Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1855-08-17

in which he has the efrontery to avow, and attempt
by msy arguments Justify, his perhdions treach-
cry |
To the Inhabitants of america Il should forfeit,
even in nv own opinion the place | have so long |
hello in yours. if could be indifferent to your appro-
baton, and silent on the motives which induced me
to join the Kings arms.
verv few words, however, shall suffice upon a
subject so nersona for to the thousands who suffer
under the tyranny of the usurper In the revolted
provinces, as we'll as the great multitude who have
long wished for its subVerslon, this instance OF my
conduct can want no vndcation and 10 that class
of men who are crminay protrachng the war from
sinister views at the expense of the public interest
prefer their ennity 10 their applause. am there
fore only concerned in this address to explain myself
to such of my cOunrymen as want aoltIeS or 0ppor-
tunities to detect the articles by which they are
duDed
Having t, ueht by your side when the love OF our
country animated our arms, shall expect from your
justice and candor what your dece!vers, with more
art and less honesty, will find it Inconsistent with
their views to admit.
When quilted domestic happiness for the perlls
of the field conceived the rights OF my country in
danger and that duty and honor called me to her de-
fence. A redress of grievances was my only object
and aim; however, acqulesced IN step which
thought precpate, the declaration Of independence;
10 Justify this measure many plausible reasons were
urged which could no longer exist, when Great Bit
ain with the open arms of parent offering to en-
brace us as children, and grant us the wished for
redress And now that her worst enemies are IN her
own BOSOM should change my principles if | con-
spirel with their designs; yourselves being Judges,
the war less just, because fellow subjects were
considered our fees You have felt the torture
in which we raised our arms against brother. God
incline the guilty proractors OF these unnatural dis
sentions to resign their ambition and cease from
their decisions in compassion t. kindred blood.
| anticipate your question, not the war de-
fensve one until the French Joined in their combna
ton? I answer that thought SO. You will add,
ii always necessary, till the separation OF the
British Empire was complete By means; IN
contending for the welfare of my country am tree
to declare my opinion, that this end attained, all
strife should have ceased lamened, Therefore, the
impoIicy, tyranny and injustice which, with sove
reign contempt OF the people of America studous y
neglected to take their collective sentiments of the
British proposals of peace, and to negotiate, under
suspension Of arms, for adjustment of differences
dangerous sacrifice of the great interests of this
country to the partial views OF proud ancient and
crafty foe. had some suspicious Of some imperfec
III our councils on proposals prior to the Parliament
tary Commission 1T 1878 but having then less to do
in the cabinet than the field, q will not pronounce
peemptorlly, as some may, and perhaps justly that
Congress have yelled them from the public eye,) [
continued to be guided in the negligent confidence of
q soldier. But the whole world saw, and all Amer
ca confessed, that the overtures of the second Com
mission exceeded wishes and expectations, and if
there was any suspicion of the national berality, it
arose from its
gled by an alliance with France? Unfortunate de-
ception And thus they have been dupet by vrtu-
Gus credulity, in the ncanouS moments of intempe-
rate passion, to give up their felicity to nation
wanting both the will and the power to protect US,
and aiming at the destruction both of the mother
country and the provinces. In the plainness of COM
mon sense---for ! pretend to no calumny-did the
pretended treaty with the Count of Versailles amount
to than overture 10 America ? Certainly
not; because no authority had been given by the
people to conclude it, nor to this very hour have
they authorized its ratification. The articles of con
federation remain still unsigned.
In the firm persuasion, therefore, that the private
Judgment of any individual of this country is free
from all conventional restraints since as before the
nsiiious offers of France, | preferred those from
Great Britain, thinking it infinitely wiser and safer
to call my confidence upon her Justice and generosity
than to trust monarchy too feeble 10 establish your
independently so periious TO her distant dominons
the enemy Of the Protestant faith, and frauduently
avOwing affection for the liberties Of mankind
while she holds her native sons in vassalage and
chains
affect no disguise. and therefore frankly declare
that in these principles had determined to retain NV
arms and command for an opportunity to surrender
them to Great Britain and in concerning the measures
Tor purpose, in my opinion, grateful as it would
have been beneficial 10 my country. was only soil
cItous to accomplish event of decisive Importance
and 10 prevent as much possible, in the execution
OF it, the effusiOn of blood.
L
my old fellow soldiers and citizens, that find sole
ground to rely upon the clemency Of our sovereign
and abundant conviction that ii is the generous in
tenton of Great Britain only to leave the right
and privileges Oh the colonies unmpaired, togethe
With their perpetual exemption from taxation but I;
superadd such uther benefits may consist will
the common prosperity of the empire In short
fought Tor much less than the parent country is a
willing to grant to her colonies they be to re
: celve or enjoy.
Some may think continued in the struggle O
those unhappy days too long, and others that quit
. ted it too soon. TO the first ] reply, that did no
= see with their eyes, perhaps had SO favorable
situation to look from and that to our common mas
d ter am wiling to stand or fall. In behalf of tin
candid among the latter, of whom believe serv
= blindy but honestly, in the bands have left pra
a God to give them all the light requisite to their owl
~ safety before il is late, and with respect to tina
herd of censurers whose ennity to me originates
, their hatred to The principles by which am now lie
to devote my life to the union Of the British EN-
IL pire the best and only means 10 dry up tn
streams Of misery that have deluded this country
they may be assured that, conscious of the recttud
10 of my Intentions shall treat their malice and cal
umnies with contempt and neglect.
> g. ARNOLD
New York, October 7lh, 1880
10 correspondent at the time wrote the follow
ing parody:
TO the nllnbitaats Of America.
| should forfeit, in my oW n opinion the Mac
have SO long held in yours, if ! could be siler
on the motives which have induced me to ion tn
es Kings army. very few words, however, shall su
t. flee upon this subject for to those who are ac0uair
r. ted with my past life this instance of nv condue
or needs no explanation. | am therefore, only cor
cerned IN this address, to explain myself to such
my countrymen as want abilities or opportunities I
in detect the governing principle of my conduct in th
sa as well as IN every other part of my life.
r. 1t was my misfortune not to be horn in afiuer
Wv ruI1p