The Newport gazette (Newport [R.I.]), 1778-05-14 00:00:00

THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1778.
REFLECTIONS upon the MILITARY PREPARATIONS which are making at present in SCOTLAND.
(said to be written by Sir John Dalrymple.)
WHEN the cruaders poured from Europe upon Asia, it was the effect of enthusiasm. When the covenan- ters, in his reign of Charles I. poured from Scotland into England, it was the effect of fanaticism. And the passions of men at both periods were fomented by the artifices of politician.
Similar exertions are making at this hour in Scotland, in the cause of England. But no clergyman has lected them in public, no politician suggested them in private. They arise from the people themselves, they took their star from what would have sunk the spirit of other nations, the calamity of general Burnside's army. In that blow each individual felt his pride personally injured, and with a dudgeon threw the expression of it in action.
The duke of Hamilton is a prince of the blood after the royal family; by act of parliament, heir to the throne of Scotland, after the descendants of queen Mary; representative of the houses of Hamilton and Douglas, in which last house, by a singularity unparalleled in history, ten heres succeeded to each other; related almost to every crowned head in Europe; and in the enjoyment of youth, beauty and wealth, is preparing to go to America with a regiment of 1000 men rank and file, raised on his own estate. Generous and brave, he would not take advantage of his quality, to rise above the old officers, but goes with the commission of youngest captain in his own regiment. When Quin, the player, whilst acting the part of Agamemnon, was told that he had drawn tears from the eyes of the fied marshal duke of Argyle, he answered, "His grace would sigh nothing the worse for that." True courage is ever generous. Submitting to be commanded, the Duke of Hamilton proves that he is worthy to command.
The young duke of Argle is raising a regiment, of the same number, on his own estate, in which he does not even ask a command. Besides the king's bounty-money, he gives two guineas to each recruit, which is 2000 guineas out of his pocket. But, tempering zeal for his country with humanity to his countrymen, he obliges himself to maintain the families of the recruits who go from his estate, if they need maintenance, and never, during his life, to raise the rents upon the families of such tenants as do resort to his standard.
Lord M'Leod, anxious to wash away the taint of his family with his own blood, is raising a regiment of the same number,
on the estate to the possession of which he was born. True courage is ever modest. He has not even asked from government to be restored to his estate, as the reward of his service; and the generous followers of a fallen family are vying with each other who shall first help to raise it up again, by showing their attachment to their sovereign, and to his lordship.
The city of Glasgow are raising and cloathing, at their own expence, a regiment, also of 1000 men, rank and file, against those very Americans, at whose mercy above a million of their property lies, and, with an honest confidence in his Majesty, have left the nomination of their officers to him. They raised a great sum to maintain the family, of the recruits in their absence. And they made them and their families freemen of their corporations for ever.
The city of Edinburgh are raising and cloathing a regiment of the same number. They have, indeed, recommended a list of officers to the king, submitting it to his royal pleasure. But they did so on this principle, that they thought it would prove a double incitement to the ardour of officers, to find, that the applauding voice of their country, as well as the approbation of their prince, were to bear testimony to their merits. With this view, the most delicate, and even scrupulous attentions, were shown in making up the list of officers recommended. The person pointed out for colonel (Sir William Erskine) was one in whose favour England, Ireland, and Scotland, would have united, and to whom America alone could with evil. Although the member for the city (Sir Laurence Dundas) was the first to subscribe to the regiment, and subscribed 1000 guineas, and is the person without whom perhaps it had never existed; yet the town council put numbers into the list, who, or whose connections, vote against his family in their elections; because they resolved to confer military, and not political merit, in a regiment on which their own honour depended. Mr. Maxwell, one of the magistrates, gave up his own son, nephew to the late Col. Maxwell, once the brave commander of the British grenadiers, in competition for a majority with an officer elder in rank, although he could have had three votes to one on his side; and said, with the honest bluntness, but true dignity too of a British merchant, "That his son should owe his fortune to his own sword, and not to his father's vote." Though the author of the present paper was the first gentleman of the county who subscribed, and some pretensions, by relation, upon many members of the town-council, and has four brothers drawing their swords in their country's cause; yet, the town-coun-
cil refused him a seat for one of their commissioners, till it should be examined whether his commission, or that of his competitor, was a few weeks prior in date to the other, and referred the dispute to the writ-office. Far from feeling a wrong, he who recommended, thanked the corporation for the justice of their procedure.
