 
 merchants, and manufacturers, in the inland parts of the country, 
 who were wont to be advocates for America, as far as I am able 
 to form a judgment both from information and observation^ are be- 
 ginning to murmur against them. Their common answer is, 
 Whilst you were reasonable in your demands and complained of 
 real burdens, we were willing to support you, but we cannot ven- 
 ture to assist American independence, lest we lay a foundation for 
 the destruction of both countries. Their produce and manufac- 
 tures are in quick demand, and likely to continue so, owing princi- 
 pally to the equipment of the Spanish Acta, and the late Russian 
 war. They are therefore at peace and contented, immersed in 
 wealth and commerce, and caring little what passes beyond them. 
 Some of the principal American merchants here with whom I have 
 conversed, are projecting an association promising their aid to gov- 
 ernment, and publicly to convince America that they are not to 
 expect the assistance of the trade here in support of what they call 
 her extravagant claims. We look, say they, upon your attempts 
 to distress us by stopping your commerce, as a mark of your want 
 of honesty, and your pretended flame for liberty as only a desire for 
 domination and empire. When the lord mayor carried up to St. 
 James's the late city remonstrance and petition for the removal of 
 the troops from Boston, his procession, with the usual parade, at- 
 tended by the sherif]^, aldermen and common-council, excited little 
 attention, and was honored at the palace gate with but a dumb 
 peal even from the tattered rabble. 
 
BIOORAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 567 
 
 The effect of the battle of Bunker Hill is a resolution to send 
 more ships and troops, every species of ammunition and warlike 
 implements, and all kinds of supply for the support of Boston ; 
 many of them are already embarked. Admiral Shuldam supersedes 
 Admiral Graves, and Sir Jeffery Amherst, it is said, has consented 
 to accept the command, and General Gage will have leave to re- 
 turn. What number of troops will be sent I am not able to say, but 
 I understand much greater in the spring, if a negotiation does not 
 take place. I mention these things minutely, to show you of how 
 small importance are those flattering articles of intelligence which 
 sound well upon paper, and appear highly spirited and influential. 
 These are facts, not of conjecture only, but visible and operative. 
 Your reflection will perhaps be, we must then work out our own sal- 
 vation by the strength of our own arm, trusting in the Lord. Really, 
 my friend, if the colonies, according to their late declaration, have 
 made a resistance by force their choice, the contest is in short re- 
 duced to that narrow compass. I view the dangerous and doubtful 
 struggle with fear and trembling ; I lament it with the most cor- 
 dial affection for my native country, and feel sensibly for my friends. 
 But I am aware it is my duty patiently to submit the event as it 
 may be governed by the all-wise counsels of that Being ' who ruleth 
 in the heavens, and is the God of armies. ' 
 
 ii 
 
 TO MRS. QUINCY. 
 
 London, Jan. 1, 1777. 
 • • The continuance of our unhappy separation has something 
 in it so unexpected, so unprecedented, so complicated with evil and 
 misfortune, it has become almost too burdensome for my spirits, nor 
 have I words that can reach its description. There are passing be- 
 fore me a thousand varying objects, some cf them affording amuse- 
 ment, and others admiration. I see many faces I have been used 
 to. America seems to be transplanted to London. St. James's 
 Park wears an appearance not unlike t'l.^ Exchange in Boston. 
 * * I long much to see my father. It is now more than eighteen 
 months since I parted with him in a manner I regret. Neither of 
 you say any thing of the family at Braintrce. They ought not to 
 think me regardless of them though I am silent ; for, however 
 
668 
 
 BIOOSAPHIC&L NOTICES. 
 
 lightly they may look upon me, I yet remember them with pleas- 
 Mr. David Greene is gone to Antigua. Mr. Ber« 
 
 ure. 
 
 « * « 
 
 gwin, of North Carolina, is now with me. 
 
 * « 
 
 -:- London, March 12, 1777. 
 
 You inquire whether I cannot bear contempt and reproach, 
 rather than remain any longer separated from my family 1 As I 
 always wished, and I think always endeavored, not to deserve the 
 one, so will I ever be careful to avoid the other. You urge as an 
 inducement to my return, that my countrymen will not deprive me 
 of life. I have never once harbored such an idea. Sure I am I 
 have never merited from them such a punishment. Difference of 
 opinion I have never known to be a capital offence, and were the 
 truth and motives of my conduct justly scrutinized, I am persuaded 
 they would not regard me as an enemy plotting their ruin. That 
 I might yet be able to recover in some respects the esteem of my 
 friends, I will not doubt while I am conscious of the purity of my 
 intentions. When I determined on a voyage to England, I resolved 
 upon deliberation, and I still think, with judgment. I did not, in- 
 deed, expect so hurried a succession of events, though you must 
 remember, I long had them in contemplation. Had an accommo- 
 dation taken place, my tour would have been greatly advantageous, 
 especially on the score of business ; what it will be now, time must 
 tell. 
 
