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diff --git a/18591-h/18591-h.htm b/18591-h/18591-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a8e1d24 --- /dev/null +++ b/18591-h/18591-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,14666 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Life of George Washington, Volume I., by John Marshall. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + body{margin-left: 15%; + margin-right: 15%; + } + + div.centered {text-align: center;} /* work around for IE centering with CSS problem part 1 */ + div.centered table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;} /* work around for IE centering with CSS problem part 2 */ + + + .blockquot{margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + + .sidenote { position: absolute; + left: 87%; margin-left: .5em; + font-size: smaller; + font-weight: bold; + text-align: left; + } + + .sidenoteb { /* boxed sidenote with small font */ + padding-bottom: .2em; padding-top: .2em; + padding-left: .2em; padding-right: .2em; + position: absolute; right: 91%; font-size: smaller; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + + .sidenotey { /* boxed sidenote with normal sized font */ + padding-bottom: .2em; padding-top: .2em; + padding-left: .2em; padding-right: .2em; + position: absolute; right: 91%; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .lgsmcap {font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 125%; font-weight: bold;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + + .footnotes {border: none 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {font-weight: bold; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life of George Washington, Vol. 1 (of 5), by +John Marshall + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Life of George Washington, Vol. 1 (of 5) + Commander in Chief of the American Forces During the War + which Established the Independence of his Country and First + President of the United States + +Author: John Marshall + +Release Date: June 15, 2006 [EBook #18591] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON *** + + + + +Produced by Linda Cantoni and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + +<h3><a href="#CONTENTS">Table of Contents</a></h3> +<h3><a href="#illustrations">List of Illustrations</a></h3> + +<p style="text-align: center"><img src="images/spines.jpg" width="727" height="633" alt="book spines" /></p> + + +<p style="text-align: center"> </p> + + +<p><a name="image-0001" id="image-0001"></a></p> +<p style="text-align: center"><img src="images/frontispiece1.jpg" width="370" height="541" alt="General Washington" /></p> + + +<p style="text-align: center"><b>General Washington</b></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"><i>From the full length portrait by John Trumbull at Yale University</i></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>This portrait is one of 54 canvasses the artist presented to Yale +University in return for an annuity of $1,000. Washington was in his +forty-third year and it is considered the best likeness of him at the +outbreak of the Revolution. The canvas depicts him, "six feet two +inches in height, with brown hair, blue eyes, large head and hands, +and strong arms."</i></p></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3>THE</h3> + +<h1>LIFE</h1> + +<h3>OF</h3> + +<h1>GEORGE WASHINGTON,</h1> + +<h3>COMMANDER IN CHIEF</h3> + +<h3>OF THE</h3> + +<h2>AMERICAN FORCES,</h2> + +<h3>DURING THE WAR WHICH ESTABLISHED THE INDEPENDENCE OF HIS COUNTRY,</h3> + +<h3>AND</h3> + +<h2>FIRST PRESIDENT</h2> + +<h3>OF THE</h3> + +<h2>UNITED STATES.</h2> + +<h3>COMPILED UNDER THE INSPECTION OF</h3> + +<h3>THE HONOURABLE BUSHROD WASHINGTON,</h3> + +<h3>FROM</h3> + +<h3><i>ORIGINAL PAPERS</i></h3> + +<h3>BEQUEATHED TO HIM BY HIS DECEASED RELATIVE, AND NOW IN POSSESSION OF +THE AUTHOR.</h3> + +<h3>TO WHICH IS PREFIXED,</h3> + +<h2>AN INTRODUCTION,</h2> + +<h3>CONTAINING A COMPENDIOUS VIEW OF THE COLONIES PLANTED BY THE ENGLISH +ON THE</h3> + +<h3>CONTINENT OF NORTH AMERICA,</h3> + +<h3>FROM THEIR SETTLEMENT TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THAT WAR WHICH TERMINATED +IN THEIR</h3> + +<h2>INDEPENDENCE.</h2> + + +<h2>BY JOHN MARSHALL.</h2> + + +<h3>VOL. I.</h3> + +<hr style="width: 25%;" /> + + +<p style="text-align: center"> +THE CITIZENS' GUILD<br /> +OF WASHINGTON'S BOYHOOD HOME<br /> +FREDERICKSBURG, VA.<br /> +<br /> +1926</p> + + + +<p style="text-align: center"> </p> + + + +<p style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/titlepage1.jpg" width="438" height="702" alt="title page" /></p> + + + +<p style="text-align: center"> </p> + + + +<p style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/subscription.jpg" width="508" height="803" alt="subscription" /></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>PUBLISHER'S PREFACE</h2> + + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">In</span> his will George Washington bequeathed to his favorite nephew, +Bushrod Washington, his personal letters, private papers and secret +documents accumulated during a lifetime of service to his country. +When the bequest became known, many of the literary men of the country +were proposed for the commission to write the authorized life of our +First President.</p> + +<p>Bushrod Washington's choice fell upon John Marshall, Chief Justice of +the Supreme Court. To him he handed over all the precious papers left +him by his distinguished relative. George Washington and Marshall's +father, Thomas Marshall, were boyhood companions, so John Marshall +knew "the Father of His Country" as a neighbor and friend from his +earliest youth, and served under him in the Revolution.</p> + +<p>If it be true that it takes a great man to interpret the life of a +great man then Bushrod Washington made no mistake in the selection of +a biographer. For Marshall, under the influence of Washington, came to +be nearly as great a man as the character whose life and achievements +held his deepest thought for nearly a quarter of a century. Certainly +his services to his country rank close to Washington's. Marshall's +sympathetic understanding of his subject, his first-hand knowledge of +events with his remarkable powers of expression qualified him to +produce the masterpiece that has come down to us.</p> + +<p>Seven years were spent in preparing the first edition, published in +1804-07. The work was based chiefly on Washington's own diaries and +letters and secret archives and it told not simply the epic story of +this great life but the truth about the birth of our nation. Marshall +later spent fifteen years revising the first edition, verifying to the +last detail every chapter, page and paragraph of his monumental work.</p> + +<p>The first edition, published by C.P. Wayne of Philadelphia, was an +achievement in beautiful printing and bookmaking and still stands out +today as such. The present publishers have followed the format of the +original edition but have used the revised text which Marshall spent +so many years in perfecting.</p> + +<p>Washington's personality lives on in John Marshall's great biography. +He still has the power to raise up men to greatness as he did during +his lifetime. The precepts, the principles and the shining example of +this foremost of self-educated, self-made Americans have the power to +uplift and start toward new heights of achievement, all who come in +contact with him. The work is now reissued in the hope that it may +give his countrymen of the present day the benefit of the counsel, the +guidance and the inspiration that has proven so valuable in the past.</p> + +<p style="text-align: right">February 22nd, 1926.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>PREFACE</h2> + +<h3>BY THE AUTHOR</h3> + + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">A desire</span> to know intimately those illustrious personages, who have +performed a conspicuous part on the great theatre of the world, is, +perhaps, implanted in every human bosom. We delight to follow them +through the various critical and perilous situations in which they +have been placed, to view them in the extremes of adverse and +prosperous fortune, to trace their progress through all the +difficulties they have surmounted, and to contemplate their whole +conduct, at a time when, the power and the pomp of office having +disappeared, it may be presented to us in the simple garb of truth.</p> + +<p>If among those exalted characters which are produced in every age, +none can have a fairer claim to the attention and recollection of +mankind than those under whose auspices great empires have been +founded, or political institutions deserving to be permanent, +established; a faithful representation of the various important events +connected with the life of the favourite son of America, cannot be +unworthy of the general regard. Among his own countrymen it will +unquestionably excite the deepest interest.</p> + +<p>As if the chosen instrument of Heaven, selected for the purpose of +effecting the great designs of Providence respecting this our western +hemisphere, it was the peculiar lot of this distinguished man, at +every epoch when the destinies of his country seemed dependent on the +measures adopted, to be called by the united voice of his fellow +citizens to those high stations on which the success of those measures +principally depended. It was his peculiar lot to be equally useful in +obtaining the independence, and consolidating the civil institutions, +of his country. We perceive him at the head of her armies, during a +most arduous and perilous war on the events of which her national +existence was staked, supporting with invincible fortitude the unequal +conflict. That war being happily terminated, and the political +revolutions of America requiring that he should once more relinquish +his beloved retirement, we find him guiding her councils with the same +firmness, wisdom, and virtue, which had, long and successfully, been +displayed in the field. We behold him her chief magistrate at a time +when her happiness, her liberty, perhaps her preservation depended on +so administering the affairs of the Union, that a government standing +entirely on the public favour, which had with infinite difficulty been +adopted, and against which the most inveterate prejudices had been +excited, should conciliate public opinion, and acquire a firmness and +stability that would enable it to resist the rude shocks it was +destined to sustain. It was too his peculiar fortune to afford the +brightest examples of moderation and patriotism, by voluntarily +divesting himself of the highest military and civil honours when the +public interests no longer demanded that he should retain them. We +find him retiring from the head of a victorious and discontented army +which adored him, so soon as the object for which arms had been taken +up was accomplished; and withdrawing from the highest office an +American citizen can hold, as soon as his influence, his character, +and his talents ceased to be necessary to the maintenance of that +government which had been established under his auspices.</p> + +<p>He was indeed, "first in war,<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> first in peace, and first in the +hearts of his fellow citizens."</p> + +<p>A faithful detail of the transactions of a person so pre-eminently +distinguished will be looked for with avidity, and the author laments +his inability to present to the public a work which may gratify the +expectations that have been raised. In addition to that just +diffidence of himself which he very sincerely feels, two causes beyond +his control combine to excite this apprehension.</p> + +<p>Accustomed to look in the page of history for incidents in themselves +of great magnitude, to find immense exertions attended with +inconsiderable effects, and vast means employed in producing +unimportant ends, we are in the habit of bestowing on the recital of +military actions, a degree of consideration proportioned to the +numbers engaged in them. When the struggle has terminated, and the +agitations felt during its suspense have subsided, it is difficult to +attach to enterprises, in which small numbers have been concerned, +that admiration which is often merited by the talents displayed in +their execution, or that interest which belongs to the consequences +that have arisen from them.</p> + +<p>The long and distressing contest between Great Britain and these +states did not abound in those great battles which are so frequent in +the wars of Europe. Those who expect a continued succession of +victories and defeats; who can only feel engaged in the movements of +vast armies, and who believe that a Hero must be perpetually in +action, will be disappointed in almost every page of the following +history. Seldom was the American chief in a condition to indulge his +native courage in those brilliant achievements to which he was +stimulated by his own feelings, and a detail of which interests, +enraptures, and astonishes the reader. Had he not often checked his +natural disposition, had he not tempered his ardour with caution, the +war he conducted would probably have been of short duration, and the +United States would still have been colonies. At the head of troops +most of whom were perpetually raw because they were perpetually +changing; who were neither well fed, paid, clothed, nor armed; and who +were generally inferior, even in numbers, to the enemy; he derives no +small title to glory from the consideration, that he never despaired +of the public safety; that he was able at all times to preserve the +appearance of an army, and that, in the most desperate situation of +American affairs, he did not, for an instant, cease to be formidable. +To estimate rightly his worth we must contemplate his difficulties. We +must examine the means placed in his hands, and the use he made of +those means. To preserve an army when conquest was impossible, to +avoid defeat and ruin when victory was unattainable, to keep his +forces embodied and suppress the discontents of his soldiers, +exasperated by a long course of the most cruel privations, to seize +with unerring discrimination the critical moment when vigorous +offensive operations might be advantageously carried on, are actions +not less valuable in themselves, nor do they require less capacity in +the chief who performs them, than a continued succession of battles. +But they spread less splendour over the page which recounts them, and +excite weaker emotions in the bosom of the reader.</p> + +<p>There is also another source from which some degree of disappointment +has been anticipated. It is the impossibility of giving to the public +in the first part of this work many facts not already in their +possession.</p> + +<p>The American war was a subject of too much importance to have remained +thus long unnoticed by the literary world. Almost every event worthy +of attention, which occurred during its progress, has been gleaned up +and detailed. Not only the public, but much of the private +correspondence of the commander in chief has been inspected, and +permission given to extract from it whatever might properly be +communicated. In the military part of this history, therefore, the +author can promise not much that is new. He can only engage for the +correctness with which facts are stated, and for the diligence with +which his researches have been made.</p> + +<p>The letters to and from the commander in chief during the war, were +very numerous and have been carefully preserved. The whole of this +immensely voluminous correspondence has, with infinite labour, been +examined; and the work now offered to the public is, principally, +compiled from it. The facts which occurred on the continent are, +generally, supported by these letters, and it has therefore been +deemed unnecessary to multiply references to them. But there are many +facts so connected with those events, in which the general performed a +principal part, that they ought not to be omitted, and respecting +which his correspondence cannot be expected to furnish satisfactory +information.</p> + +<p>Such facts have been taken from the histories of the day, and the +authority relied on for the establishment of their verity has been +cited. Doddesly's Annual Register, Belsham, Gordon, Ramsay, and +Stedman have, for this purpose, been occasionally resorted to, and are +quoted for all those facts which are detailed in part on their +authority. Their very language has sometimes been employed without +distinguishing the passages, especially when intermingled with others, +by marks of quotation, and the author persuades himself that this +public declaration will rescue him from the imputation of receiving +aids he is unwilling to acknowledge, or of wishing, by a concealed +plagiarism, to usher to the world, as his own, the labours of others.</p> + +<p>In selecting the materials for the succeeding volumes, it was deemed +proper to present to the public as much as possible of general +Washington himself. Prominent as he must be in any history of the +American war, there appeared to be a peculiar fitness in rendering him +still more so in one which professes to give a particular account of +his own life. His private opinions therefore; his various plans, even +those which were never carried into execution; his individual +exertions to prevent and correct the multiplied errors committed by +inexperience, are given in more minute detail; and more copious +extracts from his letters are taken, than would comport with the plan +of a more general work.</p> + +<p>Many events too are unnoticed, which in such a composition would be +worthy of being introduced, and much useful information has not been +sought for, which a professed history of America ought to comprise. +Yet the history of general Washington, during his military command and +civil administration, is so much that of his country, that the work +appeared to the author to be most sensibly incomplete and +unsatisfactory, while unaccompanied by such a narrative of the +principal events preceding our revolutionary war, as would make the +reader acquainted with the genius, character, and resources of the +people about to engage in that memorable contest. This appeared the +more necessary as that period of our history is but little known to +ourselves. Several writers have detailed very minutely the affairs of +a particular colony, but the <i>desideratum</i> is a composition which +shall present in one connected view, the transactions of all those +colonies which now form the United States.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS</h2> + + +<h3><a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a></h3> + +<p>Commission of Cabot.... His voyage to America.... Views of discovery +relinquished by Henry VII.... Resumed by Elizabeth.... Letters patent +to Sir Humphry Gilbert.... His voyages and death.... Patent to Sir +Walter Raleigh.... Voyage of Sir Richard Grenville.... Colonists +carried back to England by Drake.... Grenville arrives with other +colonists.... They are left on Roanoke Island.... Are destroyed by the +Indians.... Arrival of John White.... He returns to England for +succour.... Raleigh assigns his patent.... Patent to Sir Thomas Gates +and others.... Code of laws for the proposed colony drawn up by the +King.</p> + + +<h3><a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></h3> + +<p>Voyage of Newport.... Settlement at Jamestown.... Distress of +colonists.... Smith.... He is captured by the Indians.... Condemned to +death, saved by Pocahontas.... Returns to Jamestown.... Newport +arrives with fresh settlers.... Smith explores the Chesapeake.... Is +chosen president.... New charter.... Third voyage of Newport.... Smith +sails for Europe.... Condition of the colony.... Colonists determine +to abandon the country.... Are stopped by Lord Delaware.... Sir Thomas +Dale.... New charter.... Capt. Argal seizes Pocahontas.... She marries +Mr. Rolf.... Separate property in lands and labour.... Expedition +against Port Royal.... Against Manhadoes.... Fifty acres of land for +each settler.... Tobacco.... Sir Thomas Dale.... Mr. Yeardley.... +First assembly.... First arrival of females.... Of convicts.... Of +African slaves.... Two councils established.... Prosperity of the +colony.... Indians attempt to massacre the whites.... General war.... +Dissolution of the company.... Arbitrary measures of the crown.... Sir +John Harvey.... Sir William Berkeley.... Provincial assembly +restored.... Virginia declares in favour of Charles II.... Grant to +Lord Baltimore.... Arrival of a colony in Maryland.... Assembly +composed of freemen.... William Claybourne.... Assembly composed of +representatives.... Divided into two branches.... Tyrannical +proceedings.</p> + + +<h3><a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></h3> + +<p>First ineffectual attempts of the Plymouth company to settle the +country.... Settlement at New Plymouth.... Sir Henry Rosewell and +company.... New charter.... Settlements prosecuted vigorously.... +Government transferred to the colonists.... Boston founded.... +Religious intolerance.... General court established.... Royal +commission for the government of the plantations.... Contest with the +French colony of Acadié.... Hugh Peters.... Henry Vane.... Mrs. +Hutchison.... Maine granted to Gorges.... Quo warranto against the +patent of the colony.... Religious dissensions.... Providence +settled.... Rhode Island settled.... Connecticut settled.... War with +the Pequods.... New Haven settled.</p> + + +<h3><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></h3> + +<p>Massachusetts claims New Hampshire and part of Maine.... Dissensions +among the inhabitants.... Confederation of the New England +colonies.... Rhode Island excluded from it.... Separate chambers +provided for the two branches of the Legislature.... New England takes +part with Parliament.... Treaty with Acadié.... Petition of the +non-conformists.... Disputes between Massachusetts and Connecticut.... +War between England and Holland.... Machinations of the Dutch at +Manhadoes among the Indians.... Massachusetts refuses to join the +united colonies in the war.... Application of New Haven to Cromwell +for assistance.... Peace with the Dutch.... Expedition of Sedgewic +against Acadié.... Religious intolerance.</p> + + +<h3><a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></h3> + +<p>Transactions succeeding the restoration of Charles II.... Contests +between Connecticut and New Haven.... Discontents in Virginia.... +Grant to the Duke of York.... Commissioners appointed by the crown.... +Conquest of the Dutch settlements.... Conduct of Massachusetts to the +royal commissioners.... Their recall.... Massachusetts evades a +summons to appear before the King and council.... Settlement of +Carolina.... Form of government.... Constitution of Mr. Locke.... +Discontents in the county of Albemarle.... Invasion from Florida.... +Abolition of the constitution of Mr. Locke.... Bacon's rebellion.... +His death.... Assembly deprived of judicial power.... Discontents in +Virginia.... Population of the colony.</p> + + +<h3><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></h3> + +<p>Prosperity of New England.... War with Philip.... Edward Randolph +arrives in Boston.... Maine adjudged to Gorges.... Purchased by +Massachusetts.... Royal government erected in New Hampshire.... +Complaints against Massachusetts.... Their letters patent +cancelled.... Death of Charles II.... James II. proclaimed.... New +commission for the government of New England.... Sir Edmond Andros.... +The charter of Rhode Island abrogated.... Odious measures of the new +government.... Andros deposed.... William and Mary proclaimed.... +Review of proceedings in New York and the Jerseys.... Pennsylvania +granted to William Penn.... Frame of government.... Foundation of +Philadelphia laid.... Assembly convened.... First acts of the +legislature.... Boundary line with Lord Baltimore settled.</p> + + +<h3><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></h3> + +<p>New charter of Massachusetts.... Affairs of New York.... War with +France.... Schenectady destroyed.... Expedition against Port Royal.... +Against Quebec.... Acadié recovered by France.... Pemaquid taken.... +Attempt on St. Johns.... Peace.... Affairs of New York.... Of +Virginia.... Disputes between England and France respecting boundary +in America.... Recommencement of hostilities.... Quotas of the +respective colonies.... Treaty of neutrality between France and the +five nations.... Expedition against Port Royal.... Incursion into +Massachusetts.... Plan for the invasion of Canada.... Port Royal +taken.... Expedition against Quebec.... Treaty of Utrecht.... Affairs +of New York.... Of Carolina.... Expedition against St. Augustine.... +Attempt to establish the Episcopal church.... Invasion of the +colony.... Bills of credit issued.... Legislature continues itself.... +Massacre in North Carolina by the Indians.... Tuscaroras defeated.... +Scheme of a Bank.</p> + + +<h3><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h3> + +<p>Proceedings of the legislature of Massachusetts.... Intrigues of the +French among the Indians.... War with the savages.... Peace.... +Controversy with the governor.... Decided in England.... Contests +concerning the governor's salary.... The assembly adjourned to +Salem.... Contest concerning the salary terminated.... Great +depreciation of the paper currency.... Scheme of a land bank.... +Company dissolved by act of Parliament.... Governor Shirley +arrives.... Review of transactions in New York.</p> + + +<h3><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></h3> + +<p>War with the southern Indians.... Dissatisfaction of Carolina with the +proprietors.... Rupture with Spain.... Combination to subvert the +proprietary government.... Revolution completed.... Expedition from +the Havanna against Charleston.... Peace with Spain.... The +proprietors surrender their interest to the crown.... The province +divided.... Georgia settled.... Impolicy of the first regulations.... +Intrigues of the Spaniards with the slaves of South Carolina.... +Insurrection of the slaves.</p> + + +<h3><a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></h3> + +<p>War declared against Spain.... Expedition against St. Augustine.... +Georgia invaded.... Spaniards land on an island in the Alatamaha.... +Appearance of a fleet from Charleston.... Spanish army re-embarks.... +Hostilities with France.... Expedition against Louisbourg.... +Louisbourg surrenders.... Great plans of the belligerent powers.... +Misfortunes of the armament under the duke D'Anville.... The French +fleet dispersed by a storm.... Expedition against Nova Scotia.... +Treaty of Aix la Chapelle.... Paper money of Massachusetts +redeemed.... Contests between the French and English respecting +boundaries.... Statement respecting the discovery of the +Mississippi.... Scheme for connecting Louisiana with Canada.... +Relative strength of the French and English colonies.... Defeat at the +Little Meadows.... Convention at Albany.... Plan of union.... Objected +to both in America and Great Britain.</p> + + +<h3><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></h3> + +<p>General Braddock arrives.... Convention of governors and plan of the +campaign.... French expelled from Nova Scotia, and inhabitants +transplanted.... Expedition against fort Du Quêsne.... Battle of +Monongahela.... Defeat and death of General Braddock.... Expedition +against Crown Point.... Dieskau defeated.... Expedition against +Niagara.... Frontiers distressed by the Indians.... Meeting of the +governors at New York.... Plan for the campaign of 1756.... Lord +Loudoun arrives.... Montcalm takes Oswego.... Lord Loudoun abandons +offensive operations.... Small-pox breaks out in Albany.... Campaign +of 1757 opened.... Admiral Holbourne arrives at Halifax.... Is joined +by the earl of Loudoun.... Expedition against Louisbourg +relinquished.... Lord Loudoun returns to New York.... Fort William +Henry taken.... Controversy between Lord Loudoun and the assembly of +Massachusetts.</p> + + +<h3><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></h3> + +<p>Preparations for the campaign of 1758.... Admiral Boscawen and General +Amherst arrive at Halifax.... Plan of the campaign.... Expedition +against Louisbourg, Ticonderoga, and Crown Point.... General +Abercrombie repulsed under the walls of Ticonderoga.... Fort +Frontignac taken.... Expedition against Fort Du Quêsne.... +Preparations for the campaign of 1759.... General Amherst succeeds +General Abercrombie.... Plan of the campaign.... Ticonderoga and Crown +Point taken.... Army goes into winter quarters.... French repulsed at +Oswego.... Defeated at Niagara.... Niagara taken.... Expedition +against Quebec.... Check to the English army.... Battle on the Plains +of Abraham.... Death of Wolfe and Montcalm.... Quebec capitulates.... +Garrisoned by the English under the command of General Murray.... +Attempt to recover Quebec.... Battle near Sillery.... Quebec besieged +by Monsieur Levi.... Siege raised.... Montreal capitulates.... War +with the southern Indians.... Battle near the town of Etchoe.... Grant +defeats them and burns their towns.... Treaty with the Cherokees.... +War with Spain.... Success of the English.... Peace.</p> + + +<h3><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h3> + +<p>Opinions on the supremacy of parliament, and its right to tax the +colonies.... The stamp act.... Congress at New York.... Violence in +the towns.... Change of administration.... Stamp act repealed.... +Opposition to the mutiny act.... Act imposing duties on tea, &c., +resisted in America.... Letters from the assembly of Massachusetts to +members of the administration.... Petition to the King.... Circular +letter to the colonial assemblies.... Letter from the Earl of +Hillsborough.... Assembly of Massachusetts dissolved.... Seizure of +the Sloop Liberty.... Convention at Fanueil Hall.... Moderation of its +proceedings.... Two British regiments arrive at Boston.... Resolutions +of the house of Burgesses of Virginia.... Assembly dissolved.... The +members form an association.... General measures against +importation.... General court convened in Massachusetts.... Its +proceedings.... Is prorogued.... Duties, except that on tea, +repealed.... Circular letter of the earl of Hillsborough.... New York +recedes from the non-importation agreement in part.... Her example +followed.... Riot in Boston.... Trial and acquittal of Captain +Preston.</p> + + +<h3><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h3> + +<p>Insurrection in North Carolina.... Dissatisfaction of +Massachusetts.... Corresponding-committees.... Governor Hutchinson's +correspondence communicated by Dr. Franklin.... The assembly petition +for his removal.... He is succeeded by General Gage.... Measures to +enforce the act concerning duties.... Ferment in America.... The tea +thrown into the sea at Boston.... Measures of Parliament.... General +enthusiasm in America.... A general congress proposed.... General Gage +arrives.... Troops stationed on Boston neck.... New counsellors and +judges.... Obliged to resign.... Boston neck fortified.... Military +stores seized by General Gage.... Preparations for defence.... King's +speech.... Proceedings of Parliament.... Battle of Lexington.... +Massachusetts raises men.... Meeting of Congress.... Proceedings of +that body.... Transactions in Virginia.... Provincial congress of +South Carolina.... Battle of Breed's hill.</p> + +<h3><a href="#NOTES">NOTES</a></h3> +<h3><a href="#footnotes">Footnotes</a></h3> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + + + +<h2><a name="illustrations" id="illustrations">ILLUSTRATIONS</a></h2> + +<h3><a href="#image-0001"> +General Washington +</a></h3> +<h3><a href="#image-0002"> +Ruins of the Old Brick Church Built at Jamestown In +1639 +</a></h3> +<h3><a href="#image-0003"> +Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1622 +</a></h3> +<h3><a href="#image-0004"> +Penn Seeking Freedom for Imprisoned Friends +</a></h3> +<h3><a href="#image-0005"> +Great Meadows and the Site of Fort Necessity +</a></h3> +<h3><a href="#image-0006"> +General Braddock's Grave +</a></h3> +<h3><a href="#image-0007"> +The Death of Wolfe on the Plains Of Abraham +</a></h3> +<h3><a href="#image-0008"> +The Boston Tea Party +</a></h3> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Commission of Cabot.... His voyage to America.... Views of +discovery relinquished by Henry VII.... Resumed by +Elizabeth.... Letters patent to Sir Humphry Gilbert.... His +voyages and death.... Patent to Sir Walter Raleigh.... +Voyage of Sir Richard Grenville.... Colonists carried back +to England by Drake.... Grenville arrives with other +colonists.... They are left on Roanoke Island.... Are +destroyed by the Indians.... Arrival of John White.... He +returns to England for succour.... Raleigh assigns his +patent.... Patent to Sir Thomas Gates and others.... Code of +laws for the proposed colony drawn up by the King.</b></p></div> + + +<p> </p> + + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">The United States of America</span> extend, on the Atlantic, from the bay of +Passamaquoddi in the 45th, to Cape Florida in the 25th, degree of +north latitude; and thence, on the gulf of Mexico, including the small +adjacent islands to the mouth of the Sabine, in the 17th degree of +west longitude from Washington. From the mouth of the Sabine to the +Rocky mountains, they are separated from Spanish America by a line +which pursues an irregular north-western direction to the 42d degree +of north latitude, whence it proceeds west, to the Pacific. On the +north they are bounded by the British provinces; from which, between +the Lake of the Woods and the Rocky, or Stony mountains, they are +separated by the 49th parallel of north latitude. Their northern +boundary, west of these mountains, has not yet been adjusted.</p> + +<p>The extent of this vast Republic, in consequence of its recent +acquisition of almost unexplored territory, has not yet been +accurately ascertained; but may be stated at two millions of square +miles.</p> + +<p>Its population, which began on the Atlantic, and is travelling rapidly +westward, amounted in 1820, according to the census of that year, to +nine millions six hundred and fifty-four thousand four hundred and +fifteen persons. The enumerations which have been made under the +authority of government, show an augmentation of numbers at the rate +of about thirty-four <i>per centum</i><a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> in ten years; and it is probable, +that for many years to come, this ratio will not be materially +changed.</p> + +<p>Public sentiment, to which the policy of the government conforms, is +opposed to a large military establishment; and the distance of the +United States from the great powers of the world, protects them from +the danger to which this policy might otherwise expose them.</p> + +<p>The navy has become an object of great interest to the nation, and may +be expected to grow with its resources. In April 1816, Congress passed +an act appropriating one million of dollars annually, to its gradual +increase; and authorising the construction of nine ships, to rate not +less than seventy-four guns each, and of twelve, to rate not less than +forty-four guns each.</p> + +<p>The execution of this act is in rapid progress. Inconsiderable as the +navy now is, with respect to the number and force of its ships, it is +deemed inferior to none in existence for the bravery and skill of its +officers and men. When we take into view the extensive sea coast of +the United States, the magnificent lakes, or inland seas, which form a +considerable part of their northern frontier, the abundance of their +materials for ship building, and the genius of their population for +maritime enterprise, it is not easy to resist the conviction that this +bulwark of defence will, at no very distant period, attain a size and +strength sufficient to ensure the safety of the nation and the respect +of the world.</p> + +<p>The net revenue of the United States amounted, in the year 1822, to +considerably more than twenty millions of dollars; and, unless a +course of legislation unfavourable to its augmentation be adopted, +must grow with their population.</p> + +<p>In arts, in arms, and in power, they have advanced, and are advancing, +with unexampled rapidity.</p> + +<p>The history of their progress, from the first feeble settlements made +by Europeans on a savage coast, to their present state of greatness; +while it has just claims to the attention of the curious of all +nations, may be expected deeply to interest every American.</p> + +<p>Soon after the return of Columbus from that memorable voyage which +opened the vast regions of the west to civilized man, the maritime +states of Europe manifested a desire to share with Spain, the glory, +the wealth, and the dominion to be acquired in the new world. By no +one of these states, was this desire carried into action more promptly +than by England, Henry VII. had received communications from Columbus, +during the tedious and uncertain negotiations of that great man, at +the dilatory court of Ferdinand, which prepared him for the important +discoveries afterwards made, and inclined him to countenance the +propositions of his own subjects for engaging in similar adventures. +<span class="sidenote">Commission of Cabot.</span>On the 5th of March 1495, he granted a commission to John Cabot, an +enterprising Venetian who had settled in Bristol, and to his three +sons, Lewis, Sebastian, and Sanctius, empowering them, or either of +them, to sail under the banner of England, towards the east, north, or +west, in order to discover countries unoccupied by any Christian +state, and to take possession of them in his name.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">His voyage to America.</div> + +<p>It does not appear that the expedition contemplated at the date of +this commission was prosecuted immediately; but in May 1496, Cabot, +with his second son, Sebastian, sailed from Bristol in a small +squadron, consisting of one ship furnished by the King, and four barks +fitted out by merchants of that city; and, steering almost due west, +discovered the islands of Newfoundland and St. Johns, and, soon +afterward, reached the continent of North America, along which he +sailed from the fifty-sixth to the thirty-eighth degree of north +latitude, in the vain hope of discovering a passage into the Pacific.</p> + +<p>Thus, according to the English historians, was first discovered that +immense continent which stretches from the gulf of Mexico as far north +as has yet been explored; and to this voyage, the English trace their +title to the country they afterwards acquired by settlement, and by +arms.</p> + +<p>France, which has since contested with Britain the possession of a +considerable portion of this important territory, has also advanced +claims to its discovery; but they seem not to be well founded.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">The scheme of making settlements relinquished.</div> + +<p>The ardour which had been excited in the bosom of Henry for making +acquisitions in the new world, expired with this first effort. Cabot, +on his return, found that monarch entirely disinclined to the farther +prosecution of a scheme in which he had engaged with some zeal, the +commencement of which had been attended with encouraging appearances.</p> + +<p>Several causes are supposed to have contributed to suspend the +pursuits of the English in America. Previous to its discovery, the +Portuguese had explored the Azores, or Western Islands; in consequence +of which they claimed this continent, and contended for the exclusion +of the Spaniards from the Western Ocean. The controversy was decided +by the Pope, who, on the 7th of May 1493, of his own "mere liberality +and certain knowledge, and the plenitude of apostolic authority," +granted to Spain, the countries discovered or to be discovered by her, +to the westward of a line to be drawn from pole to pole, a hundred +leagues west of the Azores; (excepting such countries as might be in +the possession of any other Christian prince antecedent to the year +1493;) and to Portugal, her discoveries eastward of that line.</p> + +<p>The validity of this grant was probably strengthened, in the opinion +of Henry, by other circumstances. He set a high value on the +friendship of the King of Spain, with whom he was then negotiating the +marriage which afterwards took place between his eldest son and +Catharine, the daughter of that monarch. Ferdinand was jealous to +excess of all his rights; and Henry was not inclined to interrupt the +harmony subsisting between the two crowns, by asserting claims to the +country discovered by Cabot, which was obviously within the limits to +which the pretensions of Spain extended.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Renewed by Elizabeth.</div> + +<p>The fisheries of Newfoundland were carried on by individuals, to a +considerable extent, and a paltry traffic was continued with the +natives; but no serious design of acquiring territory, and planting +colonies in America was formed until the reign of Elizabeth, when a +plan for making permanent settlements was proposed and patronized by +several persons of rank and influence. To select a man qualified for +this arduous task, and disposed to engage in it, was among the first +objects to which their attention was directed. Sir Humphry Gilbert had +rendered himself conspicuous by his military services, and by a +treatise concerning the north-west passage, in which great ingenuity +and learning, are stated by Dr. Robertson, to be mingled with the +enthusiasm, the credulity, and sanguine expectation which incite men +to new and hazardous undertakings. On this gentleman the adventurers +turned their eyes, and he was placed at the head of the enterprise. On +the 11th of June 1578, he obtained letters patent from the Queen, +vesting in him the powers that were required; on receiving which, he, +with the associates of his voyage, embarked for America. But his +success did not equal his expectations. The various difficulties +inseparable from the settlement of a distant, unexplored country, +inhabited only by savages; the inadequacy of the supplies which could +be furnished for a colony by the funds of a few private individuals; +the misfortune of having approached the continent too far towards the +north, where the cold barren coast of Cape Breton was rather +calculated to repel than invite a settlement; have been assigned as +the probable causes of his failure.<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p> + +<p>Two expeditions conducted by this gentleman ended disastrously. In the +last, he himself perished; having done nothing farther in the +execution of his patent, than taking possession of the island of +Newfoundland, in the name of Elizabeth.</p> + +<p>Sir Walter Raleigh, alike distinguished by his genius, his courage, +and the severity of his fate, had been deeply interested in the +adventures in which his half brother, Sir Humphry Gilbert, had wasted +his fortune, and was not deterred by their failure, or by the +difficulties attending such an enterprise, from prosecuting with +vigour, a plan so well calculated to captivate his bold and romantic +temper.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1584</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Patent to Sir Walter Raleigh.</div> + +<p>On the 26th of March, he obtained a patent from the Queen; and, on the +27th of April, dispatched two small vessels under the command of +captains Amidas and Barlow for the purpose of visiting the country, +and of acquiring some previous knowledge of those circumstances which +might be essential to the welfare of the colony he was about to plant. +To avoid the error of Gilbert in holding too far north, Amidas and +Barlow took the route by the Canaries, and the West India islands, and +approached the North American continent towards the gulf of Florida. +On the 2d of July, they touched at a small island situate on the inlet +into Pamplico sound, whence they proceeded to Roanoke, near the mouth +of Albemarle sound.</p> + +<p>After employing a few weeks in traffic with the Indians, from whom +they collected some confused accounts respecting the neighbouring +continent, they took with them two of the natives, who willingly +accompanied them, and embarked for England, where they arrived on the +15th of September. The splendid description which they gave of the +soil, the climate, and the productions of the country they had +visited, so pleased Elizabeth, that she bestowed on it the name of +Virginia, as a memorial that it had been discovered during the reign +of a virgin Queen.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> Raleigh, encouraged by their report to hasten +his preparations for taking possession of the property, fitted out a +squadron consisting of seven small ships, laden with arms, ammunition, +provisions, and passengers, <span class="sidenotey">1585</span><span class="sidenote">Voyage of Sir Richard Grenville.</span>which sailed from Plymouth on the 9th of +April, under the command of Sir Richard Grenville, who was his +relation, and interested with him in the patent. Having taken the +southern route, and wasted some time in cruising against the +Spaniards, Sir Richard did not reach the coast of North America, until +the close of the month of June. He touched at both the islands on +which Amidas and Barlow had landed, and made some excursions into +different parts of the continent around Pamplico, and Albemarle +sounds.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">First colony.</div> + +<p>Having established a colony, consisting of one hundred and eight +persons, in the island of Roanoke, an incommodious station, without +any safe harbour, he committed the government of it to Mr. Ralph Lane; +and, on the 25th of August, sailed for England.<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p> + + +<p>An insatiate passion for gold, attended by an eager desire to find it +in the bowels of the earth, for a long time the disease of Europeans +in America, became the scourge of this feeble settlement. The English +flattered themselves that the country they had discovered could not be +destitute of those mines of the precious metals with which Spanish +America abounded. The most diligent researches were made in quest of +them; and the infatuating hope of finding them stimulated the +colonists to the utmost exertions of which they were capable. The +Indians soon discerned the object for which they searched with so much +avidity, and amused them with tales of rich mines in countries they +had not yet explored. Seduced by this information, they encountered +incredible hardships, and, in this vain search wasted that time which +ought to have been employed in providing the means of future +subsistence. Mutual suspicion and disgust between them and the natives +ripened into open hostility; and, the provisions brought from England +being exhausted, they were under the necessity of resorting for food +to the precarious supplies which could be drawn from the rivers and +woods. <span class="sidenotey">1586</span>In this state of distress, they were found, in June, by Sir +Francis Drake, who was then returning from a successful expedition +against the Spaniards in the West Indies. He agreed to supply them +with about one hundred men, four months' provisions, and a small +vessel; but, before she could be brought into a place of security, and +the men and stores disembarked, she was driven out to sea by a sudden +and violent storm. <span class="sidenote">Colonists carried back to England by Drake.