University of Virginia Library

CHAPTER VI.

April 3.—Yesterday afternoon, five battalions of the
Continental troops now stationed at New York, were reviewed

by his Excellency General Heath, on the green,
near the liberty pole. They made a martial appearance,
being well armed, and went through their exercise
much to the satisfaction of a great concourse of the inhabitants
of the city.

In the evening a number of Americans visited and set fire
to all the buildings on Bedlow's Island, where the British
men-of-war were intrenching and fortifying it as an asylum
for the Tory refugees; burnt and brought off all their intrenching
tools, with a large number of white shirts and great
coats; likewise an abundance of poultry of all sorts. The
Asia fired on them, but not a man was killed or wounded.
About the same time, a barge full of men, supposed to be
from the men-of-war, landed and endeavored to set fire to the
air furnace; but they were timely discovered before much
damage was done. It is best to keep a good look-out for the
rogues.[2]

They are very weak, who flatter themselves that in the
state to which things have come, the colonies will be easily

conquered by force alone. The persons who now
govern the resolutions of what they call the Continental
Congress, feel in themselves, at this moment, a degree
of importance, which, perhaps, the greatest subjects in Europe
scarce feel. From shop-keepers, tradesmen, and attorneys, they
are become statesmen and legislators, and are employed in
contriving a new system of government for an extensive empire,
which they flatter themselves will become, and which,
indeed, seems very likely to become, one of the greatest and
most formidable that ever was in the world. Five hundred
different people, perhaps, who in different ways act immediately
under the Continental Congress; and five hundred thousand,
perhaps, who act under those five hundred, all feel, in
the same manner, a proportionable rise in their own importance.
Almost every individual of the governing party in
America, fills at present, in his own fancy, a station superior
not only to what he had ever filled before, but to what he had
ever expected to fill; and unless some new object of ambition
is presented, either to him or to his leaders, if he has the
ordinary spirit of a man, he will die in defence of that
station.[4]

April 8.—This day the remains of the brave General Warren
were re-interred at Boston. Colonel Phinney's regiment
marched first, with drums and fifes, in mourning,

then the freemasons, the remains, the relations,
friends, and town's people. They repaired to the King's chapel;
Dr. Cooper prayed; Mr. Morton[6] delivered a funeral oration;
closed with a solemn funeral dirge. The general's remains
were found on the fourth instant, about three feet under
ground on Bunker's Hill. They were known by two artificial
teeth fastened in with gold wire, and by being found under
the remains of a person buried in trowsers, agreeable to the
account given by one who was well acquainted with that circumstance.[7]

General Putnam arrived at New York, from the camp at
Cambridge, last Wednesday evening. On Friday he issued

an order, enjoining the soldiers to retire to their barracks and
quarters at tattoo-beat, and to remain there until the reveille
is beaten. He also desired the inhabitants to observe
the same rule, and to-day, he says that it
has become absolutely necessary that all communication between
the fleet and the shore should immediately be stopped,
and, for that purpose, has given positive orders that the
ships shall no longer be furnished with provisions. Any inhabitants
or others who shall be taken, that have been on
board, near any of the ships, or going on board after the publication
of the order, will be considered as enemies, and treated
accordingly. These are hard times for quiet people. Putnam
has appointed Jerry Alner superintendent of arrivals and
departures, under the new rules; and, as he will have full
sway among the Jersey oystermen, it is probable he will have
a way of giving the oysters, as well as the dealers, a fair clearance.
Confiscate if you can't pay; that's his rule.[9]

Captain Vandeput, of the Asia man-of-war, having heard
at Boston that Lord Percy had received the king's leave

to come home, and intended to accept it, waited
on his lordship and told him what he had heard;
adding, that he wished the Asia might have the honor to
afford him a passage; to which his lordship returned the
following answer: "'Tis true I have the king's leave to
return when I please, but upon my honor, whilst there is a
grain of powder to be burnt in America for old England,
Lord Percy will not leave it." Read this, ye Macaronies and
Scavoir Vivres, warriors who strut in parks, and frequent masquerades,
operas, &c., but are ready to resign in the hour of
danger, when your country's welfare is at stake.[11]

April 16.—Day before yesterday, as the Asia man-of-war
was passing through the Narrows, she was hailed by the riflemen

on Staten Island side, and desired to haul too. Some of
the Asia's people on deck asked "for what?" "Because,"
answered the riflemen, "our orders are to suffer no boats to
pass without a permit from General Putnam." The Asia still
keeping under way, the riflemen fired upwards of forty shots
at her, which the Asia returned by firing two pieces from her
upper tier.[12]

France declares, she will not assist the American colonies
until they dissolve their connection with Great Britain. Should
that event take place, France would probably involve England
in a war with Germany. America was conquered in that
country in the last war. In the present war she might, in the
same country, be restored to liberty. The whole of the troops
sent by England to America (where so much was at stake) did
not amount to fifteen thousand men. The colonies at one time
had twenty-five thousand in pay, who bore the heat and burden
of the war, but shared in no part of its glory or advantages.
Americans, beware of reconciliation! Ye can protect
yourselves.[13]

April 18.—A correspondent in London says: "To-morrow,
the nineteenth, being Saint Yankie's day, (as tutelar
saint of North America,) and also anniversary of

the famous battle of Lexington! the same will be
most honorably observed by all the true and loyal friends to
government from that country. There will be a grand procession
from the Crown and Anchor, the place of rendezvous
in the Strand, to Saint Dunstan's, where a sermon suitable to
the occasion will be preached by the Rev. Mr. Coriolanus, from
New York. The procession, first being joined by the Reverend
Band of Martyrs, (from their place of meeting in Saint
Paul's church-yard,) will move a little before eleven o'clock, in
the following order:

