The New-Jersey gazette — Burlington [N.J.], 1781-10-17 00:00:00, page 2

L OND O N, June 16.
Mr. Hartley made a motion in the House of Com
mons, that a bill might be brought in, giving the
Kings's Ministers and to certain commissioners, which
would be named to that effect, the necessary powers
t) treat, consult and finally agree on terms of peace
and conciliation with the revolted colonies of Ame
rica. The 30th oflaft month, when that motion was
made Mr. Fox made the following speech. —
SHALL not dispute this question; I shall con
l fine myfelf to some observations. Lord George
Germaine said, that the crown has fufficient powers
to make peace with America. I contend that the
crown has not any power to regulate any one point
in dispute between Great-Britain and America. It
is true that the Minister forgot to fay that there would
certainly be points rtferved for the consideration of
Parliament; but what are these points refcrved? They
are all those which are to regulate. The motion
then was necessary, if they really have a peace with
America, at heart, the crown having no power with
out the authority of Parliament; that is matter too
clear to admit of a doubt. If in fact it has that which
it claims, let us ask then, Why the Minister requeu
ed of Parliament an aCt to authorize Lord Carlide
and the rest of the commissioners to go to America
and treat for a peace? Why did they not fend them
off, and what necessity had they to treat with Parlia
ment? Was it for the pleasures of obtaining an aft
which was good for nothing, or because the thing in
itfelf was one of those bright operations which was
to spread an immortal luftre on the annals of the
empire? The consequences which resulted from it,
have they shewn the necessity there was of addressing
the Parliament for the nomination of so illustrious
and important an embassy? There is another point
on which I beg leave of the noble Lord to differ
with him. We were not in fad at war with Ameri
ca. The present hostilities commenced in conse
quence of the prohibitory ad, paflfed in the year
<774. That aCt was the cause of the war. We
were consequently in a different portion with Ame
rica from what we were with France and Spain.
The war with America took place by virtue of an
ad of Parliament, which must necessarily be repeal
ed. The present .motion is then an indifpenfible
preliminary towards opening a door to a reconcilia
tion. As to the rest. Lord George Germaine was
right in faying that the Crown has fufficient powers
to make peace, for it has certainly more power than
good will. The fad is, that Ministry has not the
tinalleft inclination towards a peace, and conse
quently it is entirely unnecessary to give them pow
ers to that effect. What then! Are you at war with
America? Do you acknowledge them too to be an
independent power? Are they in the fame relative
position to this country as France and Spain? No, it
is not with them you are at war, but with your
revolted colonies. It is hot an enemy you combat,
but you endeavour to suppress a rebellion. Can you
cramp by reftriCtions the navigation of France and
Spain? Prescribe by ads of Parliament the exaCt
limits where their flrips are to go, with ftri& defence
not to pass them. By an ad of Parliament not one
vessel belonging to Massachusetts dare enter our ports.
Can peace be re-eftabiifhed if that aft is nut repeal
ed? There was an infurreCtion in the colonies which
we endeavoured to appease; but we were not at war
with them as forming an independent power, against
which we might exercise tiie prerogative of the
Crown. If that distinction was not fufficient to shew
that the Crown had no powers, an act of the House
puffed specially for that purpose, will furnifh the
proof. The prohibitory ad was passed to authorize
the British ihips and squadrons to take the mips and
properties of the Americans on the high seas. By
that aCt they were forbid to navigate, and their
vessels were taken, not as property of the enemy,
but as contraband goods. Their vessels will continue
to be taken as long as that ad subsists; the Crown
can neither fuipend nor annul the effeds .of it. It
may order the Ihips of the royal navy not to take
any American vessels, but cannot prevent other ves
sels from capturing them, and having them con
demned in our Courts in consequence of that cap
ture. It is not then in the power of His Majesty's
Ministers to regulate one point in dispute, without
the aid and assistance of Parliament. With refped
to the opinions of the Ministry on the situation of
American affairs, whatever they might have been a
few years ago, I am very sure they never believed
that there was the fmallefc appearance of the Ame
ricans changing their difpolitions. Lord North would
be exceedingly embarrassed was he to be interrogat
ed on that fubjed, for in answering the question he
would be obliged to contradict fads which he assur
ed us of at different periods. As to Lord George
Germaine, who has experience, and is naturally
disposed to moderation and sweetness, how could
be fuffer himfelf to be engaged in lupporting the
war with America? How explain his relilh with that
war. Lord North may fay with the Italian poet,
" My vote for that operation arises from him who
has the will and power of executing it. Ask me no
more." Lord George Germaine will certainly not
take it amiss if I observe that, agreeable to his cha
racter, he is less accustomed to amuse his audience
with general speeches, and that he comes more di
redly to the point. He has said that the Americans,
having once rejected the conditions of peace offered
them, they could not hope that new overtures
Should be made them. Unconditional submission then
F I S H-K I L L, OCt. 11.