</span>Discouraged by this misfortune, and worn out with +fatigue and famine, the colonists unanimously determined to abandon +the colony, and were, at their own request, taken on board the fleet +which sailed for England.<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></p> + +<p>Thus terminated the first English colony planted in America. The only +acquisition made by this expensive experiment, was a better knowledge +of the country and its inhabitants.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Grenville plants a second colony.</div> + +<p>A few days after the departure of Drake with Lane and his associates, +a small vessel which had been dispatched by Raleigh with a supply of +provisions, reached its place of destination. Not finding the +colonists, this vessel returned to England. Soon after its departure, +Sir Richard Grenville arrived with three ships and ample supplies. +Having searched in vain for the colonists he had left, and being +unable to conjecture their fate, he placed fifteen men in the island +with provisions for two years, for the purpose of retaining possession +of the country, and returned to England. <span class="sidenote">Destroyed by the Indians.</span>This small party was soon +destroyed by the Indians.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1587</div> + +<p>Not discouraged by the ill success which had thus far attended his +efforts to make a settlement in America, Raleigh, in the following +year, fitted out three ships under the command of captain John White, +and, it is said, directed the colony to be removed to the waters of +the Chesapeake, which bay had been discovered by Lane in the preceding +year. Instructed by calamity, he adopted more efficacious means for +preserving and continuing the colony than had before been used. The +number of men was greater; they were accompanied by some women, and +their supply of provisions was more abundant. Mr. White was appointed +their governor, twelve assistants were assigned him as a council, and +a charter incorporating them by the name of the governor and +assistants of the city of Raleigh in Virginia, was granted them.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Third colony arrives.</div> + +<p>Thus prepared for a permanent settlement, they arrived in July at +Roanoke, where they received the melancholy intelligence of the loss +of their countrymen who had been left there by Sir Richard Grenville. +They determined, however, to remain at the same place, and began to +make the necessary preparations for their accommodation. Aware of the +danger to be apprehended from the hostile disposition of their +neighbours, they endeavoured to effect a reconciliation with the +natives, one of whom, who had accompanied Amidas and Barlow to +England, and who was distinguished by his unshaken attachment to the +English, was christened, and styled Lord of <i>Dassa Monpeake</i>, an +Indian nation in the neighbourhood.<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p> + +<p>About the same time the first child of English parentage was born in +America. She was the daughter of Ananias Dare, and, after the place of +her birth, was named <i>Virginia</i>.</p> + +<p>Soon perceiving their want of many things essential to the +preservation, and comfortable subsistence of a new settlement, the +colonists, with one voice, deputed their governor, to solicit those +specific aids which their situation particularly and essentially +required. On his arrival in England, he found the whole nation alarmed +at the formidable preparations for their invasion, made by Philip II. +of Spain; and Raleigh, Grenville, and the other patrons of the colony, +ardently engaged in those measures of defence which the public danger +demanded. Mingling, however, with his exertions to defend his native +country, some attention to the colony he had planted, Raleigh found +leisure to fit out a small fleet for its relief, the command of which +was given to Sir Richard Grenville; but, the apprehensions from the +Spanish armament still increasing, the ships of force prepared by +Raleigh were detained in port by order of the Queen, and Sir Richard +Grenville was commanded not to leave Cornwall, where his services were +deemed necessary. <span class="sidenotey">1588</span>On the 22d of April, White put to sea with two small +barks, but, instead of hastening to the relief of his distressed +countrymen, wasted his time in cruising; and, being beaten by a +superior force, was totally disabled from prosecuting his voyage.<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1589</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Raleigh assigns his patent.</div> + +<p>The attention of Raleigh being directed to other more splendid +objects, he assigned his patent to Sir Thomas Smith and a company of +merchants in London.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1590</div> + +<p>After this transfer, a year was permitted to elapse before any effort +was made for the relief of the colony. In March, three ships fitted +out by the company, in one of which Mr. White embarked, sailed from +Plymouth; but, having cruelly and criminally wasted their time in +plundering the Spaniards in the West Indies, they did not reach +Hatteras until the month of August. <span class="sidenote">Third colony lost.</span>They fired a gun to give notice of +their arrival, and sent a party to the place where the colony had been +left; but no vestige of their countrymen could be found. In attempting +the next day to go to Roanoke, one of the boats, in passing a bar, was +half filled with water, another was overset, and six men were drowned. +Two other boats were fitted out with nineteen men to search the island +thoroughly on which the colony had been left.</p> + +<p>At the departure of Mr. White, it was in contemplation to remove about +fifty miles into the country; and it had been agreed that, should the +colonists leave the island, they would carve the name of the place to +which they should remove, on some tree, door, or post; with the +addition of a cross over it, as a signal of distress, if they should +be really distressed at the time of changing their situation. After +considerable search, the word CROATAN was found carved in fair capital +letters on one of the chief posts, but unaccompanied by the sign of +distress which had been agreed on.</p> + +<p>Croatan was the name of an Indian town on the north side of Cape +Lookout, and for that place, the fleet weighed anchor the next day. +Meeting with a storm, and several accidents, they were discouraged +from proceeding on their voyage, and, determining to suspend their +search, returned to the West Indies.</p> + +<p>The company made no farther attempt to find these lost colonists; nor +has the time or the manner of their perishing ever been discovered.<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1602</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Voyage of Gosnald.</div> + +<p>The subsequent voyages made by the English to North America were for +the sole purpose of traffic, and were unimportant in their +consequences, until the year 1602, when one was undertaken by +Bartholomew Gosnald, which contributed greatly to the revival of the +then dormant spirit of colonising in the new world. He sailed from +Falmouth in a small bark with thirty-two men; and steering nearly +west, reached the American continent, on the 11th of May, in about +forty-three degrees of north latitude.</p> + +<p>Finding no good harbour at this place, Gosnald put to sea again and +stood southward. The next morning, he descried a promontory which he +called cape Cod, and, holding his course along the coast as it +stretched to the south-west, touched at two islands, the first of +which he named Martha's Vineyard, and the second, Elizabeth's Island. +Having passed some time at these places, examining the country, and +trading with the natives, he returned to England.<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a></p> + +<p>This voyage was completed in less than four months, and was attended +with important consequences. Gosnald had found a healthy climate, a +rich soil, good harbours, and a route which shortened considerably the +distance to the continent of North America. He had seen many of the +fruits known and prized in Europe, blooming in the woods; and had +planted European grain which grew rapidly. Encouraged by this +experiment, and delighted with the country, he formed the resolution +of transporting thither a colony, and of procuring the co-operation of +others by whom his plan might be supported. So unfortunate however had +been former attempts of this sort, that men of wealth and rank, though +strongly impressed by his report of the country, were slow in giving +full faith to his representations, and in entering completely into his +views. One vessel was fitted out by the merchants of Bristol, and +another by the earl of Southampton, and Lord Arundel of Wardour, in +order to learn whether Gosnald's account of the country was to be +considered as a just representation of its state, or as the +exaggerated description of a person fond of magnifying his own +discoveries. Both returned with a full confirmation of his veracity, +and with the addition of so many new circumstances in favour of the +country, as greatly increased the desire of settling it.</p> + +<p>Richard Hackluyt, prebendary of Westminster, a man of distinguished +learning and intelligence, contributed more than any other by his +judicious exertions, to form an association sufficiently extensive, +powerful, and wealthy, to execute the often renewed, and often +disappointed project of establishing colonies in America.</p> + +<p>At length, such an association was formed; and a petition was +presented to James I., who had succeeded to the crown of England, +praying the royal sanction to the plan which was proposed. That +pacific monarch was delighted with it, and immediately acceded to the +wishes of its projectors.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Patent to Sir Thomas Gates and others.</div> + +<p>On the 10th of April, letters patent were issued under the great seal +of England, to the petitioners, Sir Thomas Gates and his associates, +granting to them those territories in America, lying on the sea coast, +between the 34th and 45th degrees of north latitude, and which either +belonged to that monarch, or were not then possessed by any other +Christian prince or people; and also the islands adjacent thereto, or +within one hundred miles thereof. They were divided, at their own +desire, into two companies. One, consisting of certain knights, +gentlemen, merchants, and other adventurers of the city of London, and +elsewhere, was called the first colony, and was required to settle +between the 34th and 41st degrees of north latitude; the other, +consisting of certain knights, gentlemen, merchants, and other +adventurers of Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, and elsewhere, was named the +second colony, and was ordered to settle between the 38th and 45th +degrees of north latitude; yet so that the colony last formed should +not be planted within one hundred miles of the prior establishment.</p> + +<p>The adventurers were empowered to transport so many English subjects +as should be willing to accompany them, who, with their descendants, +were, at all times, to enjoy the same liberties, within any other +dominions of the crown of England, as if they had remained, or were +born, within the realm. A council consisting of thirteen, to be +appointed and removed at the pleasure of the crown, was established +for each colony, to govern it according to such laws as should be +given under the sign manual and privy seal of England.</p> + +<p>Two other boards to consist also of thirteen persons each, and to be +appointed by the King, were invested with the superior direction of +the affairs of the colonies.</p> + +<p>The adventurers were allowed to search for, and open mines of gold, +silver, and copper, yielding one-fifth of the two former metals, and +one-fifteenth of the last, to the King; and to make a coin which +should be current both among the colonists and natives.</p> + +<p>The president and council were authorised to repel those who should, +without their authority, attempt to settle, or trade, within their +jurisdiction, and to seize, and detain the persons, and effects, of +such intruders, until they should pay a duty of two and one-half <i>per +centum ad valorem</i>, if subjects, but of five <i>per centum</i> if aliens. +These taxes were to be applied, for twenty-one years, to the use of +the adventurers, and were afterwards to be paid into the royal +exchequer.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Code of laws for the colony drawn up by the King.</div> + +<p>While the council for the patentees were employed in making +preparations to secure the benefits of their grant, James was +assiduously engaged in the new, and, to his vanity, the flattering +task of framing a code of laws for the government of the colonies +about to be planted. Having at length prepared this code, he issued it +under the sign manual, and privy seal of England. By these +regulations, he vested the general superintendence of the colonies, in +a council in England, "composed of a few persons of consideration and +talents." The church of England was established. The legislative and +executive powers within the colonies, were vested in the president and +councils; but their ordinances were not to touch life or member, were +to continue in force only until made void by the King, or his council +in England for Virginia, and were to be in substance, consonant to the +laws of England. They were enjoined to permit none to withdraw the +people from their allegiance to himself, and his successors; and to +cause all persons so offending to be apprehended, and imprisoned until +reformation; or, in cases highly offensive, to be sent to England to +receive punishment. No person was to be permitted to remain in the +colony without taking the oath of obedience. Tumults, mutiny, and +rebellion, murder, and incest, were to be punished with death; and for +these offences, the criminal was to be tried by a jury. Inferior +crimes were to be punished in a summary way, at the discretion of the +president and council.</p> + +<p>Lands were to be holden within the colony as the same estates were +enjoyed in England. Kindness towards the heathen was enjoined; and a +power reserved to the King, and his successors to ordain farther laws, +so that they were consonant to the jurisprudence of England.<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p> + +<p>Under this charter, and these laws, which manifest, at the same time, +a total disregard of all political liberty, and a total ignorance of +the real advantages which a parent state may derive from its colonies; +which vest the higher powers of legislation in persons residing out of +the country, not chosen by the people, nor affected by the laws they +make, and yet leave commerce unrestrained; the patentees proceeded to +execute the arduous and almost untried task of peopling a strange, +distant, and uncultivated land, covered with woods and marshes, and +inhabited only by savages easily irritated, and when irritated, more +fierce than the beasts they hunted.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Voyage of Newport.... Settlement at Jamestown.... Distress +of colonists.... Smith.... He is captured by the Indians.... +Condemned to death, saved by Pocahontas.... Returns to +Jamestown.... Newport arrives with fresh settlers.... Smith +explores the Chesapeake.... Is chosen president.... New +charter.... Third voyage of Newport.... Smith sails for +Europe.... Condition of the colony.... Colonists determine +to abandon the country.... Are stopped by Lord Delaware.... +Sir Thomas Dale.... New charter.... Capt. Argal seizes +Pocahontas.... She marries Mr. Rolf.... Separate property in +lands and labour.... Expedition against Port Royal.... +Against Manhadoes.... Fifty acres of land for each +settler.... Tobacco.... Sir Thomas Dale.... Mr. Yeardley.... +First assembly.... First arrival of females.... Of +convicts.... Of African slaves.... Two councils +established.... Prosperity of the colony.... Indians attempt +to massacre the whites.... General war.... Dissolution of +the company.... Arbitrary measures of the crown.... Sir John +Harvey.... Sir William Berkeley.... Provincial assembly +restored.... Virginia declares in favour of Charles II.... +Grant to Lord Baltimore.... Arrival of a colony in +Maryland.... Assembly composed of freemen.... William +Clayborne.... Assembly composed of representatives.... +Divided into two branches.... Tyrannical proceedings.</b></p></div> + + +<p> </p> + + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">The</span> funds immediately appropriated to the planting of colonies in +America, were inconsiderable, and the early efforts to accomplish the +object, were feeble.</p> + +<p>The first expedition for the southern colony consisted of one vessel +of a hundred tons, and two barks, carrying one hundred and five men, +destined to remain in the country.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1606</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Voyage of Newport.</div> + +<p>The command of this small squadron was given to captain Newport, who, +on the 19th of December, sailed from the Thames. Three sealed packets +were delivered to him, one addressed to himself, a second to captain +Bartholomew Gosnald, and the third to captain John Radcliffe, +containing the names of the council for this colony. These packets +were accompanied with instructions directing that they should be +opened, and the names of his Majesty's council proclaimed, within +twenty-four hours after their arrival on the coast of Virginia, and +not before. The council were then to proceed to the choice of a +president, who was to have two votes. To this unaccountable +concealment have those dissensions been attributed, which distracted +the colonists on their passage, and which afterwards impeded the +progress of their settlement.<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1607</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Is driven into the Chesapeake.</div> + +<p>Newport, whose place of destination was Roanoke, took the circuitous +route by the West India islands, and had a long passage of four +months. The reckoning had been out for three days, and serious +propositions had been made for returning to England, when a fortunate +storm drove him to the mouth of the Chesapeake. On the 26th of April, +he descried cape Henry, and soon afterward cape Charles. A party of +about thirty men, which went on shore at cape Henry, was immediately +attacked by the natives, and, in the skirmish which ensued, several +were wounded on both sides.</p> + +<p>The first act of the colonists was the selection of a spot for their +settlement. They proceeded up a large river, called by the natives +Powhatan, and agreed to make their first establishment upon a +peninsula, on its northern side. In compliment to their sovereign, +this place was named Jamestown, and the river was called James. <span class="sidenoteb">May 13th.</span>Having +disembarked, and opened the sealed packets brought from England, the +members of the council proceeded to the election of a president, and +Mr. Wingfield was chosen. But, under frivolous pretexts, they excluded +from his seat among them, John Smith, one of the most extraordinary +men of his age, whose courage and talents had excited their envy. +During the passage, he had been imprisoned on the extravagant charge +of intending to murder the council, usurp the government, and make +himself king of Virginia.<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p> + +<p>The first indications of a permanent settlement in their country, seem +to have excited the jealousy of the natives. Displeased with the +intrusion, or dissatisfied with the conduct of the intruders, they +soon formed the design of expelling, or destroying, these unwelcome +and formidable visitors. In execution of this intention, they attacked +the colonists suddenly, while at work, and unsuspicious of their +hostility; but were driven, terrified, into the woods by the fire from +the ship. On the failure of this attempt, a temporary accommodation +was effected.</p> + +<p>Newport, though named of the council, had been ordered to return to +England. As the time of his departure approached, the accusers of +Smith, attempting to conceal their jealousy by the affectation of +humanity, proposed that he also should return, instead of being +prosecuted in Virginia; but, with the pride of conscious innocence, he +demanded a trial; and, being honourably acquitted, took his seat in +the council.</p> + +<p>About the 15th of June, Newport sailed for England, leaving behind him +one of the barks, and about one hundred colonists. While he remained, +they had partaken of the food allowed the sailors; but after his +departure, they were reduced to the necessity of subsisting on the +distributions from the public stores, which had sustained great damage +during their long passage. These were both scanty, and unwholesome; +the allowance to each man, for a day, being only a pint of worm-eaten +wheat and barley. This wretched food increased the malignity of the +diseases generated by the climate, among men exposed to all its +rigours. Before the month of September, fifty of the company were +buried; among whom was Bartholomew Gosnald, who had planned the +expedition, and had contributed greatly towards its prosecution. Their +distress was increased by internal dissension. The president was +charged with embezzling the best stores of the colony, and with +feasting at his private table, on beef, bread, and <i>aqua vitæ</i>, while +famine and death devoured his fellow adventurers. The odium against +him was completed by the detection of an attempt to escape from them +and their calamities, in the bark which had been left by Newport. In +the burst of general indignation which followed the discovery of this +meditated desertion, he was deposed, and Radcliffe chosen to succeed +him.<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></p> + +<p>As misfortune is not unfrequently the parent of moderation and +reflection, this state of misery produced a system of conduct towards +the neighbouring Indians, which, for the moment, disarmed their +resentments, and induced them to bring in such supplies as the country +afforded at that season. It produced another effect of equal +importance. A sense of imminent and common danger called forth those +talents which were fitted to the exigency, and compelled submission to +them. On captain Smith, who had preserved his health unimpaired, his +spirits unbroken, and his judgment unclouded, amidst this general +misery and dejection, all eyes were turned, and in him, all actual +authority was placed by common consent. His example soon gave energy +to others.</p> + +<p>He erected such rude fortifications as would resist the sudden attacks +of the savages, and constructed such habitations as, by sheltering the +survivors from the weather, contributed to restore and preserve their +health, while his own accommodation gave place to that of all others. +In the season of gathering corn, he penetrated into the country at the +head of small parties, and by presents and caresses to those who were +well disposed, and by attacking with open force, and defeating those +who were hostile, he obtained abundant supplies.</p> + +<p>While thus actively and usefully employed abroad, he was not permitted +to withdraw his attention from the domestic concerns of the colony. +Incapacity for command is seldom accompanied by a willingness to +relinquish power; and it will excite no surprise that the late +president saw, with regret, another placed above him. As unworthy +minds most readily devise unworthy means, he sought, by intriguing +with the factious, and fomenting their discontents, to regain his lost +authority; and when these attempts were disconcerted, he formed a +conspiracy with some of the principal persons in the colony, to escape +in the bark, and thus to desert the country. The vigilance of Smith +detected these machinations, and his vigour defeated them.<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Smith is captured by the Indians,</div> + +<p>The prospect which now presented itself of preserving the colony in +quiet and plenty, until supplies could be received from England, was +obscured by an event which threatened, at first, the most disastrous +consequences. In attempting to explore Chiccahomini river to its +source, Smith was discovered and attacked by a numerous body of +Indians; and in endeavouring, after a gallant defence, to make his +escape, he sank up to his neck in a swamp, and was obliged to +surrender. The wonder and veneration which he excited by the +exhibition of a mariner's compass, saved him from immediate death. He +was conducted in triumph, through several towns, to the palace of +Powhatan, the most potent king in that part of the country, <span class="sidenote">is condemned to death,</span>who doomed +him to be put to death by placing his head upon a stone, and beating +out his brains with a club. At the place of execution, with his head +bowed down to receive the blow, he was rescued from a fate which +appeared to be inevitable, by that enthusiastic and impassioned +humanity which, in every climate, and in every state of society, finds +its home in the female bosom. <span class="sidenote">saved by Pocahontas.</span>Pocahontas, the king's favourite +daughter, then about thirteen years of age, whose entreaties for his +life had been ineffectual, rushed between him and the executioner, and +folding his head in her arms, and laying hers upon it, arrested the +fatal blow. Her father was then prevailed upon to spare his life, and +he was sent back to Jamestown.<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Returns to Jamestown.</div> + +<p>On arriving at that place, after an absence of seven weeks, he found +the colony reduced to thirty-eight persons, who seemed determined to +abandon a country which appeared to them so unfavourable to human +life. He came just in time to prevent the execution of this design. +Alternately employing persuasion, threats, and even violence, he +induced the majority to relinquish their intention; then turning the +guns of the fort on the bark, on board which were the most determined, +he compelled her to remain, or sink in the river.<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a></p> + +<p>By a judicious regulation of intercourse with the Indians, over whom +he had gained considerable influence, he restored plenty to the +colony, and preserved it until the arrival of two vessels which had +been dispatched from England under the command of captain Newport, +with a supply of provisions and instruments of husbandry, and with a +reinforcement of one hundred and twenty persons, composed of many +gentlemen, several refiners, gold smiths, and jewellers, and a few +labourers.</p> + +<p>The influence of Smith disappeared with the danger which had produced +it, and was succeeded by an improvident relaxation of discipline, +productive of the most pernicious consequences.<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A glittering earth mistaken for gold dust.</div> + +<p>About this time, a shining earth, mistaken by the colonists for gold +dust, was found in a small stream of water near Jamestown. Their +raging thirst for gold was re-excited by this incident. Smith, in his +History of Virginia, describing the frenzy of the moment, says, "there +was no thought, no discourse, no hope, and no work, but to dig gold, +wash gold, refine gold, and load gold. And, notwithstanding captain +Smith's warm and judicious representations how absurd it was to +neglect other things of immediate use and necessity, to load such a +drunken ship with gilded dust, yet was he overruled, and her returns +were made in a parcel of glittering dirt, which is to be found in +various parts of the country, and which they, very sanguinely, +concluded to be gold dust."</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1608</div> + +<p>The two vessels returned laden, one with this dirt, and the other with +cedar. This is the first remittance ever made from America by an +English colony.</p> + +<p>The effects of this fatal delusion were soon felt, and the colony +again began to suffer that distress, from scarcity of food, which had +before brought it, more than once, to the brink of ruin.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Smith explores the Chesapeake.</div> + +<p>The researches of the English settlers had not yet extended beyond the +country adjacent to James river. Smith had formed the bold design of +exploring the great bay of Chesapeake, examining the mighty rivers +which empty into it, opening an intercourse with the nations +inhabiting their borders, and acquiring a knowledge of the state of +their cultivation and population. Accompanied by Doctor Russel, he +engaged in this hardy enterprise in an open boat of about three tons +burthen, and with a crew of thirteen men. On the 2d of June, he +descended the river in company with the last of Newport's two vessels, +and, parting with her at the capes, began his survey at cape Charles. +With great fatigue and danger, he examined every river, inlet, and +bay, on both sides of the Chesapeake, as far as the mouth of the +Rappahannock. His provisions being exhausted, he returned, and arrived +at Jamestown on the 21st of July. He found the colony in the utmost +confusion and disorder. All those who came last with Newport were +sick; the danger of famine was imminent; and the clamour against the +president was loud, and universal. The seasonable arrival of Smith +restrained their fury. The accounts he gave of his discoveries, and +the hope he entertained that the waters of the Chesapeake communicated +with the south sea,<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> extended their views and revived their +spirits. They contented themselves with deposing their president, and, +having in vain urged Smith to accept that office, elected his friend +Mr. Scrivener as vice president.</p> + +<p>After employing three days in making arrangements for obtaining +regular supplies, and for the government of the colony, Smith again +sailed with twelve men, to complete his researches into the countries +on the Chesapeake.</p> + +<p>From this voyage he returned on the seventh of September; having +advanced as far as the river Susquehannah, and visited all the +countries on both shores of the bay. He entered most of the large +creeks, sailed up many of the great rivers to their falls, and made +accurate observations on the extensive territories through which he +passed, and on the various tribes inhabiting them, with whom he, +alternately, fought, negotiated, and traded. In every situation, he +displayed judgment, courage, and that presence of mind which is +essential to the character of a commander; and never failed, finally, +to inspire the savages he encountered, with the most exalted opinion +of himself and of his nation.</p> + +<p>When we consider that he sailed above three thousand miles in an open +boat; when we contemplate the dangers and the hardships he +encountered; when we reflect on the valuable additions he made to the +stock of knowledge respecting America; we shall not hesitate to say +that few voyages of discovery, undertaken at any time, reflect more +honour on those engaged in them. "So full and exact," says Dr. +Robertson, "are his accounts of that large portion of the American +continent comprehended in the two provinces of Virginia and Maryland, +that after the progress of information and research for a century and +a half, his map exhibits no inaccurate view of both countries, and is +the original, on which all subsequent delineations and descriptions +have been formed."<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"> </p> + +<p><a name="image-0002" id="image-0002"></a></p> +<p style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/032.jpg" width="586" height="348" alt="Old Brick Church" /></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"><b>Ruins of the Old Brick Church Built at Jamestown in 1639</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Settled by the English in 1607, on the banks of the James River about +32 miles from its mouth, it was at Jamestown that the first +legislative assembly in America was held in 1619, and here in the same +year slavery was first introduced into the original thirteen colonies. +The site of the settlement, which was originally a peninsula, but is +now an island, is owned by the Association for the Preservation of +Virginia Antiquities. Besides the ruins of the church shown here those +of the fort and of two or three houses built more than a hundred years +before the Declaration of Independence was signed are still +standing.</i></p></div> + +<p> </p> + +<div class="sidenote">Is chosen president.</div> + +<p>On his return from this expedition, Smith was chosen president of the +council; and, yielding to the general wish, accepted the office. Soon +after, Newport arrived with an additional supply of settlers, among +whom were the two first females who adventured to the present colony; +but he came without provisions.</p> + +<p>The judicious administration of the president, however, supplied the +wants of the colonists, and restrained the turbulent. Encouraged by +his example, and coerced by his authority, a spirit of industry and +subordination was created among them, which was the parent of plenty +and of peace.<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a></p> + +<p>The company in England, though disappointed in the hope of discovering +a passage to the Pacific, and of finding mines of the precious metals, +still indulged in golden dreams of future wealth. To increase their +funds, as well as their influence and reputation, by the acquisition +of additional numbers, to explain and enlarge their powers and +privileges, and to ensure a colonial government conforming to their +own views and wishes, <span class="sidenotey">1609</span><span class="sidenote">New Charter.</span>the company petitioned for a new charter, which +was granted on the 23d of May. Some of the first nobility and gentry +of the country, and most of the companies of London, with a numerous +body of merchants and tradesmen, were added to the former adventurers, +and they were all incorporated, by the name of "The treasurer and +company of adventurers of the city of London, for the first colony in +Virginia." To them were granted, in absolute property, the lands +extending from Cape or Point Comfort, along the sea coast, two hundred +miles to the northward, and from the same point, along the sea coast, +two hundred miles to the southward, and up into the land, throughout, +from sea to sea, west and north-west; and also all the islands lying +within one hundred miles of the coast of both seas of the precinct +aforesaid: to be holden as of the manor of East Greenwich, in free and +common soccage, and paying, in lieu of all services, one-fifth of the +gold and silver that should be found. The corporation was authorised +to convey, under its common seal, particular portions of these lands +to subjects or denizens, on such conditions as might promote the +intentions of the grant. The powers of the president and council in +Virginia were abrogated, and a new council in England was established, +with power to the company to fill all vacancies therein by election. +This council was empowered to appoint and remove all officers for the +colony, and to make all ordinances for its government, not contrary to +the laws of England; and to rule the colonists according to such +ordinances. License was given to transport to Virginia, all persons +willing to go thither, and to export merchandise free from customs for +seven years. There was also granted, for twenty-one years, freedom +from all subsidies in Virginia, and from all impositions on +importations and exportations from or to any of the King's dominions, +"except only the five pounds in the hundred due for customs." The +colonists were declared to be entitled to the rights of natural +subjects. The governor was empowered to establish martial law in case +of rebellion or mutiny; and, to prevent the superstitions of the +Church of Rome from taking root in the plantation, it was declared +that none should pass into Virginia, but such as shall have first +taken the oath of supremacy.<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a></p> + +<p>The company, being thus enlarged, and enabled to take more effective +measures for the settlement of the country, soon fitted out nine +ships, with five hundred emigrants. Lord Delawar was constituted +governor and captain-general for life; and several other offices were +created. <span class="sidenote">Third voyage of Newport.</span>The direction of the expedition was again given to Newport; +to whom, and Sir Thomas Gates, and Sir George Somers, powers were +severally granted to supersede the existing administration, and to +govern the colony until the arrival of Lord Delawar. With singular +indiscretion, the council omitted to establish precedence among these +gentlemen; who, being totally unable to settle this important point +among themselves, agreed to embark on board the same vessel, and to be +companions during the voyage. They were parted from the rest of the +fleet in a storm, and driven on Bermudas; having on board one hundred +and fifty men, a great portion of the provisions destined for the +colony, and the new commission and instructions of the council. The +residue of the squadron arrived safely in Virginia.</p> + +<p>"A great part of the new company," says Mr. Stith, "consisted of +unruly sparks, packed off by their friends to escape worse destinies +at home. And the rest were chiefly made up of poor gentlemen, broken +tradesmen, rakes and libertines, footmen, and such others as were much +fitter to spoil and ruin a Commonwealth, than to help to raise or +maintain one. This lewd company, therefore, were led by their +seditious captains into many mischiefs and extravagancies. They +assumed to themselves the power of disposing of the government, and +conferred it sometimes on one, and sometimes on another. To-day the +old commission must rule, to-morrow the new, and next day neither. So +that all was anarchy and distraction."</p> + +<p>The judgment of Smith was not long suspended. With the promptness and +decision which belong to vigorous minds, he determined that his own +authority was not legally revoked until the arrival of the new +commission, and therefore resolved to continue its exercise. Incapable +of holding the reins of government with a feeble hand, he exhibited, +on this emergency, that energy and good sense which never deserted him +when the occasion required them. After imprisoning the chief promoters +of sedition, and thereby restoring regularity and obedience, he, for +the double purpose of extending the colony, and of preventing the +mischiefs to be apprehended from so many turbulent spirits collected +in Jamestown, detached one hundred men to the falls of James river, +under the command of West, and the same number to Nansemond, under +that of Martin. These persons conducted their settlements with so +little judgment, that they soon converted all the neighbouring Indians +into enemies. After losing several parties, they found themselves in +absolute need of the support and direction of Smith. These were +readily afforded, until a melancholy accident deprived the colony of +the aid of a man whose talents had, more than once, rescued it from +that desperate condition into which folly and vice had plunged it. +Returning from a visit to the detachment stationed at the falls of +James river, his powder bag took fire, while he was sleeping in the +boat, and, in the explosion, he was so severely wounded as to be +confined to his bed. <span class="sidenote">Smith returns to England.</span>Being unable to obtain the aid of a surgeon in +the colony, he embarked for England about the beginning of October.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">State of the colony.</div> + +<p>At his departure, the colony consisted of about five hundred +inhabitants. They were furnished with three ships, seven boats, +commodities ready for trade, ten weeks' provision in the public +stores, six mares and a horse, a large stock of hogs and poultry, some +sheep and goats, utensils for agriculture, nets for fishing, one +hundred trained and expert soldiers well acquainted with the Indians, +their language and habitations, twenty-four pieces of ordnance, and +three hundred muskets, with a sufficient quantity of arms and +ammunition.<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a></p> + +<p>The fair prospects of the colony were soon blasted by a course of +folly and crime, of riot and insubordination.</p> + +<p>Numerous pretenders advanced their claims to the supreme command. The +choice at length fell upon captain Percy, who derived much +consideration from his virtues, as well as from his illustrious +family; but his talents, at no time equal to this new and difficult +station, were rendered still less competent to the task, by a long +course of ill health. Being generally confined by sickness to his bed, +he was incapable of maintaining his authority; and total confusion +ensued, with its accustomed baneful consequences.</p> + +<p>The Indians, no longer awed by the genius and vigour of Smith, +attacked the colony on all sides. West and Martin, after losing their +boats and nearly half their men, were driven into Jamestown. The stock +of provisions was lavishly wasted; and famine added its desolating +scourge to their other calamities. After devouring the skins of their +horses, and the Indians they had killed, the survivors fed on those of +their companions who had sunk under such accumulated misery. The +recollection of these tremendous sufferings was long retained, and, +for many years, this period was distinguished by the name of THE +STARVING TIME.<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1610</div> + +<p>In six months, the colony was reduced, by these distresses, to sixty +persons, who could not have survived ten days longer, when they were +relieved from this state of despair by the arrival of Sir Thomas +Gates, Sir George Somers, and Captain Newport, from Bermuda.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">They abandon the country.</div> + +<p>The determination to abandon the country was immediately taken, and +the wretched remnant of the colony embarked on board the vessels, and +sailed for England. "None dropped a tear," says Mr. Chalmer, "because +none had enjoyed one day of happiness."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Stopped by Lord Delawar.</div> + +<p>Fortunately, they met Lord Delawar, who prevailed on them to return; +and, on the 10th of June, resettled them at Jamestown.</p> + + +<p>By mildness of temper, attention to business, and judicious exercise +of authority, this nobleman restored order and contentment to the +colony, and again impressed the Indians with respect for the English +name. <span class="sidenotey">1611</span>Unfortunately, ill health obliged him to resign the government +which he placed in the hands of Mr. Percy, and sailed for the West +Indies, leaving in the colony about two hundred persons in possession +of the blessings of health, plenty, and peace.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Sir Thomas Dale.</div> + +<p>On the 10th of May, Sir Thomas Dale, who had been appointed to the +government, arrived with a fresh supply of men and provisions, and +found the colony relapsing into a state of anarchy, idleness, and +want. It required all the authority of the new governor to maintain +public order, and to compel the idle and the dissolute to labour. Some +conspiracies having been detected, he proclaimed martial law, which +was immediately put in execution. This severity was then deemed +necessary, and is supposed to have saved the settlement.<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a></p> + +<p>In the beginning of August, Sir Thomas Gates, who had been appointed +to succeed Sir Thomas Dale, arrived with six ships, and a considerable +supply of men and provisions. After receiving this addition to its +numbers, the colony again extended itself up James river; and several +new settlements were made.</p> + +<p>Extravagant accounts of the fertility of Bermuda having reached +England, the company became desirous of obtaining it as a place from +which Virginia might be supplied with provisions. Application was +therefore made to the crown for a new patent, to comprehend this +island; <span class="sidenotey">1612</span><span class="sidenote">New Charter.</span>and, in March, a charter was issued, granting to the treasurer +and company all the islands situate in the ocean within three hundred +leagues of the coast of Virginia. By this charter, the corporation was +essentially new modelled. It was ordained that four general courts of +the adventurers should be holden annually, for the determination of +affairs of importance, and weekly meetings were directed, for the +transaction of common business. To promote the effectual settlement of +the plantation, license was given to open lotteries in any part of +England.<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a></p> + +<p>These lotteries, which were the first ever drawn in England, brought +twenty-nine thousand pounds into the treasury of the company. When +they were discontinued, in 1620, on the complaint of the House of +Commons, they were declared to have "supplied the real food by which +Virginia had been nourished."</p> + +<p>About this time an event took place which was followed by important +consequences to the colony. Provisions in Jamestown continuing to be +scarce, and supplies from the neighbouring Indians, with whom the +English were often at war, being necessarily uncertain, captain Argal, +with two vessels, was sent round to the Potowmac for a cargo of corn. +While obtaining the cargo, he understood that Pocahontas, who had +remained steadfast in her attachment to the English, had absented +herself from the home of her father, and lay concealed in the +neighbourhood. <span class="sidenote">Captain Argal seizes Pocahontas.</span>By bribing some of those in whom she confided Argal +prevailed on her to come on board his vessel, where she was detained +respectfully, and brought to Jamestown. He was induced to take this +step by the hope that the possession of Pocahontas would give the +English an ascendancy over her father, who was known to dote on her. +In this, however, he was disappointed. Powhatan offered corn and +friendship, if they would first restore his daughter, but, with a +loftiness of spirit which claims respect, rejected every proposition +for conciliation which should not be preceded by that act of +reparation.</p> + +<p>During her detention at Jamestown, she made an impression on the heart +of Mr. Rolf, a young gentleman of estimation in the colony, who +succeeded in gaining her affections. They were married with the +consent of Powhatan, who was entirely reconciled to the English by +that event, and continued, ever after, to be their sincere friend. +This connexion led also to a treaty with the Chiccahominies, a brave +and daring tribe, who submitted themselves to the English, and became +their tributaries.<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1613</div> + +<p>About the same time, an important change took place in the internal +arrangements of the colony.