 I am sorry you say nothing of my father, or the family at 
 Braintree ; I have not received a line nor heard from them since I 
 lefl America. * * God bless you all ; live happy, and think I am 
 as much so as my long absence from you will permit. 
 
 March 20, 1777. 
 I am not surprised much that, to the loss of property, I have 
 already sustained, I am to suffer further depredations, and that 
 those to whom I am under contract should avail themselves of this 
 opportunity and endeavor to make what is lefl their own. All I 
 ask is that my brother and my other friends (if I have any) would 
 think of me as they ought, and to be assured, that as far as they inter- 
 pose their assistance to save me from suffering, thry will not here- 
 after And me deficient in return. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 669 
 
 ^ If things should n t wear a more promising aspect at the open- 
 ing of the next year, by all means summon resolution to cross the 
 ocean. But if there is an appearance of accommodating this truly 
 unnatural contest, it would be advisable for you to bear ifarther 
 promise ; as I mean to return to my native country whenever I 
 may I permitted, and there is a chance for my procuring a live- 
 lihoo But I do not say that I will not accept of an opening here, 
 if any one should oiler that I may think eligible. 
 
 *n« ,v ,*, .,; , ,H Londm, AprU 18, 1778. 
 
 The late unexpected change of the state of public affairs in 
 this kingdom has occasioned a variety of speculation among men 
 of moderate principles in both parties. While some construe the 
 concessions of parliament as the effect of fear and pusillanimity, 
 others regard them as the ofispring of humanity, a desire to put an 
 end to war and the fruitless effusion of kindred blood. The pros- 
 pect of a foreign rupture has doubtless its weight ; but a wish to 
 restore the 'confidence of America by generous overtures, and its 
 dependence by a mild administration of government, I believe is 
 really a principal foundation of the present terms. Would to God 
 they may be such as will meet the voice and wish of the colonies, 
 and the result be a reunion of two countries whose interests, in my 
 opinion, can never be divided. I have lived to see the beginning, 
 and thus far the progress of this cruel convulsion ; my prayer is 
 that I may live to see the end of it. It has produced effects won- 
 derful and illustrious ; in some of which we may discern ^nd ad- 
 mire the great hand of Providence, in others the havoc of corrupt 
 passions and ambition. Devastation and death are inseparable 
 attendants in the train of war. I regret ray once happy conntry 
 has, in so short a time, experienced so large a share of them. They 
 are events I have long ago trembled at as a picture of imagination 
 only ; my heart is, however, now disburdened in some degree by 
 a prospect that the wrath of man will no longer prevail to the de- 
 struction of life and property. 
 
 By the favor of Lord Willoughby (of Parham) with whom, by 
 the kindness of my friend Mr. Fraser, I have the honor of an inti- 
 mate acquaintance, my curiosity has been several times gratified 
 
 72 
 
670 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 by an access to the house of lords, during the most important ir;- 
 quiries ; particularly about ten days since, when the great Lord 
 Chatham came down to the house tottering upon his feeble limbs, 
 to give his voice and advice on the present critical and dangerous 
 exigence of the state. The business of the day being introduced 
 by the Duke of Richmond, Lord Chatham rose, and in a faltering 
 tone of voice, manifestly enfeebled since I heard him before, began 
 his remarks by recurring to former periods of national alarm, 
 compared them to the evils now complained of, pointing out the 
 causes and their remedy, and then delivered his opinion on the two 
 great questions of a war with France, and the independence of 
 America. His speech was short to what I expected, and I believe 
 much shorter than he intended. The Duke of Richmond rose in 
 reply, and with some asperity objected to what had fallen from the 
 noble earl. Whether this or mere bodily weakness was the cause 
 I know not, but just as the duke had finished, his lordship suddenly 
 fainted. The house was immediately ordered to be cleared, and 
 the doors and windows set open ; but eager to see so celebrated a 
 senator, as I thought in his last moments, I ventured to press 
 in again, and saw him borne off on the shoulders of the Duke of 
 Cumberland and other noblemen of the first distinction, pale and 
 speechless. 
 
 " Silent that tongue, ' 
 
 On which, enrapt, admiring senates hung." 
 
