Remember the rejecting of lord Chatham's, Mr. Hartley's and Mr. Burk's plans of conciliation. Remember the treatment of Franklin and Tem ple. Remember the rejecting of all your numerous humble petitions. FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL. Enclosed I send you the speech of an honest, sensible, and spirited farmer of this county, addressed to an assembly of his neighbours, on his engaging in the continental service. MY FRIENDS AND COUNTRYMEN-I have observed Remember the contempt with which they spoke that some of you are a little surprised that 1, with of you in both houses. so many inducements as I have to remain at hom2, Remember the cowardly endeavor to prevent should have resolved to quit my family, and my foreign nations supplying you with arms and farm for the fatigues and dangers of war. I mean ammunition, when they themselves knew they you should be perfectly satisfied as to my motives. intended coming to cut your throats. I am an American: and am determined to be free. farmers with their families. Remember their hiring savages to murder your I was born free: and have never forfeited my birthright; nor will I ever, like the infatuated son of Isaac, sell it for a mess of pottage. I will part with my life sooner than my liberty; for I perfer an honorable death to the miserable and despicable existence of a slave. Remember the bribing negro slaves to assassinate their masters. Remember the burning of Norfolk.* Remember their obliging you to pay treble du ties, when you came to trade with the countries you helped them to conquer.t Remember their depriving you of all share in the fisheries, you equally with them spent your blood and treasure to acquire. Remember their old restrictions on your woollen manufactories, your hat-making, your iron and steel forges and furnaces. Remember their arbitrary admiralty courts, Remember the inhuman treatment of the brave colonel Allen, and the irons he was sent into England. The who would rob me of my property, because be thinks he has use for it, and is able to take it from me, would as soon, for the same reason, rob me of my life, if it stood in his way; but it is God Almighty who gave me my life, and my property, as a necessary means among others of preserving and enjoying it; and it is he only that bath an absolute and unlimited right and power to take either or both away. Being the Creator, the Supporter, the perfect ruler and judge of all the earth, he only can do no wrong: should therefore any creature whatsoever, or number of them, dare to Remember the long, habitual, base venality of usurp this sole prerogative of Heaven over me, I British parliaments. Remember the corrupt, patrified state of that nation, and the virtuous, sound, healthy state of your own young constitution. Remember the tyranny of Mezentius, who bound living men, face to face, with dead ones, and the effect of it. Remember the obstinacy and unforgiving spirit evident in the treatment of his own of the b. -8. Remember that an honorable death is preferable to an ignominious life; and never forget what you owe to yourselves, your families, and your posterity. This and all the beforementioned, were open, defenceless towns, which, by the laws of war, should always be spared. could neither answer it to my Maker, nor my son is obvious; the former, like a common surfeit, occasioned by an irregular and intemperate indulgence of the bodily appetites, if but a little helped by simple medicine, will almost always, as I may say, cure itself: whereas the latter, like a devouring cancer, the longer it is let alone, without the application of violent caustics, the faster and deeper it will root itself into the frame, until it gnaws out the very life of the body. Government is neither The corruption of the one poisoned the other. of these: it is an ordinance of Heaven to restrais Act of parliament, 14 George III. laying a duty of three pence per gallon on all spirits imported into Canada from Britain; and nine-pence, if from any of the North American colonies. the usurpations of wicke men, to secure us the industriously, and obstinately bent on our destrucenjoyments of our natural rights, and to promote tion? in short, we have no alternative left us, but the highest political interests and happiness of to fight or die; if there be any medium, it is slavery; society. The claims therefore of the British par- and ever cursed be the man who will submit to it! liament of a power to bind us in all cases whatso I will not. But who would ever have imagined, ever; to give away our property, in what measure that a people who, a few years ago, assisted their and for what purposes they please, and to dispose brethren of Great Britain, with their blood and of our lives as they think proper, when we have treasure, to humble the power of France and Spain, no voice in the legislation nor constitutional power and who, from their first existence as a people, allowed us to check their most violent proceed- have, by their trade and industry, been enriching ings, are not of the nature of government, but in and exalting them above all the nations of the the true and strict sense of the word tyranny.. Of the tendency and operation of this diabolical system, our country hath already had too deep and affecting experience not to be sensible of them; and it requires not the spirit of supernatural prophecy to foretel the end of them, should they not be seasonably controled; controled, did I say? blest be the spirit of American liberty, wisdom and Valor! they have been controled; but, my friends, it is evident we can never