</p> + +<p>Heretofore no separate property in lands had been acquired, and no +individual had laboured for himself. The lands had been held, cleared, +and cultivated in common, and their produce carried into a common +granary, from which it was distributed to all. This system was to be +ascribed, in some measure, to the unwise injunction contained in the +royal instructions, directing the colonists to trade together for five +years in one common stock. Its effect was such as ought to have been +foreseen. Industry, deprived of its due reward, exclusive property in +the produce of its toil, felt no sufficient stimulus to exertion, and +the public supplies were generally inadequate to the public +necessities. <span class="sidenote">Separate property in lands.</span>To remove this cause of perpetual scarcity, Sir Thomas +Dale divided a considerable portion of land into lots of three acres, +and granted one of them, in full property, to each individual. +Although the colonists were still required to devote a large portion +of labour to the public, a sudden change was made in their appearance +and habits. Industry, impelled by the certainty of recompense, +advanced with rapid strides; and the inhabitants were no longer in +fear of wanting bread, either for themselves, or for the emigrants +from England.<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1614</div> + +<p>Early in the following year, Sir Thomas Gates returned to England, +leaving the government again with Sir Thomas Dale. This gentleman +detached captain Argal on an enterprise of which no immediate notice +was taken, but which was afterwards recollected with indignation.</p> + +<p>The French, who had directed their course to the more northern parts +of the continent, had been among the first adventurers to North +America. Their voyages of discovery are of a very early date, and +their attempts to establish a colony were among the first which were +made. After several abortive efforts, a permanent settlement was made +in Canada, in the year 1604, and the foundation of Quebec was laid in +the year 1608. In November 1603, Henry IV. appointed De Mont +lieutenant-general of that part of the territory which he claimed, +lying in North America, between the 40th and 46th degrees of north +latitude, then called Acadié, with power to colonise and to rule it; +and he soon afterwards granted to the same gentleman and his +associates, an exclusive right to the commerce of peltry in Acadié and +the gulf of St. Lawrence. In consequence of these grants, a settlement +was formed in the subsequent year, on that coast, near the river St. +Croix; and in 1605, Port Royal was built on a more northern part of +the bay of Fundy.</p> + +<p>The colony, receiving not much support from France, was feeble and +unprosperous, but retained quiet possession of the country. In a time +of profound peace, the expedition of Argal was directed against it. He +found it totally unprepared for defence. The inhabitants, who had +assiduously and successfully cultivated the friendship of the Indians, +were scattered abroad in the woods, engaged in their several pursuits; +and a ship and bark just arrived from France, laden with articles +necessary for the use of the colony, were surprised in port, and their +cargoes taken to Jamestown. After the departure of Argal, the French +resumed their former station.</p> + +<p>The pretext for this predatory expedition was, that the French, by +settling in Acadié, had invaded the rights of the English, acquired by +the first discovery of the continent.</p> + +<p>Argal also paid a visit to New York, then in possession of the Dutch; +which country he claimed under the pretext that captain Hudson was an +Englishman, and could not transfer the benefit of his discoveries from +his sovereign. He demanded possession of the place; and the Dutch +governor, being unable to resist, "peaceably submitted both himself +and his colony to the King of England, and the governor of Virginia +under him," and consented to pay a tribute. Argal then continued his +voyage to Jamestown. But another governor soon afterwards arriving +from Amsterdam with better means of asserting the title of his nation, +the payment of the tribute was refused, and the place put in a state +of defence.<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Fifty acres of land laid off for each settler.</div> + +<p>The advantages resulting to the colony from allowing each individual +to labour, in part for himself, having soon become apparent, the +system of working in common to fill the public stores, seems to have +been totally relinquished; and, not long afterwards, fifty acres of +land, promised by the rules of the company to each emigrant, were +surveyed and delivered to those having the title.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1615</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Tobacco.</div> + +<p>About the same time, tobacco was first cultivated in Virginia.</p> + +<p>This plant, although detested by the King, who even wrote a pamphlet +against it, which he styled a <i>counter blast</i>; although +discountenanced by the leading members of parliament, and even by the +company, who issued edicts against its cultivation; although extremely +unpleasant to persons not accustomed to it, and disagreeable in its +effects, surmounted all opposition, and has, by an unaccountable +caprice, been brought into general use, and become one of the most +considerable staples of America.<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1616</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Yeardly.</div> + +<p>In the spring of the following year, Sir Thomas Dale sailed for +England, leaving the government in the hands of Mr. George Yeardly, +who, after a lax administration of one year, was succeeded by captain +Argal.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1617</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Argal.</div> + +<p>Argal was a man of talents and energy, but selfish, haughty, and +tyrannical. He continued martial law during a season of peace; and a +Mr. Brewster, who was tried under this arbitrary system, for +contemptuous words spoken of the governor, was sentenced to suffer +death. He obtained with difficulty an appeal to the treasurer and +company in England, by whom the sentence was reversed.<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a></p> + +<p>While martial law was, according to Stith, the common law of the land, +the governor seems to have been the sole legislator. His general +edicts mark the severity of his rule. He ordered that merchandise +should be sold at an advance of twenty-five <i>per centum</i>, and tobacco +taken in payment at the rate of three shillings per pound, under the +penalty of three years' servitude to the company; that no person +should traffic privately with the Indians, or teach them the use of +fire arms, under pain of death; that no person should hunt deer or +hogs without the governor's permission; that no man should shoot, +unless in his own necessary defence, until a new supply of ammunition +should arrive, on pain of a year's personal service; that none should +go on board the ships at Jamestown, without the governor's leave; that +every person should go to church on Sundays and holidays, under the +penalty of slavery during the following week for the first offence, +during a month for the second, and during a year and a day for the +third. The rigour of this administration necessarily exciting much +discontent, the complaints of the Virginians at length made their way +to the company. <span class="sidenote">Mr. Yeardly.</span>Lord Delawar being dead, Mr. Yeardly was appointed +captain-general, with instructions to examine the wrongs of the +colonists, and to redress them.<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1619</div> + +<p>The new governor arrived in April, and soon after, to the +inexpressible joy of the inhabitants, declared his determination to +convoke a colonial assembly.</p> + +<p>This is an important era in the history of Virginia. Heretofore, all +legislative authority had been exercised, either by the corporation in +England, or by their officers in the colony. The people had no voice, +either personally, or by their representatives, in the government of +themselves; and their most important concerns were managed by persons +often unacquainted with their situation, and always possessing +interests different from theirs. They now felicitated themselves on +having really the privileges of Englishmen.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">First colonial assembly.</div> + +<p>This first assembly met at Jamestown on the 19th of June. The colony +being not then divided into counties, the members were elected by the +different boroughs, amounting at that time to seven. From this +circumstance the popular branch of the legislature received the +appellation of the house of burgesses, which it retained until all +connexion with England was dissolved.</p> + +<p>The assembly, composed of the governor, the council, and burgesses, +met together in one apartment, and there discussed the various matters +which came before them. The laws then enacted, which, it is believed, +are no longer extant, were transmitted to England for the approbation +of the treasurer and company.<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a></p> + +<p>Although the emigrations from England continued to be considerable, +few females had crossed the Atlantic. Men without wives could not +consider their residence in the country as permanent, and must intend +after amassing some wealth, to return to their native land. To remove +this impediment to the population of the colony, <span class="sidenote">First arrival of females,</span><span class="sidenotey">1620</span>ninety girls, of +humble fortune and spotless character, were transported by the company +to Virginia; and in the subsequent year, they were followed by sixty +of the same description. They were received by the young planters as a +blessing which substituted domestic happiness for the cheerless gloom +of solitude; and the face of the country was essentially changed.<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> +The prospect of becoming parents was accompanied with the anxieties +for the welfare of their children; and the education of youth soon +became an object of attention. The necessity of seminaries of learning +was felt, and several steps were taken towards founding the college, +afterwards established by William and Mary.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">and of convicts.</div> + +<p>About the same time the company received orders from the King to +convey to Virginia one hundred idle and dissolute persons, then in +custody of the knight marshal. These were the first convicts +transported to America. The policy which dictated this measure was +soon perceived to be not less wise than it was humane. Men who, in +Europe, were the pests of the body politic, made an acceptable +addition to the stock of labour in the colony; and, in a new world, +where the temptations to crime seldom presented themselves, many of +them became useful members of society.</p> + +<p>Heretofore the commerce of Virginia had been engrossed by the +corporation. In the year 1620, this distressing and unprofitable +monopoly was given up, and the trade was open to all. The free +competition produced by this change of system was of essential +advantage to the colony, <span class="sidenotey">1621</span><span class="sidenote">African slaves.</span>but was the immediate cause of introducing a +species of population which has had vast influence on the past, and +may affect the future destinies of America, to an extent which human +wisdom can neither foresee nor control. A Dutch vessel, availing +itself of this commercial liberty, brought into James river twenty +Africans, who were immediately purchased as slaves.<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Two councils established.</div> + +<p>In July, the company passed an ordinance establishing a frame of +government for the colony. This instrument provided that there should +be two supreme councils in Virginia, the one to be called the Council +of State, to be appointed and displaced by the treasurer and company, +and to assist the governor with advice on executive subjects; the +other to be denominated the General Assembly, and to consist of the +governor, the council of state, and burgesses; to be chosen for the +present, by the inhabitants of every town, hundred, or settlement, in +the colony, two for each. The assembly was empowered to enact general +laws for the government of the colony, reserving a negative to the +governor. Its acts were not to be in force until confirmed by the +general court in England, and the ratification returned under its +seal. On the other hand, no order of the general court was to bind the +colony until assented to by the assembly.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1622</div> + +<p>A controversy concerning the importation of tobacco into the European +dominions of the crown, which had for some time existed between the +King and the company, was, at length, adjusted.</p> + +<p>The King had demanded high duties on that article, while he permitted +its importation from the dominions of Spain, and also restrained its +direct exportation from Virginia, to the warehouses of the company in +Holland, to which expedient his exactions had driven them. It was at +length agreed that they should enjoy the sole right of importing that +commodity into the kingdom, for which they should pay a duty of nine +pence per pound, in lieu of all charges, and that the whole production +of the colony should be brought to England.</p> + +<p>The industry, population, and produce of the colony, were now greatly +increased. At peace with the Indians, they had extended their +settlements to the Rappahannock and to the Potowmac. This change of +circumstances having rendered it inconvenient to bring all causes to +Jamestown before the governor and council, who had heretofore +exercised all judicial power in the country, <span class="sidenote">County courts.</span>inferior courts were +established, to sit in convenient places, in order to render justice +more cheap and accessible to the people. Thus originated the county +courts of Virginia.</p> + +<p>In this year the cup of prosperity, which the colonists had begun to +taste, was dashed from their lips by an event which shook the colony +to its foundation. In 1618, Powhatan died, and was succeeded, in his +dominions and in his influence over all the neighbouring tribes, by +Opechancanough, a bold and cunning chief, as remarkable for his +jealousy and hatred of the new settlers, as for his qualifications to +execute the designs suggested by his resentments. He renewed, however, +the stipulations of Powhatan; and, for a considerable time, the +general peace remained undisturbed. The colonists, unsuspicious of +danger, observed neither the Indians nor their machinations. Engaged +entirely in the pursuits of agriculture, they neglected their military +exercises, and every useful precaution. Meanwhile, the Indians, being +often employed as hunters, were furnished with fire arms, and taught +to use them. They were admitted, at all times, freely into the +habitations of the English, as harmless visitants, were fed at their +tables, and lodged in their chambers. <span class="sidenote">Indian conspiracy to massacre all the whites.</span>During this state of friendly +intercourse, the plan of a general massacre, which should involve man, +woman, and child, in indiscriminate slaughter, was formed with cold +and unrelenting deliberation. The tribes in the neighbourhood of the +English, except those on the eastern shore of the Chesapeak, who were +not trusted with the plan, were successively gained over; and, +notwithstanding the perpetual intercourse between them and the white +people, the most impenetrable secrecy was observed. So deep and dark +was their dissimulation, that they were accustomed to borrow boats +from the English to cross the river, in order to concert and mature +their execrable designs.</p> + +<p>The 22d of March was designated as the day on which all the English +settlements were to be attacked. The better to disguise their +intentions, and to ensure success, they brought, in the preceding +evening, deer, turkies, and fish, as presents; and, even on the +morning of the massacre, came freely among the whites, behaving in +their usual friendly manner, until the very instant which had been +appointed for the commencement of the scene of carnage. The fatal hour +being arrived, they fell at once on every settlement, and murdered +without distinction of age or sex. So sudden was the execution of +their plan, that few perceived the weapons, or the approach of the +blow, which terminated their existence. Thus, in one hour, and almost +in the same instant, fell three hundred and forty-seven men, women and +children; most of them by their own plantation tools.</p> + +<p>The massacre would have been still more complete, had not information +been given, the preceding night, to a Mr. Pace, by an Indian +domesticated in his house, and treated as a son, who, being pressed to +murder his benefactor, disclosed the plot to him. He immediately +carried the intelligence to Jamestown, and the alarm was given to some +of the nearest settlements, which were thereby saved. At some other +places, too, where the circumstances of the attack enabled the English +to seize their arms, the assailants were repulsed.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">General war.</div> + +<p>This horrible massacre was succeeded by a vindictive and exterminating +war, in which the wiles of the Indians were successfully retaliated on +themselves. During this disastrous period, many public works were +abandoned; the college institution was deserted; the settlements were +reduced from eighty to eight; and famine superadded its afflicting +scourge to the accumulated distresses of the colony.<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a></p> + +<p>As soon as intelligence of these calamitous events reached England, a +contribution was made by the adventurers for the relief of the +sufferers; arms from the tower were delivered to the treasurer and +company; and several vessels were dispatched with those articles which +might best alleviate such complicated distress.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Dissension and dissolution of the company.</div> + +<p>But the dissolution of the company was rapidly approaching. That +corporation contained many men of the first rank and talents in the +nation, who in their assemblies, were in habits of discussing the +measures of the crown with the accustomed freedom of a popular body. +Two violent factions, which assumed the regular appearance of court +and country parties, divided the company, and struggled for the +ascendancy. James endeavoured to give the preponderance to the court +party, but his endeavours were unsuccessful; and his failure disposed +him to listen to complaints against a corporation, whose deliberations +he found himself unable to control. To their mismanagement he ascribed +the slow progress made by the colony, and the heavy losses that had +been sustained.<a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1623</div> + +<p>After hearing both the corporation and their accusers, the privy +council determined to issue a commission, appointing persons to be +named by the crown, to inquire into the affairs of Virginia from the +earliest settlement of the province, and to report thereon to the +government. This commission seized the charters, books, and papers of +the company; and all letters and packets brought from the colony were +ordered to be laid unopened before the privy council. Their report +attributed the misfortunes of the colony to the corporation in +England; and James, at no time a friend to popular assemblies, +communicated to them his resolution to revoke the old charter and +grant a new one, which should respect private property, but place +power in fewer hands. The requisition that they should assent to this +proposition, and surrender their charter, was accompanied with the +information that the King was determined, in default of submission, to +take such proceedings for recalling their letters patent as might be +just. <span class="sidenotey">1624</span><span class="sidenote">Colony taken into the hands of the King.</span>The company, however, resolutely determined to defend its +rights; whereupon a writ of <i>quo warranto</i> was instituted in the court +of King's Bench, which was decided according to the wishes of the +monarch. The company was dissolved, and all its powers were revested +in the crown.</p> + +<p>Above one hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling had been expended +in planting the colony; and more than nine thousand persons had been +sent from England to people it. Yet, at the dissolution of the +company, the annual imports from Virginia did not exceed twenty +thousand pounds in value, and the population of the country was +reduced to about eighteen hundred persons.</p> + +<p>While these things were transacting in England, the war against the +Indians was prosecuted in the colony, with vigour and success. The +neighbouring hostile tribes were nearly exterminated, and were driven +entirely from the rivers, so that the settlements were extended in +safety.</p> + +<p>In February, the general assembly was once more convened. The several +orders which had been previously made by the governor and council, +were enacted into laws; and form the oldest legislative rules of +action now remaining on record. Among them are various regulations +respecting the church of England. But the act best representing the +condition of the colonists, is a solemn declaration, "that the +governor should not impose any taxes on the colony, otherwise than by +the authority of the general assembly; and that he should not withdraw +the inhabitants from their private labour to any service of his own." +At this session, too, the privilege of exemption from arrest, while +the assembly was sitting, was extended to the burgesses. Several other +measures were adopted for the correction of abuses; and the laws of +that session, generally, are marked with that good sense and +patriotism, which are to be expected from men perfectly understanding +their own situation, and legislating for themselves.</p> + +<p>From this assembly, the royal commissioners endeavoured, in vain, to +procure an address to the King, professing "their willingness to +submit themselves to his princely pleasure, in revoking the ancient +patents;" but a petition was agreed to and transmitted, acknowledging +their satisfaction at his having taken the plantation into his more +especial care, beseeching him to continue the then form of government, +to confirm to Virginia and the Somers isles, the sole importation of +tobacco, and soliciting that, if the promised aid of soldiers should +be granted them, the governor and assembly might have a voice in +directing their operations.</p> + +<p>Virginia having thus become a royal government, the King issued a +special commission, appointing a governor and twelve councillors, to +whom the entire direction of the affairs of the province was +committed. No assembly was mentioned, nor was it intended to permit +the continuance of that body, for, to the popular shape of the late +system, James attributed the disasters of the colony. But some +attention to their interests, was mingled with this subversion of +political liberty. Yielding to the petitions of the English parliament +and of the colonists, he issued a proclamation prohibiting the growth +of tobacco in the kingdom, and the importation of it into England or +Ireland, except from Virginia, or the Somers isles, and in vessels +belonging to his subjects. His death prevented the completion of a +legislative code for the colony, which he had commenced, and which he +flattered himself, would remedy all the ills that had been +experienced.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Charles I.<br /> +Arbitrary measures of the crown.</div> + +<div class="sidenotey">1625</div> + +<p>Charles I. adopted, in its full extent, the colonial system of his +father. He committed to Sir George Yeardly, whom he appointed governor +of Virginia, and to his council, the whole legislative and executive +powers of the colony, with instructions to conform exactly to orders +which should be received from him. They were empowered to make laws +and to execute them; to impose taxes, and to enforce the payment of +them; to seize the property of the late company; and to apply it to +the public use; and to transport the colonists to England, to be +punished there for crimes committed in Virginia. To complete this +hateful system, the crown exacted a monopoly of the tobacco trade, and +appointed agents, to whose management that article was entirely +committed.<a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1629</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Sir John Harvey.</div> + +<p>The full pressure of these arbitrary regulations was not felt till Sir +John Harvey, on the Sir John death of Sir George Yeardly, was +appointed governor of Virginia. The mind of this gentleman is +represented by the historians of the day, as having been of a +structure to make even tyranny more odious. Rapacious, haughty, and +unfeeling, he exercised his powers in the most offensive manner. +Respect for his commission, suppressed opposition to his authority for +several years. <span class="sidenotey">1636</span>Roused, at length, almost to madness by oppression, the +Virginians, in a fit of popular rage, seized their governor, and sent +him a prisoner to England, accompanied by two deputies charged with +the duty of representing their grievances, and his misconduct.</p> + +<p>Charles deemed it necessary to discountenance this summary and violent +proceeding, so entirely incompatible with that implicit obedience +which he had ever exacted from his subjects. The deputies of the +colony were sternly received; no inquiry appears to have been made +into the conduct of Harvey; <span class="sidenotey">1637</span>and, early in the succeeding year, he was +sent back to Virginia, invested with all his former powers.<a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a></p> + +<p>The time, however, approached, when a new system of administration was +to be adopted. The discontents of the nation, and his own wants, +obliged Charles to determine on convening a parliament. He was +probably unwilling to increase the ill temper resulting from his +maladministration at home, by bringing before the representatives of +the people, complaints of the despotism which had been exercised in +America.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Sir William Berkeley.</div> + +<p>To this change of circumstances may be ascribed the appointment of Sir +William Berkeley to succeed Harvey as governor of Virginia. In almost +every respect, this gentleman was unlike his predecessor. Highly +respectable for his rank and abilities, he was still more +distinguished by his integrity, by the mildness of his temper, and by +the gentleness of his manners. To complete the satisfaction of the +colonists, he was empowered and directed to summon the burgesses of +all the plantations, to meet the governor and council in the general +assembly, <span class="sidenote">Provincial assembly restored.</span>and thereby to restore to the people their share in the +government. These changes had such an effect in Virginia that, when +afterward informed of a petition presented in the name of the assembly +to parliament, "praying for the restoration of the ancient patents, +and corporation government," the general assembly not only transmitted +an explicit disavowal of it, but sent an address to the King, +expressing their high sense of his favour towards them, and earnestly +desiring to continue under his immediate protection. During the civil +war, as well as after the establishment of the commonwealth, they +continued firm in their attachment to the royal family.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1650</div> + +<p>The House of Commons, however, having succeeded in the establishment +of its power over England, was not disposed to permit its authority to +be questioned in Virginia. An ordinance was passed, declaring that, as +the colonies were settled at the cost and by the people of England, +"they are and ought to be subordinate to, and dependent on, that +nation; and subject to such law and regulations as are or shall be +made by parliament. That in Virginia and other places, the powers of +government had been usurped by persons who had set themselves up in +opposition to the commonwealth, who were therefore denounced as rebels +and traitors; and all foreign vessels were forbidden to enter the +ports of any of the English settlements in America." As the men who +then governed were not in the habit of making empty declarations, the +council of state was empowered to send a fleet to enforce obedience to +parliament.<a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a></p> + +<p>Sir George Ayscue was accordingly detached with a powerful squadron, +and was instructed to endeavour, by gentle means, to bring the +colonists to obedience; but, if these failed, to use force, and to +give freedom to such servants and slaves of those who should resist, +as would serve in the troops under his command. <span class="sidenotey">1651</span>After reducing +Barbadoes, and the other islands to submission, the squadron entered +the Chesapeak. Berkeley, having hired a few Dutch ships which were +then trading to Virginia, made a gallant resistance; but, unable long +to maintain so unequal a contest, he yielded to superior force, having +first stipulated for a general amnesty. He then withdrew to a retired +situation where, beloved and respected by the people, he resided as a +private man, until a counter revolution called him, once more, to +preside over the colony.<a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a></p> + +<p>After the revocation of the charter, it became more easy to obtain +large grants of land. This circumstance, notwithstanding the tyranny +of the provincial government, promoted emigration, and considerably +increased the population of the colony. At the commencement of the +civil war, Virginia was supposed to contain about twenty thousand +souls.<a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a></p> + +<p>While the ordinance of 1650, forbidding all trade between the colonies +and foreign nations, was dispensed with in favour of republican New +England, it was rigorously enforced against the loyal colony of +Virginia. These restrictions were the more burdensome, because England +did not then furnish a sufficient market for all the produce, nor a +supply for all the wants of the colonies. This severity was not +calculated to detach the affections of the people from the royal +family. Their discontents were cherished, too, by the great number of +cavaliers who had fled to Virginia after the total defeat of their +party in England. Taking advantage of an interregnum occasioned by the +sudden death of governor Matthews, the people resolved to throw off +their forced allegiance to the commonwealth, and called on Sir William +Berkeley to resume the government. He required only their solemn +promise to venture their lives and fortunes with him in support of +their King. <span class="sidenote">Charles II. proclaimed in Virginia.</span>This being readily given, Charles II. was proclaimed in +Virginia, before intelligence had been received of the death of +Cromwell. His restoration was soon afterwards effected in England; and +this rash measure not only escaped chastisement, but became a +meritorious service of which Virginia long boasted, and which was not +entirely forgotten by the Prince.<a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a></p> + +<p>At the restoration, the colony contained about thirty thousand +persons.</p> + +<p>One of the causes which, during the government of Harvey, had +disquieted Virginia, was the diminution of territory occasioned by +grants of great tracts of country lying within the limits of the +colony. The most remarkable of these was the grant of Maryland to Lord +Baltimore.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Maryland.</div> + +<p>In June 1632, Charles I. granted to that nobleman for ever, "that +region bounded by a line drawn from Watkin's Point on Chesapeak bay, +to the ocean on the east; thence, to that part of the estuary of +Delaware on the north, which lieth under the 40th degree, where New +England is terminated; thence, in a right line, by the degree +aforesaid, to the meridian of the fountain of the Potowmac; thence, +following its course, by the farther bank to its confluence." The +territory described in this grant was denominated Maryland, and was +separated entirely from Virginia. The proprietor was empowered, with +the assent of the freemen, or their delegates, whom he was required to +assemble for that purpose, to make all laws for the government of the +new colony, not inconsistent with the laws of England. Privileges, in +other respects analogous to those given to the other colonies, were +comprised in this charter; and it is remarkable that it contains no +clause obliging the proprietary to submit the laws which might be +enacted to the King, for his approbation or dissent; nor any +reservation of the right of the crown to interfere in the government +of the province.<a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a></p> + +<p>This is the first example of the dismemberment of a colony, and the +creation of another within its original limits, by the mere act of the +crown.</p> + +<p>The first migration into the new colony consisted of about two hundred +gentlemen with their adherents, chiefly Roman Catholics, who sailed +from England under Calvert, the brother of the proprietor, in +November, <span class="sidenotey">1633</span>and, early in the following year, landed in Maryland, near +the mouth of the Potowmac. Their first effort was to conciliate the +good will of the natives, whose town they purchased, and called St. +Mary's. This measure was as wise as it was just. By obtaining the +peaceable possession of land already prepared for cultivation, the +Marylanders were enabled to raise their food immediately; and this +circumstance, together with their neighbourhood to Virginia, where the +necessaries of life were then raised in abundance, secured them from +famine and its concomitant diseases;—afflictions which had swept away +such numbers of the first settlers of North America.</p> + +<p>The inhabitants of Virginia presented a petition against the grant to +Lord Baltimore, which was heard before the privy council in July, +1633. The decision was in favour of the continuance of the patent; +leaving to the petitioners their remedy at law. To prevent farther +differences, free commerce was permitted between the colonies; and +they were enjoined to receive no fugitives from each other; to do no +act which might bring on a war with the natives; and on all occasions +to assist each other as became fellow subjects of the same state.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1635</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Assembly of all the freemen.</div> + +<p>In February 1635, the first assembly of Maryland was convened. It +appears to have been composed of the whole body of the freemen. Their +acts were, most probably, not approved by the proprietor, who +transmitted, in turn, for their consideration, a code of laws prepared +by himself. <span class="sidenotey">1638</span>This code was laid before the assembly who rejected it +without hesitation, and prepared a body of regulations adapted to +their situation. <span class="sidenote">William Clayborne.</span>Among these was an act of attainder against William +Clayborne, who was charged with felony and sedition, with having +exercised the powers of government within the province without +authority, and with having excited the Indians to make war on the +colony.<a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a></p> + +<p>As early as the year 1631, Charles had granted a license to William +Clayborne, one of the council and secretary of state of Virginia, "to +traffic in those parts of America for which there is already no patent +granted for sole trade." To enforce this license, Harvey, then +governor of Virginia, had granted his commission also, containing the +same powers. Under this license and commission, Clayborne made a small +settlement in the isle of Kent, near Annapolis, which he continued to +claim; and refused to submit to the jurisdiction of Maryland. Not +content with infusing his own turbulent spirit into the inhabitants of +Kent island, he scattered jealousies among the natives, and persuaded +them that "the new comers" were Spaniards, and enemies of the +Virginians. Having been indicted, and found guilty of murder, piracy, +and sedition, he fled from justice; whereupon his estate was seized +and confiscated. Clayborne loudly denounced these proceedings as +oppressive, and complained of them to his sovereign. At the same time, +he prayed for a confirmation of his former license to trade, and for a +grant of other lands adjoining the isle of Kent, with power to govern +them. The lords commissioners of the colonies, to whom this subject +was referred, determined that the lands in question belonged to Lord +Baltimore; and that no plantation, or trade with the Indians, within +the limits of his patent, ought to be allowed, without his permission. +The other complaints made by Clayborne were not deemed proper for the +interference of government.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1639</div> + +<p>Hitherto, the legislature had been composed of the whole body of the +freemen. But the increase of population, and the extension of +settlements, having rendered the exercise of the sovereign power by +the people themselves intolerably burdensome, an act was passed, in +1639, "for establishing the House of Assembly." This act declared that +those elected should be called burgesses, and should supply the place +of the freemen who chose them, as do the representatives in the +Parliament of England. These burgesses, with others called by special +writ, together with the governor and secretary, were to constitute the +General Assembly; but the two branches of the legislature were to sit +in the same chamber. In 1650, this last regulation was changed; and an +act was passed declaring that those called by special writ should form +the upper house, while those chosen by the hundreds should compose the +lower house; and that bills assented to by both branches of the +legislature and by the governor, should be deemed the laws of the +province.</p> + + + +<p>Perfect harmony prevailed between the proprietor and the people; and +Maryland, attentive to its own affairs, remained in a state of +increasing prosperity until the civil war broke out in England. This +government, like that of Virginia, was attached to the royal cause; +<span class="sidenotey">1641</span>but Clayborne, who took part with the Parliament, found means to +intrigue among the people, and to raise an insurrection in the +province. Calvert, the governor, was obliged to fly to Virginia for +protection; and the insurgents seized the reins of government. After +the suppression of this revolt, and the restoration of tranquillity, +an act of general pardon and oblivion was passed, from the benefits of +which only a few leading individuals were excepted; but this, like +most other insurrections, produced additional burdens on the people +which did not so soon pass away. A duty, for seven years, of ten +shillings on every hundred weight of tobacco exported in Dutch +bottoms, was granted to the proprietor; the one-half of which was +appropriated to satisfy claims produced by the recovery and defence of +the province.<a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1651</div> + +<p>This state of repose was disturbed by the superintending care of +Parliament. In September 1651, commissioners were appointed "for +reducing and governing the colonies within the bay of Chesapeak." +Among them was Clayborne, the evil genius of Maryland. As the +proprietor had acknowledged and submitted to the authority of +Parliament, he was permitted to govern the colony in the name of "the +keepers of the liberties of England;" but could not long retain the +possession of actual authority. The distractions of England, having +found their way into Maryland, divided the colonists; and the +commissioners supported with their countenance, the faction opposed to +the established government. The contentions generated by this state of +things, at length broke out in a civil war, which terminated in the +defeat of the governor and the Roman Catholics. A new assembly was +convened, which, being entirely under the influence of the victorious +party, passed an act declaring that none who professed the popish +religion could be protected in the province by the laws; that such as +profess faith in God by Jesus Christ, although dissenting from the +doctrine and discipline publicly held forth, should not be restrained +from the exercise of their religion, provided such liberty was not +extended to popery, or prelacy, or to such as, under the profession of +Christ, practise licentiousness. Other laws in the same spirit were +enacted; and a persecution was commenced against the Quakers, as well +as against those guilty of popery, and prelacy.</p> + +<p>A scene of revolutionary turbulence ensued, in the course of which a +resolution was passed declaring the upper house to be useless, which +continued in force until the restoration. Philip Calvert was then +appointed governor by Lord Baltimore, and the ancient order of things +was restored. The colony, notwithstanding these commotions, continued +to flourish; and, at the restoration, its population was estimated at +twelve thousand souls.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>First ineffectual attempts of the Plymouth company to settle +the country.... Settlement at New Plymouth.... Sir Henry +Rosewell and company.... New charter.... Settlements +prosecuted vigorously.... Government transferred to the +colonists.... Boston founded.... Religious intolerance.... +General court established.... Royal commission for the +government of the plantations.... Contest with the French +colony of Acadié.... Hugh Peters.... Henry Vane.... Mrs. +Hutchinson.... Maine granted to Gorges.... Quo warranto +against the patent of the colony.... Religious +dissensions.... Providence settled.... Rhode Island +settled.... Connecticut settled.... War with the Piquods.... +New Haven settled.</b></p></div> + +<p> </p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1606</div> + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">The</span> steps by which the first, or southern colony, advanced to a firm +and permanent establishment, were slow and painful. The company for +founding the second, or northern colony, was composed of gentlemen +residing in Plymouth, and other parts of the west of England; was less +wealthy, and possessed fewer resources than the first company, which +resided in the capital. Their efforts were consequently more feeble, +and less successful, than those which were made in the south.<a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a></p> + +<p>The first vessel fitted out by this company was captured and +confiscated by the Spaniards, who, at that time, asserted a right to +exclude the ships of all other nations from navigating the American +seas. Not discouraged by this misfortune, <span class="sidenotey">1607</span>the company in the following +year dispatched two other vessels, having on board about two hundred +persons designed to form the proposed settlement. The colonists +arrived safely on the American coast in autumn, and took possession of +a piece of ground near the river Sagahadoc, where they built fort St. +George. Their sufferings during the ensuing winter were extreme. Many +of the company, among whom were Gilbert their admiral, and George +Popham their president, sank under the diseases by which they were +attacked; and the vessels which brought them supplies in the following +spring, brought also the information that their principal patron, Sir +John Popham, chief justice of England, was dead. <span class="sidenotey">1608</span>Discouraged by their +losses and sufferings, and by the death of a person on whom they +relied chiefly for assistance, the surviving colonists determined to +abandon the country, and embark on board the vessels then returning to +England. The frightful pictures they drew of the country, and of the +climate, deterred the company, for some time, from farther attempts to +make a settlement, and their enterprizes were limited to voyages for +the purposes of taking fish, and of trading with the natives for furs. +<span class="sidenotey">1614</span>One of these was made by captain Smith, so distinguished in the +history of Virginia. Having explored, with great accuracy, that part +of the coast which stretches from Penobscot to Cape Cod, he delineated +it on a map; which he presented to the young Prince of Wales, with +descriptions dictated by a sanguine mind, in which enthusiasm was +combined with genius. The imagination of the Prince was so wrought +upon by the glowing colours in which Smith painted the country, that +he declared it should be called New England, which name it has ever +since retained.<a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a></p> + +<p>The languishing company of Plymouth, however, could not be stimulated +to engage in farther schemes of colonisation, the advantages of which +were distant and uncertain, while the expense was immediate and +inevitable. To a stronger motive than even interest, is New England +indebted for its first settlement.</p> + +<p>An obscure sect, which had acquired the appellation of Brownists from +the name of its founder, and which had rendered itself peculiarly +obnoxious by the democracy of its tenets respecting church government, +had been driven by persecution to take refuge at Leyden in Holland, +where its members formed a distinct society under the care of their +pastor, Mr. John Robinson. There they resided several years in safe +obscurity. This situation, at length, became irksome to them. Their +families intermingled with the Dutch, and they saw before them, with +extreme apprehension, the danger of losing their separate identity. +Under the influence of these and other causes, they came to the +determination of removing in a body to America.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1618</div> + +<p>They applied to the London company for a grant of lands; and, to +promote the success of their application by the certainty of their +emigrating, they said, "that they were well weaned from the delicate +milk of their mother country, and inured to the difficulties of a +strange land. That they were knit together in a strict and sacred +bond, by virtue of which they held themselves bound to take care of +the good of each other, and of the whole. That it was not with them, +as with other men, whom small things could discourage, or small +discontents cause to wish themselves at home again." The only +privilege on which they insisted, was a license under the great seal, +to practise and profess religion in that mode, which, under the +impulse of conscience, they had adopted. This reasonable and moderate +request was refused. James had already established the church of +England in Virginia; and, although he promised to connive at their +non-conformity, and not to molest them while they demeaned themselves +peaceably, he positively refused to give that explicit and solemn +pledge of security, which they required. This, for a short time, +suspended their removal; but the causes of their discontent in Holland +continuing, they, at length, determined to trust to the verbal +declarations of the King, and negotiated with the Virginia company for +a tract of land within the limits of their patent.