 It was a grand though an affecting sight ! Supposing him to 
 be near his exit, I almost wished to see him die within those walls, 
 where for so many years he has figured to his own honor and the 
 glory of his country. * * • 
 
 If there is an accommodation, I shall certainly turn my views 
 to some part of the continent, unless something very promising 
 should offer elsewhere. It would grieve me very much to think of 
 never again seeing my father ; God bless him, and many other 
 worthy friends and relations in New England ; but a return to my 
 native country I cannot be reconciled to until I am convinced that 
 I am as well thought of as I know I deserve to be. I shall ever 
 rejoice in its prosperity, but am too proud to live despised where 
 I was once respected — an object of insult instead of the child of 
 favor. • * 
 

 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTIOEB. 
 
 671 
 
 You suggest, that had I remained,! might still have been with 
 you in honor and employment. It may be so, but when I left 
 America I had no expectation of being absent more than a few 
 months, little thinking operations of such magnitude would \ tve 
 followed in so quick a succession ; I left it from principle, and with 
 a view of emolument. If I have been mistaken it is my misfortune, 
 not my fault. My first letters from my friends congratulated me 
 on being out of the way ; and I was pleased to find my under- 
 taking met with their approbation as well as my own. The hearts 
 of men were not within my reach, nor the fortuitous event of things 
 within my control. " I am indeed u poor man ;" but even a poor 
 man has resources of comfort that cannot be torn from him, nor 
 are any so miserable as to be always under the influence of inau- 
 spicious stars. I will therefore still endeavor to bear my calamities 
 with firmness, and to feel for others. < " v V • 'jh. 
 
 • • Those who have befriended my family are entitled to my 
 warmest gratitude, and I hope you will never fail to express it for 
 me. Whether it ever will be in my power to recompense them I 
 know not, but no endeavor of mine shall be wanting to eifect it. 
 • * * I conjecture, though you do not mention from what quar- 
 ter, you have received unkindness. There are in this world many 
 things we are obliged and enabled to encounter, which at a dis- 
 tance appear insupportable. You must have experienced this as 
 well as I ; and it ought to teach us that best doctrine of philoso- 
 phy and religion — resignation. Bear up, therefore, with fortitude, 
 and wait patiently in expectation of a calmer and brighter day. 
 
 London, JWlay 31, 1778. 
 By the public prints we are made acquainted with an act of 
 the state of Massachusetts Bay, that precludes those among others 
 from returning, who left it since the 19th of April, 1775, and 
 << joined the enemy." Vou do not mention this act, nor have I any 
 information by which I am to construe what is meant by " joining 
 the enemy." The love of one's country, and solicitude for its wel- 
 fare, are natural and laudable aifectionN ; to lose its good opinion 
 is at once unhappy, and attended with many ill consequences; how 
 much more unfortunate to be for ever excluded from it without of- 
 fence ! It is said also that there is a resolve of congress, *< that no 
 
 Ml 
 
 lli I 
 
BIOOSAPHICAL NOTICBI. 
 
 > ( 
 
 absentee shall be permitted to take up his residence in any other 
 colony without having been iirst received and admitted as a citizen 
 of his own." This may have some effect on a movement I had in 
 contemplation of going southward, where I have a very advan- 
 tageous offer of countenance and favor. 
 
 'f. «■ 
 
 London, March 16, 1779. 
 
 " You may remember in some of my former letters I hinted 
 my wish to establish a residence in some other part of the conti- 
 nent, or in the West Indies^ and particularly mentioned to you An- 
 tigua — where my kinsman Mr. Wendell, my friend Mr. David 
 Greene, Dr. Russell and his family, Mr. Lavicourt, Mr. Vassall, 
 and others of my acquaintance, will give the island less of the ap- 
 pearance of a strange place. By the passing of the act of proscrip- 
 tion the door was shut against me in ray own country, where I 
 own it would have been my wish to have ended my days. This 
 confirmed my resolution. I have since unremittedly pursued 
 various objects, endeavoring to drive the nail that would go. 
 