Extract from GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-quarters, Continental Village, Oct. 5.
" The General congratulates the army on the
success of the American arms in the reduction of
Fort Slongo, on Long-lfland, the morning of the 3d
inst. This enterprise was planned by Major Tall
madge, and executed by Major Trefcott, with an
address and gallantry which does them great honour.
" The General presents his thanks to Major Tall
madge, Major Trefcott, and the other brave officers
and men, both soldiers and boatmen, who signalized
themselves on this occasion. It adds much to the
pleasure of this success, that it was obtained without
the loss of a man killed on our fide, and only one
wounded. Of the enemy, two Captains, one Lieut,
and eighteen rank and file were made prisoners, be
fidcs fcveral killed and wounded. Two iron double
fortified four-pounders were destroyed : The colours
is the only proviso of that Minister, and of all those
who like him feed themselves with fine hopes Their
condud and sentiments have proved that they were
not miftdken, and they merit at least the praise of
having been confident. But it is impossible to fay
as much for Lord North, whose opinion on that fub
jed has never been fixed or determined to one point.
I do not pretend to fay it is absolutely impossible
that we should succeed in our war against America,
although Lord North knows very well in the bottom
of his foul that we have not the smallest hope left on
that fubjed. However, we have gained of late a
great many victories; we have had Gazettes extraor
dinary; the guns at the Tower have been fired often,
and there have been illuminations all over the town.
Fine rejoicings, and well worthy the causes which
gave rife to them! Let us only recoiled the Minister's
transports of joy on the taking of Charleftown,
which he would make people think was a decisive
blow, although I at the fame time assured this House,
upon my honour, that that conquest, so much vaunt
ed by them and their adherents, would not have the
smallest influence on the grand cause of independence.
But why will the Ministers, and the majority of this
House, although well convinced of the impossibility
of conquering America, still persist in so ruinous a
war? The answer is plain, and here it is. The
Ministers continue the war because, without it, they
could not continue in their places, and the majority
of the members vote for it because, without it, the
Ministers could not make them gain large sums of
money, in associating with them in the benefits of
the loan. Ministry know, that the moment wherein
they make peace with America, their power must
be annihilated, and their triends know also, that at
the fame moment they must cease to Ihare the bene
fits of the loans. It is the American war which
gave rife to loans, douceurs, bargains, flock-job
bings, &c. and it is the loans, the douceurs, the
bargains, the dock-jobbings, &c. which keep up the
•war in America. If we question the Minister out of
the House, on the majority which he had found in
it, and he will give a direct and candid answer, he
will fay, " Have I not given them an exceflive pro
fit on the loan to fliare amongst them?" Have they
not continually insinuated to the King, that the
moment he made peace with America, his power
must diminish. They have repeated to him inces
santly, and he has but too easily fuffered himfelf to
be persuaded, that power was real and fubitantial
good, whilst popularity was but a vain empty name,
that made no noise, and was fubjeCt to vanish like
lightning. Such are the impressions which they en
deavour to give him; but the fad is, that the Mi
nister's power only would finifh with the war, that
of the Sovereign does not depend on its continuance,
founded on the constitution, it will live and die with
it:
WORCESTER, October 4.
We are assured that Arnold on his return from
Connecticut landed 150 wounded men. The 40th
British regiment were mostly cut to pieces in the
reduction of Fort Griswold.
The latest accounts from New-York mention, that
there was the hottest press for seamen ever known in
that city.
If you do not vote with me, fays Lord North, to
the members of parliament, against a peace with A
merica, how shall I be able to give you any thing?
It is true that as Minister, my poll: is high as it is
reputable, but it is no less true that the American
war offers me the means of procuring you douceurs,
and to put 8 or 900,0001. per annum in your pock
ets by loans. Put an end to this war, and you are all
ruined. My power will have a miserable period,
and your pay will come to nothing. As to myfelf I
am fully indifferent about ail matters ; I have gained
a trifle, I am happy enough to be contented with
little, therefore, as to what affeCts me personally no
man can suppose that I trouble myfelf about a peace
with America, was it to be concluded to-morrow;
but for your own fakes, take heed that no such reso
lution passes. Iff even quitted the ministry, a place
for which I never had the smallest ambition, which
I never loved, and which I most ardently desire to
get quit of, hill my vote should be for continuing
the war with America. I therefore engage to you,
that I shall ever favour that admirable system, for
the benefit of the present age, and for the admira
tion of future generations.
( The remainder quill be in our next.)
of the Fort, one brass three-pounder, a number of
small arms, ammunition, &c. are trophies of victory.
