^^. -^ , X .,6^" cP' ,00 JT ^>j \o^ ^ .0^ tp .^x %* ^♦^ •^■'i'^ ,^^^ "^.. > ^ ^. ^' V <5^ ,#'" .-\ H ^/. o^ '^A v^^ ^o^ % .^;i:!^^/, '^ .^^<^. ^%^^' s. /■ %. "^^ vi-' v\' M -p. .^^ -Sy. -^ - V HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN RETOL.UTION; INTENDED AS A READING BOOK SCHOOLS. BY SAMUEL WILLIAMS, LL. D. Author. of the History of Vermont. THIRTEENTH STEREOTYPE EDITION. BTEW-HAYEN: PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM STORER, JUN. 1831. / ■ M 13 J^orthern District of JVew- York, to wit : BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the eighteenth day of April, in tlie forty-seventh year of the Independence of thf 1['A United States of America, A. D. 1823, William Storer, ryjvfj Junior, of the said district, has deposited in this office the , -.__3^y title of a book, the right whereof he claims as proprietor, ia ^'■'"'''^'^^ the words following, to wit: "A History of the American Kevolution; Intended as a Reading-Book for Schools. By Samuel WiUianis, LL. D." In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, en- titled, "An' act for tlie encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the autliors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned ;" and also, to the act entitled " An act, supple- mentary to an act, entitled ' An act for the encouragement of learning, by se- curing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietor^ of such copies, during the times therein mentioned,' and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and othci' w-lnts." RICHARD R. LANSING, Clerk of the J^artkem District of JV'ew York. PREFACE. To render more perfect our knowledge of any particular country or government, together with the •{iolitlcal principles by which they are actuated in ilie management of their national affairs, it is high- ly important that we should make ourselves acquaint- ed with their origin, and the causes which induced liieir estiibJishment as an independent nation. And when this knowledge relates to our own country, it hccomes doubly important and interesting. Strange as it may seem, there has never been in- troduced into our schools, a short, comprehensive, jind cheap history of the American revolution and war — an event which gave birth to an independent nation,- and tilled the gazing w^orld with astonish- ment — an event which taught the sovereigns of Eu- rope that their system of enslaving the world was ill founded and chimerical; that there was sufficient energy, in at least a part of the human race, to as- sert their rights, and, thus asserted, to maintain them — an event which ought to be held in sacred re- membrance by the citizens of this great republic, JV PREFACE. and handed down, from one generation to another, to the lati3st posterity. The more common accounts of this great and important occurrence, which have been pubUshed, are attached to large and expensive volumes, which cannot . owned but by a small portion of the com- munity, who are favoured with the possession of wealth. These volunies are usually devoted to ge- neral subjects, among which, the American revolu- tion is occasionally crowded in ; and, from the mag- nitude of the volume, it is not unfrequently suffered to remain unmolested in the library, even by those who have been able to purchase it. And why has the American public been suffered to remain so long without a work of this kind, com- prised in such a form that it may be in the posses- sion of every family? This question cannot be an- swered, without giving the blush to every enlighten- ed American. Shall it be said, that we have not sufficient respect for the exertions of our ancestors, who gloriously offered their blood a willing sacrifice on the altar of Freedom, that we their sons, might enjoy the blessings of liberty and independence ? Humiliating as is such a reflection, yet (from the si- lence and obscurity in which this subject has been suffered to remain) it appears but too justly to attach itself to us as a people. That the rising generation be made acquainted with the leading events which produced our separa- tion from the crown of Great Britain, and our es- PREFACE. V tablishment as an independent nation, is an object of the utmost importance. The same causes which impelled our forefathers to declare to the world, that "these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states," still continue to urge the necessity of instilling into the minds of our youth the principles of republicanism — a love of liberty — and a hatred and abhorrence of tyranny. Next to the Bible, the History of the American Revolution is most deservedly entitled to the atten- tion and reverence of the youth of our country. Here they may be made acquainted with the impo- sitions and oppressions to which their ancestors were subject, while these United States were colonies de- pendent on the British crown. Here may be found a detail of the causes which led to the publication of that sacred instrument, the Declaration of American Independence. Here is preserved and laid down, a narrative of the privations and hardships which our fathers, the soldiers of the revolution, suffered and endured, to maintain and establish that independence. While in our schools and seminaries of learning, the rising generation are taught those branches of literature which are to fit them for the various du- ties to be performed under the government, either as officers or private citizens, a history of the origin and principles of that government should not be neglected. A work of this kind has long been want- ed in our common schools — and to si^pply this de- fect, the present volume is intended. It was written 1* VI ' ^ PREFACE. as early as the year 1795; but was never before published, except in the montlily Jiumbers of a pe- riodical work of that day. From its earl}^ date, and the acknowledged correctness of Dr. Williams as a liistorian, it may be considered as a Uiie and faithful narratiye. The publisher has spared no pains to make a proper division of the subject into chapters and sec- tions, the better to ht it for the purpose for vrhich it is intended — a reading-book for our common schools. We have also added, at the close of the volume, several orders and addresses of Gen. Wasbington, and other documents published at the conclusion of the war; together with the Constitution of tlie United States, and ail the amendments which liave been made to that instrument since its first adoption. These additions, it is hoped, will contribute to ren- der the work still more useful and interesting. THE PUBLISHER. J^ezc-Haven, March, 1624. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I.— Introduction.— State of the colonies after the war of 1763. — Their opinion of themselves. — Their industry and enterprise. — Good g-overnment of them- selves. — Speculation on the cause of the war. — Obnox- ious bills passed by Parliament. — Agreement not to im- port British g-oods. . . . . Pctgc 13 CHAPTER n.— Stamp act.— Ferment among- the Ame- ricans. — Stamp act repealed. — Opinion of t)^. Frank- lin. — Spirit of independence manifested. — Duty on Sea, &;c. — Disturbances increase. — Assembly of Massa- chusetts prorog-ued. , . . . 18 CHAPTER HI.— Tum.ult at Boston.— Dissohition of the assembly. — People form a convention. — Arrival of troops from England. — Parliament address the king. — Affray between the soldiers and Bostonians. — llepeal of duties. — Kew assembly. — Disavowal of the supre- macy of parliament. . . .' , 23 CHAPTER IV.— Destruction of tea in Boston har- bour. — The king recommends vigorous measures for the subjection of the colonies. — Port bill.— Canada biU. 2S CHAPTER V. — Opposition in Massachusetts to Judge Oliver. — Arrival of Gen. Gage. — Assembly removed to Salem. — General congress proposed. — Assembly again dissolved. — Solemn league and covenant of the Bostonians. — Governor's proclamation. . 32 CHAPTER VI. — Meetingof the first congress. — Appro- val of the conduct of Massachusetts. — Letter to Gen. Gage. — Declaration of Rights. — Petition to the king, &c. — Increase of the British forces. — Opposition to tlie courts — Thirst for military knowledge. . . 38 CHAPTER VII.- Gen. Gage fortifies Boston neck.— Indignation of the citizens. — General meeting of the inhabitants of the adjacent towns. — Vigorous measures recommended. — Governor calls a general assembly. — nil CONTENTS. Assembly vote themselves inta a provincial congress. — Difficulty ofproviding-shelterand clothing for the British troops. — Provincials provide money and arms for an army— Public stores at Newpoivt seized. . 39 CHAPTER VIIL— Congress at Cambridge.— Minute men organized. — British attempt the seizure of arms at vSalem. — Commencement of hostilities at Lexington. — Destruction of military stores at Concord. — British retreat, with considerable loss, to Boston. — Americans collect 20,000 men, and block up the town of Boston. — Arrival of a reinforcement from England. — Battle of Bunker's Hill. — Charlestown burnt. . 43 CHAPTER IX.— General determination to resist the measures of the British government. — Rejection of Lord North's conciliatory scheme. — Congress resolve to esta- blish an army and paper currency. — Crown-point and Ticonderoga surprised and taken by Colonels Allen and Eaton. — Articles of confederation drawn up and agreed to in congress. — Canadians resolve to preserve a neu- trality. ...... 49 CHAPTER X. — Britain attempts to engage the Indians in her cause. — Address of congress to the Indians, by which they are engaged to preserve a neutrality. — ' George VVashington appointed commander-in-chief of the American forces. — Georgia joins the confederacy. — Conquest of Canada contemplated. — Reduction of Chamblee. — St. John taken by the Americans. — Mon- treal, and the British shipping there, surrender to the Americans. . . . . .56 CHAPTER XI.~Col. Arnold arrives at (Quebec with a small force. — General Montgomery also arrives. — The combined army attack Quebec. — General Montgomery killed. — Col. Arnold wounded.— Part of the Americans surrender. — Col. Arnold created brigadier-general. — Dispute between the Virginians and Lord Dunmore, who abandons the government of the colony. — League with the Ohio Indians. ... 61 CPIAPTER XII.— Norfolk burnt by the British.— The governors of the Carolinas expelled the provinces. — Gen. .Gage resigns his command to Gen. Howe. — Gen. Washington attacks Boston. — Evacuation of the town by the British. Declaration of Independence. — Second attack on Quebec proves unsuccessful. — Ame- ricans retire from Quebec. • . . 69 VA CONTENTS. IX CHAPTER Xin.— Affair at Sorel, and Gen. Thomp- son taken prisoner. — Americans retreat from Canada.- — Success of the Americans in N. Carolina and Virg-inia —Arrival of a British fleet at Charleston. S. C— Battle on Sullivan's Island. ... "7 CHAPTER XIV.— Com. Hopkins sails to tlie Bahama Islands, and takes the ordnance and military stores. — Jiord Howe arrives before New-York with a British fleet.— Gen. Howe attempts a reconciliation. — Ameri- cans defeated near Flatbiish, L. I. — Retreat from Long Island. Gen. Sullivan sent on an unsuccessful mission to congress. — British gain possession of New-York. CHAPTER XV.— Great fire in New-York.— Battle at White Plains. — Forts in the neighbourhood of New- York reduced by tlie British. — New-Jersey taken pos- session of by the British. — Sir Henry Clinton reduces Rhode Island. — British fit a fleet on Lake Champlaiu Battle on the Lake. Cf I AFTER XVL— Decrease of the American army. ■• Qen. Lee taken prisoner. — British defeated at Trenton, and the tide of war turned in favour of America. - iJetrcat of the Americans from Trenton. — Party o; British defeated at Princeton. — Fall of Gen. Mercer. Danbury, Conn, burnt.— Gen. Wooster killed. — Sag Harbour taken by the Americans. — British Gen. Pros cot taken prisoner. — Battle at Brandy wine, orciik- Marquis de la Fayette wounded. 93 C R AFTER XVII— Philadelphia taken by the British- Battle at Germantown. — Destruction of two Briti^ih siiips of war. — Americans abandon Mud Island, and Red Bank,— Gen. Burgoyne's army reinforced. — Sicg-e of Ticonderoga. — Disaster of the Americans near Skeenesborough. — Americans retire to Fort Edward. — British army approaches Fort Edward. — Head-quarters of the American army formed at Saratoga. — Gen. Ar- nold takes station at Stillwater. — Col. St. Leger besieges Fort Stanwix; is deserted by the Indians ; and retreats with loss. . . . lOi f'HAPTEF XVIII.— Gen. Burgoyne determines on re- tlucing Bennington. — Brave defence of that place by the Americans under Gen. Stark. — British army en- camp near Saratoga, and are attacked afid beaten by the Americans. — Gen. Eraser killed. — Gen. Arnold wounded. — Col. Breyman killed. — The Germans de- feated with great slaughter, — Distress of tlie British X CONTENTS. army, for want of provisions, &c. — Gen. Burgoyne surrenders to Gen. Gates, by capitulation. — American works on tiie North river destroyed by Gen. Clinton. Esopus burnt. . . . los CHAPTER XIX — Treaty with France.— Favourable disposition of European powers. — Gov. Johnstone at- teinpts to bribe members of cong-ress. — Evacuation of Philaaelphia. — Battle at Freehold.— Gen. Lee tried for disobedience of orders, and suspended from his com- mand. — Count d'Estaing- arrives v/ith a fleet and troops from France. — Expedition against Rhode-Island. — De- struction of American vessels, magazines, &lc. at Buz- zard's Bay. — Ca|)turo of sheep and :;attle at IMartha's Vineyard.— American cavalry defeated on the North River. — Little Eg-g- Harbour reduced by the British. — Pulaski's ieg-ion surprised, and put to the sword. 115 CM AFTER XX.— American expedition to West-Flori- da. — British expedition to Gcorp^ia. — Savannali taken. Georg-ia m possession'of the British. — Americans de- feated at Briar's Creek. — British g-ain possession of St. James', St. John's, and Fort Royal.— Counfd'Es- tain^ sails to the West-Indies; is recalled to the United States; contemplates the recovery of Georgia; an-ives otf t!io coast, and cp '> r- -cvoral vessels; Summons (ien. Prevost to si': . annah. — The town as- saulted. — Count P>-.,, ■lied. — Count d'Estaing' wounded. . , . 123 CHAPTER XX.I.-Ev-^ (i'M porainst Virg-inia.— Ves- sels, stores, ciic. at r '; deslroj'cd. — American wo)-ks at Vcrpiank's , ;, Point reduced by the liritish. — Exueditiou to Connecticut. — Shipping- and na- val stores at Nevv-Haven destroyed. — Fairlicld, Nor- walk, and Greenfield burnt. — Storming- of Stony Point. Unsuccessful attempt on Powles Hook. — American expedition to Penobscot river. — Spain joins the conted- er.ijcy ag-ainst Great Britain, arid invades West-Florida. Military and naval operations there. Gen. Sullivan's ex.peJit'ion against the Indiaas. — Indians defeated. 130 CHAPTER XXII.— Sir Henry Clinton sails to Charles- ton, S. C. with troops and armed ships, to aid in the at- tack on that place.— Charleston attacked.. — An.erican cavalry and militia defeated.— British under Ijieut. Col. I'arletJon deteated. — Charleston surrendered to the Biitish. — Harbour of Now- York shut up by the ice. — Unsuccessful expedition to Slaten Island. --Geu. Clin- ton's proelamalioiis. I3<5 CONTENTS. XI CHxlPTER XXIII.— Conj^ress continue to meet in Phil- adeipiiiu. — Resolution to erect a monument to the me- mory of Gen. Monlg^omery. — Depreciation of continen- tal currency. — Celebration ofthe4thof July at Philadel- jihia. — M. Ternay arrives with a fleeX and troops from France. — Unsuccessful expedition to New-Jersey. — Defeat of the Americans, under General Gates, in South-Carolina. — Americans under General Sumptcr defeated. . . . . * . 143 CHAPTER XXIV.— Treachery of Gen. Arnold, who joins the British army. — Major Andre taken and exe- cuted as a spy. — Defeat of the Brilishand tories under Major Ferguson. — Gen. Sumpterag-ain defeated. — Mr. Laurens taken and confined in London, on a charg-e of hig-h treason.- Disturbance among- the Pennsylvania troops. — Deieat of the British under Col. Tarleton. 149 CHAPTER XXV.— Lord Cornwallis crosses North-Ca- rolina, and erects the king-'s standard at Hillsborough- Tories defeated by the Americans. — British under Gen. Arnold destroy stores, &c. Richmond. ^-Cannon foun- dry ai Weslhajii deslioyed. — British enter Wilming- ton — Battle beiween t!ie British under Lord Cornwallis and Americans u'nder Gen. Greene, in which the latter is defeated. — Gen. Greene ag-ain defeated by Lord Rawdon. — Destruction of stores, &c. in various parts of Virginia. ... . 1.56 CHAPTER XXVr.— Action between the French and English fleets, o(r" the Capes of Virginia. — Americans defeated under Lieut. Col. Simcoe. — Action near the Green Sfirings— Action at Eutaw Springs. — New-Lon* don, in Conn. 1 iit iit by the British. — Fort Griswold ta- ken. — Gen. Washington marches toward Virginia. — ' Lord Cornwallis takes post at Yorktown and Glouces- ter. ....... 164 CHAP. XXVn.— Action between the French and En- > g-lish fleets in the Chesapeake. — Gen. Washington blocks up the British army at Yorktown. — Sir Henry Clmton sails to the Chesapeake with a large body of British troops. — Surrender of the British army under Lord Cornwallis. — Inveteracy of the tories. — Sir Guy Carletop ar ives at New-York, and negotiations for peace are opened. — Georgia and South-Carolina evac- uated by the British. — Great Britain acknowledges the independence of America. — British troops evacuate Kew-York. — Conclusion of the war. . . 16© xu CONTENTS. APPENDIX. General Order, issued by Gen. Washington, on the cessa- tion of hostilities. .... 17*7 Address of Congress to Gen. Washington. , JSO General Washington's Answer. . , i81 Farewell Orders of Gen. Washington to toe armies of the i, United States. . . . isj !, The Answer. . . , . ]9g Address of Gen. Washington to Congress on resigning his military commission. . . . 189 The Answer. . .190 The Constitution of the United States- . . 191 Amendments to the Constitution of the United State*. 20 A HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, CHAPTER I. Introduction. — State of the colonies after the war of 1763. — Their opinion of themselves. — Their industry and enter- prise. — Good government of themselves. — Speculation on the cause of the war. — Obnoxious bills passed by Parlis*. ment. — Agreement not to import British goods. IT has hitherto been remarked, that the beginning of every political establishment is contemptible. Some few banditti, taking refuge among the marshes on the banks of the Tiber, laid the foundation of the Roman empire : and it may, perhaps, be said, that the turbu- lence of some North-Americans, and the blunders of some British statesmen, gave birth to this new republic, which, at some future period, bids fair to surpass even the splendour of Rome. The state of the British colonies at the conclusion of the war in 1763, was such as attracted the attention of all the politicians in Europe. Their flourishing condi- tion at that period was remarkable and striking: their trade had prospered in the midst of ull the difficulties and distresses of a war in which they were so nearly and so immediately concerned. Their population con- tinued on the increase, notwithstanding the ravages and depredations that had been so fiercely carried on by the French, and the iiative Indians in their alliance. They abounded with spirited and active individuals of all de- 2 14 HISTORY OF THE nominations. They were flushed with the uncommon prosperity that had attended them, in their commercial affairs and military transactions. Hence they were ready for all kinds of undertakings, and saw no limits to their hopes and expectations. As they entertained the highest opinion of their value and importance, and of the immense benefit that Britain derived from its connexion with them, their notions were adequately high in their own favour. They deemed themselves, not without reason, entitled to every kind- ness and indulgence which the mother country could bestow. Although their pretensions did not amount to a per- fect equality of advantages and privileges in matters of commerce, yet in those of government they thought themselves fully competent to the task of conducting their domestic concerns, with little or no interference from abroad. Though willing to admit the supremacy of Great Britain, they viewed it with a suspicious eye, and with a marked desire to restrain it within its strict constitutional boundaries. Their improvements in all the necessary and useful arts, did honour to their industry and ingenuity. Though they did not live in the luxury of Europe, they had all the solid and substantial enjoyments of life, and were not unacquainted with many of its elegancies and refine- ments. A circum.stance much to their praise, is, that, not- withstanding their peculiar addiction to those occupa- tions of which lucre is the sole object, they were duly attentive to cultivate the field of learning; and they have, ever since their foundation, been particularly careful to provide for the education of the rising pro- geny. Their vast augmentation of internal trade and exter- nal commerce, was not merely owing to their position and facility of communication with other parts ; it arose also from their natural turn and temper, full of schemes and projects ; ever aiming at new discoveries, and con- AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 15 tinually employed in the search of means of improving their condition. Their enterprise carried tlicm into every quarter from whence profit could be derived. There was scarcely any port of the American hemisphere, to which they had not extended their navigation. They were continually exploring new sources of trade, and were found in every spot where business could be transacted. To this extensive and incessant application to com- merce, they added an equal vigilance in the administra- tion of their affairs at home. Whatever could conduce to the amelioration of the soil they possessed, to the progress of agriculture, or to the improvement of their domestic circumstances, was attended to ^vith so much labour and care, that it may be strictly said, that nature had given them nothing of which they did not make the most. In the midst of this solicitude and toil in matters of business, the affairs of government were conducted with steadiness, prudence, and lenity, seldom experienced, and never exceeded, in the best regulated countries of Europe. Such was the situation of the British colonies in gen- eral throughout North-America, and of the New-Eng- land provinces in particular, when the pacification above m.entioned opened one of the most remarkable scenes that ever commanded the attention of the world. In treating of the American revolution, it has become a fashion with the English writers, to ascribe that event to the successful intrigues of the French governmenL Instead of contemplating it with the characteristic phi- losophy of their country; as the result of a contest be- tween the desire of power, and the abhorrence of op- pression, they have sought the origin of the evil in any source rather than their own misconduct ; and have endeavoured, at once, to hush the reproaches of tlieir political conscience, and to gratify the cravings of their national animosity, in wild conjectures of a scheme formed by their neighbours to divide the British empire. 16 HISTORY or THE and in declamatory invectives against the Gallic faith and honour. Thus it has been repeatedly asserted, that the French having long viewed, with equal envy and apprehension, the flourishing state of the colonies which Britain had founded in America, began Immediately after the peace of Paris, to carry into execution their project for sepa- rating those colonies from the mother country. Secret emissaries, it is said, were employed in spreading dis- satisfaction among the colonists ; and the effects pro- duced by these machinating spirits are described to have been a rapid diminution of that peculiar warmth of at- tachment, which the inhabitants of North-America had hitherto demonstrated for the mother country ; the ex- citement of a jealousy which led them to view her rather in the light of a sovereign than of a parent ; and the introduction of a hostile policy, which taught them to examine, with a scrupulous nicety, the nature of those ties that rendered them parts of her empire. That such emissaries were ever employed, is a fact unsupported by any document which the purity of his- torical truth can admit ; and, although the effects here described have certainly appeared, it must be remem- bered, that their appearance followed, but did not pre- cede, the attempts of Britain upon the rights and liber- ties of America. By mere artifice and adch'ess, to have alienated the affections of the colonists from their mother country, at the close of a war in which their in- terests and feelings had been interwoven with more than usual strenii'th and energy, was a task of infinite difficul- ty, not surely to be accomplished in the short period be- tween the declaration of peace in 176 1 , and the promulga- tion of the first obnoxious acts of the British parliament in 1764. But, if we trace these effects to another cause — to a love of liberty, and a quick sense of injury, their ap- pearance will be natural and just, consistent with the American character, and coresponding with the con- duct which was displaved in all the vicissitudes that at- tended the revolt. AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 17 In March, 1764, a bill was passed, by which heavy duties were laid on goods imported by the colonists from such West India islands as did not belong to Great Britain ; at the same time that these duties were to be paid into the exchequer in specie : and in the same session another bill was framed, to restrain the currency of paper money in the colonies themselves. Not only the prin- ciple of taxation, but the mode of collection, was con-, sidered as an unconstitutional and oppressive innovation ; for the penalties incurred by an infraction of the acts of parliament, might be recovered in the courts of admiralty, before a single judge, (whose salary was the fruit of the forfeitures he decreed,) without trial by jury, or any of tlie other benefits of common law jurisprudence. These acts, coming so close to each other, threw the whole continent into the utmost ferment. Vehement remonstrances were made to the ministry, and evci-y argument made use of that reason or ingenuity couid suggest, but to no pui^ose. Their reasoning, however, convinced a great number of people in Britain ; and thus the American cause came to be considered as the cause of liberty. The Americans, finding all argumentation vain, at last united in an agreement to import no more of the manu- factures of Great Britain, but to encourage, to the utmost of their power, every thing of that kind among them- selves. Thus the British manufacturers alio became a party against the ministry, and did not fail to express their resentment in the strongest terms ; but the ministry were not to be so easily daunted, and therefore proceeded to the last step of their intended plan, which was to lay on stamp duties throughout the continent. Previous to this, indeed, several regulations were passed in favour of the commerce of the colonies ; but they had now imbibed such unfavourable sentiments of the British ministry, that they paid very little regard to any thing pretended to be done in their favour; or, if these acts made any favourable impression, it was quickly obli- terated by the news of the stamp act. The reason given for this act, so exceedingly obnox- 2* 18 HISTORY Oi^ fUt ious, was, that a sum might be raised sufficient for the defence of the colonies against a foreign enemy ; but this pretence was so far from giving any satisfaction to the Americans, that it excited their indignation to the utmost degree. They not only asserted that they were abundantly able to defend themselves against any foreign enemy, but denied that the British parliament had any right to tax them at all. CHAPTER II. Stamp act. — Ferment among- the Americans. — Stamp act re- pealed. — Opinion of Dr. Franklin. — Spirit of independence manifested. — Duty on tea, &c. — Disturbances increase. — Assembly of Massachusetts prorogued. IT would be superfluous to enter into any arguments used by the contending parties on this important occa- sion. It was evident that the matter was not to be de- cided by argument, but by force of arms ; and the British ministry, too confident of the authority and power of that country, determined to carry on matters with a high hand, to terrify the colonies into an implicit subjection, or, if that would not do, to compel them to it by force. The stamp act, after a violent opposition in parliament, was passed ; and its reception in America was such as might have been expected; The news, and the act itself, arrived first at Boston, xvhere the bells Avere muffled and rung a funeral peal. The act was first hawked about the streets with a death's head affixed to it, and styled " The folly of England, and the ruin of America ;" and afterwards publicly burnt by the enraged populace. The stamps themselves were seized and destroyed, unless brought by men of war, or kept in fortified places ; those who were to receive the stamp duties were compelled to resign their offices ; and such of the Americans as sided with government on this occasion, had their houses plundered and burnt. Though these outrages were committed by the low- AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 19 est of the multitude, they were first connived at by those of superior rank, and the principles on which they were founded afterwards openly patronised by them ; and the doctrine became general and openly avowed, that Britain had no right whatever to tax the colonies without their own consent. The ministry now found it absolutely necessary either to yield to the Americans, by repealing the obnoxious statutes, or to enforce them by arms. The ferment had diffused itself universally throughout the colonies. Virginia first, and afterwards all the rest of the provinces, declared against the right of Britain to lay taxes in America ; and that every attempt to vest others with this power, besides the king, or the governor of the pro- vince and his general assembly, was illegal, unconstitu- tional, and unjust. Non-importation agreements were every where en- tered into, and it was even resolved to prevent the sale of any more British goods after the present year. American manufactures, though dearer, as well as of an inferior quality to the British, were universally pre- ferred. An association was entered into against the eat- ing of lamb, in order to promote the growth of wool ; and the ladies with cheerfulness agreed to renounce the use of every species of ornament manufactured in Britain. Such a general and alarming confederacy determined the ministry to repeal some of the most obnoxious statutes ; and to this they were the more inclined by a petition from the first American congress, held at New- York, in October, 1765. The stamp act was therefore repealed, to the univer* sal joy of the Americans, and indeed to the general sa- tisfaction of the English, whose manufactures had begun to suffer very severely in consequence of the American association against them. The disputes on the subject, however, were by no means silenced without doors, but each party continued to argue the case as violently as before. The celebrated Dr. Benjamin Franklin was on this occasion examined ■^ HISTORY or THE before the British house of commons — and his opinion was in substance as follows : " That the tax in question was impracticable and ruinous. The very attempt had so far alienated the affections of the colonies, that they behaved in a less friendly manner towards the natives of England than before ; considering the whole nation as conspiring against their liberty, and the parliament as willing rather to oppress than to support and assist them. America, in fact, did not stand in any need of British manu- factures, having already begun to construct such as might be deemed absolutely necessary, and that with such success as left no doubt of their soon arriving at perfection. " The elegancies of dress had already been re- nounced for manufactures of the American kind, though much inferior ; and the bulk of the people, consisting of farmers, were such as could in no way be affected by the want of British commodities, having every ne- cessary within themselves. Materials of all kinds were to be had in plenty ; — the wool was fine, flax grew in great abundance, and iron was every where to be met with." Dr. Franklin also insisted, «' that the Americans had been greatly misrepresented ; that they had been tra- duced as void of gratitude and affection to the parent state, than which nothing could be more contrary to truth. In the war of 1755 they had, at their own ex- pense, raised an army of 25,000 men ; and in that of 1739, they assisted the British expeditions against South-America, with several thousand men, and had made many brave exertions against the French in North-America. " It was said that the war of 1755 had been under- taken in defence of the colonies ; but the truth was, that it originated from a contest about the boundary line between Canada and Nova-Scotia, and in defence of the right of the English to trade on the Ohio. " The Americans, however, would still continue to act with their usual fidelity j and were any war to AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 21 break out, in which they had no interest, they would show themselves as ready as ever to assist the parent state to the utmost of their power ; and they would never fail to manifest their readiness in contributing to the emergencies of government, when called upon in a re- gular and constitutional manner." The ministry %vere conscious that in repealing this obnoxious act, they yielded to the Americans ; and therefore, to support, as they thought, the dignity of Great-Britain, it was judged proper to publish a de- claratory bill, in which was set forth the authority of the mother country over her colonies, and her power to bind them by laws and statutes, in all cases ivhatso- ever. This much diminished the joy with which the repeal of the stamp act was received in America. It was con- sidered as establishing the ground upon which any claim might be enforced equally prejudicial with the stamp act ; and a spirit of jealousy pervaded the whole con- tinent, in so much that a sti'ong party was formed, watch- ful on every occasion to guard against any arbitrary en- croachments of the British power. It was not long before an occasion offered, in which *:he Americans manifested a spirit of absokite independ- ence, virtually declaring that instead of being bound by the British legislature in all cases, they would not be con- irolled by it in the most trivial affairs. This was in con- sequence of an act passed by the Rockingham ministry, providing the British troops stationed in different parts of the colonies with such accommodations as were ne- cessary for them. The assembly of New-York, however, took upon them to alter the mode of execution prescribed by the act of parliament, and to substitute one of their own. This gave very great offence to the new ministry, and rendered them (though composed of those who had been active against the stamp bill) less favourable to the colonies than they would, in all probability, otherwise have been. An unlucky circumstance at this time occurred, which 22 HISTORY OF THE threw every thing once more into confusion. One of the new ministry, Mr. Charles Townsend, having de- clared that he could find a way of taxing the Americans without giving them offence, was called upon to propose his plan. This was by imposing a duty upon tea, paper, paints and glass, imported to America. The conduct of the New- York assembly respecting the troops, and that of Boston, which had proceeded in a similar manner, caused this bill to meet with less op- position than it otherwise might have done. As a punishment to the refractory assemblies, the legislative power was taken from that of New- York, until they should fully comply with the terms of the act. That of Boston at last submitted with reluctance. The bill for the new taxes was quickly passed, and sent to America in 1768. A ferment, much greater than that occasioned by the stamp act, now took place throughout the continent. The populace renewed their outrages, and those of superior station entered into regular combinations against it. Circular letters were sent from Massachu- setts to all her sister colonies, setting forth the injus- tice and impropriety of the acts of the British parlia- ment. Meetings were held in all the principal towns, in which it was proposed to lessen the consumptiou of foreign manufactures, by giving proper encourage- ment to their own. Continual disputes ensued be- twixt the governors and general assemblies of their provinces, which were much heightened by a letter from Lord Shelburn to Governor Barnard of Ptlassa- chusetts, containing complaints of the people he gov- erned. The assembly, exasperated to the highest degree, charged their governor with having misrepresented them to the court of Britain, requiring him to produce copies of the letters he had sent ; and, on his refusal, wrote letters to the English ministry, accusing him of misrepresentation and partiality, complaining at the same time, most grievously, of the proceedings of AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 23 parliament as utterly subversive of the liberties of America, and the rights of British subjects. The governor, at a loss how to defend himself, pro- rogued the assembly ; and, in his speech on the occa- sion, gave aloose to his resentment, accusing the mem- bers of ambitious designs, incompatible with those of dutiful and loyal subjects. To counteract the effect of the circular letter of the province of Massachusetts-Bay, Lord Hillsborough, secretary to the American department, addressed the governors of the several colonies, reprobating the cir- cular as full of misrepresentation, and tending to ex- cite a rebellion against the authority of the parent state. CHAPTER HI. Tumult at Boston. — Dissolution of the assembly. — People form a convention. — Arrival of troops from Eng-land. — Par- liament address the King-. — Affray between the soldiers and Bostonians. — Repeal of duties. — NeAV assembly.— Disavowal of the supremacy of parliament. Matters now hastened to a crisis. The governor had been ordered to proceed with vigour, and by no means to show any disposition to yield to the people as formerly. In particular, they were required to rescind that resolution by which they had written the circular letter above mentioned ; and, in case of a refusal, it was told them that they would be dissolved. As this letter had been framed by the resolutions of a former house, they desired, after a week's consultation, that a recess might be granted, to consult with their constituents ; but this being refused, they came to a determination, 92 against 17, to adhere to the resolution which produced the circular letter. At the same time, another letter was sent to Lord Hillsborough, and a message to the governor, in justifi- cation of their proceedings. In both, they expressed themselves with such freedom as was by no mean* cal- 24 HISTORY OF THE culated to accord with the sentiments of those in power. They insisted that they had a right to communicate their sentiments to their fellow-subjects, upon matters of such importance ; complained of the requisition to rescind the circular letter as unconstitutional and unjust ; and partic*ularly insisted, that they were represented as har- bouring seditious designs, when they were doing nothing but what was lawful and right. At the same time, they condemned the late acts of parliament, as highly oppressive, and subversive of lib- erty. The whole was concluded by a list of accusa- tions against their governor, representing him as unfit to continue in his station, and petitioning the king his re- moval from it. These proceedings were followed by a violent tumult at Boston. A vessel belonging to a capital trader had been seized, in consequence of his having neglected some of the new regulations ; and being taken under the protection of a man of war at that time lying in the harbour, the populace attacked the houses of the com- missioners of excise, broke their windows, destroyed the collector's boats, and obliged the custom-house offi- cers to take refuge in Castle William, situated at the entrance of the harbour. The governor now took the last step in his power, to put a stop to the violent proceedings of the assembly, by dissolving it entirely ; but this was of little moment. Their behaviour had been highly approved by the other colonies, who had written letters to them, expressive of their approbation. After the dissolution of the assembly, frequent meetings of the people were held in Boston, which ended in a remonstrance to the governor, to the same purpose as some of the former; but concluding with a request, that he would take it upon him to order the king's ships out of the harbour. While the disposition of the Bostonians was thus going on from bad to worse, news arrived, that the agent for the colony had not been allowed to deliver their petition to the king ; it having been (objected, that the assemble without the governor was no\ sufficient authority. This AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 25 did not contribute to allay the ferment ; and it was further augmented by the news that a number of troops had been ordered to repair to Boston, to keep the inhabi- tants in awe. A dreadful alarm now took place. The people called on the governor to convene a general assembly, in or- der to quiet their fear of the military ; who, they said, were to be assembled to overthrow their liberties, and force their obedience to laws to which they were en- tirely averse. The governor replied, that it was no longer in his power to call an assembly ; having, in his last instructions from England, been required to wait the king's orders, the matter being then under consideration at home. Being thus refused, the people took upon themselves the formation of an assembly, which they called a con- vention, V The proceedings and resolutions of this body naturally partook of the temper and disposition of the late assembly ; but they went a step farther, and havin.; voted " that there is apprehension in the minds of many of an approaching rupture with France," requested the inhabitants to put themselves in a posture of defence against any sudden attack of an enemy ; and circular letters were sent to all the towns in the province, ac- quainting them with the x'esolutions that had been taken in the capital, and exhorting them to proceed in the same manner. The town of Hatiield alone refused its concurrence. The convention, however, thought proper to assure the governor of their pacific intentions, and renewed their request that an assembly might be called ; but be- ing refused any audience, and threatened with being treated as rebels, they at last thought proper to dissolve of themselves, and sent over to Britain a circumstantial account of their proceedings, with the reason of their having assembled in the manner already mentioned. The expected troops arrived on the very day on which the convention broke up, and had some houses in the town fitted up for their reception. Their arrival had a considerable influence on the people, and for some time 3 56 HISTORY OP THE seemed to put a stop to the disturbances ; but the seeds of discord had now taken such deep root, that it wag impossible to quench the flame. The late outrageous behaviour in Boston had given the greatest offence in England ; and, notwithstariding all the efforts of oppo- sition, an address from both houses of parliament was pre- sented to the king; in which the behaviour of the colony of Massachusetts-Bay was set forth in the most ample manner, and the most vigorous measures recommended for reducing them to obedience. The Americans, however, continued steadfast in the ideas they had adopted. Though the troops had for some time quieted the disturbances, yet the calm con- tinued no longer than they appeared respectable on ac- count of their number ; but as soon as this was dimin- ished by the departure of a large detachment, the re- mainder were treated with contempt, and it was even resolved to expel them altogether. The country peo- ple took up arms for this purpose, and were to have assisted their friends in Boston; but before the plot could be put in execution, an event happened which put an end to every idea of reconciliation between the con- tending parties. On the 5th of March, 1770, a scuffle happened be- tween the soldiers and a party of the town's people. The inhabitants poured in from all quarters to the assis- tance of their fellow-citizens ; a violent tumult ensued, during which the military fired upon the mob, killing and wounding several of them. The whole province now rose in arms, and the soldiers were obliged to retire to Castle William, to prevent their being cut in pieces. Let it be remembered, however, to the praise of Ame- rican virtue, that, on the trial, notwithstanding popular prejudice and apprehension, the captain and six of the men were acquitted, two men only being found guilty of manslaughter. In other respects, the determinations of the Ameri- cans were continued, if possible, more firm than ever, until at last, government determining to act with vigour, and at the same time to behave with r^s much conde- AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 27 scension as possible, without abandoning their principles, repealed all the duties lately laid on, that of tea alone ex- cepted. This was left on purpose to maintain the dig- nity of the crown of Britain ; and it was thought that it could not be productive of any discontent in America, as being an affair of very little moment, the produce of which was not expected to exceed 16,000/. The op- position, however, were strenuous in their endeavours to get this tax likewise abrogated ; insisting, that the Ame- ricans would consider it only as an inlet to others ; and that the repeal of all the rest, without this, would answer no good purpose. The event showed that their opinion was well founded. The Americans opposed the tea tax with the sam« violence they had done all the rest ; and at last, on the news that salaries had been settled on the justices of the superior court of Boston, the governor was addressi- ed on the subject ; the measure was condemned in the strongest terriiS ; and a committee, selected out of th« several districts of the colony, appointed to inquire into it. The new assembly proceeded in the most formal man- ner to disavow the supremacy of the British legislature ; and accused the parliament of Britain of having violated the natural rights of the Americans, in a number of in- stances. Copies of the transactions of this assembly were transmitted to every town in Massachusetts, ex- horting the inhabitants to rouse themselves, and exert every nerve in opposition to the iron hand of oppression, which was daily tearing the choicest fruits from the fair tree of liberty. The disturbances were also greatly heightened, by an accidental discovery that Mr. Hutchinson, governor of Massachusetts-Bay, had written several confidential letters to people in power in England, complaining of the behaviour of the province, recommending vigorous measures against them, and, among other things, assert- ing, that "there must be an abridgment of what is called British liberty." Letters of this kind had fallen into the hands of the 28 HISTORY OF THE agent for the colony at London, They were immedi- ately transmitted to Boston, where the assembly was sit- ting, by whom they were laid before the governor, who was thus reduced to a very mortifying situation. Losing every idea of respect for iiim as their governor, they in- stantly despatched a petition to the king, requesting him to remove the governor and deputy governor from their places ; but to this they not only received no favourable answer, but the petition itself was declared groundless and scandalous. CHAPTER IT. Destruction of tea in Boston harbour. — The king recommends vig-orous measures for the subjection of the colonies.