 My first intention was that of transplanting myself somewhere 
 to the southward. On this subject I thought long, and consulted 
 others. I considered climate, friends, business, prospects in every 
 view, and at last formed my opinion. The provinces in the south 
 part of America in point of health were not more favorable than 
 the islands — in point of friends they might be preferable, but with 
 respect to business or the means of acquiring it, uncertain ; public 
 commotion yet continued, violent prejudices are not easily removed. 
 I had neither property nor natural connections in either of them. 
 I could have no official influence to sustain roe. What kind of 
 government or laws would finally prevail it was diiHcidt to tell. 
 These and other reasons determined me against the attempt. But 
 to stay longer in England, absent from my friends and family, with 
 a bare subsistence, inactive, without prospects, and useless to my- 
 self and the world, was death to me ! What was the alternative 1 
 As I saw no chance of procuring either appointment or employ 
 here, the old object of the West Indies recurred, where in my 
 younger days I wished to have remained ; and by the influence of 
 some particular gentlemen I have at last obtained the place of 
 " Comptroller of the Customs at the port of Parham in Antigua;'* 
 
BIOOBAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 673 
 
 for which island I mean to embark with the next convoy. My 
 view is to join the profits of business in the line of my profession 
 to the emoluments of ofSce. This I flatter myself will afford me a 
 handsome maintenance. I grow old too fast to think of waiting 
 longer for the moving of the waters, and have therefore cast my 
 bread upon them, thus in hopes that at last, after i^any days, I may 
 find it. )-. . -; H, ■ 
 
 Transmit to my father every expression of duty and affection. 
 If he retains the same friendship and parental fondness for me I 
 have always experienced from him, he will p^ronize my children, 
 and in doing this he will do it unto me. It was my intention to 
 have written to him, but the subjects on which I want to tkeat are 
 too personally interesting for the casualties of the present day. 
 He may rest assured it is my greatest unhappiness to be thus denied 
 the pleasing task of lightening his misfortunes and soothing the 
 evening of his days. Whatever may be the future events of his 
 life, I shall always retain for him the warmest filial respect, and if 
 it is my lot to survive him, shall ever think it a pleasure as well as 
 my duty to promote to my utmost the welfare of his posterity. My 
 mother will also accept of my duty and good wishes ; the prosper- 
 ity of the whole household lies near my heart, and they will do 
 me injustice if they think me otherwise than their affectionate 
 friend. * * * 
 
 Col. Scott yesterday received a letter from his wife, by the 
 Marquis de la Fayette, by which I learn you were all well the 4th 
 January last. * * 
 
 With respect to my property in America, my wish and desire is, 
 if I have any control over it, that my friends there collectively, 
 or some one singly under your direction, would take it into their 
 hands, and consolidating the debts I owe into one sum, apply it to 
 their discharge. I can think of no better way than this. If 
 eventually I am deprived of it, I will endeavor to bear it with that 
 fortitude which becomes a Christian and philosopher. 
 
 P. S. I could wish above all things to preserve my law books. 
 
 TO HENRY HILL, ESQ. 
 
 London, May 25, 1779. 
 u* * I jj^Ye obtained an appointment at Parham, in Antigua, 
 
574 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 as comptroller of the customs, and am to embark soon for St. Kitts. 
 • • It is this day four years since I left Boston, and though I 
 have been racked by my own misfortunes and my feelings for the 
 distresses of my family and friends, I have still by a good Provi- 
 dence been blessed with health and comforted by the kindness of 
 many friends. If I have not been in affluence, I have been above 
 vrant, and happy in the esteem of numbers in this kingdom to whom 
 I was altogether a stranger. * * The education of my children 
 is uppermost in my heart. The giving my son the benefit of classi- 
 cal learning by a coilk'se of college studies, is a step I much approve. 
 The sequestration of my books is more mortifying to me than any 
 other stroke. If they are not yet out of your power save them for 
 me at all events. 
 
 TO THE REV. DR. WIOGLESWORTH, HOLLIS PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY, 
 
 CAMBRIDGE. 
 
 Antigua, June 28, 1782. 
 * * Nothing has laid so near my heart during my absence 
 and misfortunes as the advancement of the education of my chil- 
 dren. The honor my son is about to receive at the approaching 
 solemnities I hope will be well earned. * * * It was always my 
 desire, and more than once have I intimated to you my inclination, 
 to turn my thoughts and influence towards the prosperity of the 
 college ; how that object has been defeated needs no explanation. 
 I was ever their well wisher — they would have found me their 
 benefactor. , 
 
 In a copy of a letter to a friend, apparently in the West Indies, 
 but whose name does not appear, Mr. Quincy thus expresses 
 himself: ^ 
 
 Antigm, Feb. 1, 1782. 
 You ask of me an account of my coming to the West Indies, 
 the manner of my existence, and destination, &c. The story is 
 long, and would require many anecdotes to give the true history, 
 but you will excuse me if at present I say only, that in the year 
 1775, just after the battle of Lexington, I quitted America for Lon- 
 don on motives of business, intending to return in a few months ; 
 but my absence was construed by our good patriots as the effect of 
 
BIOGRAFHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 576 
 
 my political principles, and improved first to my proscription, after- 
 vrards to the very flattering title of traitorous conspirator, and 
 the confiscation of my estate. I remained in England several 
 years, but, tired of waiting for the moving of the waters, and unwil- 
 ling to waste the flower of my age in a state of indolence, neither 
 profitable to myself nor my family, I resolved to seek my fortune in 
 this part of the world, where I bad been in my younger days, — 
 obtained a berth in the customs, which, together with the emolu- 
 meats of my profession, afford me a comfortable subsistence, and 
 the prospect of something beyond. 
 
