The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1915-02-06

OCCOf~ IOOSL
the efforts of certain patriotic
societies are successful, the state
OF New York will purchase ant
preserve the historic Billop house
at Tottenville, Staten Island. /,
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 1t was here, on September IL
1770. 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 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 Ameri.
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 |
with them and crossed to
Staten Island.
Lord Howe walked down to- the wa
ters edge as the barge approached,
and, perceiving his officer with the
called out: Gentlemen,
you pay me very high compliment,
and you may depend upon 1t I will
1t 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
the lines of grenadiers, con-
pleasantly together.
John Adams independence.
Howe stated his position in flowing
and asked the delegates If
hey we're willing to lay aside their
distinction as members of the con-
,ress and converse as individuals up
n the outline Of plan to stay the
alamities Of war. They assented,
Adams exclaiming with his usual Inn
'etuosity: "Your lordship may con-
ider me in any character you please,
xcepting that Of British subject"
The conversation lasted about four
ours. but 1t came to nothing, except
ng that 1t convinced the patriots the
ght for independence would have to
q continued to the bitter end. Howe
'as found to be wholly devoid Of au.
hority to treat with the colonists on |
b basis Of independence, and neither
arty could make definite PROPOSE
ons or promises. They separated /,
nth the utmost show Of courtesy,
lowe remarking a. he babe the dele
ates adieu. II am sorry. gentlemen.
mt you have had the trouble OF com :
i % far to 20 little purpose" II
The consequence Of Mr.. Adams die. I
by Of Independence ct this famous !
Itesview was subsequently apparent ,
hoA his name was published In Z list /
unpArdonabls rebels. It must have !
IN humiliating Il the sxtreme 10 /
= Dg11e and arrogance Of George the 1