— Port bill.— Canada bill. Affairs were now ripe for the utmost extremities on the part of the Americans — and they were brought on in the following manner. Though the colonies had entered into a non-importation agreement against tea, as well as ail other commodities from Britain, it had ne- vertheless found its way into America, though in smaller quantities than before. This was sensibly felt by the East India Company, who had now agreed to pay a large sum annually to go- vernment ; in recompense for which, and to make up their losses in other respects, they were empowered to export their tea free from any duty payable in Bri- tain ; and in consequence of this permission, several ships freighted with the commodity were sent to Noith- America, where proper agents were appointed to dispose of it. The Americans now perceiving that the tax was likely to be enforced whether they were willing or not, deter- mined to talce every possible method to prevent the tea from being landed, knowing that it would be impossible to hinder the sale, should the commodity be brought on shore. For thI-3 purpose the people assembled in great AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 29 numbers, forcing those to whom the tea was consigned to resign their offices, and to promise solemnly never to resume them. Committees were also appointed to examine the accounts of merchants, and make public tests, declaring such as would not take them, enemies to their country. Nor were these proceedings confined to the colony of Massachusetts-Bay. The other provinces entered into the contest with the same warmth, and manifested the same resolution to oppose this invasion of their rights. In the midst of this confusion, three ships laden with tea arrived at Boston ; but so much were the captains alarmed at the disposition which seemed to prevail among the people, that they offered to return to England with- out landing their cargoes, provided they could obtain the proper discharges from the consignees, the custom- house, and the governor. The parties concerned, however, though they durst not order the tea to be landed, refused to grant the discharges required. The ships, therefore, would have been obUged to remain in the harbour ; but the people, apprehensive that if they remained there the tea would be landed in small quantities, and disposed of in spite of every endeavour to prevent it, resolved to destroy it at once. This resolution was executed with equal speed and secrecy. The very evening after the above-mentioned discharges had been refused, a number of people dressed themselves like Mohawk Indians, and boarding the ships, threw into the sea their whole cargoes, consisting of three hundred and forty-two chests of tea ; after which they retired, without making any other disturbance or doing any other damage. No tea was destroyed in other places, though the same spirit was every where manifested. At Phila- delphia the pilots were enjoined not to conduct the vessels up the river ; and at New-York, though the governor caused some tea to be landed under the pro- tection of a man-of-war, he was obliged to deliver it up 3* so HISTORY OP THB lillJiCS ttiSi!: I iliii lii^s^i^iMiaMiiii AMERICAN REVOLUTION 31 to the custody of the people, to prevent its being sold. The destruction of the tea at Boston, which hap- pened in November, 1773, was the immediate prelude to the disasters attending civil discord. Government, finding themselves every where insulted and despised, resolved to enforce their authority by every possible means ; and as Boston had been the principal scene of the riots and outrages, it Avas determined to punish that town in an exemplary manner. Parliament was acquainted, by a message from hifs majesty, with the undutiful behaviour of the inhabitants of Boston, as well as of all the colonies, and the most vigorous exertions were at the same time recommended to reduce them to obedience. The parliament, in its address, promised a ready compliance ; and, indeed, the Americans seemed now to have lost many of their partisans. It was proposed to lay a fine on the town of Boston, equal to the value of the tea which had been destroyed, and to shut up its port, by armed vessels, until the re- fractory spirit of the inhabitants should he subdued ; which it was thought must quickly yield, as a total stop would thus be put to their trade. The bill was strongly opposed, on the same grounds that the other had been ; and it was predicted, that instead of having any tendency to reconcile or subdue the Americans, it would in- fallibly exasperate them beyond any possibility of re-, conciliation. A remonstrance against the bill was presented by th»e agent for the colonies, pointing out the same conse- quence in the strongest terms, and declaring in the most positive manner that the Americans never would submit to it. But such a degree of infatuation prevailed among all ranks of men in Britain, that they never imagined the Americans would dare openly to resist the authority of the parent state, but would in the end submit implicitly to her commands. In this confidence a third bill was proposed, pro- viding for the impartial administration of justice in cer» 3^ HISTORY or THE tain cases. By this bill it was enacted, that should any persons who might be employed in the suppression of riots and tumults in the province of Massachusetts-Bay be indicted for murder, and be able to obtain a fair trial in the province, they might be sent by the governor to England, or to some other colony, if necessary, to be tried for the supposed crime. These three bills having been passed so early, the ministry proposed a fourth, relative to the government of Canada, which it was said had not yet been settled on any proper plan. By this bill the extent of that province was greatly enlarged ; its affairs were put under the direction of a council, to be appointed by the crown, and removable at its pleasure; and the Roman Catholic clergy were secured in their posses- sions and perquisites. The council above mentioned were invested with every legislative power except that of taxation. CHAPTER y. Opposition in Massachusetts to Judg-e Oliver. — Arrival of Gen. Gag-e. — Assembly removed to Salem. — General con- gress proposed. — Assembly ag-ain dissolved. — Solemn league and covenant of the Bostonians. — Governor's proclamation. JN sooner were these laws made known in America, than the union of the colonies were cemented almost beyond any possibility of dissolving it. The assembly of Massachusetts-Bay had passed a vote against the judges accepting salaries from the crown ; and on the question being put to them, whether Ihey would accept them from the general assembly? four answered in the affirmative ; but Peter Oliver, the chief-justice, refused. A petition against him, and an accusation, were brought before the governor ; but the latter refused the accusation, and declined to interfere in the matter ; but as they still insisted for justice against Mr. Oliver, the governor thought proper to put an. end to the matter, by dissolving the assembly. AMERICAN REVOLUTION. S3 In this situation of affairs, a new alarm was occasioned by the news of the port-bill. This had been totally unexpected, and was received with the most extravagant expressions of displeasure among the populace ; and while these continued, the new governor. General Gage, arrived from England. 'He had been chosen to this office on account of his being well acquainted in America, and generally agreeable to the people ; — but human wisdom could not no^v point out a method by wiiich the flame could be allayed. The first act of his office as governor, was, to reniovTJ the assembly to Salem, a town seventeen miles distant, in consequence of the late act. When this was intimated to the assembly, they replied, by requesting him to appoint a day of public humiliation for deprecating thii wrath of heaven, bat met with a refusal. When met at Salem, they passed a resolution, declar- ing the necessity of a general congress, composed of delegates from ail the provinces, in order to take the affairs of the colonies at large into consideration ; and five gentlemen, remarkable for their opposition to the British measures, were chosen to represent that of I^Iassachusetts-Bay. They then proceeded, with all expedition, to draw up a declaration, containing a detail of the grievances they laboured under, and the necessity of exerting tlieni- selves against lawless pov/er; they set forth the disre- gard shown to their petitions, and the attempts -of Great Britain to destroy their ancient constitution ; and con- cluded with exhorting the inhabitants of the colony to obstruct, by every method in their power, such evil de- signs, recommending at the same time, a total renuncia- tion of GYerj thing imported from Great Britain, till a redress of grievances could be procured. Intelligence of this declaration was carried to the governor on the very day that it was completed ; on which he dissolved tiie assembly. This was followed by an address from the inhabitants of Salem, in favour of those of Boston, and concluding with these remark- able words : ''By shutting up the port of Boston, some imagine that the course of trade might be turned hither, 34 HISTORY or THK and to our benefits ; but nature, in the formation of our harbour, forbids our becoming rivals in commerce with that convenient mart ; and were it otherwise, we must be dead to every idea of justice, and lost to all feelings of humanity, could we indulge one thought to seize on wealth, and raise our fortunes on the ruin of our sufliering neighbours." It had been fondly hoped, by the ministerial party in England, that the advantages which other towns of the colony might derive from the annihilation of the tj-ade of Boston, would make them readily acquiesce in the measure of shutting up that port, and rather re- joice in it than otherwise ; but the words of the above mentioned address seemed to preclude all hope of this kind, and subsequent transactions soon manifested it to be totally vain. No sooner did intelligence arrive of the remaining bills passed by parliament at the session of 1774, than tiie cause of Boston be«ame the cause of all the colo- nies. The port-bill had already occasioned violent commotions throughout them all ; it had been repro- bated in provincial meetings, and resistance even to tJie last had been recommended against such oppres- sion. In Virginia, the first of June, the day on which the port of Boston was to be shut up, was held as a day of humiliation and prayer, and a public intercession in fa- vour of America was enjoined. The style of the prayer tiiijoined at this time was, "that God would give the people one heart and one mind, firmly to oppose every invasion of the American rights." The Virginians, however, did not content themselves with merely performing acts of religion ; they passed resolutions recommending in the strongest terms a gene- ral congress of all the colonies, being fully persuaded that an attempt to tax any colony in an arbitrary manner, was in reality an attack upon them all, and must ulti- mately end in the ruin of them all. The provinces of New-York and Pennsylvania, however, were less sanguine than the rest ; being so AMERICAN REVOLUTION. S5 elosely connected in the way of trade with Great Brit- ain, the giving it up entirely appeared as a matter of such serious magnitude as not to be hazarded until every other method had failed. But the intelligence of the remaining bills respecting Boston, however, spread a fresh alarm throughout the continent, and confirmed those who had seemed the most wavering. The alternative of giving up all commercial intercourse with the mother country was again proposed ; contribu- tions were raised in every quarter for the relief of the inhabitants of Boston ; and they every day received ad- dresses commending them for the patriotic fortitude with which they sustained their calamity. Nor were the Bostonians wanting in endeavours on their part to promote the general cause. An agree- ment was framed, which, in imitation of former times, they called a " Solemn League and Covenant." By this the subscribers most religiously bound themselves to break off all communication with Britain, after the expiration of the month of August ensuing, until the obnoxious acts were repealed. At the same time they engaged neither to purchase or use any goods imported after that time, and to renounce all connexion with those who did, or who refused to subscribe to this covenant ; threatening to publish the names of the refractory, which at this time was a punishment by no means to be despised. Agreements of a similar kind were almost instanta- neously entered into throughout all America. General Gage indeed attempted to counteract the covenant by a proclamation, declaring it an illegal and traitorous com- bination, and threatening with the pains of law such as subscribed or countenanced it. But matters were too far gone for his proclamation to have any effect. The people retorted the charge of illegality on his own proclamation, and insisted that the law allowed subjects to meet in order to consider of their grievances, and to associate for the purpos* of obtaining relief from oppression. S6 HISTORY OF THE CHAPTER VI. Mecting-ofthe first congress. — Approval of the conduct of Mas- sacbusetts. — Letter to Gen. Gag-e. — Declaration of Rig-hts. — Petition to the king-, Szc. — Increase of the British forces. — Opposition to the courts. — Thirst for military kuowledg-e. Preparations were now made for holding the general congress, so often proposed. Philadelphia, aa being the most central and considerable town, was pitch- ed upon for the place of its meeting. The delegates of whom it was to be composed were chosen b}^ the repre- sentatives of each province, and were in number from two to seven for each colony, though no province was entitled to more than one vote. The lirst congress, which met at Philadelphia in the bt'S^inning of September, 1774, consisted of fifty-one delegates. The novelty and importance of the meeting of this congress excited universal attention, and their transactions were such as could not but tend to render thew respectable. The lirst act of congress was an approbation of tlie conduct of Massachusetts-Bay, and an exhortation to continue in the same spirit with which they had begun. Supplies for the suflTering inhabitants (whom the opera- tion of the port-bill had reduced to great distress) were strongly recomm.ended ; and it was declared, that in c-ase of attempts to enforce the obnoxious acts by arms, all America shoald join .to assist the town of Boston; a)id, should the inhabitants be obliged, during the course of hostilities, to remove farther up the country, tiie losses they might sustain should be repaired at the public expense. Congress next addressed a letter to General Gage ; in which, having stated the grievances of the people of Massachusetts, they informed him of the fixed and unalterable determination of all the other provinces, to support their brethren, and to oppose the British acta of parliament ; that they themselves were appointed to ▲MERICAN REVOLUTION. S7 n-atch over the liberties of America; and entreated him to desist from military operations, lest such hostilities might be brought on as would frustrate all hopes of re- conciliation with the parent state. Their next step was to publish a declaration of rights. These they summed up in the rights belong- ing to Englishmen ; and particularly insisted, that as their distance rendered it impossible for them to be represented in the British parliament, their provincial assemblies, with a governor appointed by the king, constituted the only legislative power within each province. They would, however, consent to such acts of parliament as were evidently calculated mere- ly for the regulation of commerce, and for securing to the parent state the benefits of the American trade ; but would never allow that they could impose any tax on the colonies, for the purpose of revenue, without their consent. They proceeded to reprobate the intention of each of the new acts of parliament, and insisted on all the rights they had enumerated as being unalienable, and what no power could deprive them of. The Canada act they pointed out as being extremely inimical to the colonies, by whose assistance it had been conquered ; and they termed it, " An act for establishmg the Ro- man Catholic religion in Canada, abolishing the equita- ble system of English laws, and establishing a tyranny there." They further declared in favour of a non-importation and non-consumption of British goods, until the acts were repealed by which duties were imposed upon tea, coffee, wine, sugar and molasses, imported into America, as well as the Boston port act, and the three others passed at the preceding session of parliament. The new regulations against the importation and consumption of British commodities were then drawn up with great solemnity ; and they concluded with re- turning the warmest thanks to those membei*s of par- fiament who had with so much zeal, though without 4 38 HISTORY OF THE any success, opposed the obnoxious acts of parlia- ment. The next proceedings of congress were to frame a petition to the king, an address to the British nation, and another to the colonies ; all of which were in the usual strain of American language at that time, and drawn up in such a masterly manner as ought to have impressed the people of England with a more favourable opinion of the Americans than they could at that time be induced to entertain. All this time the disposition of the people had corres- ponded with the warmest wishes of congress. . The first of June had been kept as a fast, not only in Virginia, where it was first proposed, but throughout the whole continent. Contributions for the distresses of Boston bad been raised in all parts of America, and all ranks of people were peculiarly touched with them. Even those who might have derived advantage from the shut- ting up of the port, took no opportunity, as has been instanced in the case of Salem. The inhabitants of Marblehead also showed a noble example of magnanimity in the present case. Though situated in the neighbourhood of Boston, and most likely to derive benefit from the distress of that place, they did not attempt to take any advantage, but generously offered the use of their harbour to the Bostonians, as well as their wharves and warehouses, free of all ex- pense. In the mean time the British forces at Boston were continually increasing, which greatly augmented the general jealousy and disaffection. The country people were ready to rise at a moment's warning ; and the ex- periment was once made, by giving a false alarm. This was done by spreading a rumour that the communication between the town and country was to be cut off, in order to reduce the former, by famine, to a compliance with the acta of parliament. On this intelligence the country people assembled in great numbers, and could not be satisfied till they had sent messengers into Boston to inquire into the truth AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 39 of the report. These messengers were instructed to inform the town's people, that if they should be so pu- sillanimous as to make a surrender of their liberties, the province would not think itself bound by such example ; and that Britain, by breaking their original charter, had annulled the contract subsisting between them, and left them to act as they might think proper. In every other respect the people manifested their inflexible determination to adhere to the plan they had so long followed. The new counsellors and judges, who had been appointed by the crown, were obliged to resign their offices, to preserve their lives and pro- perty from the fury of the multitude. In some in- stances the crowd shut up the avenues to the court- houses ; and when required to make way for the judges, the reply was, *' We own no judges but such as were appointed by the ancient usage and custom of the province." Every where the people manifested the most ardent desire of learning the art of war; and every individual, who was capable of bearing arms, was now most as- siduously engaged in procuring them and learning their exercise. CHAPTER VII. Gen. Gag-e fortifies Boston neck.— Indignation of the citizens, — General meeting of the inhabitants of the adjacent towns. — Vigorous measures recommended. — Governor calls a ge- neral assembly. — Assembly vote themselves into a provincial congress. — Difficulty of providing shelter and clothing for British troops. — Provincials provide money and arms for an army — Public stores at Newport seized. Matters at last proceeded to such a height that General Gage thought proper to fortify the neck of land which joins the town of Boston to the continent. This, though undoubtedly a prudent measure in his situation, was exclaimed against by the Americans in the most vehement manner : but the general, instead 40 HISTORY or THE of giving ear to their remonstrances, deprived them of the power of acting against himself, by seizing the pro- vincial powder, ammunition, and military stores, at Cambridge and Charlestown. This proceeding excited such indignation, that it was with the utmost difficulty the people could be restrained from marching to Boston and attacking the troops. Even in the town itself, the company of cadets that usually attended the governor, disbanded themselves, and re- turned the standard he had presented to them on his accession to the government. This was occasioned by his having deprived the celebrated patriot John Han- cock, afterwards president of the congress, of his com- mission as colonel of cadets. A similar instance hap- pened on account of a provincial colonel having ac- cepted a seat in the new council ; upon which twenty- four officers of his regiment resigned their commissions in one day. In the mean time a meeting was held of the princi- pal inhabitants of the towns adjacent to Boston. The purport of this was publicly to renounce all obedience to the late acts of parliament, and to form an engage- ment to indemnify such as should be prosecuted on that account. By a vote of this meeting, the members of the new council were declared to be violaters of the rights of their country ; all ranks and degrees were ex- horted to learn the use of arms ; and the receivers of the public revenue were entreated not to deliver it into the treasury, but to retain it in their own hands until the constitution should be restored, or a provincial con- gress dispose of it otherwise. A remonstrance against the fortifications on Boston neck was next prepared ; in which it was declared that the people were still unwilling to proceed to any hostile measures, but were, nevertheless, firmly determined not to submit to the acts of parliament they had already so much complained of. The governor, in order to restore tranquillity if po»- fible, called a general assembly ; but so many of ihm council had reiigned their seats, that he was induoed to AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 41 countermand its sitting by proclamation. This last, however, was considered an illegal measure, and the assembly met at Salem ; and after waiting one day for the governor, they voted themselves into a provincial congress, of which Mr. John Hancock was chosen pre- sident. A committee was appointed, who immediately waited on the governor with a remonstrance concerning the fortifications on Boston-neck; but nothing of conse- quence took place — both parties mutually criminating each other. Winter was now coming on, and the governor, to avoid quartering the troops upon the inhabitants, pro- posed to erect barracks for them; but the select-men of Boston caused the workmen to desist. Carpenters were then sent for to New-York, but they were refused; and it was with the utmost difficulty that he could pro- cure winter lodgings for his troops. Nor was the diffi- culty less in procuring clothes, as the merchants of New- York told him they " never would supply any article for the benefit of men sent as enemies to their country." This disposition, known to be almost universal through- out the continent, was iq|iiiie highest degree satisfac- tory to congress. Every one saw that the ensuing^ spring was to be the season for commencing hostili- ties, and the most indefatigable diligence was used by the colonies, to be well provided against such a formida- ble enemy. A list of all the fencible men in each colony was made out, and especially of those who had served in the former war ; of whom they had the satisfaction to find, that two -thirds were still alive, and fit to bear arms. Magazines of arms were collected, and money was provided for the payment of troops. The governors in vain attempted to put a stop to these proceedings by proclamations; the fatal period was now arrived, and the more the servants of government attempted to repress the spirit of the Americans, the more violent it appeared. In the mean time the inhabitants of Boston were r#>- 4* 42 HISTORY OF THE duced to great distress. The British troops, now dis- tinguished by the name of the enem?/, were absolutely in possession of it ; the inhabitants were kept as pri- soners, " d might be made accountable for the conduct of the whole colonies ; and various measures were con- trived to relieve them from such a disagreeable situa- tion. Sometimes it was thought expedient to remove the inhabitants altogether ; but this was impracticable, with- out the governor's consent. It was then proposed to set fire to the town at once, after valuing the houses and indemnifying the proprietors ; but this being found equally impracticable, it was resolved to wait some other opportunity, as the garrison was not very numerous, and, not being supplied with necessaries by the inhabitants, might soon be obliged to leave the place. The friends of the British government indeed at- tempted to do something in opposition to the general voice of the people ; but, after a few ineffectual meet- ings and resolutions, they were utterly silenced, and obliged to yield to the superior number of their adver- saries. Matters had now proce§<)j^ so far, that every idea of reconciliation or friendship with Britain was lost. The Americans, therefore, without ceremony, began to seize on the military stores and ammunition belong- ing to government. This first commenced at Newport, in Rhode-Island, where the inhabitants carried off forty pieces of cannon, appointed for the protection of the place ; and on being asked the reason of this proceed- ing they replied, that the people had seized them lest they should be made use of against themselves. After this the assembly met, and resolved, that ammu- nition and warlike stores should be purchased with the public money. New-Hampshire followed the example of Rhode- Island, and seized a small fort, for the sake of the pow- der and military stores it contained. In Pennsylvania, however, a convention was held, which expressed an earnest desire of a reconciliation AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 43 with the mother country ; though at the same time, in the strongest manner declaring, that they were resolv- ed to take up arms in defence of their just rights, and defend to the last their opposition to the late acts of parliament ; and the people were exhorted to apply themselves, with the greatest assiduity, to the prose- cution of such manufactures as were necessary for their defence and subsistence, such as salt, salt-petre, gun- powder, steel, &c. This was the universal voice of the colonies, New- York only excepted. The assembly of that province, as yet ignorant of the fate of their last remonstrance, refused to concur with the other colonies in their de- termination to throw off the British yoke. Their at- tachment, however, was very faint ; and by the event it appeared, that a perseverance in the measures which the ministry had adopted, was sufficient to unite them to the rest. CHAPTER VIII. Congfress at Cambridg;8. — Minute men org-anized. — British attempt the seizure of arms at Salem. — Commencement of hostilities at Lexing-ton. — Destruction of military stores at Concord. — British retreat, with considerable loss, to Boston. — Americans collect 20,000 men, and block up the town of Boston. — Arrival of a reinforcement from England. — Battle of Bunker's Hill. — Charlestown burnt. As the disturbances had originated in the province of Massachusetts-Bay, and there continued all along with the greatest violence, so this was the province where the first hostilities were formally commenced. In the Beginning of February, 1775, the provincial congress met at Cambridge ; and as no friends to Britain could now find admittance to that assembly, the only considera- tion was, how to make proper preparations for war. Expertness in military discipline was recommended in the strongest manner, and several military institutions enacted, among which that of minute men was one of flie most remarkable. These were chosen from the 44 ttlSTO^Y «r THK most active and expert among the militia ; and thehr business was to keep themselves in constant readiness at the call of their officers ; from which perpetual vigilance tney derived their title. It was now easily seen, that a slight occasion would bring on hostilities, which could not but be attended with the most violent and certain destruction to the van- quished party ; for both were so much exasperated by a long course of reproaches and literary warfare, that they seemed to be filled with the utmost inveteracy against each other. On the 26th of February, Gen. Gage having been in- formed that a number of field-pieces had been brought to Salem, despatched a party to seize them. Their road was obstructed by a river, over which was a drawbridge. This the people had pulled up, and refused to letdown; upon which the soldiers seized a boat, to ferry them over ; but the people cut out her bottom. Hostilities would immediately have commenced, had it not been for the interposition of a clergyman, who re- presented to the military on the one hand, the folly of opposing such numbers, and to the people, on the other, that as the day was far spent, the military could not exe- cute their design, so that they might without any fear leave them the quiet possession of the draw-bridge. This was complied with ; and the soldiers, after having remained for some time at the bridge, returned without executing their orders. The next attempt, however, was attended with more serious consequences. Gen. Gage having been informed hat a large quantity of ammunition and military stores nad been collected at Concord, about twenty miles '^rom Boston, and where the provincial congress was sit- ting, sent a detachment under the command of Col. Smith and Maj. Pitcairn to destroy the stores, and, as was reported, to seize Messrs. Hancock and Adams, the leading men of the congress. They set out before day-break, on the 19th of April, marching with the utmost silence, and securing every one they met on the road, that they might not be disw AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 44 •overed. But notwithstanding all their care, the con- tinual ringing of bells and firing of guns as they went along, soon gave them notice that the country was alarmed. About five in the morning, they had reached Lexing- ton, fifteen miles from Boston, where the militia of the place were exercising. An officer called out to them to disperse; but, as they still continued in a body, he ad- vanced, discharged his pistol, and ordered his soldiers to fire ; who instantly obeyed, and killed and wounded several of the militJa. The detachment then proceeded to Concord, where, having destroyed the stores, they were encountered by the Americans, and a scuffle ensued, in which several fell on both sides. The purpose of their expedition being thus accom- plished, it was necessary for the king's troops to retreat, which they did through a continual fire kept upon them from Concord to Lexington. Here their ammunition was totally expended ; and they would have been un- avoidably cut off", had not a considerable reinforcement, commanded by Lord Percy, met them. The Americans, however, continued their attack with great fury ; and the British would still have been in the utmost clanger, had it not been for two field-pieces which Lord Percy had brought with him. By these the impetuosity of the Americans was checked, and the British made good their retreat to Boston with the loss of 250 killed and wounded : that of the Americans was about 60. By this engagement the spirits of the Americans were so raised, that they meditated nothing less than the to- tal expulsion of the British troops from Boston. An army of 20,000 men was assembled, who formed a line of encampment from Roxbury to Mystic, through a space of about twenty miles ; and here they were soon after joined by a large body of Connecticut troops, un- der Gen. Putnam, an old officer of great bravery and experience. By this formidable force, was the town of Bostoa HOW kept blocked up. Gen. Gage, however, had e% 46 HISTORY or THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 47 strongly fortified it, that the Americans, powerful as they were, durst not make an attack ; while, on the other hand, his force was by far too insignificant to meet such an enemy in the field. But toward the end of May, a considerable rein- forcement having arrived, with Generals Howe, Bur- goyne, and Clinton, he was soon enabled to attempt something of consequence ; and this, the boasts of the provincials, that they were besieging those that had been sent to subdue them, seemed to render in some measure necessary. Some skirmishes, in the mean time, happened in the islands lying off Boston harbour, in which the Ameri- cans had the advantage, and burnt an armed schooner, which her people had been obliged to abandon, after she was left aground by tlie tide. J>fothing decisive, how- ever, took place, till the 17th of June. In the neighbourhood of Charlestown, (a place on the northern shore of the peninsula on which Boston stands,) is, a high ground called Bunker^s Hill, which overlooks and commands the whole town of Boston. In the night of the 16th, the provincials took possession of this place, and worked with such indefatigable diligence, that, to the astonishment of their enemies, they had, before day- light, almost completed a redoubt, with a strong en- trenchment, reaching half a mile eastward, as far as the river Mystic. After this, they were obliged to sustain a heavy and incessant fire from the ships and floating batteries with which Charlestown-neck was surrounded, as well as the cannon tiiat could reach the place from Boston ; in spite of which, however, they continued their work, and finished it before mid-day. A considerable body of foot was then landed at the foot of Bunker's Hill, under the command of Generals Howe and Pigot ; the former being appointed to attack the lines, and the latter the redoubt. The Americans, however, having the advantage of the ground, as well as of their entrenchments, poured down such incessant volleys as threatened the whole body with destruction ; 46 HISTORY OF THE and Gen. Howe was for a little time left almost alone, all his officers being killed or wounded. The provincials, in the mean time, had taken posses- sion of Charlestown, so that Gen. Pigot was obliged to contend with them in that place, as well as in the re- doubt. The consequence was, that he was overmatched, his troops were thrown into disorder, and he would in all probability have been defeated, had not Gen. Chnton advanced to his relief; upon which the attack was re- newed with such fury, that the provincials were driven beyond the neck that leads to Charlestown. In the heat of the engagement, the British troops, in order to deprive the enemy of a cover, set fire to Charlestown, which was totally consumed ; and event- ually, the Americans were obliged to retreat over Charles- town-neck, which was raked by an incessant fire from the Glasgow man-of-war and several fl.oatinf batteries. In this engagement the loss on the British side amounted to about one thousand, including nineteen officers killed, and seventy wounded. The American loss, which did not exceed, in killed and wounded, two hundred men, was greatly augmented and severely felt, in the fall of the brave General Warren, a young officer of much promise. The British troops claimed the victory in this engage- ment, but it must be allowed it was dearly bought ; and the Americans boasted that the real advantages were on their side, as they had so much weakened the enemy that they durst not afterwards venture out of their en- trenchments. Considering that this was the first time the provincials had been in actual service, it must be owned that they behaved with great spirit, and by no means merited the appellation of cowards, with which they had been often branded in Britain. AMERICAN REVOLUTI©N. 49 CHAPTER IX. General determination to resist the measures of the British go- vernment.— Rejection of Lord North's conciliatory scheme. -Cong-ress resolve to establish an army and paper curren- cy. — Crown-Point and Ticonderoga surprised and taken by Cols. Allen and Eaton. — Articles of confederation drawn up and agreed to in cong-ress — Canadians resolve to pre- serve a neutrality. In other places, the same determined spirit of resistance appeared on the part of the Americans. Lord North's conciliatory scheme was utterly rejected by the assem- blies of the states of Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, and afterwards in every other colony. The commencement of hostilities at Lexington deter- mined the colony of New- York, which had hitherto continued to waver, to unite with the rest; and as the situation of New- York rendered it unable to resist an attack from the sea, it was resolved, before the arrival of a British fleet, to secure the military stores, send off the women and children, and to set fire to the city if it was still found incapable of defence. The exportation of provisions was every where pro- hibited, particularly to the British fishery on the banks of Newfoundland, or to such colonies of America as should adhere to the British interest. Congress resolved on the establishment of an army, and of a large paper-currency m order to support it. In the northern inland colonies. Colonels Eaton and Ethan Allen, without receiving any orders from Con- gress, or communicating their design to any body, with a party of only two hundred and fifty men, surprised the forts of Crown-Point, Ticonderoga, and the rest that form a communication betwixt the colonies and Canada. On this occasion two hundred pieces of cannon fell into their hands, besides mortars and a large quantity of military stores, together with two armed vessels, and materials for the construction of others. After the battle of Bunker's Hill, the provineials 6 50 HISTORY OP THE erected fortifications on the heights which commanded Charlestown, and strengthened the rest in such a manner that there was no hope of driving them from thence ; at the same time that their activity and boldness astonished the British officers, who had been accustomed to enter- tain a mean and unjust opinion of their courage. The troops thas shut up in Boston, were soon re- duced to distress. Their necessities obhged them to attempt the carrying off the American cattle on the islands before Boston, which produced frequent skir- mishes ; but the provincials better acquainted with the na- vigation of these shores, landed on the islands, destroyed and carried off whatever was of any use, burned tlie light-house at the entrance of the harbour, and took prisoners the workmen sent to repair it, as well as a party of marines who guarded them. Thus the garrison were reduced to the necessity of sending out armed vessels to make prizes indiscriminately of all that came in their way, and of landing in dif- ferent places to plunder for subsistence as well as they could. The congress in the mean ti.me continued to act with all the vigour which its constituents had expected. Arti- cles of confederation and perpetual union were drawn up and solemnly agreed upon ; by which they bound themselves and their posterity for ever. These were in substance as follow : 1. Each colony was to be independent within itself, and to retain an absolute sovereignty in all domestic affairs. 2. Delegates to be annually elected to meet in con- gress, at such time and place as should be enacted in the preceding congress. 3. This assembly should have the power of deter- mining war or peace, making alliances; and, in short, ail that power which sovereigns of states usually claim as their own. 4. The expenses of war to be paid out of the com- Fnon treasury, and raised by a poll-tax on males from AMERICAN REVOLUTIOBT. 51 sixteen to sixty : and the proportions to be determined by the laws of the colony. 5. An executive council to be appointed, to act in place of the congress during its recess. 6. No colony to make war with the Indians without the consent of congress. 7. The boundaries of all the Indian lands to be secur- ed and ascertained to them ; and no purchases of lands were to be made by individuals, or even by a colony, without the consent of congress. 8. Agents appointed by congress should reside among the Indians, to prevent fraud in trading with them, antl to relieve, at the public expense, their wants and dis- tresses. 