 Your friend, &c., -^- 
 .; w;' ■ ■; ^ .-:■.. n' .^ Samuel QuiNCY. . 
 
 TO HENRV HILL, ESQ., BOSTON. 
 
 St. Christopher, My 26, 1783. 
 My DEAR Brother : 
 
 I am sorry to find that the letters you wrote me after the tidings 
 you received of my loss of your dear sister,* never reached me, as 
 by that means I was deprived of the consolations, which the sym- 
 pathy of our friends affords in the hour of grief. * * For strange 
 as it may seem, however painful the idea that we are for ever 
 separated from our friends, there is something pleasing to me in 
 calling to memory the conversations, the attitudes, which present 
 them in the strongest point of view, the occasions upon which, and 
 the places where they have most administered to our felicity and 
 comfort. If this is not the case, how great a part of the small pit- 
 tance of enjoyment allotted to us in this life is broken off. How 
 many of our former friendships and sweetest intercourse would be 
 for ever obliterated, and dead to recollection ; our fund of gratifi- 
 cation would be confined to the narrow limits of the objects imme- 
 diately around us. 
 
 There is in some persons a strange kind of reluctance to 
 conversing about their dead friends ; as if those passages in their 
 character which render their memory dear, could not be thought 
 upon without recalling the circumstances of their departure. 
 
 To die is the lot of humanity ; if the sentiments and conduct 
 of those who have been separated from us, are such as have 
 
 * The wife of Mr. Quincy, who died Nov. 1782. 
 
 
 I 
 
 : 
 
676 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 
 afforded us either amusement or instruction, and their example wor- 
 thy of imitation, the more we meditate or confer upon their native 
 and ornamental graces, the more we pay them honor ; the more 
 likely are we (at the same time that we receive a sensible grati- 
 fication) to imbibe the amiable qualities i;:> \vhich they excelled, 
 and to adopt their virtues. • • * * 
 
 If the events of life were under our control, it is probable 
 we should endeavor to govern them to the purpose of our views. 
 In that case I should soon be in the society of my nearest friends ; 
 it would be immaterial to me in what part of the world, for I have 
 Jong since learned that happiness is not confined to any particular 
 spot: diffused equally through the immense space of air and 'p.dh. 
 the animal part of creation, whether rational or brute, pn :::ies:^ a in 
 every region; and most likely were we permitted to ^arve Ibr 
 ourselves, our fortunes would be still more chciinered tnau hey 
 are. This reflection, at the same time it expam's •, i'.- idea of the 
 Deity, has a tendency to teach us acquiescence in the state to 
 which we are destined. Change seems to be as necessary to sus- 
 tain the present link of being as air and food, for though the acci- 
 dental ties of birth, kindred, and friendship, have a powerful 
 influence on our affections, if the latter is met with where least 
 expected, it has there its most peculiar energy, and the former 
 gradually lessen as the probability of restoring them is removed in 
 a greater or less degree. 
 
 TO SAMUEL QUINCr, JR., CAMBRIDGE. 
 
 June 10, 1785. ' 
 How anxious soever I may feel to see my friends and rela- 
 tions once more, I cannot think of doing it at the expense of my 
 liberty ; nor will I ever visit that country where I first drew my 
 breath, but upon such terms as I have always lived in it ; and 
 such as I have still a right to claim from those who possess it, — 
 the character of a gentleman. • * * The proposal Judge Sumner 
 has hinted to me of keeping his old berth for you at Roxbury, is a 
 good one, at least better tVavi Boston. Cultivate his good opinion, 
 and deserve his patronag" ; hi; '.'\'i >-:?tow the '^ '"^'n* for my sake, 
 I trust, as well as his pei i 'I c^itec'is for you. It will also stand 
 you in stead at court, where I hope you will one day figure as a 
 
. ■v. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 577 
 
 legislator as vreW as an advocate. All depends upon setting out 
 right. You are at the edge of a precipice, or ought to consider 
 yoi. I *»elf so ; from whence, if you fall, the " revocare gradum" is 
 a task indeed. Resolve, then, to think right, and act well ; keep- 
 ing up to that resolution will procure you daily the attention ot' all 
 ranks, and command for you their respect. Kvvp alive the cause 
 of truth, of reason, of virtue, and of liberty, if I may be permitted 
 to use that name, who have by some injuriously been thought in a 
 conspiracy against it. This is the path of duty, and will be the 
 source of blessing. . 
 