The families of Argyle, of Gordon, of Seaforth, and of Lord McDonald, are each raising regiments of 1000 men, rank and file, in their own estates. Lord Seaforth makes this wise and fair condition for his people, that they shall be disbanded in their own country.
The city of Aberdeen has offered to raise a battalion of 500 men at its own expence.
Smaller towns are offering to raise companies at their own expence. Many corporations, within their own limits, and many individuals within their own estates, are offering bounty-money to soldiers, some to the extent of five guineas a man.
But, amongst just compliments to highest ranks, let not the brave and generous commons of Scotland be forgot. They catch fire from the looks of each other, in their own and their country's cause. Many recruits have refused to take bounty-money at all. In one of the city regiments the levies are at the rate of 50 men a day. There are private centinels in the city regiments worth some hundred pounds; when one of them was asked why he left his own business and embarked in this one, his Spartan answer was, "Principle." Tradesmen in Glasgow, worth 200l. have subscribed half their fortunes. A club of 100 common weavers in that place, draughted fourteen of their number for recruits, and made up a stock of 350l. to maintain their families in their absence. One thousand common manufacturers there collected 1000 guineas; and the trades, as bodies corporate, subscribed between 5 and 6000 guineas. Two sixpenny clubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow collected 100l. each. The link boys at Edinburgh, about 30 in number, gave 30 guineas. The affluent may sneer at the recital, but they should blush when they do; for, the voluntary mite of the poor is a more sure, and far more pleasing proof, to a virtuous prince, of the affections of his people, than all the incense of the rich.
Yet the people of Scotland, than whom none know their own interests better, know well, the men of land estates, that they cannot let a man go from the estate without the loss of 10s. a year to themselves; and the corporation, that they cannot let a man go from town, without the loss of thrice the sum to it.
When the writers to the figure, by an unanimous vote, gave 500 guineas to the Edinburgh regiment, they spoke the voice

of Scotland in the following simple but many words of their vote: "That the world may see the unhappy contest is not the cause of a ministry, or any particular number of men, but the cause of the legislature, animated and supported by the whole body of the nation, as well individuals as communities."
In the preferments given in the new regiments, no officer, or almost no officer, has got more than one step above his former rank; so that the interest of the old army have been attended to preserved, and promoted; at the same time that the hands of government will be strengthened with the flower of all armies, a new army in the flower of youth and spirit, commanded by veteran officers.
There is a military servant to the King, now in Scotland, who on every occasion, and sometimes with tears of transport in his eyes, gives testimony to the zeal of that country in which he commands; I mean Sir Adolphus Oughton, not a new, but an old soldier, who gained his rank and his ribbon by fighting, not by recruiting; and at the first beat of whose drum, although he is no Scot, many thousands in Scotland would start up to follow wherever he had honor led the way.
From these exertions in a British cause, Scotland, however, claims no superiority in merit over England. It was with pleasure that she saw the town of Manchester first lead the way in the bright line of national duty. She marked not with insult, but with regret, the contrast between the common councils of Edinburgh and of London; that, while the one were presenting an address at St. James's, with the offer of a regiment, without expence to the public, the other were, at that very hour at Guildhall, employed in framing a resolution not to give a single man, or a single penny, in the cause of their prince, their parliament, their city, and their country.
But Scotland remembers, and remembers well, that England, by raising 22,000 new levies in six weeks, in the reign of Charles II. saved herself from a French war, and Holland from conquest; and that King William, by raising the same number, in the same space of time, saved England from a French invasion, and secured the suppression of the Irish rebellion. She knows from history, that nations which join liberty to wealth, arise only stronger from defeat. And she trusts, if communities and individuals in England and Ireland were to make the same noble efforts which she has made, that foreign nations would shrink at the sound, and that America might be brought soon to repent of the fatal short lived laurels she has gained.
N B W - Y O R K, May 7. On Tuesday last arrived here, the brig Badger, Capt. Hugh Rellie, from Grenock, which she left the 27th of February; by her we have papers to the 23d of that month, from which we have selected the following advices. Instructions to Sir Guy Carleton, relative to the operations of the army under Lieutenant General Burgoyne. Extract of a letter from Lord George Germain to Gen. Carleton, dated Whitehall, March 6, 1777.