<a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1620</div> + +<p>In September, they sailed from England, with only one hundred and +twenty men, in a single ship. Their destination was Hudson's river; +but the first land they made was Cape Cod. They soon perceived that +they were not only beyond their own limits, but beyond those of the +company from which they derived their title; but it was now the month +of November, and consequently too late in the season again to put to +sea in search of a new habitation. <span class="sidenote">Settlement at New Plymouth.</span>After exploring the coast, they +chose a position for their station, to which they gave the name of New +at New Plymouth. On the 11th of November, before landing, a solemn +covenant was signed by the heads of families, and freemen, in which, +after reciting that they had undertaken to plant a colony for the +glory of God, and for the honour of their King and country, and +professing their loyalty to their sovereign Lord King James, they +combined themselves into a body politic, for the purpose of making +equal laws for the general good.<a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a></p> + +<p>Having thus formed a compact, the obligation of which all admitted, +they proceeded to the choice of a governor for one year; and to enable +him the better to discharge the trust confided to him, they gave him +one assistant. In 1624, three others were added; and the number was +afterwards increased to seven. The supreme power resided in, and, +during the infancy of the colony, was exercised by, the whole body of +the male inhabitants. They assembled together, occasionally, to +determine on all subjects of public concern; nor was a house of +representatives established until the year 1639. They adopted the laws +of England as a common rule of action, adding occasionally municipal +regulations. Some of the changes in their penal code strongly marked +their character and circumstances. While only a moderate fine was +imposed on forgery, fornication was punished with whipping, and +adultery with death.<a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51"></a><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a></p> + +<p>Misguided by their religious theories, they fell into the same error +which had been committed in Virginia, and, in imitation of the +primitive Christians, threw all their property into a common stock, +laboured jointly for the common benefit, and were fed from the common +stores. This regulation produced, even in this small and enthusiastic +society, its constant effect. They were often in danger of starving; +and severe whipping, administered to promote labour, only increased +discontent.</p> + +<p>The colonists landed at a season of the year which was unfavourable to +the establishment of a new settlement. The winter, which was intensely +cold, had already commenced; and they were not in a condition to +soften its rigours. Before the return of spring, fifty of them +perished with maladies increased by the hardships to which they were +exposed, by the scarcity of food, and by the almost total privation of +those comforts to which they had been accustomed. The survivors, as +the season moderated, encountered new difficulties. Their attention to +the means of providing for their future wants was interrupted by the +necessity of taking up arms to defend themselves against the +neighbouring savages. Fortunately for the colonists, the natives had +been so wasted by pestilence, the preceding year, that they were +easily subdued, and compelled to accept a peace, on equitable terms.</p> + +<p>The colonists were supported, under these multiplied distresses, by +the hope of better times, and by that high gratification which men +exasperated by persecution and oppression, derived from the enjoyment +of the rights of conscience, and the full exercise of the powers of +self-government. From their friends in England, they received +occasional but scanty supplies; and continued to struggle against +surrounding difficulties, with patience and perseverance. They +remained in peace, alike exempt from the notice and oppression of +government. Yet, in consequence of the unproductiveness of their soil, +and their adherence to the pernicious policy of a community of goods +and of labour, they increased more slowly than the other colonies; +and, in the year 1630, amounted to only three hundred souls.</p> + +<p>Until the year 1630, they possessed no other title to their lands than +is derived from occupancy. In that year they obtained a grant from the +New Plymouth company, but were never incorporated as a body politic by +royal charter. Having received no powers from the parliament or King, +and being totally disregarded by the Plymouth company, they remained a +mere voluntary association, yielding obedience to laws, and to +magistrates, formed and chosen by themselves. In this situation they +continued undisturbed, and almost unknown, more tolerant and more +moderate than their neighbours, until their union with a younger, and +more powerful sister, who advanced with a growth unusually rapid to a +state of maturity.<a name="FNanchor_52_52" id="FNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a></p> + +<p>The original company of Plymouth, having done nothing effectual +towards settling the territory which had been granted to them, and +being unable to preserve the monopoly of their trade and fisheries, +applied to James for a new and more enlarged patent. On the 3d of +November, he granted that territory which lies between the 40th and +48th degrees of north latitude to the Duke of Lenox, the Marquis of +Buckingham, and several others, in absolute property; and incorporated +them under the name of "the council established at Plymouth, for +planting and governing that country called New England;" with +jurisdiction and powers similar to those which had before been +conferred on the companies of south and north Virginia, and especially +that of excluding all other persons whatever from trading within their +boundaries and fishing in the neighbouring seas. This improvident +grant, which excited the indignation of the people of England, then +deeply interested in the fur trade and fisheries, soon engaged the +attention, and received the censure of parliament. The patentees were +compelled to relinquish their odious monopoly; and, being thus +deprived of the funds on which they had relied to furnish the expense +of supporting new settlements, they abandoned the design of attempting +them. New England might have remained long unoccupied by Europeans, +had not the same causes, which occasioned the emigration of the +Brownists, still continued to operate. The persecution to which the +puritans were exposed, increased their zeal and their numbers. In +despair of obtaining at home a relaxation of those rigorous penal +statutes under which they had long smarted, they looked elsewhere for +that toleration which was denied them in their native land. +Understanding that their brethren in New Plymouth were permitted to +worship their creator according to the dictates of conscience, their +attention was directed towards the same coast; and several small +emigrations were made, at different times, to Massachusetts bay; so +termed from the name of the Sachem who was sovereign of the country.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1627</div> + +<p>Mr. White, a non-conforming minister at Dorchester, formed an +association of several gentlemen, who had imbibed puritanical +opinions, for the purpose of conducting a colony to the bay of +Massachusetts, and rendering it an asylum for the persecuted of his +own persuasion. In prosecution of these views, a treaty was concluded +with the council of Plymouth for the purchase of part of New England; +<span class="sidenote">Sir Henry Rosewell and others.</span>and that corporation, in March 1627, sold to Sir Henry Rosewell and +others, all that part of New England lying three miles to the south of +Charles river, and three miles north of Merrimack river, and extending +from the Atlantic to the South sea. A small number of planters and +servants were, soon afterwards, dispatched under Endicot, who, in +September, laid the foundation of Salem, the first permanent town in +Massachusetts.<a name="FNanchor_53_53" id="FNanchor_53_53"></a><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a></p> + +<p>The purchasers perceived their inability to accomplish the settlement +of the extensive regions they had acquired, without the aid of more +opulent partners. These were soon found in the capital; but they +required that a new charter should be obtained from the crown, +comprehending their names, which should confirm the grant to the +council of Plymouth, and confer on the grantees the powers of +government. So seldom is man instructed by the experience of others, +that, disregarding the lessons furnished by Virginia, they likewise +required that the supreme authority should be vested in persons +residing in London. <span class="sidenotey">1628</span>The proprietors having acceded to these +requisitions, application was made to Charles for a patent conforming +to them, which issued on the 4th day of March, 1628.</p> + +<p>This charter incorporated the grantees by the name of "The governor +and company of Massachusetts bay in New England."</p> + +<p>The whole executive power was vested in a governor, a deputy governor, +and eighteen assistants; to be named, in the first instance, by the +crown, and afterwards elected by the company. The governor, and seven, +or more, of the assistants, were authorised to meet in monthly courts, +for the dispatch of such business as concerned the company, or +settlement. The legislative power was vested in the body of the +proprietors, who were to assemble four times a year in person, under +the denomination of the general court; and besides electing freemen, +and the necessary officers of the company, were empowered to make +ordinances for the good of the community, and the government of the +plantation and its inhabitants; provided they should not be repugnant +to the laws of England. Their lands were to be holden in free and +common soccage; and the same temporary exemption from taxes, and from +duties on exports and imports, which had been granted to the colony of +Virginia, was accorded to them. As in the charter of Virginia, so in +this, the colonists and their descendants were declared to be entitled +to all the rights and privileges of natural born subjects.</p> + +<p>The patent being obtained, the governor and council engaged with +ardour in the duties assigned them. To support the expenses of a fresh +embarkation, it was resolved that every person subscribing fifty +pounds, should be entitled to two hundred acres of land as the first +dividend. Five vessels sailed in May, carrying about two hundred +persons, who reached Salem in June. At that place they found Endicot, +to whom they brought a confirmation of his commission as governor. The +colony consisted of three hundred persons, one hundred of whom removed +to Charlestown.</p> + +<p>Religion, which had stimulated them to remove from their native land, +became the first object of their care in the country they had adopted. +Being zealous puritans, they concurred in the institution of a church, +establishing that form of policy, which has since been denominated +independent. A confession of faith was drawn up to which the majority +assented; and an association was formed in which they covenanted with +the Lord, and with each other, to walk together in all his ways, as he +should be pleased to reveal himself to them. Pastors, and other +ecclesiastical officers, were chosen, who were installed into their +sacred offices, by the imposition of the hands of the brethren.<a name="FNanchor_54_54" id="FNanchor_54_54"></a><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a></p> + +<p>A church being thus formed, several were received as members who gave +an account of their faith and hope as Christians; and those only were +admitted into the communion, whose morals and religious tenets were +approved by the elders.<a name="FNanchor_55_55" id="FNanchor_55_55"></a><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a></p> + +<p>Pleased with the work of their hands, and believing it to be perfect, +they could tolerate no difference of opinion. Just escaped from +persecution, they became persecutors themselves. Some few of their +number, attached to the ritual of the church of England, were +dissatisfied with its total abolition; and, withdrawing from communion +with the church, met apart, to worship God in the manner they deemed +most proper. At the head of this small number were two of the first +patentees, who were also of the council. <span class="sidenotey">1629</span>They were called before the +governor, who, being of opinion that their non-conformity and +conversation tended to sedition, sent them to England. The opposition +ceased when deprived of its leaders.<a name="FNanchor_56_56" id="FNanchor_56_56"></a><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a></p> + +<p>The following winter brought with it the calamities which must be +uniformly sustained by the first emigrants into a wilderness, where +the cold is severe, and the privations almost universal. In the course +of it, nearly half their number perished, "lamenting that they did not +live to see the rising glories of the faithful." The fortitude, +however, of the survivors, was not shaken; nor were their brethren in +England deterred from joining them. Religion supported the colonists +under all their difficulties; and the intolerant spirit of the English +hierarchy diminished, in the view of the puritans in England, the +dangers and the sufferings to be encountered in America; and disposed +them to forego every other human enjoyment, for the consoling +privilege of worshipping the Supreme Being according to their own +opinions. Many persons of fortune determined to seek in the new world +that liberty of conscience which was denied them in the old; but, +foreseeing the misrule inseparable from the residence of the +legislative power in England, they demanded, as preliminary to their +emigration, that the powers of government should be transferred to New +England, and be exercised in the colony. The company had already +incurred expenses for which they saw no prospect of a speedy +reimbursement; and although they doubted the legality of the measure, +were well disposed by adopting it, to obtain such important aid. <span class="sidenote">Government transferred to Massachusetts bay.</span>A +general court was therefore convened, by whom it was unanimously +resolved "that the patent should be transferred, and the government of +the colony removed from London to Massachusetts bay." It was also +agreed that the members of the corporation remaining in England, +should retain a share in the trading stock and profits for the term of +seven years.<a name="FNanchor_57_57" id="FNanchor_57_57"></a><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1630</div> + +<p>Such was the effect of this revolution in the system of government, +that, early in the following year, fifteen hundred persons, among whom +were several of family and fortune, embarked, at an expense of upwards +of twenty thousand pounds, and arrived at Salem in July. <span class="sidenote">Boston founded.</span>Dissatisfied +with this situation, they explored the country in quest of better +stations; and, settling in many places around the bay, they laid the +foundation of several towns, and, among others, of Boston.</p> + +<p>The difficulty of obtaining subsistence, the difference of their food +from that to which they had been accustomed, the intense cold of the +winter, against which sufficient provision was not yet made, were +still severely felt by the colonists, and still carried many of them +to the grave; but that enthusiasm which had impelled them to emigrate, +preserved all its force; and they met, with a firm unshaken spirit, +the calamities which assailed them. <span class="sidenotey">1631</span>Our admiration of their fortitude +and of their principles, sustains, however, some diminution from +observing the sternness with which they denied to others that civil +and religious liberty which, through so many dangers and hardships, +they sought for themselves. Their general court decreed that none +should be admitted as freemen, or permitted to vote at elections, or +be capable of being chosen as magistrates, or of serving as jurymen, +but such as had been received into the church as members. Thus did men +who had braved every hardship for freedom of conscience, deny the +choicest rights of humanity, to all those who dissented from the +opinion of the majority on any article of faith, or point of church +discipline.</p> + +<p>The numerous complaints of the severities exercised by the government +of Massachusetts, added to the immense emigration of persons noted for +their enthusiasm, seem, at length, to have made some impression on +Charles; <span class="sidenotey">1633</span>and an order was made by the King in council, to stop the +ships at that time ready to sail, freighted with passengers for New +England. This order, however, seems never to have been strictly +executed, as the emigrations continued without any sensible +diminution.</p> + +<p>Hitherto the legislature had been composed of the whole body of the +freemen. Under this system, so favourable to the views of the few who +possess popular influence, the real power of the state had been +chiefly engrossed by the governor and assistants, aided by the clergy. +The emigration, however, having already been considerable, and the +settlements having become extensive, it was found inconvenient, if not +impracticable, longer to preserve a principle which their charter +enjoined. <span class="sidenotey">1634</span>In the year 1634, by common consent, the people elected +delegates who met the governor and council, and constituted the +general court. This important improvement in their system, rendered +familiar, and probably suggested, by the practice in the mother +country, although not authorised by the charter, remained unaltered, +so long as that charter was permitted to exist.<a name="FNanchor_58_58" id="FNanchor_58_58"></a><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Commission for the government of the plantations.</div> + +<p>The colony of Massachusetts having been conducted, from its +commencement, very much on the plan of an independent society, at +length attracted the partial notice of the jealous administration in +England; <span class="sidenotey">1635</span>and a commission for "the regulation and government of the +plantations" was issued to the great officers of state, and to some of +the nobility, in which absolute power was granted to the archbishop of +Canterbury and to others, "to make laws and constitutions concerning +either their state public, or the utility of individuals." The +commissioners were authorised to support the clergy by assigning them +"tithes, oblations, and other profits, according to their discretion; +to inflict punishment on those who should violate their ordinances; to +remove governors of plantations, and to appoint others; and to +constitute tribunals and courts of justice, ecclesiastical and civil, +with such authority and form as they should think proper;" but their +laws were not to take effect until they had received the royal assent, +and had been proclaimed in the colonies. The commissioners were also +constituted a committee to hear complaints against a colony, its +governor or other officers, with power to remove the offender to +England for punishment. They were farther directed to cause the +revocation of such letters patent, granted for the establishment of +colonies, as should, upon inquiry, be found to have been unduly +obtained, or to contain a grant of liberties hurtful to the royal +prerogative.<a name="FNanchor_59_59" id="FNanchor_59_59"></a><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a></p> + +<p>From the first settlement at Salem, the colony of Massachusetts had +cultivated the friendship of their neighbours of New Plymouth. The +bonds of mutual amity were now rendered more strict, not only by some +appearances of a hostile disposition among the natives, but by another +circumstance which excited alarm in both colonies.</p> + +<p>The voyages for discovery and settlement, made by the English and +French, to the coast of North America, having been nearly +cotemporaneous, their conflicting claims soon brought them into +collision with each other. The same lands were granted by the +sovereigns of both nations; and, under these different grants, actual +settlements had been made by the French as far south and west as St. +Croix, and, by the English, as far north and east as Penobscot. During +the war with France, which broke out early in the reign of Charles I., +that monarch granted a commission to captain Kirk for the conquest of +the countries in America occupied by the French; under which, in 1629, +Canada and Acadié were subdued; but, by the treaty of St. Germains, +those places were restored to France without any description of their +limits; and Fort Royal, Quebec, and Cape Breton, were severally +surrendered by name. In 1632, a party of French from Acadié committed +a robbery on a trading house established at Penobscot by the people of +New Plymouth. With the intelligence of this fact, information was also +brought that cardinal Richelieu had ordered some companies to Acadié, +and that more were expected the next year, with priests, Jesuits, and +other formidable accompaniments, for a permanent settlement. The +governor of Acadié established a military post at Penobscot, and, at +the same time wrote to the governor of New Plymouth stating, that he +had orders to displace the English as far as Pemaquid. Not being +disposed to submit quietly to this invasion of territory, the +government of New Plymouth undertook an expedition for the recovery of +the fort at Penobscot, consisting of an English ship of war under the +command of captain Girling, and a bark with twenty men belonging to +the colony. The garrison received notice of this armament, and +prepared for its reception by fortifying and strengthening the fort; +in consequence of which Girling, after expending his ammunition and +finding himself too weak to attempt the works by assault, applied to +Massachusetts for aid. That colony agreed to furnish one hundred men, +and to bear the expense of the expedition by private subscription; but +a sufficient supply of provisions, even for this small corps, could +not be immediately obtained, and the expedition was abandoned. Girling +returned, and the French retained possession of Penobscot till 1654. +The apprehensions entertained of these formidable neighbours +contributed, in no small degree, to cement the union between +Massachusetts and Plymouth.<a name="FNanchor_60_60" id="FNanchor_60_60"></a><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a></p> + +<p>Two persons, afterwards distinguished in English annals, arrived this +year in Boston. One was Hugh Peters, the coadjutor and chaplain of +Oliver Cromwell; the other was Mr. Henry Vane, the son of Sir Henry +Vane, who was, at that time a privy councillor of great credit with +the King. <span class="sidenotey">1636</span>The mind of this young gentleman was so deeply imbued with +the political and religious opinions of the puritans, that he appeared +ready to sacrifice, for the enjoyment of them, all his bright +prospects in his native land. His mortified exterior, his grave and +solemn deportment, his reputation for piety and wisdom, his strong +professions of attachment to liberty and to the public good, added to +his attention to some of the leading members in the church, won +rapidly the affections of the people, and he was chosen their +governor.</p> + +<p>His administration commenced with more external pomp than had been +usual, or would seem to be congenial either with his own professions, +or with the plain and simple manners of the people whom he governed. +When going to court or church, he was always preceded by two sergeants +who walked with their halberts. Yet his popularity sustained no +diminution, until the part he took in the religious controversies of +the country detached from him many of its most judicious +inhabitants.<a name="FNanchor_61_61" id="FNanchor_61_61"></a><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a></p> + +<p>Independent of the meetings for public worship on every Sunday, of the +stated lecture in Boston on every Thursday, and of occasional lectures +in other towns, there were frequent meetings of the brethren of the +churches, for religious exercises. Mrs. Hutchinson, who had been much +flattered by the attentions of the governor, and of Mr. Cotton, one of +the most popular of the clergy; who added eloquence to her enthusiasm, +and whose husband was among the most respected men of the country; +dissatisfied with the exclusion of her sex from the private meetings +of the brethren, instituted a meeting of the sisters also, in which +she repeated the sermons of the preceding Sunday, accompanied with +remarks and expositions. These meetings were attended by a large +number of the most respectable of her sex; and her lectures were, for +a time, generally approved. At length she drew a distinction between +the ministers through the country. She designated a small number as +being under a covenant of grace; the others, as being under a covenant +of works. Contending for the necessity of the former, she maintained +that sanctity of life is no evidence of justification, or of favour +with God; and that the Holy Ghost dwells personally in such as are +justified. The whole colony was divided into two parties, equally +positive, on these abstruse points, whose resentments against each +other threatened the most serious calamities. Mr. Vane espoused, with +zeal, the wildest doctrines of Mrs. Hutchinson, and Mr. Cotton +decidedly favoured them. The lieutenant governor Mr. Winthrop, and the +majority of the churches, were of the opposite party. Many conferences +were held; days of fasting and humiliation were appointed; a general +synod was called; and, after violent dissensions, Mrs. Hutchinson's +opinions were condemned as erroneous, and she was banished. Many of +her disciples followed her. Vane, in disgust, quitted America; +unlamented even by those who had lately admired him. He was thought +too visionary; and is said to have been too enthusiastic even for the +enthusiasts of Massachusetts.</p> + +<p>The patentees, having no common object to prosecute, resolved to +divide their lands; and, in the expectation of receiving a deed of +confirmation for the particular portion which fortune should allot to +each, cast lots, in the presence of James, for the shares each should +hold in severalty. They continued, however, to act some years longer +as a body politic, during which time, they granted various portions of +the country to different persons; and executed under the seal of the +corporation, deeds of feoffment for the lots drawn by each member of +the company; patents of confirmation for which were solicited, but +appear to have been granted only to Gorges, for Maine. The charter was +surrendered by the company and accepted by the crown.<a name="FNanchor_62_62" id="FNanchor_62_62"></a><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1637</div> + +<p>Charles, in pursuance of his determination to take the government of +New England into his own hands, issued a proclamation directing that +none should be transported thither who had not the special license of +the crown, which should be granted to those only who had taken the +oaths of supremacy and allegiance, and had conformed to the discipline +of the church of England. This order, however, could not be completely +executed; and the emigrations, which were entirely of non-conformists, +still continued. Those who were disgusted with the ceremonials rigidly +exacted in England, estimated so highly the simple frame of church +policy established in Massachusetts, that numbers surmounted every +difficulty, to seek an asylum in this new Jerusalem. Among them were +men of the first political influence and mental attainments. Pym, +Hampden, Hazlerig, and Cromwell, with many others who afterwards +performed a conspicuous part in that revolution which brought the head +of Charles to the block, are said to have been actually on board a +vessel prepared to sail for New England, and to have been stopped by +the special orders of the privy council.<a name="FNanchor_63_63" id="FNanchor_63_63"></a><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1638</div> + +<p>The commissioners for the regulation and government of the plantations +having reported that Massachusetts had violated its charter, a writ of +<i>quo warranto</i> was issued, on which judgment was given in favour of +the crown. The process was never served on any member of the +corporation; and it is therefore probable that the judgment was not +final. The privy council however ordered the governor and company to +send their patent to England to be surrendered. The general court +answered this order by a petition to the commissioners in which they +said, "we dare not question your Lordship's proceedings in requiring +our patent to be sent unto you; we only desire to open our griefs; and +if in any thing we have offended his Majesty or your Lordships, we +humbly prostrate ourselves at the foot stool of supreme authority; we +are sincerely ready to yield all due obedience to both; we are not +conscious that we have offended in any thing, as our government is +according to law; we pray that we may be heard before condemnation, +and that we may be suffered to live in the wilderness." Fortunately +for the colonists, Charles and his commissioners found too much +employment at home, to have leisure for carrying into complete +execution, a system aimed at the subversions of what was most dear to +the hearts of Americans.</p> + +<p>To the religious dissensions which distracted Massachusetts, and to +the rigour with which conformity was exacted, is to be attributed the +first settlement of the other colonies of New England. As early as the +year 1634, Roger Williams, a popular preacher at Salem, who had +refused to hold communion with the church at Boston, because its +members refused to make a public declaration of their repentance for +having held communion with the church of England during their +residence in that country, was charged with many exceptionable tenets. +Among several which mark his wild enthusiasm, one is found in total +opposition, to the spirit of the times and to the severity of his +other doctrines. He maintained, that to punish a man for any matter of +conscience is persecution, and that even papists and Arminians are +entitled to freedom of conscience in worship, provided the peace of +civil society be secured. The divines of Massachusetts, in opposition +to this doctrine, contended that they did not persecute men for +conscience, but corrected them for sinning against conscience; and so +they did not persecute, but punish heretics. This unintelligible +sophism not convincing Williams, he was, for this, and for his other +heresies, banished by the magistrates, as a disturber of the peace of +the church, and of the commonwealth.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center"> </p> + +<p><a name="image-0003" id="image-0003"></a></p> +<p style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/096.jpg" width="587" height="350" alt="Plymouth" /></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"><b>Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1622</b></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"><i>From the painting by W.L. Williams</i></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Here, under Governor Bradford, who directed their destiny for a +precarious quarter of a century, the Pilgrim Fathers strove +desperately to maintain a foothold in America, and several times were +on the point of abandoning the enterprise. To such straits were they +reduced, in 1622, a year after the death of Governor Carter, that half +rations were doled out, and when, in May of that year, a ship arrived +from England bearing encouraging letters to the Pilgrims, but no +substantial supplies, Governor Bradford remarked bitterly: "All this +is but cold comfort to fill hungry bellies."</i></p></div> + +<p> </p> + +<p>Many of his disciples followed him into exile, and, travelling south +until they passed the line of Massachusetts, purchased a tract of land +of the Narraghansetts, then a powerful tribe of Indians, where, in +1635, <span class="sidenote">Providence settled.</span> +they made a settlement to which they gave the name of +Providence. After fixing the place of their future residence, they +entered into a voluntary association, and framed a government composed +of the whole body of freemen. After the manner of Massachusetts, they +created a church by collecting a religious society; but, as one of the +causes of their migration had been the tenet that all were entitled to +freedom of conscience in worship, entire toleration was established. +The new settlers cultivated with assiduity the good will of the +natives, with whom a long peace was preserved.<a name="FNanchor_64_64" id="FNanchor_64_64"></a><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a></p> + +<p>The banishment of Williams was soon followed by that of Mrs. +Hutchinson. <span class="sidenote">Rhode Island settled.</span>She was accompanied by many of her disciples, who, +pursuing the steps of Williams, and, arriving in his neighbourhood, +purchased a tract of land from the same tribe, and founded Rhode +Island. Imitating the conduct of their neighbours, they formed a +similar association for the establishment of civil government, and +adopted the same principles of toleration. In consequence of this +conduct the island soon became so populous as to furnish settlers for +the adjacent shores.<a name="FNanchor_65_65" id="FNanchor_65_65"></a><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1634</div> + +<p>Connecticut too is a colony of Massachusetts. As early as the year +1634, several persons, among whom was Mr. Hooker, a favourite minister +of the church, applied to the general court of Massachusetts for +permission to pursue their fortunes in some new and better land. This +permission was not granted at that time; and, it being then the +received opinion that the oath of a freeman, as well as the original +compact, bound every member of the society so as not to leave him the +right to separate himself from it without the consent of the whole, +this emigration was suspended. The general court, however, did not +long withhold its assent. <span class="sidenote">Connecticut settled.</span>The country having been explored, and a +place selected on the west side of the river Connecticut, a commission +was granted to the petitioners to remove, on the condition of their +still continuing under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, some few +huts had been erected the preceding year in which a small number of +emigrants had wintered; and, the fall succeeding, about sixty persons +traversed the wilderness in families. <span class="sidenotey">1636</span>In 1636, about one hundred +persons, led by Pynchon, Hooker, and Haynes, followed the first +emigrants, and founded the towns of Hartford, Springfield, and +Weathersfield. There are some peculiarities attending this commission +and this settlement, which deserve to be noticed.</p> + +<p>The country to be settled was, confessedly, without the limits of +Massachusetts; yet Roger Ludlow was authorised to promulgate the +orders which might be necessary for the plantations; to inflict +corporal punishment, imprisonment, and fines; to determine all +differences in a judicial way; and to convene the inhabitants in a +general court, if it should be necessary. This signal exercise of +authority grew out of the principle, solemnly asserted by the general +court of Massachusetts, that the oath of fidelity to the commonwealth +was binding, although the person should no longer reside within its +limits.</p> + +<p>There were other difficulties attending the title of the settlers. The +Dutch at Manhadoes, or New York, claimed a right to the river, as its +first discoverers. In addition to this hostile title, Lord Say and +Seal, and Lord Brooke, with some others, contemplating a retreat in +the new world from the despotism with which England was threatened, +had made choice of Connecticut river for that purpose, and had built a +fort at its mouth, called Saybrooke. The emigrants from Massachusetts, +however, kept possession; and proceeded to clear and cultivate the +country. They purchased the rights of Lord Say and Seal, and Lord +Brooke, and their partners; and the Dutch, being too feeble to +maintain their title by the sword, gradually receded from the river. +The emigrants, disclaiming the authority of Massachusetts, entered +into a voluntary association for the establishment of a government, +which, in its form, was like those established in the other colonies +of New England. The principal difference between their constitution +and that of Massachusetts was, that they imparted the right of freemen +to those who were not members of the Church.<a name="FNanchor_66_66" id="FNanchor_66_66"></a><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a></p> + +<p>These new establishments gave great and just alarm to the Piquods, a +powerful tribe of Indians on the south of Massachusetts. They foresaw +their own ruin in this extension of the English settlements; and the +disposition excited by this apprehension soon displayed itself in +private murders, and other acts of hostility. With a policy suggested +by a strong sense of danger, they sought a reconciliation with the +Narraghansetts, their ancient enemies and rivals; and requested them +to forget their long cherished animosities, and to co-operate +cordially against a common enemy whose continuing encroachments +threatened to overwhelm both in one common destruction. Noticing the +rapid progress of the English settlements, they urged, with reason, +that, although a present friendship subsisted between the +Narraghansetts and the new comers, yet all, in turn, must be +dispossessed of their country, and this dangerous friendship could +promise no other good than the wretched privilege of being last +devoured.</p> + +<p>These representations could not efface from the bosoms of the +Narraghansetts, that deep rooted enmity which neighbours, not bound +together by ligaments of sufficient strength to prevent reciprocal +acts of hostility, too often feel for each other. Dreading still less +the power of a foreign nation, than that of men with whom they had +been in the habit of contending, they not only refused to join the +Piquods, but communicated their proposition to the government of +Massachusetts, with whom they formed an alliance against that tribe. +<span class="sidenote">War with the Piquods.</span>Open war being resolved on by both parties, Captain Underhill was sent +to the relief of fort Saybrooke which had been besieged by the +Indians; and the three colonies, Massachusetts, Plymouth, and +Connecticut, agreed to march their united forces into the country of +the Piquods, to effect their entire destruction. The troops of +Connecticut were first in motion. Those of Massachusetts were detained +by the controversy concerning the covenant of works, and of grace, +which had insinuated itself into all the transactions of that colony. +Their little army, when collected, found itself divided by this +metaphysical point; and the stronger party, believing that the +blessing of God could not be expected to crown with success the arms +of such unhallowed men as their opponents in faith on this question, +refused to march until their small band was purified by expelling the +unclean, and introducing others whose tenets were unexceptionable.</p> + +<p>While this operation was performing, the troops of Connecticut, +reinforced by a body of friendly Indians and by a small detachment +from Saybrooke, determined to march against the enemy. The Piquods had +taken two positions which they had surrounded with palisadoes, and had +resolved to defend. The nearest was on a small eminence surrounded by +a swamp near the head of Mystic river. Against this fort the first +attack was made. The Indians, deceived by a movement of the vessels +from Saybrooke to Narraghansett, believed the expedition to have been +abandoned; and celebrated, in perfect security, the supposed +evacuation of their country. About day-break, while they were asleep, +the English approached, and the surprise would have been complete, had +they not been alarmed by the barking of a dog. They immediately gave +the war whoop, and flew undismayed to arms. The English rushed to the +attack, forced their way through the works, and set fire to the Indian +wigwams. The confusion soon became general, and almost every man was +killed or taken.</p> + +<p>Soon after this action, the troops of Massachusetts arrived, and it +was resolved to pursue the victory. Several skirmishes terminated +unfavourably to the Piquods; and, in a short time, they received +another total defeat, which put an end to the war. A few only of this +once powerful nation survived, who, abandoning their country, +dispersed themselves among the neighbouring tribes, and were +incorporated with them.<a name="FNanchor_67_67" id="FNanchor_67_67"></a><a href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a></p> + +<p>This vigorous essay in arms of the New England colonists impressed on +the Indians a high opinion of their courage and military superiority; +but their victory was sullied with cruelties which cannot be +recollected without mingled regret and censure.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1638</div> + +<p>Immediately after the termination of this war New Haven was settled.</p> + +<p>A small emigration from England conducted by Eaton and Davenport, +arrived at Boston in June. Unwilling to remain where power and +influence were already in the hands of others, they refused to +continue within the jurisdiction of Massachusetts; <span class="sidenote">New Haven settled.</span>and, disregarding +the threats at Manhadoes, settled themselves west of Connecticut +river, on a place which they named New Haven. Their institutions, +civil and ecclesiastical, were in the same spirit with those of their +elder sister, Massachusetts.</p> + +<p>The colony was now in a very flourishing condition. Twenty-one +thousand two hundred emigrants had arrived from England; and, although +they devoted great part of their attention to the abstruse points of +theology which employed the casuists of that day, they were not +unmindful of those solid acquisitions which permanently improve the +condition of man. Sober, industrious, and economical, they laboured +indefatigably in opening and improving the country, and were +unremitting in their efforts to furnish themselves with those supplies +which are to be drawn from the bosom of the earth. Of these, they soon +raised a surplus for which fresh emigrants offered a profitable +market; and their foreign trade in lumber, added to their fish and +furs, furnished them with the means of making remittances to England +for those manufactures which they found it advantageous to import. +Their fisheries had become so important as to attract the attention of +government. For their encouragement, a law was passed exempting +property employed in catching, curing, or transporting fish, from all +duties and taxes, and the fishermen, and ship builders, from militia +duty. By the same law, all persons were restrained from using cod or +bass fish for manure.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Massachusetts claims New Hampshire and part of Maine.... +Dissensions among the inhabitants.... Confederation of the +New England colonies.... Rhode Island excluded from it.... +Separate chambers provided for the two branches of the +Legislature.... New England takes part with Parliament.... +Treaty with Acadié.... Petition of the non-conformists.... +Disputes between Massachusetts and Connecticut.... War +between England and Holland.... Machinations of the Dutch at +Manhadoes among the Indians.... Massachusetts refuses to +join the united colonies in the war.... Application of New +Haven to Cromwell for assistance.... Peace with the +Dutch.... Expedition of Sedgewic against Acadié.... +Religious intolerance.</b></p></div> + +<p> </p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1639</div> + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">The</span> government of Massachusetts, induced by the rapidity with which +the colony had attained its present strength to form sanguine hopes of +future importance, instituted an inquiry into the extent of their +patent, with a view to the enlargement of territory. To facilitate +this object, commissioners were appointed to explore the Merrimack, +and to ascertain its northernmost point. The charter conveyed to the +grantees all the lands within lines to be drawn three miles south of +Charles river, and the same distance north of the Merrimack. <span class="sidenote">Massachusetts claims New Hampshire and part of Maine.</span>The +government construed this description as authorising a line to be +drawn due east from a point three miles north of the head of +Merrimack, which soon leaves that river, and includes all New +Hampshire, and a considerable part of Maine. In pursuance of this +exposition of the charter, the general court asserted its jurisdiction +over New Hampshire, in which there were a few scattered habitations, +and proceeded to authorise settlements in that country.<a name="FNanchor_68_68" id="FNanchor_68_68"></a><a href="#Footnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a></p> + +<p>The attempts which had been made to colonise the northern and eastern +parts of New England had proved almost entirely unsuccessful. Sir +Ferdinando Gorges and John Mason had built a small house at the mouth +of Piscataqua, about the year 1623; and, nearly at the same time, +others erected a few huts along the coast from Merrimack eastward to +Sagadahock for the purpose of fishing. In 1631, Gorges and Mason sent +over a small party of planters and fishermen under the conduct of a +Mr. Williams, who laid the foundation of Portsmouth.</p> + +<p>When the Plymouth company divided New England among its members, that +territory lying along the coast from Merrimack river, and for sixty +miles into the country to the river Piscataqua, was granted to Mason, +and was called New Hampshire; that territory northeastward of New +Hampshire, to the river Kennebec, and sixty miles into the country, +was granted to Sir Ferdinando Gorges. In 1639, Gorges obtained a +patent for this district under the name of Maine, comprehending the +lands for one hundred, instead of sixty miles, into the country, +together with the powers of sovereignty. He framed a system of +government which, being purely executive, could not even preserve +itself. After struggling with a long course of confusion, and drawing +out, for several years, a miserable political existence, Maine +submitted itself to the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, and consented +to become a part of that colony. In the course of the years 1651 and +1652, this junction was effected, and Maine was erected into a county, +the towns of which sent deputies to the general court at Boston. To +this county was conceded the peculiar privilege that its inhabitants, +although not members of the church, should be entitled to the rights +of freemen on taking the oath.