Governor Hutchinson, in his speckled velvet, as a representative
of Saint Yankie, with Machiavel's works richly gilt
and lettered, in his right hand, and supported by Governor
Bernard and Governor Gage, both of them in armor; the
cord and the feather on crimson cushions, carried by their two
secretaries; the Mandamus counsellors in their best apparel,
two and two; the admiralty judges in their parti-colored
robes, two and two; the fugitive clergy in their canonicals,
two and two; the American commissioners of the revenue,
with scarfs and cypress leaves in their caps, two and two;
their commission and seal of office on a black cushion, carried
by their secretary; the fugitive colonels of the militia, in
yellow, with wooden swords, two and two; the under officers
of the American revenue in harlequin dresses, two and two;
the author of the Calm Address, Taxation no Tyranny,
the Plain Question,[15] and other writers in favor of American
taxation, two and two; such North American merchants as,
at the time they publicly went up to the throne with a petition
in favor of the Americans, were privately soliciting ministry
to indemnify any loss they might sustain by sending over
cargoes of goods, in order to defeat the non-importation agreement,
two and two; Messieurs Knox, Mauduit, and other
agents for the friends of government in North America, two
and two; Governor Pownal, with the best map, that is extant,
of that country in one hand, and a typographical description
of it (especially of his own province) in the other; the many
respectable gentlemen who, from time to time, have been
tarred and feathered for their loyalty and attachment to the
constitution, to appear in that dress, two and two; all those
prudent knowing ones, who, by refinement or duplicity, have
in some measure persuaded the colonists (say rebels) to think
them their friends, but are now lately come over to give private
information, and to avail themselves of something beneficial
from the general confusion, to appear in their parti-colored
dominoes, with black crapes over their faces, two and
two. The procession will be preceded by the Doctor of

Music, from Rhode Island, with his newly raised band of
Highland bagpipers; and the whole to move upon the quick
step, to the tune of Yankie Doodle. After the sermon is over,
the procession will return, in the same order, to the place from
whence it came, where an elegant entertainment will be ready
at four o'clock, and the ceremony, it is expected, will conclude
with great festivity in the evening.

N. B.—The nobility and others, who honor the procession
with their attendance, are requested to give orders to their
coachmen not to stop up the passage in the narrow part of the
Strand.[16]

April 19.—By a late arrival from England we have the
following, which are but the old lies renewed:—Government
proposes to have in America, in the spring, foreign

troops, consisting of Hessians, Brunswickers, Hanoverians,
and Waldeckers, seventeen thousand; British troops,
sixteen thousand. Press warrants are sent out to Admiral
Greaves, to press all American seamen. Press warrants are
expected to be issued out soon, as the captains of all the outward
bound ships have been very solicitous to procure protections.
Orders have been sent to Plymouth for all the guardships
there to take on board their full complement of men, as
in time of war. Orders have been sent to all the outposts to
be very cautious and strict in examining all persons and vessels,
&c., that may be judged the least suspicious. Orders are
given for a quantity of beef and pork, sufficient for ten ships
of the line for six months, to be got ready as soon as possible.

A compact was lately signed between the court and three
Northern powers, by which the latter have stipulated to furnish
Great Britain between them, with 60,000 troops, the better to
enable the latter to carry on the continental war. Government
have sent over to Germany to engage 1,000 men called
Jagers, people brought up to the use of the rifle barrel guns
in boar hunting. They are amazingly expert. Every petty
prince who hath forests, keeps a number of them, and they are

allowed to take apprentices, by which means they are a numerous
body of people. These men are intended to act in the
next campaign in America, and our ministry plume themselves
much in the thought of their being a complete match for the
American riflemen.[18]

April 20.—A writer gives the following reasons for a declaration
of the independence of the American colonies:—1.

The colonies will be delivered from two governments
directly opposed to each other. 2. The
colonies will be delivered from the disorders which arise from
the unlimited, undescribed, and sometimes arbitrary power of
conventions, committees of safety, and committees of inspection.
3. A criminal correspondence with the enemies of this
country will be prevented, or punished, under the articles of
high treason. 4. The colonies will be delivered from the danger
of crown officers, whose apparent interest it will always
be to remain inactive, or to co-operate with the enemies of
America. 5. The British constitution may be immediately
restored to each colony, with the great and necessary improvements
of a governor and council chosen by the people. 6.
France will immediately attack Britain in the most defenceless
parts of her empire, and thus draw off her fleets and armies
from our coasts. 7. All the powers of Europe will conceive
such ideas of our union, love of freedom and military resources,
that they will not be tempted to accept of a share in us,
upon the condition of conquering us.[20]

This is not a time to trifle. Men who know they deserve
nothing from their country, and whose hope is on the arm

that hath sought to enslave ye, may hold out to
you, as Cato[22] hath done, the false light of reconciliation.
There is no such thing. 'Tis gone! 'Tis past! The
grave hath parted us—and death, in the persons of the slain,
hath cut the thread of life between Britain and America.
Conquest, and not reconciliation, is the plan of Britain. But
admitting even the last hope of the Tories to happen, which
is, that our enemies after a long succession of losses, wearied
and disabled, should despairingly throw down their arms and
propose a reunion. In that case, what is to be done? Are
defeated and disappointed tyrants to be considered like mistaken
and converted friends? Or would it be right to receive
those for governors, who, had they been conquerors, would
have hung us up for traitors? Certainly not. Reject the
offer then, and propose another; which is, we will make peace
with you as with enemies, but we will never reunite with you
as friends. This effected, and ye secure to yourselves the
pleasing prospect of an eternal peace. America, remote from
all the wrangling world, may live at ease. Bounded by the
ocean, and backed by the wilderness, who hath she to fear but
her God?

