The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-01-21

considered his parole cancelled by the circumstances in
which ne had been placed BY the British commander and
resolved 10 withdraw himself from his custody Thi. pur
pose ne effected the night Of the 10th Of January
17s2, after having been four months prisoner Having
made good his escape he days afterwards addressed
'ensra' Lesne Inc following letter ,o.. moo
sr-You viii please to reooect that wrote to YOU an
the Soh Of last month, requesting parole, within the
American lines, and informing you that my person was
great danger flom the refugees who were exceedingly
centous and to whom persons Of my political character
are peculiarly obnoxious therefore, that granting my
request was inexpedient II would be necessary
me 70 some place where my person might be safe You
were NOT pleased TO answer that letter and found myself
si exposed to men who but too well known to be
little restrained BY moral principles and whom
Deemng it exceedingly probable that these might
conceive some violent design against me- and
knowing that fear of punishment would not restrain men
who felt themselves secure from discovery; felt
every hour during sixteen days. all the apprehension of
Az my representation you had not pro-
cured your notice 50 far as even induce to
me- saw no prospect Of being relieved from my DANCE
roussituat ton and concluded such neglect of my per
But though carried this resolution into effect do not
thereby intend to deprive you Of the advantage which my
rapture BY the rights Of war entle to. purpose
returning to my government, and there to expect an
answer from you to the following proposition win en-
will return within your lines parole provided you win
pledge your honor that shall not be treated any man
0mCorB OF continental
when prisoners Of This proposition will hope be
satisfactory, and win leave you doubt that in with
drawing had no dShon0raDe intention |ov am Sc
To this letter reply was directly made bat in cor
respondence which ensued between General Leslie and
General Green and the latter officer and Governor Burke
discussion had the propriety of his withdrawal
under the circumstances of the and his rights as
the first civil officer Of State, and the commandern
CHIEF OF her militia, when in state of captivity which,
has we asure to pursue would be found to be among
The most chapters public law in the history
may pronounce upon breach Of parole in any ane all
circumstances there be doubt that the treatment
to which he was subjected was gross national ndgnity
and wrong, for which atonement due, and perhaps
should have been exacted and that his apprehensons
for his personal safety not vain idle led Washing
lines having been taken at the battle of Eutaw Springs
and was familiar with the desperate character Of the tory
refugees on James Island-to declare that he would
sooner 60 into dungeon than take o parole on that
island, in its then situation
Governor Borke returned Immediately TO the State and
public life at he next ensuing session. Of he ' legislature
soon afterwards in cartel for the exchange Of prisoners
equivalent allowed for his ransom and he was re-
eyed from the delicate and painful embarrassments in
which he had been involved by his captivity.
Having had occasion to refer to the Statute Book that
faithful and authentic Of instruction in the his
tory of all nations and especially of free governments in
times of peril and revolutions I cannot omit to cali to
yonr attention, in connection with period of dread and
doubt through which We have passed. act of the egs
aure at the first session after the proclamation of peace
who had espoused the of the enemy in the late
unhappy war" It is entitled IAN act Of Pardon and
oblivion and declares hat all and of treasons
mspron Of treason felony or misdemeanor committed
as above since the fourth day oJuy seventeen hundred
and seventysx BY any person or persons whatsoever
shall be pardoned released and put in total oblivion
with the exception of certain notorious bandits and other
criminals those who had taken commissions and acted
officers under the British government those who had
been named in conscaton laws passed during the
an act Of grace and magnanimty worthy Of the heroic
in the struggle lust ended
! am conscious'of SO tedious narrative, that shall
mot abuse your patience S the reflections to which it
in outline merely but in chronological order and natural
connection and dependence Of the leading events in
the struggle for common freedom of which native
State the theatre, after it had became contest Of
arms Although this has been done with proxity and
the limits Of good TASTE in discourse for the hour be-
fore audience unfamiliar with the localities described
II is at best fear but meagre and defective presenta
ton Of the subject trust however, in the retrospect
1t may not be wholly improbable in the researches Of the
student of history As the rapid Of time hurres
revolution filing up the intervening space with the great
events OF the two succeeding generations ts characters
aud Incidents and places are becoming and OBJ
ects Of curiosity and interest If shall have contributed
to unfold leaf in single book of this great epic Of the
nation shall the occasion allowed by the honored
invitation OF your society as an opportunity for the full
cannot however omit to remind you that while de-
ana tell Of
though the which have been mperect!y present
ed to your view enacted in far distant part the
country they in their nay, excited sensations which vi
brated from Maine to Georgia-that every well aimed
rifle on the banks Of the Catawba or Cape Fear, and
wilson, Devie and their associates, aided much in
thinning the ranks and overcoming the power Of British
commander chief, who. at that very time held
that the force there opposed to him was joint
force of men Of the Carolinas Virginia, Ma
Marylrnd and Delaware and that the general who
neuvered and marshalled it, in its important and
decisive operations, with readiness of resource Skill
It was therefore union Of effort for a common end
the expulsion Of common enemy and the establishment
Of common liberty which, under the Providence Of God
was noby accomplished. Such is the lessen we derive
foom fathers. May improve and transmit it to
children and in ages and generations to come may
they assemble in the same sfraternal spirit in which
met to night to minge their sympathes and keep
bright the recollection Of common glory, citizens of the
same free, happy, and United States Of America.