*

Joseph would not receive his petition, but made himself strange, and spake roughly unto him, charging him with having and holding unjustly Pharaoh's cup, of which the poor lad is perfectly innocent.-Oh! that Joseph would take Benjamin in his arms and embrace him, for they are brothers! If Benjamin have erred, let the age and wisdom of Joseph overlook and obliterate all: let him no longer refrain, but fall on his neck and kiss him, and let love and virtue re-unite them. As Joseph embraced and owned Benjamin as his brother, and returned his money, so let the parent state embrace and own the colonies without fee or reward, and instantly the sword on both sides will be sheathed; and then Benjamin, as usual, will go and carry corn and money to Joseph, and take his superb clothing in exchange. But if Joseph will yet refrain and not be reconciled, Benjamin is determined to clothe himself with his own wool, and keep his money and send his corn to other merchantmen. Let facts, my lord, apologize for prolixity; I will conclude now with a few lines.

ural war, immortalized their names, again cho- | commodation. Benjamin hath repeatedly pesen for captains, are (touching their schemes) titioned Joseph for redress of grievances; but no contemptible enemy by sea. Convinced I am fully, that an hundred thousand of the best troops Europe can raise will not subdue the Americans, nor make them acquiesce in the parliamentary claims.-Let government say what they please in favor of their forcesremember, my lord, the Americans have just such blood, the like courage, the same spirits, and are equal in color and stature, and as well disciplined. Some of their fathers, grand-fathers, and great-grandfathers, are to British dust returned, and in silent repose, while their sons and grandsons are struggling for their birth-rights; for they traditionally or constitutionally retain the idea of liberty, and with him | of old say, "God forbid that we should sell the inheritance of our fathers!"-Whether this be believed or not, I don't know; but one thing I know, albeit the king requesteth, nevertheless, like Naboth, they will resist even unto death.Blessed be God, we have no Jezebel to stir up his majesty, for his consort is the best of queens, and as such the Americans extol her majesty daily. Perhaps, my lord, this may be viewed as partiality; but I can assure your lordship, I write from conviction, and not from a partial spirit. If I am charged anywhere herein with partiality, as it is most natural and also very fashionable now to act the sycophant | where one's interest is, I certainly flatter your lordship (as I fear too many have), for I have no interest nor kindred here, nor hopes of interest for, or reward for anything of this nature that I have done or can do. But I have immense hopes and views. My time here is very short, and ere long I shall be in a world of spirits, where the most noble, the right honorable and reverend persons must all appear; "I know not therefore how to give flattering titles unto man: for in so doing my Maker would soon take me away."

If, figuratively, two persons may represent both parties in dispute, there is a striking similarity in sacred writ, with which your lordship is perfectly acquainted, and by which I beg permission to mention the following things.

The Americans may be led with a hair; but they have too much English blood in them, are too well disciplined, and too numerous to be driven, even by an hundred thousand of the best forces government can raise. Where government can produce one thousand on the continent, America, with as much ease and expense, can produce ten thousand in opposition: for men, women and children are against the proceedings of administration throughout the united colonies to a wonderful majority. The women, both old and young, being greatly irritated at the inflexibility of administration, are not only willing their sons and brothers should turn out in the field, but also declare that they will give them up and themselves likewise as a sacrifice before they will bow to Pharaoh's task-masters; this makes the raising of troops on the continent very easy. Let a person go into any province, city, town, or county, and ask the females, 'Are you willing your sons or brothers should go for soldiers and defend their liberties?" they would severally answer, Yes, with all my soul, and if they won't go I won't own them as my sons, or brothers; for I'll help myself if there should be any need of mine: if I can't stand in the ranks, I can help for

66

I view both sides, as to their precious blood, as good old Jacob viewed his sons, Joseph and Benjamin, and am equally with him unwilling that either should be slain. If the British troops must be represented by the elder brother, grieved to my very heart I must be to hear that he is sacrificed; and if the Ameri-ward with powder, balls, and provisions,” and can forces may be compared to the younger, I shall equally lament his death.-May God, of his infinite mercy, save both by a speedy ac

presently this will appear more pellucid. Last *Not rendering unto Cæsar the things which be Cæsar's.