Be not deceived. It is not a little that is at stake. Reconciliation
will not now go down, even if it were offered. 'Tis
a dangerous question, for the eyes of all men begin to open.
There is now no secret in the matter; there ought to be none.
It is a case that concerns every man, and every man ought to
lay it to heart. He that is here, and he that was born here,
are alike concerned. It is needless, too, to split the business
into a thousand parts, and perplex it with endless and fruitless
investigations. This unparalleled contention of nations is not
to be settled like a school boy's task of pounds, shillings,
pence, and fractions. The first and great question, and that
which involves every other in it, and from which every other
will flow, is happiness. Can this continent be happy under
the government of Great Britain, or not? Secondly. Can she
be happy under a government of our own? To live beneath
the authority of those whom we cannot love, is misery, slavery,
or what name you please. In that case there will never
be peace. Security will be a thing unknown, because a
treacherous friend in power is the most dangerous of enemies.
The answer to the second question—can America be happy
under a government of her own, is short and simple, viz.: As

happy as she pleases; she hath a blank sheet to write upon.
Put it not off too long.

Painful as the task of speaking truth must sometimes be,
yet we cannot avoid giving the following hint, because much,
nay, almost every thing, depends upon it; and that is, a
thorough knowledge of the persons whom we trust. It is the
duty of the public, at this time, to scrutinize closely into the
conduct of their committee members, members of assembly,
and delegates in Congress, to know what they do and their
motives for so doing. Without doing this we shall never
know who to confide in, but shall constantly mistake friends
for enemies, and enemies for friends, till in the confusion of
persons we sacrifice the cause.[23]

April 22.—We have all the debates in Parliament, by
which it appears that the determination of the court is, first to

conquer, and then to grant pardons to those they
choose, and for this purpose only are the commissioners
declared to be sent. This is the ostensible plan,
but we are informed they are to bribe through thick and thin,
to procure the betraying of America; so that it behoves all
men to watch, with the most attentive consideration, the conduct
of those intrusted with the public concerns, whether
colonial or continental. The last act of Parliament is a curious
piece of retrospective injustice. After declaring the thirteen
colonies in rebellion, and without his Majesty's protection,
and our property made seizable wherever found on the water,
it goes on to give legal sanction to all the violences and robberies,
&c., that their people had committed previous to their
passing that act. The Congress have, in consequence of this,
recommended the fitting out privateers to cruise on British
property.

It may be depended upon as fact, that the agents of the
Scotch factors have been desired by the administration to make
no noise about their debts in America; for that they, the ministry,
will see their debts paid by forfeiting American estates.

Thus we may account for the meaning of the intercepted letter
lately published in the Virginia Gazette, wherein the factor is
desired to make out a list of debts and send them to Scotland;
and thus these harpies, after having already pillaged a great
part of the property of Virginia, are now making out accounts,
under court auspices, by which all the remaining property
of the country is to become theirs.[25]

This evening a paper printed in red letters, and called the
American Gazette, was carried to the Plough Inn, at Sudbury,
in England, and read before a number of

tradesmen and others, who unanimously condemned
it to the flames, it being calculated to stir up sedition
against his Majesty's person and government. Some straw
was immediately procured, and a fire made on Stour Hill,
where the said paper was publicly burnt before a great number
of spectators. While it was burning, a person solemnly
repeated, "So may the schemes of America, that are formed
against the government of Great Britain, fall to the dust."
There were several kinds of fireworks exhibited on the occasion,
and the evening concluded by drinking success to his
Majesty's arms.[27]

April 27.—The essence of liberty consists in our having it
in our power to choose our own rulers, and so far as we exercise
this power we are truly free. Many advan-

tages flow from such a plan of government. The
following two have rarely been attended to, but every one will
perceive them as soon as mentioned:

A poor man has rarely the honor of speaking to a gentleman
on any terms, and never with familiarity but for a few
weeks before the election. How many poor men, common
men, and mechanics, have been made happy within this fortnight
by a shake of the hand, a pleasing smile, and a little
familiar chat with gentlemen who have not for these seven
years past condescended to look at them. Blessed state which

brings all so nearly on a level! "What a clever man is Mr.
—," says my neighbor; "how agreeable and familiar! He
has no pride at all! he talked as freely to me for half an hour
as if he were neighbor — there. I wish it were election time
always. Thursday next he will lose all knowledge of —, and
pass me in the street as if he never had known me."

How kind and clever is the man who proposes to be sheriff,
for two months before the election:—he knows everybody,
smiles upon and salutes everybody, until the election is over;
but then to the end of the year he has no time to speak to
you, he is so engaged in seizing your property by writ of venditioni
exponas, and selling your goods at vendue.

Thus the right of annual elections will ever oblige gentlemen
to speak to you once a year, who would despise you forever,
were it not that you can bestow something upon them.

Lying is so vulgar a failing that no gentleman would have
any thing to say to it but at elections. Then, indeed, the
greatest gentleman in the city will condescend to lie with the
least of us. This year their humility is amazing, for they
have stooped to the drudgery of going from house to house to
circulate election lies about division of property. I cannot
commend their policy herein, for such poor fellows as I am,
with nothing more. However, it shows their willingness to
come down a pin, which is such a favor that we ought to be
truly thankful for it. In a word, electioneering and aristocratical
pride are incompatible, and if ever we should have
gentlemen to come down to our level, we must guard our
right of election effectually, and not let the assembly take it
out of our hands. Do you think even Mr. J— would ever
speak to you, if it were not for the May election? Be freemen,
then, and you will be companions for gentlemen annually.[29]

A correspondent in London says:—"His Majesty's right
arm is lame, occasioned by a sprain from flourishing his sword
over the heads of his new made knights.