M y letter on the 22d of August, 1776, was intrusted to the care of Captain Le Maître, one of your Aids de Camp. After having been three times in the Gulph of St. Lawrence, he had the misfortune to find it impossible to make his passage to Quebec, and therefore returned to England with my dispatch, which, though it was prevented by that accident from reaching your hands in due
time, I nevertheless think proper to transmit to you, by this the earliest opportunity.
You will be informed by the contents thereof, that as soon as you should have driven the rebel forces from the frontiers of Canada, it was his Majesty's pleasure that you should return to Quebec, and take with you such part of your army as, in your judgment and discretion, appeared necessary for the defence of the province. That you should detach Lieutenant-General Burgoyne, or such other officer as you should think most proper, with the remainder of the troops, and direct the officer so detached to proceed with all possible expedition to join General Howe, and to put himself under his command.
With a view of quelling the rebellion as soon as possible, it is become highly necessary that the most speedy junction of the two armies should be effected; and therefore, as the security and good government of Canada absolutely require your presence there, it is the King's determination to leave about three thousand men under your command, for the defence and duties of that province, and to employ the remainder of your army upon two expeditions. The one under the command of Lieutenant-General Burgoyne, who is to force his way to Albany; and the other under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel St. Leger, who is to make a diversion on the Mohawk River.
As this plan cannot be advantageously executed without the assistance of Canadians and Indians, his Majesty strongly recommends it to your care, to furnish both expeditions with good and sufficient bodies of those men; and I am happy in knowing that your influence among them is so great, that there can be no room to apprehend you will find it difficult to fulfil his Majesty's expectations.
In order that no time may be lost in entering upon these important undertakings, General Burgoyne has received orders to sail on with for Quebec; and that the intended operations may be maturely considered, and afterwards carried on in such a manner as is most likely to be followed by success, he is directed to consult with you upon the subject, and to form and adjust the same as you both shall think most conducive to his Majesty's service.
I am also to acquaint you, that as soon as you shall have fully regulated every thing relative to the said expeditions, (and, the King relies upon your zeal, that you will be as expeditious as the nature of the business will admit) it is his Majesty's pleasure, that you detain for the Canada service, The 8th regiment, deducting 100 for one expedition to the Mohawk 460 Battalion companies of the 29th and 31st regiments 856 Battalion companies of the 34th, deducting 100 for the expedition to the Mohawk 348 12 additional companies from Great Britain, 616 Detachments from the two brigades 300 Detachments from the German troops 650 Royal Highland Emigrants 500 3770
You will naturally conclude, that this allotment for Canada has not been made, without properly weighing several duties which are likely to be required. His Majesty has not only considered the several garrisons and posts which it may be necessary for you to take, viz. Quebec, Chandiere, the dissected parishes of Port Levi, Montreal, and posts between that town and Oswegatchie, Trois Rivieres, Isle-aux-Noix, La Prairie Vergere, and some other towns upon the south shore of St. Lawrence,
opposite the Isle of Montreal, with posts of communication to St. John's; but he has also reflected, that the several operations which will be carrying on in the different parts of America, must necessarily confine the attention of the rebels to the respective scenes of action, and secure Canada from external attacks, and that the internal quiet, which at present prevails, is not likely to be interrupted, or, if interrupted, will soon be restored, by your influence over the inhabitants; he therefore trusts that three thousand men will be quite sufficient to answer every possible demand.
It is likewise his Majesty's pleasure, that you put under the command of Lieut. General Burgoyne.
The grenadiers and light infantry of the army, except of the 8th regiment, and 24th regiment, as the advanced corps under the command of Brigadier General Fraser 1568
First brigade, battalion companies, of the 9th, 21st and 47th regiments, deducting a detachment of 50 from each corps, to remain in Canada 1104
Second brigade, battalion companies, of the 20th, 53d and 62d regiments, deducting 50 from each corps, to remain as above 1104
All the German troops, except the Hanau Chasseurs, and a detachment of 650 3217
The Artillery excepting such parts as shall be necessary for the defence of Canada 7173
Together with as many Canadians and Indians as may be thought necessary in this service, and after having furnished him in the fullest and compleatest manner with artillery, stores, provisions, and every other article necessary for his expedition, and secured to him every assistance which it is in your power to afford and procure, you are to give him orders to pass Lake Champlain, and from thence by the most vigorous exertion of the force under his command, to proceed with all expedition to Albany, and put himself under the command of Sir William Howe.