have safety, liberty, and peace, until, by an unremitting and vigorous ap plication of the axe, now laid to the root of the tree, we have totally overturned, in these colonies, the power that would demolish us. Not to speak of the unwearied art and assiduity of the world; who, I say, would have imagined that this very people should, by these their very brethren, be now reduced to so dreadful an alternative; yet, hear, O Heavens, and give ear, O Earth, and bear witness, this is the return we have received for all our love, loyalty, industry, treasure and blood! Had we begun this quarrel, had we demanded some new privileges, unknown to the constitution, or some commercial licences, incompatible with the general interest of the empire, had we presumed to legislate for Great Britain, or plotted with the Bourbon family, to reinstate the execrable race of the Stuarts, and fled to arms unprovoked to accomplish these designs, there would then be some plausible apology for the severest hostile treatment we have received. But what have we these twelve done? when alarmed, ere we had yet rested from years past, to fasten on us the shackles of slavery, the toils of the last war, by new unconstitutional let me only remind you of the base and cruel meademands of revenue, we asserted our rights and sures to subjugate us, since we have been obliged to take up arms in our defence: what stone have petitioned for justice. Was this a crime? as unconstitutioual statutes of different forms were rethey left unturned? what device to ruin us, though peatedly enacted, we repeated our petitions for never so mean, barbarous and bloody, such as no redress; was this a crime? we suffered ourselves , heart, but that of a devil and a tyrant, can refrain to be insulted by the introduction of an armed shuddering at, have they not pursued? have not force to dragoon us into obedience; we suffered several of the powers of Europe been meanly courted and bribed not to supply us with means them to take possession of our towns and fortifications, still waiting with decent and anxious exof resistance? hath not the most barbarous nation in it been applied to, to assist them with at least pectation from the wonted justice, humanity, and generosity of Britons: was this a crime? disposed 20,000 savages to complete their intended massacre? to try every pacific measure which might probably have they not attempted to spirit up the Indian procure our relief, we agreed to withhold our com. Savages to ravage our frontiers, and murder, after merce from them, in hopes that, feeling the effects their inhuman manner, our defenceless wives and of their injustiee, they might see how ruinous their children? have not our negro slaves been enticed to rebel against their masters, and arins put into in time to wisdom and peace: was this a crime? nor proceedings were to their own interests, and return. their hands to murder them? have not the king of did we once lift the sword even in our defence, England's own slaves, the Hanoverians, been em- until provoked to it by a wanton commencement ployed? and were not the poor Canadians made of hostilities on their part: what then have we done slaves, that they might be made fit instruments, to merit such cruel proceedings? my friends, I am with other slaves and savages, to make slaves and more wretched beings than savages of us? Now, what kind of reconciliation can be reasonably expected with a firmly persuaded, that no truth will appear in future history, with more glaring evidence, than that the whole mass of guilt contracted by this unnatural so basely, so cruelly, so war lieth at the door of ; and so that, not only all future generations of men, but the editor of that work thought it dangerous to publish. Great Judge of all the earth, will finally condemn The address appears to have been delivered in their measures as a scene of tyranny and murder. I about May, 1776. It may be worthy of remark therefore conceive myself as having taken up arms here, that the declaration of independence is pubin defence of innocence, justice, truth, honesty, lished in the same work, with many such blanks.] honor, liberty, property, and life; and in opposition ROYAL. to guilt, injustice, falsehood, dishonesty, ignominy, List of the forces on lake Champlain-October 1776. slavery, poverty, and death; not that I have any fondness for the bloody profession; not that I delight Ship Inflexible, lieut. Schank, 18 twelve poundin the carnage of my species; or sigh for an occaers. Schooner Maria, lieut. Starke, 14 six poundsion of proving my courage: Heaven and you are ers. Schooner Carleton, lieutenant Dacres, 12 six my witnesses, that my voice was some time, per-pounders. Radeau Thunderer, lieut. Scott, 6 twenhaps too long, and with too much earnestness, ty-four, 6 twelve pounders, 2 howitzers. Gondola against any military preparations; but the times Loyal Convert, lieut. Longcroft, 7 nine pounders. are altered; 'tis a dreadful necessity that calls me, and calls every man who can be spared from his other occupations. Twenty gun-boats, each a brass field piece, some twenty-fours to nines, some with howitzers. Four long boats, with each a carriage gun, serving as armed tenders. Twenty-four long boats with provisions. CONTINENTAL. Schooner Royal Savage, 8 six pounders, and 4 four pounders, burnt the 11th of October, at Valicour. Schooner Revenge, 4 six pounders, and fours, escaped to Ticonderoga the 13th October. Sloop I will not however fight as one who beateth the air. I speak plainly; I consider this year as the grand and final period of British administration