"The Rev. Mr. Peters,[30] from Lebanon, in Connecticut, has
obtained his Majesty's leave to pick hops at 9d. per day, a
penny more than the usual price, as a reward for his past
faithful services; and by this lucrative business it is supposed
he will soon acquire a fortune equal to that he left behind
him.

"James Rivington,[31] of New York, is appointed cobweb
sweeper of his Majesty's library. There are many other posts
and rewards given to persons who have fled from the colonies,
equal to the above mentioned."[32]

The Congress have struck a number of silver and copper
medals, which are distributed among the officers of their army,
and worn by them constantly. On one side are two vases swimming
on the water, with the motto, Frangimur si Collidimur;
on the other side is an emblematical device: four hands
clinched together, and a dove over them; beneath them is a
serpent cut in pieces.[33]

May 8.—Last week a certain Mr. Cable, in Fairfield, Connecticut,
sent a load of provisions to the ministerial plunderers,
and was loading a second time for the same

purpose, but was discovered by a Tory, who was
concerned in the affair, and who made oath before a magistrate,
of the scheme in agitation. The said Cable was observed to
be sounding for deep water about the channel, which he found
at a place called the Black Rock, and through which place he
was to pilot a gang of cruel murderers, about one thousand in
number, whose orders were to massacre men, women, and
children. The signal of their landing was to be three cannon
fired in the night.

This gang chiefly inhabited about Newtown, in Connecticut,
and from that place all along to Dobb's ferry on the
North River. Cable was on this discovery apprehended, and
committed to Fairfield gaol, and also another villain named
Pardelow, at Greenwich, who was detected enlisting men for
the ministerial service, was examined before the committee of
safety for Greenwich, and committed to gaol. Two more were
apprehended, but discharged for want of sufficient proof. A
list of the names of a number of them that had enlisted has
been obtained, and a party of men are gone in pursuit of
them.[35]

May 16.—The Committee of Safety in Philadelphia having
already made known to the inhabitants of that city, the pressing
occasion there is for a large quantity of LEAD, to be employed
in the defence of this country, and requested them to
spare for the public use the various species of leaden weights
in their respective families; they have, as the most expeditious
and easy method of procuring such LEAD, appointed Thomas
Nevill, Frazer Kinsley, William Colliday, and John Darcy to
go round the city and receive it at the several houses, they
paying at the rate of sixpence per pound as formerly specified,
it being understood that clock weights are not at present comprehended
among them, as the iron weights to replace them
are not yet made.

It is expected that every virtuous citizen will immediately
and cheerfully comply with this requisition, but if any persons
should be so lost to all sense of the public good as to refuse, a
list of their names is directed to be returned to the committee.[36]

Yesterday is rendered memorable by a unanimous resolution
of the Virginia convention,[37] now sitting at Williamsburg,
to instruct their delegates in the Continental Congress

to move for a declaration of independence and freedom. It is
the result of the most mature deliberation, and we hope will
be speedily ratified by the Congress. Let the
DOUBTERS read it:[39] —"Forasmuch as all the endeavors
of the United Colonies, by the most decent representations
and petitions to the King and Parliament of Great Britain,
to restore peace and security to America under the British government,
and a reunion with that people upon just and liberal
terms, instead of a redress of grievances, have produced, from
an imperious and vindictive administration, increased insult,
oppression, and a vigorous attempt to effect our total destruction.
By a late act, all these colonies are declared to be in rebellion,
and out of the protection of the British crown, our
properties subjected to confiscation, our people, when captivated,
compelled to join in the murder and plunder of their
relations and countrymen, and all former rapine and oppression
of Americans declared legal and just. Fleets and armies
are raised, and the aid of foreign troops engaged to assist these
destructive purposes. The king's representative in this colony
hath not only withheld all the powers of government from
operating for our safety, but, having retired on board an
armed ship, is carrying on a piratical and savage war against
us, tempting our slaves, by every artifice, to resort to him, and
training and employing them against their masters. In this
state of extreme danger, we have no alternative left but an
abject submission to the will of those overbearing tyrants, or
a total separation from the crown and government of Great
Britain, uniting and exerting the strength of all America for
defence, and forming alliances with foreign powers for commerce
and aid in war. Wherefore, appealing to the Searcher
of Hearts for the sincerity of former declarations, expressing
our desire to preserve the connection with that nation, and
that we are driven from that inclination by their wicked councils,
and the eternal laws of self-preservation.

"Resolved unanimously, That the delegates appointed to
represent this colony in general Congress, be instructed to propose

to that respectable body, TO DECLARE THE UNITED
COLONIES FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES, absolved
from all allegiance to or dependence upon the crown or
Parliament of Great Britain; and that they give the assent of
this colony to such declaration, and to whatever measures may
be thought proper and necessary by the Congress, for forming
foreign alliances, and a CONFEDERATION OF THE COLONIES, at such
time, and in the manner as to them shall seem best. Provided,
that the power of forming government for, and the regulations
of the internal concerns of each colony, be left to the respective
colonial legislatures.

"Resolved unanimously, That a committee be appointed to
prepare a declaration of rights, and such a plan of government
as will be most likely to maintain peace and order in
this colony, and secure substantial and equal liberty to the
people."[40]

The procuring of foreign assistance was the immediate object
of this resolution, as the alternative of separation or submission
was the assigned ground of it. But a political connection
on any terms, with a people who have exerted against
us every species of barbarity and insult, would have had few
advocates.

In consequence of the resolution, universally regarded as
the only path which will lead to safety and prosperity, some
gentlemen made a handsome collection for the purpose of
treating the soldiery, who to-day were paraded in Waller's
grove, before Brigadier-General Lewis, attended by the gentlemen
of the committee of safety, the members of the general
convention, the inhabitants of the city, and others. The resolution
being read aloud to the army, the following toasts
were given, each of them accompanied by a discharge of the
artillery and small arms, and the acclamations of all present:—
1. The American Independent States. 2. The grand Congress
of the United States, and their respective Legislatures. 3.
General Washington, and victory to the American arms.