" Oct. 7. Lail evening the prisoners taken in Fort
Slongo, with the colours of the garrison, were
brought to Head-Quarters under proper escort, and
the former are this day forwarded to Fish-Kill."
PHILADELPHIA, Oft. 10.
Extract of a letter dated Congarees, Sept. 13, 1781.
" I congratulate you on our success on the Bth
instant at Eutaw, in which action the enemy loft, in
killed, wounded, and taken prisoners, upwards of
1100 men, and upwards of 20 officers are taken pri
soners, among which their Adjutant-General.
" The enemy have retreated towards Monk's-
Corner; our head-quarters, by the last accounts,
was at Martin's; General Marion, Colonels Lee
and Mahum advanced in their front with the caval
ry, and are picking up pritonei s hourly; Major
Hyrne, Commissary of prisoners, has an account of
537 Britilh regulars in our poffeflion, prisoners.
" Inclofed you have General Greene's General
Orders, as read to the army the day after the acti
on; as also a hand bill published by the enemy at
Charleftown, to keep up the Spirits of the poor pro
tection men.
Extract of GENERAL ORDERS,
Burdcl's, Sept. 9, 1781.
The General presents his most grateful thanks to
all the officers and soldiers of the army, for their ex
traordinary exertions in the well fought battle of
yesterday. He has infinite pleasure in the opportu
nity of acknowledging himfelf fatisfied in the high
est degree with the troops in general.•
" The militia commanded by Brigadiers Marion
and Pickens, and Col. Malmody, answered his most
sanguine expectations.
"The Rate troops, commanded by Colonels Hen
derson, Hampton, Middleton, Polk, and Ham
mond, behaved with that gallantry and firmnefs
which characterize the advocates for liberty.
" The North-Carolina brigade, commanded by
Brigadier-General Sumner, confiding of three bat
talions, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Ash,
Majors Armstrong and Blount, discovered a confi
dence which doth honour to young soldiers. The
Maryland brigade, commanded by Colonel Willi
ams, confiding bl the rd and 2d regiments, com
manded by Lieutenant-Colonel Howard and Major
Hardman; and the Virginia brigade, command
ed by Colonel Campbell, confining of theist and
2d regiments, commanded by Major Snead and'
Captain Edmonds, exhibited lively examples of that
intrepidity and military perfection which is seldom
equalled by the oldest troops. The light infantry
corps, commanded by Captains Kirkwood and Ru
dolph, deserves the highest applause fur their great
activity.
" The cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant-Co
lonels Washington and Lee, supported in the most
courageous manner that high reputation which they
have acquired by repeated and gallant services; and
the corps of artillery, commanded by Cap:s. Brown
and Gaines (tho' unfortunate) merit particular thanks
for the chearful execution of all orders. The very
great advantage of a strong brick house, was the
strong hold of preserving the remains of the British
army from captivity, and though the want of water
made it requisite, after the action, to retire to this
place, yet the victory is complete, and we have on
ly to lament the loss of fevcral of our brave officers
and soldiers, whose glorious deaths are to be envied.
" The General presents his hearty thanks to Ma
jor Hyrne, Captains Pearce, Pendleton and Shu
brick, his Aid-de-Camps, from whose activity ma
terial services were derived. The General conceives
himfelf particularly obliged to Colonel Kolciofks and
Major Forfythe, for their volunteer services in the
field ; and as he cannot be more particular at pre
sent, he hopes that the other gentlemen in the ftaff
departments, will confider that he cannot be un
mindful of their refpeCtive endeavours to promote
the service. The officers of the army will please to
make returns of the names, rank, &c. of the British
officers paroled in the field, and returns of the kil
led, wounded and miffing, immediately."
Copy of a hand-bill published at Charleftown, Sun
day morning, eight o'clock, September 9, 1781.
By an express this moment arrived we have au
thority to assure the publick, that Colonel Stewart,
in an action which happened yesterday morning has
defeated the rebel army under General Greene, tak
en two pieces of cannon and Colonel Washington
prisoner among the wounded.
Extract of a letter dated Camp, Williamsburg,
September 27.
" The whole army moves down to-morrow, as
you will fee by the enclosed extraCt from general
orders."
GENERAL ORDER S,
September 27, five o'clock, P. M.
" The whole army will march by the right in
one column at 5 o'clock to-morrow morning pre
cisely, the particular orders of march for the right
wing will be distributed by the Quartermaster-Gen.
The General desires that the officers will confine
themselves in point of baggage to objects of the firft
necessity, that the army may march as light and un
incumbered as possible. The Quartermaster- General
will have directions to appoint a proper deposit for
the effects that will be left, from whence they wig