 • ' July 24, 1189. 
 
 I am exceedingly sorry to hear of the distracted political situa- 
 tion of Mascachusetts. * * * A constitution founded on mere 
 republican principles has always appeared to me a many-heaf<ed 
 monster, and, however applauded by a Franklin, a Price, and a 
 Priestley, that in the end it must become a suicide. Mankind dc 
 not io experience appear formed for that finer system, which, in 
 theory, by the nice adjustment of its parts ))romises pen. anency 
 and repose. The passions, prejudices, and interests of some will 
 always be in opposition to others, especially if they are in place. 
 This, it may be said, is the case in ull governments, but I think 
 less so in a monarchy than under a republican code. The people 
 at large feel an overbalance of power in their own favor ; ihey 
 will naturally endeavor to ease themseives of all expenses which 
 are not lucrative to them, and retrench the gains of others, whether 
 the reward of merit or genius, or the wages of a hireling. 
 
 Tortola, June I, 1759. 
 Mt dear Son : 
 
 Your short letter of the 14th February gave me pleasure, as it 
 informed me of your health and that of your family, and other 
 friends in the neighborhood of Roxbury. # * # 
 
 It would be my wish to make you a visit once more in my life, 
 could it be ascertained I might walk free of insult, and unmolested 
 in person. Two things must concur to satisfy 'me of this, — the 
 repeal of the act passed 1779, against cert .in crown oflieers, as 
 traitors, conspirators, &c. ; and accommodation \Ni(h those who 
 
 73 
 
m 
 
 578 
 
 BIOORAFHICAI. NOTICES. 
 
 have against me pecuniary demands. The first I haNe never yet 
 learned to be repealed, either in whole or in part, and therefore I 
 consider it as a stumbling-block at the threshold ; the second, no 
 steps I suppose have been taken to effect, although I think it 
 might be done by inquiry and proposition — with some by a total 
 release from demand, and with others by a reasonable compromise. 
 If you ever wish your father to repose under your roof, you will 
 take some pains to examine the list, and make the trial. I shall 
 shortly, I hope, be in a situation to leave this country, if I choose 
 it ; but whether Europe, of the two objects I have in view, will 
 take the preference, may depend on the answer I may receive from 
 you, upon the hints I have now thrown out for your consideration 
 and filial exertions. • * » 
 
 I have been, as I informed you in my last, k good deal indis- 
 posed for some time past. I find myself, however, better on the 
 whole at present, though I feel the want of a bracing air. Adieu. 
 
 Your aflectionate parent, 
 
 Samuel Quincy. 
 
 Soon after the date of this last letter, Mr. Quincy embarked for 
 England, accompanied by his wife.* The restoration of his health 
 was the object of the voyage, but the effort was unsuccessful ; he 
 died at sea, within sight of the English coast. His remains were 
 carried to England, and interred on Bristol hill. His widow imme- 
 diately re-embarked for the West Indies, but her voyage was 
 tempestuous. Grief for the loss of her husband, to whom she was 
 strongly attached, and sutTeiing from the storm her vessel encoun- 
 tered, terminated her life on her homeward passage. 
 
 I 
 
 * Mr. Quincy was married to a second wife at Antigua. 
 
J > 
 
 LINES BY DR. COOPER, PRESIDENT OF KING'S, NOW 
 COLUMBIA, COLLEGE. 
 
 The following lines were written by Dr. Cooper, in England, 
 on the 10th of May, 1776, the anniversary of his departure from 
 New- York. As it is descriptive of his precipitate flight from the 
 college, to avoid the outrages of a mob, this effusion may be 
 regarded as a document oi historical interest, aside from the 
 beauty of the poetry. 
 
 To thee, O God ! by whom I live, 
 The tribute »f my soul I eive. 
 
 On this revolving day : 
 To thee, O Godl my voice I raise. 
 To thee address my grateful praise, 
 
 And swell the duteous lay. 
 Nor has this orb unceasing run 
 Its annual circle, round the sun, 
 
 Since when the heirs of strife. 
 Led by the pale moon's midnight ray, 
 And bent on mischief, urged their way 
 
 To seize my guiltless life. 
 At ease my weary limba were laid. 
 And slumbers sweet around me shed 
 
 The blessings of repose : 
 Unconscious of the dark design, 
 I knew no base intent was mine. 
 
