XVI. 1775. carriages with entrenching tools. It being bright BOOK moonlight, they continued working till daybreak, when two redoubts were completed, as if by the power of enchantment, to the inexpressible astonishment of general Howe, who was informed by the admiral that he could not, while the enemy possessed those heights, be responsible for the safety of his majesty's ships in the harbour. A resolution was immediately taken by the general, now chief in command by the departure of general Gage, to dislodge them: but a prodigious storm of wind, succeeded by a deluge of rain, effectually prevented the meditated attack: and the works having been nevertheless carried on in the mean time with unremitted diligence by the Americans, were now judged too strong to be carried by a coup-de-main, and it was determined to evacuate the town. Another work being thrown up, which from it's proximity had the entire command of Bostonneck, this determination was most precipitately carried into execution early in the morning of the 17th of March, 1776; when the whole of the troops, together with such of the inhabitants as were attached to the royal cause, put to sea on board the transports lying in the harbour, though very insufficient in number for the purpose; and after a tempestuous and dangerous voyage they at length lauded safely at Halifax. BOOK On the succeeding day general Washington enXVI. tered the town in triumph, and found there a 1775. great quantity of stores and provisions which the English commander had neither time to remove or to destroy". Compliments of congratulation were immediately paid to the American general on this occasion by the convention of Massachusetts. And he was soon afterwards commissioned to communicate in general orders to the officers and soldiers under his command the thanks of congress for their good behaviour in the service. They were indeed, says the general, at first a band of undisciplined husbandmen; but it is, under God, to their bravery and attention to their duty, that I am indebted for that success which has procured me the only reward I wish to receive-the affection and esteem of my countrymen." Some time previous to this event, the Oneidas and other Indian nations had sent a deputation to that assembly, of their chiefs and warriors, who, in the simple style of Indian eloquence, disclosed the purport of their commission in the following terms:-"BROTHERS! we have heard of the unhappy differences and great contention between you and OLD ENGLAND. We wonder greatly, and are troubled in our minds. Bro * Vide General Washington's Letters, March 19, and April 18, 1776. XVI. 1775. thers, possess your minds in peace respecting BOOK us Indians. WE cannot intermeddle in this dispute between two brothers. The quarrel seems to us unnatural. You are two brothers of one blood; we bear an equal affection to both. Should the GREAT KING apply to us for aid, we shall deny him; if the colonies apply, we shall refuse. We Indians cannot find or recollect in the traditions of our ancestors a case similar to this. Brothers, were it an alien that had struck you, we should look into the matter. We hope, through the wise government and good pleasure of GOD, your distresses may be soon removed, and the dark clouds be dispersed. Brothers, as we have declared for peace, we desire you will not apply to our Indian brethren for assistance. Let us Indians be all of one mind, and you white people settle your disputes betwixt yourselves." Happy would it have been, had the Indian nations uniformly adhered to this wise policy, of which the assembly to whom this discourse was addressed declared their high and entire approbation. But many of the savage tribes bordering on the great lakes and rivers were prevailed upon, by the solicitations and lavish presents of the British agents, to take up the hatchet in behalf of the GREAT KING. Colonel Johnson, son of the famous sir William Johnson, was most successful in XVL 1775. BOOK these direful negociations: and a great warfeast was made by him on the occasion, in which, according to the horrid phraseology of these barbarians, they were invited "to banquet upon a Bostonian, and to drink his blood." HISTORY. OF GREAT BRITAIN. GEORGE III. BOOK XVII. SECOND Resignation of the Duke of Grafton. Mr. Penn's Examination at the Bar of the House of Lords. Landtax raised to 4s.-Remarkable Prediction thereon. Mr. Burke's Bill for quicting the Troubles in America. American Capture Act passed. Indulgences granted to the Province of Nova Scotia. Extravagant Overture made to Ireland. Mr. Fox's Motion of Inquiry. Treaties concluded with the Landgrave of Hesse, &c. Duke of Grafton's Conciliatory Motion. State of the Nation. State of Europe. Siege of Quebec raised. Unsuccessful Attack upon Charlestown. Declaration of American Independence. General Howe's Victory on Long-Island. General Washington retreats across the Delawar. Reverse of Fortune at Trenton. The Jerseys evacuated. Proceedings of the Congress. Session of ParliamentMemorable Speech of the King. Conciliatory Motion |