The union flag of the American states waved upon the

capitol during the whole of this ceremony, which, being ended,
the soldiers partook of the refreshment prepared for them by
the affection of their countrymen, and the evening concluded
with illuminations, and other demonstrations of joy. Every
one seems pleased that the domination of Great Britain is now
at an end, so wickedly and tyrannically has it been exercised
for these twelve or thirteen years past, notwithstanding our
repeated prayers and remonstrances for redress.[41]

Doctor Johnson defines the word "expedient" as a thing
necessary to be done, which implies that it cannot be expedient
to do evil. Therefore the word "expedient" can

only be applied to the promoting a good purpose;
but you will find it frequently mentioned in the king's speeches;
and, in Parliament, ministerialists make a monopoly of it, and
apply it altogether to the use and service of his Majesty, to wit:
"It is become expedient to shut up the American ports;" "it
is expedient to destroy their trade;" "quite expedient to take
their vessels;" "expedient to bring them under our feet;"
"expedient to humble them;" and highly "expedient to reduce
them to absolute submission." General Gage found it
expedient to fire upon a few unarmed peasants, and kill eight
of them; he found it expedient to burn Charlestown, &c.;
Lord Dunmore found it expedient to burn Norfolk, &c.; General
Prescott thought it expedient to put Colonel Allen into
irons, and transport him; and Governor Tryon thought it expedient
to write to the Mayor of New York that "the commander
of his Majesty's ships-of-war found it expedient to
burn the pilot house;" and General Howe found it expedient
to quit his stronghold at Boston, and escape from it, after he
was out-generaled by General Washington; and some of his
doctors found it expedient to mix a quantity of arsenic among
the drugs they left behind, as a bait for the Yankee rats to
nibble at, and all for the service of his Majesty; so that it
seems to be a court favorite word, and become high treason for
an American to use or apply it. What would the ministry or
Parliament have done had there been no such word?

We hope the Americans will not adopt their language, and
instead of the word "expedient," say "necessary;" and that
it is now become highly necessary to oppose those ministerial
grammarians, lest they should also attempt to defile our language,
as they have defiled our land, with blood.[45]

May 23.—Last Friday, the Continental armed schooner,
Franklin, commanded by Captain Mugford, in sight of the

British men-of-war, took, and carried into Boston,
a ship from England, about three hundred tons
burden, mounted with six carriage guns.

The enemy, intolerably vexed and chagrined that the prize
should be taken and unloaded in their open view, formed a
design of wreaking their vengeance on Captain Mugford. The
Sunday following, he, in company with Captain Cunningham,

in the Lady Washington, a small privateer armed with swivels,
blunderbusses, and muskets, fell down from Boston in order
to go out in the bay. The enemy, observing their sailing, fitted
out a fleet of boats for the purpose of surprising and taking
them in the night; and the Franklin's running aground in the
gut gave them a good opportunity of executing their plan.

The Lady Washington came to anchor near Captain Mugford;
and between nine and ten o'clock he discovered a number
of boats, which he hailed, and received for answer that
they were from Boston. He ordered them to keep off, or he
would fire upon them. They begged him, for God's sake, not
to fire, for they were going on board him! Captain Mugford
instantly fired, and was followed by all his men, and cutting
his cable, brought his broadside to bear, when he discharged
his cannon loaded with musket balls, directly in upon them.
Before the cannon could be charged a second time, two or
three boats were alongside, each of them supposed to have as
many men as the Franklin on board—which had only twenty-one,
including officers. By the best accounts they were not
less than thirteen boats in all, many of them armed with swivels,
and having on board, at the lowest computation, about two
hundred men.

Captain Mugford and his men plied those alongside so
closely with firearms and spears, and with such intrepidity,
rapidity, and success, that two boats were soon sunk, and all
the men either killed or drowned. But while the heroic Mugford,
with outstretched arms, was righteously dealing death
and destruction to our base and unnatural enemies, he received
a fatal ball in the body, which in a few minutes put a period
to his life, from which, had it been spared, his oppressed country
would undoubtedly have reaped very eminent advantages.

After our brave men had maintained this unequal contest
for about half an hour, the enemy thought proper to retire.
The carnage among them must have been great, for besides
the two boat loads killed and drowned, many were doubtless
killed and wounded on board the others. Great execution was
done by the spears. One man, with that weapon, is positive
of having killed nine of the enemy!

The number of the boats which attacked the Franklin was
about eight or nine. The remainder, to the number of four or
five, at the same time attacked Captain Cunningham in the Lady
Washington, who then had on board only six men besides himself.
This brave little company gave the boats such a warm
reception that they were soon glad to give over the contest,
after suffering, it is thought, considerable loss.[47]

A writer in England says:—Dorchester Hill was taken in
a very curious manner The rebels provided five hundred bundles
of screwed hay, which they shoved before them, and
under cover thereof mounted the heights, where they immediately
fortified themselves, having brought the timber ready
framed. They had also provided themselves with hogsheads
and barrels filled with sand, and headed up, which they intended
to have rolled down Dorchester Hill, in case the King's
troops had attempted to mount the same.

A gentleman, after recapitulating the grievances of the
Americans, summed them in the following words of scripture:
"The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth
are set on edge."[48]

May 25.—At a time when tyranny bears fire in one hand,
and instruments of death in the other, let us exert every nerve,

and, to our utmost, promote justice, equity, and good economy;
that by virtue, resolution, and union, we may break the monster's
head, though he, Colossus-like, bestrides our
harbors, shading the ocean with his lowering
brow, and yawns with horrid jaws for the innocent blood of
this continent.