 And therefore fear'd no foes. 
 When straight a heaven-directed youth,* 
 Whom oft my lessons led to truth. 
 
 And honor's sncred shrine. 
 Advancing quick, before the rest, 
 With trembling tongue my ear addrest, 
 
 Yet sure in voice divine : 
 "Awake! awake! the storm is nigh— 
 This instant rouse— this instant fly— 
 
 The next may bo too late : 
 Four hundred men, a hostile band. 
 Access importunate demand, 
 
 And snake the eronning gntr." 
 I wake— 1 fly— whilst Kind and near 
 Druad rxecrntions wound my ear. 
 
 And sore my soul dismay ; 
 Onu avenue alone remain'il, 
 A speedy passage there 1 itnin'd 
 
 Anu wing'omy rapid way. 
 That moment all the furious throng, 
 An entrance forcing, poiir'd aluiii(, 
 And fili'd my peaceful cfll it 
 
 Nor yet content— but hoping still, 
 Their impious purpose to fulfil. 
 
 They force each yielding door ; 
 And whilst their curses loadf my bead, 
 With piercing steel they probe the bed. 
 
 And thirst for human gore. 
 Meanwhile along the sounding shore. 
 Where Hudson's waves incessant roar, 
 
 I work my weary way ; 
 And skirt the windings of the tide, 
 My faithful pupil hy my side. 
 
 Nor wish the approach of day. 
 At length ascending from the beach, 
 With hopes reviv'd by morn, I reach 
 
 The good PaleMion'st cot ; 
 Where free from terror and aflright, 
 I calmly wait the coming night, 
 
 My every fear forgot. 
 'Twas then I scal'd the vessel's S side, 
 Where all the amities abide 
 
 That mortal worth can boast ; 
 Whence, with a longing, lingering view, 
 1 bid my much-lov'd York adiiu, 
 
 And sought my native coast. 
 Now all conipos'd, from danger far, 
 1 hear no mure tliu din of war, 
 
 Nor sluidder at alnniis ; 
 But safely sink each iiiyht to rest, 
 fvo malice rankling lliiouj;!! my breast. 
 
 In freuduiii's lostoting ariiifi. 
 Though strippM of most tlie world admires. 
 Yet torn by Kw uiitnui (I ilcsiies, 
 
 I rest in cnim coiiteiii ; 
 And humbly hope a gr.ii lous Lord 
 Again those blessings will atfurd, 
 VVIiicli oiue Ins bounty lent. 
 Vet still for niniiy n laillil'ul friend, 
 Shall day by day my vows UHecud 
 Thy dwelling. O my (iml I 
 
 Where harmless jest, and modest mirth. Who steiidy still in virtue's enu.sp, 
 
 And cheerful laughter oft had birth. Despising faitiun's miiiiie laws, 
 
 And joy was wont to dwell. The pailis of peace have liod. 
 
 Not ev'n the Muf js' hnllow'd fane, Nor yet for Irn.nil iilonu— for nil 
 
 Their lawless fury can restrain, Too prone to lued sedition's eiili, 
 
 Or check their huadloitg liasto; Hear nie, iiKliilijenl Heaven ! 
 
 They push <hcm from ih Ir solemn seat, O! may tiiey eusi tlieir nnna awny, 
 
 Profane their long rever'd retreat, To Thee, and Ueorge, siiliin;.<8ion pay 
 
 And lay their Pindus waste. Uepeiit and bo forgiven ! 
 
 " Mr. NIcIioIbi) Oirdrn. 
 
 t Mr. d.ujrvesunt'ii scat In the Ouwery. 
 
 f King'", now ('olumbin CuUece. 
 
 I KlnilUUer, sluop ul war, liuuuU to England. 
 
 It 
 
I ■'I 
 
 b 
 
 I 
 
 '■, 
 
 Kit 
 
 ,♦'.'■ 
 
 NEW-YORK CONFISCATION ACT. 
 
 An Act for the Forfeiture and Sale of the estates of Persons who have 
 adhered to the Enemies of this State, and for declaring the Sove- 
 reignty of the People of this State in respect to all property within 
 the same.— Passed, October 22, 1789. 
 