summer I saw in Philadelphia a company of school-boys, called the Academy company, in their uniforms, with real arms and colors. Upon this, I asked how many such companies were in the city, and for what they were designed; to which I was answered by a gentlewoman, the mother of two of this company, "there are three companies, and as to the design, they are to learn the art or theory of war; and if there should be any occasion for them in the field of battle, they will go, for they are all volunteers; but I for my part am, I do aver, sir, heartily willing to sacrifice my sons, believing that with such sacrifice God is well pleased: for he has hitherto marvellously blessed our arms and conquered our enemies for us, and he who, in the days of his flesh, spoiled principalities and powers, and made a show of them openly, will in the end, I doubt not, evince to the world that he is conqueror." This, my lord, is the language of the American women; your lordship knows it is generally the reverse with the English, the mothers' and sisters' lives are bound up in the boys; but I am afraid I shall trespass on your lordship's patience: Therefore,

for. The enemy, convinced by fatal experience, that force and artifice alone will never subdue the stubborn spirit of liberty, have long depended on the failure of our public credit to accomplish their views of conquest: the rapid depreciation of our paper currency, principally owing to the not imposing taxes in due time, as somewhat adequate to the public demands, and the abilities of the people to pay, had given foundation to the opinion, that these states, from the want of money to support the war, would at length give up the contest, and bend to the galling yoke of Britain. The event, however, we trust will discover this opinion to be as vain and delusive, as many others entertained by our inveterate foe. The congress has recommended to the states a plan for calling in their bills of credit, by taxes or otherwise, which has been adopted by this and several others of the states. Taxes, equally laid, quickly collected, and faithfully applied, are necessary to give efficacy to the plan, and to restore, and when restored, to preserve public credit.-Experience has taught us the necessity of taxation: a free people, seeing that necessity, and the importance of victory, on which their liberty depends, needs no exhortation to submit, even with cheerfulness, to the heaviest taxes: reflect, that these will be but temporary, and the benefits resulting from them most extensive and permanent; if adequate and timely exertions are made, the war, probably, may be speedily ended, and will not leave us incumbered with a load of debt, under which the present and future generations must otherwise inevitably labor: by timely and due exertions we shall avoid the evils inseparable from a great national debt. The taxes hitherto imposed cannot be complained of as very burthensome: our present debt, when compared with our probable resources in peace, is far from being alarming a lingering war, however, besides consuming our inhabitants, wasting our resources, accumulating expense, will subject our country to ANNAPOLIS, July 7, 1780. the cruel and wanton devastations of an enemy, Friends and countrymen.—A free people, who never yet used even transient victories from whom the trust and powers of govern- with moderation. What strong incentives to ment are delegated to a representative council, the most vigorous and spirited efforts are defor the better management of the public inter- ducible from these reflections! Rise then into ests, have a right to be informed at all times, action with that ardor which, despising, overbut more especially in great emergencies, of comes all difficulties, and which led you, destithe true situation of their affairs. Duty, there- tute of money, of allies, of arms and soldiers fore, as well as inclination, prompts us to lay to encounter one of the most powerful nations before you the exigencies and the danger of in Europe. Single, and unsupported, raw and this, in common with our sister states; to dis- undisciplined, you baffled for three successive close our wants, our resources, and the means years the repeated attacks of numerous and of calling them forth in support of the justest veteran bands. Shall we now, when strengthcause and noblest ends a people can contendened by a mighty alliance, drop and desert the

In the great name, and for the sake of the ever blessed Trinity, I now beseech your lordship to weigh thoroughly, and with patience, impartiality, and love, this narrative of facts; and may that ever blessed adorable person, Jesus Christ, the wonderful counsellor and prince of peace, give your lordship a right judgment and understanding in all things, and counsel and influence administration to act wisely, and repeal the acts in dispute, and so make peace. I am, my lord, your lordship's ready and willing servant, for Christ's sake, B. P.