But the most effectual way to prevent his blood-thirsty designs,
and ward off devastation, will be to seize and confine,
within the narrow circuit of a gaol or prison, the sons of this
infernal monster. It is the part of a prudent man to confine
the lion to his cage when in his power, though he should cease
from roaring, or even feign himself a lamb; and to break a serpent's
head, though she, when caught, falsely pretended herself a
dove. Let me tell you, words do not convert lions into lambs,
serpents into doves, nor Tories into Sons of Liberty. Remember,
as our Saviour was betrayed by one of his disciples, so is
our country by her pretended friends.

But how ridiculous and destructive is this, to allow persons
a right of property in any country, where they employ both
their talents and properties to destroy its immunities, and even
to sacrifice the blood of its inhabitants, to satisfy the wanton
cravings of a greedy monster.

Let me say, to suffer those who contradict the true interest
of their country at this important struggle to go unconfined,
or to enjoy their former property, upon a slight confession or
promise of reformation, is to give them the advantage to sport
with our liberties, as well as to appear ridiculously stupid ourselves.
I say, such folly as this cannot fail to give vice the
laurel, whilst virtue sits in tears. There is a way to shun
calamities of every kind, if rightly understood. The only one
for us seems this: to discard the thought of riches, and seek
for men of virtue, to serve the public cause. Virtue joined
with knowledge will save a state from the greatest calamities;
while riches joined with avarice, like an impetuous torrent,
drives headlong all within reach, and drowns them within its
gloomy vortex.

My countrymen, when you are to employ a man for public

trust, consider, not who is most fond of such an office, or may
like its profits best, but who is most fit, and who will serve his
country best. He who gives his vote, being swayed by birth,
fortune, or any thing beside the general good, sells his country.
He who devotes his all to do it service, let his condition be
what it may, is one of the noble columns upon which it stands.
Those who prefer the favor of selfish persons, or their own
private interest to the true interest of their country, do not long
support their own or their country's cause; but being an insufficient
basis for such a trust, by the assistance of avarice and
luxury attempt the arduous task, till whatever they pretend to
support falls, together with themselves, in one general ruin.
Witness the British Parliament! There, virtue has long since
been a crime; avarice hath taken the field, and entered the gates
where the public councils are held; justice gives up the keys,
and flies to seek an asylum in some propitious clime. And
now behold what follows! How is the blood of her citizens
sported with?—some living an ignoble life, others dying an inglorious
death! Who can atone for such a crime as this? to
sacrifice more than a thousand troops on death's grim altar, to
gain what in reason's view was not their right, and what those
who survived the bloody scene could not maintain.

Then to shun such horrid deeds, let us despise both avarice
and avaricious men. Consider, I entreat you, that folly in a
judge, a general, or a king, is folly indeed, and draws most
aggravated ruin at its heels. O let virtue, prudence, and
resolution, take the field! Let them possess the bench, the
council chamber, and the senate.

Thus alone can a people be rendered happy, and a country
glorious; but give me leave, my countrymen, as I both feel for
ourselves and millions yet unborn, to warn you neither to
suffer inattention to possess your minds or idleness your pens;
and may each one within his own peculiar sphere, strive for
the good of the whole. Then shall we, as individuals, be
happy; as a people, terrible to our enemies; and as a country,
glorious wherever fame shall celebrate the exploits of heroes,
and just triumphs of virtuous deeds. And provinces and
kingdoms, over which the Roman Eagle never flew, shall bow

to the imperial sceptre of the free and independent States of
America.[50]

May 31.—A captain, lately arrived from St. Croix, says,
that on the tenth instant, in latitude 34° longitude 67° 24′, he
fell in with a brig, the captain of which told him, that he sailed
in company with a fleet of seventy sail of transports, under
convoy of two sixty-four, four forty gun ships, and two bomb
ketches, from which he parted on the fifth in a hard gale of wind.
The fleet had on board a large number of Hessians, Brunswickers,
and English troops, all bound to Philadelphia, "in order to
disperse," as the captain expressed himself, "that hornet's
nest the Congress, after which they were certain the continent
would become a very easy prey." God grant that the patriots
may be prepared to receive this armament.[51]

June 1.—Notwithstanding the savage treatment we have
met with from the King of Britain, and the impossibility of the
colonies being ever happy under his government

again, according to the usual operation of natural
and moral causes, yet we still find some people wishing
to be dependent once more upon the crown of Britain. I have
too good an opinion of the human understanding, to suppose
that there is a man in America who believes that we ever shall
be happy again in our old connection with that crown. I,
therefore, beg leave to oblige the advocates for dependence to
speak for themselves in the following order:—

1. I shall lose my office. 2. I shall lose the honor of being
related to men in office. 3. I shall lose the rent of my houses
for a year or two. 4. We shall have no more rum, sugar, tea
nor coffee, in this country, except at a most exorbitant price.
5. We shall have no more gauze or fine muslins imported
among us. 6. The New England men will turn Goths and
Vandals, and overrun all the Southern Colonies. N.B.—It is the
fashion with the people who make this objection to independence,

to despise the courage and discipline of the New England
troops, and to complain that they are unwilling to fight out of
their own colonies. 7. The church will have no king for a
head. 8. The Presbyterians will have a share of power in this
country. N. B.—These people have been remarked, ever since
the commencement of our disputes with Great Britain, to prefer
a Quaker or an Episcopalian, to one of their own body, where
he was equally hearty in the cause of liberty. 9. I shall lose
my chance of a large tract of land in a new purchase. 10. I
shall want the support of the first officers of government, to
protect me in my insolence, injustice, and villany. 11. The
common people will have too much power in their hands.
N. B.—The common people are composed of tradesmen and
farmers, and include nine-tenths of the people of America.