 Therefore be it enacted by the People rfthe State of New- York, etc., 
 That John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, ibrmerly governor of the colony of 
 New-York, William Tryon, Esq., late governor of the said colony, John 
 Watts, Oliver De Lancey, Hugh Wallace, Henry White, John HnrrU 
 Cruger, William Axtell, and Roger Morris, Esq., late members of the 
 council of the said county ; George Duncan Ludlow and Thomas Jonea, 
 late justices of the supreme court of the said colony ; John Tabor Kempe, 
 late attorney-general of the said colony ; William Bayard, Robert 
 Bayard, and James De Lancey, now or late of the city of New- York, 
 Esqs. ; David Matthews, late mayor of said city ; James Jauncey, Qeorga 
 Folliot, Thomas White, William McAaam, Isaac Low, Miles Sherbrookt 
 Alexander Wallace, and John Wetherhead, now or late of the said city, 
 merchants; Charles Inglis, of the said city, clerk, and Margaret his wife { 
 Sir John Johnson, late of the county of Tryon, knight and baronet; Quy 
 Johnson, Daniel Glaus, and John Butler, now or late of the said county, 
 Esq. ; and John Joost Herkemer, now or late of the said county, 
 yeoman ; Frederick Philipse and James De Lancey, now or late of the 
 county of Westchester, Esqs. ; Frederick Philipse, (son of Frederick,) 
 now or lace of the said county, gentleman; David Golden, Daniel Kii- 
 sam the elder, and Gabriel Ludlow, now or late of Queen's county, Esqs. ; 
 Philip Skeene, now or kite of the county of Charlotte, Esq., and Andrew 
 P. Skeene, son of Philip Skeene, late of Charlotte county ; Benjamin 
 Seaman and Christopher Billop, now or late of the county of Richmond, 
 Esqs. ; Beverly Robinson, Beverly Robinson the younger, and Mal- 
 com Morrison, now or late of the county of Dutchess, Esqs. ; John Kane, 
 now or late oftlie said county, gentleman ; Abraham C. Cuyler, now or 
 laie of the county of .MImny, Esq. ; Robert Leake, Edward Jesdup, and 
 Ebenezcr Jessup, now or late of the said county, gentlemen ; and Petor 
 Du Bois and Thomas II. Btirclay, now or late of the county of Ulster, 
 Esqs. ; Susannah Uohltison, wife to the said Beverly Robinson, and 
 Mary Morris, wife to tlio said Roger Morris ; John Kapcljn, of King! 
 county, Esq. ; Georj^e Morrison, Richard Floyd, and Parker Wlckham, 
 of Sutfolk comity, Et<qs. ; Mcnry Lloyd the elder, late of the state of 
 MaBsachusctts Bay, men-Jiant ; and Sir Henry Clinton, knight, bo and 
 each of them arc herelty severally declared to be, ipso facto, convicted 
 and attainted of ttie oH'uiice aforesaid; and that all and singular the 
 estate, both real and personal, held or claimed by them the said person! 
 severally and respt'ctivply, whether in possession, reversion or remainder, 
 within Urn ntntc, on the dny of the parsing of this act, shall be, and here- 
 by is declared to be iurf(;ilcd to, and vested in tlie People of this State. 
 
rsona who have 
 aring the Sove- 
 property within 
 
 New- York, etc., 
 ' of the colony of 
 lid colony, Joha 
 te, John Harrii 
 nembera of the 
 
 Thomaa Jonei, 
 t Tabor Kempe, 
 3ayard, Robert 
 Y of New- York, 
 auncey, Qeorga 
 [ilea Sherbrooki 
 of the aaid city, 
 rgaret hia wife ; 
 1 baronet; Quy 
 he aaid county, 
 e aaid county, 
 1 or late of the 
 I of Frederick,) 
 3n, Daniel Kia- 
 3 county, Esqa. ; 
 iq., and Andrew 
 nty; Benjamin 
 y of Richmond, 
 iger, and Mai- 
 ls. ; John Kane, 
 Cuyler, now or 
 nrd Jesflup, and 
 nen ; and Peter 
 unty of Ulater, 
 
 Robinaon, and 
 pcljn, of Kinga 
 irker Wickham, 
 of the Btato of 
 
 knight, bo and 
 fucto, convicted 
 id singuhtr tlie 
 lie sitid peraona 
 m or remiiiiulor, 
 ill be, and here* 
 
 of thia State. 
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 ''»aIi~^n'L"-^'"^«*" '■«■'• "Barrick." 
 
 tihlt ,'•"«/'■•'"' 'op- fo' " Barnard" read "Bernard." 
 365— 2Uth line Itom top, for "ou" read " U " 
 
 iSi ?Iii''"*/'"""'l'"'"'""''°'" " Ptter Hooptr," read "Robtrt Homer" 
 m—U line Crom bottom, for " Au" read "Ihii," cooper.