9. This confederation to last until there should be a reconciliation with Britain ; or, if that event should not take place, it was to be perpetual. After the action of Bunker's Hill, however, when the power of Great Britain appeared less formidable in the eyes of America than before, congress proceeded formally to justify their proceedings in a declaration drawn up in terms more expressive, and well calculated to excite attention. " Were it possible (said they) for men who exer- cise their reason, to believe, that the Divine Author of our existence intended a part of the human race to hold an absolute property in, and unbounded powder over others, marked out by his infinite goodness and wisdom as the objects of a legal domination, never rightfully resistible, however severe and oppressive ; the inhabi- tants of these colonies might at least require from the parliament of Great Britain, some evidence that this dreadful authority over them had been granted to that body : But a reverence for our Great Creator, princi- ples of humanity, and the dictates of common sense, must convince all those who reflect upon the subject, that government was instituted to promote the welfare of mankind, and ought to be administered for the attain- ment of that end. ** The legislature of Great Britabi, however, stima- S2 HISTORY OF THE lated by an inordinate passion for power, not only unjus- tifiable, but which they know to be peculiarly reproba- ted by the very constitution of that kingdom, and des- pairing of success in any mode of contest where regard should be had to law, truth, or right, have, at length, deserting those, attempted to effect their cruel and im- politic purpose of enslaving these colonies by violence, and have thereby rendered it necessary for us to close with their last appeal from reason to arms. Yet, how- ever blinded that assembly may be, by their intemperate rage for unlimited domination, so to slight justice in the opinion of mankind, we (^teem ourselves bound by obli- gations to the rest of the world, to make known the jus- tice of our cause." After taking notice of the manner in which their an- cestors left Britain, the happiness attending the mutual friendly commerce betwixt that country and her colo- nies, and the remarkable success of the late war, they proceed as follows: *' The new ministiy, finding the brave foes of Britain, though frequently defeated, yet still contending, took up the unfortunate idea of granting them a hasty peace, and of then subduing her faithful friends. " Those devoted colonies were judged to be in such a state as to present victories without bloodshed, and all the easy emoluments of statuable plunder. The uninter- rupted tenor of their peaceable and respectful behaviour from the beginning of their colonization ; their duti- ful, zealous, and useful services during the war, though so recently and amply acknowledged in the most honour- able manner by his majesty, by the late king, and by parliament, could not save them from the intended inno- vations. Parliament was influenced to adopt the perni- cious project ; and assuming a new power over them, has in the course of eleven years, given such decisive specimens of the spirit and consequences attending this power, as to leave no doubt of the effects of acquies- cence under it. " They have undertaken to give and gTant our mo- Bey without our consent, though we have ever exer- AMERICAN REVOLUTION. ^3 cised an exclusive right to dispose of our own property. Statutes have been passed for extending the jurisdiction of the courts of admiralty and vice-admiralty beyond their ancient limits ; for depriving us of the accustomed and inestimable rights of trial by jury, in cases affecting both life and property ; for suspending the legislature of one of our colonies ; for interdicting all commerce to the capital of another; and for altering, fundamentally the form of government established by charter, and secured by acts of its own legislature ; and solemnly confirmed by the crown ; for exempting the murderers of colonists from legal trial, and in effect from punish- ment ; for erecting in a neighbouring province, acquired by the joint arms of Great Britain and America, a des- potism dangerous to our very existence ; and for quarter- ing soldiers upon the colonists in a time of profound poace. It has also been resolved in parliament, that co- lonists, charged with committing certain offences, shall ];e transported to England to be tried. " But why should we enumerate our injuries in detail ? By one statute it is declared, that parliament can of rlg-ht make laws to bind us in all cases whatever. What is to defend us against so enormous, so unlimited a power? Not a single person who assumes it is chosen br us, or is subject to our control or influence ; but, on the contrary, they are all of them exempt from the operatioji of such laws ; and an American revenue, if not diverted from the ostensible purposes for which it Avas raised, would actually lighten their own burthens, in proportioB as it increases ours. " We saw the misery to which such despotism would reduce us. We, for ten years, incessantly and ineffec tually besieged the throne, as suppliants ; we reasoned, we remonstrated with parliament, in the most mild and decent language ; but administration, sensible that we should regard these measures as freemen ought to do, sent over fleets and armies to enforce them. *' We have pursued every temperate, every re- spectful measure ; we have even proceeded to break off all commercial intercourse with our fellow sub- 5* 54 filSTOAY Of fHE jects, as our last peaceable admonition, that our attach- ment to no nation on earth would supplant our attach- ment to liberty. This we flattered ourselves was the ul- timate step of the controversy ; but subsequent events have shown how vain was this hope of finding modera- tion in our enemies ! " The lords and commons, in their address in the month of February, said, that a rebellion at that time actually existed in the province of Massachusetts-Bay ; and that those concerned in it had been countenanced and encouraged by unlawful combinations and engage- ments entered into by his majesty's subjects in several of the colonies ; and therefore they besought his majes- ty that he would take the most effectual measures to en- force due obedience to the laws and authority of the supreme legislature. " Soon after, the commercial intercourse of whole colonies, with foreign countries, was cut off by an act of parliament; by another, several of them were entirely prohibited from the fisheries in the seas near their coasts, on which they always depended for their subsistence ; and large reinforcements of ships and troops were im- mediately sent over to Gen. Gage. " Fruitless were the entreaties, arguments, and elo- quence, of an illustrious band of the most distinguished peers and commoners, who nobly and strenuously as- serted the justice of our cause, to stay, or even to mi- tigate, the heedless fury with which these accumulated oiitrasres were hurried on. Equally fruitless was the in- terference of the city of London, of Bristol, and of many other respectable towns in our favour." After reproaching parliament. Gen. Gage, and the Brit' ^i government in general, they proceed thus :— *' We are reduced to the alternative of choosing an un conditional submission to tyranny, or resistance by force. The latter is our choice. We have counted the cost of this contest, and find nothing so dreadful as voluntary slavery. Honour, justice, and humanity, for- bid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we re- ceived from our gallant ancestors, and which our inno- AMERICAN REVOLUTION. , 55 cent posterity have a right to receive from us. Our cause is just ; our union is perfect ; our internal re- sources are great ; and, if necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attainable. " We fight not for glory or conquest. We exhibit to mankind the remarkable spectacle of people attacked by unprovoked enemies. They boast of their privi- leges and civilization, and yet proffer no milder condi- tions than servitude or death. In our native land, in defence of the freedom that is our birthright, for the protection of our property, acquired by the honest in- dustry of our forefathers and our own, against violence actually offered, we have taken up arms ; we shall lay them down when hostilities shall cease on the part of our aggressors, and all danger of their being renewed shall be removed — and not before." These are some of the most striking passages in the declaration of congress on taking up arms against Great Britain, and dated July 6th, 1775. Without inquiring w^hether the principles on which it is founded are right or wrong, the determined spirit which it shows, ought to have convinced the people of Britain, that the con- quest of America was an event scarce ever to be ex- pected. In every other respect, an equal spirit was shown ; and the rulers of the British nation had the mortification to see those whom they styled rebels and traitors, succeed in negotiations in which they themselves were utterly foiled. In the passing of the Quebec bill, the ministry had flattered themselves that the Canadians would be so much attached to them on account of restoring the French laws, that they would very readily join in any attempt against the colonists, who had reprobated that bill in such strong terms. But in this, as in every thing else indeed, they found themselves mistaken. The Canadians having been subject to Great Britain for a period of fifteen years, and being thus rendered sensi- ble of the advantages of British government, received the bill itself with evident marks of disapprobation, nay, reprobated it as tyrannical and oppressive. iJ6 HISTORY OF THt A scheme had been formed for Gen. Carleton, go- vernor of the province, to raise an army of Canadians wherewith to act against the Americans ; and so san- guiae were the hopes of administration in this respect, that they had sent twenty thousand stand of arms, and a great quantity of military stores, to Quebec for the pur- pose. But the people, though they did not join the Americans, yet were found immoveable in their purpose to stand neuter. Application was made to the bishop, but he declined to interpose his influence, as contrary to the rules of the Popish clergy; so that the utmost efforts of government in this province were found to answer little or no purpose. CHAPTER X. British attempts to engag-e the Indians, in their cause, — Ad- dress of congress to the Indians, by which they are engaged to preserve a neutrality. — George Washington appointed commander-in-chief of the American forces. — Georgia joins the confederacy. — Conquest of Canada contemplated — Re- duction of Chamblee. — St. Johns taken by the Americans, — Montreal, and the British shipping there, surrenders to the Americans. .1 HE British administration next tried to engage the Indians in their cause. But though agents were dis- persed among them with large presents to their chiefs, they universally replied, that they did not understand the nature of the quarrel, nor could they distinguish whether those who dwelt in America, or those on the other side of the ocean were in fault ; but they were surprised to see Englishmen ask their assistance against one another, and advised them to be reconciled, and not to think of shedding the blood of their brethren. To the representations of congress the Indians paid more respect. These set forth, that the English, on the other side of the ocean, had taken up arms to en- slave not only their countrymen in America, but the Indians also ; and if the latter should enable them to AMERICAN REVOLUTION. ^T overcome the colonists, they themselves would soon be reduced to a state of slavery also. By arguments of this kind, these savages were pre- vailed on to remain neuter ; and thus the colonies were freed from a most dangerous enemy. On this occa» sion the congress thought fit to hold a solemn confer^ ence with the different tribes of Indians. The speech made by them on this occasion, is too long to be fully inserted ; the following is an extract : " Brothers, Sachems, and Warriors ! " We, the delegates from the Twelve United Pro- vinces, now sitting in general congress at Philadelphia, send their talk to you, our brothers. " Brothers and Friends, now attend ! " When our fathers crossed the great water, and came over to this land, the king of England gave them a talk, assuring them that they and their children should be his children ; and that if they would leave their na- tive country, and make settlements, and live here, and buy and sell, and trade with their brethren beyond the water, they should still keep hold of the same covenant chain, and enjoy peace ; and it v/as covenanted, that the fields, houses, goods, and possessions, which our fathers should acquire, should remain to them as their own, and be their children's for ever, and at their sole disposal. " Brothers and friends, open an ear ! <^ Vf e will now tell you of the quarrel betwixt the counsellors of King George and the inhabitants and colo- nies of America. " Many of his counsellors have persuaded him to break the covenant chain, and not to send us any more good talks. They have prevailed upon him to enter into a covenant against us, and have torn asunder, and cast behind their backs, the good old covenant which their ancestors and ours entered into, and took strong hold of. They now tell us they will put their hands into our pocket without asking, as though it were their own ; and at their pleasure they will take from us our charters, or written civil constitution, whieh we love aa S8 HISTORY OF THE our lives ; also our plantations, our houses, and our goods, whenever they please, without asking our leave. They tell us that our vessels may go to this or that island in the sea, but to that or this particular island we shall not trade any more ; and in case of our non-com- pliance ^vith these new orders, they shut up our har- bours. " Brothers ! We live on the same ground with you ; the same island is our common birth-place. We desire to sit down under the same tree of peace with you ; let us water its roots, and cherish the growth, till the large leaves and flourishing branches shall extend to the set- ting sun, and reach the skies. If any thing disagreea- ble should ever fall out between us, the Twelve United Colonies, and you, to wound our peace, let us imme- diately seek measures for healing the breach. From the present situation of our affairs, we judge it expe- dient to kindle up a small fire at Albany, where we may hear each other's voice, and disclose our minds fully to one another." The other remarkable transactions of this congi-ess were, the ultimate refusal of the conciliatory proposal made by Lord North, of which such sanguine expecta- tions bad been formed by the English ministry; arjd the appointment of a generalissimo to command their armies, which were now very numerous. The person chosen for this purpose, was George Washington, a man so universally beloved, that he was raised to this high station by the unanimous voice of congress ; and his subsequent conduct showed him every way worthy of the confidence reposed in him. Horace Gates and Charles Lee, two English officers of considerable reputation, w^ere also chosen ; the for- mer an adjutant-general, the second a major-general. Artemas Ward, Philip Schuyler, and Israel Putnam, were likewise nominated major-generals. Seth Pom- eroy, Richard Montgomery, David Wooster, William Heath, Joseph Spencer, John Thomas, John Sullivan, and Nathaniel Green, were chosen brigadier-generals at thtt same time. AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 5^ Congress had now also the satisfaction to receive d^ piities from the colony of Georgia, expressing a desire to join the confederacy. The reasons they gave for re- nouncing their allegiance to Britain, were, that the con- duct of parliament toward the other colonies had been oppressive; that though the obnoxious acts had not been extended to them, they could view this only as an omis- sion, because of the seeming little consequence of their colony ; and therefore looked upon it rather to be a slight than a favour. At the same time they framed a petition to the king, similar to that sent by the other co- lonies, and which met with a similar reception. The success which had hitherto attended the Ameri- cans in all their measures, now emboldened them to think, not only of defending themselves, but likewise of acting offensively against Great Britain. The conquest of Canada appeared an object within their reach, and one that would be attended with many advantages ; and as an invasion of that province was already facilitated by the taking of Crown-Point and Ticonderoga, it was re- solved, if pqssible, to penetrate that way into Canada, and reduce Quebec during the winter, before the fleets and armies, which they were well assured would sail thither from Britain, should arrive. By order of congress, therefore, three thousand men were put under the command of Generals Montgomery and Schuyler, with orders to proceed to I^ake Cham- plain, from whence they were to be conveyed in flat- bottomed boats to the mouth of the river Sorel, a branch of the great river St. Lawrence, and on which was sit- uated a fort of the same name with the river. On the other hand, they were opposed by General Carleton, governor of Canada, (a man of great activity and experience in war,) who, with a very few troops, had hitherto been able to keep in awe the disaffected people of Canada, notwithstanding all the representa- tions of the colonists. He had now augmented his army by a considerable number of Indians, and promised, even in his present situation, to make a very formidable re* ^stance. 60 HISTORY 07 THE As soon as General Montgomery arrived at Crowns- Point, he received information that a number of armed vessels were stationed at St. John's, a strong fort on the Sorel, with a view to prevent his crossing the lake ; on which he took possession of an island which com- manded the mouth of the Sorel, and by which he could prevent them from entering the lake. In conjunction with General Schuyler, he next proceeded to St. John's ; but finding that place too strong, it was agreed, in a coun- cil of war, to retire to Isle aux Noix, where General Schuyler being taken ill, General Montgomery was left to command alone. His first step was to gain over the Indians, whom Gen. Carleton had employed, and this he in a great measure accomplished ; after which, on receiving the full number of troops appointed for his expedition, he determined to lay siege to St. John's. In this he was facilitated by the reduction of Chamblee, a small fort in the neighbour- hood, where he found a large supply of powder. An attempt was made by Gen. Carleton to rehevethe place ; for which purpose he had, with great pains, collected about a thousand Canadians, while Col. M'Lean pro- posed to raise a regiment of Highlanders, who had emi- grated from Scotland to America. But while Gen. Carleton was on his march with these new levies, he was attacked by the provincials, and ut- terly defeated ; which being made known to another body of Canadians who had joined Col. M'Lean, they abandoned him without striking a blow, and he was obliged to retreat to Quebec. The defeat of General Carleton was a sufficient re- compense to the Americans for that of Col. Ethan Allen, which happened some time before. The success which attended this gentleman against Crown-Point and Ticon- deroga, had emboldened him to make a similar attempt on Montreal ; but being attacked by the militia of the place, supported by a detachment of regulars, he was en- tirely defeated and taken prisoner. As the defeat of General Carleton, and the desertion of M'Lean's forces, left no room for the garrison of St. AMERICAN REVOLUTIOy. 61 J*ohB'i to hope for any relief, they now consented to sur- render themselves prisoners of war ; but were in other respects treated with great humanity. They were in number five hundred regulars and two hundred Canadi- ans, among whom were many of the French nobility, who had been very active in pomoting the cause of Bri- tain among their countrymen. General Montgomery next took measures to prevent the British shipping from passing down the river from Montreal to Quebec. This he accomplished so effec- tually, that the whole were taken. The town itself was Obhged to surrender at discretion ; and it was with the utmost difficulty that General Carleton escaped, in an open boat, by the favour of a dark night. CHAPTER XL Col. Arnold arrives at Quebec with a small force, — General Montgomery also arrives. — The com bined army attack Que- bec. — General Montgomery killed. — Col. Arnold wound- ed. — Part of the Americans surrender.- Col. Arnold created brigadier-general. — Dispute betweeii the Virginians and Lord Dunmore, who abandons the government of the colony. — League with the Ohio Indians. IS further obstacle now remained in the way of the Americans to the capital, except what arose from the nature of the country ; and these indeed were very con- siderable. Nothing, however, could damp the ardour of the Americans. Notwithstanding it was now the middle of November, and the depth of winter was at hand, Col. Arnold formed a design of penetrating through woods, morasses, and the most frightful solitudes, from New-England to Ca- nada, by a nearer way than that which Gen. Montgo- mery had chosen ; and this he accomplished, in spite of every difficulty, to the astonishment of all who saw or heard of the attempt. A third part of his men, under another colonel, had been obliged to leave him by the way for want of provi- 6 62 HISTORY OP THE aions ; the total want of artillery rendered his presence insignificant before a place so strongly fortified ; and the smallness of his army rendered it even doubtful whether he could have taken the town by surprise. The Canadians, indeed, were amazed at the exploit, and their inclination to revolt was somewhat augment- ed ; but none of them as yet took up arms in behalf of America. The consternation into which the town of Quebec was thrown, proved detrimental rather than otherwise to the expedition ; as it doubled the vigilance and acti- vity of the inhabitants to prevent any surprise ; and the appearance of common danger united all parties, who before the arrival of Arnold, were contending most vio- lently with one another. He was therefore obliged to content himself with blocking up the avenues to the town, in order to distress the garrison for want of provisions ; and even this he was unable to do etlectualiy, by reason of the small num- ber of his men. The matter was not much mended by the arrival of General Montgomery. The force he had with him, even when united to that of Arnold, was too insignificant to attempt the reduction of a place so strongly fortified, especially with the assistance of only a few mortars and field-pieces. After the siege had continued through the month of December, Gen. Montgomery, conscious that he could accomplish his end in no other way than by surprise, resolved to make an attempt on the last day of the year 1775. The method he took at this time, was, per- haps, the best that human wisdom could devise. He advanced by break of day, in the midst of a heavy fall of snow, which covered his men from the sight of the enemy. Two real attacks were made by himself and Col. Arnold, at the same time that two feigned attacks were made on two other places, thus to distract the garrison, and mak« them divklo their forc-es. One of the real AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 68 attacks was made by the people of New- York, and the other by those of New-England, under Col. Arnold. Their hopes of surprising the place, however, were defeated, by the signal for the attack being by some mis- take given too soon. Gen. Montgomery himself had the most dangerous place, being obliged to pass between the river and some high rocks, on which the upper town stands ; so that he was forced to make what haste he could to close with the enemy. His fate, however, was now decided. Having forced the first barrier, a violent discharge of musketry and grape-shot from the second, killed him, his principal of- ficers, and the most of the party he commanded ; on which those who remained immediately retreated. Col. Arnold, in the mean time, made a desperate at- tack on the lower town, and carried one of the barriers, after an obstinate resistance for an hour ; but in the ac- tion he himself received a wound, which obliged him to withdraw. The attack, however, was continued by the officers whom he had left, and another barrier forced ; but the garrison now perceiving that nothing was to be feared except from that quarter, collected their whole force against it, and, after a desperate engagement of three hours, overpowered the provincials, and obliged them to surrender. In this action, it must be confessed, that the valour of the provincial troops could not be exceeded. They had fought under as great disadvantages as those which had attended the British at Bunker's Hill, and had behaved equally well. The death of Gen. Montgomery, (says Maj. Meigs, in his journal of the expedition,) though honourable, was lamented not only as the death of an amiable, worthy friend, but as an experienced, brave officer ; the whole country suffered greatly by such a loss at this time. The native goodness and rectitude of his heart, might easily be seen in his actions ; his sentiments, which appeared on every occasion, were fraught with that unaffected goodness, which plainly discovered the virtues of the lieart from whence they flowed. He was tall and slender, 64 HISTORY or TH£ AMERIOAN RETOLUTIOW. G3 wen Rmbed, of a genteel, easy, graceful, manly address, and had the voluntary love, esteem, and confidence of the whole army. He was shot through both thighs, and through his head. His body was taken up the next day, an elegant coffin was prepared, and he was decently in- terred the Thursday after. Such a terrible disaster left no hope remaining of the accomplishment of their purpose, as Col. Arnold could now scarce number eight hundred effective men under his command. He did not, however, abandon the pro- vince, or even remove to a greater distance than three miles from Quebec ; and here he still found means to annoy the garrison very considerably, by intercepting their provisions. The Canadians, notwithstanding the bad success of the American arms, still continued friendly ; and thus he was enabled to sustain the hardships of a winter encamp- ment in that most severe climate. The consj'ress, far from passing any censure on him for his misfortune, created him a brigadier-general. While hostilities wefe thus carried on with vigour in the north, the flame of contention was gradually extend- ing itself in the south. Lord Dunmore, the governor of Virginia, was involved in disputes similar to those which had taken place in other colonies. These had proceeded so far, that the assembly was dissolved, which in this province was attended with a consequence un- known to the rest. As Virginia contained a great number of slaves, it was necessary that a militia should be kept constantly on foot, to keep them in awe. During the dissolution of the assembly, the militia-laws expired ; and the peo- ple, after complaining of the danger they were in from the negroes, formed a convention, which enacted, that each county should raise a quota for the defence of the province. Dunmore, on this, removed the powder from Wil- liamsburgh, which created such discontents, that an im- mediate quarrel would probably have ensued, had not iiiQ merchants of the town undertaken to obtain satis- 6* 66 HISTORY OF Tliffi faction for the injury supposed to have been done Id the connnunity. This tranquillity, however, was soon interrupted ; the people, alarmed by a report that ar armed party were on their way from the man-of-waj where the powder had been deposited, assembled h arms, and determined to oppose, by force, any farthei removals. In some of the conferences which passed at this time, the governor let fall some unguarded expressions, such as threatening the people with setting up the royal stand- ard, proclaiming liberty to the negroes, destroying the town of Williamsburgh, &c. which were afterwai'ds made public, and exaggerated in such a manner as great- ly to increase the public ferment. The people now held frequent assemblies. Some of them took up arms, with a design to force the governor to restore the powder, and to take the public money into their own possession ; but on their way to Williamsburgh for this purpose, they were met by the receiver-general, who became security for the payment of the gun powder, and the inhabitants promised to take care of the maga zine and public revenue. By this insurrection, the governor was so much inti- midated, that he sent his family on board a man-of-war. He himself, however, issued a proclamation, in which he declared the behaviour of the persons, who promoted the tumult treasonable, accused thepeople of disaffection, &c. On their part, the people were by no means deficient in recriminating; and some letters of his to Britain being about the same time discovered, consequences ensued, extremely similar to those which had been occasioned by those of Mr. Hutchinson, at Boston. In this state of confusion, the governor thought it ne- cessary to fortify his palace with artillery, and procure a party of marines to guard it. Lord North's conciliatory proposal arriving also about the same time, he used his utmost endeavours to cause the people to comply with it. The arguments he used were plausible ; and, had not matters already gone to such a pitch of distraction, it is highly probable some attention would have been paid to AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 67 tiiem. " The view (he said) in which the colonies ought to behold this conciliatory proposal, was no more than an earnest admonition from Great Britain to relieve her wants ; that the utmost condescension had been used in the mode of application, no determinate sum having been fixed, as it was thought more worthy of British generosity to take what they thought could be conveni- ently spared, and likewise to leave the mode of raising it to themselves, &c." But the clamour and dissatisfaction were now so uni- versal, that nothing else could be attended to The j^overnor had called an assembly, for the purpose of laying this conciliatory proposal before them ; but it had been little attended to. The assembly began their session, by inquiries into the state of the magazine. It had been broken into by some of the townsmen, for which reason spring-guns had been placed there by the governor, which discharged themselves upon the of- fenders at their entrance. These circumstances, with others of a similar kind, raised such a violent uproar, that, as soon as the preliminary business of the session was over, the governor retired on board a man-of-war, informing the assembly that he durst no longer trust himself on shore. This produced a long course of disputation, which ended in a positive refusal of the governor to trust him- self again in Williamsburgh, even to give his assent to tiie bills, which could not be passed without it, and though the assembly offered to bind themselves for his personal safety. In his turn, he requested them to meet him on board the man-of-war, where he then was ; but his proposal was rejected, and all further corres- pondence, containing the least appearance of friendship, was discontinued. Lord Dunmore, having thus abandoned his govern- ment, attempted to reduce by force those whom he could not govern. Some of the most strenuous adher- ents to the British cause, whose zeal had rendered them obnoxious at home, now repaired to him. He was also joined by numbers of black slaves. With 6S HISTORY OF THE these, and the assistance of the British shipping, he was for some time enabled to carry on a predatory war, suf- ficient to hurt and exasperate, but not to subdue. After some inconsiderable attempts on land, proclaim- ing liberty to the slaves, and setting up the royal stand- ard, he took up his residence at Norfolk, a maritime town of some consequence, where the people were better affected to Britain than in most other places. A considerable force, however, was collected against him and the natural impetuosity of his temper, prompting him to act against them with more courage than caution, he was entirely defeated, and was obliged to retire to his shipping, which was now crowded by the number of those who had incurred the resentment of the pro- vincials. In the mean time, a scheme of the utmost magnitude and importance was formed by one ±d\\ ConoUy, a Penn- sylvanian, attached to the cause of Britain. The first step of this plan was to enter into a league with the Ohio Indians. This he communicated to I^ord Dunmore, and it received his approbation ! upon which ConoUy set out and actually succeeded in his design. On his return, he was despatched to Gen. Gage, from whom he received a colonel's commission, and set out in order to execute the remainder of his scheme. The plan in general was, that he should return to the Ohio, where, by the assistance of the British and In- dians in those parts, he was to penetrate through the back settlements to Yirginia, and join Lord Dunmore at Alexandria. But, by an accident very naturally to be expected, he was discovered, taken prisoner, and con- fined. AMERICAN REYOLIITIQN. ^9 CHAPTER XII. Norfolk burnt by the British. — The governors of the Car»- linas expellsd the provinces. — Gen. Gage resig-os his com- mand to Gen Howe. — Gen. Washing-ton attacks Boston. — Evacuation of the town by the British. — Declaration of Independence. — Second attack on Quebec proves unsuc- cessful. — Americans retire from Quebec. After the retreat of Lord Dunmore from JSorfolk, that place was taken possession of by the provincials, who greatly distressed those on board Lord Dunmore's fleet, by ref^islng to supply them with any necessaries. This proceeding drew a remonstrance from his lordship, in which he insisted, that the fleet should be supplied with necessaries ; but his request being denied, a reso- lution was taken to set fire to the town. After giving the inhabitants proper warning, a party landed, under cover of a man-of-war, and set fire to that part which lay nearest the shore ; but the flames were observed at the same time to break forth in every other quarter, and the whole town was reduced to ashes. This universal destruction, occasioned a loss of more than 300,000/. In the southern colonies of Carolina, the governors were expelled, and obliged to take refuge on board of men of war, as Lord Dunmore had been ; Mr. Martin, governor of North Carolina, on a charge of attempting to raise the back settlers, consisting chiefly of Scots Highlanders, against the colony. Having secured themselves against any attempts from these enemies, however, the provincials proceeded to regulate their internal concerns in the same manner as the rest of the colonies ; and by the end of the year 1775, Britain beheld the whole of America united against her in the most determined opposition. Her vast pos- lessions of that tract of land, since known by the nama of the Thirteen United States, were now reduced to the single town of Boston ; in which her forces were besieged by an enemy with whom they we^re apparently 70 HISTORY OF THE not able to cope, and by whom they must of course ex- pect in a very short time be to expelled. The situation of the inhabitants of the town of Boston, indeed, was peculiarly unhappy. After having failed in their attempts to leave the town. Gen. Gage had con- sented to allow them to retire with their eifects ; but afterwards, treacherously refused to fulfil his promise. When he resigned his place to Gen. Howe, in October 1775, the latter, apprehensive that they might give in- telligence of the situation of the British troops, strictly prohibited any person from leaving the place under pain of military execution. Thus matters continued till the month of March, 1776, when the town was evacuated. On the 2d of that month, Gen. Washington opened a battery on the west side of the town, from whence it was bombarded, with a heavy fire of cannon at the same time ; and three days after, it was attacked by another battery from the eastern shore. This terrible attack con- tinued for fourteen days, without intermission ; when Gen. Howe, finding the place no longer tenable, deter- mined, if possible, to drive the enemy from their works. Preparations were therefore made for a most vigorous attack on a hill called Dorchester Neck, which the Americans had fortified in such a manner, as would in all probability have rendered the enterprise next to des- perate. No difficulties, however, were sufficient to daunt the spirit of the general ; and every thing was in readiness, when a sudden storm prevented an exer- tion which must have been productive of a dreadful waste of blood. Next day, upon a more close inspection of the works they were to attack, it was thought advisable to desist from the enterprise altogether. The fortifications were very strong, and extremely well provided with artillery ; and, besides other implements of destruction, one hun- dred hogsheads of stones were provided to roll down upon the enemy as they came up ; which, as the ascent was steep, must have done prodigious execution. Nothing therefore now remained but to think of a retreat; and ovea this was attended with the utmost diffi- AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 71 culty and danger. The Americans, however, knowing that it was in the povyer of the British general to reduce the town to ashes, which could not have been repaired in many years, did not think proper to give the least molestation ; and for the space of a fortnight the troops were employed in the evacuation of the place, from whence they carried along with them two thousand o-f the inhabitants, who durst not stay on account of their attachment to the British cause. From Boston they sailed to Halifax ; but all their viij^ilance could not prevent a number of valuable ships from falling into the hands of the Americans. A con- siderable quantity of caimon and ammunition had also been left at Bunker's Hill and Boston-neck ; and in the town, an immense variety of goods, principally woollen and linen, of which the provincials stood very much in need. The estates of those who fled to Halifax were confiscated ; as also those who were attached to government, and had remained in the town. As an attack was expected as soon as the British forces should arrive, every method was employed to ren- der the fortifications, already very strong, impregnable. For this purpose, some foreign engineers were employed who had before arrived at Boston ; and so eager were the people of all ranks to accomplish this business, that every able-bodied man in the place, without distinction of rank, set apart two days in the week, to complete it the sooner. The Americans, exasperated to the utmost by the proceedings of parliament, which placed them out of the royal protection, and engaged foreign mercenaries in the plan for subduing them, now formally renounced all connexion with Britain, by declaring themselves inde- pendent. This celebrated declaration was published to the world by the American congress, on the memorable 4th of July, 1776, as follows : " When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal, T2 HISTORY OP THE station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them ; a decent respect to the opinions of man- kind, requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. *' We hold these truths to be self-evident — that all men are created equal ; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights ; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness ^ that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed ; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the ' people to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new go- vernment, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happi- ness. " Prudence, indeed, will dictate, that governments, long established, should not be changed for light and transient causes ; and accordingly, all experience has shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same objects, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. " Such has been the patient sufferance of these colo- nies, and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former system of government. The history of the present king of Great Britain is a histo- ry of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted , to a candid world : ** He has refused his assent to laws the most whole- some and necessary for the public good. <« He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of jmmediate and pressing importance, unle"« suspended AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 73 in their operation till his assent should be obtained ; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. " He has refused to pass other laws for the accommo- dation of large districts of people, unless those people w ould relinquish the right of representation in the legis- lature — a right inestimable to them, and formidable to tyrants only. '' He has called together legislative bodiea, at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. " He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing, with manly firmness, his invasions on the rights of the people. *' He has refused, for a long time after such dissolu- tions, to cause others to be elected ; whereby the le- gislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have re- turned to the people at larga, for their exercise ; the state remaining, in the meiui time, exposed to all the danger of invasion from without and convulsions within, " He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for the naturalization of foreigners, refusing to pass others to encourage their emigration hither, and raising the condition of new appropriations of lands. " He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary povvers. " He has made judges dependent on his will alone for the tenure of their offices and the amount and payment of their salaries. "He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers, to harass our people and eat out their substance. " He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing ai*mies, without the consent of our legislatures. " He has affected to render the military independent of, and superior to, the civil power. 7 74 HISTORY OF THE ** He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknow- ledged by our laws ; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation — " For quartering large bodies of troops among us : *< For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punish- ment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these states : " For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world : " For imposing taxes on us without our consent : " For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefit of trial by jury : " For transporting us beyond seas, to be tried for pre- tended offences : '* For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighbouring province, establishing therein an arbitrary ijovernment, and enlarging its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these colonies : " For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our government : *' For suspending our legislatures, and declaring them- selves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. *' He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection, and waging war against us. ** He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our peo- ple. **^ He is, at this time, transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries, to complete the work of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun, with circum- stances of cruelty and perfidy, scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation. " He has constrained our fellow citizens, taken cap- tive on the high seas, to bear arms against their coua- AMfiRICAN REVOLUTION. 