Finally.—Sooner than submit to the chance of these
probable evils, we will have our towns burnt, our country
desolated, and our fathers, brothers, and children butchered by
English, Scotch, and Irishmen; by Hanoverians, Hessians,
Brunswickers, Waldeckers, Canadians, Indians, and Negroes.
And, after all, such of us as survive these calamities, will submit
to such terms of slavery as King George and his Parliament
may impose upon us.[53]

June 10.—To-day, the grand question of Independency
was proposed to the first, second, fourth, and fifth battalions
of associators of Philadelphia and suburbs; consisting of about
two thousand officers and men. Against it, in the first
battalions, four officers and twenty three privates—second,
two privates—fourth and fifth unanimous for independence.

The lieutenant of the third battalion refusing to put the
question, gave great umbrage to the men, one of whom
replied to him in a genteel spirited manner.

"How our delegates in Congress may act," says a Pennsylvanian,
"we know not, though we have a right to know,
and intend to promote an inquiry for that purpose."—Take

heed, Tories; you are at your last gasp! You have had many
warnings, and many kind invitations![54]

June 14.—Yesterday, the inhabitants of the town of
Boston were made acquainted, by beat of drum, that an
expedition was to be undertaken against the

enemy's ships in Nantasket road, and for erecting
proper fortifications in the lower harbor. Accordingly detachments
from the colonial regiments, commanded by the Colonels
Marshall and Whitney, and the battalion of train, commanded
by Lieutenant-Colonel Crafts, were embarked on board boats
at the long wharf, together with cannon, ammunition, provision,
intrenching tools, and every necessary implement, and
sailed for Pettick's Island and Hull, where they were joined
by some continental troops, and seacoast companies, so as to
make near six hundred men at each place. A like number
of the militia, from the towns in the vicinity of Boston harbor,
with a detachment from the train, and some field-pieces,
took post at Moon Island, Hoff's Neck, and Point Alderton.
At the same time, a detachment from the continental army,
under the command of Colonel Whitcomb, with two eighteen-pounders,
one thirteen-inch mortar, with the necessary
apparatus, intrenching tools, &c., were embarked for Long
Island to take post there. The troops, delayed by a calm, did
not arrive at their several places of destination till near daylight
this morning. Notwithstanding this, however, such was
their activity and alertness, that they had the cannon planted,
and a line of defence hove up on Long Island and Nantasket
hill in a few hours, when a cannon-shot from Long Island
announced to the enemy our design. Soon after, a signal was
made for the whole fleet, consisting of eight ships, two snows,
two brigs, and one schooner, to unmoor and get under weigh.
The Commodore Banks bore our fire, and returned it with
spirit, till a shot from Long Island pierced the upper works
of his ship, when he immediately unmoored or cut his cables,
and got under sail, and happy for him that he did so, for in a
small space of time afterwards, a shell from our works fell into
the very spot he had but just before quitted. Unhappily,
our cannon did not arrive at Pettick's Island and Nantasket
as soon as might have been wished, but the fire from the
latter place, being properly pointed against the commodore's
ship, which came to in the Light House channel, is apprehended
to have done considerable execution. However, the enemy
were compelled once more to make a disgraceful precipitate
flight; and we have it now in our power to congratulate our
friends on our being in full possession of the lowest harbor
of Boston; and, had the wind been to the eastward, we are
confident we should have had the much greater pleasure of
giving them joy on our being in the possession of many of the
enemy's ships. Through Divine Providence, not one of our
men were hurt.[56]

It is now certain, that there is not a ministerial troop in
all New England, except such as are prisoners; nor is there a
ministerial ship in any harbor in New England.[57] And it is
worthy of special notice that the fourteenth day of June, 1774,
was the last day allowed for trading vessels to leave or enter
the port of Boston, through the cruelty of a British act of
Parliament; and that the fourteenth of June, 1776, through
the blessings of God upon the operations of a much injured and
oppressed people, is the last day for British men-of-war, or
ministerial vessels, to remain or enter within the said port, but
as American prizes. Thus has Providence retaliated.[58]

June 17.—Rosy John Hancock has got frightened again,
and has writ a letter to those plundering "Sons of Liberty,"

as they call themselves, all about an attempt our
gracious king's troops are going to make on New
York. He says the important hour is at hand that is to
decide, not only the fate of the universe, but that of New York
and the Congress in particular; and that he knows if their
feelings are at all like his, they'll do something brave.—They'll
possibly do as he does, that is—keep out of harm's way,
through a strict watch for the reg'lars, and, if requisite, a
vigorous use of those gouty legs, that were so shamefully
overworked on the morning the gallant Percy marched to
Lexington.[60]

A correspondent in Philadelphia, who signs himself a
"determined independent," says: "The mild treatment which
the Tories have met with, has only encouraged

them in their disaffection, and, until an examples is
made of some of them, we shall always be exposed to private
domestic dangers. Necessity, when self-preservation is the object,
justifies severity. We have reasoned, we have pleaded
with these men long enough, and all will not do. It signifies
nothing meddling with the little and ignorant ones—their greatest
error is want of knowledge; but I would begin with the
heads and chiefs of them. It is time, it is high time to do it, if
we mean to live in safety. Matters are ripening very fast, and
either an independence must be declared, by which we can
legally punish the traitors, or the associators must, in my
opinion, be obliged to declare martial law for their own protection.[62]

June 18.—This afternoon, the Provincial Congress of New
York gave an elegant entertainment to General Washington

and his suite; the general and staff officers, and
the commanding officer of the different regiments
in and near the city. Many patriotic toasts were offered and
drank with the greatest pleasure and decency. After the toasts,
little Phil, of the Guard, was brought in to sing H—'s new
campaign song, and was joined by all the under officers, who
seemed much animated by the accompanying of Clute's drumsticks
and Aaron's fife. Our good General Putnam got sick
and went to his quarters before dinner was over, and we missed
him a marvel, as there is not a chap in the camp who can lead
him in the Maggie Lauder song.[64]

