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The miscellaneous works of David Humphreys

Late Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America to the Court of Madrid

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6

ARGUMENT.

The armies which are addressed designated, and the subject proposed —Great-Britain commences hostility against her Colonies —the Colonies arm—contrast of the two armies—battle of Bunker's-Hill —a Commander in Chief appointed to the American armies—his character—augmentation of the American forces— reinforcements to those of Britain—peculiarly affecting circumstances which attended the deaths of Brown, Scammel and Laurens—eulogïum of the American troops—anticipation that their meritorious services and sufferings will be consigned to immortality—apostrophe to Britain on the cruelty practised upon prisoners, and its effects in exciting such indignation in the Americans as will tend to the emancipation of their country —view of the successes of the American arms at Trenton, Princeton, Saratoga, Stony-Point, in the Southern States, and at York-Town—tribute of gratitude to the French King and nation—still the Americans are to rely on their own resources for the establishment of independence—apostrophe to independence —Britain obliged to relinquish her ideas of conquest— dawn of peace—invocation to peace—address to the armies on the happiness to be expected from it—invitation for them to settle in the western country—its beauties and advantages described —enjoyments resulting from the friendship of those who were in arms together—character of Americans in different ages—improvements of every kind in America—prayer to the Supreme Being that its felicity may become complete and perpetual.