75 try, to become the executioners of their friends and bre- thren, or to fall themselves by their hands. <* He has excited domestic insurrections among us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions. ** In every stage of these oppressions, we have pe- titioned for redress, in the most humble terms : our re- peated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. ** Nor have we been wanting in attention to our Bri- tish brethren. We have warned them from time to time, of attempts by their legislature, to extend an un- warrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them, by the ties of our common kin- dred, to disavow these usurpations, which would inevi- tably interrupt our connexions and correspondence, " They, too, have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind — enemies in war- in peace friends. " We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in general congress assembled, ap- pealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rec- titude of our intentions, do, in the name and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that the united colonies are, and of right ought to be, ^ttt autT Kutrejjentrent Statejs ; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown ; and that all political connexion between them and the state of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved ; and that, as free and independent states, they l^ve full power to levy war, conclude peace, contra^ 76 HISTORY or THE alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and thmgs, which independent states njay of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reli- ance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutu- ally pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour." After thus publicly throwing off all allegiance and hope of reconciliation, the colonists soon found, that an exertion of all their strength was required in order to support their pretensions. Their arms, indeed, had not, this season, been attended with success in Canada. Re- inforcements had been promised to Col. Arnold, who still continued the blockade of Quebec ; but they did not arrive in time to second his operations. Being sensible, however, that he must either desist from the erterprise, or finish it successfully, he recom- menced in form ; attempting to burn the shipping, and even to storm the town itself. They were unsuccess- ful, however, by reason of the smallness of their num- ber, though they succeeded so far as to burn a number of houses in the suburbs ; and the garrison were obliged to pull down the remainder, in order to prevent the fire from spreading. As the Americans, though unable to reduce the town, kept the garrison in continual alarm, and in a very dis- agreeable situation, some of the nobility collected them- selves into a body, under the command of one Mr. Beaujeu, in order to relieve their capital ; but they were met on their march by the Americans, and so entirely defeated, that they were never afterwards able to attempt any thing. The Americans, however, had but little reason to plume themselves on this success. The want of artil- lery at last convinced them, that it was impracticable, in their situation, to reduce a place so strongly fortified ; the small-pox at the same time made its appearance in their camp, and carried off great numbers — intimidat- ing the rest to such a degree, that they deserted in crowds. To add to their misfortunes, the British reinforce- AMEKICAN REVOLUTION. 77 ments unexpectedly appeared, and the ships make thek* way through the ice with such celerity, that one part of their army was separated from the other ; and Gen. Carleton sallying out as soon as the reinforcement was landed, obliged them to fly with the utmost precipita- tion, leaving behind them all their cannon and military stores ; at the same time that their shipping was en- tirely captured by vessels sent up the river for that pur- pose. Oh this occasion, the provincials fled with such precipitation that they could not be overtaken ; so that none fell into the hands. of the British, except the sick and wounded. Gen. Carleton now gave a signal instance of his hu- manity. Being well apprized that many of the provin- cials had not been able to accompany the rest in their retreat, and that they were concealed in woods, &c. in a very deplorable situation, he generously issued a pro- clamation, ordering proper persons to seek them out, and give them relief at the public expense ; at the sam** time, lest, through fear of being made prisoners, they should refuse these offers of humanity, he promised, that as soon as their situation enabled them, they should be at liberty to depart to their respective homes. CHAPTER XIII. Affair at Sorel, and General Thompson taken prisoner. — ^Ame- ricans retreat from Canada. — Success of the Americans in N. Carolina and Virginia. — Arrival of a British fleet at Charles- ton, S. C. — -Battle on Sullivan's Island. The British general, now freed from any danger of an attack, was soon enabled to act offensively against the Americans, by the arrival of the forces destined for that purpose from Britain. By these he was put at the head of twelve thousand regular troops, among whom were Ihose of Brunswick. With this force, he instantly set out for Three Rivers, 7* 78 HiSTORt 01= 'fUt where he expected that Arnold would make a stand ; but he had retired to Sorel, one hundred and fifty miles distant from Quebec, where he was at last met by the reinforcements ordered by congress. Here, though the preceding events were by no means calculated to inspire much military ardour, a very daring enterprise was undertaken ; and this was, to surprise the British troops posted here under Generals Fra- ser and Nesbit ; of whom the former commanded those on land, and the latter such as were on board of trans- ports, and were but a little way distant. The enterprise was undoubtedly very hazardous, both on account of the strength of the parties against whom they were to act, and as the main body of the British forces were advanced within fifty miles of the place ; besides that, a number of armed vessels and transports, with troops, lay between them and Three Rivers. Two thousand chosen men, however, under Gen. Thompson, engaged in this enterprise. Their success was by no means answerable to their spirit and valour. Though they passed the shipping without being observ- ed, Gen. Fraser had notice of their landing; and thus being prepared to receive them, they were soon thrown into disorder, at the same time that Gen. Nesbit, hav- ing landed his forces, prepared to attack them in the rear. On this occasion, some field-pieces did prodigious execution, and a retreat was found to be unavoidable. Gen. Nesbit, however, had got between them and their boats ; so that they were obliged to take a circuit through a deep swamp, while they were hotly pursued by both parties at the same time, who marched for some miles on each side of the swamp, till at last the unfortunate Americans were sheltered from further danger by a wood at the end of the swamp. The general, however, was taken, with two hundred of his men. By this disaster, the Americans lost all hopes of ac* complishing ar\y thing in Canada. They demolished their works, and carried off their artillery, with the ut- AMERICAN REVOLUTIOJf. 79 most expedition. They were pursued, however, by Gen. Burgoyne, against whom it was expected they would have collected all their forces, and made a resolute stand. But they were now too much dispirited by misfortune, to make any further exertions of valour. On the 18th of June, the British general arrived at fort St. John's, which he found abandoned and burnt. Cham- blee had shared the same fate, as well as all the vessels that were not capable of being dragged up against the current of the river. It was thought they would have made some resistance at Nut Island, the entrance to Lake Champlain ; but this, also, they had abandoned, and retreated across the lake to Crown-Point, whither they could not be immediately followed. Thus was the province of Canada entirely evacuated by the Americans ; whose loss, in their retreat from Quebec, was not calculated at less than one thousand men, of whom four hundred fell at once into the hands of the enemy, at a place called the Cedars, about fifty miles above Montreal. Gen. Sullivan, however, who conducted this retreat after the affair of Gen. Thompson, had great merit in what he did, and received the thanks of congress according!}'. This bad success in the north, however, was some- what compensated by what happened in the southern colonies. We have formerly taken notice, that Mr. Martin, governor of North-Carolina, had been oWiged to leave his province, and take refuge on board a man- of-war. Notwithstanding this, he did not despair of re- ducing it again to obedience. For this purpose, he ap- plied to the regulators, a daring set of banditti, who lived in a kind of independent state ; and though considered by government as rebels, yet had never been molested, on account of their numbers, and known skill in the use of fire-arms. Commissions were sent to the chiefs of these people, in order to raise some regiments ; and a Col. M'Doa- ald was appointed to command them. In the month of February, he erected the king's standard, issued procla- mations, &c. and collected some forces, expecting to 80 HISTORY OF THS be soon joined by a body of regulars, who were known to have been shipped from England, to act against the southern colonies. The Americans, sensible of their danger, despatched immediately what forces they had, to act against the roy- alists, at the same time that they exerted themselves to support these with suitable reinforcements. Their present force was commanded by a Gen. Moore, whose numbers were inferior to those of M' Donald ; for which reason the latter summoned him to join the king's standard, under pain of being treated as a rebel. But Moore, being well provided with cannon, and conscious that nothing could be attempted against him, returned the compliment, by acquainting Col. M'Don- ald, that if he and his party would lay down their arms, and subscribe an oath of fidelity to congress, they would be treated as friends ; but if they persisted in an un- dertaking, for which it was evident they had not suffi- cient strength, they could not but expect the severest treatment. In a few days, Gen. Moore found himself at the head of eight thousand men, by reason of the continual sup- plies which daily arrived from all parts. The royal party amounted only to two thousand, and they were destitute of artillery, which prevented their attacking the Americans while they had the advantage of num- bers. They were now, therefore, obliged to have re- course to a desperate exertion of personal valour ; by dint of which, they effected a retreat for near eighty miles, to Moore's Creek, within sixteen miles of Wil- mington. Could they have gained this place, they expected to have been joined by Mr. Martin and Gen. Clinton, who had lately arrived with a considerable detachment. — But Moore, with his army, pursued them so close, that they were obliged to attempt the passage of the creek itself, though a considerable body of the Americans, un- der the command of Col. Caswell, with fortifications well planted with cannon, was posted on the other aide. AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 81 On attempting the creek, however, it was found not to be fordable. They were obliged, therefore, to cross over a wooden bridge, which the Americans had not time to destroy entirely. They had, however, by pulling up a part of the plank, and greasing the remainder, in order to ren- der them slippery, made the passage so difficult, that the royalists could not attempt it. In this situation they were, on the 27th of February, attacked by Moore, with his superior army, and totally defeated, with the loss of their general and most of their leaders, as well as the best and bravest of their men. Thus was the power of the Americans established in North-Carolina. Nor were they less successful in Virginia, where Lord Punmore, having long continued a useless predatory war, was at last driven from evei y creek and road in the province. The people he had on board, were distressed to the highest degree, by con- finement in small vessels. The lieat of the season, and the numbers crowded together, produced a pestilen- tial fever, which made great havoc, especially among th*^ blacks. At last, finding themselves in t])e utmost dnnger of perishing by famine, as well as disease, they set fire to the least valuable of their vessels, reserving only about fift}' to themselves, in which they bid a final adieu to Virginia — some sailing to Florida, some to Bermuda, and the rest to the West-fndies. In South-Carolina, the Americans had a more formid- able enemy to deal with. A squadron, whose object was the reduction of Charleston, had been fitted out in December 1775 ; but by reason of unfavourable weather, did not reach Cape Fear, in North-Carolina, till tiue month of May, 17-76 ; and here it met with further ob- stacles, till the end of the month. Thus the Americans, always noted for their alertness in raising fortifications, had time to strengthen those of Charleston in such a manner, as rendered the place extremely difficult to bs attacked. The British squadron consisted of two fifty gun shij» 82 historV or the four of thirty guns, two of twenty, an armed schoonef, and a bomb-ketch ; all under the command of Sir Peter Parker. The land forces were commanded by Lord Cornwallis, with Generals Clinton and Vaughan. As they had yet no intelligence of the evacuation of Boston, Gen. Howe despatched a vessel to Cape Fear, with some instructions — but it was too late ; and in the beginning of June, the squadron anchored off Charleston bar. Here they met with some difficulty in crossing, being obliged to take out the guns from the two largest ships, which were, notwithstanding, several times in danger of sticking fast. The next obstacle was a strong fort on Sullivan's Island, six miles east from Charleston, which, though not completely finished, was very strong. However, the British generals resolved, without hesitation, to attack it ; but though an attack was easy from sea, it was very difficult to obtain a co-operation of the land forces. This was attempted by landing them on Long Island, adjacent to SuUivan's Island on the east, from which it is separated by a very narrow creek, said to be not above two feet deep at low water. Opposite to this ford, the Americans had posted a strong body of troops, with cannon and entrenchments, while (jren. Lee was posted on the main land, with a bridge of boats betwixt that and Sullivan's Island, so that he could at pleasure send reinforcements to the troops in the fort on Sullivan's Island. On the part of the British, so many delays occurred, that it was the 24th of June before matters were in readiness for an attack ; and by this time, the Ameri- cans had abundantly provided for their reception. On the morning of that day, the bomb-ketch began to throw shells into Fort Sullivan, and about mid-day, the two fifty gun ships, and thirty gun frigates, came up, and began a severe fire. Three other frigates were ordered to take their sta- tion between Charleston and the fort, in order to en- filade the batteries, and cut off the communication with the main land ; but, through the ignorance of the pilots, AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 8S they all stuck fast ; and though two of them were disen- tangled, they were found to be totally unfit for service. The third was burnt, that she might not fall into the hands of the Americans. The attack was therefore confined to the five armed ships and bomb-ketch, between whom and the fort a dreadful fire ensued. The Bristol suffered exces- sively: the springs on her cable being shot away, she was for some time entirely exposed to the enemy's fire. As the Americans poured in great quantities of red hot balls, she was twice in flames. Her captain, Mr. Morris, after receiving five wounds, was obliged to go below deck, in order to have his arm amputated. After undergoing this operation, lie returned to his place, where he received another wound, but still refused to quit his station. At last, he received a red hot ball in his belly, which instantly put an end to his life. Of all the oflficers and seamen who stood on the quar- ter-deck of the Bristol, not one escaped without a wound, excepting Sir Peter Parker alone; whose intrepidity and presence of mind on this occasion, were very remarkable. The engagement lasted till darkness put an end to it. Little damage was done by the British, as the works of the Americans lay so low, that many of the shot flew over ; and the fortifications, being composed of palm-trees mixed with earth, were extremely well calculated to resist the impression of cannon. During the height of the attack, the American batte- ries remained for some time silent, so that it was con- cluded that they had been abandoned ; but this was found to proceed only from want of powder ; for as soon as a supply of this necessary article was obtained, the firing was resumed as brisk as before. During the whole of this desperate engagement, it was found im- possible for the land forces to give the least assistance to the fleet ; the American works were found to b« much stronger than they hwl been imagined, and the depth of water effectually prevented them from makii^ any attempt. 84 HISTORY OF THE In this unsuccessful attack, the killed and wounded on the part of the British, amounted to ab-out two hun- dred. The Bristol and Ex[)eriment were so much dam- aged, that it was thought thev could not have been got over the bar ; however, this was at last accomplished, by a very great exertion of naval skill, to the surprise of tiie Americans, who had expected to make them both prizes. On the American side, the loss was judged to Lave been considerable. CHAPTER XIV. Com. Hopkins sails to the Baha^.i T?knds, and takes the ordnance and niiiitary stores. — I. on] Howe arrives before New- York with a British flo^t. — Gen. ifowe attempts a re- conciliation. — Americans defeated near Flalbush, L. I. — Retreat from Long- Island. — Gen. Sullivan sent on an un- Buccessful mission to congress. — British gain possession of New-York; J. HIS year, the Americans, having so frequently made trial of their valour by land, became desirous of trying it on sea also, and of forming a navy, that might in some measure be able to protect their trade, and do essential hurt to the enemy. In the beginning of March, Commodore Hopkins was despatched with five frigates to tlie Bahama Islands, where he made himself master of the ordnance and military stores ; but the gun-ponder, which had been the principal object, was removed. On his return, he cap- tured several vessels ; but was foiled in his attempt on the Glasgow frigate, which found means to escape, not- withstanding the efforts of his whole squadron. The time, however, was now come, when the forti- tude and patience of the Americans were to undergo a severe trial. Hitherto they had been, on the whole, suc- cessful in their operations ; but now, they were doomed to experience misfortune, misery, and disappointment; the enemy overrunning their country, and their own armies not able to face them in the field. AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 8S New- York, as being the most accessible by sea, was pitched upon for tlie place of the main attack. Th« force sent against it consisted of six ships of the line and thirty frigates, besides other armed vessels, and a vast number of transports. The fleet was commanded by Lord Howe, and the land lorces by his brother, Gene- ral Howe. Tiie latter had, some time before his lordship arrived, set sail from Halifax, and lay before New-York, but without attempting to commence hostilities until h% ehould be joined by liie fleet. The Americans had, in the mean time, fortified New- York, and the adjacent islands, in an extraordinarj manner. Gen. Howe, however, was suffered to land his troops on Staten Island, where he was soon joined by a number of the inhabitants. About the middle of July, Lord Howe arrived with the grand armament; and, being one of the commissioi>- ers appointed by the British government to receive th« Bubmission of the Americans, he sent circular letters to the several governors, desiring thein to make the extent of his commission, and the powers he w'as invested with, as public as possible. Here, however, congress saved him trouble, by ordep- ing his letter and declaration to be published in all the newspapers — " that every one might see the insiduou3- ness of the British ministry, and that they had nothing to trust to but the exertion of their own valour." Lord Howe next sent a letter to Gen. Washington ; but as it was directed to *' George Washington, Esq." the general refused to accept of it, as !iot being directed in a style suitable to his station. To olwiate this objec- tion, Adjutant-general Patterson was sent with another letter directed to *' George Washington, &c. &c. &c." But though a very polite reception was given to the bearer, Gen. Washington utterly refused the letter; nor could any explanation of the adjutant induce him to accept of it. The only interesting part of the conversation was that relating to the powers of the commissioners, of whom Lord Howe was one. The adjutant informed 8 S6 HISTORY OP THE Gen. Washington that these powers were very extensive ; that these commissioners were determined to exert them- selves to the utmost in order to bring about a reconcilia- tion, and that he hoped the general would consider this visit as a step towards it. Gen. Washington replied, that il did not appear that these powers consisted in any- thing else than granting pardons; and as America had rorY,mitted no offence, she asked no forgiveness, and was oiily^ defending her unquestionable rights. The decision of every thing being now by consent of both parties left to the sword, no time was lost, but hostilities commenced as soon as the British troops could be collected. However, this was not done be- fore the month of August, when they landed without opposition on Long Island, opposite to the shore of Staten Island. Gen. Putnam, with a large body of men, lay encamped jind strongly fortified, on a peninsula on the opposite shore, with a range of hills between the armies, the principal pass of which was near a place called Flatbush. If ere the centre of the British army, consisting of Hes- sians, took post ; the left wing, under Gen. Grant, lying near the shore ; and the right, consisting of the greater part of the British forces, lay under Lords Percy and Cornwallis, and Gen. Clinton. Putnam had ordered the passes to be secured by large detachments, which was executed as to those at hand ; but one of the utmost importance, that lay at a distance, was entirely neglected. This gave an oppor- tunity to a large body of troops, under Percy and Clin- ton, to pass the mountains, and attack the Americans in the rear, while they were engaged with the Hessians in front. Through this piece of negligence, their defeat became inevitable. Those who were engaged with the Hessians first perceived their mistake, and began a retreat toward their camp ; but the passage was intercepted by the British troops, who drove them back into the woods. Here they were met by the Hessians ; and thus they were for many hours slaughtered between the two par- AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 87 ties, no way of escape remaining, but by breaking through the British troops, and thus regaining their camp. In tliis attempt, many perished; and the right wing, engaged with Gen. Grant, shared the same fate. The victory was complete ; and the Americans lost, on this fatal day, (August 27th,) considerably upwards of one thousand men, and two generals. Several offi- cers of distinction were made prisoners, with a numlxr of privates. Among the slain, a regiment consisting of young gentlemen of family and fortune in Maryland, were almost entirely cut in pieces ; and of the survivoi's, not one escaped without a wound. The ardour of the British troops was now so great, that they could scarce be restrained from attacking the lines of the Americans ; but for this there was now no occasion, as it was certain they could not be defended. Of the British and Hessians, about four hundred antl fifty were lost in this engagement. As none of the American commanders thought proper to risk another attack, it was resolved to abandon their camp as soon as possible. Accordingly, on the night of the 29th of August, the whole of the continental troope were ferried over with the utmost secrecy and silence ; so that in the morning, the British had nothing to do but to take possession of the camp and artillery which they had abandoned. This victory though complete, was very far from being so decisive as the conquerors imagined. Lord Howe, supposing that it would be sufficient to intimi- date the congress into some terms, sent Gen. Sullivan, who had been taken prisoner in the late action, to con- gress, with a message, importing, that though he could not consistently treat with them as a legal assembly, yet he would be very glad to confer with any of the mem- bers in their private capacity ; setting forth, at the same time, the nature and extent of his powers, an commissioner. But the congress were not so humbled as to derogate in the least from the dignity of character they had a»- eumed. They replied, that the congress of the fre« W HISTORY or THR «nd independent states of America could not consistently send any of its members in another capacity than that which they had publicly assumed ; but, as they were extremely desirous of restoring peace to their country, upon equitable conditions, they would appoint a con> mittee of their body, to wait upon him, and leurn what proposals he had to make. This produced a new conference. The committee appointed by congress, was composed of Dr. Franklin, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Rutledge. They were very politely received by his lordship ; but the conference proved as fruitless as before independence had been declared; and the final answer of the deputies was that they were extremely willing to enter into any treaty with Great Britain, that might conduce to the good of both nations, but that they would not treat in any other character than that of independent states. This positive declara- tion instantly put an end to all hopes of reconcilia- tion ; and it was resolved to prosecute the war with the utmost vigour. Lord Howe, after publishing a manifesto, in which he declared the refusal of congress, and that he himself was willing to confer with all well disposed persons about the means of restoring public tranquillity, set about the most proper methods for reducing the city of New- York. Here the American troops were posted, and, from a great number of batteries, kept continually annoy- ing the British shipping. The East River lay between them, of about twelve hundred yards in breadth, which the British troops were extremely desirous of passing. At last, the ships having after an incessant cannonade of several days, silenced the most troublesome batteries, a body of the troops was sent up the river, to a bay about three miles distant, where the fortifications were less than in other places. Here, having driven off the Americans by the cannon i)f the fleet, they marched directly toward the city ; bat the Americans, finding that they should now be attacked on all sides, abandoned the city, and retired AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 09 to the north of the island, where their principal force was collected. In their passage thither, they skirmished with the British, but carefully avoided a general engage- ment ; and it was obsein^ed that they did not behave with that ardour and impetuous valour which had hither- to marked their character. CHAPTER XV. Great fire in New- York.— Battle at White Plains.— Forts in the neig-hbourhood of New-York reduced by the British. — New-Jersey taken possession of by the British. — Sir Henr\' Clinton reduces Rhode Island. — British fit a fleet on Lake Charnplain. — Battle on the Lake. X HE British and American armies were not now above two miles distant from each other. The former lay encamped from shore to shore, for an extent of two miles, being the breadth of the island. The Americans, who lay directly opposite, had strengthened their camp witk many fortifications ; at the same time being masters of all the passes and defiles betwixt the two camps, they were enabled to defend themselves against an army much more numerous than their own ; and they had also strongly fortified a pass called King's Bridge, whence they could secure a passage to the continent m case of any misfortune. Here Gen. Washington, in order to inure his army to actual service, and at the sams time to annoy the enemy as much as possible, employed his troops in con- tinual skirmishes ; by which it was observed that they soon recovered their spirits, and behaved with their usual boldness. As the situation of the two armies wag now highly inconvenient for the British generals, it was resolved t* make such movements as might oblige Gen. Washing- ton to relinquish his strong situation. The possession of Kew-York had been less beneficial 'than Vas ex- 8* 90 HISTORY OP THK pected. A f«w days after it was evacuated by the Ame- ricanB, a dreadful fire broke out, occasioned, probably, by the licentious conduct of some of its new masters ; and, had it not been for the active exertions of the sailors and soldiery, the whole town might have been consumed, the wind being high, and the wieather remarkably dry. About one thousand houses were destroyed. Gen. Howe, having left Lord Percy with a sufficient force to garrison New-York, embarked his army in flat bottomed boats, by which they were conveyed through the dangerous passage called Hell-Gate, and landed near the town of West-Chester, lying on the continent towards Connecticut. Here, having received a supply of men and provisions, they moved to New-Rocheile, situated on the sound which separates Long Island from the continent. After this, receiving still fresh reinforcements, they made such movements as threatened to distress the Americans very much, by cutting off their convoys of provisions from Connecticut, and thus force them to aa engagement. This, however. Gen. Washington deter- mined at all events to avoid. He therefore extended his forces into a long line, opposite to the way in which the enemy marched, keeping the Bruna, a river of con- siderable magnitude, between the two armies, with the North River on his rear. Here, again, the Americans continued for some time to annoy and skirmish with the royal army, until at last, by some other manoeuvres, the British general found means to attack them advantageously, at a place called the White Plains, and drove theni from some of their posts. The success on this occasion was much less complete than the former ; however, it obliged the Americans once more to shift their ground, and to retreat ferther up the country. Gen. Howe pursued for some time ; but at last, find- ing all his endeavours vain, to bring the Americans to a pitched battle, he determined to giv3 over such a useless fdiace, and employ himself in reducing the forts which iie Americans «tiU retained in the neighbourhood AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 31 of New- York. In this, he met with the most complete success. The Americans, on the approach of the British for- ces, retreated from King's Bridge to Fort Washington ; and this, as well as Fort Lee, which lay in the neigh- bourhood, was quickly reduced, though the garrisons made their escape. Thus the Jerseys were laid en- tirely open to the incursions of the British troops ; and so fully were these provinces taken possession of bj the royal army, that its winter quarters extended from New-Brunswick to the river Delaware. Had any number of boats been at hand, it was thought Philadel- phia would now have fallen into their hands. All these, however, had been carefully removed by the Americans. In lieu of this enterprise. Sir Henry Clinton under- took an expedition to Rhode-Island, and became master of it, without losing a man. His expedition was als« attended with this further advantage, that the American fleet, under Com. Hopkins, was obliged to sail as far as possible ".^p tlie river Providence, and thus remained en- tirely useless. The same ill success continued to attend the Ameri- cans in other parts. After their expulsion from Cana- da, they had crossed Lake Champlain, and taken up their quarters at Crown-Point, as Ave have already men- tioned. Here they remained for some time in safety, as the British had no vessels on the lake, and conse- quently Gen. Burgoyne could not pursue them. To remedy this deficiency, there was no possible me- thod, but either to construct vessels on the spot, or take to pieces some vessels already constructed, and drag them up the river into the lake. This, however, was effected in no longer a period than three months : and the Bri- tish general, after incredible toil and difficulty, saw him- self in possession of a great number of vessels, by which means he was enabled to pursue his enemies, and invade them in his turn. The lai)our undergone at this time, by the sea and land forces, must indeed have been prodigious ; «iuct 92 HISTORY OF THE there were conveyed over land, and dragged up the ra- pids of the Sorel, no fewer than thirty large long hoats, four hundred batteaux, besides a vast number of flat bot- tomed boats, and a gondola of thirty tons. The intent of the expedition was to push forward, before winter, to Albany, where the army would take up its winter quarters, and the next spring effect a junction with that under Gen. Howe, when it was not doubted that the united force and skill of these two commanders, would speedily put a termination to the war. By reason of the difficulties v>'ith which the equipment of this fleet had been attended, it was the beginning of October before the expedition could be undertaken. It was, however, by every judge, allowed to be com- pletely able to answer every purpose for which it was Vitended. It consisted of one large vessel with three masts, carrying eighteen twelve-pounders ; two schoon- ers, the one carrying fourteen, the other twelve six- pounders; a large flat bottomed radeau, with six twenty- four, and six twelve-pounders ; and a gondola with eight nine-pounders. Besides these, there were twenty vessels of a smaller size, called gun-boats, carrying each a piece of brass ordnance from nine to twenly-four-pounders, or howit- zers. Several long boats were fitted out in the same manner ; and besides all these, there was a vast number of boats and tenders of various sizes, to be used as trans- ports for the troops and baggage. It was manned by a number of select seamen, and the guns were to be served by a detachment from the corps of artillery ; the officers and soldiers appointed for this expedition were also cho- sen out of the whole army. To oppose this formidable armament, the American» had only a very inconsiderable force, commanded by Gen. Arnold ; who, after engaging a part of the British fleet for a whole day, took advantage of the darkness of the night to set sail without being perceived, and next morning was out of sight. But he was so hotly pursued AMERICAN REVOLUTION. ^ by the British, that on the second day after, he was over- taken, and forced to a second engagement. In this, he behaved with great gallantry; but hi« force being very inferior to that of the enemy, he \va« obliged to run his ships on shore, and set them on fire. A few only escaped to Lake George ; and the garrison of Crown-Point, having destroyed and carried off every thing of value, retired to Ticonderoga. Thither Gea. Carleton intended to have pursued them ; but the diffi» culties he had to encounter, appeared so many and so great, that it was thought proper to march back int© Canada, and desist from any further operations till the Aext spring. CHAPTER XVI. Decrease of the American army — Gen. Lee taken prisoner. — British defeated at Trenton, and the tide of war turned in favour of America. — Retreat of the Americans from Trenton. — Party of British defeated at Princeton. — Fall of Gen. Mercer. — Danbury, Conn, burnt.— Gen. Wooster killed — Sag'-Harbour taken by the Americans. — British Gen. Prescot taken priso ner. — Battle at Brandy wine creek* — Marquis de la Fayette wounded. J- HITS tlie affairs of the Americans seemed every where going to wTeck. Even those who had been most sanguine in their cause, began to waver. The time, also, for which the soldiers had enlisted themselves, was now expired ; and the bad success of the preced- ing campaign had been so very discouraging, that no person was wilHng to engage himself during the co»- tinuance of a war, of which the event seemed to be so doubtful. In consequence of this, therefore, Gen. Washingtoa found his army daily decreasing in strength ; so that, from thirty thousand men, of which it consisted whea Gen. Howe landed on Staten Island, scarce a tenth part could now be mustered. 94 HISTORY or THE To assist the commander-in-chief as much as possi- ble, Gen. Lee had collected a body of forces in the north; but on his way southward, having imprudently taken up his lodging at some distance from his troops, information was given to Col. Karcourt, who happened at that time to be in the neighbourhood, and Lee was made prisoner. The loss of this general was much regretted, and the more especially as he was of superior quality to any prisoner in the possession of the Americans, and could not therefore be exchanged. Six field ojfficers were offered in exchange for him, and refused ; and the con- gress was highly irritated at its being reported, that he was to be treated as a deserter — having been a hajf-pay officer in the British service, at the commencement '^f the war. In consequence of this, congress issued a proclama- tion, threatening to retaliate on the prisoners in their possession, whatever punishment should be iniii.'ted on any of those taken by the British ; and especially, that their conduct should be regulated by the treatment of Gen. Lee. In the mean time, they proceeded w Ith the most iii- defatigable diligence to recruit their army, and bound their soldiers to serve for a term of three years, or during the continuance of the war. The army designed for the ensuing campaign, was to consist of eighty-eight battalions ; of which each state was to contribute its quota; and twenty dollars were offered as a bounty to each soldier, besides an allotment of lands at the end of the war. In this allotment, it was stipulated, that each soldier sliould have one hundred acres; an ensign one hundred and fifty ; a lieutenant two hundred ; a captain three hundred ; a major four hundred ; a lieutenant-colonel four hundred and fifty ; and a colonel five hundred. No lands were promised to those who enlisted for only three years. All officers or soldiers disabled through wounds received in the service, were to enjoy half pay during life. To defray the expense, congress borrowed AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 95 five millions of dollars, at five per cent, for the payment of which, the United States became surety. At the same time, in order to animate the people to vigorous exertions, a declaration was published, in which they set forth the necessity there was for taking proper methods to insure success in their cause. They endea- voured to palliate, as much as possible, the misfortunes which had already happened ; and represented the true cause of the present distress to be the short term of en- listment. This declaration, together with the imminent danger of Philadelphia, determined the Americans to exert themselves to the utmost, in order to reinforce General Washington's army. They soon received further encou- ragement, however, by an exploit of that general against the Hessians. As the royal army extended in different cantonments for a great way, Gen. Washington, perceiving the immi- nent danger to which Philadelphia was exposed, resolved to make some attempt on those divisions of the enemy which lay nearest that city. These happened to be the Hessians, who lay in three divisions, the last only twenty miles distant from Philadelphia. On the 25th of December, having collected as con- siderable a force as he could, he set out with an intent to surprise that body of the enemy which lay encamped at Trenton. His army was divided into three bodies ; one of which he ordered to cross the Delaware at Tren- ton ferry, a little below the town; the second at a good distance below, at a place called Bordentown, where the second division of Hessians was placed ; while he himself, with the third, directed his course to a ferry some miles above Trenton, intending to have passed it at midnight, and attack the Hessians at brelk of day. But, by reason of various impediments, it was eight la the morning before he could reach the place of his des- tination. The enemy, however, did not perceive his approach, till they were suddenly attacked. Col. Ralle, who com- manded them, did all that could be expected from a BISTORT or TBB AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 97 brave and experienced officer ; but every thing was in such confusion, that no efforts of valour or skill could now retrieve matters. The colonel himself was mor- tally wounded ; his troops were entirely broken, their artillery seized, and about one thousand taken prisoners. After this gallant exploit, Gen. Washington again re- turned into Pennsylvania. This action, though seemingly of no very decisive nature, was sufficient at that time to turn the fortune of war in favour of Arnerica. It tended greatly to lessen the apprehensions which the Americans had of the Hes- sians, at the same time that it equally abated the con- fidence which the British had till now put in them. Reinforcements came in. from several quarters to Gen. Washington, so that he was soon in a condition once more to pass the Delaware, and take up his quar- ters at Trenton, where he was emboldened to maintain his station, notwithstanding the accounts that were re- ceived of the enemy's rapid advance toward him. — Ijord Cornwaliis accordingly made his appearance in full force ; and on the evening of his arrival, the little town of Trenton contained the two hostile armies, sep- arated only by a small creek, which was fordable in many places. This was, indeed, the crisis of the American revolu- tion ; and had his lordship made an immediate attack, in pursuance of what is reported to have been the advice of Sir William Erskine, Gen. Washington's defeat seems to have been inevitable. But a night's delay turned the fate of the war, and produced an enterprise, the magnitude and glory of which can only be equalled by its success. . Gen. Washington, having called a council of war, stated the calamitous situation to which his army was reduced ; and having heard the various opinions of his officers, finally proposed a circuitous march to Prince- ton, as the means of avoiding, at once, the imputation of a retreat, and the danger of a battle, with numbers so inferior, and in a situation so ineligible. The idea was unanimously approved ; and, as soon as it was dark, 9 98 HISTORY OP THE the necessary measures were taken for accomplishing it* A line of fires was kindled, which served to give light to the Americans, while it obscured them from the ob- servation of the enemy ; and, by a providential interpo- sition, the weather, which had been for some time past warm, moist, and foggy, suddenly changed to a hard frost ; and, in a moment, as it were, rendered the road, which had been deep and heavy, firm and smooth as a pavement. At break of day. Gen. Washington arriving near Princeton, was discovered hj a party of British troops, consisting of three regimeats, under the command of Col. Mawhood, who were on their march to Trenton. With these the centre of the Americans engaged, and after killing sixty, wounding many, and taking three hundred prisoners, obliged the rest to make a precipi- tate escape, some toward Ti-enton, and others in a re- trograde route to New Brunswick. The loss of the Americans was inconsiderable in point of numbers ; but the fall of the amiable Gen. Mercer rendered it important. The British, astonished and discouraged at the suc- cess and spirit of these repeated enterprises, abandoning both Trenton and Princeton, retreated to New-Bruns- wick ; while the triumphant Americans retired to Mor- ristown. Gen. Washington, however, omitted no op- portunity of recovering what had been lost ; and by di- viding his army into small parties, which could be re- united on a few hours warning, he in a manner entirely covered the country with it, and re-possessed himself of all the important places. Thus ended the campaign of 1776, with scarce any other real advantages to the British, than the acquisition of the city of New- York, and of a i'ew fortresses in its neighbourhood ; where the troops were constrained to act with as much circumspection as if they had been be- sieged by a victorious army, instead of being themselves die conquerors. The army at New lork began in 1777, to exercise a AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 9^ kind of predatory war, by sending out parties to destroy magazines, make incursions, and take or destroy such forts as lay on tiie banks of rivers, to which their great command of shipping gave them access. In this they were generally successful: the magazines at Peek's Kill, (a place about fifty miles distant from New-York,) were destroyed, the town of Danbury, in Connecticut, burnt, and that of Ridgefield, in the same state, was taken possession of. In returning from the last expedition, however, the British were greatly harassed by the Americans under Generals Arnold, Wooster, and Sullivan; but they made good their reti'eat, in spite of ail opposition, with the loss of only one hundred and seventy killed and wounded. On the American side, the loss was much greater; Gen. Wooster was killed, and Arnold in the most imminent danger. On the other hand, the Americans destroyed the stores at Sag-Harbour, on Long Island, and made prisoners of all who defended the place. As this method of making war, however, could an- swer but little purpose, and savoured more of the barbar- ous incursions of savages, than of a war carried on by a civilized people, it was resolved to make an attempt on Philadelphia. At first, it was thought that this could be done through New-Jersey ; but the cruelties exer- cised by the British plundering parties had excited so ge- neral an abhorrence, and Gen. Washington had received such large reinforcements, and posted himself so strongly, that it was found to be impracticable. Many stratagems were used to draw hi-m from his strong situation, but without success ; so that it was found necessary to make the attempt on Philadelphia by sea. While the preparations necessary for this expedition were going forward, the Americans found means to make amends for the capture of Gen. Lee, by that of Gen. Prescot, who was seized in his quarters, with his aid-de-camp, in much the same manner as Gen. Lee had been. This was exceedingly mortifying to the general himself, as he had not long before set a price 100 HISTORY OF THE upon Gen. Arnold, by offering a sum of money to any one that apprehended him ; which the latter answered, by setting a lower price upon General Prescot. The month of July was far advanced before the pre- parations for the expedition against Philadelphia were completed ; and it was the 23d before the fleet was able to sail from Sandy Hook. The force employed in this expedition consisted of thirty-six battalions of British and Hessians, a regiment of light horse, and a body of royalists raised at New-York. The remainder of these, with seventeen battalions, and another body of light horse, were stationed at New- York, under Sir Henry Clinton. Seven battalions were also stationed at Rhode Island. After a week's sailing, the expedition arrived at the mouth of the Delaware ; but having there received certain intelligence that the navigation of the river was so effectually obstructed, that no possibility of forcing a passage remained, and that Gen. Washington had marched within a short distance of Philadelphia, it was resolved to proceed as far to the south as Chesa- peake Bay, in Maryland, from whence the distance to Philadelphia was not very gre3-t,and where the American army would find less advantage from the nature of the country than in the Jerseys. The navigation from the Delaware to the Chesa- peake took up the best part of the month of August, and that up the bay itself was extremely difficult and tedious. At last, having sailed, up the river Elk as far as was practicable, the troops v.ere landed without opposition, and set forward on their intended expedition. On receiving news of the arrival of the enemy in the Chesapeake, Gen. Washington left New-Jersey and hastened to the relief of Philadelphia ; and in the be- ginning of September he met the royal army at Brandy- wine Creek, about mid-day, between the head of the Elk and Philadelphia. Here he adhered to his former method of skirmishing and harassing the royal army on its march ; but as this proved insufficient to stop AMERlCA^r REVOLUTION. 