From the King's knowledge of the preparations made by you last year to secure the command of the Lakes, and your attention to this part of the service during the winter, his Majesty is led to expect that every thing will be ready for General Burgoyne's passing the Lakes by the time you and he shall have adjusted the plan of the expedition.
It is the King's further pleasure, that you put under the command of Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger, Detachment from the 8th regiment Detachment from the 34th regiment Sir J. Johnson's regiment of New York Hanau Chasseurs
Together with a sufficient number of Canadians and Indians; and after having furnished him with proper artillery, provisions, and every other necessary article for his expedition, and secured to him every assistance in your power to afford and procure, you are to give him orders to proceed forthwith to, and down the Mohawk River to Albany, and put himself under the command of Sir William Howe.
I shall write to Sir William Howe by the first packet; but you nevertheless endeavour to give him the earliest intelligence of this measure; and

direct Lieutenant General Burgoyne, and Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger, to neglect no opportunity of doing the same, that they may receive instructions from Sir William Howe. You will at the same time inform them that until they shall have received orders from Sir William Howe, it is his Majesty's pleasure that they act as exigencies may require, and in such manner as they shall judge most proper, for making an impression on the rebels, and bringing them to obedience. But that in so doing, they must never lose view of their intended junction with Sir William Howe, as their principal objects.
In case Lieutenant General Burgoyne, or Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger, should happen to die, or be rendered, through illness, incapable of executing these great trusts, you are to nominate to the respective commands, such officer or officers as you shall think best qualified to supply the place of those whom his Majesty has, in his wisdom, at present appointed to conduct those expeditions.
M I N D E N, Feb. 19.
O R D E R S have been sent to all the Hanoverian officers who are waiting to join their respective regiments in eight days at farthest, and the second battalion of each regiment is ordered to prepare to set out for America next spring. Tens are said to be preparing for 6000 men, who are to encamp as soon as the weather will permit.
L O N D O N.
From the LONDON GAZETTE, Feb. 7. Last week a number of transports sailed from the river, for Bremer Lehe, to take on board the remainder of the Anspach and Hesse recruits, which are to be ready to embark there on the first of February.
We hear that Lord Shelburne and his brother, the Hon. Mr. Shelburne, are to go with their regiments to America with the first embarkation next spring.
Feb. 19. The Lords Amherst and Westcote, and Mr. Hans Stanley, are talked of as three Commissioners to go over to America.
The Admirals appointed to conduct the war in America, are said to be Byron, Gambier, and Arbuthnot. The two former are ordered to be ready to sail by the 10th of the next month.
On Tuesday Admiral Byron set out for Portsmouth, to hoist his flag on board the Europa, of 64 guns, in which ship he is to proceed to America.
EDINBURGH, February 23.
The following are said to be the number of troops to be sent out this season to America.
   Men.     British regiment 15,000   Drafts from the Guards 2000   Drafts from other regiment 3000   Recruits raised during the winter, for regiments presently in America 2000   The troops at Gibraltar and Minorca, to be replaced by Gen. Burgoyne's army 6000   Recruits for the Hessians, Brunswickers, Hanau's, Waldeckers, &c. already arrived in Britain 2000   More to arrive yet this year 4000   Hanoverians to be taken into pay 6000   40,000   Additional seamen and marines 15,000   55,000  
Extract of a letter from Dublin, Feb. 12.
"It was yesterday currently reported, that advice was received from London, intimating a change in the ministry, viz. Lord Chatham, who is to be created a Duke, first Lord of the Treasury, and the Chancellorship of the Exchequer to be divided
from that great office, and remain in the possession of Lord North. Also that a negotiation was actually commenced at Paris between Lord Shelburne and the American commissioners."
PHILADELPHIA, April 21. Copy of a letter from London, dated Feb. 23, 1778.