<a name="FNanchor_69_69" id="FNanchor_69_69"></a><a href="#Footnote_69_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a></p> + +<p>The settlements in New Hampshire, too, were maintaining only a +doubtful and feeble existence, when they drew a recruit of inhabitants +from the same causes which had peopled Rhode Island and Connecticut.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1637</div> + +<p>In 1637, when Mrs. Hutchinson and other Antinomians were exiled, Mr. +Wheelright, her brother in law, a popular preacher, was likewise +banished. He carried with him a considerable number of his followers; +and, just passing the north-eastern boundary of Massachusetts, planted +the town of Exeter. These emigrants immediately formed themselves, +according to the manner of New England, into a body politic for their +own government.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1640</div> + +<p>A few persons arrived soon afterwards from England, and laid the +foundation of the town of Dover. They also established a distinct +government. Their first act proved to be the source of future discord. +The majority chose one Underbill as governor; but a respectable +minority was opposed to his election. To this cause of discontent was +added another of irresistible influence. They were divided on the +subject of the covenant of works, and of grace. These dissensions soon +grew into a civil war, which was happily terminated by Williams, who +was, according to the practice of small societies torn by civil +broils, invited by the weaker party to its aid. He marched from +Portsmouth at the head of a small military force; and, banishing the +governor, and the leaders of the Antinomian faction, restored peace to +this distracted village.</p> + +<p>Massachusetts had asserted a right over this territory. Her claim +derived aid, not only from the factions which agitated these feeble +settlements, but also from the uncertainty of the tenure by which the +inhabitants held their lands. Only the settlers at Portsmouth had +acquired a title from Mason; and the others were, consequently, +unfriendly to his pretensions. These causes produced a voluntary offer +of submission to the government of Massachusetts, which was accepted; +and the general court passed an order, declaring the inhabitants of +Piscataqua to be within their jurisdiction, with the privileges of +participating in all their rights, and of being exempted from all +"public charges, other than those which shall arise for, or among +themselves, or from any action, or course that may be taken for their +own good or benefit." Under the protecting wing of this more powerful +neighbour, New Hampshire attained the growth which afterwards enabled +her to stand alone; and long remembered with affection the benefits +she had received.<a name="FNanchor_70_70" id="FNanchor_70_70"></a><a href="#Footnote_70_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a></p> + +<p>Charles, environed with difficulties arising from his own misrule, was +at length compelled to meet his Parliament; and, in November, the +great council of the nation was again assembled. The circumstances +which had caused such considerable emigrations to New England, existed +no longer. The puritans were not only exempt from persecution, but +became the strongest party in the nation; and, from this time, New +England is supposed to have derived no increase of population from the +parent state.<a name="FNanchor_71_71" id="FNanchor_71_71"></a><a href="#Footnote_71_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Confederation of the New England colonies.</div> + +<p>About the same period many evidences were given of a general +combination of the neighbouring Indians against the settlements of New +England; and apprehensions were also entertained of hostility from the +Dutch at Manhadoes. A sense of impending danger suggested the policy +of forming a confederacy of the sister colonies for their mutual +defence; and so confirmed had the habit of self-government become +since the attention of England was absorbed in her domestic +dissensions, that it was not thought necessary to consult the parent +state on this important measure. <span class="sidenotey">1643</span>After mature deliberation, articles +of confederation were digested; and in May 1643, they were +conclusively adopted.<a name="FNanchor_72_72" id="FNanchor_72_72"></a><a href="#Footnote_72_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a></p> + +<p>By them the united colonies of New England, viz. Massachusetts, +Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven, entered into a firm and +perpetual league, offensive and defensive.</p> + +<p>Each colony retained a distinct and separate jurisdiction; no two +colonies could join in one jurisdiction without the consent of the +whole; and no other colony could be received into the confederacy +without the like consent.</p> + +<p>The charge of all wars was to be borne by the colonies respectively, +in proportion to the male inhabitants of each, between sixteen and +sixty years of age.</p> + +<p>On notice of an invasion given by three magistrates of any colony, the +confederates were immediately to furnish their respective quotas. +These were fixed at one hundred from Massachusetts, and forty-five +from each of the other parties to the agreement. If a larger armament +should be found necessary, commissioners were to meet, and ascertain +the number of men to be required.</p> + +<p>Two commissioners from each government, being church members, were to +meet annually on the first Monday in September. Six possessed the +power of binding the whole. Any measure approved by a majority of less +than six was to be referred to the general court of each colony, and +the consent of all was necessary to its adoption.</p> + +<p>They were to choose annually a president from their own body, and had +power to frame laws or rules of a civil nature, and of general +concern. Of this description were rules which respected their conduct +towards the Indians, and measures to be taken with fugitives from one +colony to another.</p> + +<p>No colony was permitted, without the general consent, to engage in +war, but in sudden and inevitable cases.</p> + +<p>If, on any extraordinary meeting of the commissioners, their whole +number should not assemble, any four who should meet were empowered to +determine on a war, and to call for the respective quotas of the +several colonies; but not less than six could determine on the justice +of the war, or settle the expenses, or levy the money for its support.</p> + +<p>If any colony should be charged with breaking an article of the +agreement, or with doing an injury to another colony, the complaint +was to be submitted to the consideration and determination of the +commissioners of such colonies as should be disinterested.<a name="FNanchor_73_73" id="FNanchor_73_73"></a><a href="#Footnote_73_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a></p> + +<p>This union, the result of good sense, and of a judicious consideration +of the real interests of the colonies, remained in force until their +charters were dissolved. <span class="sidenote">Rhode Island excluded from it.</span>Rhode Island, at the instance of +Massachusetts, was excluded; and her commissioners were not admitted +into the congress of deputies which formed the confederation.</p> + +<p>On her petitioning at a subsequent period to be received as a member, +her request was refused, unless she would consent to be incorporated +with Plymouth. This condition being deemed inadmissible, she never was +taken into the confederacy. From the formation of this league, its +members were considered by their neighbours as one body with regard to +external affairs, and such as were of general concern; though the +internal and particular objects of each continued to be managed by its +own magistrates and legislature.</p> + +<p>The vigorous and prudent measures pursued by the united colonies, +disconcerted the plans of the Indians, and preserved peace.</p> + +<p>Rhode Island and Providence plantations, excluded from the general +confederacy, were under the necessity of courting the friendship of +the neighbouring Indians. So successful were their endeavours that, in +the year 1644, they obtained from the chiefs of the Narraghansetts a +formal surrender of their country.<a name="FNanchor_74_74" id="FNanchor_74_74"></a><a href="#Footnote_74_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a></p> + +<p>The first general assembly, consisting of the collective freemen of +the plantations, was convened in May, 1647. In this body the supreme +authority of the nation resided. The executive duties were performed +by a governor and four assistants, chosen from among the freemen by +their several towns; and the same persons constituted also the supreme +court for the administration of justice. Every township, forming +within itself a corporation, elected a council of six, for the +management of its peculiar affairs, and for the settlement of its +disputes.<a name="FNanchor_75_75" id="FNanchor_75_75"></a><a href="#Footnote_75_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1644</div> + +<p>Hitherto the governor, assistants, and representatives, of +Massachusetts had assembled in the same chamber, and deliberated +together. At first their relative powers do not seem to have been +accurately understood; nor the mode of deciding controverted questions +to have been well defined. The representatives being the most numerous +body, contended that every question should be decided by a majority of +the whole, while the assistants asserted their right to a negative. +More than once, this contest suspended the proceedings of the general +court. But the assistants having, with the aid of the clergy, +succeeded on each occasion, the representatives yielded the point, and +moved that separate chambers should be provided for the two branches +of the legislature. This motion being carried in the affirmative, +their deliberations were afterwards conducted apart from each other.</p> + +<p>This regulation was subsequently modified with respect to judicial +proceedings; for the legislature was the court of the last resort. If, +in these, the two houses differed, the vote was to be taken +conjointly.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">New England takes part with Parliament.</div> + +<p>In England, the contests between the King and Parliament, at length +ripened into open war. The colonies of New England took an early and +sincere part on the side of Parliament. Their interests were committed +to such agents as might best conciliate the favour of the House of +Commons, who, in return, manifested the impression received from them, +and from the general conduct of their northern colonies, by passing a +resolutions exempting from the payment of "duties or other customs," +until the house should order otherwise, all merchandises exported to +or from New England.<a name="FNanchor_76_76" id="FNanchor_76_76"></a><a href="#Footnote_76_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a> And, in 1644, the general court passed an +ordinance declaring "that what person soever shall by word, writing, +or action, endeavour to disturb our peace directly or indirectly by +drawing a party under pretence that he is for the King of England, and +such as join with him against the Parliament, shall be accounted as an +offender of a high nature against this commonwealth, and to be +proceeded with either capitally or otherwise, according to the quality +and degree of his offence; provided always that this shall not be +extended against any merchants, strangers and shipmen that come hither +merely for trade or merchandise, albeit they should come from any of +those parts that are in the hands of the King, and such as adhere to +him against the Parliament; carrying themselves here quietly, and free +from railing, or nourishing any faction, mutiny, or sedition among us +as aforesaid."<a name="FNanchor_77_77" id="FNanchor_77_77"></a><a href="#Footnote_77_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a></p> + +<p>These manifestations of mutual kindness were not interrupted by an +ordinance of Parliament, passed in 1643, appointing the earl of +Warwick, governor in chief and lord high admiral of the colonies, with +a council of five peers, and twelve commoners, to assist him; and +empowering him, in conjunction with his associates, to examine the +state of their affairs; to send for papers and persons; to remove +governors and officers, appointing others in their places; and to +assign over to them such part of the powers then granted as he should +think proper. Jealous as were the people of New England of measures +endangering their liberty, they do not appear to have been alarmed at +this extraordinary exercise of power. So true is it that men close +their eyes on encroachments committed by that party to which they are +attached, in the delusive hope that power, in such hands, will always +be wielded against their adversaries, never against themselves.</p> + +<p>This prosperous state of things was still farther improved by a +transaction which is the more worthy of notice as being an additional +evidence of the extent to which the colonies of New England then +exercised the powers of self-government. <span class="sidenote">Treaty with Acadié.</span>A treaty of peace and +commerce was entered into between the governor of Massachusetts, +styling himself governor of New England, and Monsieur D'Aulney, +lieutenant general of the King of France in Acadié. This treaty was +laid before the commissioners for the colonies and received their +sanction.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1646</div> + +<p>The rigid adherence of Massachusetts to the principle of withholding +the privilege of a freeman from all who dissented from the majority in +any religious opinion, could not fail to generate perpetual +discontents. <span class="sidenote">Petition of the non-conformists.</span>A petition was presented to the general court, signed by +several persons highly respectable for their situation and character, +but, not being church members, excluded from the common rights of +society, complaining that the fundamental laws of England were not +acknowledged by the colony; and that they were denied those civil and +religious privileges to which they were entitled, as freeborn +Englishmen, of good moral conduct. Their prayer to be admitted to the +rights, or to be relieved from the burdens, of society, was +accompanied with observations conveying a very intelligible censure on +the proceedings of the colony, and a threat of applying to Parliament, +should the prayer of their petition be rejected.</p> + +<p>The most popular governments not being always the most inclined to +tolerate opinions differing from those of the majority, this petition +gave great offence, and its signers were required to attend the court. +Their plea, that the right to petition government was sacred, was +answered by saying that they were not accused for petitioning, but for +using contemptuous and seditious expressions. They were required to +find sureties for their good behaviour; and, on refusing to +acknowledge their offence, were fined at the discretion of the court. +An appeal from this decision having been refused, they sent deputies +to lay their case before Parliament; but the clergy exerted themselves +on the occasion; and the celebrated Cotton, in one of his sermons, +asserted "that if any should carry writings or complaints against the +people of God in that country to England, it would be as Jonas in the +ship." A storm having risen during the passage, the mariners, +impressed with the prophecy of Cotton, insisted that the obnoxious +papers should be thrown overboard; and the deputies were constrained +to consign their credentials to the waves. On their arrival in +England, they found Parliament but little disposed to listen to their +complaints. The agents of Massachusetts had received instructions to +counteract their efforts; and the governments of New England were too +high in favour, to admit of a rigid scrutiny into their conduct.<a name="FNanchor_78_78" id="FNanchor_78_78"></a><a href="#Footnote_78_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a></p> + +<p>In some of the internal dissensions which agitated Massachusetts, +Winthrop, a man of great influence, always among their first +magistrates, and often their governor, was charged while deputy +governor with some arbitrary conduct. He defended himself at the bar, +in the presence of a vast concourse of people; and, having been +honourably acquitted, addressed them from the bench, in a speech which +was highly approved.</p> + +<p>As this speech tends to illustrate the political opinions of the day, +an extract from it may not be unworthy of regard. "The questions," he +said, "which have troubled the country of late, and from which these +disturbances in the state have arisen, have been about the authority +of the magistrate and the liberty of the people. Magistracy is +certainly an appointment from God. We take an oath to govern you +according to God's law, and our own; and if we commit errors, not +willingly, but for want of skill, you ought to bear with us, because, +being chosen from among yourselves, we are but men, and subject to the +like passions as yourselves. Nor would I have you mistake your own +liberty. There is a freedom of doing what we list, without regard to +law or justice; this liberty is indeed inconsistent with authority; +but civil, moral, and federal liberty, consists in every man's +enjoying his property, and having the benefit of the laws of his +country; which is very consistent with a due subjection to the civil +magistrate. And for this you ought to contend, with the hazard of your +lives."<a name="FNanchor_79_79" id="FNanchor_79_79"></a><a href="#Footnote_79_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a></p> + +<p>During the remnant of his life, he was annually chosen governor.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1649</div> + +<p>About this time, a controversy which had long subsisted between +Massachusetts, and Connecticut, was terminated. The latter, for the +purpose of maintaining Saybrooke, had laid a duty on all goods +exported from Connecticut river. The inhabitants of Springfield, a +town of Massachusetts lying on the river, having refused to pay this +duty, the cause was laid before the commissioners of the united +colonies; and, after hearing the parties, those of Plymouth and New +Haven adjourned the final decision of the case until the next meeting, +in order to hear farther objections from Massachusetts, but directed +that, in the meantime, the duty should be paid.</p> + +<p>At the meeting in 1648, Massachusetts insisted on the production of +the patent of Connecticut. It was perfectly well known that the +original patent could not be procured; and the agents for Connecticut, +after stating this fact, offered an authentic copy. The commissioners +recommended that the boundary line should be run, to ascertain whether +Springfield was really in Massachusetts, but still directed that the +duty should continue to be paid. On this order being made, the +commissioners of Massachusetts produced a law of their general court, +reciting the controversy, with the orders which had been made in it, +and imposing a duty on all goods belonging to the inhabitants of +Plymouth, Connecticut, or New Haven, which should be imported within +the castle, or exported from any part of the bay, and subjecting them +to forfeiture for non-payment. The commissioners remonstrated strongly +against this measure, and recommended it to the general court of +Massachusetts, seriously to consider whether such proceedings were +reconcilable with "the law of love," and the tenor of the articles of +confederation. In the meantime, they begged to be excused from "all +farther agitations concerning Springfield."</p> + +<p>In this state of the controversy fort Saybrooke was consumed by fire, +and Connecticut forbore to re-build it, or to demand the duty. In the +following year, Massachusetts repealed the ordinance which had so +successfully decided the contest.<a name="FNanchor_80_80" id="FNanchor_80_80"></a><a href="#Footnote_80_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a></p> + +<p>Thus does a member of a confederacy, feeling its own strength, and the +weakness of those with whom it is associated, deride the legitimate +decisions of the federal body, when opposed to its own interest or +passions, and obey the general will, only when that will is dictated +by itself.</p> + +<p>Although, while civil war raged in the mother country, New England had +been permitted to govern itself as an independent nation, Parliament +seems to have entertained very decisive opinions respecting the +subordination of the provinces, and its own controlling power. The +measures taken for giving effect to these opinions, involved all the +colonies equally. The council of state was authorised to displace +governors and magistrates, and to appoint others. Massachusetts was +required to take a new patent, and to hold its courts, not in the name +of the colony, but in the name of the Parliament. <span class="sidenotey">1651</span>The general court, +unwilling to comply with these requisitions, transmitted a petition to +Parliament, styling that body "the supreme authority," and expressing +for it the highest respect. They stated their uniform attachment to +Parliament during the civil war, the aid they had given, and the +losses they had sustained. After speaking of the favours they had +received, they expressed the hope "that it will not go worse with them +than it did under the late King; and that the frame of this government +will not be changed, and governors and magistrates imposed on them +against their will." They declared, however, their entire submission +to the will of Parliament; and, avowing for that body the most zealous +attachment, prayed a favourable answer to their humble petition.</p> + +<p>But the united colonies had lately given great umbrage by supplying +Virginia and Barbadoes, then enemies of the commonwealth, with warlike +stores and other commodities. It was also matter of real complaint +that their exemption from the payment of duties enabled them to enrich +themselves at the expense of others; and a revocation of their +privileges in this respect was seriously contemplated. Yet the +requisitions concerning their charter were never complied with, and do +not appear to have been repeated.<a name="FNanchor_81_81" id="FNanchor_81_81"></a><a href="#Footnote_81_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a></p> + +<p>In this year, war was declared by England against Holland. The united +colonies, accustomed to conduct their affairs in their own way, did +not think themselves involved in this contest, unless engaged in it by +some act of their own. The Dutch at Manhadoes, too weak to encounter +their English neighbours, solicited the continuance of peace; and, as +the trade carried on between them was mutually advantageous, this +request was readily granted. <span class="sidenotey">1653</span><span class="sidenote">Machinations of the Dutch with the Indians.</span>Intelligence however was soon brought by +the Indians, that the Dutch were privately inciting them to a general +confederacy for the purpose of extirpating the English. This +intelligence gave the more alarm, because the massacre at Amboyna was +then fresh in the recollection of the colonists. An extraordinary +meeting of the commissioners was called at Boston, who were divided in +opinion with regard to the propriety of declaring war. In consequence +of this division, a conference was held before the general court and +several elders of Massachusetts. The elders, being requested to give +their opinion in writing, stated "that the proofs and presumptions of +the execrable plot, tending to the destruction of so many of the dear +saints of God, imputed to the Dutch governor, and the fiscal, were of +such weights as to induce them to believe the reality of it; yet they +were not so fully conclusive as to clear up a present proceeding to +war before the world, and to bear up their hearts with that fullness +of persuasion which was mete, in commending the case to God in prayer, +and to the people in exhortations; and that it would be safest for the +colonies to forbear the use of the sword; but advised to be in a +posture of defence until the mind of God should be more fully known +either for a settled peace, or more manifest grounds of war."<a name="FNanchor_82_82" id="FNanchor_82_82"></a><a href="#Footnote_82_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a> With +this opinion of the elders, the vote of the general court concurred.</p> + +<p>The intelligence of the practices of the Dutch governor with the +Indians becoming more certain, all the commissioners except Mr. +Bradstreet of Massachusetts, declared in favour of war. Their +proceedings were immediately interrupted by a declaration of the +general court of Massachusetts, that no determination of the +commissioners, although they should be unanimous, should bind the +general court to join in an offensive war which should appear to be +unjust. A serious altercation ensued, in the course of which the other +colonies pressed the war as a measure essential to their safety; but +Massachusetts adhered inflexibly to its first resolution. This +additional evidence of the incompetency of their union to bind one +member, stronger than all the rest, threatened a dissolution of the +confederacy; and that event seems to have been prevented only by the +inability of the others to stand alone. Alarmed at their situation, +and irritated by the conduct of their elder sister, Connecticut and +New Haven represented Cromwell, then lord protector of England, the +danger to which the colonies were exposed from the Dutch and the +Indians; and the hazard the smaller provinces must continue to incur, +unless the league between them could be maintained and executed +according to its true intent, and the interpretation which its +articles had uniformly received.</p> + +<p>With his usual promptness and decision, Cromwell detached a small +armament for the reduction of the Dutch colony, and recommended to +Massachusetts to furnish aid to the expedition. Although the +legitimate requisitions of the government of the union had been +ineffectual, the recommendation of the lord protector was not to be +disregarded; and the general court passed a resolution conforming to +it. <span class="sidenotey">1654</span>A treaty of peace, which was signed in April, saved the Dutch +colony.<a name="FNanchor_83_83" id="FNanchor_83_83"></a><a href="#Footnote_83_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a></p> + +<p>The progress of the French in their neighbourhood had been viewed with +regret and apprehension by all New England. <span class="sidenote">Expedition against Acadié.</span>Sedgewic, the commander of +the forces which had been destined against Manhadoes, animated with +the vigour of his master, was easily prevailed on to turn his arms +against a people, whose religious tenets he detested, and whose +country he hated. He soon dislodged the French from Penobscot, and +subdued all Acadié. <span class="sidenotey">1655</span>The ministers of his most christian majesty, +pending the negotiations for the treaty of Westminster, demanded +restitution of the forts Pentagoet, St. Johns, and Port Royal; but, +each nation having claims on the country, their pretensions were +referred to the arbitrators appointed to adjust the damages committed +on either side since the year 1640; and the restitution of Acadié was +postponed for future discussion.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1656</div> + +<p>Cromwell seems not to have intended to restore the countries he had +conquered. He granted to St. Etienne, Crown and Temple, for ever, the +territory denominated Acadié, and part of the country commonly called +Nova Scotia, extending along the coast to Pentagoet, and to the river +St. George.</p> + +<p>Until the restoration, the colonies of New England continued in a +state of unexampled prosperity. Those regulations respecting +navigation, which were rigorously enforced against others less in +favour, were dispensed with for their benefit. They maintained +external peace by the vigour and sagacity with which their government +was administered; and, improved the advantages which the times +afforded them by industry and attention to their interests. In this +period of prosperity, they acquired a degree of strength and +consistence which enabled them to struggle through the difficulties +that afterwards assailed them.</p> + +<p>These sober industrious people were peculiarly attentive to the +instruction of youth. Education was among the first objects of their +care. In addition to private institutions, they had brought the +college at Cambridge to a state of forwardness which reflects much +credit on their character. As early as the year 1636, the general +court had bestowed four hundred pounds on a public school at Newtown, +the name by which Cambridge was then known. Two years afterwards, an +additional donation was made by the reverend Mr. John Harvard, in +consequence of which the institution received the name of Harvard +college. In 1642, this college was placed under the government of the +governor, and deputy governor, and of the magistrates, and ministers +of the six next adjacent towns, who, with the president were +incorporated for that purpose; and, in 1650, its first charter was +granted.<a name="FNanchor_84_84" id="FNanchor_84_84"></a><a href="#Footnote_84_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a></p> + +<p>It is to be lamented that the same people possessed a degree of +bigotry in religion, and a spirit of intolerance, which their +enlightened posterity will view with regret. During this period of +prosperity, the government maintained the severity of its institutions +against all those who dissented from the church; and exerted itself +assiduously in what was thought the holy work of punishing heretics, +and introducing conformity in matters of faith. In this time, the sect +denominated Quakers appeared. They were fined, imprisoned, whipped, +and, at length put to death; but could not be totally suppressed. As +enthusiastic as their persecutors, they gloried in their sufferings, +and deemed themselves the martyrs of truth.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Transactions succeeding the restoration of Charles II.... +Contests between Connecticut and New Haven.... Discontents +in Virginia.... Grant to the Duke of York.... Commissioners +appointed by the crown.... Conquest of the Dutch +settlements.... Conduct of Massachusetts to the royal +commissioners.... Their recall.... Massachusetts evades a +summons to appear before the King and council.... Settlement +of Carolina.... Form of government.... Constitution of Mr. +Locke.... Discontents in the county of Albemarle.... +Invasion from Florida.... Abolition of the constitution of +Mr. Locke.... Bacon's rebellion.... His death.... Assembly +deprived of judicial power.... Discontents in Virginia.... +Population of the colony.</b></p></div> + +<p> </p> + + +<div class="sidenotey">1660</div> + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">The</span> restoration of Charles II. was soon known in America, and excited, +in the different colonies very different emotions. In Virginia, and in +Maryland, the intelligence was received with transport, and the King +was proclaimed amidst acclamations of unfeigned joy. In Massachusetts, +the unwelcome information was heard with doubt, and in silence. +Republicans in religion and in politics, all their affections were +engaged in favour of the revolutionary party in England, and they saw, +in the restoration of monarchy, much more to fear than to hope for +themselves. Nor were they mistaken in their forebodings.</p> + +<p>No sooner was Charles seated on the throne, than Parliament voted a +duty of five <i>per centum</i> on all merchandises exported from, or +imported into, any of the dominions belonging to the English crown; +and, in the course of the same session the celebrated navigation act +was re-enacted. The difficulty of carrying this system into execution +among a distant people, accustomed to the advantages of a free trade, +was foreseen; and the law directed that the governors of the several +plantations should, before entering into office, take an oath +faithfully to observe it.<a name="FNanchor_85_85" id="FNanchor_85_85"></a><a href="#Footnote_85_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a></p> + +<p>As some compensation to the colonists for these commercial restraints, +it was also enacted that no tobacco should be planted or made in +England or Ireland, Guernsey, or Jersey. These regulations confined +the trade of the colonies to England; and confined on them, +exclusively, the production of tobacco.</p> + +<p>Charles, on ascending the throne, transmitted to Sir William Berkeley +a commission as governor of Virginia, with instructions to summon an +assembly, and to assure it of his intention to grant a general pardon +to all persons, other than those who were attainted by act of +Parliament; provided all acts passed during the rebellion, derogating +from the obedience due to the King and his government, should be +repealed.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1661</div> + +<p>The assembly, which had been summoned in March 1660, in the name of +the King, though he was not then acknowledged in England, and which +had been prorogued by the governor to the following March, then +convened, and engaged in the arduous task of revising the laws of the +colony. One of the motives assigned for this revision strongly marks +the temper of the day. It is that they may "repeal and expunge all +unnecessary acts, and chiefly such as might keep in memory their +forced deviation from his majesty's obedience."<a name="FNanchor_86_86" id="FNanchor_86_86"></a><a href="#Footnote_86_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a></p> + +<p>This laborious work was accomplished; and, in its execution, the first +object of attention was religion. The church of England was +established by law, and provision was made for its ministers. To +preserve the purity and unity of its doctrines and discipline, those +only who had been ordained by some bishop in England, and who should +subscribe an engagement to conform to the constitution of the church +of England and the laws there established, could be inducted by the +governor: and no others were permitted to preach. The day of the +execution of Charles I. was ordered to be kept as a fast; and the +anniversaries of the birth, and of the restoration of Charles II. to +be celebrated as holy days. The duties on exports and tonnage were +rendered perpetual; the privilege of the burgesses from arrest was +established, and their number fixed; the courts of justice were +organised; and many useful laws were passed, regulating the interior +affairs of the colony.<a name="FNanchor_87_87" id="FNanchor_87_87"></a><a href="#Footnote_87_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a></p> + +<p>An effort was made to encourage manufactures, especially that of silk. +For each pound of that article which should be raised, a premium of +fifty pounds of tobacco was given; and every person was enjoined to +plant a number of mulberry trees proportioned to his quantity of land, +in order to furnish food for the silk worm. But the labour of the +colony had been long directed to the culture of tobacco, and Indian +corn; and new systems of culture can seldom be introduced until their +necessity becomes apparent. This attempt to multiply the objects of +labour did not succeed, and the acts on the subject were soon +repealed.</p> + +<p>In Maryland, the legislature was also convened, and, as in Virginia, +their first employment was to manifest their satisfaction with the +restoration; after which they entered upon subjects of general +utility.</p> + +<p>Rhode Island, excluded from the confederacy of the other New England +colonies, and dreading danger to her independence from Massachusetts, +was well pleased at the establishment of an authority which could +overawe the strong, and protect the weak. Charles II. was immediately +proclaimed; <span class="sidenotey">1662</span><span class="sidenote">Rhode Island incorporated.</span>and an agent was deputed to the court of that monarch, for +the purpose of soliciting a patent, confirming the right of the +inhabitants to the soil, and jurisdiction of the country. The object +of the mission was obtained, and the patentees were incorporated by +the name of "The governor and company of the English colony of Rhode +Island and Providence." The legislative power was vested in an +assembly to consist of the governor, deputy governor, the assistants, +and such of the freemen as should be chosen by the towns. The presence +of the governor or his deputy, and of six assistants, was required to +constitute an assembly. They were empowered to pass laws adapted to +the situation of the colony, and not repugnant to those of England. +"That part of the dominions of the crown in New England containing the +islands in Narraghansetts bay, and the countries and parts adjacent," +was granted to the governor and company and their successors, with the +privilege to pass through, and trade with, any other English +colonies.<a name="FNanchor_88_88" id="FNanchor_88_88"></a><a href="#Footnote_88_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a></p> + +<p>In Connecticut, the intelligence of the restoration was not attended +by any manifestation of joy or sorrow. Winthrop was deputed to attend +to the interests of the colony; <span class="sidenote">Patent to Connecticut.</span>and, in April, 1662, he obtained a +charter incorporating them by the name of "The governor and company of +the English colony of Connecticut in New England." The executive, as +in the other colonies of New England, consisted of a governor, deputy +governor, and assistants. The legislature was composed of the members +of the executive, and of two deputies from every town. It was +authorised to appoint annually the governor, assistants, and other +officers; to erect courts of justice, and to make such laws as might +be necessary for the colony, with the usual proviso, that they should +not be contrary to those of England. To this corporation, the King +granted that part of his dominions in New England, bounded, on the +east, by Narraghansetts bay, on the north, by the southern line of +Massachusetts, on the south, by the sea, and extending in longitude +from east to west, with the line of Massachusetts, to the south sea.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1663</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Contest between Connecticut and New Haven.</div> + +<p>By this charter, New Haven was, without being consulted, included in +Connecticut. The freemen of that province, dissatisfied with this +measure, determined in general meeting, "that it was not lawful to +join;" and unanimously resolved to adhere to their former association. +A committee was appointed to address the assembly of Connecticut on +this interesting subject. They insisted, not that the charter was +void, but that it did not include them.</p> + +<p>A negotiation between the two provinces was commenced, in which the +people of New Haven maintained their right to a separate government +with inflexible perseverance, and with a considerable degree of +exasperation. They appealed to the crown from the explanation given by +Connecticut to the charter; and governor Winthrop, the agent who had +obtained that instrument, and who flattered himself with being able, +on his return, to conciliate the contending parties, deemed it +advisable to arrest all proceeding on their petition, by pledging +himself that no injury should be done to New Haven by Connecticut; and +that the incorporation of the two colonies should be effected only by +the voluntary consent of both.</p> + +<p>The government of Connecticut, however, still persisting to assert its +jurisdiction, attempted to exercise it by claiming obedience from the +people, appointing constables in their towns, disavowing the authority +of the general court of New Haven, and protecting those who denied it. +Complaints of these proceedings were laid before the commissioners of +the united colonies, who declared that New Haven was still an integral +member of the union, and that its jurisdiction could not be infringed +without a breach of the articles of confederation.</p> + +<p>Disregarding this decision, Connecticut pursued unremittingly, the +object of incorporation. The inhabitants of New Haven were encouraged +to refuse the payment of taxes imposed by their legislature; and, when +distress was made on the disobedient, assistance was obtained from +Hartford. These proceedings seemed only to increase the irritation on +the part of New Haven, where a deep sense of injury was entertained, +and a solemn resolution taken to break off all farther treaty on the +subject.</p> + +<p>This state of things was entirely changed by a piece of intelligence +which gave the most serious alarm to all New England. Information was +received that the King had granted to his brother, the duke of York, +all the lands claimed by the Dutch, to which he had annexed a +considerable part of the territory over which the northern colonies +had exercised jurisdiction; and that an armament for the purpose of +taking possession of the grant might soon be expected. To this it was +added, that commissioners were to come at the same time, empowered to +settle the disputes, and to new model the governments, of the +colonies.</p> + +<p>The commissioners of the united colonies, perceiving the necessity of +accommodating internal differences, now took a decided part in favour +of the proposed incorporation. The most intelligent inhabitants of New +Haven became converts to the same opinion; but the prejudices imbibed +by the mass of the people being still insurmountable, a vote in favour +of the union could not be obtained.</p> + +<p>At length, after the arrival of the commissioners appointed by the +crown, and a manifestation of their opinion in favour of the +incorporation; after a long course of negotiation which terminated in +a compact establishing certain principles of equality required by the +jealousy of New Haven; the union was completed, and the +representatives of the two colonies met in the same assembly.</p> + +<p>During the frequent changes which took place in England after the +death of Cromwell, Massachusetts preserved a cautious neutrality; and +seemed disposed to avail herself of any favourable occurrences, +without exposing herself to the resentments of that party which might +ultimately obtain the ascendancy. Although expressly ordered, she did +not proclaim Richard as lord-protector; nor did she take any step to +recognise the authority of Parliament. The first intelligence of the +restoration of Charles was received with the hesitation of men who are +unwilling to believe a fact too well supported by evidence to be +discredited; and when they were informed of it in a manner not to be +questioned, they neither proclaimed the King, nor manifested, by any +public act, their admission of his authority. This was not the only +testimony of their dissatisfaction. Whaley and Goff, two of the judges +of Charles I., came passengers in the vessel which brought this +intelligence, and were received with distinction by the government, +and with affection by the people.<a name="FNanchor_89_89" id="FNanchor_89_89"></a><a href="#Footnote_89_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a></p> + +<p>In a session of the general court, held in October, 1660, an address +to the King was moved; but reports of the yet unsettled state of the +kingdom being received, the motion did not prevail. They had seen so +many changes in the course of a few months, as to think it not +improbable that an address to the King might find the executive power +in the hands of a committee of safety, or council of state. This +uncertain state of things was not of long continuance. In November, a +ship arrived from Bristol, bringing positive advices of the joyful and +universal submission of the nation to the King, with letters from +their agent, and from others, informing them that petitions had been +presented against the colony, by those who thought themselves +aggrieved by its proceedings. The time for deliberation was passed. A +general court was convened, and a loyal address to the King was voted, +in which, with considerable ability, though in the peculiar language +of the day, they justified their whole conduct; and, without +abandoning any opinion concerning their own rights, professed +unlimited attachment to their sovereign. A similar address was made to +Parliament; and letters were written to those noblemen who were the +known friends of the colony, soliciting their interposition in its +behalf. A gracious answer being returned by the King, a day of +thanksgiving was appointed to acknowledge their gratitude to Heaven +for inclining the heart of his majesty favourably to receive and +answer their address.</p> + +<p>Their apprehensions, however, of danger from the revolution in England +still continued. Reports prevailed that their commercial intercourse +with Virginia and the islands was to be interdicted; and that a +governor-general might be expected whose authority should extend over +all the colonies. On this occasion, the general court came to several +resolutions, respecting the rights of the people, and the obedience +due from them, which are strongly expressive of their deliberate +opinions on these interesting subjects.</p> + +<p>It was resolved,</p> + +<p>That the patent (under God) is the first and main foundation of the +civil polity of the colony.</p> + +<p>That the governor and company are, by the patent, a body politic, +invested with the power to make freemen.</p> + +<p>That the freemen have authority to choose annually a governor, deputy +governor, assistants, representatives, and all other officers.</p> + +<p>That the government thus constituted hath full power, both legislative +and executive, for the government of all the people, whether +inhabitants or strangers, without appeals; save only in the case of +laws repugnant to those of England.</p> + +<p>That the government is privileged by all means, even by force of arms, +to defend itself both by land and sea, against all who should attempt +injury to the plantation or its inhabitants, and that in their +opinion, any imposition prejudicial to the country, contrary to any +just law of theirs, (not repugnant to the laws of England) would be an +infringement of their rights.<a name="FNanchor_90_90" id="FNanchor_90_90"></a><a href="#Footnote_90_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a></p> + +<p>These strong and characteristic resolutions were accompanied by a +recognition of the duties to which they were bound by their +allegiance. These were declared to consist, in upholding that colony +as belonging of right to his majesty, and not to subject it to any +foreign prince; in preserving his person and dominions; and in +settling the peace and prosperity of the King and nation, by punishing +crimes, and by propagating the Gospel.