101 its progress, he retired to that side of the creek next to Philadelphia, with an intent to dispute the passage. This brought on a general engagement, which took place on the 11th of September, in which the American? W3re worsted ; and it was, perhaps, only by the approach of night, that they were saved from being entirely de- stroyed. On this occasion, the Americans lost about one thousand men in killed and wounded, besides four hundred taken prisoners. Here the celebrated Marquis de la Fayette first bled in the cause of liberty, which he had espoused with enthusiastic ardour. This brave and generous French nobleman, who had left his family and native land, in spite of the prohibition of his own government, and the prospect of a forfeiture of his title and estates, and had entered the American army, as a volunteer, without compensation, received from congress, in June, 1777, (when only twenty years of age,) the commission of a major-general ; and his gallant conduct in the engage- ment at Brandywine, and subsequently throughout the war, proved him worthy of the confidence thus placed in him. Gen. La Fayette's wound, though slight, endeared him to the hearts of all the Americans. CHAPTER XYH. Philadelphia taken by the British. — Battle of Germautovyn.— Destruction of two" British ships of war. — Americans aban- don Mud Island and Red Bank. — Gen. Burg-oyne's army reinforced.— Sieg-e of Ticonderoga.— Disaster of the Ameri- cans near Skeenboroug-h. — Americans retire to Fort Ed- ward. — British army approaches Fort Edward. — Head- quarters of the American army formed at Saratoga. Gen. Arnold takes station at Stillwater.— Col. St. Leger besieges Fort Stanwix ; is deserted by the Indians ; and retreats with loss. The loss of the battle of Brandywine proved also the loss of Philadelphia. Gen. Washington retired to- 9* J02 HISTORY OF THfi ward Lancaster, an inland town some distance froin Philadelphia ; and although he could not prevent the enemy from takhig possession of Philadelphia, he still adhered to his former plan of distressing them, by lay- ing ambushes and cutting ofl" detached parties. But in Uiis he was less successful than formerly; and one of his detachments, which lay in ambush in a wood, were tliemselves surprised and entirely defeated, with the loss of three hundred men killed and wounded, besides seventy or eighty taken prisoners, with all their arms and baggage. General Howe, now perceiving that the Americans would not venture another battle, even for the sake of their capital, took peaceable possession of it on the 26Lh of September. His first care was then to cut off, by means of strong battepes, the communication be- tvt'een the upper and lower parts of the river ; which was executed, notwithstanding the opposition of some American armed vessels ; one of which, carrying thirty- tiX guns, was taken. His next task was to open a communication with it by sea ; and this was a work of no small difficulty. A vast number of batteries and forts had been erected, and immense machines, formed like clievaux de frizcy from whence they took their name, sunk in the river to prevent its navigation. As the fleet was sent round to the mdVith of the river, ih order to co-operate with the army, this work, however difficult, was accomplish- ed ; nor did the Americans give much opposition, well knowing that all places of this kind were now un- teisfible. Gen. Washington, however, took the advantage of the royal army being divided, to attack the principal division of it that lay at Germantown, in the neighbour- hood of Philadelphia. In this he met with very little success ; for though he reached the place of destina- tioii by three o'cl-ock in the morning, the patrols had tin;e to call the troops to arms. The Americans, not- whhstanding, made a very resolute attack ; but they were received with so much bravery, that they were AMERICAN REVOLUTION. /03 compelled to abandon the attempt, and retreat in great disorder. However, they were so fortunate as to carry off their cannon, (though pursued for a considerable way,) after having upwards of two hundred killed, about five hun- di\3d wounded, and upwards of foar hundred taken pris- oners, among whom were filty-four officers. On the British side, the loss amounted to four hundred and thirty wounded and prisoners, and seventy killed ; but among the last were Gen. Agnew and Col. Bird, with some other excellent officers. There still remained two strong forts on the Dela- ware to be reduced. These were Mud Island and Red Bank. The various obstructions whicLUhe Americana had thrown in the way, rendered it necessary to bring up the Augusta, a ship of the line, and the Merlin frig- ate, to the attack of Mud Island ; but during the heat of the action both were grounded. Upon this, the Ameri- cans sent down four tire-ships, and directed the whole fire from their galleys against tliem. The former were rendered ineffectual, by the courage and skill of the Bri- tish seamen ; but during the engagement, both the Au- gusta and Merlin took fire and were burnt to ashes ; and the other ships obliged to withdraw. The Americans, encouraged by this unsuccessful at~ tempt, proceeded to throw new obstructions in the way; but the British general having found means to convey a number of cannon, and to erect batteries within gun shot of the fort by land, and bringing up three ships of the line, which mounted heavy cannon, the garrison, after making a vigorous defence for one day, perceiving that preparations were making for a general assault on the next, abandoned the place in the night. Those who defended Ked Bank followed their example, and aban- doned it on the approach of Lord Cornwallis. A great number of the American shipping, now find- ing themselves entirely destitute of any protection, sailed up the river in the night time. Seventeen, however, remained, whose retreat was intercepted, by a frigate and some armed vessels : on which the Americans raa 104 HISTORY OP THE them ashore and burnt them, to prevent their falling into the enemy's hands. Thus the campaign of 1777, in Pennsylvania, con- cluded, upon the whole, successfully on the part of the British. In the north, however, matters wore a differ- ent aspect. The expedition in that quarter had been projected by the British ministry as the most effectual method that could be taken to crush the states at once. The four New- England states had originally begun the confederacy against Great Britain, and were still con- sidered as the most active in the continuation of it ; and it was thought, that any impression made upon them, would contribute in an effectual manner to the reduction of all the rest. For this purpose, an army of four thousand chosen British troops, and three thousand Germans, were put under the command of Gen. Burgoyne ; Gen. Carleton was directed to use his interest with the Indians, to per- suade them to join in this expedition ; and the province of Quebec was to furnish large parties to join in the same. The officers who commanded under Gen. Burgoyne, were, Gen. Phillips of the artillery, Generals Fraser, Powell, and Hamilton, with the German officers. Gene- rals Reidesel and Speecht. The soldiers were all ex- cellently disciplined, and had been kept in their winter quarters with all imaginable care, in order to prepare them for the expedition on which they were going. To aid the principal expedition, another was projected on the Mohawk river, under Col. St. Leger, who was to be assisted by Sir John Johnson, son of the famous Sir William Johnson, who had so greatly distinguished him- self in the war of 1755. On the 21st of June, 1777, the army encamped on the western side of Lake Champlain ; where, being joined by a considerable body of Indians, Gen. Burgoyne made a speech, in which, it is said, he exhorted these new al- lies, but ineffectually, to lay aside their ferocious and barbarous manner of making war ; to kill only such as opposed them in arms ; and to spare prisoners, with AMERICAN REVOLUTION-. 105 such women and children as should fall into their hands. After issuing a proclamation, in which the force of Bri- tahi, and that which he commanded, was set forth in very ostentatious terms, the campaign opened with the siege of Ticonderoga. The place was very strong, and garrisoned by six thousand men, under Gen. Sinclair ; nevertheless, the works ^vere so extensive, that even this number was scarcely sufficient to defend them properly. They had therefore omitted to fortify a rugged eminence called Mount Defiance, the top of which overlooked, and effectually commanded the whole works ; ima- gining, perhaps, that the difficulty of the ascent would be sufficient to prevent the enemy from taking posses- sion of it. On the approach of the first division of the British, the Americans abandoned and set fire to their outworks ; and so expeditious were the British troops, that by the 6th of July, every post was secured, which was jugded necessary for investing it completely. A road was soon after made to the very summit of that eminence which the Americans had ''supposed could not be ascended; and so much were they now disheartened, that they in- stantly abandoned the fort entirely, taking the road to Skeenesborough, a place at the head of Lake Cham- plain ; while their baggage, with what artillery and mi- litary stores they could carry off", were sent to the same place by water. But the British generals were determined not to let them pass so easily. Both were pursued, and both overtaken. Their armed vessels consisted only of five galleys ; two of which were taken, and three blown up ; on which they set fire to their boats and fortifica- tions at Skeenesborough. On this occasion, the Ame- ricans lost two hundred boats, one hundred and thirty pieces of cannon, together with all their provisions and baggage. The American land forces, under Col. Francis, made a brave defence against Gen. Fraser ; and, superior ia number, had almost overpowered him, when General 106 HISTORY or THE Reidesel, with a large body of Germans, came to his assistance. The Americans were now overpowered in their turn ; and their commander being killed, they fled on all sides with great precipitation. In this action, two hundred Americans were killed, and as many taken pris- oners, and above six hundred wounded, many of whom perished in the woods for want of assistance. During the engagement, Gen. Sinclair was at Castle- ton, about ten miles from the place ; but, instead of go- ing forward to Fort Ann, the next place of strength, he repaired to the woods which lie between that fortress and New England. Gen. Burgoyne, however, detach- ed Col. Hill, with the ninth regiment, in order to inter- cept such as should attempt to retreat toward Fort Ann. On his way, he met with a body of Americans, said to be six times as numerous as his own ; but after an en- gagement of three hours, they were obliged to retire with great loss. After so many disasters, despairing of being able to make any stand at Fort Ann, they set fire to it, and retired to Fort Edward. In all these engage- ments, the killed and wounded in the Britsh army did not exceed two hundred men. Gen. Burgoyne was now obliged to suspend his ope- rations for some time, and wait at Skeenesborough for the arrival of his tents, provisions, &c. but employed this interval in making roads through the country about Fort Ann, and in clearing a passage for his troops to proceed against the enemy. This was attended with incredible toil ; but all obstacles were surmounted with equal pa- tience and resolution by the army. In short, after undergoing the utmost difficulty that could be undergone, and making every exertion that man could make, he arrived with his army before Fort Edward, about the end of July. Here Gen. Schuyler had been for some time endeavouring to recruit the shat- tered American forces, and had been joined by Gen. Sinclair, with the remains of his army ; the garrison of Fort George also, situated on the lake of that name, had evacuated the place, and retired to Fort Edward, AMERICAN REVOLUTION 107 But on the approach of the royal army, the Ameri- cans retired from Fort Edward also, and formed their head quarters at Saratoga. Notwithstanding the great successes of the British general, they showed not the least disposition to submit, bat seemed only to consider how they might make the most etfectual resistance. For this purpose, the militia vvas every where raised, and draughted to join the army at Saratoga ; and such numbers of volunteers were daily added, that they soon began to recover from the alarm into which they had' been thrown. That they might have a commander whose abilities could be relied on, Gen. Arnold was appointed, who repaired to Saratoga with a considerable train of artille- ry ; but receivijig intelligence that Col. St. Leger was proceeding with great rapidity in his expedition on the Mohawk river, he removed to Stillwater, about half Tvay between Saratoga and the junction of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers. The colonel, in the meantime, had advanced as far as Fort Stanwix ; the siege of which he pressed with great vigour. On the 6th of August, understanding that a supply of provisions, escorted by eight or nine hun- dred men, was on the way to the fort, he despatched Sir John Johnson, with a strong detachment, to intercept it. This he did so effectually, that, besides intercept- ing the provisions, four hundred of its guard were slain, two hundred taken, and the rest escaped with great difficulty. The garrison, however, were not to be intimidated by this disaster, nor by the threats or representations of the colonel ; on the contrary, they made several suc- cessful sallies under Col. Willet, the second in com- mand ; and this gentleman, in company with another, even ventured out of the fort, and, eluding the vigi- lance of the enemy, passed through them, in order to hasten the march of Gen. Arnold to their assistance. Thus the affairs of Col. St. Leger seemed to be In no very favourable situation, notwithstanding his late Buecess, and they were soon totally ruined by the deser- 108 HISTORY OF THE tion of the Indians. They had been alarmed by the report of Gen. Arnold's advancing with two thousand men to the relief of the fort ; and while the colonel was attempting to give them encouragement, another report was spread, that Gen^ Burgoyne had been de- feated with great slaughter, and was now flying before the Americans. On this he was obliged to do as they thought proper ; and the retreat could not be effected without the loss of the tents, and some of the artillery and military stores. CHAPTER XVIII. Gen. Burgoyne determines on reducing Bennington. — Brave defence of that place by the Americans under Gen. Stark. British army encamp near Saratog-a, and are attacked and beaten by the Americans.— Gen. Fraser killed. — Gen. Ar- nold wounded. — Ccl. Breyman killed.— The Germans de- feated with great slaughter. — Distress of the British army, for want of provisions, &c. — Gen. Burgoyne surrenaers to- Gen. Gates, by capitulation. — American works on the North river destroyed by Gen. Clinton. — Esopus burnt. General Burgoyne, in the mean time, notwithstand- ing the difficulties he had already sustained, found that he must still encounter more. The roads he had made, with so much labour and pains, were destroyed, eithel' by the wetness of the season, or by the enemy, so that the provisions he had brought from Fort George could not arrive at his camp without the most prodigious toil. On hearing of the siege of Fort Stanwix, by Col. St. Leger, the general determined to move forward, in hopes of enclosing the Americans between his own army and that of St. Leger, or of obtaining the com- mand of all the country between Fort Stanwix and Alba- ny, and forming a junction with Col. St. Leger, which could not but be attended with the most happy conse- quences. The only difficulty in the way of this pro- ject appeared to be the want of provisioni ; and te AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 109 remedy this, Gen. Burgoyne proposed to reduce the American magazines at Bennington. For this purpose, Col. Baum, a German oiSicer of great bravery, was despatched with a body of five hundred men. The place was about twenty miles to the eastward of Hudson's river ; and to support Col. Baum's party, the whole army marched up the river's bank, and encamped almost opposite to Saratoga, with the river betwixt it and that place. An advanced party was posted at Batten-Kill, between the camp and Ben- nington, in order to support Col. Baum. In their way the British seized a large supply of cattle and provisions, which were immediately sent to the camp ; but the badness of the roads retarded their march so much, that intelligence of their design reached Bennington, where the Americans were collected in considerable force under Gen. Stark. Understanding now that the American force was greatly superior to his own, Col. Baum acquainted Gen. Burgoyne, who immediately despatched Col. Breyman with a party to his assistance ; but, through the same causes that had retarded the march of Col. Baum, this assistance could not arrive in time. Gen. Stark, in the mean time, determined to attack the two parties separately ; and for this purpose advan- ced against Col. Baum, whom he surrounded on all sidesi, and attacked with the utmost violence. The troops de- fended themselves with great valour, but were to a man either killed or taken. Col. Breyman, after a desperate engagement, had the good fortune to effect a retreat through the darkness of the night, which otherwise he could not have done, as his men had expended all their ammunition — being forty rounds to each. Gen. Burgoyne, thus disappointed in his attempt oa Bennington, applied himself with indefatigable diHgence to procure provisions from Fort George ; and having at length amassed a sufficient quantity to last for a month, he threw a bridge of boats over the river Hudson, 10 no HISTORY OP THE which he crossed about the middle of September, en- camping on the hills and plains near Saratoga. As soon as he approached the American army, at this lime encamped at Stillwater under Gen. Gates, he de- termined to make an attack ; for which purpose he put himself at the head of the central division of his army, having Gen. Fraser and Col. Breyman on the right, with Generals Reidesel and Philips on the left. In this position, he advanced toward the Americans on the 19th of September. But the Americans did not wait to be attacked : on the contrary, they attacked the central division with the utmost violence ; and it was not until Gen. Philips came up with the artillery, and at eleven o'clock at night, that they could be induced to retire to their camp. On this occasion, the British lost about five hundred in killed and wounded, and the Americans about three hundred and nineteen. The former were very much alarmed at the obstinate resolution shown by the Ameri- cans; but this did not prevent them from advancing toward their enemy, and posting themselves the next day within cannon shot of their lines. But their allies, the Indians, began to desert in great numbers. At the same time Gen. Burgoyne was in the highest degree mortified at receiving no intelligence of any assis- tance from Sir Henry Clinton, as had been stipulated. He now received a letter from him, by which he was informed, that Sir Henry intended to make a diver- sion oil the North river in his favour. This afforded but little comfort ; however, he returned an answer by several trusty persons, whom he despatched different ways, stating his present distressed situation, and men- tioning that the provisions and other necessaries he had, would only enable him to hold out till the 12th of October. In the mean time, the Americans, in order to cut off the retreat of the British army in the most effectual manner, undertook an expedition against Ticonderoga ; tut were obliged to abandon the enterprise, after hav- AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Ill ing surprised all the outposts, and taken a great num- ber of boats, with some armed vessels, and a number of prisoners. Tiie army under Gen. Burgoyne, however, continued to labour under the greatest distresses ; so that in the beginning of October he had been obhged to diminish the soldiers' allowance. On the 7th of that month, he determined to move toward the enemy. For this pur- pose he sent a body of fifteen hundred men to recon- noitre their left wing ; intending, if possible, to break thi'ough it, in order to effect a retreat. The detachment, however, had not proceeded far, when a dreadful attack was made upon the left wing of the British army, which was with great difficulty preserved from being entirely broken, by a reinforcement brought up by Gen. Fraser, who was killed in the attack. After the troops had, with the most desperate efforts, regained their camp, it was most furiously assaulted by Gen. Arnold, who, notwithstanding all opposition, would have forced the entrenchments, had he not received a dangerous wound, which obliged him to retire. Thus the attack failed on the left ; but on the right the camp of the German reserve was forced. Col. Brey- man killed, and his countrymen defeated with great slaughter, and the loss of all their artillery and baggage. This was by far the heaviest loss the British army had sustained since the action at Bunker's Hill. The list of killed and wounded amounted to near twelve hundred, exclusive of the Germans ; but the greatest misfortune was, that the Americans had now an opening on the right and rear of the British forces, so tliat the army was threatened with entire destruction. This obliged Gen. Burgoyne once more to shift his position, that the Americans might also be obliged to alter theirs. This was accomplished on the night of the 7th, without any loss, and all the next day he continued to offer the Americans battle ; but they were now too well assured of obtaining a complete victory, by cutting off all supplies from the British, to risk a pitched battle. Wherefore they advanced on the right side, in order to X12 HISTORY or THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 113 enclose him entirely ; which obliged the general to dh'ect a retreat toward Saratoga. But the Americans had now stationed a great force on the ford at Hudson's river, so that the only possible retreat was by securing a passage to Lake George ; and to effect this, a body of workmen were detached, with a strong guard, to repair the roads and bridges that led to Fort Edward. As soon as they were gone, how- ever, the Americans seemed to prepare for an attack ; which rendered it necessary to recall the guard, and tiie workmen being of course left exposed, could not proceed. In the mean time, the boats which conveyed provi- sions down the river, were exposed to the continual fire of the American marksmen, who took many of them ; so that it became necessary to convey the provisions over land. In this extreme danger, it was resolved to march by night to Fort Edward, forcing the passages at t!ie fords, either above or below the place. In order to effect this the more easily, it was resolved, that the soldiers should carry their provisions on their backs, leaving behind their baggage, and every other incumbrance. But before this could be executed, intelligence 'was received that the Americans had raised strong entrenchments opposite to these fords, well pro- vided with cannon, ai»id that they had likewise taken possession of the rising ground between Fort George and Fort Edward, which in like manner was provided with cannon. All this time the American army was increasing, by the continual arrival of militia and volunteers from all parts. Their parties extended all along the opposite bank of the river, and some had even passed it, in order to observe the least movement of the British army. The whole force under Gen. Gates was computed to amount to sixteen thousand men, while the army under Gen. Burgoyne scarce amounted to six thousand ; and every part of the camp was reached by the grape and rifle shot of the Americans, |)e3ides a discharge from their artillery, which was almost incessant. 10* 114 HISTORY OF THE In this state of extreme distress and danger, the British army continued with the greatest constancy and perse- verance, till the evening of the 13th of October, when an inventory of provisions being taken, it was found that no more remained than was sufficient to serve for three days ; and a council of war being called, it was unanimously determined, that there was no method now remaining but to treat with the Americans. In consequence of this, a negotiation was opened the next day, which speedily terminated in the capitulation of the whole British army ; the principal article of which was, that the troops were to have a free passage to Britain, on condition of not serving against America during the war. On this occasion. Gen. Gates, with a generous mag- nanimity, ordered his army to keep within their camp, while the British soldiers went to a place appointed for them to lay down their arms, that the latter might not have the additional mortification of being made specta- cles on so melancholy an event. The number of those who surrendered at Saratoga, amounted to five thousand seven hundred and fifty, ac- cording to the American accounts ; the list of sick and wounded left in the camp, when the army retreated to Saratoga, to five hundred and twenty-eight ; and the number of those lost by other accidents, since the taking of Ticonderoga, to near three thousand. Thirty-five brass field-pieces, seven thousand stand of arms, cloth- ing for an equal number of soldiers, with the tents, mili- tary chest, &c. constituted the booty on this occasion. Sir Henry Clinton, in the mean time, had sailed up the North river, and destroyed the two forts called Montgomery and Clinton, with Fort Constitution, and another place called Continental Village, where were barracks for two thousand men. Seventy large can- non were carried away, besides a number of smaller artillery, and a great quantity of stores and ammuni- tion : a large boom and chain, reaching across the river from Fort Montgomery to a point of land called St. AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 115 Anthony's Nose, and which cost not less than 7000Z. sterling, were partly destroyed, and partly carried away, as was also another boom of little less value, at Fort Constitution. The loss of the British army was but small in number, though some officers of great merit were killed in the different attacks. Another attack was made by Sir James Wallace, with some frigates, and a body of land forces under General Vaughan. The place which now suffered was named Esopus. The fortifications were destroyed, and the town itself was wantonly reduced to ashes, as Continen- tal Village had been before. But these successes, of whatever importance they might be, were now disregarded by both parties. They served only to irritate the Americans, flushed with their success ; and they were utterly insufficient to raise the spirits of the British, who were now thrown into the ut- most dismay. CHAPTER XIX. Treaty with France. — Favourable dispositions of Europeaa powers. — Gov, Johnstone attempts to bribe members of con- gress. — Evacuation of Philadelphia. — Battle at Freehold. — Gen. Lee tried for disobedience of orders, and suspended from his command. — Count d'Estaing- arrives with a fleet and troops from France. — Expedition against Rhode-Island. — Destruction of American vessels, magazines, &c. at Buz- zard's Bay. — Capture of sheep and cattle at Martha's Vine- yard. American cavalry defeated on the North River. — Little Eg^ Harbour reduced by the British. Pulaski's le- gion surprised, and put to the sword. On the 16th of March, 1778, Lord North intimated to the house of commons, that a paper had been laid be- fore the king by the French ambassador, intimating the conclusion of an alliance between the court of France and the United States of America. The preJiminariea of this treaty had been concluded in the end of the year 1777, and a copy of them sent to congress, in order to counteract any proposals that might be made in the 116 HISTORY OF THE mean time by the British ministry. On the 6th of Fe- bruary, 1778, the articles were formally signed, to the great satisfaction of the French nation. They were in substance as follows : 1. If Great Britain should, in consequence of this treaty, proceed to hostilities against France, the two na- tions should mutually assist one another. 2. The main end of the treaty was, in an effectual manner to maintain the independence of America. 3. Should those places of North America still sub- ject to Britain, be reduced by the states, they should be confederated with them, or subjected to their juris- diction. 4. Should any of the West-India islands be reduced by France, they should be deemed its property. 5. No formal treaty with Great Britain should be concluded, either by France or America, without the consent of each other ; and it was mutually agreed, that they should not lay down their arms till the indepen- dence of the states had been formally acknowledged. 6. The contracting parties mutually agreed, to invite those powers that had received injuries from Great Bri- tain, to join in the common cause. 7. The United States guaranteed to France all the possessions in the West Indies which she should con- quer ; and France, in her turn, guaranteed the absolute independence of the states, and their supreme authority over every country they possessed, or might acquire du- ring the war. The notification of such a treaty as this could not but be looked upon as a declaration of war. On its being an- nounced to the house, every one agreed in an address to his majesty, promising to stand by him to the utmost in the present emergency ; but it was warmly contended by the members in opposition, that the present ministry ought to be removed, on account of their numberless blunders and miscarriages in every instance. Many were of opinion, that the only way to extricate the nation from its trouble, was to acknowledge the in- dependence of America at once ; and thus they might AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 117 Still do with a good grace, what must inevitably be done at last, after expending much more blood and treasure than had yet been la^'shed in this unhappy contest. The ministerial party, however, entertained different ideas. Instigated by zeal for the national honour, it was determined at once to resent the arrogance of France, and prosecute hostilities against America with more vigour than ever, should the terms now offered them be rejected. The Americans, in the mean time, assiduously em- ployed their agents at the courts of Spain, Vienna, Prus- sia, and Tuscany, in order, if possible, to conclude al- liances with them, or at least to procure an acknowledg- ment of their independence. As it had been reported that Britain intended to apply to Russia for assistance, the American commissioners were enjoined to use their utmost influence with the German princes, to prevent such auxiliaries from marching through their territories, and to endeavour to procure the recall of the German troops already sent to America. To France they offered a cession of such West-India islands as should be taken by the united strength of France and America ; and should Britain, by their joint endeavours, be dispossessed of Newfoundland, Cape Breton, and Nova Scotia, these territories should be di- vided betwixt the two nations, and Great Britain be to- tally excluded from the fishery. The proposals made to the Spanish court were, that in case they should think proper to espouse their quarrel, the American states should assist in reducing Pensacola under the dominion of Spain, provided their citizens were allowed the free navigation of the river Mississippi, and the use of the harbour of Pensacola; and they fur- ther offered, that, if agreeable to Spain, they would de- clare war against Portugal, should that power expel the American ships from its ports. In the mean time, the troops under Gen. Burgoyne were preparing to embark for England, agreeably to the articles of capitulation at Saratoga ; but congress, having received information that many articles of am- 118 HISTORY or THE munition and accoutrements had not been surrendered . agreeably to the stipulated terms, and finding some cause to apprehend that sinister designs were harboured on the part of Great Britain, to convey these troops to join the army at Philadelphia or New- York, positively refused to let them embark, until an explicit ratification of the convention should be properly notified by the British court. The season for action was now approaching ; and congress was indefatigable in its preparations for a new campaign, which it was confidently said would be the last. Among other methods taken for this purpose, it was recommended to all young gentlemen of the states, to form themselves into bodies of cavalry, to serve at their own expense during the war. Gen. Washington, at the same .^ime, to remove all incumbrances from his army, lightened the baggage as much as possible, by substituting sacks and portmanteaus in place of chests and boxes, and using pack horses instead of waggons. On the other hand, the British army, expecting to be reinforced by twenty thousand men, thought of nothing but concluding the war according to their wishes before the end of the campaign. It was with the utmost con- cern, as well as indignation, therefore, that they received the news of Lord North's conciliatory bill. It was uni- versally looked upon as a national disgrace ; and some even tore their cockades from their hats, and trampled them under their feet, as a token of their indignation. By the Americans it was received with indifference. The British commissioners endeavoured to make it as public as possible ; and the congress, as formerly, ordered it to be printed in all the newspapers. On this occasion Gov. Tryon enclosed several copies of the bill to Gen. Washington in a letter, entreating that he would allow them to be circulated ; to which the general returned for answer a copy of a newspaper, in which the bill was printed, with the resolutions of congress upon it. These were, that whosoever pre- sumed to make a separate agreement with Britain should be deemed a public enemy ; that the United States could AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 119 not with propriety keep correspondence with the com- missioners until their independence was acknowledged, and the British fleets and armies removed from America. At the same time, the states were warned not to suffer themselves to be deceived into security by any offers that might be made ; but to use their utmost endea- vours to send their quotas with all diligence into the field. The individuals with whom the commissioners conversed on the subject of the conciliatory bill, gene- rally returned for answer, that the day of reconciliation was past ; and that the haughtiness of Britain had ex- tinguished all filial regard in the breasts of Americans. About this time also, Mr. Silas Dean arrived from France, with two copies of the treaty of commerce and alliance to be signed by congress. Advices of the most agreeable nature were also received from various parts, representing in the most favourable light the dispositions of the European powers ; all of whom, it was said, wished to see the independence of America settled upon the most permanent basis. Considering the situation of matters with the Ameri- cans at this time, therefore, it was no wonder that the commissioners found themselves unable to accomplish the errand on which they came. Their proposals were utterly rejected, themselves treated as spies, and, after a vain attempt by Gov. Joiinstone, one of the com- missioners, to bribe several members of congress, all intercourse with them was interdicted. But before any final answer could be obtained from congress. Sir Henry Clinton had taken the resolution of evacuating Philadelphia. Accordingly, on the 10th of June, after having made all necessary preparation, the army marched out of the city, before noon, with all its baggage and other incumbrances. Gen. Wash- ington, apprized of this design, had despatched expresses into the Jerseys, with orders to collect all the force that could be assembled, in order to obstruct the march of the enemy. After various movements, on both sides, Sir Heniy 120 HISTORY OF THE Clinton, with the royal army, arrived at Freehold on the 27th of June, where he encamped in a very strong situ- ation. Here Gen. Washington determined to commence an attack, as soon as the enemy should again begin its march. The night was spent in moving the necessary prepara- tions, and Gen. Lee, with his division, was ordered to be ready by day-break. But Sir Henry Clinton, justly apprehending that the chief object of the Ameri- cans was the baggage, committed that to the care of Gen. Knyphauseri, whom he ordered to set out early in the morning, while he followed with the rest of the army. The attack was made, according to arrangements ; but the British general had taken such care to arrange his troops properly, and so effectually supported his forces during the engagement, that Gen. Lee, so far from making any impression on the enemy, would him- self have been totally defeated, had it not been for the timely advance of Gen. Washington with the main army. The British troops effected their retreat in the night with the loss of three hundred men, of whom many died through mere fatigue, without the slightest wound. In this action, Gen. Lee was charged by Gen. Wash- ington with disobedience and misconduct, in retreating before the British army. He was tried by a' court- martial, and sentenced to a temporary suspension from his command. After the arrival of the British at Sandy-Hook, a brlvlge of boats was, by Lord Howe's directions, thrown from thence over the channel, which separated the island from the main land, and the troops were con- veyed on board the fleet ; after which they sailed to New-York. After sending some light detachments to watch the enemy's motions. Gen. Washington marched towards the North river, where a great force had been collected to join him, and where it was now expected that some very capital operations would take placet AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 15^1 In the mean time, France had set about her prepara- tions for the assistance of the Americans. On the 14th of April, Count d'Estaing had sailed from Toulon, with a strong squadron of ships of the line and frigates, and arrived on the coast of Virginia in the beginning of July, while the British fleet was employed in conveying the forces from Sandy-Hook to New- York. The French fleet consisted of one ship of one hundred and twenty guns, one of eighty, six of seventy-four, and four of sixty-four, besides several large frigates; and, ex- clusive of its compliment of sailors, had six thousand ma- rines and soldiers on board. To oppose this force, the British had only six ships of sixty-four guns, three of fifty guns, and two of forty, with some frigates and sloops. Notwithstanding this inferiority, however, the British admiral posted himself so adviuitageously, and showed such superior skill, that d'Estn-tif^,' did not think proper to attack him ; particulaily, as the pilots informed him that it was impracticable to caiiy liis large ships over the bar into the Hook, and Gi.n. Washington pressed him to sail for Newport. He therefore remained at anchor, four miles otf Sandy-Hook, till the 22d of July, without effecting any thing more than the capture of some vessels, which, through ignorance of his arrival, fell in his way. The next attempt of the French admiral, in con- junction with the Americans, was or. Rhode-Island. It was proposed that d'Estaing, vvith the six thousand U'oops he had with him, should inske a descent on the southern part of the island, while a body of the Ameri- cans should take possession of the norih ; at the same time the French squadion was to enter the harbour of Newport, and take and destroy all the British ship- ping. On the 8th of August, the French admiral entered the harbour as was proposed, but found himself unable to do any material damage. Lord Howe, however, in- »tanily set sail for Rhode-Island ; and d'Estaing, confid- ing in his superiority, immediately came out of the 11 122 HISTORY or THE harbour to attack him. A violent storm parted the t^.vo fleets, and did so much damage that thej were rendered totally unfit for action. ' The French, however, suffered most ; and several of their ships beina^ afterwards attacked singly by the I^ritish, very narrowly escaped being taken. On the 20th of August, d'Estaing returned to Newport in a very i^hattered condition ; and not thinking himself safe there, sailed two days after for Boston. Gen. Sullivan, in the meantime, had landed on the northern part of Rhode- Island, with ten thousand men. On the 17th of August, they began their operations, by erecting batteries, and making their approaches to the British lines. But Gen. Pigot, who commanded in Newport, had tal^en such effectual care to secure him- self on the land side, that without assistance of a ma rine force it was altogether impossible to attack him with any probability of success. The conduct of d'Estaing, therefore, v»'ho had abandoned them when master of the harbour, gave the greatest disgust to the people of New-England, and Gen. Sullivan began to think of a retreat. On perceiving his intentions, the garrison was sallied out upon him with so much vigour, that it was not without difficulty that he effected his retreat. He had not been gone long, when Sir Henry Clinton arrived with a body of four thousand men; which, had they arrived sooner, would have enabled the British commander to have gained a decisive victory over him, as well as to have destroyed the town of Providence, which, by its vicinity to Bhode-Island, and the enter- prises which were continually projected and carried on in that place, kept the inhabitants of Rhode-Island in continual alarms. The first British expedition was to Buzzard's Bay, en the coast of New-England, and in the neighbourhood of Rhode-Island. Here they destroyed a great number of privateers and merchantmen, magazines, store-houses, &c. From this they proceeded to a fertile and popu- 1«U3 island called Martha's Vineyard, from whenee AMERICAN REVOLUTIOiV. 