in this American world; I see no probability of their proffering such terms as we can accept of consistently with our safety, honor, and peace; nay, should they grant all that our public councils have heretofore claimed, we should still be in a most 10 four pounders, escaped to ditto the 13th dangerous situation, liable to renewed encroach- of October. Cutter Lee, 1 nine pounder in her ments and renewed hostilities. What else can be bow; 1 twelve pounder in her stern, and 2 six pounsupposed from such a situation, and from the views, ders in her sides; abandoned the 13th of October. temper, and prejudices that must, and will, prevail Galley Congress, 2 eighteen pounders in her bow, in the British court and parliament: besides, who 2 twelve pounders in her stern, and 6 six pounders in that case will reimburse our losses; or how shall in her sides; run on shore and burnt the 13th of our public debts be paid? I do solemnly declare, October. Galley Washington, 1 eight and 1 twelve and that with respect to the best reconciliation pounder in her bow, 2 nine pounders in her stern, that can reasonably be expected, with so corrupt, and 6 six pounders in her sides; taken the 13th of treacherous, and tyrannical an administration, that October. Galley Trumbull, like the Washington, if I thought we should again revert to a dependence escaped to Ticonderoga the 13th October. Eight on Britain, I should, from this day, lay down my Gondolas, carrying 1 eight pounder in the bow, aword, and weep that I was born in America. But and 2 nine pounders in the sides; some of of these far other prospects are before us: glory, empire, had 4 guns in their sides—one taken the 12th, one liberty and peace, are, I am persuaded, unless we are lost to ourselves, very near at hand. And, on every consideration of the present state and progress of our public affairs, compared with the spirit of Britain, and the spirit, the interest, and the internal advantages of America, methinks, I hear a voice, as if an angel from Heaven should proclaim, "come out from among them, and be ye separate from them. Come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and ye receive not of her plagues." The preceding is coped from Almon's Remembrancer; we do not presume to supply the blanks. Words were used-no doubt, which the sunk the 11th, four burnt the 13th; one escaped, A list of the seamen detached from the king's ships Isis, 100 seamen; Blonde, 70; Triton, 60; Garland, 30; Canceaux, 40; Magdalen, Brunswick, Gaspee 18 seamen each; Treasury, and armed brigs, 90 men each. Province armed vessels-Fell, 30, lately wrecked; Charlotte, 9; volunteers from no ship, 9; ditto from the transports, 214. Total, 670; exclusive of by ineffectual complaints and petitions for redress, 8 officers, and 19 petty officers. SCARCITY OF SALT. In convention for the state of Pennsylvania, Satur. day, August 24, 1776. He enumerated the multitude of addresses from every part of Scotland for the blood of the Americans. He stated the general zeal and alacrity of that people in and out of parliament, and in Great Britain and America, for the destruction and subjugation of the colonies. He reminded them of the treachery and uncontrolable enmity of the Scotch against them, recently experienced in the provinces of New York, Virginia, and the Carolinas; where, in direct violation of every principle of gratitude, and of their faith expressly pledged, they had joined the enemy, and openly attempted, by taking up arms, to destroy the liberties of those who had generously guaranteed theirs. To this, a southern delegate replied, after some Whereas, it appears to this convention, upon due enquiry and information of the circumstances, that the salt now in this city, has been imported at low prices, and under moderate insurance. And whereas, divers persons, in contempt of the just and wholesome regulations of the committee, &c. of Philadelphia, under directions of congress, have continued to dispose of their salt at most exorbitant prices, to the great grievance and distress of their fellow subjects of this state: it is therefore resolved, That the said regulations be hereby confirmed, and all persons whatever, are hereby strict-general observations, nearly in the following words: ly enjoined to pay due obedience thereto. And It is impossible, sir, not to feel the justice of the the said committees are authorized and direct- honorable mover's zeal and resentment. The facts ed to seize, and take into their possession, the upon which they are founded, unhappily for husalt belonging to such persons as have refused, or manity, are not to be denied. I myself stand here shall refuse, conformity to the regulations so es- as one of the representatives of the colony, which tablished: or shall altogether withhold, or refuse has experienced every effort of Scotch violence, to sell their salt during the continuance of such perfidy, and ingratitude. They petitioned to be regulations, allowing to the said persons, upon the protected in a neutrality during these unhappy sale thereof, the fixed and settled prices, first de-commotions. They pledged their faith, in the most ducting the expenses incurred upon the sale. And whereas, it is but reasonable that every part of this extensive state should be accommodated, as nearly as may be, with their proportion of this article, so justly esteemed a necessary of life: solemn manner, that they would not aid or inform those who might appear in arms against us. Upon these terms, neutrality was indulged; protection was given them. They enjoyed it till our enemies appeared, and