<a name="FNanchor_91_91" id="FNanchor_91_91"></a><a href="#Footnote_91_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a></p> + +<p>It was, at the same time, determined that the royal warrant, which had +been received sometime before, for apprehending Whaley and Goff, ought +to be faithfully executed. These persons however were permitted to +escape to Connecticut, where they were received with every +demonstration of regard, and to remain during life in New England, +only taking care not to appear in public.</p> + +<p>At length, in August 1661, it was determined to proclaim the King; +but, as if unable to conceal the reluctance with which this step was +taken, an order was made, on the same day, prohibiting all disorderly +behaviour on the occasion, and, in particular, directing that no man +should presume to drink his majesty's health, "which," adds the order, +"he hath in a special manner forbid."</p> + +<p>Farther intelligence being received from England of the increasing +complaints against the government of Massachusetts, agents were +deputed with instructions to represent the colonists as loyal and +obedient subjects, to remove any ill impressions that had been made +against them, and to learn the disposition of his majesty toward them; +but to do nothing which might prejudice their charter.</p> + +<p>The agents, who engaged reluctantly in a service from which they +rightly augured to themselves censure rather than approbation, were +received more favourably than had been expected. They soon returned +with a letter from the King, confirming their charter, and containing +a pardon for all treasons committed during the late troubles, with the +exception of those only who were attainted by act of Parliament. But +the royal missive also required that the general court should review +its ordinances, and repeal such of them as were repugnant to the +authority of the crown; that the oath of allegiance should be taken by +every person; that justice should be administered in the King's name; +that all who desired it, should be permitted to use the book of common +prayer, and to perform their devotions according to the ceremonials of +the church of England; and that freeholders of competent estates, not +vicious, should be allowed to vote in the election of officers, though +they were of different persuasions in church government.<a name="FNanchor_92_92" id="FNanchor_92_92"></a><a href="#Footnote_92_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a></p> + +<p>These requisitions gave much disquiet; and that alone seems ever to +have been complied with which directed judicial proceedings to be +carried on in the name of the King. The agents on their return were +ill received by the people; and were considered as having sacrificed +the interests of their country, because, with the agreeable, were +mingled some bitter though unavoidable ingredients.</p> + +<p>During these transactions, the Parliament of England proceeded to +complete its system of confining the trade of the colonies to the +mother country. It was enacted that no commodity of the growth or +manufacture of Europe, shall be imported into the settlements of +England, in Asia, Africa, or America, but such as shall be shipped in +England, and proceed directly in English bottoms, navigated by +Englishmen. Salt for the fisheries, wine from Madeira and the Azores; +and servants, horses, and victuals, from Scotland and Ireland, were +excepted from this general rule.</p> + +<p>To counterbalance these restrictions, duties were imposed on salted +and dried fish caught or imported by other vessels than those +belonging to subjects of the crown; and additional regulations were +made for enforcing the prohibition of the culture of tobacco in +England.</p> + +<p>These commercial restrictions were the never failing source of +discontent and controversy between the mother country and her +colonies. Even in those of the south, where similar restraints had +been enforced by Cromwell, they were executed imperfectly; but, in New +England, where the governors were elected by the people, they appear +to have been, for some time, entirely disregarded.<a name="FNanchor_93_93" id="FNanchor_93_93"></a><a href="#Footnote_93_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Discontents in Virginia.</div> + +<p>The good humour which prevailed in Virginia on the restoration of +Charles to the throne, was not of long duration. The restraints on +commerce, and the continually decreasing price of tobacco, soon +excited considerable discontents. The legislature endeavoured, by +prohibiting its culture for a limited time, to raise its value; but, +Maryland refusing to concur in the measure, the attempt was +unsuccessful. Other legislative remedies were applied with as little +advantage. Acts were passed suspending all proceedings in the courts +of law, except for goods imported; giving to country creditors +priority in payment of debts; and to contracts made within the colony, +precedence in all courts of justice. Such expedients as these have +never removed the discontents which produced them.</p> + +<p>The English government seems, at all times, to have questioned the +right of the Dutch to their settlements in America; and never to have +formally relinquished its claim to that territory. Charles now +determined to assert it; <span class="sidenotey">1664</span><span class="sidenote">Grant to the duke of York.</span>and granted to his brother the duke of York +"all that part of the main land of New England, beginning at a certain +place called and known by the name of St. Croix, next adjoining to New +England in America, and from thence extending along the sea coast unto +a certain place called Pemaquie, or Pemaquid, and so up the river +thereof to the farthest Head of the same, as it tendeth northward; and +extending from thence to the river Kernbequin, and so upwards by the +shortest course to the river Canada northward; and also all that +island or islands commonly called by the general name or names of +Meitowax, or Long Island, situate and being towards the west of Cape +Cod, and the narrow Highgansetts, abutting upon the main land between +the two rivers there called and known by the several names of +Connecticut and Hudson's river, and all the land from the west side of +Connecticut river to the east side of Delaware bay, and also all those +several islands called or known by the names of Martha's Vineyard or +Nantucks, otherwise Nantucket."</p> + +<p>To reduce this country, part of which was then in the peaceable +possession of the Dutch, colonel Nichols was dispatched with four +frigates, carrying three hundred soldiers. <span class="sidenote">Commissioners appointed by the Crown.</span>In the same ships, came +four commissioners, of whom colonel Nichols was one, "empowered to +hear and determine complaints and appeals in causes, as well military +as civil and criminal, within New England; and to proceed in all +things for settling the peace and security of the country." +Intelligence of this deputation preceded its arrival, and the +preparation made for its reception, evidences the disposition then +prevailing in Massachusetts. A committee was appointed to repair on +board the ships as soon as they should appear, and to communicate to +their commanders the desire of the local government that the inferior +officers and soldiers should be ordered, when they came on shore to +refresh themselves, "at no time to exceed a convenient number, to come +unarmed, to observe an orderly conduct, and to give no offence to the +people and laws of the country." As if to manifest in a still more +solemn manner their hostility, to the objects of the commissioners, a +day of fasting and prayer was appointed to implore the mercy of God +under their many distractions and troubles.<a name="FNanchor_94_94" id="FNanchor_94_94"></a><a href="#Footnote_94_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a></p> + +<p>The commissioners arrived in July, and their commission was +immediately laid before the council, with a letter from the King +requiring prompt assistance for the expedition against New +Netherlands.</p> + +<p>The general court, which was immediately convened, after having first +resolved "that they would bear faith and true allegiance to his +majesty, and adhere to their patent, so dearly obtained, and so long +enjoyed, by undoubted right in the sight of God and man," determined +to raise two hundred men for the expedition. In the mean time colonel +Nichols proceeded to Manhadoes. <span class="sidenote">Conquest of the Dutch colony.</span>The auxiliary force raised by +Massachusetts was rendered unnecessary by the capitulation of New +Amsterdam, which was soon followed by the surrender of the whole +province.</p> + +<p>The year after captain Argal had subdued Manhadoes, the garrison, +having obtained a reinforcement from Holland, returned to their +ancient allegiance. In 1621, the states general made a grant of the +country to the West India company, who erected a fort called Good Hope +on Connecticut (which they denominated Fresh) river, and another +called Nassau on the east side of Delaware bay. The fort on +Connecticut river, however, did not protect that frontier against the +people of New England, who continued to extend their settlements +towards the south. The Dutch remonstrated in vain against these +encroachments, and were under the necessity of receding as their more +powerful neighbours advanced, until the eastern part of Long Island, +and the country within a few miles of the Hudson were relinquished. +Farther south, the Dutch had built fort Casimir (now New Castle) on +the Delaware. This fort was taken from them by the Swedes, who claimed +the western shore of that river, but was retaken by the Dutch, who, at +the same time, conquered Christina, and received the submission of the +few Swedes who were scattered on the margin of the river. They also +made a settlement at cape Henlopen, which attracted the attention of +lord Baltimore, who sent a commission to New Castle ordering the Dutch +governor to remove beyond the 40th degree of north latitude, to which +his lordship's claim extended. This mandate however was not obeyed.</p> + +<p>On the appearance of colonel Nichols before New Amsterdam, Stuyvesant, +the governor, was disposed to defend the place; but the inhabitants, +feeling no inclination for the contest, took part with their invaders; +and Stuyvesant was compelled to sign a capitulation, by which he +surrendered the town to the English, stipulating for the inhabitants +their property, and the rights of free denizens. New Amsterdam took +the name of New York, and the island of Manhattans that of York +Island.<a name="FNanchor_95_95" id="FNanchor_95_95"></a><a href="#Footnote_95_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a></p> + +<p>Hudson's, and the south, or Delaware river, were still to be reduced. +Carteret commanded the expedition against fort Orange, up Hudson's +river, which surrendered on the twenty-fourth of September, and +received the name of Albany. While at that place, he formed a league +with the five nations, which proved eminently useful to the views of +the English in America.</p> + +<p>The command of the expedition against the settlement on the Delaware +was given to sir Robert Carr, who completed the conquest of that +country.</p> + +<p>Thus did England acquire all that fine country lying between her +southern and northern colonies; an acquisition deriving not less +importance from its situation, than from its extent and fertility.</p> + +<p>Nichols took possession of the conquered territory, but was compelled +to surrender a part of it to Carteret.</p> + +<p>Soon after the patent to the duke of York, and before the conquest of +New Netherlands, that prince had granted to lord Berkeley, and sir +George Carteret, all that tract of land adjacent to New England, to +the westward of Long Island, bounded on the east, south, and west, by +the river Hudson, the sea, and the Delaware; and, on the north, by +forty-one degrees and forty minutes north latitude. This country was +denominated New Jersey.<a name="FNanchor_96_96" id="FNanchor_96_96"></a><a href="#Footnote_96_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a></p> + +<p>The conquest of New Netherlands being achieved, the commissioners +entered on the other duties assigned them. A great part of Connecticut +had been included in the patent to the duke of York; and a controversy +concerning limits arose between that colony and New York. In December, +their boundaries were adjusted by the commissioners in a manner which +appears to have been satisfactory to all parties.</p> + +<p>In Plymouth, and in Rhode Island, the commissioners found no +difficulty in the full exercise of the powers committed to them. In +Massachusetts, they were considered as men clothed with an authority +subversive of the liberties of the colony, which the sovereign could +not rightly confer. The people of that province had been long in +habits of self-government, and seem to have entertained opinions which +justified their practice. They did not acknowledge that allegiance to +the crown which is due from English subjects residing within the +realm; but considered themselves as purchasers from independent +sovereigns of the territory which they occupied, and as owing to +England, only that voluntary subjection which was created and defined +by their charter. They considered this instrument as a compact between +the mother country and themselves, and as enumerating all the cases in +which obedience was due from them. In this spirit, they agreed, soon +after the arrival of the commissioners, on an address to the crown. +This address, in which they express great apprehension of danger to +their rights from the extraordinary powers granted to men not +appointed in conformity with their charter, is drawn up in a style of +much earnestness and sincerity, and concludes with these remarkable +words, "let our government live, our patent live, our magistrates +live, our religious enjoyments live; so shall we all yet have farther +cause to say from our hearts, let the King live for ever." This +address was accompanied with letters to many of the nobility supposed +to possess influence at court, praying their intercession in behalf of +the colony; but neither the address, nor the letters were favourably +received.<a name="FNanchor_97_97" id="FNanchor_97_97"></a><a href="#Footnote_97_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1665</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Conduct of Massachusetts to the royal commissioners.</div> + +<p>In April the commissioners arrived at Boston, and their communications +with the general court commenced. The suspicions which these two +bodies entertained of each other, opposed great obstacles to any +cordial co-operation between them. The papers, on the part of the +commissioners, display high ideas of their own authority, as the +representatives of the crown, and a pre-conceived opinion that there +was a disposition in the government to resist that authority. Those on +the part of the general court manifest a wish to avoid a contest with +the crown, and a desire to gratify his majesty, so far as professions +of loyalty and submission could gratify him; but they manifest also a +conviction of having done nothing improper, and a steadfast +determination to make no concession incompatible with their rights. +With these impressions, the correspondence soon became an altercation. +The commissioners, finding their object was to be obtained neither by +reasoning, nor by threats, attempted a practical assertion of their +powers by summoning the parties before them, in order to hear and +decide a complaint against the governor and company. The general +court, with a decision which marked alike their vigour, and the high +value they placed on their privileges, announced by sound of trumpet, +their disapprobation of this proceeding, which they termed +inconsistent with the laws and established authority; and declared +that, in observance of their duty to God and to his majesty, and of +the trust reposed in them by his majesty's good subjects in the +colony, they could not consent to such proceedings, nor countenance +those who would so act, or such as would abet them.</p> + +<p>As a ground of compromise, the court stated their willingness to hear +the case themselves in the presence of the commissioners, who would +thereby be enabled to understand its merits; but this proposition was +at once rejected, and every effort towards reconciliation proved +unavailing.<a name="FNanchor_98_98" id="FNanchor_98_98"></a><a href="#Footnote_98_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1666</div> + +<p>From Massachusetts, the commissioners proceeded to New Hampshire and +Maine. They decided in favour of the claims of Mason and Gorges, and +erected a royal government in each province, appointed justices of the +peace, and exercised other acts of sovereignty; after which they +returned to Boston. The general court, declaring that their +proceedings to the eastward tended to the disturbance of the public +peace, asked a conference on the subject, which was refused with a +bitterness of expression that put an end to all farther communication +between the parties. Massachusetts, soon afterwards, re-established +her authority both in New Hampshire and Maine.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">They are recalled.</div> + +<p>Charles, on being informed of these transactions, recalled his +commissioners, and ordered the general court to send agents to +England, to answer the complaints made against its proceedings. The +court, having more than once experienced the benefits of +procrastination, affected at first to disbelieve the authenticity of +the letter; and afterwards excused themselves from sending agents by +saying that the ablest among them could not support their cause better +than had already been done.</p> + +<p>During these transactions in the north, new colonies were forming in +the south.</p> + +<p>In the year 1663, that tract of country extending from the 36th degree +of north latitude to the river St. Matheo, was made a province by the +name of Carolina, and granted to lord Clarendon, the duke of +Albemarle, lord Craven, lord Berkeley, lord Ashley, sir George +Carteret, sir John Colleton, and sir William Berkeley, in absolute +property for ever. This charter bears a strong resemblance to that of +Maryland, and was probably copied from it.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Settlement of Carolina.</div> + +<p>The proprietors took immediate measures for Settlement the settlement +of their colony. Its constitution consisted of a governor, to be +chosen by themselves from thirteen persons nominated by the colonists; +and an assembly to be composed of the governor, council, and +representatives of the people, who should have power to make laws not +contrary to those of England, which were to remain in force until the +dissent of the proprietors should be published. Perfect freedom in +religion was promised; and, as an inducement to emigration, one +hundred acres of land, at the price of a half penny for each acre, +were allowed for every freeman, and fifty for every servant, who +should, within the space of five years, be settled in the province.</p> + +<p>A small settlement had been made on Albemarle sound by some emigrants +from Virginia, the superintendence of which had been conferred by the +proprietors, on sir William Berkeley, then governor of that colony; +with instructions to visit it, to appoint a governor and council of +six persons for the management of its affairs, and to grant lands to +the inhabitants on the same terms that those in Virginia might be +obtained.</p> + +<p>The attention of the proprietors was next turned to the country south +of cape Fear, which, as far as the river St. Matheo, was erected into +a county by the name of Clarendon. Considerable numbers from Barbadoes +emigrated into it, one of whom, Mr. John Yeamans, was appointed +commander in chief; and, in 1665, a separate government was erected in +it, similar to that in Albemarle.</p> + +<p>The proprietors having discovered some valuable lands not comprehended +in their original patent, obtained a new charter which bestowed on +them a more extensive territory. This charter grants that province +within the King's dominions in America, extending north eastward to +Carahtuke inlet, thence in a straight line to Wyonok, which lies under +36 degrees 30 minutes north latitude; south westward to the 29th +degree of north latitude; and from the Atlantic ocean to the South +sea. Powers of government and privileges analogous to those comprised +in other colonial charters, were also contained in this.</p> + +<p>The people of Albemarle, employed like those of Virginia, in the +cultivation of corn and tobacco, received their scanty supplies +principally from New England; and carried on their small commerce in +the vessels of those colonies. Their progress was slow, but they were +contented. <span class="sidenotey">1667</span>A new constitution was given them, by which the executive +power was placed in a governor, to act by the advice of a council of +twelve, six of whom were to be chosen by himself, and the others by +the assembly, which was composed of the governor, the council, and +twelve delegates, to be elected annually by the freeholders. Perfect +freedom in religion was established, and all were entitled to equal +privileges, on taking the oaths of allegiance to the King, and of +fidelity to the proprietors.</p> + +<p>The first acts of this legislature indicate the condition and opinions +of the people. It was declared that none should be sued, during five +years, for any cause of action arising out of the country; and that no +person should accept a power of attorney to receive debts contracted +abroad.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1669</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Constitution of Mr. Locke.</div> + +<p>The proprietors, dissatisfied with their own systems, applied to Mr. +Locke for the plan of a constitution. They supposed that this profound +and acute reasoner must be deeply skilled in the science of +government. In compliance with their request, he framed a body of +fundamental laws which were approved and adopted. A palatine for life +was to be chosen from among the proprietors, who was to act as +president of the palatine court, which was to be composed of all those +who were entrusted with the execution of the powers granted by the +charter. A body of hereditary nobility was created, to be denominated +Landgraves, and Caciques, the former to be invested with four +baronies, consisting each of four thousand acres, and the latter to +have two, containing each two thousand acres of land. These estates +were to descend with the dignities for ever.</p> + +<p>The provincial legislature, denominated a Parliament was to consist of +the proprietors, in the absence of any one of whom, his place was to +be supplied by a deputy appointed by himself; of the nobility; and of +the representatives of the freeholders, who were elected by districts. +These discordant materials were to compose a single body which could +initiate nothing. The bills to be laid before it were to be prepared +in a grand council composed of the governor, the nobility, and the +deputies of the proprietors, who were invested also with the executive +power. At the end of every century, the laws were to become void +without the formality of a repeal. Various judicatories were erected, +and numerous minute perplexing regulations were made. This +constitution, which was declared to be perpetual, soon furnished +additional evidence, to the many afforded by history, of the great but +neglected truth, that experience is the only safe school in which the +science of government is to be acquired; and that the theories of the +closet must have the stamp of practice, before they can be received +with implicit confidence.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1670</div> + +<p>The duke of Albemarle was chosen the first palatine, but did not long +survive his election; and lord Berkeley was appointed his successor. +The other proprietors were also named to high offices; and Mr. Locke +was created a landgrave.</p> + +<p>After this change of constitution, the attention of the proprietors +was first directed to the south. A settlement was made at Port Royal, +under the conduct of William Sayle, who had been appointed governor of +that part of the coast which lies south-west of cape Carteret. He was +accompanied by Joseph West, who was intrusted with the commercial +affairs of the proprietors, and who, with the governor, conducted the +whole mercantile business of the colony.</p> + +<p>William Sayle, after leading the first colony to Port Royal, and +convening a parliament in which there were neither landgraves nor +caciques, became the victim of the climate; after which, the authority +of sir John Yeamans, who had hitherto governed the settlement at cape +Fear, was extended over the territory south-west of cape Carteret. In +the same year, the foundation of <i>old Charlestown</i> was laid, which +continued, for some time, to be the capital of the southern +settlements.</p> + +<p>While these exertions were making in the south, great dissatisfaction +was excited in Albemarle. In 1670, Stevens, the governor, had been +ordered to introduce into that settlement, the constitution prepared +by Mr. Locke. This innovation was strenuously opposed; and the +discontent it produced was increased by a rumour, which was not the +less mischievous for being untrue, that the proprietors designed to +dismember the province. There was also another cause which increased +the ill humour pervading that small society. The proprietors attempted +to stop the trade carried on in the vessels of New England, and the +attempt produced the constant effect of such measures—much ill temper +both on the part of those who carried on the traffic, and of those for +whom it was conducted.</p> + +<p>At length, these discontents broke out into open insurrection. The +insurgents, led by Culpeper, who had been appointed surveyor-general +of Carolina, obtained possession of the country, seized the revenues, +and imprisoned the president, with seven deputies who had been named +by the proprietors. Having taken possession of the government, they +established courts of justice, appointed officers, called a +parliament, and, for several years, exercised the powers of an +independent state; yet they never, formally, disclaimed the power of +the proprietors.</p> + +<p>All this time, the titheables of Albemarle, a term designating all the +men, with the negroes and Indian women, between sixteen and sixty +years of age, amounted only to fourteen hundred; and the exports +consisted of a few cattle, a small quantity of Indian corn, and about +eight hundred thousand weight of tobacco.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1688</div> + +<p>About this time, an event occurred in the southern settlements, +showing as well the poverty of the people, as the manner in which the +affairs of the proprietors were conducted. Joseph West, their agent, +was appointed to succeed Yeamans in the government; and, the colony +being unable to pay his salary, the plantation, and mercantile stock +of the proprietors, were assigned to him in satisfaction of his +claims.</p> + +<p>In England, the opinion had been long entertained that the southern +colonies were adapted to the production of those articles which +succeed in the warmer climates of Europe. In pursuance of this +opinion, Charles, in 1679, employed two vessels to transport foreign +protestants into the southern colony for the purpose of raising wine, +oil, silk, and other productions of the south; and, to encourage the +growth of these articles, exempted them, for a limited time, from +taxation. The effort, however, did not succeed.</p> + +<p>Old Charlestown being found an inconvenient place for the seat of +government, the present Charleston became the metropolis of South +Carolina. This situation was deemed so unhealthy, that directions were +given to search out some other position for a town. The seat of +government, however, remained unaltered until the connexion with Great +Britain was dissolved.</p> + +<p>Carolina continued to increase slowly in wealth and population without +any remarkable incident, except the invasion of its most southern +settlement by the Spaniards from St. Augustine. This was occasioned, +in part, by the jealousy with which the English colony inspired its +neighbours, but was principally, and immediately attributable to the +countenance given, in Charleston, to the buccaneers who then infested +those seas, and who were particularly hostile to the Spaniards. It was +with difficulty the colonists were prevented by the proprietors from +taking ample vengeance for this injury. Their resentments, though +restrained, were not extinguished; and, until the annexation of the +Floridas to the British crown, these colonies continued to view each +other with distrust and enmity.</p> + +<p>The dissatisfaction of the colony with its constitution grew with its +population. After some time a settled purpose was disclosed, to thwart +and oppose the wishes of the proprietors in every thing. <span class="sidenote">Constitution of Mr. Locke abandoned.</span>Wearied with +a continued struggle to support a system not adapted to the condition +of the people, the proprietors at length abandoned the constitution of +Mr. Locke, and restored the ancient form of government.<a name="FNanchor_99_99" id="FNanchor_99_99"></a><a href="#Footnote_99_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Discontents of Virginia.</div> + +<p>The discontents which arose in Virginia soon after the restoration, +continued to augment. To the regularly decreasing price of tobacco, +and the restraints imposed on commerce by the acts of navigation, +other causes of dissatisfaction were soon added. Large grants of land +were made to the favourites of the crown: and considerable burdens +were produced, and injuries inflicted by the hostility of the Indians. +Agents were deputed to remonstrate against these improvident grants, +as well as to promote the views of the colony with regard to other +objects of great moment; and a considerable tax was imposed to support +the expense of the deputation. They are said to have been on the point +of obtaining the objects of their mission, when all farther +proceedings were suspended in consequence of a rebellion, which, for a +time, wore a very serious aspect.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Bacon's rebellion.</div> + +<p>At the head of the insurgents was colonel Nathaniel Bacon, a gentleman +who had received his education, in England, at the inns of court; <span class="sidenotey">1663</span>and +had been appointed a member of the council soon after his arrival in +Virginia. Young, bold, and ambitious; possessing an engaging person, +and commanding elocution; he was well calculated to rouse and direct +the passions of the people. Treading the path by which ambition +marches to power, he harangued the people on their grievances, +increased their irritation against the causes of their disgust, and +ascribed the evils with which they thought themselves oppressed to +those who governed them, while he professed no other object than their +good. He declaimed particularly against the languor with which the +Indian war had been prosecuted; and, striking the note to which their +feelings were most responsive, declared that, by proper exertions, it +might have been already terminated.</p> + +<p>The people, viewing him as their only friend, and believing the zeal +he manifested to be produced solely by his devotion to their cause +gave him their whole confidence and elected him their general. In +return, he assured them that he would never lay down his arms until he +had avenged their sufferings on the savages, and redressed their other +grievances.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1676</div> + +<p>He applied to the governor for a commission appointing him general to +prosecute the war against the Indians. A temporising policy being +pursued, he entered Jamestown at the head of six hundred armed men, +and obtained all he demanded, from an intimidated government. No +sooner had he withdrawn from the capital than the governor, at the +request of the assembly which was then in session, issued a +proclamation declaring him a rebel, and commanding his followers to +deliver him up, and to retire to their respective homes. Bacon and his +army, equally incensed at this piece of impotent indiscretion, +returned to Jamestown, and the governor fled to Accomack.</p> + +<p>The general of the insurgents called a convention of his friends, who +inveighed against the governor, for having, without cause, endeavoured +to foment a civil war in the country, and after failing in this +attempt, for having abdicated the government, to the great +astonishment of the people. They stated farther that, the governor +having informed the King "that their commander and his followers were +rebellious, and having advised his majesty to send forces to reduce +them, it consisted with the welfare of the colony, and with their +allegiance to his sacred majesty, to oppose and suppress all forces +whatsoever until the King be fully informed of the state of the case +by such persons as shall be sent by Nathaniel Bacon in behalf of the +people." This extraordinary manifesto was concluded with the +recommendation of an oath, first taken by the members of the +convention, to join the general and his army against the common enemy +in all points whatever; and to endeavour to discover and apprehend +such evil disposed persons as design to create a civil war by raising +forces against him, and the army under his command.</p> + +<p>In the mean time, the governor collected a considerable force which +crossed the bay under the command of major Robert Beverly, and several +sharp skirmishes were fought. A civil war was commenced; agriculture +declined; Jamestown was burnt by the insurgents; those parts of the +country which remained in peace were pillaged; and the wives of those +who supported the government were carried to camp, where they were +very harshly treated. <span class="sidenote">His death.</span>Virginia was relieved from this threatening +state of things, and from the increasing calamities it portended, by +the sudden death of Bacon.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1677</div> + +<p>Having lost their leader, the malcontents were incapable of farther +agreement among themselves. They began, separately, to make terms with +the government, and all opposition soon ended. Sir William Berkeley +was re-instated in his authority, and an assembly was convened, which +seems to have been actuated by the spirit of revenge common to those +who suffer in civil contests.<a name="FNanchor_100_100" id="FNanchor_100_100"></a><a href="#Footnote_100_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a></p> + +<p>The real motives and objects of this rebellion are not perfectly +understood. Many were disposed to think that Bacon's original design +extended no farther than to gratify the common resentments against the +Indians, and to acquire that reputation and influence which result +from conducting a popular war successfully. Others believe that he +intended to seize the government. Whatever may have been his object, +the insurrection produced much misery, and no good, to Virginia.<a name="FNanchor_101_101" id="FNanchor_101_101"></a><a href="#Footnote_101_101" class="fnanchor">[101]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1680</div> + +<p>Soon after the restoration of domestic quiet, sir William Berkeley +returned to England, and was succeeded by Herbert Jeffreys, who +relieved the colony from one of its complaints by making peace with +the Indians.</p> + +<p>About the year 1680, an essential change was made in the jurisprudence +of Virginia. In early times, the assembly was the supreme appellate +court of the province. During the administration of lord Culpeper, a +controversy arose between the burgesses, and counsellors, who composed +also the general court, concerning the right of the latter to sit as a +part of the assembly, on appeals from their own decisions. The +burgesses claimed, exclusively, the privilege of judging in the last +resort. <span class="sidenote">Assembly deprived of judicial power.</span>This controversy was determined by taking all judicial power +from the assembly, and allowing an appeal from judgments of the +general court to the King in council, where the matter in contest +exceeded the value of three hundred pounds sterling.<a name="FNanchor_102_102" id="FNanchor_102_102"></a><a href="#Footnote_102_102" class="fnanchor">[102]</a></p> + +<p>From the rebellion of Bacon to the revolution in 1688, the history of +Virginia affords no remarkable occurrence. The low price of tobacco, +that perpetual source of dissatisfaction, still continued to disquiet +the country. Combinations were formed among the people to raise its +value by preventing, for a time, the growth of the article; and +disorderly parties assembled to destroy the tobacco plants in the beds +when it was too late to sow the seed again. Violent measures were +adopted to prevent these practices, and several individuals were +executed.</p> + +<p>These discontents did not arrest the growth of the colony. A letter +from sir William Berkeley, dated in June, 1671, states its population +at forty thousand, and its militia at eight thousand. A letter from +lord Culpeper in December, 1681, supposes that there might then be in +the colony fifteen thousand fighting men. This calculation however is +probably exaggerated, as the report of general Smith, prepared in 1680 +from actual returns, represents the militia as then consisting of +eight thousand five hundred and sixty-eight men, of whom thirteen +hundred were cavalry.<a name="FNanchor_103_103" id="FNanchor_103_103"></a><a href="#Footnote_103_103" class="fnanchor">[103]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Prosperity of New England.... War with Philip.... Edward +Randolph arrives in Boston.... Maine adjudged to Gorges.... +Purchased by Massachusetts.... Royal government erected in +New Hampshire.... Complaints against Massachusetts.... Their +letters patent cancelled.... Death of Charles II.... James +II. proclaimed.... New commission for the government of New +England.... Sir Edmond Andros.... The charter of Rhode +Island abrogated.... Odious measures of the new +government.... Andros deposed.... William and Mary +proclaimed.... Review of proceedings in New York and the +Jerseys.... Pennsylvania granted to William Penn.... Frame +of government.... Foundation of Philadelphia laid.... +Assembly convened.... First acts of the legislature.... +Boundary line with lord Baltimore settled.</b></p></div> + +<p> </p> + + +<div class="sidenotey">1680</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Prosperity of New England.</div> + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">After</span> the departure of the commissioners, New England was for some +time quiet and prosperous. The plague, the fire of London, and the +discontents of the people of England, engrossed the attention of the +King, and suspended the execution of his plans respecting +Massachusetts. In the mean time, that colony disregarded the acts of +navigation, traded as an independent state, and governed New Hampshire +and Maine without opposition.<a name="FNanchor_104_104" id="FNanchor_104_104"></a><a href="#Footnote_104_104" class="fnanchor">[104]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">War with Philip.</div> + +<p>This state of prosperous repose was interrupted by a combination of +Indians so formidable, and a war so bloody, as to threaten the war +with very existence of all New England. This combination was formed by +Philip, the second son of Massassoet. The father and eldest son had +cultivated the friendship of the colonists; but Philip, equally brave +and intelligent, saw the continuing growth of the English with +apprehension, and by his conduct soon excited their suspicion. <span class="sidenotey">1675</span>He gave +explicit assurances of his pacific disposition; but, from the year +1670 till 1675, when hostilities commenced, he was secretly preparing +for them. The war was carried on with great vigour and various +success: the savages, led by an intrepid chief, who believed that the +fate of his country depended on the entire destruction of the English, +made exertions of which they had not been thought capable. Several +battles were fought; and all that barbarous fury which distinguishes +Indian warfare, was displayed in its full extent. Wherever the Indians +marched, their route was marked with murder, fire, and desolation. +Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Plymouth, were the greatest +sufferers. In those provinces especially, the Indians were so +intermingled with the whites, that there was scarcely a part of the +country in perfect security, or a family which had not to bewail the +loss of a relation or friend. For a considerable time no decisive +advantage was gained. <span class="sidenotey">1676</span>At length, the steady efforts of the English +prevailed; and in August 1676, when the tide of success was running +strong in favour of the colonists, Philip, after losing his family and +chief counsellors, was himself killed by one of his own nation, whom +he had offended. After his death, the war was soon terminated by the +submission of the Indians. Never had the people of New England been +engaged in so fierce, so bloody, and so desolating a conflict. Though +the warriors of the nation of which Philip was prince, were estimated +at only five hundred men, he had, by alliances, increased his force to +three thousand. In this estimate the eastern Indians are not included. +Many houses, and flourishing villages were reduced to ashes, and six +hundred persons were either killed in battle, or murdered +privately.<a name="FNanchor_105_105" id="FNanchor_105_105"></a><a href="#Footnote_105_105" class="fnanchor">[105]</a></p> + +<p>While this war was raging with its utmost violence, the government of +Massachusetts was under the necessity of directing a part of its +attention to the claims of Mason and Gorges. The efforts of Charles to +procure an appearance of the colony before the council having proved +ineffectual, he determined to give judgment in its absence, unless an +appearance should be entered within six months. <span class="sidenote">Edward Randolph.</span>Edward Randolph, who +was dispatched to give notice of this determination, arrived in Boston +in the summer of 1676; and, as other letters brought by the same +vessel gave assurance that this resolution would be adhered to, the +general court hastened the departure of deputies to represent the +colony, and support its interests.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Maine adjudged to Gorges.</div> + +<p>It was the opinion of the King in council that the line of +Massachusetts did not run more than three miles north of the +Merrimack; and Maine was adjudged to Gorges. The claim of Mason to New +Hampshire being confined to the soil, all title to which, though so +long exercised, was now waived by Massachusetts; and the terre-tenants +not being before the court, that part of the case was decided so far +only as respected the boundary of Massachusetts, which, being against +the pretensions of that colony, its jurisdiction over New Hampshire +ceased. Charles had been for some time treating for the purchase both +of New Hampshire and Maine which he intended to bestow on his +favourite son, the duke of Monmouth, but his poverty had prevented the +contract. Massachusetts, though not ignorant of this fact, finding +that the decision respecting Maine would be in favour of Gorges, +purchased his title for twelve hundred pounds sterling. The offended +monarch insisted on a relinquishment of the contract; but +Massachusetts, apologising for what had been done, retained the +purchase, and governed the country as a subordinate province.<a name="FNanchor_106_106" id="FNanchor_106_106"></a><a href="#Footnote_106_106" class="fnanchor">[106]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1679</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Royal government in New Hampshire.</div> + +<p>New Hampshire having become a distinct colony, a royal government was +erected in that province; the legislature of which voted an +affectionate address to Massachusetts, avowing a willingness to have +retained their ancient connexion, had such been the pleasure of their +common sovereign.</p> + +<p>The temper and conduct of Massachusetts remaining unchanged, the +charges against its government were renewed. The complaints of the +Quakers were perseveringly urged; and the neglect of the acts of +navigation, constituted a serious accusation against the colony. The +general court, in a letter to their agents, declared these acts "to be +an invasion of the rights, liberty, and property of the subjects of +his majesty in the colony, they not being represented in Parliament." +But as his majesty had signified his pleasure that they should be +conformed to, "they had made provision by a law of the colony that +they should be strictly attended to from time to time, although it +greatly discouraged trade, and was a great damage to his majesty's +plantation." Their agents gave correct information of the state of +things in England, and assured them that only a fair compliance with +the regulations respecting trade could secure them from an open breach +with the crown. These honest representations produced the usual effect +of unwelcome truths. They diminished the popularity of the agents, and +excited a suspicion in Boston that they had not supported the +interests of the colony with sufficient zeal. On their return, they +brought with them a letter containing the requisitions of the King; +and were soon followed by Randolph, who had been appointed collector +at Boston. The general court began to manifest some disposition to +appease their sovereign, and passed several laws for this purpose; but +still declined complying with his directions to send agents with full +powers to attend to the new ordering of the province; and the +collector encountered insuperable obstacles in his attempts to execute +the laws of trade. Almost every suit he instituted for the recovery of +penalties or forfeitures was decided against him, at the costs of the +prosecutor. These difficulties induced him to return to England, to +solicit additional powers, which were equally disregarded.</p> + +<p>The complaints of the King on these subjects were answered by +professions of loyalty, and by partial compliances with the demands of +the crown; but the main subject of contest remained unaltered.