123 they carried off ten thousand sheep, and three hundred black cattle. Another expedition took place up the North river, under Lord Cornwaliis and Gen. Knyphaussen •. the principal event of which was, the destruction of a regi- ment of American cavalry, know^n by the name of Washington's Light-Horse. A third expedition was directed to Little Egg Har- bour, in New-Jersey, a place noted for privateers, the destruction of which was its principal intention, it was conducted by Captains Ferguson and GoIIins, and ended in the destruction of the American vessels, as well as of the place itself. At the same time, part of another body of American troops, called Pulaski's le- gion, was surprised, and a great number of them put to the sword. CHAPTER XX. American expedition to West-Florida. — British expedition to Georg-ia. — Savannah taken.— Georgia in possession of the British. — Americans defeated at Briar's Creek. — British gain possession of St. James', St. John's, and Port Royal. —Couut d'Estaing sails to the West-Indies ; is recalled to the United States; contemplates the recovery of Georgia ; arrives off the coast, and captures several vessels. — Summons Gen. Pre- vost to surrender Savannah. — The town assaulted. — Count Pulaski killed. — Count d'Estaing wounded. IN the beginning of this year, the Americans had projected the conquest of West-Florida ; and one Capt. Willing, with a party of resolute men, had' made a successful incursion into that country. This awak- ened the attention of the British to the southern states, and an expedition against them was determined on. Georgia was the place of destination ; and, the more effectually to ensure success. Col. Campbell, with a sufficient force, under convoy of some ships of war commanded by Sir Hyde Parker, embarked at New- York ; while Gen. Prevost, who commanded in East- 124 HISTORY OF THE ' Florida, was directed to set out with dl the force he could spare. The armament from New-York arrived off the coast of Georgia, in tl)e month of December ; and though the Ameri .ans were very strongly posted in an advan- tageous situation on shore, the British troops made good their landing, and advanced toward Savannah, the capital of the state. That very day they defeated the force of the Americans which opposed them, and took possession of the town with such celerity, that the Ame- ricans had not time to execute a resolution they had taken of setting it on fire. In ten days, the whole state of Georgia was reduced, Sunbury alone excepted ; and this was also brought under subjection by Gen. Prevost, in his march north- ward. Every possible method was taken to secure the tranquillity of the country ; and rewards were of- fered for apprehending committee and assemblymen, or such as were judged most inimical to the British inte- rests. On the arrival of Gen. Prevost, the command of the troops naturally devolved on him, as the senior oflBcer ; and the conquest of Carolina was next pro- jected. In this attempt, there was no small probability of success. The country contained a great number of friends to the British government, who now eagerly em- braced the opportunity of declaring themselves ; ma- ny of the inhabitants of Georgia had joined the royal utandard ; and there was not in the state any considera- ble body of American forces, capable of opposing the efforts of regular and well disciplined troops. On the first news of Gen. Prevost's approach, the royalists assembled in a body, imagining themselves able to stand their ground until their allies should ar- rive ; but in this they were disappointed. The Ameri- cans attacked and defeated them, with the loss of half their number. The remainder retreated into Georgia ; and, after undergoing many difficulties, at last effected a junction with the British forces. In the mean time, Gen. Lincoln, with a considerabia AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 125 body of American troops, had encamped within twenty miles of the town of Savannah; and another strong party had posted themselves at a place called Briar's Creek, farther up the river Savannah. Thus the extent of the British government was likely to be circumscribed within very narrow bounds. Gen. Prevost, therefore, determined to dislodge the party at Briar's Greek ; and the latter, trusting to their strong situation, and being remiss in their guard, suffered themselves to be surprised on the 30th of March, 1779 ; when they were utterly routed, with the loss of more than three hundred killed and taken, besides a great number drowned in the river or the swamps. The whole artillery, stores, baggage, and almost all the arms of this unfortunate party, were taken, so that they could no more make any stand ; and thus the state of Georgia was once more freed from the Americans, and a communication opened with those places in Caro- lina where the royalists chiefl}'- resided. The victory at Briar's Creek proved of considerable service to the British cause. Great numbers of the royalists joined their army, and considerably augmented its force. Hence they were enabled to stretch their posts further up the river, and to gu3rd all the prin- cipal passes ; so that Gen. Lincoln was reduced to a Btate of inaction, and at last moved off toward Augusta, in order to protect the state legislature, which waa obliged to sit in that place, the capital being now in the hands of the British. Gen. Lincoln had no sooner quitted his post, than it was judged a proper time by the British general to put in execution the grand scheme which had been medi- tated against Carolina. Many difficulties indeed lay ia his way ; the river Savannah was so swollen by the ex- cessive rains of the season, that it seemed impassible ; the opposite shore, for a great way, was so full of swamps and marshes, that no army could m.arch over it without the greatest difficulty; and, to render the passage still more difficult, Gen. Moultrie was left with a 11* 1^ HISTORY ot th:^ considerable body of troops in order to oppose tli8 enemy's attempts. But in spite of every opposition, the constancy and perseverance of the British forces at last prevailed. — Gen. Moultrie was obliged to retire toward Charleston ; and the pursuing army, after having waded through the marnhes for some time, at last arrived in an open coun- try, through which they pursued their march with great rapidity toward the capital ; while Gen. Lincoln made preparations to march to its relief. Certain intelligence of the danger to which Charles- ton was exposed, animated the American general. A chosen body of infantry, mounted on horseback for the great expedition, was despatched before bim ; while Gen. Lincoln himself followed with all the forces he could collect. Gen. Moultrie, too, with the troops he had brought from Savannah, and some others he had collected since bis retreat from thence, had taken pos- session of all tl>e avenues leading to Charleston, and prepared for a vigorous defence. But all opposition proved ineffectual ; and the British army was allowed to come within cannon shot of Charleston, on the 12th of May. The town was now summoned to surrender, and the inhabitants would gladly have agreed to observe a neu- trality during the rest of the war, and would have en- gaged also for the rest of the state. But these terms not being accepted, they made preparations for a vigo- rous defence. It was not, however, in the power of the British commander at this time to make an attack with any prospect of success. Ills artillery was not of s^fBcient weight ; there were no ships to support his attack by land ; and Gen. Lincoln, advancing rapidly with asuperior army, threatened to enclose him between his own force and the town ; so that should he fail in his first attempt, certain destruction would be the con- sequence. For these reasons he withdrew bis forces from be- fore the town, and took possession of two islands called §t. James* and St. John's, lying to the southward i AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Itl where, having waited some time, his force was aug- mented by the arrival of two frigates. With these he determined to make himself master of Port Royal, an- other island possessed of an excellent harbour and manjr other natural advantages, from its situation also com- manding ail the sea coast from Charleston to Savannah river. The American general, however, did not allow this to be accomplished without opposition. Perceiving that his opponents had occupied an advantageous post on St. John's island, preparatory to his enterprise against Port Royal, he attempted, on the 20l.h of June, to dislodge them from it ; but, after an obstinate attack, the Am.ericans were obliged to retire with considerable loss. On this occasion, the success of the British arms was in a great measure owing to an armed float, which galled the right ffank of the Americans so effectually, that they could direct their efforts only against the strongest part of the lines, which proved impregnable to their attacks. This disappointment w-as instantly followed by the loss of Port Royal, which Gen. Prevost took possession of, and put his troops into proper stations, waiting for the arrival of such reinforcements as were necessary for the in-tended attack on Charleston. The profligate conduct of the refugees, and the offi- cers and f-oldiers of tlie British, in plundering the houses of individuals, during this incursion is incredible. Ne- groes were seduced or forced from their masters ; fur- niture and plate were seized without decency or authori- ty ; and the most infamous violations of every law of honour and honesty were openly perpetrated. Indi- viduals thus accumulated wealth, but the reputation of the British arms incurred an everlasting stigma. In the mean time, Count d'Estaing, who, as we hare already observed, had put into Boston harbour to refit, had used his utmost endeavours to ingratiate himself with the inhabitants of that city. Zealous also in the cause of his master, he had published a proclamation, to be dispersed through Canada, invituag the people t* 128 HISTORY OF THE return to their original friendship with France, and de- claring that all who renounced their allegiance to Great Britain, should certainly find a protector in the king of France. All his endeavours, however, proved insuffi- cient at this time to produce any revolution, or even to form a party of any consequence among the Canadians. As soon as the French admiral had refitted his fleet, he took the opportunity, while that of Admiral Byron Lad heen shattered by a storm, of sailing to the West- Indies. During his operations there, the Americans ha- ving represented his conduct as totally unserviceable to them, he received orders from Europe to assist the states with all possible speed. In compliance with these orders, be directed his course toward Georgia, with a design to recover that state out of the hands of the enemy, and to put it, as well as South Carolina, in such a posture of defence, as would effectually secure them from any future attack. This seemed to be an easy matter, from the little force with which he knew he should be opposed ; and the next object in contemplation, was no less than the de- struction of the British fleet and army at New- Fork, and their total expulsion from the continent of America. Full of these hopes, the French commander arrived off the coast of Georgia, with a fleet of twenty-two sail of the line, and ten large frigates. His arrival was so little expected, that several vessels laden with provisions and m.ilitary stores fell into his hands ; the Experiment, also, a vessel of fifty guns, commanded by Sir James Wallace,^ was taken, after a stout resistance. On jthe continent, the British troops were divided. Gen. Prevost, with an inconsiderable part, remained at Savannah ; but the main force was under Col. Mait- land, at Port Royal. On the first appearance of the French fleet, an express was despatched to Col. Mait- land, but it was intercepted by the Americans ; so that before he could set out in order to join the commander- in-chief, the Americans had secured most of the passes by land, while the French fleet eflectuaHy blocked up Iho passage by sea. But, by taking advantage of crecti AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 129 and inlets, and marching over land, he arrived just in time to relieve Savannah. D'Estaing had allowed Gen. Provost twenty-four hours to deliberate whether he should capitulate or noU This time the general employed in making the best pre- parations he could for a defence ; and during this time it was that Col. Maitland arrived. D'Estaing's sum- mons was now rejected ; and there was every proba- bility of success on the part of the British. The garri- son now consisted of three thousand men, all of ap- proved valour and experience ; while the united force of the French and Americans did not amount to ten thousand. The event was answerable to the expectations of the British general. Having the advantage of a strong for- tification, and excellent engineers, the fire of the allies made so little impression, that d'Estaing resolved to bombard the town, and a battery of nine mortars was erected for this purpose. This produced a request from Gen. Prevost, that the women and children might be allowed to retire to a place of safety. But the allied commanders, from motives of policy, refused compliance ; and they resolved to give a general assault. This was accordingly attempted on the 9th of Octo- ber ; but the assailants w^ere every where repulsed with such slaughter, that twelve hundred were killed and wounded ; among the former was Count Pulaski, the celebrated conspirator against the reigning king of Poland, and among the latter was d'Estaing himself. This disaster entirely overthrew the sanguine hopes of the Americans and French ; but, so far from re- proaches or animosity arising between them, their com- mon misfortune seemed to increase their coniidence and esteem for each other : a circumstance fairly to be attributed to the conciliatory conduct of Gen. Lincoln upon every occasion. After waiting eight days longer, both parties prepared for a retreat, the French to their shipping, and the Americans into Carolina, 130 HISTORY OF THE CHAPTER XXI. Expedition against Virginia. — Vessels, stores, &c. at Ports- mouth destroyed. — American works at Verplank's and Stony Point reduced by the British. — Expedition to Connecticut. — Shipping- and naval stores at New-PIaven destroyed. — Fairiield, Norwalk, and Greenfield burnt. — Storming- of Stony Point. — Unsuccessful attempt on Powles Hook. — — American expedition to Penobscot river. — Spain joins the confederacy against Great Britain, and invades West- Florida. — Military and naval operations there. — Gen. Sulii- van's expedition against ihe Indians. — Indians defeated. 1 1 IIILE the allies were thus unsuccessfully employed in the southern states, their antagonists were no less assiduous in distressing them in the northern parts. — Sir George Collier was sent with a fleet, carrying oji board Gen. Matthews, with a body of land forces, into the state of Virginia, Their first attempt was on the town of Portsmouth ; where, though the Americans had destroyed some ships of great value, the British troops arrived in time to save a great number of others. On this occasion about one hundred and twenty ves- sels of different sizes were burnt, and twenty carried off; and an immense quantity of provisions, designed for the use of Gen. Washington's army, was either destroyed or carried off, together with a great variety of naval and military stores. The fleet and army then returned, with little or no loss, to New-York. The success with which this expedition was attended, soon gave the enemy encouragement to attempt another. The Americans had for some time been employed in the erection of two strong forts on the Noilh river; the one at Verplank's Point, on the east, and the other at Stony Point, on the west side. These when completed, would have been of the utmost service to the Americans, as commanding the principal pass, called the King's Ferry, between the northern and southern colonies. At present, however, they were not in a condition to make an effectual defence ; the AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 131 enemy therefore determined to attack them before tlie works should be completed. The force employed on this occasion was divided into two bodies ; one of which directed its course against Yerplank's, and the other against Stony Point. The former was commanded by Gen. Vaughan, and tlie lat- ter by Gen. Patterson, while the shipping was under the direction of Sir George Collier. General Vaughan met with no resistance ; the Americans at Verplank's Point, abandoning their works, and setting fire to every thing combustible that they could not carry off. At Stony Point, however, a vigorous defence was made, though the garrison was at last obliged to capitulate upon honourable conditions. To secure the possession of this last place, which was considered the most im.portant of the two, Gen. Clinton removed from his former situation, and en- camped in such a position as to prevent Gen. Wash- ington from giving any assistance. The Americans, however, revenged themselves by distressing, with their numerous privateers, the trade with the enemy at New-York. This occasioned a third expedition, to Connecticut, where these privateers were chiefly built and harbour- ed. The command of this expedition was given to Gov. Tryon and Gen. Garth, an officer of known value and experience. Under convoy of a considerable num- ber of armed vessels, they landed at New-Haven, where they demolished the batteries that had been erected to oppose them, and destroyed the shipping and naval stores ; but they spared the town itself, as the inhabit- ants had abstained from firing out of their houses upon the troops. From New-Haven they marched to Fairfield, where they proceeded as before, reducing the town to ashes. Norwalk was next attacked, which in like manner wa3 reduced to ashes ; as was also Greenfield, a small sea- port in the neighbourhood. Such repeated conflagra- tions, wantonly and cruelly spread, served only to in- 132 HISTORY OP THE crease the disgust which was felt bj every friend to the American cause. These successes proved very alarming, as well as de- trimental to the Americans ; so that Gen. Washington determined, at all events, to drive the enemy from Stony Point. For this purpose, he sent Gen. Wayne with a detachment of chosen men, directing him to attempt the recovery of it by surprise. On this occasion, the Ame- ricans showed a spirit and resolution exceeding any thing either party had performed during the war. Though after the capture of it by the British, the fortifications of this place had been completed, and were very strong, they attacked the enemy with bayonets, af- ter passing through a heavy fire of musketry and grape shot ; and, in spite of all opposition, obliged the surviv- ing part of the garrison, amounting to five hundred, to surrender themselves prisoners of war. Though the Americans did not at present attempt to retain possession of Stony Point, the success they had met with in the enterprise, emboldened them to make a similar attempt on Powles-Hook, a fortified place on the Jersey side, opposite to New- York ; but, although the heroism of the enterprise, and the spirit with which it was executed deserve applause, after having completely Burprised the posts, the American commander. Major Lee, finding it impossible to retain them, made an or- derly retreat, with about one hundred and sixty-one pri- soners, among whom were seven officers. Another expedition of greater importance was now projected on the part of the Americans. This was against a post on the river Penobscot, on the borders of Nova Scotia, of which the British had lately taken pos- session, and where they had begun to erect a fort, which threatened to be a very great inconvenience to the Americans. The armament destined against this place was so soon got in readiness, that Col. M'Lane, the commanding of- ficer at Penobscot, found himself obliged to drop the •xecution of part of his scheme ; and instead of a regu- American revolution. 193 lar fort, to content himself with putting the works already constructed in as good a posture of defence as possible. The Americans could net effect a landing without a great deal of difficulty, and bringins? the guns of thetr largest vessels to bear upon tlie shore. As soon as this was done, however, they erected several batteries, and kept up a brisk fire for the space of a fortnight; after which they propose. The Spaniards chiefly lamented the loss of two huiKh-ed and fifty quintals of quicksilver, a com- modity indispensably necessary in the workings of their gold and silver mines; so that they ofiered to ransom it at any price ; but this was refused, as well as the ransom of the fort, though the governor offered three hundred thousand dollars for it. A small garrison was left for the defence of the place, but it was quickly attacked by a superior force, which obliged them to evacuate it, though not without destroying everything that could be of any use to the enemy ; spiking the guns, and even locking the gates of the fort and carry- ing off the keys, AU this was done in sight of the be- AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 135 siegers ; after which the garrison embarked without the loss of a man. As no operations of any consequence took place this year in the state of New-York, the congress made use of the opportunity to despatch Gen. Sullivan, with a considerable force, in order to take vengeance on the Indians for their ravages and depredations. Of this the Indians were apprized ; and collecting all their strength, resolved to come to a decisive engagement. Accordingly they took a strong post in the most woody and mountainous part of the country ; erecting a breast-work in their front, of large logs of wood, ex- tending half a mile in length, while their right tlank was covered by a river, and the left by a hill of diffi- cult access. This advantageous position they had taken by the advice of the refugees who Vk'ere among them, and of whom two or three hundred were present in the battle. Thus posted, the Indians waited the approach of the American army : but the latter, having brought some artillery along with them, played it against the breast- work of the enemy with such success, that in two hours it was almost destroyed ; and at the same time a party having reached the top of the bill, the Indians became apprehensive of being surrounded, on which they in- stantly fled with precipitation. The Americans, after this battle, met with no further resistance of any consequence. They were suffered to proceed without interruption. On entering the country of the Indians, it appeared that they had been acquainted with agriculture and the arts of peace, far beyond what had been supposed. From Gen. Sullivan's pompous account, (which, however, became a subject of ridicule among the soldiers in Gen. Washington's army,) it was learned, that the Indian houses were large, convenient, and even elegant ; their grounds were excellently culti- vated, and their gardens abounded in fruit trees and vegetables of all kinds fit for food. The whole of this fine country would now, by the American general, have been converted into a desert, J36 HISTORY OF THE had it not been for the humane forbearance ^f Gen. Hand and Col. Durbin, in executing the orders of Gen. Sullivan. The desolation, however, was extensive, and not to be justilied by the savage character and example of their enemy. CHAPTER XXH. Sir Henry Clinton sails to Charleston, S. C. vith troops and armed ships, to aid in Ifie attack on that place.— Charleston attacked. — American cavalry and niihtia defeated.— British under Lieut. Col. Tarlelon defeated. — Charleston surren- dered to the British— Flarbourof New-York shut up bv the ice.— Unsuccessful expedition to Staten Island.— Gen. Clin- ton's proclamations. W E must now take a view of the transactions in the !^outhern slates, to which the war was, in the year 1780, 80 effectnally transferred, tliat the operations there be- came at last decisive. The success of Gen. Prevost in advancing to the very capital of South- Carolina, hos been already related, together with the obslacies which prevented him from becoming master of it at that time. Toward the end of the year 1779, however, Sir Henry Clinton set sail from New-York, with a consi- derable body of troops, intended for the attack of Charles- ton, S. C. in a fleet of ships of war and transports, un- der the command of Vice Admiral Arbuthnot. They had a very tedious voyage ; the weather was uncom- monly bad ; several of the transports were lost, as were also the greater part of the horses w hich they carried with them, intended for cavalry or other public uses ; and an ordnance-ship likewise foundered at sea. Having arrived at Savannah, where they endeavoured to repair the damages sustained on their voyage, they proceeded from thence on the 10th of February, 1780, to ISorth-Edisto, the place of dehaikation which had been previously appointed. They iiad a favourable and speedy passage thither ; and though it requiied time to have the bar explored and the channel marked, the AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 137 transports all entered the harbour the next day ; and the army took possession of St. John's island, about thirty miles from Charleston, without opposition. Preparations were then made for passing the squad- ron over Charleston bar, whese the high water sprin^,' tides were only nineteen feet deep : but no opportunity offered of going into the harbour till the 20th of March, when it was effected without any accident, though the American galleys continually attempted to prevent the Knglish boats from sounding the channel. The Brit- ish troops had previously removed from St. John's to St. James' island ; and on the 29th of the same month, llicy effected a landing on Charleston neck. On the 1st of April, they broke ground within eight hundred yards of the American works ; and by the 8th, the besieger-s" guns were mounted in battery. As soon as tne army began to erect their batteries against the town, Admiral Arbuthnot embraced the first favourable opportunity of passing Sullivan's island, upon which there was a strong fort of batteries, the chief defence of the harbour. He v.eighed on the 9th, with the Roebuck, Richmond, Romulus, Blonde, Virginia, Raleigh and Sandwich armed sliip, the Renown bring- ing up the rear : and, passing through a severe fire, anchored in about two hours under St. James' island, with the loss of seventy-two seamen, killed ami wounded. The Richmond's fore-top mast was shot away, and the ships in general sustained damage in their masts and rigging, though not materially in their hulls. But the Acetus transport, having on board some naval stores, grounded within gun shot of Sullivan's island, and re- ceived so much damage that she was obliged to be aban- doned and burnt. On the 10th, Sir TTenry Clinton and Admiral Ar- buthnot summoned the town to surrender to his majes- ty's arms : but Maj. Gen. Lincoln, who commanded ia Charleston, returned them an answer, declaring it to be his intention to defend the place. The batteries were now opened against the town ; and from thei/ ef- 12* J 38 HISTORY Of fiii feet, the fire of the American advanced works consider- nbly abated. It appears that the number of troops under the com- mand of Gen. Lincoln were by far too few for defend- ing works of such extent as those of Charleston ; and that many of these were men little accustomed to mili- tary service, and very ill provided with clothes and other necessaries. Gen. Lincoln had been for some tirne expecting reinforcements and supplies from Vir- ginia, and other places ; but they came in v^ery slowly. Earl Cornwallis, and Lieut. Col. Tarleton under him, were also extremely active in interceptins^ such rein- forcements and supplies as were sent to the American general. They totally defeated a considerable body of •cavalry and militia which was proceeding to the relief of the town ; and also made themselves masters of some posts which gave tliem in a great degree the command of the country, by which means, great supplies of pro- visions fell into their hands. Tarleton was himself, however, defeated in a rencounter with Lieut. Col. Washington, at the head of a regular corps of horse. Such v/as the state of things, and Fort Sullivan had also been taken by the king's troops, when on the 12th of May, Gen. Clinton again summoned the town to surrender; an offer being made, as had been done before, that if they surrendered, the lives and property of the inhabitants should be preserved to them. Articles of capitulation were then proposed i)y Gen. Lincoln ; but the terms were not agreed to by Gen. Clinton. At length, however, the town being closely invested on all sides, and the preparations to storm it in every }xart being in great forwardness, and the ships ready to move to the assault. Gen. Lincoln, who had been ap- plied to for that purpose by the inhabitants, surrender- ed it on such articles of capitulation as Gen. Clinton had before agreed to. This was on the 12th of May, which was one month and two days after the town had been first summoned to surrender. A large quantity of ordnance, arms, and ammunition, was found in Charleston ; and, according to Sir Henry AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 139 Clinton's account, the number of prisoners taken in Cliarleston amounted to five thousand six hundred and eighteen men, exclusive of near a thousand sailors in arms ; but, according to Gen. liincoln's account trans- mitted to the congress, the whole number of continental troops taken prisoners, amounted to no more than two thousand four hundred and eighty-seven. The remain- der, therefore) included in Gen. Clinton's account, must have consisted of militia and inhabitants of the town. Several American frigates were also taken or destroyed in the harbour of Charleston. The loss of Charleston evidently excited a consider- able alarm in America ; and the popular writers, par- ticularly the author of the celebrated performance en- titled " Common Sense," in some other pieces, made use of it as a powerful argument to lead them to more vigorous exertions against Great Britain, that tliey might the more etfectuaiiy and certainly secure their indepen- dence. While Sir Henry Clinton was employed in his voy- age to Charleston, and in the siege of that place, the garrison at INew-York seem not to have been wholly free from apprehensions for their own safety. An in- tense frost, accompanied with»great falls of snow, began about the middle of December, 1779, and shut up the navigation of the port of New- York, from the sea, within a few days after the departure of Admiral Arbuthnot and Gen. Clinton. The severity of the weather increased to so great a degree, that toward the middle of January, all commu- nications with New-York, by water, were entirely cut oft', and as m.any new ones opened by the ice. The in- habitants could scarcely be said to be in an insular state - Horses with heavy carriages could go over the ice into the Jerseys, from one island to another. The passage on the North river, even in the widest part, from New- York to Powles-Hook, which was two thousand yards, was, about the 19th of January, prao- ticable for the heaviest cannon ; an event which had been unknown in the memory of man. Provisions wer® 140 HISTORY or THE soon after transported upon sledores, and a detachment of cavalry marcher! upon the ice from New- York to Sta- ten Island, wlvioh was a distance of eleven miles. The city of New- York, being thus circumstanced, was considered as nmch exposed to attacks from the American troops ; and it was stroni^ly reported that Gen. Washington was meditating a great stroke upon New- York with h's whole force, by different attacks. Some time brffore ihi.-^, Major Gen. Pattison, commandant at New- York, harinnc received an address from many of the inhabitants, o!fering to put themselves in military array, he thought tiie prc^sent a lavourable opportunity of trying the sincerity of their professions. Accord! 11^' V lie issued a proclamation, callinsr upon all the male inhabitants from the age of sixteen to sixty, to take up arms. The requisition was so readily com- plied with, that in a few days forty companies, from the six wards of the c'ty, were enrolled, officered, and un- der arms, to the runiber of two thousand six hundred, many substantial citizens serving in the ranks of each company. Other volunteer companies were formed ; and the city was put into a very strong posture of de- fence. No attack, however, was made upon New-York, whatever design m"aht originally have been meditated; but an attempt was made upon Staten Island, where there were about one thousand eiuht hundred men, un- der the command of Brig. Gen. Sterling, who were well entj-enched. Gen. Washinu-ton, whose army was hutted at Morristown, ^^ent a detachment of two thousand seven hundted men, with six pieces of catmon, two mortars, end some h >rses, commarded by Lord Sterling, who arrived at Staten l^^Iand early in the morning of the 15th of January. The advanced posts of the British troops retired upon the approach of the Americans, who formed the line, and made some movements in the course of the day ; but they withdrew in the night, after having burnt one bouse, pillaged some others, and carried off with them about two hundred head of cattle. AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 14 } Immediately on the arrival of the Americans on Sta- ten Island, Lieut. Gen. Knyphausen had embarked six hundred men to attempt a passage and to support Gen. Sterling ; but the fioatin<» ice compelled them to return. It is, however, imagined, that the appearance of these transports, nith the British troops on board, which the Americans could see toward the close of the day, in- duced the latter to make so precipitate a retreat. After Chai'leston had surrendered to the British troops, Gen. Clinton issued proclamations, and also cir- culated a handbill among the inhabitants of South-Caro- lina, in order to induce them to return to their allegiance, and to be ready to join the king's troops. It was said, that the helping liand of every man was wanted, to re-establish peace and good government ; and that as the commander-in-chief wished not to draw tht2 king's friends into danger, while any doubt could re- main of their success ; so now, that this was certain, he trusted that one and all w^ould heartily join, and by a general concurrence, give effect to such necessary measures for that purpose, as from time to time might be pointed out. Those who had families, were to form a militia to re- main at home, and occasionally to assemble in their own districts, when required, under officers of their own choosing, for the maintenance of peace and good order. Those who had no families, and who could conveniently be spared for a time, it wa?? presumed, would cheer- fully assist his majesty's troops in driving their oppress- ors, acting under the authority of congress, and all the miseries of war, far from that colony. For this purpose it was said to be necessary that the yqung men should be ready to assemble when required, and to serve with the king's troops for any six of the ensuing twelve months that might be found requisite, under proper regulations. They might choose officers to each company to command them; and were to bo allowed, when on service, pay, ammunition, and pro- visions, in the same manner as the king's troops. When they joined the army, each man was to be fur- 112 HISTORY OF THE nished with a certificate, declaring that he was only en- gaged to serve as a militia-man for the time specified ; that he was not to be marched beyond North-Carolina and Georgia ; and that, when the time was out, he was | freed from all claims whatever of military service, ex- 1 cepting the common and usual militia duty where he lived. He would then, it Avas said, have paid his debt to his country, and be entitled to eisjoy, undisturbed, t^iat peace, liberty, and property, at home, which he had c-n- U-ihuted to secure. The proclamations and publications of Gen. Clinton appeared to produce some effect in South-Carolini ; though they probably operated chiefiy upon those who were before not much inclined to the cause of Ameri- can independence. Two hundred and ten of the in- habitants of Charleston signed an address to Gen. Clin- ton and Admiral Arbuthnet, soliciting to be re-admitted to the character and condition of Brhish subjects, (the people of that city having been hiiherto considered as prisoners on parole,) declaring their disapprobation of the doctrine of American independence, and express, irsg theb' regret, that, after the repeal of those statutes which gave rise to the troubles in America, the over- tures made by his majesty's commissioners had not been regarded by the congress. Sir Henry Clinton, in one of the proclamations issued at this time, declared, that if any person or per- sons should thenceforward appear in arms, in order to prevent the establishment of his majesty's government in that colony, or should, under any pretence or au- thority whatsoever, attempt to compel any other per- son or persons to do so, or should hinder or intimidate any of the king's faithful and loyal subjects from join- ing his forces, or otherwise performing those duties their allegiance required, such person or persons should be treated with the utmost severity, and their estates be immediately seized in order to be confiscated. In the mean time the ravages of war did not prevent the Americans from paying some attention to the arta of peace. On the 4th of May, 17S0, an act was passed AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 143 by the council and house of representatives of Mas- sachusetts-Bay, incorporating and establishing a society for the cultivation and promotion of the arts and sci- ences. CHAPTEH XXIII. Congress continue to meet in Philadelphia. — Resolution tcy erect a monument to Ihe memory of , Gen. Montg-omiry. — Depreciation ofcontinental currency. — Celebration (>f the 4tbof July at Philadelphia. — M. Ternay arrives with a fleet and troops from France. — Unsuccessful eKpsdition to New- Jersey. — Defeat of the Americans, under Gen. Gates, in South Carolina. — Americans under General Sumpter de- feated. feOME doubts havini^ arisen in the congress, toward the close of the preceding year, about the propriety of their assembling in the city of Philadelphia, it was now resolved that they should continue to meet there ; and a committee of three members was appohited to report a suitable place, where buildings might be provided for the reception of the congress, together with an estimate of the expense of providing such bulUHngs, and the ne- cessary offices for the accommodation of the several boards. It was also resolved by the congress, that a monument should be erected to the memory of their late general, Richard Blontgomery, who fell at Quebec, in testimony of his signal and important services to the United States of America, with an inscription expi-essive of his amiable character and heroic achievements; and that the conti- nental treasurers should be directed to advance a sum not exceeding three hundred pounds, to Dr. Franklin, to defray the expense, that gentleman being desired to cause the monument to be executed at Paris, or in some other part of France. The congress likewise passed a resolution for es- tablishing a court for the trial of all appeals from the court of admiralty of the United States of America, ia ^44 HISTORY OF THE cases of capture ; to consist of three judges, to be appointed and commissioned by congress, and who were to take an oatli of otfice ; and that the trials in this court should be determined by the usage of na- tions. The difficulties of the congress, and of the people «f America, had been greatly increased by tlie depre- ciation of their paper currency. At the time when the colonies engased in the war with Great Britain, they had no regular civil ufovernments established among them, of sufficient energy to enforce tiie c(j]lection of taxes, or to provide funds for the redemplio-n of 8uch bills of credit as their necessities obliged liiem to issue. In consequence of this state of things, their bills in- creased in quantity, fvir beyond the sum necessary for the purpose of a circulating medium ; and, as they wanted, at the same time, speciiic funds to rest on for their redemption, they saw their paper currency dally sink in vidue. The dopreciallon continued, by a kind of gradual progression, from the year 1777 to 17S0 ; so that, at the latter period, the continental bills Avere passed, by common consent, in most parts of America, at a discount of about ninety per cent below their no- minal value. The impossibility of keeping up the credit of the cur- rency to any fixed standard, occasioned great and almost Insurmountable em!>arrassments in ascertaining the value of properly, or carrying on trade with any sufficient cer^ tainty. Those ^vho sold, and those who bought, were left without a rule by which to form a judgment of their profit or loss ; aiid every species of commerce or ex- change, wiiether foreign or (loine.stic, was exposed to aumberless and Incr; asing difficulties. The consequences of the depreciation of the paper currency were also felt with peculiar severity by such of the Americans as were engaged in the military ser- vice, and ureatly augmented their other hardships. The requisitions made by the congress, to the several •tet«8, for supplies, were also far from being always AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 145 regularly complied with ; and the troops were not un- frequently in want of the most common necessarieg, which naturally occasioned complaints and discontent among them. Some of these difficulties, resulting from their circumstances and situation, perhaps no hu- man wisdom could have prevented ; but they seem to have arisen, in part, from the congress not being suffi- ciently acquainted with the principles of finance, and from a defect of system in the departments of their government. The cause of the Americans appears also to have suffered considerably from their depending too much on temporary enlistments. But the congress endeavoured, toward the close of the year 1780, to put their army upon a more permanent footing, and to give all the satisfaction to their officers and soldiers which their circumstances would permit. They appointed a com- mittee for arranging their finances, and made some new regulations respecting the war offxe and treasury board, and other public departments. Notwithstanding the disadvantages under which they laboured ; the Americans seemed to entertain no doubts but that they should be able to maintain their indepen- dence. The 4th of July was celebrated this year, at Philadelphia, with some pomp, as the anniversary of American independence. A commencement for con- ferring degrees in the arts was held the same day, in the hall of the university there ; at which the president and members of the congress attended, and other per- sons in public office. The Chevalier de la Luzerne, minister plenipoten- tiary from the French king to the United States, was also present on the occasion. A charge was publicly addressed by the provost of the university to the students, in which, he said, that he could not but congratulate them "on that auspicious day, which, amidst the con- fusions and desolations of war, beheld learning begin- ning to revive ; and animated them with the pleasing prospect of seeing the sacred lamp of science burning with a still brighter flame, and scattering its invigorating 13 146 HISTORY OF THE rays over the unexplored deserts of this extensive continent ; until the whole world should be involved in the united blaze of knowledge, liberty, and religion. *' When he stretched his views forward, (he said) and surveyed the rising glories of America, the enriching consequences of their determined struggle for liberty, the extensive fields of intellectual improvement and useful invention, in science and arts, in agriculture and commerce, in religion and government, through which ihe unfettered mind would range, with increasing de- light, in quest of the undiscovered treasure, which yet lay concealed in the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms of the new world, or in the other fertile sources of knowledge with which it abounded — his heart swelled with the pleasing prospect, that the sons of that institution would distinguish themselves, in the different walks of life, by their literary contributions to the embellishments and increase of human happi- ness." On the 10th 'of July, M. Ternay, with a fleet of seven ships of the line and several frigates, and a large body of French troops, commanded by the Count de Rochambeau, arrived at Rhode-Island ; and on the following day six thousand men were landed there. A committee from the general assembly of Rhode-Island was appointed to wait upon the French general, and congratulate him on his arrival ; whereupon he re- turned an answer, in which he informed them that the king his master had sent him to the assistance of his good and faithful aUies, the United States of America. At present, he said, he only brought the vanguard of a much greater force destined for their aid ; and the king of France had ordered him to assure the people of America, that his whole power should be exerted for their support. He added, that the French troops were under the strictest discipline ; and, acting under the orders of Gen. Washington, they would live with the Americans as their brethren. A scheme was soon after formed, by Sir Henry Clinton and Admiral Arbuthnot, of making a combined AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 147 attack against the French fleet and troops at Rhode- Island. Accordingly, a considerable part of the troops at New- York were embarked for that purpose. Gen. Washington, having received information of this, passed the North river, by a very rapid movement, and, with an army of twelve thousand men, proceeded with celerity toward King's Bridge, in order to attack New-York ; but learning that the British general had changed his intention and disembarked his troops, General Washing- Ion re-crossed the river, and returned to his former station ; and Gen. Clinton and the admiral relinquished their intended attack on Rhode-Island, as Impracticable for the present. An unsuccessful attempt was likewise made about this time, in the Jerseys, by Gen. Knyphausen. With seven thousand British troops under his command, he undertook to surprise the advanced posts of Gen. Wash- ington's army. For this purpose he proceeded very rapidly toward Springfield, meeting but little opposition till he came to the bridge at that place, which was gallantly defended against his army, by a small party of Americans, not exceeding one hundred and seventy ; but the latter were obliged to give up so unequal a con- test, after losing thirty-seven men. After accuring this pass, the British troops marched into the town, and set fire to most of the houses. They also committed some other depredations in the Jerseys, but gained no laurels there, being obliged to return, about the middle of July, without effecting any thing material. In South-Carolina the royal arms met with more success. Earl Cornwallis, who commanded the British troops there, obtained a signal victory over Gen. Gates, on the 16th of August. The action began at break of day, in a situation very advantageous for the British troops, but very unfavourable to the Americans. The latter were much more numerous ; but the ground on which both armies stood was narrowed by swamps on the right and left, so that tlie Americans could not avail ttiemselves properly of their superior numbers. 