ADDRESS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
TO THE PEOPLE OF MARYLAND.

field, to which honor, the strongest ties, the | men, or from any other cause, this battalion dearest interests of humanity, point; to which should not be raised in time, we have directed victory itself invites us? A warlike, potent, the militia to be called out in classes, to supply and magnanimous nation, has espoused our the place of regular troops: your duty, your cause with all that warmth of friendship, and interest, and no doubt your inclination, will is determined to yield us powerful aid, a impel you to second the views of your reprerespectable land and naval force may be daily sentatives; without your co-operation, in vain expected on our coast from France, ready to may we make laws, or concert plans for the act under the orders of our patriotic general. general cause; these must remain as dead letHow disgraceful would it be to this state, ters, unless inspirited by your zeal and activity. were it any ways accessary in laying that great, We have the honor to represent men who, and good man, under the humiliating necessity sensible of the blessings of liberty, must know, of avowing to our allies an inability to under- | that the continuance of them rests altogether take any enterprise of consequence against the on the successful issue of this war. You feel common enemy; particularly, if that weakness not, indeed, at present, those distresses, which should proceed, not from the real inability of | our brethren, whose country is the immediate this, and the other states, but from the supine- scene of action, are exposed to; their calaminess, or the want of spirit in their people! ties, therefore, possibly may make a lighter We have hitherto done our duty; the general impression on your minds. Contemplate, we has acknowledged our exertions, and we beseech you, the ravages committed by the entreat you by all that is dear to freemen, not British forces on the plains of Jersey; behold to forfeit the reputation you have so justly the dwellings of the poor and rich in flames, acquired: let us set an example of fortitude, or reduced to ashes; the fruits of a long and perseverance and disinterestedness: these vir- laborious industry swept instantly away as by tues form the character of true republicans: a torrent; view the helpless infant, the aged beware, lest an inordinate love of riches should parent, the tender virgin, victims to the savage mark too strongly ours; remember, that you fury, and unbridled lusts of an insolent soldiery; entered upon this war, not through choice, but | view these scenes of horror and dismay; rouse, necessity; not to acquire wealth, or power, but❘ and revenge these wrongs, for these we too in to preserve liberty and property: remember our turn shall feel, if we refuse our aid to drive that your cause is righteous, that you had not these spoilers and invaders from our land: recourse to arms, until the bayonet uplifted to emulate the conduct of the brave militia of our your breasts, a discretionary surrender of all sister states; the proofs of courage and patriotthat is valuable to man, was demanded with ism, which they have exhibited, you cannot but menaces of hostile force, and with all the inso-applaud, and therefore must wish to imitate, lence of conscious power: remember too that you have pledged to each other your lives, your fortunes, and your sacred honor, in defence of those rights, without the enjoyment of which, life is but misery, and government a curse.

The general has called upon us to complete our battalions, and for a reinforcement of 2205 militia, to join him with all expedition. Considering the approach of harvest, and attentive to your ease and convenience, we have offered to raise an additional battalion, in lieu of the militia, and we have the satisfaction to inform you, that the general has approved the offer, on condition that this battalion be ready at the place of rendezvous by the last of this month at farthest. By the law, printed for your information, and with which we entreat your ready compliance, you will perceive that we have held out the most liberal encouragement for recruits, upon principles of equality and justice. If, from negligence, indifference, or the dread of danger and fatigue, motives too degrading to be imputed to free

and, if possible, surpass.

The prize we are contending for is inestim-
able; the blood of those heroes, which has
been shed in this just and glorious cause, the
inviolable ties of plighted faith, the necessity of
conquering, gratitude to our illustrious general,
and to the brave men under his command, all,
conspiring, call aloud for our redoubled efforts.
Our army is weak, and reinforced it must be,
to act on the defensive, or offensively, as cir-
cumstances may require; reinforcements, pro-
portionable to those demanded from this, are
to be furnished by the other states. The fall
of Charlestown, and the distress of our brave
friends in that quarter, have infused fresh vigor
into the councils of America; let us, like the
Romans of old, draw new resources and an
increase of courage, even from defeats, and
manifest to the world, that we are the most
to be dreaded, when most depressed.
By order of the general assembly,

DAN. of ST. THO. JENIFER, Pres. Sec.
JOSIAS BEALL, Spr. Ho. Del.