"Dear Sir, I am much obliged to you for your very intelligent letter of the 27th December. It has given me a much better idea of the present war in America, than any account I have yet seen, and I am in hopes from what you say, that the army will reap great advantages by being comfortably quartered during the winter; and I apprehend cannot be much harassed by Washington's army. I am under great obligation, to a friend of mine for affording me an opportunity of writing you by this man of war, which carries dispatches to the General. Interested as you are in the event of this rebellion, and knowing your warm attachment to this country, I am afraid the dispatches which now go will seem very displeasing, as that you will be apt to think your friend Lord North has lost that usual fortitude of mind for which I have heard you so often extol him. But he is not too hasty in pronouncing judgment. Many concurring, and, I may add, unfortunate circumstances, have forced him to pursue those measures which he would willingly have avoided. You know how unwillingly his Lordship took the reins of government: It was at a time when some of the most able men in the kingdom had absolutely abandoned them. The disturbances in America were then fast growing into rebellion. The minority in both houses of parliament, were not only encouraging the Americans privately in their opposition to legal government, but they espoused their cause openly in both houses. Lord Chatham rejoiced that America had resisted. When the outrages of the Americans rose so high, that parliament found it absolutely necessary to declare them in rebellion, the minority still give their countenance to their rebellious proceedings. They have, during the war, thrown every obstacle in the way of the minister, to retard the operations. The principles of these men have pervaded more or less through every department. In short, they have hung like a millstone round the neck of the Minister. The unfortunate defeat of the brave General Burgoyne was matter of triumph to the opposition. It had a different effect on the nation at large. It roused the sleeping lion and from every quarter of these kingdoms his Majesty had an offer of the purse and persons of his loyal subjects. This alarmed the factious minority, and it was necessary to ring the alarm bell. They objected in parliament to the mode of raising new levies. They pretended to be apprehensive of an invasion, and of course bawled forth the impropriety of sending any more of the old regiments out of the kingdom. They complained that a proper use had not been made of the force already sent to America. That there was not, nor had not been, any terms held out to the rebels, should they incline to submit. That it was proper to declare on what footing they should be received, if they returned to their allegiance, and many arguments of the like nature, which were only thrown out as stumbling blocks to the minister. Lord North, sensible that the minority did not mean what they expressed, determined to attack them in their own way, and therefore moved for the two bills which now go by this conveyance. It is not expected that the Congress will rescind their claim
of Independence. But as they have now an offer in explicit terms of what they pretend they have been alone contending for, they must either accept of these terms, or show their cloven foot, which they have attempted to conceal under the cloak of contending for their legal and constitutional rights. The consequence of which will be a total overthrow of all opposition in this country. It is likewise expected that some good consequences will arise on your side of the water from these measures. We are confidently assured that many people are heartily tired of the tyranny of the Congress.—At any rate, be not alarmed, but rest assured, that every vigorous measure is now pursuing to compel America to submission. And whatever may be the issue of the terms now offered, the people in America who have manifested their loyalty to the King, and their attachment to the constitution, will be properly attended to. The Commissioners you may be assured, will have a proper retinue."
N E W P O R T, May 14.
Since our last a Detachment of Troops with several Transports have been employed in bringing Stock from the Elizabeth Islands. Upwards of 2000 Sheep and a Number of Head of Cattle, have already been brought to this Island.
All Accounts brought by the Badger, which has arrived at New-York from Greenock, agree that the greatest Preparations are making in all Parts of the Kingdom, for prosecuting the War in America. Many of the new Corps were almost compleated.
TO be sold by PUBLIC AUCTION, on Friday next the 15th Instant, at 10 o'Clock, A. M. at the Auction Room, Newport, the Cargo of the Schooner PEGGY, Prize to his Majesty's Ship MAIDSTONE, consisting of Sundry DRY Goods, a Quantity of Molasses, Sugar, Coffee, Cordage and a Quantity of Provision, belonging to the Privateer Sloop Greenwich, Prize to the Maidstone. Also, nine 3 and 4 pounders with 4 Swivel Guns, belonging to the Schooner Lady Parker.
Newport, Rhode Island, May 14, 1778.
BARRACK-OFFICE, 14th May, 1778.
ALL Persons that have any Demands on the Barrack Department, for CARTING, LABOUR, STRAW, or any Thing BOUGHT by the BARRACK-MASTER, from the 1st January 1778, to 31st March following, are desired to bring in their Accounts to the Barrack-Office within Six Days from the Date hereof.
STEPHEN COOK, Barrack-Master.
TO BE SOLD AT PRIVATE SALE,
TWO Masts and other Spars, lately belonging to the Schooner LEOPARD, wrecked at Brenton's Neck; the standing and running Rigging, Blocks, Pumps, and all her other Appurtenances, with several large Pieces of Timber, some of which are upwards of 50 Feet in Length.—For further Particulars enquire of
JAMES MOFFATT.