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1684</div> + +<p>At length, being convinced that the King was determined to annul the +charter, Massachusetts so far yielded to his will, as to appoint +agents to represent the colony. But persons empowered to submit to +such regulations as might be made by government, were, in other words, +persons appointed to surrender the charter. They were therefore +instructed not to do, or consent to, any thing that might infringe the +liberties granted by charter, or the government established thereby. +These powers were declared to be insufficient; and the agents were +informed that, unless others, in every respect satisfactory, should be +immediately obtained, it was his majesty's pleasure that a <i>quo +warranto</i> should be issued without delay. This unpleasant intelligence +was immediately communicated to the general court, accompanied with +information of the proceedings which had lately taken place in +England. In that country, many corporations had surrendered their +charters; and, on the refusal of London, a <i>quo warranto</i> had issued +against the city, which had been decided in favour of the crown. The +question whether it was advisable to submit to his majesty's pleasure, +or to permit the <i>quo warranto</i> to issue, was seriously referred to +the general court, and was as seriously taken into consideration +throughout the colony. In concurrence with the common sentiment, the +general court determined that "it was better to die by other hands +than their own." On receiving this final resolution, the fatal writ +was issued, and was committed to the care of Randolph, who brought +also a declaration of the King, that if the colony, before the writ +should be prosecuted, would submit to his pleasure, he would regulate +their charter for his service, and their good; and would make no +farther alterations in it than should be necessary for the support of +his government in the province. The governor and assistants passed a +vote of submission; but, the deputies refusing their assent thereto, +the high court of chancery, in Trinity term 1684, decreed against the +governor and company, "that their letters patent, and the enrolment +thereof be cancelled."</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1685</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Death of Charles II. James II. proclaimed.</div> + +<p>Charles did not survive this decree long enough to complete his system +respecting the New England colonies, or to establish a new government +for Massachusetts. He died early in the following year; and his +successor, from whose stern temper, and high toned opinions, the most +gloomy presages had been drawn, was proclaimed, in Boston, with +melancholy pomp.</p> + +<p>Their presages were soon verified. Immediately after James had +ascended the throne, a commission was issued for a president and +council, as a temporary government for Massachusetts, New Hampshire, +Maine, and Narraghansetts; whose powers were entirely executive and +judicial. <span class="sidenotey">1686</span>This commission reached Boston in May, and was laid before +the general court, not as a body invested with political authority, +but as one composed of individuals of the first respectability and +influence in the province. The general court agreed unanimously to an +address, in answer to this communication, declaring "that the liberty +of the subject is abridged, by the new system, both in matters of +legislation and in laying taxes; and that it highly concerns them to +whom it is directed to consider whether it be safe;" and added "that, +if the newly appointed officers, mean to take upon themselves the +government of the people, though they could not give their assent +thereto, they should demean themselves as loyal subjects, and humbly +make their addresses to God, and, in due time, to their gracious +prince, for relief."</p> + +<p>Mr. Dudley, the president named in the commission, was a native of +Massachusetts, and seems to have mingled with his respect for the +constitutional prerogative of the crown, a due regard for the rights +of the people. Any immediate alterations, therefore, in the interior +arrangements of the country were avoided; and the commissioners +transmitted a memorial to the lords of the council for the colonies, +stating the necessity of a well regulated assembly to represent the +people, and soliciting an abatement of the taxes. This moderate +conduct did not accord with the wishes of that class of men who court +power wherever it may be placed. These sought the favour of their +sovereign by prostrating every obstacle to the execution of his will; +and soon transmitted complaints to administration, charging the +commissioners with conniving at violations of the laws respecting +trade, and countenancing ancient principles in religion and +government.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Sir Edmond Andros.</div> + +<p>James was dissatisfied with the conduct of his commissioners; and was +also of opinion that a wise policy required a consolidation of the +colonies, and a permanent administration for New England. With a view +to this object, he appointed Sir Edmond Andros, who had governed New +York, captain-general and vice-admiral of Massachusetts, New +Hampshire, Maine, New Plymouth, Pemaquid, and Narraghansetts; and +empowered him, with the consent of a council to be appointed by the +crown, to make ordinances not inconsistent with the laws of the realm, +which should be submitted to the King for his approbation or dissent; +and to impose taxes for the support of government.</p> + +<p>In December 1685, Andros arrived at Boston, where he was received with +the respect which was due to the representative of the crown. In +pursuance of his orders, he dissolved the government of Rhode Island, +broke its seal, and assumed the administration of the colony. In the +preceding year, articles of high misdemeanour had been exhibited +against that colony and referred to Sayer, the attorney general, with +orders to issue a writ of <i>quo warranto</i> to annul their patent. The +assembly stopped farther proceedings, by passing an act formally +surrendering their charter. Their submission, however, availed them +nothing. Their fate was involved in that of Massachusetts.<a name="FNanchor_107_107" id="FNanchor_107_107"></a><a href="#Footnote_107_107" class="fnanchor">[107]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Odious measures of government.</div> + +<p>In pursuance of the determination to break the charters and unite the +colonies, articles of misdemeanour had been also exhibited against the +governor and company of Connecticut, on which a writ of <i>quo warranto</i> +had been issued. The government of that colony addressed a letter to +the secretary of state, desiring, with many professions of loyalty, to +remain in its present situation; but, if it should be the purpose of +his majesty to dispose otherwise of them, submitting to his royal +commands, and requesting to be annexed to Massachusetts. No farther +proceedings were had on the <i>quo warranto</i>, and Andros was ordered to +accept the submission of the colony, and annex it to Massachusetts. +<span class="sidenotey">1687</span>This order was executed in October, when Andros appeared in Hartford +at the head of a small corps of regular troops, demanded the charter, +and declared the government to be dissolved. The colony submitted, but +the charter was concealed in a tree, which was venerated long +afterwards and is still in existence.<a name="FNanchor_108_108" id="FNanchor_108_108"></a><a href="#Footnote_108_108" class="fnanchor">[108]</a></p> + +<p>The grand legislative council, composed of individuals selected by the +crown throughout the united colonies, readily assembled, and proceeded +to execute the duties assigned to it.</p> + +<p>The measures of the new government were not calculated to diminish the +odium excited by its objectionable form. The fees of office were +enormous; and the regulations respecting divine worship, marriages, +the acts of navigation, and taxes, were deemed highly oppressive. In +addition to these causes of discontent, the governor general took +occasion to cast a doubt on the validity of the titles by which lands +were holden.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1688</div> + +<p>To obtain relief from these oppressive grievances, Mather, an eminent +politician and divine, was deputed by the colonies of New England to +lay their complaints before the King. He was graciously received, but +could effect no substantial change in the colonial administration. +James had determined to reduce all the governments, proprietary as +well as royal, to an immediate dependence on the crown; and, to effect +this purpose, had directed writs of <i>quo warranto</i> to issue against +those charters which still remained in force. This plan was adopted, +not only for the purpose of establishing his favourite system of +government, but also of forming a barrier to the encroachments of +France, by combining the force of the colonies as far as the Delaware. +During this reign, Canada was pushed south of Lake Champlain; and +fortresses were erected within the immense forests which then +separated that province from New York and New England. With a view to +this union of force, a new commission was made out for Andros, +annexing New York and the Jerseys to his government, and appointing +Francis Nicholson his lieutenant.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1689</div> + +<p>The dissatisfaction of the people continued to increase; and every act +of the government, even those which were in themselves laudable, was +viewed through the medium of prejudice.</p> + +<p>At length these latent ill humours burst forth into action. Some vague +intelligence was received concerning the proceedings of the Prince of +Orange in England. The old magistrates and leading men silently +wished, and secretly prayed, that success might attend him, but +determined to commit nothing unnecessarily to hazard, and quietly to +await an event, which no movement of theirs could accelerate or +retard.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Andros deposed.</div> + +<p>The people were less prudent. Stung with the recollection of past +injuries, their impatience, on the first prospect of relief, could not +be restrained. On the 18th of April, without any apparent +pre-concerted plan, a sudden insurrection broke out in Boston, and +about fifty of the most unpopular individuals, including the +governors, were seized and imprisoned; and the government was once +more placed in the hands of the ancient magistrates. <span class="sidenote">William and Mary proclaimed.</span>All apprehensions +of danger from this precipitate measure were soon quieted by the +information that William and Mary had been crowned King and Queen of +England. They were immediately proclaimed in Boston with unusual pomp, +and with demonstrations of proclaimed unaffected joy.<a name="FNanchor_109_109" id="FNanchor_109_109"></a><a href="#Footnote_109_109" class="fnanchor">[109]</a></p> + +<p>The example of Massachusetts was quickly followed by Connecticut and +Rhode Island. Andros was no sooner known to be in prison than he was +deposed also in Connecticut; and, in both colonies the ancient form of +government was restored.</p> + +<p>In New Hampshire a convention was called, which determined to re-annex +that colony to Massachusetts, and deputies were elected to represent +them in the general court. This reunion continued to be their wish, +but was opposed by the King, who, in 1692, appointed for it a distinct +governor.</p> + +<p>In order to bring the affairs of the middle colonies to this period, +it will be necessary briefly to review the transactions of several +years.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Review of proceedings in New York and New Jersey.</div> + +<p>The treaty of Breda, which restored Acadié to France, confirmed New +Netherlands to England. Quiet possession of that valuable territory +was retained until 1673, when, England being engaged again in war with +Holland, a small Dutch squadron appeared before the fort at New York, +which surrendered without firing a shot. The example was followed by +the city and country; and, in a few days, the submission of New +Netherlands was complete. After this acquisition the old claim to Long +Island was renewed, and some attempts were made to wrest it from +Connecticut. That province however, after consulting its confederates, +and finding that offensive operations would be agreeable to the union, +declared war against the Dutch; and not content with defending its own +possessions, prepared an expedition against New York. The termination +of the war between England and Holland prevented its prosecution, and +restored to the English the possessions they had lost.<a name="FNanchor_110_110" id="FNanchor_110_110"></a><a href="#Footnote_110_110" class="fnanchor">[110]</a></p> + +<p>To remove all controversy concerning his title, which had been +acquired while the granted lands were in possession of the Dutch, the +duke of York, after the peace of 1674, obtained a renewal of his +patent, and appointed sir Edmond Andros governor of his territories in +America. This commission included New Jersey, his former grant of +which he supposed to be annulled by the conquest thereof in 1673. +Andros, disregarding the decision of the commissioners, claimed for +the duke that part of Connecticut which lies west of the river of that +name; and, during the war with Philip, endeavoured to support his +claim by force. The determined resistance of Connecticut compelled him +to relinquish an attempt on Saybrooke; after which he returned to New +York. The taxes which had been laid by the Dutch were collected, and +duties, for a limited time, were imposed, by authority of the duke. +This proceeding excited great discontent. The public resentment was +directed, first against the governor, whose conduct was inquired into +and approved by his master, and afterwards against the collector, who +was seized and sent to England; but never prosecuted. The +representatives of the duke in New York, feeling the difficulty of +governing a high spirited people on principles repugnant to all their +settled opinions, repeatedly, but ineffectually, urged him to place +the colony on the same footing with its neighbours, by creating a +local legislature, one branch of which should be elected by the +people. It was not until the year 1683, when the revenue laws were +about to expire, when the right of the duke to re-enact them was +denied in America, and doubted in England, that he could be prevailed +on to appoint a new governor with instructions to convene an +assembly.<a name="FNanchor_111_111" id="FNanchor_111_111"></a><a href="#Footnote_111_111" class="fnanchor">[111]</a></p> + +<p>In 1674, lord Berkeley assigned his interest in the Jerseys to William +Penn and his associates. They afterwards acquired the title of sir +George Carteret also, and immediately conveyed one-half of their +interest to the earl of Perth and others, who, in 1683, obtained a +conveyance from the duke of York directly to themselves.</p> + +<p>During these transactions, continual efforts were made to re-annex the +Jerseys to New York. Carteret had endeavoured to participate in the +advantages of commerce by establishing a port at Amboy; but Andros +seized and condemned the vessels trading thither, and was supported by +the duke in this exercise of power. The assembly of New York claimed +the right of taxing the people of Jersey; and the collector, continued +to exercise his former authority within their territory. On his +complaining, after the accession of the duke of York to the throne, +that every vessel he prosecuted was discharged by the verdict of the +jury, a writ of <i>quo warranto</i> was directed. The English judges did +not then hold their offices during good behaviour; and the proprietors +of East Jersey, confident that the cause would be decided against +them, surrendered their patent to the crown, praying only a grant of +the soil. The Jerseys were, soon afterwards, annexed to New +England.<a name="FNanchor_112_112" id="FNanchor_112_112"></a><a href="#Footnote_112_112" class="fnanchor">[112]</a></p> + +<p>Dongan, who, in 1683, had succeeded Andros in the government of New +York, took a deep interest in the affairs of the five nations, who had +been engaged in bloody wars with Canada. The French, by establishing a +settlement at Detroit, and a fort at Michilimackinack, had been +enabled to extend their commerce among the numerous tribes of Indians +who hunted on the banks of the great lakes, and the upper branches of +the Mississippi. They excluded the people of New York from any share +in this gainful commerce; in consequence of which Dongan solicited and +obtained permission to aid the five nations. This order, however, was +soon countermanded; and a treaty was concluded, stipulating that no +assistance should be given to the savages by the English colonists; +soon after which Dongan was recalled, and New York was annexed to New +England.</p> + +<p>From the accession of James to the throne, he had discontinued the +assemblies of New York, and empowered the governor, with the consent +of his council, to make laws "as near as might be" to those of +England. The reinstatement of this arbitrary system gave general +disgust, and, together with the apprehension that the Roman Catholic +religion would be established, prepared the people of New York, as +well as those of the other colonies, for that revolution which wrested +power from hands accustomed to abuse it. On receiving intelligence of +the revolution at Boston, the militia were raised by a captain Jacob +Leisler, who took possession of the fort in the name of King William, +and drove Nicholson, the lieutenant governor, out of the country. This +event gave rise to two parties, who long divided New York, and whose +mutual animosities were the source of much uneasiness and mischief to +the province.<a name="FNanchor_113_113" id="FNanchor_113_113"></a><a href="#Footnote_113_113" class="fnanchor">[113]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Pennsylvania granted to William Penn.</div> + +<p>William Penn having gained some knowledge of the country west of the +Delaware, formed the design of acquiring that territory as a separate +estate. On his petition, a charter was issued in 1681, granting to +him, in absolute property, by the name of Pennsylvania, that tract of +country bounded on the east by the river Delaware, extending westward +five degrees of longitude, stretching to the north from twelve miles +north of New Castle to the forty-third degree of latitude, and limited +on the south by a circle of twelve miles, drawn round New Castle to +the beginning of the fortieth degree of latitude.</p> + +<p>In this charter, the acts of navigation were recognised, a local +legislature was created, and provision made that a duplicate of its +laws should be transmitted, within five years, to the King in council; +any of which that were repugnant to those of England, or inconsistent +with the authority of the crown, might be declared void in six months. +This charter conveyed nearly the same powers and privileges with that +of Maryland, but recognised the right of Parliament to tax the colony.</p> + +<p>Penn soon commenced the settlement of the province, and immediately +asserted a claim to a part of the territory which had been supposed by +lord Baltimore to be within the bounds of Maryland. In this claim +originated a controversy between the two proprietors, productive of +considerable inconvenience and irritation to both.</p> + +<p>He published a frame of government for Pennsylvania, the chief +intention of which was declared to be "for the support of power in +reverence with the people, and to secure the people from the abuse of +power; that they may be free by their just obedience, and the +magistrates honourable for their just administration; for liberty +without obedience is confusion, and obedience without liberty is +slavery."</p> + +<p>This scheme of fundamental law contains many provisions indicating +good sense and just notions of government, but was too complex for an +infant settlement; and, after many fruitless attempts to amend it, was +laid aside, and a more simple form was adopted, resembling in its +principal features, those established in the other colonies, which +remained until the proprietary government itself was dissolved.</p> + +<p>In August 1682, Penn obtained from the duke of York a conveyance of +the town of New Castle, with the territory twelve miles around it, and +that tract of land extending thence southward, on the Delaware, to +cape Henlopen. Soon after this grant was issued, he embarked for +America, accompanied by about two thousand emigrants; and, in the +October following, landed on the banks of the Delaware. In addition to +the colonists sent out by himself, he found, on his arrival several +small settlements of Swedes, Dutch, Finlanders, and English, amounting +to about three thousand persons. Penn cultivated the good will of the +natives, from whom he purchased such lands as were necessary for the +present use of the colonists. <span class="sidenote">Foundation of Philadelphia.</span>At this time the foundation of +Philadelphia was laid, which we are assured contained near one hundred +houses within twelve months from its commencement. An assembly was +convened which, instead of being composed of all the freemen, +according to the frame of government, was, at the request of the +people themselves, constituted of their representatives. Among the +laws which were enacted was one annexing the territories lately +purchased from the duke of York to the province, and extending to them +all its privileges. Universal freedom in religion was established; and +every foreigner who promised allegiance to the King, and obedience to +the proprietor was declared a freeman.<a name="FNanchor_114_114" id="FNanchor_114_114"></a><a href="#Footnote_114_114" class="fnanchor">[114]</a></p> + +<p>In the hope of extending his limits to the Chesapeake, Penn, soon +after his arrival, met lord Baltimore for the purpose of adjusting +their boundaries. The patent of that nobleman calls for the fortieth +degree of north latitude, and he proposed to determine the +intersection of that degree with the Delaware by actual observation. +Penn, on the contrary, insisted on finding the fortieth degree by +mensuration from the capes of Virginia, the true situation of which +had been already ascertained. Each adhering firmly to his own +proposition, the controversy was referred to the committee of +plantations, who, after the crown had descended on James, decided that +the peninsula between the bays of Chesapeake and Delaware, should be +divided into two equal parts by a line drawn from the latitude of cape +Henlopen to the fortieth degree, and adjudged that the land lying from +that line towards the Delaware should belong to his majesty, and the +other moiety to Lord Baltimore. This adjudication was ordered to be +immediately executed.</p> + +<p>Pennsylvania was slow in acknowledging the Prince and Princess of +Orange. The government continued to be administered in the name of +James for some time after his abdication was known. At length, +however, William and Mary were proclaimed; and Penn had the address to +efface the unfavourable impressions which this delay was calculated to +make on them.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>New charter of Massachusetts.... Affairs of New York.... War +with France.... Schenectady destroyed.... Expedition against +Port Royal.... Against Quebec.... Acadié recovered by +France.... Pemaquid taken.... Attempt on St. Johns.... +Peace.... Affairs of New York.... Of Virginia.... Disputes +between England and France respecting boundary in +America.... Recommencement of hostilities.... Quotas of the +respective colonies.... Treaty of neutrality between France +and the five nations.... Expedition against Port Royal.... +Incursion into Massachusetts.... Plan for the invasion of +Canada.... Port Royal taken.... Expedition against +Quebec.... Treaty of Utrecht.... Affairs of New York.... Of +Carolina.... Expedition against St. Augustine.... Attempt to +establish the Episcopal church.... Invasion of the +colony.... Bills of credit issued.... Legislature continues +itself.... Massacre in North Carolina by the Indians.... +Tuscaroras defeated.... Scheme of a Bank.</b></p></div> + +<p> </p> + + +<div class="sidenotey">1689</div> + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">The</span> revolution which placed the Prince and Princess of Orange on the +throne, revived in Massachusetts, the hope of recovering the ancient +charter. Elections were held by authority of the temporary government, +and the representatives requested the council to exercise, until +orders should be received from England, the powers and authorities +vested in that body by the charter. The council acceded to this +proposition; and the ancient system was re-established. It was soon +perceived by the agents of Massachusetts that the old charter would +not be restored, and that the King was determined to retain the +appointment of the governor in his own hands. The colony, however, was +authorised to exercise the powers of government according to the +ancient system, until a new arrangement should be made. The vessel by +which these directions were transmitted, carried also orders that sir +Edmond Andros, and those imprisoned with him should be sent to +England.</p> + +<p>The general court deputed additional agents, with instructions to +solicit the confirmation of their beloved charter; but these +solicitations were ineffectual. <span class="sidenotey">1691</span><span class="sidenote">New Charter.</span>The King was inflexible; and, at +length, a new charter was framed, introducing some changes which +affected radically the independence that had been long practically +possessed by the colony. The governor was to be appointed by the +crown, was enabled to call, adjourn, prorogue, and dissolve the +assembly at pleasure; he had the appointment solely, of all military +officers; and, with the consent of his council, of all officers +belonging to the courts of justice.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1692</div> + +<p>Sir William Phipps, the first governor, arrived in May, and +immediately issued writs for a general assembly, which met in June, +and accepted the charter; though a considerable party had been formed +to oppose it. This instrument annexed Plymouth and Nova Scotia to +Massachusetts; but, contrary to the wishes of both colonies, omitted +New Hampshire, which became permanently a separate government.<a name="FNanchor_115_115" id="FNanchor_115_115"></a><a href="#Footnote_115_115" class="fnanchor">[115]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Affairs of New York.</div> + +<p>In New York, Leisler, who had obtained the entire control of the lower +country, associated with himself in the government, a few trusty +partisans, denominated a committee of safety, over whom he presided. +Some of the principal inhabitants of the city, dissatisfied at seeing +a man of low birth, without education, in possession of supreme power, +retired to Albany, where a convention of the people was assembled, who +determined to hold the fort and country for the King and Queen, but +not to submit to the authority of Leisler. On receiving intelligence +of these transactions, Jacob Milbourne was detached with a small force +to reduce the place; but, finding that the people adhered to the +convention, and that his harangues against James and popery made no +impression on them, he returned to New York. The next spring he +appeared again before the fort; and, being favoured by an irruption of +the Indians, obtained possession of it. The principal members of the +convention absconded, upon which their effects were seized and +confiscated. This harsh measure produced resentments which were +transmitted from father to son.</p> + +<p>Leisler retained the supreme power, without farther opposition, until +the arrival of sir Henry Slaughter, who had been appointed governor of +the province. Though informed of the commission which Slaughter bore, +this infatuated man refused to yield the government to him; and showed +a disposition, without the ability, to resist. This ill judged +obstinacy threw the governor, who soon obtained possession of the +fort, into the arms of the opposite party. Leisler and Milbourne were +arrested, tried for high treason, condemned, and executed. Their +estates were confiscated, but were afterwards restored to their +families.<a name="FNanchor_116_116" id="FNanchor_116_116"></a><a href="#Footnote_116_116" class="fnanchor">[116]</a></p> + +<p>While these things were passing in the interior, the colonies of New +England and New York were engaged in a bloody and desolating war with +the French of Canada, and with the Indians. The English people had +long viewed with apprehension, the advances of France towards +universal dominion; and with infinite disgust, the influence of Louis +XIV. in their cabinet. On the elevation of the Prince of Orange to the +throne, they entered with alacrity into all his views for opposing +barriers to the power, and restraints on the ambition, of that haughty +monarch. <span class="sidenote">War with France.</span>The war which was proclaimed between the two nations, +extended itself to their possessions in America. De Calliers, who +sailed from Canada to France in 1688, had formed a plan for the +conquest of New York, which was adopted by his government. Caffiniere +commanded the ships which sailed from Rochefort on this expedition, +subject however to the count de Frontignac, who was general of the +land forces destined to march from Canada by the route of the river +Sorel and of lake Champlain. The fleet and troops arrived at Chebucta, +whence the count proceeded to Quebec leaving orders with Caffiniere to +sail to New York.</p> + +<p>On reaching Quebec, the count found all Canada in the utmost distress. +In the preceding summer, twelve hundred warriors of the Five nations +had suddenly landed on the island of Montreal, and put to death about +one thousand of the inhabitants whom they found in perfect security. +The place was again attacked in October, and the lower part of the +island entirely destroyed. In consequence of these calamitous events, +fort Frontignac, on lake Ontario, was evacuated, and two vessels which +had been constructed there were burnt.</p> + +<p>Count Frontignac, who, in his sixty-eighth year, possessed the +activity of youth, after remaining a few days on shore, re-embarked in +a canoe for Montreal. In the hope of conciliating the Five nations, he +held a great council with them at Onondago, where the Indians showed +some disposition towards a peace without concluding one. To influence +their deliberations, and raise the depressed spirits of the Canadians, +he sent out several parties against the English colonies. That against +New York, consisting of about two hundred French, and some Indians; +after marching twenty-two days with their provisions on their backs, +through a wilderness covered deep with snow, arrived, on 8th of +February 1690, about eleven at night, at Schenectady, a village a few +miles north-west of Albany. <span class="sidenote">Schenectady destroyed.</span>Finding the gates open and unguarded, they +immediately entered the town, the inhabitants of which were asleep; +and, dividing themselves into small parties, invested every house at +the same time. No alarm was given until the doors were broken open; +and then was commenced the perpetration of those barbarities which add +so much to the ordinary horrors of war. The whole village was +instantly in flames; pregnant women were ripped open and their infants +cast into the flames, or dashed against the posts of the doors. Sixty +persons were massacred, twenty-seven carried into captivity, and those +who escaped fled naked, through a deep snow and storm to Albany. In +the flight, twenty-five lost their limbs from the intensity of the +cold. The town was pillaged until about noon the next day, when the +enemy marched off with their plunder. Being pursued by a party of +young men from Albany, about twenty-five of them were killed and +captured.<a name="FNanchor_117_117" id="FNanchor_117_117"></a><a href="#Footnote_117_117" class="fnanchor">[117]</a></p> + +<p>In the spring and summer of 1689, several settlements and forts in New +Hampshire and Maine, were successfully attacked by the Indians; who, +wherever they were victorious, perpetrated their usual cruelties. +<span class="sidenote">Expedition against Port Royal.</span>Knowing that these depredations originated in Canada and Acadié, the +general court of Massachusetts planned an expedition against both Port +Royal and Quebec. Early in the spring, eight small vessels, carrying +seven or eight hundred men, sailed under the command of sir William +Phipps; and, almost without opposition, took possession of Port Royal, +and of the whole coast between that place and New England. The fleet +returned in May, having taken nearly plunder enough to discharge the +expense of the equipment. But two detachments made about the same time +by count Frontignac, attacked the Salmon falls, and fort Casco, where +they killed and took about one hundred and eighty persons.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center"> </p> + +<p><a name="image-0004" id="image-0004"></a></p> +<p style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/192.jpg" width="519" height="350" alt="Penn" /></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"><b>Penn Seeking Freedom for Imprisoned Friends</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p style="text-align: center"><i>© by Violet Oakley; From a Copley print copyright by Curtis and +Cameron, Boston</i></p> + +<p><i>The reference made in the panel inscription at the top of this +picture is to William Penn's imprisonment in the Tower of London for +publishing "The Sandy Foundation Shaken," in which he attacked the +doctrines of the Trinity. While in prison he wrote his most famous and +popular book, "No Cross, No Crown" and "Innocency With Her Open Face", +in vindication of his Quaker faith. In 1681 Penn obtained from the +British Crown, in lieu of a debt of £16,000 due him as heir to his +father, Admiral Penn, a grant of territory now comprising the State of +Pennsylvania. There he founded Philadelphia, as a Quaker colony, in +the following year.</i></p></div> + +<p> </p> + +<p>A vessel had been dispatched to England in April with letters urging +the importance of conquering Canada, and soliciting the aid of the +King to that enterprise. He was however too much occupied in Europe to +attend to America; and it was determined to prosecute the expedition +without his assistance. <span class="sidenote">Against Quebec.</span>New York and Connecticut, engaged to furnish a +body of men, to march, by the way of lake Champlain, against Montreal, +while the troops of Massachusetts should proceed by sea to Quebec. The +fleet, consisting of between thirty and forty vessels, the largest of +which carried forty-four guns, sailed from Nantucket the ninth of +August, having on board two thousand men. This expedition also was +commanded by sir William Phipps, a brave man, but not qualified for so +difficult an enterprise. He did not arrive before Quebec until +October, when it was too late for a regular siege. Instead of availing +himself of the first impression, sir William is charged with having +wasted two or three days in sight of the place, after which he +summoned it to surrender. Having performed this ceremony, he landed +between twelve and thirteen hundred men, and marched until night, +under a scattering fire from an enemy concealed in the woods. At +night, a deserter gave such an account of the French force as entirely +discouraged him.</p> + +<p>Connecticut and New York were disappointed in receiving the assistance +expected from the Five nations; who furnished neither the warriors +they had promised, nor canoes to transport their troops over the +lakes. The commissary too had neglected to lay up the necessary +supplies of provisions. These disappointments obliged the party +destined against Montreal to retreat without making an attempt on that +place; which enabled the French general to oppose the whole force of +Canada to Phipps.</p> + +<p>The evening after the troops were landed, the ships were drawn up +before the place, but received more damage from the batteries than +they could do to the town. After wasting a few days in unavailing +parade, the army re-embarked with precipitation, and returned to +Boston.</p> + +<p><a name="p195" id="p195">The</a> general court, so far from suspecting that the expedition might +possibly miscarry, seem to have counted, not only on success, but on +acquiring sufficient treasure from the enemy to pay their soldiers. +The army, finding the government totally unprepared to satisfy its +claims, was on the point of mutinying. In this state of difficulty, +bills of credit were issued, and were received in lieu of money. A tax +was imposed at the same time, payable in the paper notes of the colony +at five per centum above par. Notwithstanding the exertions to keep up +its credit, the paper depreciated to fourteen shillings in the pound, +which depreciation was, almost entirely, sustained by the army. As the +time for collecting the tax approached, the paper rose above par, but +this appreciation was gained by the holders.<a name="FNanchor_118_118" id="FNanchor_118_118"></a><a href="#Footnote_118_118" class="fnanchor">[118]</a></p> + +<p>Colonel Phipps, soon after his return from Canada, embarked for +England, to renew the solicitations of the colony for aid in another +attempt on Quebec. Though unsuccessful in this application, the +government of the province was bestowed on him; and, in this +character, he returned to Boston. A desultory war continued to be +carried on, which, without furnishing any events that would now be +interesting, produced heavy expense, and much individual misery.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1693</div> + +<p>Canada being considered as the source of all these evils, its conquest +continued to be the favourite object of Massachusetts. At length, King +William yielded to the solicitations of that colony and determined to +employ a force for the reduction of Quebec. Unfortunately the first +part of the plan was to be executed in the West Indies, where the +capture of Martinique was contemplated. While on that service a +contagious fever attacked both the land and sea forces; and, before +they reached Boston, thirteen hundred sailors, and eighteen hundred +soldiers, were buried. The survivors not being in a condition to +prosecute the enterprise, it was abandoned.<a name="FNanchor_119_119" id="FNanchor_119_119"></a><a href="#Footnote_119_119" class="fnanchor">[119]</a></p> + +<p>On the conquest of Acadié by sir William Phipps, the government of +Massachusetts had been extended over that province; but, as the +prejudices and affections of the inhabitants were entirely on the side +of France, it was soon perceived that a military force alone could +preserve the acquisition; and Massachusetts was unable, at her own +expense, to support a sufficient body of troops for the defence of the +country. <span class="sidenotey">1696</span>Port Royal was recovered by Villebonne, after which all +Acadié shook off the government of Massachusetts, and resumed its +allegiance to France. About the same time a fort at Pemaquid was +attacked and carried by Iberville.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Peace.</div> + +<p>In December, the treaty of peace which had been concluded at Riswick +was proclaimed at Boston; and hostilities with the French in Canada +immediately ceased. The depredations of the Indians continued only a +short time after this event; and, in the course of the following year, +general tranquillity was restored.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1697</div> + +<p>The frontiers of New Hampshire had been not less exposed during the +war, than those of Massachusetts. Perpetual and distressing incursions +had been made into the country, which were marked by the burning of +undefended habitations, and the massacre of men, women, and +children.<a name="FNanchor_120_120" id="FNanchor_120_120"></a><a href="#Footnote_120_120" class="fnanchor">[120]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Affairs of New York.</div> + +<p>The frontiers of New York were covered by the Five nations. +Hostilities were carried on between them and the French, but they were +not attended by any material circumstance.</p> + +<p>During the war the English government meditated a union of the +colonies for the purpose of forming an army to defend New York; and +the governors were instructed to propose to the several provinces to +raise the quota of troops assigned to each<a name="FNanchor_121_121" id="FNanchor_121_121"></a><a href="#Footnote_121_121" class="fnanchor">[121]</a> by the crown. Though +this plan never took effect, the fact is of some interest.</p> + +<p>The influence of the French not yet extending far enough south to +involve the colonies beyond New York in the calamities of Indian +warfare, few occurrences took place among them which deserve +attention. <span class="sidenote">Of Virginia.</span>In Virginia, the college of William and Mary, to which a +charter had been granted in 1692, was liberally endowed, and was +established at Williamsburg by an act of assembly which passed in the +year 1693. In 1698, the state-house at Jamestown, with many valuable +papers, was consumed by fire; and, in the following year, the +legislature passed an act for removing the seat of government to +Williamsburg, then called the middle plantation, and for building a +capitol at that place.</p> + +<p>By the treaty of Riswick, it was agreed that France and England should +mutually restore to each other all conquests made during the war; and +it was farther stipulated that commissioners should be appointed to +examine and determine the rights and pretensions of each monarch to +the places situated in Hudson's bay.</p> + +<p>The consequences of not ascertaining boundaries were soon perceived. +The English claimed as far west as the St. Croix, while France +asserted her right to the whole country east of the Kennebeck.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">War renewed.</div> + +<p>These claims remained unsettled; and were mingled with other +differences of more importance, which soon occasioned the +re-commencement of hostilities.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1702</div> + +<p>The whole weight of the war in America fell on New England. Previous +to its commencement, the earl of Bellamont, who was at that time +governor of New York as well as of Massachusetts and of New Hampshire, +had required that the quotas of men, assigned by the crown to the +different colonies for the defence of New York, should be furnished. +This requisition however was not complied with; and, before +hostilities began, a treaty of neutrality was negotiated between the +Five nations and the governor of Canada, which was assented to by lord +Cornbury, then governor of New York. This treaty preserved the peace +of that province, but left Massachusetts and New Hampshire to struggle +with the combined force of the French and their Indian allies;—a +struggle which seems to have been viewed by New York with the utmost +composure.</p> + +<p>Hostilities between Great Britain and France were immediately followed +by incursions of French and Indians into the exposed parts of New +England. A predatory and desolating war, attended with no striking +circumstance, but with considerable expense and great individual +distress, was carried on for some years. During its continuance, +propositions were made for a cessation of hostilities; and the +negotiations on this subject were protracted to a considerable length; +but Dudley, who had succeeded the earl of Bellamont as governor of +Massachusetts and New Hampshire, declined engaging for the neutrality +of those provinces, in the hope that Nova Scotia and Canada might be +subdued in the course of the war.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1707</div> + +<p>The battle of Almanza, in Spain, having induced the British cabinet to +direct an armament intended for New England to European objects, +Dudley determined to make an attempt on Acadié, though no aid should +arrive from England. With this view, he applied, early in the spring, +to the assemblies of both his provinces, and to the colonies of +Connecticut and Rhode Island; requesting them to raise one thousand +men for the expedition. Connecticut declined furnishing her quota; but +the other three colonies raised the whole number, who were disposed +into two regiments, one commanded by colonel Wainright, and the other +by colonel Hilton. On the 13th of May, they embarked at Nantucket on +board a fleet of transports furnished with whale boats, under convoy +of a man of war and a galley. The chief command was given to colonel +March, who had behaved gallantly in several encounters with the +Indians, but had never been engaged in such service as this. They +arrived before Port Royal in a few days, and landed without +opposition. After making some ineffectual attempts to bombard the +fort, a disagreement among the officers, and a misapprehension of the +state of the fort and garrison, induced the troops to re-embark in a +disorderly manner.<a name="FNanchor_122_122" id="FNanchor_122_122"></a><a href="#Footnote_122_122" class="fnanchor">[122]</a> Dudley, who was unwilling to relinquish the +enterprise, directed the army to remain in its position till farther +orders. March was beloved by the soldiers, and was known to be brave, +but his capacity was doubted. It was therefore thought unsafe either +to recall him, to place an officer over him, or to continue him in the +chief command. The expedient devised in this perplexity was, to send a +commission to the army, composed of three members of the council, +invested with all the powers which the governor himself, if present, +would possess. These commissioners arrived at Casco about the middle +of July, where they found the army insubordinate, and indisposed to +the service. The troops, however, were again embarked, and arrived at +Passamaquodi, on the seventh of August. The spirits of the general +were broken, and his health was impaired. While dispositions for +landing the army were making, he declared his inability to act, and +the command devolved on colonel Wainright. The landing was effected on +the 10th of August; but the troops could not be inspired with that +union and firmness which are essential to success. After devoting ten +days to inefficient, unmeaning operations, they re-embarked, and +returned, sickly, fatigued and dispirited.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1708</div> + +<p>During this unfortunate expedition, the frontiers were kept in +perpetual alarm by small parties of Indians; and, in the succeeding +year, a formidable armament was destined by Vaudreuil, the governor of +Canada, against New England. This enterprise was not fully prosecuted, +in consequence of the failure of several Indian tribes to furnish the +number of warriors expected from them. <span class="sidenote">Incursion into Massachusetts.</span>A considerable force, however, +penetrated into Massachusetts, and burnt a part of the town of +Haverhill; where about one hundred persons were killed and many others +carried off as prisoners. These invaders were pursued and overtaken by +a body of troops collected in the neighbourhood, who killed a few of +them, and recovered several of their own countrymen.