148 HISTORY or THE There seems to have been some want of generalship on the part of Gates, in suffering himself to be surprised in so disadvantageous a position. But this circumstance was the effect of accident ; for both armies set out with u design of attacking each other, precisely at the same time, at ten o'clock the preceding evening, and met together before day-light, at the place where the action happened. The attack was made by the British troops, with great vigour, and in a few minutes the action was gene- ral along the whole line. It was at this time a dead calm, with a little haziness in the air, which prevented the smoke from arising, and occasioned so thick a dark- ness that it was difficult to see the effect of a heavy and well-supported fire on both sides. The British troops either kept up a constant fire, or made use of bayonets, as opportunities offered ; and after an obsti- nate resistance of three quarters of an hour, threw the Americans into total confusion, and forced them to give way in all quarters. The continental troops behaved remarkably well, but the militia were soon broken, leaving the former to oppose the whole force of the British troops. Gen. Gates did all in his power to rally the militia, but with- out effect : the continentals retreated in some order 5 but the rout of the militia v/as so great, that the British cavalry continued the p;irsuit of them to the distance of twenty-two miles from the place of action. The loss of the Americans, on this occasion, was very considerable ; about one thousand prisoners were taken, and more than that number were said to have been killed and wounded, although the number was not very accurately ascertained. Seven pieces of brass cannon, various stands of colours, and all the ammuni- tion wagons of the Americans, fell into the hands of the enemy. Among the prisoners taken, was Major- general the Baron de Kalb, a Prussian officer in the American service, who was mortally wounded, after exhibiting great gallantry in the course of the action, having received eleven wounds. Of the British troops, AMMlCAN REVOLUTION. 149 the number of killed and wounded amounted to two hundred and thirteen. Lieut. Col. Tarleton, who had greatly distinguished himself in this action, was detached on the following day, with a body of cavalry and light infantry, amount- ing to about three hundred and fifty men, to attadc a corps of Americans under Gen. Sumpter. He executed this service with great activity and military address. Having procured good information of Sumpter's move- ments, by forced and concealed marches, he came up with and surprised him in the middle of the day, near Catawba fords, and totally destroyed or dispersed his detachment, which consisted of seven hundred men, kill- ing one hundred and fifty, and taking about three hun- dred prisoners, together v/ith two pieces of brass can- non, and forty-four wagons. CHAPTER XXiy. Treacnery of Gen. Arnold, who joins the British army. — Ma- 'or Andre taken and executed as a spy. — Defeat of the Bri- tish and tories under Major Ferg-uson. — Gen. Sumpter again defeated. — Mr. Laurens taken and confined in London, on a charge of high treason. — Disturbance among the Penn- sylvania troops. — Defeat of the British under Col. Tarleton. IN OT long after these events, means were found to se- duce Major Gen. Arnold, who had engaged so ardently in the cause of America, and who had exhibited so much bravery, on various occasions, from the interests of the congress. Major Andre, adjutant-general to the British army, was a principal agent in this transaction ; or, if the overture of joining the king's troops came first from Arnold, this gentleman was the person employed to con- cert the affair with him. More must have been originally comprehended in the scheme, than the mere desertion of the American cause by Arnold , the surrender of West-Point into the hands of the British army, was the probable object ; but what- ever designs had been formed for promoting the views 13* 150 HISTORY OF THE of the British government, they were frustrated by the apprehending of Major Andre. He was taken in dis- guise, after having assumed a false name, on the 23rd of September, by three American soldiers, to whom he offered considerable rewards to induce them to suffei*" him to escape, but without effect. Several papers writ- ten by Arnold were found upon him; and when Arnold had learned that Andre was seized, he found means to get on board a barge, and to escape to one of the king's ships. Gen. Washington referred the case of Major Andre to the examination and decision of a board of general officers, consisting of Major Gen. Green, Major Gen. Lord Sterling, Major Gen. the Marquis de la Fayette, Major Gen. the Baron de Steuben, two other major- generals, and eight brigadier-generals. Major Andre was examined before them, and the particulars of his case inquired into ; and they reported to the American commander-in-chief, that Major Andre came on shore from the Vulture sloop of war in the night, on an inter- view with Gen. Arnold, in a private and secret manner ; that he changed his dress witiiin the American lines ; and, under a feigned name, and in a disguised habit, passed the American works at Stony and Yerplank's Points, on the evening of the 22d of September ; that he was taken on the morning of the 23d, at Tarrytown, he being then on his way for New York ; and that, when taken, he had in his possession several papers which contained intelligence for the enemy. — They therefore determined, that he ought to be considered as a spy from the enemy ; and that, agreeable to the law and usage of nations, he ought to suffer death. Sir Henry Clinton, Lieut. Gen. Robertson, and the late American Gen. Arnold, all wrote pressing letters to Gen. Washington on the occasion, in order to pre- vent the decision of the board of general officers from being put in force ; but their applications were ineffec- tual. Major Andre was hanged at Tappan, in the state of New-York, on the 2d of October, 1780. He met his fate with great firmness ; but appeared somewhat hurt AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 151 that he was not allowed a more military death, for \^hich he had solicited. l\Iajor Andre was a gentleman of very amiable quali- ties, had a taste for literature and the fine arts, and pos- sessed many accomplishments. His death, therefore, was regretted even by his enemies ; and the seeming severity of the determination concerning him, was much exclaimed against in Great Britain. It was, however, generally acknowledged by impartial persons, that there was nothing in the execution of this unfortunate gen- tleman but what was perfectly consonant to the rules of war. Arnold was made a brigadier-general in the king's sei'vice, and published an address to the inhabitants of America, dated at New- York, October 7th, in which he endeavoured to justify his desertion of their cause. He said, that when he first engaged in it, he conceived the right of his country to be in danger, and that duty and honour called him to her defence. A redress of griev- ances was his only aim and object ; and therefore he ac- quiesced unwillingly in the declaration of independence, because he thought it precipitate. But, what now in- duced him to desert their cause, was the disgust he had conceived at the French alliance, and at the refusal of congress to comply with the last terms offered by Great Britain, which he thought equal to all their expectations, and to all their wishes. The Americans, however, accounted for the conduct of Arnold, in a different and in a more probable and sa- tisfactory manner. They alleged that he had so involved himself in debts and difficulties by his extravagant man- ner of living in America, that he had rendered it very inconvenient for him to continue there ; that after the evacuation of Philadelphia by the British troops, Arnold, being invested with the command in that city, had made the house of Mr. Penn, which was the best in the city, His head quarters. This he had furnished in an elegant and expensive manner, and lived in a style far beyond his income. It wa3 manifest, they said, that he could at first have 152 HISTORY OF THE no great aversion to the French alliance, because that when M. Gerard, minister plenipotentiary from the court of France, arrived at Philadelphia, in July, 1778, Gen. Arnold early and earnestly solicited that minister, with his whole suite, to take apartments and bed and board at his house, until a proper house could be provi- ded by order of congress. This offer M. Gerard ac- cepted, and continued with him some weeks. The French minister resided upwards of fourteen months in Philadelphia ; during which time Gen. Ar- nold kept up a most friendly and intimate acquaintance ■with him, and there was a continual interchange of din- ners, balls, routes, and concerts ; so that M. Gerard must have believed, that in Gen. Arnold he had found and left one of the warmest friends the court of France had in America. He was also one of the first in con- gratulating the Chevalier de la Luzerne, the second French minister. About this time, complaints and accusations were ex- hibited against him by the government of Philadelphia, for divers malepractices ; among which charges were, the appropriation of goods and merchandise to his own use, which he had seized as British property in Phila-r delphia, in July, 1778. It was determined by a court martial, that his v?onduct was highly reprehensible ; but he was indulgently treated, and was therefore only re- primanded by the commander in-chief. Gen. Washing- ton. It was in these circumstances, the Americans said, bankrupted in reputation and fortune, loaded with debts, and having a growing and expensive family, that Gen. Arnold first turned his thoughts toward joining the royal arms. After the defeat of Gen. Gates by Earl Cornwallig, that nobleman exerted himself to the utmost in extend- ing the progress of the British arms, and with consider- able effect. But one enterprise, which was conducted by Major Ferguson, proved unsuccessful. That officer had taken abundant pains to discipline some of the tory militia, as they were termed ; and with a party of these, and some British troops, amounting in the whole to AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 153 «ibout fourteen hundred men, made incursions into the country. But on the 7th of October, he was attacked by a superior body of Americans, at a place called Kings' Mountain, and totally defeated. One hundred and fifty were killed in the action, and eight hundred and ten made prisoners, of whom one hundred and fifty were wounded. Fifteen hundred stands of arms fell into the hands of the Americans, whose loss was in- considerable. But Lae following month Lieut. Col. Tarleton, with a party of one hundred and seventy, chiefly cavalry, attacked Gen. Sumpter, who is said to have had one thousand men, at a place called Black-Stocks, ajid obliged him to retire. Sumpter was wounded, and about one hundred and twenty of the Americans killed, wounded, or taken. Of the British troops, about fifty were killed and grounded. On the 3d of September, the Mercury, a congress packet, was taken by the Vestal, Capt. Keppel, near Newfoundland. On board of this packet was Mr. Lau- rens, late president of the congress, who was bound on an embassy to Holland. He had thrown his papers overboard, but a great part of them were recovered, without having received much damage. He ^vas car- ried to London, and examined before the privy coun- cil ; in consequence of whicli, he was committed close prisoner to the Tower, on a charge of high treason. — His papers were delivered to the ministry, and contri- buted to facilitate a rupture with Holland, as among ^ them was found the sketch of a treaty of amity and commerce between the republic of Holland and tiie United States of America. In the beginning of the year 1781, an affair happened in America, from which expectations were formed by Sir Henry Clinton, that some considerable advantage might be derived to the royal cause. The long coiv tinuance of the war, and the difficulties under which the congress laboured, had prevented their troops from being properly supplied with necessaries and conve- liieiices. In consequence of this, on the 1st of January, 154 HISTORY OF THE the American troops that were hutted at Morristown, and who formed what was called the Pennsylvania line, turned out, being in number thirteen hundred, and de- clared, that they would serve no longer, unless their grievances were redressed, as they had not received their pay, or been furnished with the necessary cloth- ing or provisions. It is said, that they were somewhat inflamed with lifl[uor, in consequence of rum having been distributed to them more liberally than usual — new-year's day be- ing considered as a kind of festival. A riot ensued, in which an officer was killed, and four ^vounded ; five or six of the insurgents were also wounded. They then collected the artillery, stores, provisions, and wagons, and marched out of the camp. They marched by the quarters of Gen. Wayne, who sent a message to them, requesting them to desist, or the consequences would prove fatal. They refused, and proceeded on their march till the evening, when they iookpost on an advantageous piece of ground, and elected officers from among themselves. On the 2d, they marched to Middlebrook, and on the 3d to Princeton, where they fixed their quarters. On that day a flag of truce was sent to them from the officers of the American camp, with a message, desir- ing to know what were their intentions. Some of them answered, that they had already served longer than the time for which they were enlisted, and would serve no longer ; and others, that they would not return, unless their grievances were redressed. But at the same time they repeatedly, and in the strongest terms, denied being influenced by the least disaffection to the Ameri- can cause, or having any intention of deserting to the enemy. Intelligence of this transaction was soon conveyed to New-York. A large body of English troops were im- mediately ordered to hold themselves in readiness to move on the shortest notice, it being hoped that the American revolters might be induced to join the royal army. Messengers were also sent to them from Gen. AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 155 Clinton, acquainting them that they should directly be taken under the protection of the British government ; that they should have a free pardon for all former oH'ences ; and that the pay due to them from the con- gress, should be faithfully paid them, without any ex- pectation of military service, unless it should be volun- tary, upon condition of their laying down their arms, and returning to their allegiance. It was also recom- mended to them to move beyond the South river ; and they were assured, that a body of British troops should be ready to protect them whenever they desired it. These propositions were rejected with disdain ; and they even delivered up two of Sir Henry Clinton's mes- sengers to the congress. Joseph Reid, Esq. president, of the state of Pennsylvania, afterwards repaired to them at Princeton, and an accommodation took place. Such of them as had served out their full terms, were permitted to return to their homes ; and the others again joined the American army, upon receiving satisfac- tory assurances that their grievances should be redressed. Lord Cornwallis now began to make very vigorous exertions, in order to penetrate into North-Carolina. On the 1 1th of January his lordship's army was in mo- tion, and advancing toward that state ; but was some- what delayed by an attempt made by the Americans, under Gen. Morgan, to make themselves masters of the valuable district of Ninety-six. In order to prevent this. Lord Cornwallis detached liieut. Col. Tarleton, with three hundred cavalry, three hundred light infantry, the seventh regiment, the first battalion of the seventy-first regiment, and two three- pounders, to oppose the progress of Morgan, not doubt- ing that he wotdd be able to perform this service effect- ually. The British troops came up with the Americans under Gen. Morgan on the 17th of January. The Americans, two thirds of whom were militia, were drawn up in an open wood, at a place called the Cowpens, near Pacolet river. The British, besides their field pieces, had the advantage of five to four ia infantry, and of more than three to one in cavalry. 156 HISTORY OF THE The attack was begun by the first line of infantry, consisting of the seventh regiment, and a corps of light infantry, with a troop of cavalry placed on each flank. The first battalion of the seventy-first, and the remain- der of the cavalry, formed the reserve. The American line soon gave way, and their militia quitted the field ; upon which the royal troops, suppos- ing the victory already gained, engaged with ardour in the pursuit, and were thereby thrown into some dis- order. Gen. Morgan's corps, who were supposed to have been routed, then immediately faced about, and tisrew in a heavy fire upon the king's troops, which occasioned the utmost confusion among them ; and they were at length totally defeated by the Americans. Four hundred of the British infantry were either killed, wounded, or taken prisoners ; the loss of the cavalry was much less considerable ; but the two three- pounders fell into the hands of the Americans, together with the colours of the seventh regiment ; and all the detachment of royal artillery were either killed or wounded in defence of their colours. Lieut. Col. Tarleton then retreated to Hamilton's ford, near the mouth of Bullock's creek, carrying with him part of his baggage, and destroying the remainder. CHAPTER XXV. Lord Cornwallis crosses North-Carolina, and erects the kind's standard at Flillsborough. — Tories defeated by the Ameri- cans. — British under Gen. Arnold destroy stores, &c. at Richmond. — Cannon foundry at Westham destroyed. — British enter Wilmington. — Battle between the British un- der Lord Cornwallis and Americans under Gen. Greene, in which the latter is defeated. — Gen. Greene again de- feated by Lord Rawdon. — Destruction of stores, &g. in various parts of Virginia. X HE defeat of the troops under Lieut. Col. Tarleton was a severe stroke to. Lord Cornwallis, as the loss of his light infantry was a great disadvantage to him. The AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 15T day after the event, he employed in collecting t e r»- mains of Tarleton's corps, and in endeavouring to form a junction with Gen. Leslie, who had been ordered to march toward him with a body of British troops from Wynnesburgh. Considerable exertions were then madti by part of the army, without baggage, to retake thetpri- Koners in the hands of the Americans, and to intercept Gen, Morgan's corps, on its retreat to the Catawba. But that American officer, afier his defeat of Tarlo- ton, had made forced marches up into the country, and crossed the Catawba the evening belore a great rain^ which swelled the liver to such a degree, as to prevent the British aimy iVom crossing for several days ; during which time the British prisoners were got over th© Yadkin ; whence they pi'oceeded to Dan river, which they also passed, and, on the 14lh of February, had reached Court-house, in the state of Virginia. Lord Cornwaliis employed a halt of two days in col- lecting some flour, and in destroying superfluous baj{~ gage, and all his wagons, excepting thoL-ie laden with hospital stores, salt, and ammunition, and four reserved empty, in readiness for sick or wounded. Being thus freed from all unnecessary incumbrances, he marchess through North Carolina with great rapidity, and pene- trated to the remotest extremities of tliat state, on the banks of the Dan. His progress was sometimes im- peded by parties of the mililia, and some skirmishes en- sued, but he met with no very considerable opposition On the first of Febi'uary, the British troops crossed the Catawba at M'Cowan's Ford, where Gen. David- son with a party of American militia, was posted, in order to oppose their passage; but he falling by the fii*3t dis- charge, the royal troops made good their landing, and the militia retreated. When Ijord Cornwaliis arrived at Hillsborough, he erected the king's standard, and in- vited, by proclamation, all loyal subjects to repair to it, and to stand forth and take an active part in assisting hia lordship to restore order and government. He had been taught to believe that the king's fflenda 14 158 HISTORY OF THE were numvTous in that part of the country : «t the erent dlil not confirm the truth of the representations ti)at had been given, 'i'he royalists were hut few in number, and some of them too timid to join the king's standard. 'i'iiere were, indeed, about two hundred, v%ho were proceeding to lliiisboroiigh, under Col. Pyie, in oj(i«M' to avow their attaclmient to the royal cause ; but tlicy were met accidentuily, and surrounded by a detachment of (lie American army, by whom a numli^r oi" {!iem are said to liave beerj killed when they were begofng for quai'ter.-;, without nrakiugthe least resistance. Meanwhile Gen. Greene was marcliing with great exped'tion, \vilh tiie troops under his comuiand, in order to i'orm a junction with other corps of American troops, that lie might thereby be eniibled to put some effectual sto}» to the progress of Lord Cornwallis. In other places, some considerable advantages were obtained by the royal arms. On the 4111 of January, «ome 5-hips of war, witii a number of transports, on board of which was a large body of troops, under the conuiv.ii.d of Brig. Gea. Arnold, arrived at Weslover, about one hursdred and forty miles from the Capes of \irainia, where the troops immediately landed, and inarc'ied to Kichmond : which they re:)ched without opposition, the militia that was collected having retreat- ed on their approach. liieut. Col. Simcoe marched from hence, with a de- tachment of British troops, to Westliam, where they destroyed one of the finest foundries for cannon in .\merica, and a large quantity of stores and cannon. — den. Arnold, on his arrival at Richmond, found there large quantities of salt, rum, sail-cloth, and tobacco, the la^-Jt of which he destroyed to a very great amount. The British troops afterwards attacked and dispersed *«cme small parties of the Americans, took some stores send a (e\v pieces of cannon, and on the 20th of Januaiy giiarched into Portsmouth. On the 25th, Capt. Barclay, with several ships of "^ar, and a bodv of troops under the command of Maj. AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 159 Craig, arrived in Cape Fear river. The troops landed about nine miles IVom VVihninu:ton, and on the 28th en- tered that town. It was understood that their having possession of that town, and being masters of Cape Fear river, would be productive of very beneficial eifects to Lord Cornwallis' army. Gen. Greene, having e fleeted a junction about the 10th of March, with a continental regiment of what were called eighteen months men, and two large bodies of militia, belonging to Virginia and North-Carolina, formed a resolution to attack the British troops under the com- mand of Lord Cornwallis. The American army marched from High Rock Ford on the 12th of the month, and on the 14th arrived at Guilford. Lord Cornwallis, from the information he had re- ceived of the motions of the American general, con- cluded what were his designs. As they approached mor« nearly to each other, a few skirmishes ensued between some advanced parties, in which the advantage was sometimes gained by the Americans, and sometimes by the British. On the morning of the 15th, Lord Cornv/allis marched with his troops at day-break, in order to meet the Ame- ricans, or to attack tliem in their encampment. — About foul mlle3 from Guilford, the advanced guard of the Bri- tish army, commanded by Lieut. Col. Tarleton, fell in with a corps of the Americans, consisting of iiieut. Col. Lee's legion, some Back Mountain men, and Virginia militia, with whom he had a severe skirmish, and was at length obliged to retreat. The greater part of the country in which the action happened was a wilderness, with a i'ew cleared fields interspersed. The American army was posted on a ri- sing ground, about a mile and a half from Guilford Court- house. It was drawn up in three lines ; the front line was composed of the North-Carolina m.ilitia, under the command of Generals Butler and Eaton ; the second line, of Virginia militia, commanded by Generals Ste- vens and Lawson, forming two brigades ; the third line, consisting of two brigades, one of Virginia, and one of 1^ HISTORY OF THE Maryland continental troops, commanded by General Huger and Col. Williams. Lieut. Col. Washington, with the dragoons of the first and third regiments, a detachment of light infantry, composed of contineiital troops, and a regiment of rifle- men under Col. Lynch, formed a corps of observation for the security of their right flank. Lieut. Col. Lee, with his legion, a detachment of light infantry, and a corps of riflemen under Col. Campbell, formed a corps of observation for the security of their left flank. The attack of the American army was directed by Lord Cornwallis, to be made in the following order :— On the right, the regiment of Bose, and the seventy-first regiment, led by Major Gen. Leslie, and supported by the first battal'on of guards ; on the left, the twenty-third and thirty-third regiments, led by Lieut. Col. Webster, and supported by the grenadiers and second battalion of fuards commanded by Brigadier Gen. O'Hara ; the agers and light infantry of the guards, remained in a wood on the left of the guns, and the cavalry in the road, »eady to act as circumstances might require. About half an hour alter one in the afternoon, the action commenced by a cannonade, which lasted about twenty minutes ; when the British troops advanced in three columns, and attacked the North-Carolina brig- ades with great vigour, and soon obliged a part of these troops to quit the field ; but the Virginia militia gave them a warm reception, and kept up a heavy fire for a long time, till, being beaten back, the action became ge- neral almost every where. The American corps undei Colonels W^ashington and Lee, were also warmly en gaged, and did considerable execution. Lieut. Col. Tarleton had directions to keep his ca- valry compact, and not to charge without positive or- ders, excepting to protect any of the corps from the most evident danger of being defeated. The excessive thickness of the woods rendered the British bayonets of little use, and enabled the broken corps of the Ameri- cans to make frequent stands with an irregular fire. The second battalion of the guards first gained the AMERICAN REVOLUTIOIC. 161 clear ground near Guilford court-house, and found a corps of continental infantry, superior in number, form- ed in an open field near the road. Desirous of signal- izing themselves, they immediately attacked and soon defeated them, taking two six-pounders ; but as they pursued the Americans into the woods with too much ardour, they were thrown into confusion by a heavy fire, and instantly charged and driven back into the field by Lieut. Col. Washington's dragoons, with the loss of the two six-pounders they had taken. But the American cavalry were afterwards repulsed, and the two six-pounders again fell into the hands of the British troops. The British troops, having at length broken the se- cond Maryland regiment, and turned the left flank of the Americans, got into the rear of the Virginia brig- ade, and appeared to be gaining their right, which would have encircled the whole of the continental troops, when Gen. Greene thought it prudent to order a retreat. Many of the American militia dispersed in the woods, but the continental troops retreated in ^ood order, to Reedy Fork river, and crossed at the ford about three miles from the field of action, and there halted. When they had collected their stragglers, they retreated to the ironworks, ten miles distant from Guilford, where they encamped. They lost their artillery, and two wagons laden with ammunition. It was a hard fought action, and lasted an hour and a half. Of the British troops, the loss, as stated by Lord Cornwallls, was five hundred and thirty-two killed, wounded, and missing. General Greene, in his account of the action transmitted to the congress, stated the loss of the continental troops, to amount to three hundred and twenty-nine killed, wounded, and missing ; but he made no estimate of the loss of the militia, which was somewhat more than one hundred. Lieut. Col. Stuart was killed in the action ; and Lieut. Colonel Webster, and Captains Schutz, Maynard, and Goodrich, died of the wounds that they had received 14 * 1^5 HiStORY OF THg ixi it. Brier. Gen. O'Hara, Brii^. Gen. Howard, and Lieut. Col. Tarleton, were also woun;led. Of the Ame- ricans, t!>e principal officer killed was Major Anderson, of the Maryland line, and Generals Stevens and Iluger were wou sided. The British troops underwent great hardships in the course of this campaiixn ; and in a letter of Lord Corn- wallis to Lord George Germaine, dated P»Iarch 17th, he observed, that " the soldiers had heen three days with- out bread." His lordship quitted Guilford three days after the battle which was fought in that place ; and on the 7th of April, after a retreat marked wilii proofs of ^reat alarm and precipitalioii, arrived in the neighbour- hood of Wilminyton. Soon aft;er, (»en. Greene, notu-ithstandlnf; his late de- feat, endeavoured to make some viuorous attempts ^jj^ainst the kin^j's forces in Soiith-Carolina. Lord Rawdon had been appointed to (h^fend the post of Cam- den, with about eight hundred I^riiish and provincials; ftnd on the iOth of April Gen. Greene appeared before that place, with a large body of coatineniaJs and militia. He found it, hoxvever, imposs;!)!e to attempt to storm ilie tov;n with any prospect of success ; and therefore endeavoured to take such a positiorj as should induce the British troops to sally from their works. He posted the Americans about a mile from the town, on an eminence which was covered with wood, and idanked cii the left by an impassable swamp. But on t)je morning of the 25th, Lord Rawdon marched out of Camden, and attacked Gen. Greene in his camp.—- The Anii-ricans made a vigorous resistance, but were at length compelled to give way; and the pursuit is said to have been continued three miles. For some time after tliC action commenced, General Greene entertained great hopes of defeating the Brit- ish troops ; in which, as the Americans were superior hi point of numbers, he would probably have succeed- ed, had not some capital military errors been commit- ted by one or two of the officers who served under hixsa. On the American side, Col. Washington had be* AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 168 fiaved extremely well in this action, having made up- wards of two hundred of the English prisoners, with ten or twelve officers, before he perceived that the Americans were abandonin«r the field of battle. The loss of the Knglish was about one hundred killed and woundfd. Upwards of one hundred Americanu were taken prisoners ; and, according to the account published by Gen. Greene, they had one hundred and twenty-six killed and wounded. After this action. Gen. Greene retreated to Rugeley's mills, twelve miles from Camden, in order to collect his troops and wait for reinibi'cenients. NotwlthslaiUiing the advantage which Lord Rawdoft had obtained ()v«m' Gen. Greene at CAmden, that noble- man soon after found it necessary, havin:^ burned the jail, mills, many private houses, and a part of his owa qaggage, to (juit that post ; and the Americans made themselves masters of several other po^ts that were oc- cupied by the king's troops, and the garrisons of which were obliged to surrender themselves prisoners o/ war. 1'hese troops were afterwards exchanged jmdera cartel which took place between Lord Cornwallls and Gen, Greene, for the release of all prisoners of v/ar in the southern district. After these events, Gen. Greene laid close siege to Ninety-six, whlcti was considered as the most com- manding and important of all the posts in the back country; and Oii the 19th of June he attempted to storm the garrison, but was repulsed by th^ gallantry of the Britisli troops, with the loss of about one hundred and fifty killed, wounded and missing. Gen. Greene then raised the siege, and retired with his army behind the Saluda, to a strong situation, within sixteen mile* of Ninety-six. On the 18th of April, a large body of British troops, tinder the command of Maj. Gen. Philips and Brig. Gen. Arnold, embarked at Portsmouth, in Virginia, ia order to proceed on an expedition for the purpose of destroying some of the American stores. A party of light iafantry were seut ten or twelve miles up th« 1*64 HISTORY OF THE Chic a omany ; where they destroyed several armed ships, sundry ware-houses, and the American state ship yards. At Petersburgh, the English destroyed four thousand hogsheads of tobacco, one ship, and a number of small vessels on the stocks and in the river. At Chesterfield court-house, they burnt a range of barracks for two thousand men, and three hundred barrels of flour. At a place called Osborn's, they made themselves masters of several vessels loaded with cord- age and flour, and destroyed about two thousand hogs- heads of tobacco, and sundry vessels were sunk and burnt. At Warwick, they burnt a magazine of five hundred barrels of flour, some fine mills belonging to Col. Carey, a lar^e range of public rope walks and store houses, tan and bark houses full of hides and bark, and great quan- tities of tobacco. A like destruction of stores and goods was made in other parts of Virginia. CHAPTER XXVI. Action between the French and Eng-lish fleets, off the Capes of Virginia. — Americans defeated by Lieut. Col. Simcoe. — Action near the Green Springs. — Action at Eutaw Springs. — New-London, Conn, burnt by the British. — Fort Gris" wold taken. — Gen. Washington marches toward Virginia. — Lord Cornwallis takes post at Yorktown and Gloucester. X* ROM the account already given of some of the prin- cipal military operations of the present year, it appears, that though advantages had been gained by the royal troops, yet no event had taken place, from which it could rationally be expected that the final termination of the war would be favourable to Great Britain. It was also a disadvantage to the British, that there was a misunderstanding between Admiral Arbuthnot and Sir Henry Clinton, and a mutual disapprobation of each other's conduct. This was manifest from their des- patches to government, and especially from those of AMERICAN REVOLUTION. IGvS Oen. Clinton, whose expressions respecting the con- duct of the Admiral, were by no means equivocal. On the 16th of March, 1781, a partial action hap- pened off the Capes of Virginia, between the fleet under Admiral Arbuthnot, consisting of seven ships of the line, and one fifty gun ship, and a French squadron, consist- ing of the same number of sliips of the line, and one forty gun ship. Some of the ships in both fleets re- ceived considerable damage in the action, and the loss of the English was tliirty killed, and seveniy-Lhree wounded; but no ship was taken on either side. The British fleet, however, claimed the advantage ; as the French were obliged to retire, and were supposed to be prevented by this action from carrying troops into the Chesapeake, in order to attack Gen. Arnold, and impede the progress of Lord Cornwallis. But it was an unfortunate circum- stance 'or them, that some time before this engagement, the Romulus, a ship of forty-four guns, was captured by the French, oH" the Capes of Virginia. Lord Cornvvallis, alter his victory over Gen. Greene at Guilford, proceeded, as we have seen, to Wilming- ton, where he arrived on the 7th of April. But be- fore he reached that place, he published a piorlamation, calling upon all loyal subjects to stand forth and take an active part in restoring good order and government ; and declaring to all persons who had engaged in the present rebellion against his majesty's authority, bui who were now convinced of their error, and desirous of returning to their duty and allegiance, that if they would surrejider themselves, with their arms and ammu- nition, at head quarters, or to the oificers commanding in the districts contiguous to their respective places of residence, on or before the 20th of that month, they would be permitted to return to their homes, upon giving a military parole ; they would be pro- tected, in their persons and property, from all violence from the British troops; and would be restored, as soon as possible, to all the privileges of legal and consti- tutional government. But it does not appear that 166 HISTORY 0» THE any considerable number of the Americans were allured by these promises, to give any evidence of the attach- ment to the royal cause. On the 20th of May his lordship arrived at Peters- burgh, in Virginia, where he joined a body of British troops that had been under the command of Maj. Gen. Philips; but the command of which, in consequence of the death of that officer, had devolved upon Brig, Gen. Arnold. Before this juuctioti, he had encounter- ed considerable inconveniences from the difficulty of procuring provisions and forage ; so thnt in a letter to Sir Henry Clinton, he informed him that his cavalry wanted every thing, and his infantry eveiy thing but ehoes. He added, that he had experienced the distresses of marching hundreds of miles in a country chiefly hostile, without one active or usefiil friend, without in- telligence, and without communications with any part of the country. On the 26th of June, about six miles from Williams- burgh, Lieut. Col. Simcoe, and three hundi-ed and Ri'ty of the queen's rangers, with eighty moun.ted Yagers, were attacked by a much superior body of the Ameri- cans ; but whom they repulsed with great gallantry and with equal success, making four officers and twenty private men prisoners. The loss of the Americans in this action is said to have been upwards of one hundred and twenty, and that of the British troops not more tlian forty. On the 6th of July, an action happened near the Green Springs, in Virginia, between a reconnoitering party of the Americans, under Gen. Wayne, amount- ing to about ei»ht hundred, and a large party of the British under Lord Cornwallis ; in which the Ameri- cans had one hundred and twenty-seven killed and wounded, and the loss of the royal troops is supposed to have been considerably greater. It was an action in which no small degree of military skill and courage was exhibited by the Americans. In a variety of skir- mislies, the Marcj^uis de la Fayette ver much distia AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 167 giilshed himself, and displayed the utmost ardour in thft Americnn cause. In South-Carolina, an action happened on the 9th of September, near the Eutaw Springs, between a large body of Britisii troops, under the command of Lieut. Col. Stuart, and an equal body of Americans, under the command of Gen. Creene. It was an obstinate en- gagement, and lasteil near two hours. Tlie British, villi considerable loss, were, in the first part of the battle, routed in all (juaj-ters ; but some having taken post in a piqueted uarden, and others thrown them- selves into a brick house, the eau^erness of the Ameri- can pursuit was co:isiderabIy checked, and gave Col. Stuart an opportunity, on the evening of the next day, to abandon Kutaw, aisd march lowai'd Charleston, tak- ing a number of his wounded, and about one thousand stands of arms. In the course of the same month. Gen. Arnold was sent on an ex[)('diiiou a^a'uist New- London, in Connec- ticut, where he tieslroyed a great part of the shipping, and an Immense (piantity of naval stores, European manufactures, and East and West-India commodities. The town itself was also burnt, whicli was said, hut un- truly, to have l)eert up.av there- fore resolved, that any man, or body of men, in Ame- rica, who should presume to make any separate or partial convention or agreement with the king of Great Britain, or with any commissioner or commissioners under the crown of Great Britain, ought to be considered and treated as open and avowed enemies of the United States of America ; and also that the United States could not with propriety hold any conference or treaty Avith Great Britain, unless that government should, as a preliminary thereto, either withdraw their fleets and armies, or else, in positive and express terms, acknowledge the indepen- dence of the said states. It was likewise resolved, that any propositions which might be made by the court of Great Britain, in any manner tending to violate the treaty subsisting between the United States and the king of France, ou«.»;ht to be treated with every mark of in- dignity and contempt. In the month of June, the town of Savannah, and the ^vhole province of Georgia were evacuated by the Bri- tish troops ; as was also Charleston, in South-Carolina, about the close of the year. In the mean time, the negotiations being continued, provisional articles of peace were signed at Paris, on the 30th of November, by the commissioner of his Britannic majesty and the American commissioners, in which his majesty acknowledged the united provinces of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 175 and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New- York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virgi- nia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia to be They had declared themselves to be such on the 4th of July, 1773 ; they had been acknowledged as such by the king of France, on the 30th of January, 1778, when he concluded with them a treaty of aniity and commerce ; Holland had acknowledged them as such, April 19th, 1782 ; Sweden acknowledged them as such, February 6th, 1783 ; Denmark, the 25th of February, Spain in March, and Russia in July, of the same year. The definitive treaty was signed on the 3d of Sep- tember, 1783 ; and on the 25th of November follow- ing, the British troops evacuated the city of New-York, which was immediately entered by the Americans, in a joyful and well conducted procession, headed by Gen. Washington and Gov. Clinton. Soon after this event, the soldiers of the American army, cheerfully resuming the character of citizens, returned peaceably to tiieir respective homes ; while their beloved and ever honoured commauder, having taken a pathetic leave of his officers, repah-ed to Anna- polis ; and on the 23d of December, at an audience with congress, (perhaps the most singular and interesting that ever occurred,) resigned his commission into the hands of the president of that honourable body, amid the acclamations of his grateful and admiring countrymen. According to the report of the committee appointed for that purpose, the foreign debt of the United States incurred by the war, amounted to §7,885,085, and the domestic debt to §35, 115,290, equal to 9,450,084/. sterling. But the cost to Great Britain is moderately estimated at 115,645, 914/. As to the loss of men du- ring this war, the United States, according* to authentic estimates, lost by the sword and in prison, near eighty thousand men ; and by the British returns at New- York, the number of soldiers killed in the service, amounted to forty-three thousand six hundred and thirty -three. A^^mnBas. GENERAL ORDER, ISSUED BY GENERAL WASHINGTON, ON THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES. Head-Quarters, Newburgh, April, 18, 1783. jl he commander-in-chief orders the cessation of hoss- tilities between the United States of America and the king of Great Britain, to be publicly proclaimed to-mo?