The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1915-01-08

bLlCP HOUSE a
RF the efforts of certain patriotic
societies are successful, the state
Of New York will purchase and
preserve the historic Billop house
at Tottenville, Staten Island. 1t
is one Of the few remaining relics OF
colonial times within the limits of
Greater New York.
Not only has this venerable man.
sion the distinction Of being the Oldest
house in New York state, but within
its walls was enacted one of the most
stirring incidents Of the Revolution.
For it was here, on September IL,
1776, that Lord Howe, representing
the British government, had an inter-
view with Benjamin Franklin of Penn
sylvania, John Adams Of Massachu-
sets and Edward Rutledge Of South
Carolina, delegates from the American
congress, then sitting in Philadelphia
Upon the result of this meeting the
fate of the Revolution largely de-
pended.
About three weeks previously Wash
ington's army had been defeated in
the battle of Long Island and the out
look for the American cause was dis
couraging. 1t was then that Lord
Howe, convinced that the colonists
were ready to lay down their arms.
proposed a conference on neutral
ground and the Billop house was Sc
lected as the place of meeting. This
was the only peace conference at
tempted during the Revolution and its
failure marked the parting of the ways
between Great Britain and the Amer1-
can colonies.
Story of the Conference.
Some interesting facts concerning
this momentous interview have been
preserved in the Revolutionary rec
ords. The delegates, we learn, spent
two days in travelling from Philadel-
phia to Perth Amboy, where Lord
Howe's barge was in readiness to re-
ceive them. A gentlemanly officer Of
the British grenadiers who met the
delegates offered to remain as hos
tage for their safe return, but Adams
remarked, "This is childish; we want
no such pledge" The other delegates
agreed and at their request the officer
embarked with them and crossed to
Staten Island.
Lord Howe walked down to the wa
ter's edge as the barge approached,
and, perceiving his officer with the
committee, called out: Gentlemen,
you pay me very high compliment,
and you may depend upon 1t I will
consider it the most sacred of things.
He shook hands warmly with Frank
lin. whom he had known in London,
and who introduced his companions.
Then they walked up to the old house
between the lines of grenadiers, con-
versing pleasantly together.
For several weeks the house had
been occupied by soldiers, and was
as dirty as a stable, but one Of the
front rooms had been cleaned and
with moss and green branches was
converted into a delightful bower.
Here a luncheon Of "good claret,
bread, cold ham, tongues and mutton
was Immediately served" After this,
the British commissioner opened the
conference, expressing his attachment
to America and declaring that should
America fall he should feel and lament
it like the loss of a brother With
graceful ease Franklin replied iron
ically: "My lord, we will use our ut
most endeavor to spare you that NOR
tifcation"
john Adams independence.
Howe stated his position in flowing
language, and asked the delegates if
they were willing to lay aside their
distinction as members of the con-
gress and converse as individuals up
on the outline of a plan to stay the
calamities of war. They assented,
Adams exclaiming with his usual i'm
petuosity: "Your lordship may con-
slider me in any character you please,
excepting that of British subject"
The conversation lasted about four
hours, but it came to nothing, except
ing that it convinced the patriots the
fight for independence would have to
be continued to the bitter end. Howe
was found to be wholly devoid of au-
thority to treat with the colonists on
the basis of independence, and neither
party could make definite PROPOSE
lions or promises. They separated
with the utmost show of courtesy,
Howe remarking as he babe the dele
gates adieu, Il am sorry. gentlemen,
AI~l
ing SO far to so little purpose"
The consequence of Mr.. Adams dis
play of independence at this famous
interview was subsequently apparent
when his name was published in list
Of objectionable rebels. 1t must have