Newport May 14th 1778.
ALL Persons who have any Demands against the Estate of JAMES HONEYMAN, Esq; late of Newport, deceased, or that are any Way indebted to said Estate, are desired to leave their Accounts with the Subscriber for Settlement.
JOHN HONEYMAN.
Newport, May 13, 1778.
L O S T.
A SILK SASH.—Whoever will bring it to the Printer shall be well rewarded.

Extract from a Rebel Paper.
In CONGRESS, April 22, 1778.
THE Committee to whom was referred the General's Letter of the 18th, containing a certain printed Paper sent from Philadelphia, purporting to be the Draft of a Bill for declaring the Intentions of the Parliament of Great Britain as to the Exercise of what they are pleased to term their Right of imposing Taxes within these United States; and also the Draught of a Bill to enable the King of Great Britain to appoint Commissioners, with Powers to treat, consult and agree upon the Means of quieting certain Disorders within the said States, beg Leave to observe.
That the said Paper being industriously circulated by Emissaries of the Enemy, in a partial and secret Manner, the same ought to be forthwith printed for the public Information.
The Committee cannot ascertain whether the Contents of the said Paper have been framed in Philadelphia or in Great Britain, much less whether the same are really and truly intended to be brought into the Parliament of that Kingdom, or whether the said Parliament will confer thereon the usual Solemnities of their Laws. But are inclined to believe this will happen, for the following Reasons.
1st. Because their General hath made divers feeble Efforts to set on Foot some Kind of Treaty during the last Winter, though either from a mistaken Idea of his own Dignity and Importance, the Want of Information, or some other Cause, he hath not made Application to those who are invested with a proper Authority.
2dly. Because they suppose that the fallacious Idea of a Cessation of Hostilities will render these States remiss in their Preparations for War.
3dly. Because believing the Americans wearied with War, they suppose we will accede to the Terms for the Sake of Peace.
4thly. Because they suppose that our Negotiation may be subject to a like corrupt Influence with their Debates.
5thly. Because they expect from this Step the same Effects they did from what one of their Ministers thought proper to call his conciliatory motion . viz. that it will prevent Foreign Powers from giving Aid to these States; that it will lead their own Subjects to continue a little longer the present War; and that it will detach some weak Men in America from the Cause of Freedom and Virtue.
6thly. Because the King, from his own showing, hath Reason to apprehend that his Fleets and Armies, instead of being employed against the Territories of these States, will be necessary for the Defence of his own Dominion. And
7thly. Because the Impracticability of subjugating this Country, being every Day more and more manifest, it is their latest to extricate themselves from the War upon any Terms.
The Committee beg leave further to observe, That, upon a Supposition the Matters contained in the said Paper will really go into the British Statute Book, they serve to show, in a clear Point of View, the Weakness and Wickedness of the Enemy.
THEIR WEAKNESS. 1st. Because they formerly declared, not only that they had a Right to bind the Inhabitants of these States in all Cases whatsoever, but also that the said Inhabitants should absolutely and unconditionally submit to the Exercise of that Right. And this Submission they have endeavoured to exact by the Sword Receding from this Claim, therefore, under the present Circumstances,
shows their Inability to enforce it.
2dly. Because their Prince hath heretofore rejected the humblest Petitions of the Representatives of America, praying to be considered as Subjects, and protected in the Enjoyment of Peace, Liberty and Safety; and hath waged a most cruel War against them, and employed the Savages to butcher innocent Women and Children. But now the same Prince pretends to treat with those very Representatives, and grant to the Arms of America what he refused to her Prayers.
3dly. Because they have uniformly laboured to conquer this Continent, rejecting every Idea of Accommodation proposed to them, from a Confidence in their own Strength. Wherefore it is evident, from the Change in their Mode of Attack, that they have lost this Confidence. And
4thly. Because the constant Language, spoken not only by their Ministers, but by their most public and authentic Acts of the Nation, has been, that it is incompatible with their Dignity to treat with the Americans while they have Arms in their Hands. Notwithstanding which, an Offer is now about to be made for Treaty.
The Wickedness and Infidelity of the Enemy appear on the following Considerations.
1st. Either the Bills now to be passed contain a direct or indirect Cession of their former Claims, or they do not. If they do, then it is acknowledged that they have sacrificed many brave Men in an unjust Quarrel. If they do not, then they are calculated to deceive America into Terms, to which neither Argument before the War, nor Force since, could procure her Assent.
