lords and commons, has, by a late act of parliament, excluded the inhabitants of these United Colonies from the protection of his crown; and whereas no answer whatever to the humble petitions of the colonies, for redress of their grievances and reconciliation with Great Britain, has been, or is likely to be, given-but the whole force of that kingdom, aided by foreign mercenaries, is to be exerted for our destruction: And whereas it is irreconcilable to reason and good conscience, for the people of these colonies to take the oaths and affirmations necessary for the support of any government under the said crown; and it is necessary that the exercise of every kind of authority under the said crown should be totally suppressed, and all the powers of government exerted under the authority of the people of the colonies, for the preservation of internal peace, virtue, and good order, as well as for the defence of their lives, liberties, and properties, against the hostile invasions and cruel depredations of their enemies: Therefore— "Resolved, That it be recommended to the several assemblies and conventions, to institute such forms of government as they shall judge necessary for the happiness of the people." If such a resolution had been passed twelve months ago, as it ought to have been, and it was not my fault that it was not, how different would have been our situation. The advantages of such a measure were pointed out very particularly twelve months ago; but then we must petition and negotiate, and the people were not ripe. I believe they were as ripe then as they are now. I have seen, with great pleasure, in the newspapers andlin private letters, that the citizens of Boston, the inhabitants of several country towns, as well as the troops under General Ward, are exerting themselves to put the country in a good posture of defence. I wish them all health and wealth, and may God Almighty protect them from their enemies. FROM R. T. PAINE. Philadelphia, May 11, 1776. Nor having heard from you so long, nor seen your name. mentioned in a gubernatorial capacity, I am led to think either that you are unwell, or on public business abroad. I have wrote you several long letters, particularly March 7th, 16th, and April 2d and 14th, some of which I fear you have not received, as they were on such practical subjects as I think you would have taken some notice of. I have laboured exceedingly to establish certain important manufactures, without which speculation would be a phantom. I think we shall not want cannon-four furnaces make them good, as large as 18 pounders; and 24 pounders have been made, but have not as yet stood proof; the manufacturers say they are sure of success. Exceeding good muskets are made here, and I suppose with you, but what comes of them I can't find out, for it is certain that a great many of our troops are unarmed, and we are not able to get arms for them. I have made great inquiries about this matter, and have been always told that every man who could work at the business was employed. I wish to know if that be the case with you, and what the price of muskets is. Our musket committee have been able to make but two contracts for making muskets, but I hope our endeavours have set others a going. The congress was appointed to promote the good of the whole, but this can't be done without knowing the circumstances of all the parts; but as I wish the salvation of my country, I know nothing of our colony but what I find out by accident. I write letters of inquiry in vain. I hope we shall be more regular in doing business for the future, or we shall need leading-strings again. FROM E. GERRY. Philadelphia, May 31, 1776. THE Conviction which the late measures of administration have brought to the minds of doubting persons, has such an effect, that I think the colonies cannot long remain an independent, depending people, but that they will declare themselves as their interest and safety have long required, entirely separated from the prostituted government of Great Britain. Upon this subject, I have written to our friend, Col. Orne, and beg leave to refer you thereto. The principal object of our attention, at this important time, I think, should be the manufacturing of arms, lead, and clothing, and obtaining flints—for I suppose, since the measures adopted by North Carolina and Virginia, that there cannot remain a doubt with our assembly, of the propriety of declaring for independency; and, therefore, that our thoughts will be mostly directed to the means of supporting it. Powder and cannon are so successfully manufactured, that if the spirit continues, and with sufficient encouragement for the manufacturer, I think we may be sure of full supplies. With respect to arms, then, is it not necessary that each assembly should give such encouragement as will effectually answer the purpose? I was of opinion, last fall, that twelve dollars should be given for all that should be brought to the commissary, in consequence of the resolve then issued by the court, but since that was not the opinion of the members in general, and we are now greatly in want of this article, would it not be a good plan to exempt from the duties of war all manufacturers of fire arms; to give a premium to them for each apprentice which they shall take, and journeyman that they shall employ, and thirteen or fourteen dollars for all that shall be delivered agreeable to the former resolve in twelve months? Surely, when the success of our measures so much depends on obtaining this article, we shall not hesitate to give such encouragement as will obtain it, with as good success as we have heretofore the article of saltpetre. Lead you have before attended to, and I hope you will pursue the plan of carrying on the works at Northampton. If a manufacturer is wanted, I apprehend the colony of Virginia will spare us one; they sent to Europe for several, and are carrying on the work in that colony. Pray, my dear sir, pursue these objects as of the greatest importance. Flints may be imported, and clothing manufactured, if the inhabitants are timely apprized thereof. Would it not be well to recommend to them at large to exert themselves for obtaining, by their manufactures, a sufficiency of woollen and linen for the ensuing year, and also for the assembly to cause to be made a sufficient number of coats, blankets, &c. for the soldiers, agreeable to the method pursued the last year? The men must be well fed, clothed, armed, and paid, or you can never oblige them to do their duty. Our friends, Major Hawley, the Speaker, General Orne, and Mr. Sullivan, I think, will assist and promote these measures, if you think it convenient to suggest the same. I hope one or more cannon forges will be encouraged in our colony; and with respect to clothing, I think that after this year our trade will plentifully supply us. FROM R. T. PAINE. July 6, 1776. It is our unhappiness, in this time of danger, to have too many Calvinistic politicians, who seem to think their country will be saved by good words and warm faith, without concomitant exploits; if it did not proceed from a defect in human nature, I think we should not find it in so many places. I have a long time thought that the manufacture of arms and ammunition was an essential object of attention, and have accordingly applied myself most intensely to it, and I hope with good effect. The day before yesterday the declaration of American independency was voted by twelve colonies, agreeable to the sense of the constituents, and New-York was silent, till their new convention (which sits next week) express their assent, of which we have some doubt. Thus the issue is joined; and it is our comfortable reflection, that if by struggling we can avoid that servile subjection which Britain demanded, we remain a free and happy people; but if, through the frowns of Providence, we sink in the struggle, we do but remain the wretched people we should have been without this declaration. Our hearts are full, our hands are full; may God, in whom we trust, support us. FROM JOHN ADAMS. Philadelphia, August 27, 1776. You say you have been obliged to attend much upon the fortifications. I am glad of it. I am afraid that Boston harbour is not yet impregnable; if it is not, it ought to be made so. Boston has not grown into favour with King George, Lord North, or General Howe. It is no peculiar spite against NewYork, which has induced the fleet and army to invade it; it is no peculiar friendship, favour, or partiality to Boston, which has induced them to leave it. Be upon your guard, hesitate at no expense, no toil, to fortify that harbour against all its enemies. You ought to suppose the whole British empire to be your enemy, and prepare your plans against its malice and revenge. Howe's army must have winter quarters somewhere, and will at all hazards. They may try at Boston; there they lost their honour; there they would fain regain it, if they could. They have a hard bone to pick at New-York, according to present appearances. They are creeping on; moments are now of importance. They are landed on Long Island; if they attack our forts in columns, they may carry them-but if we do our duty, they will lose the worth of them in blood. A few days will disclose more of their designs. CONFESSIONS OF A STUDENT. I WISH that poetry could paint On woman's love-but woman's bright I lov'd a woman once, of full And told of fervent poetry And earnest thoughts beneath. Her tone Made up of melody alone; And giving to her lightest words Would sometimes for a moment glow This only token could reveal That there was yet with death a little strife. I sat beside her, hour by hour, And watch'd that hectic, till I knew Its lightest language. Strange, strange power, Upon the cheek it feeds on. Strange So beautifully calm, while change |