instantly took up arms for our destruction. That Providence, in whom the justice Be it resolved, That the committee of Philadel- of our cause inspires confidence, enabled us to de-. phia are hereby farther directed to distribute the feat their purposes. They remained, in consesalt, that may, as aforesaid, come into their pos-quence, at our mercy; yet we exercised no greater session, in equal quantities in the several counties, act of severity, than that which was unavoidable having regard to the reputed number of the inha--the obliging them to quit a colony, to which it bitants contained in the said counties. was plain they were irreclaimably hostile. Extract from the minutes, JOHN MORRIS, Jun. Sec. Fragment of a speech in the general congress of Ame rica-1776. [Name of the speaker unknown.] Upon a motion to resolve, That all Scotch prisoners be treated with the utmost severity, as the rancorous abettors of this inhuman war, which has originated in Scotch principles, and from Scotch councils:' In the other colonies, they have manifested a similarly unprincipled enmity and rancour against the lives and liberties of a people, who, in a peculiar manner, have been profitable to them, and to their country. As they have thus distinguished themselves for ingratitude and hostility to us, they seem to merit a severity of treatment as distinguished. But, sir, let us remember, that we are engaged The mover of this resolution prefaced and en-in a general war. Not in a war with Scotland, forced it by a review of public transactions, both but with Great Britain. To general objects, generespecting England and America, since the com-ral rules are applicable. Such a selection for semencement of the present reign. He shewed they verity, would savor more of the vengeance of inhad been a series of violent grievances, followed [dividuals, than of public justice. We are contend ing in the noblest cause that can enlarge and exalt to suppose our cause did not continue to rise-the human heart. Let the magnanimity of our The complete triumph of liberty, undoubtedly conduct be proportioned to the nobleness of our draws nearer every hour. When we review the pursuits. We are now forming a national charac-state of America, and that of our enemy, we bebold ter. Spite of the misrepresentations of our ene eminent and growing advantages on the part of our mies, the truth will at length prevail. Like the country. The valor and discipline of our troops glorious sun, it will be more splendid from the are constantly improving, as every late action with cloud that has obscured it. Let us then take care, the enemy testifies; this circumstance, considered that, when it does come forth, it may be the won- with that of our superior numbers, affords a bright der of nations. Let us mould it; not on the de- prospect of success. It was always supposed, that merits of our enemies, but on our own dignity.the enemy would have the greatest advantage in Let generosity, justice, and humanity, be the illus-the beginning of the war, and it must be acknow ledged, (with gratitude to Heaven) that they have trious characteristics of the states of America. He ended with these lines from Cæsar's speech, done much less, and our success has been much greater, than might have been expected. At this period, we have so many experienced men of tried valor, such magazines of warlike stores, such a military system formed, such a disciplined militia, (as no other nation can produce), and such an union and fervor of spirit in support of the righteous cause of our country, as must damp the malevolent spirit of our enemies, and give vigor to every vir tuous mind. When we survey our naval department, such are our preparations, such our amazing progress in fitting out armed vessels, and so wonderful our success in taking the ships, the persons, and the riches of the enemy, that even our antago nists are almost ready to exclaim, "God is on that side!" Another happy circumstance in our favor, is the fruitful season and plentiful harvest with which Heaven hath blessed our country. In truth, so numerous are the favors of Providence, and so encou raging our prospect of success, that we have much greater cause for thanksgiving than for petitioning, and it is unmanly, unchristian, and unworthy of any free mind, to discover the least degree of timi dity. Our difficulties and sufferings, in supporting the great cause of liberty, have been little, if com New London, (Con.) Aug. 23, 1776.-By means of the great number of prizes carried into the difpared with what other nations have suffered in de ferent ports of this continent, Jamaica rum is sold at 4s. 4d. per gallon, by the hogshead; and sugar at five dollars per hundred weight, in Boston. BOSTON, Nov. 14, 1776. fence of their freedom. The Switzers fought sixty drove all the murdering tyrants out of their counbattles in defending their liberties, and finally, try, set up independent states, and have flourished in freedom to this day, in spite of all the tyrants in Europe. They are a striking proof of the superior virtue and strength of a free people, for their whole country is not larger than the Massachusetts state, not half so fruitful, nor any ways comparable for happiness of situation, and commercial advantages. Our losses this year are small, when compared What then may not the United States of America with the advantages we have gained, and it would accomplish? We may rationally suppose, upon a be extreme foily, even in the weakest American, survey of the present state of all nations, that these To the Independent Sons in Massachusetts state. |