June 24.—Since Friday last, a most barbarous and infernal
plot has been discovered among the Tories in New York. Two
of General Washington's guards are concerned,[67]

a third whom they tempted to join them made
the first discovery. The general report of their design is as
follows: upon the arrival of the British troops, they were to
murder all the staff officers, blow up the magazines, and secure
the passes of the town. Gilbert Forbes, a gunsmith, in the
Broadway, was taken between two and three o'clock on Saturday
morning, and carried before our Congress, who were then
sitting. He refused to make any discovery, upon which he
was sent to jail. The Reverend Mr. Livingston went to see
him early in the morning, and told him he was very sorry to
find he had been concerned, that his time was very short, not
having above three days to live, and advised him to prepare
himself. This had the desired effect; and he requested to be
carried before the Congress again, promising to discover all he
knew. Several have been since taken, between twenty and
thirty, among them the mayor.[70] They are all now in confinement.
Their party, it is said, consisted of about five hundred.[71]

June 28.—This forenoon, was executed in a field between
the Colonels M`Dougall and Huntington's camp, near the
Bowry-lane, New York, in the presence of near twenty thousand
spectators, a soldier belonging to his Excellency General
Washington's guards, for mutiny and conspiracy; being one

of those who formed, and was soon to have put in execution,
that horrid plot of assassinating the staff officers, blowing up
the magazines and securing the passes of the town, on the
arrival of the hungry ministerial myrmidons. It is hoped the
remainder of those miscreants, now in our possession, will meet
with a punishment adequate to their crimes.[72]

During the execution, Kip the moon-curser, suddenly sank
down and expired instantly.[73]

June 29.—Our boys have pretty well thrashed Sir Peter
Parker and all his forces. Yesterday morning, an attack was
commenced by one of the small vessels of the

British fleet, on the fort at Sullivan's Island, and,
notwithstanding our small number, a part of which was
engaged in watching Clinton and Cornwallis, at the other
(east) end of the island, we sustained it with the most complete
success.[75]

A writer on board the fleet gives the following account of
this action: "The signal for attacking was made by Sir Peter
Parker, on the twenty-seventh of June, but the wind coming
suddenly to the northward, the ships were obliged again to
anchor. The troops had been encamped on Long Island since
the fifteenth, and it was intended that General Clinton should
pass the neck that divides Long Island from Sullivan's Island,[76]
and attack by land, while Sir Peter Parker attacked by sea.
General Lee had made such a disposition of masked batteries,
troops, &c., that it is the opinion of all the officers of the army
whom I have heard mention this circumstance, that if our troops
had attacked, they must have been cut off; but this assertion
does not satisfy the Navy, for they certainly expected great
assistance from the army.

"On the morning of the twenty-eighth, the wind proved
favorable, and it was a clear, fine day, but very sultry. The
Thunder Bomb began the attack at half-past eleven, by throwing

shells, while the ships were advancing. The ships that
advanced to attack the battery were the Bristol and Experiment,
two fifty-gun ships, the Solebay, Active, Actæon, and Syren
of twenty-eight guns, the Sphynx of twenty, and the Friendship,
an armed ship of twenty-eight guns. With this force
what might not have been expected? Unfortunately, the Bomb
was placed at such a distance, that she was not of the least
service. This, Colonel James, the principal engineer, immediately
perceived; to remedy which inconvenience, an additional
quantity of powder was added to each mortar: the consequence
was the breaking down the beds, and totally disabling
her for the rest of the day.

"The Bristol and Experiment suffered most incredibly: the
former very early had the spring of her cable shot away, and,
as she lay end on to the battery, was raked fore and aft; she
lost upward of one hundred men, killed and wounded. Captain
Morris, who commanded her, lost his arm.[77] Perhaps an
instance of such slaughter cannot be produced. Twice the quarter-deck
was cleared of every person except Sir Peter, and he
was slightly wounded;[78] she had nine thirty-two pounders in her
mainmast, which is so much damaged as to be obliged to be
shortened; the mizzen had seven thirty-two pounders, and was
obliged, being much shattered, to be entirely cut away. It is
impossible to pretend to describe what the shipping suffered.
Captain Scott, of the Experiment, lost his right arm, and the
ship suffered exceedingly; she had much the same number
killed and wounded as the Bristol. Our situation was rendered
very disagreeable, by the Actæon, Syren, and Sphynx running
foul of each other, and getting on shore on the middle ground.

The Sphynx disengaged herself by cutting away her bowsprit;
and as it was not yet flood tide, she and the Syren fortunately
warped off. The Actæon was burnt next morning by
Captain Atkins, to prevent her falling into the hands of the
Provincials.[79]

"Our ships, after lying nine hours before the battery, were
obliged to retire with great loss. The Provincials reserved
their fire until the shipping were advanced within point blank
shot. Their artillery was surprisingly well served, it is said,
under the command of a Mr. Masson and De Brahm. It was
slow, but decisive indeed. They were very cool, and took
great care not to fire except their guns were exceedingly well
directed: but there was a time when the battery appeared to
be silenced for more than an hour. The navy say, had the
troops been ready to land at this time, they could have taken
possession; how that is, I will not pretend to say.[80] I will

rather suppose it; but the fire became exceedingly severe when
it was renewed again, and did amazing execution, after the
battery had been supposed to have been silenced. This will
not be believed when it is first reported in England. I can
scarcely believe what I saw on that day; a day to me one of
the most distressing of my life. The navy, on this occasion,
have behaved with their usual coolness and intrepidity. One
would have imagined that no battery could have resisted their
incessant fire."[81]