ADDRESS

OF THE CITIZENS OF BALTIMORE TO THE
HON. MAJOR General, the MARQUIS DE
LA FAYETTE.

BALTIMORE, November 15, 1781.

It is with peculiar satisfaction that the citizens of Baltimore embrace the present

tion to the inhabitants of Baltimore; at the end
of it I find myself bound to them by a new tic
of everlasting gratitude.
LA FAYETTE,

ADDRESS

CHANTS OF BALTIMORE.

moment, to express a gratitude which they To COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU, BY THE MERwill always owe to major general the marquis de la Fayette; and to congratulate him, personally, on the late important events in Virginia and South Carolina, so glorious and consequential to America.

Among the first in our cause, you early found a way to our affections, with him, who has struggled with our various difficulties since their beginning. At a time when we had no ally, you were our friend; and when we gained an ally, your presence and good offices could not but increase a cordiality which must render our union with France permanent.

In particular, we cannot sufficiently acknowledge our sense of your late campaign in Virginia, where, with a few regulars and militia, you opposed the British commander, from whose large army, and military talents this state had such serious cause of apprehension.

These things, sir, have rendered you dear to us, and we feel the highest gratification in seeing, once more, in our town, the man who will always hold a first place in our hearts.

REPLY

OF MAJOR GENERAL DE LA FAYETTE TO
THE ADDRESS OF THE CITIZENS OF BALTI-
MORE.

BALTIMORE, November 15, 1781. In the affectionate attentions of the citizens of a free town, I would find a reward for the services of a whole life. The honor to have been among the first American soldiers, is for me a source of the greatest happiness.

I participate with you in the glorious events that have taken place under his excellency, general Washington's immediate command, and under general Greene. I enjoy the effects these will have on the success of our noble cause and particularly the advantages which they will afford to this state.

The time when I had the honor to command the army in Virginia, which you are pleased so politely to mention, has only shewn that the courage and fortitude of American troops are superior to every kind of difficulty.

BALTIMORE, July 29, 1782. Yesterday a deputation of the merchants of this town, waited upon his excellency COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU, and presented him the following address, expressing their grateful sentiments of his very polite attention to their request for protection of the trade, etc. To his excellency the COUNT DE Rochambeau, commander in chief of the auxiliary troops of his most Christian majesty, in the United States.

We, the merchants of the town of Baltimore, impressed with a grateful sense of the important services rendered by your excellency, and the gallant forces under your command, to the United States, and more particularly to the state of Maryland, beg leave to wait upon your excellency, and return you our most sincere thanks, in this public manner, for the distinguished aid and protection, which you have, from time to time, so willingly afforded to the commercial interests of this state, and to inform your excellency, that we are happy in the opportunity of paying you this tribute, so justly due to distinguished merit.

And, permit us, sir, on this occasion, to observe, that when the distresses of this country rendered an application to the French nation for assistance necessary, the wisdom of your sovereign pointed out your excellency as the grand instrument to assist in our salvation; and, with gratitude, we remark, that the objects of your appointment have been fully answered, and the events that have taken place, since your happy arrival in America, and in which you acted so distinguished a part, fully evince the propriety of your sovereign's choice, and the magnanimity of his intentions toward us— for we have seen a British army, numerous and well appointed, become prisoners of war to the united exertions of the combined armies of France and America—an event that was considerably accelerated by the great experience and military talents of your excellency, and the valor of the officers and soldiers under your

My campaign began with a personal obliga- command, and which, we trust, will tend event

ually to the establishment of the rights and | duty and station renders the convenience of a liberties of this country, the purposes for which you have so generously drawn your sword. And we beg leave also, amid the general joy diffused by the birth of a Dauphin of France to congratulate your excellency on that auspicious event; and it is our fervent wish and prayers, that he may long live to tread the footsteps of his illustrious father, in being the friend of the distressed, and the advocate for the liberties of mankind.

In hopes that your excellency will enjoy OF THE GOVERNOR to Count DE ROCHAMhealth and happiness, while you reside among us, and on return to your native country, may you be rewarded by your sovereign, in proportion to your merits and services-we remain, with sentiments of gratitude and esteem, on behalf of the merchants of Baltimore, your excellency's most obedient servants,