2dly. The first of these Bills appears, from the Title, to be a Declaration of the Intentions of the British Parliament concerning the exercise of the Right of imposing Taxes within these States. Wherefore, should these States treat under the said Bill, they would indirectly acknowledge that Right, to obtain which Acknowledgment the present War hath been avowedly prosecuted on the Part of Great Britain.
3dly. Should such pretended Right be so acknowledged in, then, of Consequence, the same might be exercised whenever the British Parliament should find themselves in a different Temper and Disposition; since it must depend upon these, and such like Contingencies, how far Men will act according to their former Intentions.
4thly. The said first Bill, in the Body thereof contains no new Matter but is precisely the same with the Motion before-mentioned, and liable to all the Objections which lay against the said Motion, excepting the following Particular, viz. that by the motion actual Taxation was to be suspended, so long as America should give as much as the said Parliament might think proper: Whereas by the proposed Bill, it is to be suspended, as long as the same Parliament continue of the same Mind with the present.
5thly. From the second Bill it appears, that the British King may, if he pleases, appoint Commissioners to treat and agree with those, whom they please, but at a Variety of Things therein mentioned. But such Treaties and Agreements are to be of no Validity without the Concurrence of the said Parliament except so far as they relate to the Suspension of Hostilities, and of certain of their Acts, the granting of Pardons, and the appointing Governors to these several States, free and independent States. Wherefore the said Parliament have reserved to themselves, in express Words, the Power of setting aside any such Treaty, and taking the Advantage of any Circumstances which may arise to subject this Continent to their Usurpations.
6thly. The said Bill, by holding forth a Tender of Pardon, implies a Criminality in our justifiable Resistance, and consequently, to treat under it would be an implied acknowledgment that the Inhabitants of these States were what Britain hath declared them to be, Rebels .
7thly. The inhabitants of these States being claimed by them as Subjects, they may infer, from the Nature of the Negotiation now pretended to be set on Foot, that the said Inhabitants would of Right be afterwards bound by such Laws as they should make. Wherefore any Agreement entered into on such Negotiation might at any future Time be repealed. And
8thly. Because the said Bill purports, that the Commissioners therein mentioned may treat with private Individuals; a Measure highly derogatory to the Dignity of national Character.
From all which it appears evident to your Committee, that the said Bill is a cunningly devised Trap, laid to operate upon the Hopes and Fears of the good People of these States, so as to create Divisions among them, and a Disposition to treat on common Terms, now by the Blessing of Divine Providence a swinging near a successful Issue. That they are the Sequel of that infamous Plan, which, from the Days of the Stamp Act down to the present Time hath invaded this Country in Conception and in Execution. And to it as in other Cases so in this, altho' Circumstances may force them at Times to recede from their unjustifiable Claims, there can be no doubt but they will as heretofore, upon the first favourable Occasion, again display that Lust of Domination, which hath lent in twain the mighty Empire of Britain.
Upon the whole Matter, the Committee beg Leave to report it as their Opinion, that as the Americans united in this arduous Contest upon Principles of common Interest, for the Defence of common Rights and Privileges, which Union hath been cemented by common Calamities and by mutual good Offices and Affection, so the great Cause for which they contend, and in which all Mankind are interested, must derive its Success from the continuance of that Union. Wherefore any Man or Body of Men, who should presume to make a separate or partial Convention or Agreement with Commissioners under the Crown of Great Britain, or any of them, ought to be considered and treated as open and avowed Enemies of these United States.
And further your Committee beg Leave to report it as their Opinion, That these United States cannot with Propriety, hold any Conference or Treaty with any Commissioners on the Part of Great Britain, unless they shall, as a Preliminary hereto, either withdraw their Fleets and Armies, or else, in positive and express Terms, acknowledge the Independence of the said States.
And inasmuch as it appears to be the Design of the Enemies of these States to lull them into a fatal Security—to the End that they may act with becoming Weight and Importance it is the Opinion of your Committee, That the several States be called upon to use the most strenuous Exertions to have their respective Quotas of continental Troops in the Field as soon as possible, and that all the Militia of the said States be held in Readiness to act as Occasion may require.
The report being read, and debated by Paragraphs,
RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY That Congress approve the same with the said Report.
Published by order of Congress. CHARLES THOMSON, S ecy .