- rovv at 12 o'clock, at the new building ; and that the proclamation which will be communicated herewith, be read to-morrow evening, at the head of every Vegiment and corps of the army ; after which, the chaplains, with the several brigades, will render thanks to Almighty God for all his mercies, particularly for his over-ruling the wrath of man to his own glory, and causing the rage of war to cease among the nations. Although the proclamation before alluded to, extends only to the prohibition of hostilities, and not to the an- nunciation of a general peace, yet it must aflbrd the most rational and sincere satisfaction to every benevolent mind, as it puts a period to a long- and doubtful contest — stops the effusion of human blood — opens the prospect to a more splendid scene— and, like another morning star, promises the approach of a brighter day than has hitherto illuminated this western hemisphere ! On such a happy day — a day which is the harbinger of peace — a day which completes the eighth year of the war, it would be ingratitude not to rejoice : it would be insensibility not to participate in the general felicity. The commander-in-chief, far from, endeavouring to itifle the feelings of joy in his own bosom, offers his 178 APFEKDIX. most cordial congratulations on the occagion, to all the officers of every denomination — to all the troops of the United States in general, and in particular to those gal- lant and persevering men, who had resolved to defend the rights of their invaded country so long as the war should continue ; for these are the men who ought to be con- sidered as the pride and boast of the American army, and who, crowned with well earned laurels, may soon withdraw from the field of glory to the more tranquil walks of civil life. While the genera] recollects the almost infinite variety cff scenes through vi^hich we have passed, with a mixtura of pleasure, astonishment, and gratitude — while he con- templates the prospects before us with rapture — he can- not help wishing that all the brave men, of whatever condition they may be, who have shared in the toils and dangers of effecting this glorious revolution, of rescuing millions from the hand of oppression, and of laying the foundation of a great empire, might be impressed Tr:t.h j*. proper ides* of the dignified part they have been called to act (under tiie smiles of Providence) on the stage of human affairs ; for happy, thrice happy, shall they be pronounced hereafter, who have contributed any tiling, who have performed the meanest office in ei'ecting this stupendous /rt6nc of Freedom and Empire, on the broad basis of Independence ; who have assisted in protecting the rights of human nature, and establish- ing an asylum for the poor and oppressed of all nations and religions. The glorious task for which we first flew to arms, be- ing thus accomplished — the liberties of our country be- in^ fully acknowledged and firmly secured, by the smiles of Heaven on the purity of our cause, and the honesi exertions of a feeble people, determined to be free, against a powerful nation disposed to oppress them : and the character of those who have persevered through every extremity of hardship, suffering, and danger, be- ijig immortalized by the illu-strious appellation of Uia Fatriot Army, nothing now remains but for the actoi'a of this mighty scena to preserve a perfect, unvarying APPENDIX. 179 eonsisteney of character through the very last act ; to close the drama with applause ; and to retire from the military theatre with the same approbation of angels and men, which have crowned all their former virtu- ous actions. For this purpose, no disorder or licentiousness must be tolerated ; every considerate and well disposed sol- dier must remember,, it will be absolutely necessary to wait with patience, until peace shall be declared, or congress shall be enabled to take proper measures for the security of the public stores, &c. As soon as these arrangements shall be made, the general is confident there will be no delay in discharging, with every mark of distinction and honour, all the men enlisted for the war, who will then have faithfully performed their en- gagements with the public. The general has already interested himself in their behalf; and he thinks he^need not repeat the assurances of his disposition to be useful to them on the present, and every otlier proper^occasion. In the mean time, he is determined that no military ne- glects or excesses shall go unpunished, while he retains the command of the army. The adjutant-general will have such working parties detached to assist in making the preparation for a gene- ral rejoicing, as the chief engineer, with the army, shall call for; and the quarter-master-general will/also fur- Dish such materials as he may want. The quarter-mas- ter-general will, without delay,- procure such a number of discharges to be printed as will be sufficient for all the men enlisted for the war ; he will please to apply to -head quarters for the form. An extra ration of liquor to be issued to every man to-morrow, to drinli perpetual peace, independence, AND HAPPINESS, TO THE UwiTED STATES OF AjMEEJOA. 1 80 APPENDIX. ADDRESS OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. i;nited states, in congress assembled. Princeton, August 26, 1783. Recording to order, Gen. Washino;ion attended, and be- ing introduced by two members^ the President addressed him as follows : Sir, Congress feel particular pleasure in seeing your ex- cellency, and in congratulating you on the success of a war, in which you have acted so conspicuous a part. It has been the singular happiness of the United States," that during a war, so long, so dangt rtius, and so impor- tant, Providence has been graciously pleased to preserve the life of a general, who has merited and possessed the uninterrupted confidence aiid afiVction of his fellow ci- tizens, la other nations many have performed services, for which they have deserved and received the thanks of the public ; but to you, sir, peculiar praise is due.- Youi services have been essential in acquiring and esta- blishing the freedom and independence of your coun- try. They deserve the grateful acknowledgments of a free and independent nation. — Those acknowledgments, congress have the satisfaction of expressing to your ex- cellency. Hostilities have now ceased, but your country stiff needs your services. She wishes to avail herself of your talents in forming the arrangements which will be necessary for her in the time of peace. For this rea- son your attendance at congress has been requested.-— A committee is appointed to confer with your excellen- cy, and to receive your assistance in preparing and d»- getting planA relative to those important objects. APPENDIX, 181 GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ANSWER. Mr. President, I AM too sensible of the honourable reception I h^yre now experienced, not to be penetrated with the deepest feelings of gratitude. Notwithstanding congress appear to estimate the value of my life beyond any services I have been able to render the United States, yet I must be permitted to consider the wisdom and unanimity of our national councils, the firmn ss of our citizens, and the patience and bravery of our troops, which have produced so happy a tei»i^?kiatio .s of the war, as the most conspicuous effect of the divine interposition, and the surest presage of our future happiness. Highly gratified by the favourable sentiments which congre.ss are pleased to express of my past conduct, and amply rewarded by the confidence and affection of my fellow citizens, 1 cannot hesitate to contribute my best endeavours toward the establishment of the national security, in whatever manner the sovereign power may think proper to direct, until the ratification of the de- finitive treaty of peace, or the final evacuation of our country by the British forces ; after either of which events, I shall ask permission to retire to the peaceful fihade of private life. Perhaps, sir, no occasion may offer more suitable than the present, to express my humble thanks to God and my grateful acknowledgments to my country, for the great and uniform support I have received in every vicissitude o,f fortune, and for the many distinguished honours which congress have been pleased to coiifep upon me in the course of the war. IG 182 APPENDIX. FAREWELL ORDERS OF GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES. Rocky-Hill, near Princeton. Nov. 2, 1783. Thf. ITn'fpi^ Stntp'^ ill r,r!»i;r.-ess 3.r?spniblfH. after eion which called for such endeavours. But while we thank your excellency for these exertions in favour of the troops you have so successfully commanded, we pray it may be believed, that in this sentiment our own par^ ticular interests have but a secondary place ; and thai even the ultimate ingratitude of the people (were tha« possible) could not shake the patriotism of those whi suffer by it. Still with pleasing wonder, and with grate ful joy, shall we contemplate the glorious conclusion oi our labours. To that merit in the revolution, which, under the auspices of Heaven, the ai'mles have displayed, posterity will do justice ; and the sons will blush, whose fathers were I heir foes. Most gladly would we cast a veil on every act which sullies the reputation of, our country — never should the page of history be stained Avith its dishonour — even from our mem.ories should the idea be erased. We lament the opposition to those salutary measures which the wisdom of the union has planned ; measures which alone can recover and fix on a permanent basis the cre- dit of the states ; measures which are essential to the justice, the honour, and interest of the nation. — While she was givino^ the noblest proofs of magnanimity, with conscious pride we saw her growing fam.e ; and, regard- less of present sufferings, we looked forward to the end of our toils and dangers, to brighter scenes in prospect. There we beheld the genius of our country dignified by sovereignty and independence, supported by justice, and adorned with every liberal virtue. There we saw pa- tient husbandry fearless extend her cultured fields, and animated commerce spread her sail? to every wind. There we beheld fair science lift her head, with all the arts attending in her train. There, blest with freedom, we saw the human mind expand; and, throwing aside the restraints which confined it to the narrow bounds of country, it embraced the world. Such were our fond hopes, and with such delightful prospects did they pre* cent us. Nor are we disappointed. Those animating prospects are now changed and changing to realities $ IB8 APPENDIX. ■nd actively to have contributed to their production, is our pride, our calory. But justice alone can t^ive them stability. In that justice we still believe. Still we hope, that the prejudices of the misinformed will be removed, and the arts of false and selfish popularity, addressed to the feelings of avarice, defeated : or, in the worst event, the world, we hope, will make the just distinction : vva trust the disintjenuousness of a few will not sully the re- putation, the honour, and dignity, of the great and re- spectable majority of the states. We are happy in the opportunity just presented of congratulating your excellency on the certain conclu- sion of the definitive treaty of peace. Relieved at length from long suspense, our warmest wish is to return to the bosom of our country, to resume the character of citizens ; and it will be our highest ambition to become useful ones. To your excellency, this great event must be peculiarly pleasing : for while at the head of her ar- mies, urged by patriot virtues and magnanimity, you per- severed, under the pressure of every possible difficulty and discouragement, in the pursuit of the great objects of the war — the freedom and safety of your country ; your heart panted for the tranquil enjoyments of peace. We cordially rejoice with you, that the peiiod of indulg- ing them has arrived so soon. In contemplating the blessings of liberty and independence, the rich prize of eight years hardy adventure, past sufferings will be for- gotten ; or, if remembered, the recollection will serve to heighten the relish of present happiness. We sincerely pray God that this happiness may long be yours ; and that when you quit the stage of human life, you may re- ceive from the unerring Judge, the rewards of valour exerted to save the oppressed, of patriotism, and disitt- terested virtue. APPENDIX* 180 ADDRESS OF GENERAL WASHINGTON TO CONGRESS, ON RESIGNING HIS MILITARY COMMISSION. December 23, 1783. Mr. President, The great ev^ents on which my resignation depended havinar at 1enji:th taken place, I have now the honour of offerins: my sincere consfratulations to congress, and of presentino: myself before them, to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indul- gence of retiring: from the service of my country. Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United States, of becominp^ a respectable nation, I resign with satisfaction the appointment 1 accented with diiiidpnce — a diffidence in my nbillties to accomplish SO arduous a task ; which, however, was superseded by » confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the supp rt of the supreme power of the union, and the patronage of Heaven. ^ The successful termination of the war has verified tho most sanguine expectations ; and my 2:ratitude for tha interposition of Providence, and the assistance I have re- ceived from my countrymen, increases with every review of the momentous contest. "VMiile I repeat my obligations to the army in creneraJ, I should do injustice to my own feeling's not to acknow ledge in this place, the peculiar services and distinguish- ed merits of the gentlemen who have been attached to my person during the war. It was impossible the choice of confidential officers to com;">ose my family ehould have been more fortunate. Permit me, sir, to recommend in particular, those who have continued in the service to the present moment, as worthy of the fa- vourable notice and patronage of congress. I consider it an indispensable duty to close this la^ act of my official life by recommending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, 190 APPENDIX. and those who have the superintendence of them to hia holy keeping. Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action, and bidding an affection- ate farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission, and take leave of all the employments of public life THE ANSWER. Sir, The United States, in conjyress assembled, receive, with emotions too affecting for utterance, the solemn resignation of the authorities under which you have led their troops with success through a perilous and a doubt- ful war. Called upon by your country to defend its in- vaded rights, you accepted the sacred charge, before it had formed alliances, and while it was vvitliout funds or a government to support you. You have conducted the great military contest with wisdom and fortitude, inva- riably regarding the rights of the civil power through ail disasters and changes. You have, by the love and con- fidence of your fellow-citizens, enabled them to display their martial genius, and transmit their fame to posterity. You have persevered, till these United States, aided by a magnamimous king and nation, have been enabled, un- der a just Providence, to close the war in freedom, safe- ty, and independence ; on which happy event we sin- cerely join you in congratulations. Having defended the standard of liberty in this new world : having taught a lesson useful to those who inflict, and to those who feel oppression, you retire from the great theatre of action, with the blessini^s of your fellow, citizens — but the glory of your virtues will not terminate with your military command ; it will continue to animate remotest ages. We feel will you our obligations to the army in ge- neral, and m\} pai'ticularly charge oui-selves with the APPENDIX. I9i interests of those confidential officers, who have attended your person to this affecting moment. We join you in commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almiii^hty God, be- seeching him to dispose the hearts and mincis of its citi- zens, to improve tlie opportunity aff(trded them, of be- c®ming a happy and respectable nation. And for you we address to him our earnest prayers, that a hfe so beloved, may be fostered with all his care: that youp days may he happy as tliey have been illustrious; and that he will finally give you that reward which this world cannot give. THE CONSTITUTIOxN OF THE We the people of the United States, in onier to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domes- tic tranquillity, provide for the common defence, pro- mote the sj^eneral welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the United States of America. ARTICLE I. Section 1. All lej^islative powers herein granted shall be Tested in a congress of the United Slates, which shall consist of Si Senate and a House of Representatives. Sec. 2. The house of representatives shall be composed of members chosen every second year by the people of the seve- ral states, and the electors in each stale shall have the quali- fications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the state leg-islature. i No person shall be a representative who shall not have at- tained to the aj^e of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in whicii he shall be chosen. Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned amoQg 192 APPENDIX. the several states which may be included within this Unioa, according to their respective numbers, which shall be deter* mined by adding to the whole number of free persons, uicIh- ding' those bound to service for a term of three years, and ex- cluding- Indians not taxed, three fifllis of all other persons. The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting ofthe congress of the United States, "and withia every subsequent term often years, in such manner Ji^they shall by law direct.— The number of representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand, but each state shall have at least one representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the state of New-Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Provi- dence plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New- Jersey, four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Mviryland six, Virginia ten, North-Carolina five, South- Carolina five, and Georgia three. When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, the executive authority thereof shall issue writs of elec- tion to fill such vacancies. The house of representatives shall choose their speaker and other officers; and shall have the sole power of impeachment. Sec 3. The senate of the United States shall be composed of two senators from <'ach state, chosen by the legislature there- of, for six years ; and each senator shall have one vote. Immediately after they shall be assembled m consequence of the first election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. The seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year, of the second class at the expiration of tiie fourth year, and of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one third may be chosen every second year; and if vacancies happen by resignation, or otherwise, during the recess of the legisla- ture of any state, the executive thereof may make temporary appointments until the next meeting of the legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies. No person shall be a senator, who shall not have attained to the age of thirty years, aud been nine years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabit- ant of that state for which he shall be chosen. The vice-president of the United States shall be president of the senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally di- rided. The senate shall choose their other ofl&cers, and also a pre- sident, pro tempore^ in the absence of the vice-president, or when he shall exercise the office of the president of the United States. The senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. Whea sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath oraffirma" APPENDIX. 195 tion. When the president of the United States is tried, the chief justice shall preside : and no person shall be convicted, without the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present. Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honour, trust, or profit, under the United States ; but the party convicted shall, nevertheless, be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment, according to law. Sec. 4. The times, places, and manner of holding elections for senators and representatives, shall be prescribed in each state, by the legislature thereof ; but the congress may, at any. time, b}' law, make or alter such regulations, except as to the places of choosing senators. The congress shall assemble at least once in every year; and such meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by law appoint a different day. Sec 5. Each house shall be the judge of the elections, re- turns, and qualifications, of its own members ; and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business ; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorised to compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties, as each house may provide. Each house may determine the rules of its proceeding, pun- ish its members for disorderly behaviour, and, with the con- currence of two thirds, expel a member. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such parts ag may, in their judgment, require secrecy ; and the yeas and nays of the members of either house on any question, shall, at the desire of one fifth of those present, be entered on the jour- nal. Neither house, during the session of congress, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting. Sec. 6. The senators and representatives shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the treasury of the United States. They shall, in all cases, except treason, felony and breach of the peace, b6 privileged from arrest, during tlieir attendance at the session of their respective houses, and in going to or returning from the same ; and for any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be questioned in any other place. No senator or representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United States, which shall have been cre- ated, or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased, during such time ; and no person holding any office under the 17 194 APPENDIX. United States, shall be a member of either house during bi§ continuance in office. Sec. 7. All bills for raising- revenue shall orig-inate in the house of representatives ; but the senate may propose or con- ■ cur with amendments as on other bills. Every bill which sliali have passed the house of representa- tives and the senate shall, before it becomes a law, be pre- sented to the president of the United States ; if he approve ho shall si^n it, but if not he shall return it, with his objections, to that house in which it shall have orig-iaated, who shall en- ter the objections at larg'e on their journal, and proceed to re- f^onsider it. If after such re-consi ieration, two-thirds of that house sliall a^ree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, tog-ather v/ith the objections to the other house, by which it shall like- wise be re-consiilered, and if apj)r()vcd by two-thirds of that houso if sh.iU become a law. But in all such cases the votes of both lionsos shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the aarnes of th^ persons voting for and ag-ainst the bill shall be onterc.l oti the journal of each house res:)ectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the president within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been nresente i to him, the samo hhallbe a law, \u Vdio manner as if he had signed it, unless the coiigress, by ihe;r adjournment, prevent its return ; in which case it shall not be a law. Every order, resolution, or vote, to wtiich the concurrence of the s;?nate and house of repiesentalives may be necessary, (except on a question of adj(,-.irnment,) shall be presented to the president of the United States; and before the same shall take effect, shall be approved by him, or being- disapproved by lam, shall be re-passed by two thirds of the senate and )iOusc of representatives, according to the rules and limitalona proscribed in the case of a bill. Sec. 8. The congress shall have power — To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises , to pay the debts, and provide for the common defence and ge- neral welfare of the United States; but all duties, imp- ists, and excises shall be uniform throughout the United Statis; To borrow money on the credit of the United States : To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and amon^ the »everal states, and with the Indian tribes: To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniPorra kws on the subject of bankruptcies, throughout the Uttaied Istatcs : To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreij^D coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures : To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securi- ties and current coin of the United Slates: To establish post-offices and post-roads . To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by •©- APPENDIX. 195 curing for limited times, to authors and inventors, the exclu- sive rig^ht to their respective wruing"s and discoveries. • To constitute tribuiials inferior to the supreme court ; To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the higVj seas, and offences ag'ainst the law of nations. To declare war, grant leiters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water: To raise and support armies; but no appropriations of mo- ney to that use, shall be for a longer term than two years. To provide and maintain a na^^'. To make rules for i\ie go\erntnent and regulation of the land and naval forces: \ To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections, and reWl invasions. To provide for organizing, arming a:nd disciplining the militia, and (or governing such part of them asmay beemploj'cd in the servici cTme United States, reservinj^othe states, re- spectively, the appointment.of the officers, and the authority of training the militia, according to the discipline prescribed by congress. To exercise exclusive legislation, in all cases whatsoever, over such district (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the acceptance of congress, become the seat of government of the United States, and to exercise like authority overall places purchased by the consent of the legislature of the state in which the nameshall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock yards, and other needful buildings : — And To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper, for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other pow- ers vested by this constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof. Sec 9.* The migration or importation of such persons as any of the states, now existing, shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the congress, prior to the year owe thousand eight hundred and eight ; but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten dollars foi- each person- The p-ir;lege of the writ of habeas corpus shall be suspended, unless when, in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it. No bill of attainder, or ex post facto law, shall be passed. No capitation, or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken. No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state. No preference shall be given, by any regulation of commerce or revenue, to the ports of one state over those of another ; nor shall vessels bound to or from one state, be obligeil to enter, clear, or pay duties infanother. 196 APPENDIX. No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in conse- quence of appropriations made by law ; and a reg-ular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public mo- ney, shall be published from time to time. No title of nobility shall be g-ranted by the U'nited States ; and no person holding- any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without the consent of the congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title of any kind whatever, from any king-, prince, or foreign state. Sec 10. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation ; g-rant letters of marque and reprisal ; coin money; emit bills of credit; make any thing- but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts ; pass any bill of attain- der, ex post facto law, or law impairing- the oblig-ation of con- tracts; or grant any title of nobility. No state shall, without the consent of the congress, lay any imposts or duties on imports or exports, except what may be ab- solutely necessary for executing its inspection laws ; and the net produce of all duties and imposts laid by any state on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the treasury of the United States; and all such laws shall be subject to the revision, and control of the congress. No state shall, without the consent of congress, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops or ships of war, in time of peace, enter into any agreement or com- pact with another state, or with a foreign power, or engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay. ARTICLE IT. Sec 1. The executive power shall be vested in a president of the United States of Am.erica. lie shall hold his office during the term of four years, and, together with the vice- president, chosen for the same term, be elected as follov.'s. Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole numberof §pnatorsand representatives to which the state may be entitled in the congress ; but no senator or representative, or person holding an office of trust or profit under the United States, shall be appointed an elector* The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for tvvo persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves. « And they shall make a li&t of all the persons voted for, an-d of the number of votes for each ; which list they shall sign and certify, and trans- mit sealed to the seat of government of the United States, directed to the president of the senate. The president of the senate sijali, in the presence of the senate and house of repre- sentatives, open all the certificates, and the votes sliall then be counted. The person having the greatest number of votes shall be the president, if suc|i number be a majority of the APPENDIX. 197 whole number of electors appointed ; and if there be more than one who have such majority, and have an equal number of votes, then the house of representatives shall immediately choose by ballot one of them for president ; and if no person have a majority, then from the five highest on the list the said house shall in like manner choose the president. But in choosing the president, the votes shall be taken by states, the repre- sentation from each state having- one vote ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. In every case, after the choice of a president, the person having the greatest number of votes of the electors shall be the vice-president. But if there should remain two or more who have equal votes, the senate shall choose from them by ballot the vice-president. The congress may determine the time of choosing the elec' tors, and the day on which thej' shall give their votes ; which day shall be the same throughout the United States. No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States at the time of the adoption of this constitution, shall be eligible to the office of president ; neither shall any person be eligible to that office, who shall not have attained to the age of thirty five years, and been fourteen years a resi- dent within the United States. In case of the removal of the president from office, or of his death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said office, the same shall devolve on the vice- president, and the congress may by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation, or inability, both of the president and vice-president, declaring what officer shall then act as pre- sident, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disabihty be removed, or a president shall be elected. The president shall, at stated times, receive for his services, a compensation, which shall neither be increased nor dimin- ished during the period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that period any other emolu- ment from the United States, or any of them. Before he enters on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation : " I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully exe- •* cute the office of president of the United States, and will, to " the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the con- "stitution of the United States." Sec. 2. The president shall be commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states when called into the actual service of the United States; he may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal oflScer in each of the executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices, and he shall have 17* 198 APPPtNDIX. power J grant reprieves and pardons for offences a^inst th« 4Jnitea States, except incases of impeachment. He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds o/ the senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the :wdvice and consent of the senate, shall appoint ambassadors, otherpublic ministers,and consuls, judg-es of the supreme court, and all other officers of the United States, whose appointment*, are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall hi established by law. But the cong-ress may by law vest ti/a appointment of such inferior otScers as they think proper, in the president alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments. The president shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during- the recess of the senate, by granting- com- missions wliicli shall expire at the end of their next session. Sec. 3. He shall from time to time g-ive the cong-ress infor- mation of the state of the Union, and recommanJ to their con- sideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and ex- pedient; he may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both bouses, or either of them, and in case of disagreement between them, witlj respect to the timeof adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper: he shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers; he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United States. Sec. 4. The president, vice-president, and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeach- ment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. ARTICLE III. Sec. 1. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme court, and in such inferior courts as the congress may f-om time to time ordain and establish. The judges, both of the supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behaviour, and shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continunnce in office. Sec 2. The judicial power shall extend to all cases in law and equity, arising under this constitution, the laws of the United S'ates, and treaties made, or which shall be made, under ttieir authority ; to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls; to all cases of admiralty and maritime i'urisdiction ; to controversies to which the United States shall e a party ; to controversies between two or more states, be- tween a state and citizens of another state, between citizens of different states, between citizens of the same state, claiming Jands under grants of different states, and between a state, or tiie citizens thereof, and foreign states, citizens or subjects^ APPENDIX. 190 In all cases affecting- ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and those in which a state shall be a party, the supreme court shall have original junsdictiou. In all the other cases before mentioned, the supreme court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such reg-ulations as the congress shall make. The trial of all crinries, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jury ; and such trial shall be held in the state where the said crhnes shall have been cominilted ; but when not committed within any state, the trial shall be at such place or places as the congress may by law have directed. Sec 3. Treason against tlie United Slates, shall consist only in levying war against them, or m adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court. The congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason ; but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture, except during the life of the person at- tainted. ARTICLE IV. Sec 1. Full faith and credit shall be given, in each state to the public acts, records and judicial proceedings, of every other state. And the congress, may, by general lan^s, prescribe the manner in which such acts, records, '^nd proceedings, shall be proved, and the efTects thereof. Sec 2. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states. A person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall flee frotn justice, and be found in another state, shall, on demand of the executive authority of the state from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the state having jurisdiction of the crime. No person held to service cr labour, in one state, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharged from such service or labour; but shall be delivered up, on claim of the party to whom such service or labour may be due. Sec 3. New states may be admitted by the congress inte this Union ; but no new state shall be formed or erected withia the jurisdiction of any other state, nor any state be formed by the junction of two or more states, or parts of states, with- out the consent of the legislature of the states concerned, a« well as of the congress. The congress shall have power to dispose of, and make aH needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States ; and nothing in this constitution shall be so construed as to prejudice any claim* of the United States, or of any particular state. 200 APPENDIX. Sec. 4. The United States shall guaranty to every state in this union a republican form of government, and shall protect each of them against invasion ; and, on application of the le- g'islature, or of the executive, (when the legislature cannot be convened, against domestic violence. ARTICLE V The congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem it necessarj'^, shall propose amendments to this constitu- tion, or on the application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amend- ments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this constitution, when ratified by the le- gislatures of three-fourths of the several states, or by conven- tions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the congress ; Provided, that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first ar- ticle ; and that no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the senate. ARTICIiE VI. All debts contracted and engagements entered into, before the adoption of this constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this constitution, as under the confcde- 3*ation. This constitution, and the laws of the United States which Bhall be made in pursuance thereof ; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land ; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, any thing in the constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding. The senators and representatives before mentioned, and the members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the se- veral states, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this constitution ; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the Uni- ted States. APPENDIX. 201 ARTICLE Vir. The ratification of the cooventions of nine states, shall be sufficient for the establishment of this constitution between the states so ratifying^ the same. Done in Convention, by the unanimous consent of the states present, the seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eig'hty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the twelfth. In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names. GEORGE WASHINGTON, President^ and deputy from Virginia. NEW-HAMPSHIRE. John Langdon, Nicholas Gilman. CONNECTICUT. William Sam'l Johnson, Roger Sherman. NEW-YORK. Alexander Hamilton. NEW-JERSEY. William Livingston, David Brearly, William Patterson, Jonathan Dayton. PENNSYLVANIA. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Mifflin, Robert Morris, George Clymer, Thomas Fitzsimons, Jared Ingersoll, James Wilson, Governeur Morris. DELAWARE. George Read, Gunning Bedford, Jun. MesU MASSACHUSETS. Nathaniel Gorham, Rufus King, John Dickinson, Richard Bassett, Jacob Broom. MARYLAND. James M' Henry, Daniel of St. Tho. Jenifen, Daniel Carroll. VIRGINIA. John Blair, James Madison, Jun. NORTH-CAROLINA. William Blount, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Hugh Williamson. SOUTH-CAROLINA. John Rutledge, Charles C. Pinckney, Pierce Butler. GEORGIA. William Few, Abraham Baldwin. William Jackson, Secretary . 20® APPENDIX, AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. Since the adoption of the foregoing constitution, the following amendments iiave been made, and ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several states in tlie union : ARTICLE T. Congress shall make no lavr respecting- an establishment of rehgion, or prohibiting- the free exercise thereof; or abridfjmg the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the peo- ple peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances- ARTICLE IL A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. ARTICLE TIL No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner ; nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. ARTICLE IV. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, hous- es, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seiz- ures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the per- sons or things to be seized. ARTICLE V. No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime, unless on -a presentment or indictment of a grand jury; except in cases arising to the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or pub- lic danger; nor shall any person be subject, for the same of- fence, to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor sliall be compelled in any crim.inal case, to be witness against himself; nor be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due pro- cess of law; nor shall private property be taken for pubhc •66, without just compensation. APPENDIX. 203 ARTICLE VI. In all criminal prosecutions, (he accused sball enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime s!i:ji1 have been commit- ted, which district shall have been previously ascertained b/ law, and to be informed of tlie nature and cause of the accusa- tion ; to be confronted with the witnesses aj^-ainst him ; to have :. compulsory process for obtaining- witfiesses in his favour, aud |-to have the assistance of counsel for his defence. !* ARTICl. ,v -^xw';^ . -p^,^^. ^- .>;^^ ,.^^■ ,<9 \ ^ -/-> -?% :/. ^^ A o sA' tA, *o. S-^ '-n.- v^^ ,0o .0- 011 699 489 6 i