</p> + +<p>The New England colonies, still attributing all these calamities to +the French were earnest in their solicitations to the crown, for aids +which might enable them to conquer Canada. Their application was +supported by the representations of Francis Nicholson, who had been +lieutenant governor, first of New York, and afterward of Virginia; of +Samuel Vietch, a trader to Nova Scotia, and of colonel Schuyler, a +gentleman of great influence in New York, who undertook a voyage to +England for the purpose of communicating his sentiments more fully to +administration, and carried with him resolutions of the assembly, +expressing the high opinion that body entertained of his merit. +Influenced by these representations, the British cabinet determined to +undertake an expedition against the French settlements on the +continent of North America, and on New Foundland, to consist of a +squadron, having on board five regiments of regular troops, <span class="sidenotey">1709</span>which were +to be at Boston by the middle of May, 1709, where they were to be +joined by twelve hundred men to be raised in Massachusetts and Rhode +Island. Fifteen hundred men also were to be raised in the governments +south of Rhode Island, who should proceed, by the way of lake +Champlain, against Montreal. All the colonies, except Pennsylvania, +executed with punctuality the part assigned to them. Nicholson, who +was appointed to command the troops destined against Montreal, marched +to Wood creek, where he was ordered to continue, until the arrival of +the forces from Europe; that the two armies might co-operate with each +other. The New England troops, who had been assembled at Boston +remained at that place till September, expecting the arrival of the +fleet and army from England. About that time, Nicholson returned from +Wood creek, and it was obviously too late to proceed against Quebec. A +meeting of the commanding officers, and governors of provinces was +requested, in order to deliberate on future operations. A few days +before this meeting was to take place, a ship arrived from England, +with the intelligence that the armament intended for America had been +ordered to Portugal, and with directions to hold a council of war, in +order to determine on the propriety of employing the troops raised in +America, against Port Royal; in which event the ships of war then at +Boston were to aid the expedition. The commanders of the ships, except +captain, afterwards admiral, Matthews, refused to engage in this +service; and, it being unsafe to proceed without convoy, the men were +disbanded.<a name="FNanchor_123_123" id="FNanchor_123_123"></a><a href="#Footnote_123_123" class="fnanchor">[123]</a></p> + +<p>A congress, composed of governors, and of delegates from several of +the assemblies, met at Rhode Island, and recommended the appointment +of agents to assist colonel Nicholson in representing the state of the +country to the Queen, and soliciting troops for an expedition against +Canada, the next spring. Government seems at first to have thought +favourably of this proposal, but finally determined to proceed only +against Port Royal. <span class="sidenotey">1710</span>Five frigates and a bomb ketch, which were +assigned for this service, arrived with Nicholson, in July. Although +the troops were then to be raised, the whole armament, consisting of +one regiment of marines, and four regiments of infantry, sailed from +Boston the 18th of September; and on the 24th arrived before Port +Royal. The place was immediately invested, and, after the exchange of +a few shot and shells, was surrendered. Vietch was appointed governor, +and its name, in compliment to the Queen, was changed to Annapolis.</p> + +<p>After the reduction of Port Royal, Nicholson returned to England to +renew the often repeated solicitations for an expedition against +Canada. The ministry was now changed; and the colonists despaired of +obtaining from those in power, any aids against the French. Contrary +to the general expectation, his application succeeded; <span class="sidenotey">1711</span>and he arrived +at Boston, in June, with orders to the governors as far south as +Pennsylvania, to get their quotas of men and provisions in readiness +to act with the fleet and army expected from Europe. Within sixteen +days, while the several governors were yet deliberating on the subject +of these orders, the fleet arrived. The service according perfectly +with the wishes of the people as well as of the governors, every +practicable exertion was made; and difficulties were overcome which, +on other occasions, might have been deemed insurmountable. To supply +the money which the English treasury could not then advance, the +general court of Massachusetts issued bills of credit to the amount of +forty thousand pounds; and the example was followed by Connecticut, +New York, and New Jersey. Provisions were obtained by impressment.</p> + +<p>The army consisted of seven veteran regiments, who had served under +the duke of Marlborough; one regiment of marines; and two regiments of +provincials; amounting, in the whole, to six thousand five hundred +men; a force equal to that which afterwards reduced Quebec, when in a +much better state of defence. This armament sailed from Boston on the +30th of July. Their sanguine hopes were all blasted in one fatal +night. On the 23d of August, in the river St. Lawrence, the weather +being thick and dark, eight transports were wrecked on Egg Island, +near the north shore, and one thousand persons perished. The next day +the fleet put back, and was eight days beating down the river against +an easterly wind, which, in two, would have carried it to Quebec. +After holding a fruitless consultation respecting an attempt on +Placentia, the expedition was abandoned; and the squadron sailed for +England. Loud complaints were made, and heavy charges reciprocated, on +this occasion. The ignorance of the pilots, the obstinacy of the +admiral, the detention of the fleet at Boston, its late arrival there, +the want of seasonable orders, and the secret intentions of the +ministry, were all subjects of bitter altercation; but no regular +inquiry was ever made into the causes of the miscarriage.</p> + +<p>The plan of this campaign embraced also an attack on Montreal. Four +thousand men raised in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, and +commanded by colonel Nicholson, marched against that place by the way +of Albany and lake Champlain. The failure of the expedition against +Quebec enabling the governor of Canada to turn his whole force towards +the lakes, Nicholson was under the necessity of making a precipitate +retreat.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Peace.</div> + +<p>No other event of importance took place during this war, which was +terminated by the treaty of Utrecht. By the 12th article of this +treaty, France ceded to England "all Nova Scotia or Acadié, with its +ancient boundaries, as also the city of Port Royal, now called +Annapolis Royal, and all other things in those parts which depend on +the said lands." This territory, which had been comprehended in the +grant made to the Plymouth company, was, with the consent of that +company, afterwards granted by James as King of Scotland, under the +name of Nova Scotia, to sir William Alexander.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Affairs of New York.</div> + +<p>In New York, the Leislerian and anti-Leislerian parties continued to +persecute each other. To this calamity was added, in the year 1702, +the still heavier affliction of a malignant fever, imported in a +vessel from the West Indies, which, in almost every instance, proved +mortal. A similar disease raged, about the same time, in several other +sea port towns; and was probably the same which has since produced +such fatal effects under the name of the yellow fever.</p> + +<p>In the same year, lord Cornbury, a needy and profligate nobleman, was +appointed governor of the province. He embraced the anti-Leislerian +party, that being then the strongest. On meeting the assembly, he +urged the necessity of providing money for the public exigencies; and, +as he had arranged himself with the ruling party, the vote of supply +was liberal.</p> + +<p>It was soon perceived that the confidence in the governor was +misplaced. Considerable sums levied for objects of great interest, +were applied to his private use. The system adopted in New York, for +collecting and keeping public money, was calculated to favour this +peculation. The colony having no treasurer, its revenue came into the +hands of the receiver general for the crown, whence it was drawn by a +warrant from the governor. Contests soon arose, between his lordship +and the legislature, on the subject of money; the house requiring a +statement of disbursements, and the appointment of a treasurer, to be +controlled by them. At length, in 1706, an act was passed raising +three thousand pounds for fortifications, and directing the money to +be placed in the hands of a person named by the legislature. The +assent of the governor to this act was not given till the succeeding +year, and was then accompanied with a message stating, that he had it +in command from the Queen "to permit the general assembly to name +their own treasurer when they raised extraordinary supplies for +particular uses and which are no part of the standing and constant +revenue."</p> + +<p>The continual demands of the governor for money, his misapplication of +it, his extortion in the form of fees, and his haughty tyrannical +conduct increased the irritation subsisting between him and the +legislature. At length, the Queen yielded to the complaints of both +New York and New Jersey, and consented to recall him.</p> + +<p>During these altercations, some spirited resolutions were entered into +by the assembly; one of which claims particular notice. It is in these +words: "Resolved, that the imposing and levying of any monies upon her +majesty's subjects in this colony, under any pretence or colour +whatsoever, without their consent in general assembly, is a grievance, +and violation of the people's property."</p> + +<p>This strong assertion of a principle, which afterwards dismembered the +British empire, then passed away without notice. It was probably +understood to be directed only against the assumption of that power by +the governor.<a name="FNanchor_124_124" id="FNanchor_124_124"></a><a href="#Footnote_124_124" class="fnanchor">[124]</a></p> + +<p>In Carolina, the vexatious contests with the proprietors still +continued. The public attention was for a time diverted from these, by +hostilities with their neighbours of Florida. <span class="sidenotey">1702</span>Before the declaration +of war made against France and Spain, had been officially +communicated, it was reported in the colonies that this event had +taken place, and Mr. Moore, the governor of the southern settlements, +proposed to the assembly an expedition against St. Augustine. +Temperate men were opposed to this enterprise; but the assurances of +the governor, that Florida would be an easy conquest, and that immense +treasure would be the reward of their valour, were too seductive to be +resisted. A great majority of the assembly declared in favour of the +expedition, and voted the sum of two thousand pounds sterling for its +prosecution. Six hundred militia were embodied for the service, and an +equal number of Indians engaged as auxiliaries.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Expedition against St. Augustine.</div> + +<p>In the plan of operations which had been concerted, colonel Daniel was +to move by the inland passage, with a party of militia and Indians, +and attack the town by land; while the governor, with the main body +should proceed by sea, and block up the harbour. Colonel Daniel +executed his part of the plan with promptitude and vigour. He advanced +against the town, which he entered and plundered before the governor +reached the harbour. The Spaniards, however, had been apprised of the +preparations making at Charleston, and had laid up provisions for four +months, in the castle, into which they retired, as Daniel entered the +town. On the arrival of the governor, the place was completely +invested; but, it being impossible to carry the castle without +battering artillery, colonel Daniel was dispatched to Jamaica for +cannon, bombs, and mortars. During his absence, two small Spanish +vessels of war were seen off the mouth of the harbour; upon which the +governor raised the siege, abandoned his transports, and made a +precipitate retreat to Carolina. Colonel Daniel returned soon +afterwards, and, having no suspicion that the siege was raised, stood +in for the harbour. He fortunately discovered his situation in time to +escape, though with much difficulty.</p> + +<p>This rash and ill conducted expedition entailed on the colony a debt +of six thousand pounds sterling. The ignominy attached to it was soon +wiped off by one that was attended with better success. The +Appalachian Indians, who were attached to the Spaniards, had become +extremely troublesome to the inhabitants of the frontiers. The +governor, at the head of a body of militia and friendly Indians, +marched into the heart of their settlements, laid their towns in +ashes, made several prisoners, and compelled them to sue for peace, +and submit to the British government.<a name="FNanchor_125_125" id="FNanchor_125_125"></a><a href="#Footnote_125_125" class="fnanchor">[125]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Governor Johnson.</div> + +<p>Soon after this transaction, sir Nathaniel Governor Johnson, who had +been appointed to succeed Mr. Moor arrived in Charleston. He +endeavoured, but ineffectually to turn the attention of the colonists +to the culture of silk. This article, as well as cotton was neglected, +and rice became the great staple of the country.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Attempt to establish the Episcopal church.</div> + +<p>During his administration, the contests between the proprietors and +the people increased. An attempt to establish the Episcopal church was +added to other pre-existing causes of discord. The colony having been +settled by emigrants from different nations, of different religious +persuasions, the indiscreet endeavour to produce uniformity, could not +fail to increase their irritation. The influence of the governor in +the legislature obtained the passage of such acts as were necessary +for his purpose; but many petitions against them were laid before +parliament; and the house of lords presented so decisive an address to +her majesty on the subject, that a writ of <i>quo warranto</i> against the +charter was directed. This measure, however, was not put in execution; +and the attention of the colonists was diverted, for a time, from +these intestine broils, by the appearance of danger from abroad.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1704</div> + +<p>Spain claimed the whole country, as part of Florida; and was preparing +an expedition to enforce this claim. Governor Johnson, who had +acquired some military skill in European service, having received +intelligence of these preparations, made great exertions to fortify +the entrance into the harbour of Charleston, and to put the province +in a state of defence.</p> + +<p>There was reason to rejoice that these precautions were used; for, +although no armament arrived from Europe, yet an expedition planned in +the Havanna, was carried into execution.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Colony invaded.</div> + +<p>A French frigate and four armed Spanish sloops, commanded by Monsieur +Le Febour, sailed for Charleston, with orders to touch at St. +Augustine for men. His force is said to have amounted to about eight +hundred. A government cruiser descried this squadron off the bar of +St. Augustine, and brought the intelligence to Charleston. Scarcely +had the captain delivered his information, when signals from +Sullivan's island announced its appearance off the coast. The alarm +was immediately given, and the militia of the town were under arms. In +the evening the fleet reached Charleston bar, but deferred attempting +to pass it until the morning.</p> + +<p>After consuming a day in sounding the south bar, the Spanish flotilla +crossed it, and anchored above Sullivan's island. The governor then +directed some pieces of heavy artillery to be placed in the vessels in +the harbour; and gave the command of them to William Rhet. A summons +to surrender being rejected, a party of the enemy landed on James' +island, and burnt a few houses. Another party, consisting of one +hundred and sixty men, landed, about the same time, on the opposite +side of the river. Both these were attacked and defeated.</p> + +<p>Encouraged by this success, Johnson determined to attack the invaders +by sea. In execution of this determination, Rhet, with six small +vessels, proceeded down the river to the place where the hostile +flotilla rode at anchor which, at his approach, precipitately +re-crossed the bar. For some days it was believed that the enterprise +was abandoned; but while the inhabitants were rejoicing at their +deliverance, advice was received that a ship of force had been seen in +Sewee bay, and had landed a number of men. On examining his prisoners, +the governor was informed that the enemy had expected a ship of war +with a reinforcement of two hundred men, under the command of Monsieur +Arbuset. Taking his measures with the promptness of an experienced +officer, he ordered captain Fenwick to pass the river, and march +against the detachment which had landed; while Rhet, with two small +armed vessels, sailed round by sea, with orders to meet the ship in +Sewee bay. Fenwick came up with the party on shore, charged them +briskly, and drove them to their ship, which, on the appearance of +Rhet, surrendered without firing a shot. The prize with about ninety +prisoners was brought up to Charleston.</p> + +<p>Thus was terminated with the loss of near three hundred men killed and +prisoners, among the latter of whom were the general and some naval +officers, the invasion of Carolina by Monsieur Le Febour. It seems to +have been undertaken in the confidence that the colony was too weak +for resistance; and was conducted without skill or courage.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Bills of credit.</div> + +<p>To defray the expenses incurred in repelling this invasion, bills of +credit to the amount of eight thousand pounds were issued. The effect +of this emission was such a depreciation of the currency under the +form of a rise in the price of commodities and of exchange, that one +hundred and fifty pounds in paper, were given for one hundred pounds +sterling.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1707</div> + +<p>Lord Granville, the palatine, a bigoted churchman, under whose +influence violent measures had been taken for the establishment of +religious conformity in Carolina, died in the year 1707. He was +succeeded by lord Craven, who, though of the same religious tenets, +supported them with moderation. His disposition to indulge, and +thereby mollify, the dissenters, was considered by the zealots of the +established church, as endangering religion; and the legislature, +which was elected under the influence of the late palatine, and of his +governor, dreading a change in the administration, <span class="sidenotey">1708</span><span class="sidenote">Legislature continues itself.</span>adopted the +extraordinary measure of continuing itself "for two years, and for the +time and term of eighteen months after the change of government, +whether by the death of the present governor, or the succession of +another in his time."<a name="FNanchor_126_126" id="FNanchor_126_126"></a><a href="#Footnote_126_126" class="fnanchor">[126]</a> Thus adding one other humiliating proof to +those which perpetually occur, that principles are deplorably weak, +when opposed by the passions.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1712</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Massacre in North Carolina by the Indians.</div> + +<p>In the year 1712, the Indians in North Carolina, alarmed, as their +countrymen had been in the other colonies, by the increasing +population and regular encroachments of the whites, formed with their +accustomed secrecy, the plan of exterminating in one night these +formidable neighbours. No indication of their design was given until +they broke into the houses of the planters. The slaughter on Roanoke +was immense. In that settlement alone, one hundred and thirty-seven +persons were murdered. A few escaped by concealing themselves in the +woods, who, the next day, gave the alarm. The remaining whites were +collected together in a place of safety, and guarded by the militia +until assistance could be received from South Carolina.</p> + +<p>This was prompt and effectual. The assembly at Charleston voted four +thousand pounds for the service; and colonel Barnwell was detached +with six hundred militia, and three hundred and sixty Indians, to the +relief of the afflicted North Carolinians. With the utmost celerity he +passed through the difficult and dangerous wilderness which then +separated the northern from the southern settlements; <span class="sidenote">Indians defeated.</span>and, attacking +the savages with unexpected fury, killed three hundred of them, and +made one hundred prisoners. The survivors retreated to the Tuscorora +town, and took refuge within a wooden breast-work, in which they were +surrounded by the whites.</p> + +<p>After sustaining considerable loss, they sued for peace and obtained +it; but soon afterwards abandoned their country, and united themselves +with the Iroquois, or Five nations.</p> + +<p>The expense of this expedition greatly transcended the scanty means of +South Carolina. To supply the exigencies of government, and to promote +the convenience of commerce, the legislature determined to issue +forty-eight thousand pounds in bills of credit, to be denominated bank +bills. This money was to be lent out, at interest, on security, and to +be redeemed gradually by the annual payment of one-twelfth part of the +sum loaned. The bills were made a legal tender; and the creditor who +should refuse them, lost his debt.</p> + +<p>After the emission of these bills, exchange rose, the first year, to +one hundred and fifty, and in the second to two hundred per centum, +above par. The effect of this depreciation, and of the tender laws +which accompanied it, on creditors, and on morals, was obvious and +certain.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Proceedings of the legislature of Massachusetts.... +Intrigues of the French among the Indians.... War with the +savages.... Peace.... Controversy with the governor.... +Decided in England.... Contests concerning the governor's +salary.... The assembly adjourned to Salem.... Contest +concerning the salary terminated.... Great depreciation of +the paper currency.... Scheme of a land bank.... Company +dissolved by act of Parliament.... Governor Shirley +arrives.... Review of transactions in New York.</b></p></div> + +<p> </p> + + +<div class="sidenotey">1714</div> + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">The</span> heavy expenses of Massachusetts during the late war had produced +such large emissions of paper money, that a considerable depreciation +took place, and specie disappeared. The consequent rise of exchange, +instead of being attributed to its true cause, was ascribed to the +decay of trade.</p> + +<p>The colony, having now leisure for its domestic concerns, turned its +attention to this interesting subject.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Affairs of Massachusetts.</div> + +<p>Three parties were formed. The first, a small one, actuated by the +principle that "honesty is the best policy," was in favour of calling +in the paper money, and relying on the industry of the people, to +replace it with a circulating medium of greater stability.</p> + +<p>The second proposed a private bank, which was to issue bills of +credit, to be received by all the members of the company, but at no +certain value compared with gold and silver. It was not intended to +deposit specie in the bank for the redemption of its notes as they +might be offered; but to pledge real estates as security that the +company would perform its engagements.</p> + +<p>The third party was in favour of a loan of bills from the government, +to any of the inhabitants who would mortgage real estate to secure +their re-payment in a specified term of years; the interest to be paid +annually, and applied to the support of government.</p> + +<p>The first party, perceiving its numerical weakness, joined the third; +and the whole province was divided between a public and private bank.</p> + +<p>At length, the party for the public bank prevailed in the general +court, and fifty thousand pounds were issued and placed in the hands +of trustees; to be lent for five years, at an interest of five <i>per +centum per annum</i>, one-fifth part of the principal to be paid +annually.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1716</div> + +<p>This scheme failing to improve the commerce of the colony, governor +Shute, who had succeeded Dudley, reminded the assembly of the bad +state of trade, which he ascribed to the scarcity of money; and +recommended the consideration of some effectual measures to supply +this want. The result of this recommendation was a second loan of one +hundred thousand pounds for ten years, to be placed in the hands of +commissioners in each county, in proportion to its taxes. The whole +currency soon depreciated to such a degree, that the entire sum in +circulation did not represent more real value, than was represented by +that which was circulating before the emission. The governor had now +sufficient leisure, and the general court furnished him with +sufficient motives, to reflect on the policy he had recommended. An +attempt to raise his salary as money depreciated, did not succeed, and +only the usual nominal sum was voted for his support.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1719</div> + +<p>In Massachusetts, peace abroad was the signal for dissension at home. +Independent in her opinions and habits, she had been accustomed to +consider herself rather as a sister kingdom, acknowledging one common +sovereign with England, than as a colony. The election of all the +branches of the legislature, a principle common to New England, +contributed, especially while the mother country was occupied with her +own internal divisions, to nourish these opinions and habits. Although +the new charter of Massachusetts modified the independence of that +colony, by vesting the appointment of the governor in the crown, yet +the course of thinking which had prevailed from the settlement of the +country, had gained too much strength to be immediately changed; and +Massachusetts sought, by private influence over her chief magistrate, +to compensate herself for the loss of his appointment. With this view, +it had become usual for the general court to testify its satisfaction +with his conduct by presents; and this measure was also adopted in +other colonies.</p> + +<p>Apprehending that this practice might dispose the governors to +conciliate the legislatures at the expense of their duty to the crown, +the Queen had given peremptory orders to receive no more gifts; and to +obtain acts fixing their salaries permanently at a sum named by +herself. The mandate respecting presents was, of course, obeyed; and +some of the colonies complied with the requisition respecting the +salary; but in Massachusetts and New York, it was steadily resisted.</p> + +<p>A controlling power over salaries was a source of influence which was +pertinaciously maintained; and its efficacy was tried in all the +conflicts between Massachusetts and her governor. Almost every +important measure brought before the legislature, was productive of +contests between these departments. They disagreed, not only on the +policy of particular acts, but on the limits of their power. The +governor claimed the right of negativing the speaker chosen by the +representatives, which was denied by them; and, each party persisting +in its pretensions, the assembly was dissolved, and new elections took +place. The same members being generally re-chosen, the house of +representatives assembled with increased irritation, and passed some +angry resolutions respecting its dissolution. The governor, in turn, +charged the house with encroachments on the power of the executive; +among other instances of which, he mentioned certain resolutions +passed on the commencement of hostilities by the Indians, which were +deemed equivalent to a declaration of war, and had therefore been +rejected.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1721</div> + +<p>Disagreements were multiplied between them. Paper money and trade were +inexhaustible sources of discontent. New elections produced no change +of temper. After war was formally declared against the Indians, the +house endeavoured to exercise executive powers in its prosecution; +and, the council not concurring with them, the representatives +attempted, in one instance, to act alone.</p> + +<p>The measures recommended by the governor to successive assemblies, +were disregarded; irritating resolves were adopted and reiterated; and +a course of angry crimination and recrimination took place between +them in the progress of which the governor's salary was reduced in its +nominal as well as real amount; and the sum granted, instead of being +voted, as had been usual, at the commencement of the session, was +reserved to its close.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1722</div> + +<p>In the midst of these contests, governor Shute, who had privately +solicited and obtained leave to return to England, suddenly embarked +on board the Sea Horse man of war, leaving the controversy concerning +the extent of the executive power, to devolve on the lieutenant +governor.<a name="FNanchor_127_127" id="FNanchor_127_127"></a><a href="#Footnote_127_127" class="fnanchor">[127]</a></p> + +<p>The house of representatives persisted in asserting its control over +objects which had been deemed within the province of the executive; +but its resolutions were generally negatived by the council. This +produced some altercation between the two branches of the legislature; +but they at length united in the passage of a resolution desiring +their agent in England to take the best measures for protecting the +interests of the colony, which were believed to be in danger from the +representations of governor Shute.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Intrigues of the French with the Indians.</div> + +<p>During these contests in the interior, the frontiers had suffered +severely from the depredations of the Indians. The French had acquired +great influence over all the eastern tribes. Jesuit missionaries +generally resided among them, who obtained a great ascendancy in their +councils. After the cession of Nova Scotia to Great Britain, father +Rahlé, a missionary residing among the savages of that province +exerted successfully all his address to excite their jealousies and +resentments against the English. By his acts, and those of other +missionaries, all the eastern Indians, as well as those of Canada, +were combined against New England. They made incursions into +Massachusetts, in consequence of which, some troops were detached to +the village in which Rahlé resided, for the purpose of seizing his +person. He received intimation of their approach in time to make his +escape; but they secured his papers, among which were some showing +that in exciting the savages to war against the English colonists, he +had acted under the authority of the governor of Canada, who had +secretly promised to supply them with arms and ammunition.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1726</div> + +<p>Envoys were deputed with a remonstrance against conduct so +incompatible with the state of peace then subsisting between France +and England. The governor received this embassy politely, and, at +first, denied any interference in the quarrel, alleging that the +Indians were independent nations who made war and peace without being +controlled by him. On being shown his letters to Rahlé, he changed his +language, and gave assurances of his future good offices in effecting +a peace. On the faith of these assurances, conferences were held with +some Indian chiefs then in Canada; several captives were ransomed; +<span class="sidenote">Peace.</span>and, soon after the return of the commissioners to New England, the +war was terminated by a treaty of peace signed at Boston.<a name="FNanchor_128_128" id="FNanchor_128_128"></a><a href="#Footnote_128_128" class="fnanchor">[128]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Decision against the house on the controversy with the +governor.</div> + +<p>Meanwhile the complaints of governor Shute against the house of +representatives were heard in England. Every question was decided +against the house. In most of them, the existing charter was deemed +sufficiently explicit; but, on two points, it was thought advisable to +have explanatory articles. These were, the right of the governor to +negative the appointment of the speaker, and the right of the house on +the subject of the adjournment. <span class="sidenote">New Charter.</span>An explanatory charter therefore +affirming the power claimed by the governor to negative a speaker, and +denying to the house of representatives the right of adjourning itself +for a longer time than two days. This charter was submitted to the +general court, to be accepted or refused; but it was accompanied with +the intimation that, in the event of its being refused, the whole +controversy between the governor and house of representatives would be +laid before Parliament. The conduct of the representatives had been so +generally condemned in England, as to excite fears that an act to +vacate the charter would be the consequence of a parliamentary +inquiry. The temper of the house too had undergone a change. The +violence and irritation which marked its proceedings in the contest +with governor Shute had subsided; and a majority determined to accept +the new charter.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1727</div> + +<p>The trade of the province still languished, and complaints of the +scarcity of money were as loud as when only specie was in circulation. +To remedy these evils, a bill for emitting a farther sum in paper +passed both houses, but was rejected by the lieutenant governor, as +being inconsistent with his instructions. The house of +representatives, thereupon, postponed the consideration of salaries +till the next session. The assembly was then adjourned at its own +request, and, after a recess of a fortnight, was again convened. As an +expedient to elude the instructions to the governor which interdicted +his assent to any act for issuing bills of credit, except for charges +of government, a bill passed with the title of "an act for raising and +settling a public revenue for and towards defraying the necessary +charges of government, by an emission of sixty thousand pounds in +bills of credit." This bill providing for the payment of the salaries +to which several members of the council were entitled, passed that +house also; and the lieutenant governor gave a reluctant assent to it. +Its passage into a law furnishes strong evidence of the influence +which the control over salaries gave to the house of representatives.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1728</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Contest respecting salary.</div> + +<p>Mr. Burnet, who had been appointed governor of Massachusetts and New +Hampshire, was received with great pomp in Boston. At the first +meeting of the assembly, he stated the King's instructions to insist +on an established salary, and his intention firmly to adhere to them. +The assembly was not less firm in its determination to resist this +demand; and, that no additional and unnecessary obloquy might be +encountered, resolved, not to mingle any difference concerning the +amount of the salary, with the great question of its depending on the +will of the legislature. As soon therefore as the compliments usual on +the arrival of a governor had passed, the house voted one thousand +seven hundred pounds towards his support, and to defray the charges of +his journey. This vote was understood to give him, as a present +salary, a sum equal to one thousand pounds sterling per annum. The +governor declared his inability to assent to this bill, it being +inconsistent with his instructions. After a week's deliberation, the +assembly granted three hundred pounds for the expenses of his journey, +which he accepted; and, in a distinct vote, the farther sum of one +thousand four hundred pounds was granted toward his support. The +latter vote was accompanied with a joint message from both houses, +wherein they asserted their undoubted right as Englishmen, and their +privilege by the charter, to raise and apply money for the support of +government; and their willingness to give the governor an ample and +honourable support; but they apprehended it would be most for his +majesty's service to do so without establishing a fixed salary. The +governor returned an answer on the same day, in which he said, that, +if they really intended to give him an ample and honourable support, +they could have no just objection to making their purpose effectual by +fixing his salary; for he would never accept a grant of the kind then +offered.</p> + +<p>The council was disposed to avoid the contest, and to grant a salary +to the present governor for a certain time; but the house of +representatives, remaining firm to its purpose, sent a message to the +governor requesting that the court might rise. He answered, that a +compliance with this request would put it out of the power of the +legislature to pay immediate regard to the King's instructions; and he +would not grant a recess, until the business of the session should be +finished. The representatives then declared that, "in faithfulness to +the people, they could not come into an act for establishing a salary +on the governor or commander in chief for the time being," and, +therefore, renewed their request that the court might rise.</p> + +<p>Both the governor and the house of representatives seem, thus far, to +have made their declarations with some reserve. A salary during his +own administration might, perhaps, have satisfied him, though he +demanded that one should be settled, generally, on the commander in +chief for the time being; and the house had not yet declared against +settling a salary on him for a limited time. Each desired that the +other should make some concession. Both declined; both were irritated +by long altercation; and, at length, instead of mutually advancing +fixed at the opposite extremes. After several ineffectual efforts on +each side, the representatives sent a message to the governor, stating +at large the motives which induced the resolution they had formed. The +governor returned a prompt answer, in which he also detailed the +reasons in support of the demand he had made. These two papers, +manifesting the principles and objects of both parties, deserve +attention even at this period.</p> + +<p>The house, not long after receiving this message, far from making any +advances towards a compliance with his request, came to two +resolutions strongly expressive of its determination not to recede +from the ground which had been taken.</p> + +<p>These resolutions gave the first indication, on the part of the +representatives, of a fixed purpose to make no advance towards a +compromise. They induced the governor to remind the court of the +danger to which the proceedings of that body might expose the charter. +This caution did not deter the house from preparing, and transmitting +to the several towns of the province a statement of the controversy, +which concludes with saying, "we dare neither come into a fixed salary +on the governor for ever, nor for a limited time, for the following +reasons:</p> + +<p>First, Because it is an untrodden path which neither we, nor our +predecessors have gone in, and we cannot certainly foresee the many +dangers that may be in it, nor can we depart from that way which has +been found safe and comfortable.</p> + +<p>Secondly, Because it is the undoubted right of all Englishmen, by +<i>magna charta</i>, to raise and dispose of money for the public service, +of their own free accord, without compulsion.</p> + +<p>Thirdly, Because it must necessarily lessen the dignity and freedom of +the house of representatives, in making acts, and raising and applying +taxes, &c. and, consequently, cannot be thought a proper method to +preserve that balance in the three branches of the legislature, which +seems necessary to form, maintain, and uphold, the constitution.</p> + +<p>Fourthly, Because the charter fully empowers the general assembly to +make such laws and orders as they shall judge for the good and welfare +of the inhabitants; and if they, or any part of them, judge this not +to be for their good, they neither ought nor could come into it, for, +as to act beyond or without the powers granted in the charter might +justly incur the King's displeasure, so not to act up and agreeable to +those powers, might justly be deemed a betraying of the rights and +privileges therein granted; and if they should give up this right, +they would open a door to many other inconveniences."</p> + +<p>Many messages passed in quick succession between the governor and the +house, in the course of which the arguments stated in the papers which +have been mentioned, were enlarged and diversified. At length, the +house repeated its request for an adjournment; but the governor +replied that "unless his majesty's pleasure had due weight with them, +their desires would have very little with him."</p> + +<p>The council now interposed with a resolution declaring "that it is +expedient for the court to ascertain a sum as a salary for his +excellency's support, as also the term of time for its continuance." +This resolution was transmitted to the house of representatives, and +immediately rejected.</p> + +<p>After much controversy, a small seeming advance towards an +accommodation was made. Instead of voting a salary, as had been usual, +for half a year, a grant was made to the governor of three thousand +pounds, equal to one thousand pounds sterling, to enable him to manage +the affairs of the province. This was generally understood to be a +salary for a year. The governor having withheld his assent from this +vote, the house entreated him to accept the grant; and added "we +cannot doubt but that succeeding assemblies, according to the ability +of the province, will be very ready to grant as ample a support; and +if they should not, your excellency will then have an opportunity of +showing your resentment." The governor however persisted to withhold +his assent from the vote.</p> + +<p>The colony generally, and especially Boston, was opposed to a +compliance with the instructions of the crown. At a general meeting of +the inhabitants, the town passed a vote, purporting to be unanimous +against fixing a salary on the governor. <span class="sidenote">Adjournment of the Assembly to Salem.</span>In consequence of this vote, +and of an opinion that the members of the house were influenced by the +inhabitants of the town, the governor determined to change the place +at which the court should hold its session; and on the 24th of +October, adjourned it to the 30th then to meet at Salem, in the +country of Essex.</p> + +<p>Change of place did not change the temper of the house. This was not, +as in the contests with governor Shute, an angry altercation, into +which the representatives were precipitated by a restless and +encroaching temper, but a solemn and deliberate stand, made in defence +of a right believed to be unquestionable, and of a principle deemed +essential to the welfare of the colony. The ground taken was +considered well, and maintained with firmness. Votes and messages of +the same tenor with those which had been often repeated, continued to +pass between the representatives and the governor, until the subject +was entirely exhausted. Each party being determined to adhere to its +principles, the house met and adjourned daily, without entering on +business.</p> + +<p>In the mean time, the governor received no salary. To the members of +Boston, who had not been accustomed to the expense of attending the +legislature at a distant place, a compensation, above their ordinary +wages, was made by that town.</p> + +<p>The house, firmly persuaded of the propriety of its conduct, prepared +a memorial to the King praying a change in the royal instructions to +the governor. Agents were appointed to represent the general court in +England, and a vote was passed for defraying the expenses attendant on +the business. The council refused to concur in this vote, because the +agents had been appointed by the house of representatives singly; and +the measure must have been abandoned for want of money, had not the +inhabitants of Boston raised the sum required, by subscription.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1729</div> + +<p>Letters were soon received from these agents, inclosing a report from +the board of trade, before whom they had been heard by council, +entirely disapproving the conduct of the house. The letters also +indicated that, should the house persist in its refusal to comply with +the King's instructions, the affair might be carried before +parliament. But, should even this happen, the agents thought it more +advisable that the salary should be fixed by the supreme legislature, +than by that of the province. "It was better," they said, "that the +liberties of the people should be taken from them, than given up by +themselves."</p> + +<p>The governor, at length, refused to sign a warrant on the treasury for +the wages of the members. "One branch of the legislature," he said, +"might as well go without their pay as the other." The act, and the +reason for it, were alike unsatisfactory to the house.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Death of Governor Burnet.</div> + +<p>After a recess from the 20th of December to the 2d of April, the +general court met again at Salem. Repeated meetings at that place +having produced no accommodation, the governor adjourned the +legislature to Cambridge. A few days after the commencement of the +session, he was seized with a fever, of which he died.</p> + +<p>Mr. Burnet is said to have possessed many valuable qualities; and, had +he not been engaged, by a sense of duty, in this long contest, he +would, in all probability, have been a favourite of the province.<a name="FNanchor_129_129" id="FNanchor_129_129"></a><a href="#Footnote_129_129" class="fnanchor">[129]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1730</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Arrival of Governor Belcher.</div> + +<p>Mr. Belcher, who succeeded Burnet, arrived at Boston early in August +where he was cordially received. At the first meeting of the general +court, he pressed the establishment of a permanent salary, and laid +before them his instructions, in which it was declared that, in the +event of the continued refusal of the assembly, "his majesty will find +himself under the necessity of laying the undutiful behaviour of the +province before the legislature of Great Britain, not only in this +single instance, but in many others of the same nature and tendency, +whereby it manifestly appears that this assembly, for some years last +past, have attempted, by unwarrantable practices, to weaken, if not +cast off, the obedience they owe to the crown, and the dependence +which all colonies ought to have on the mother country."</p> + +<p>At the close of these instructions, his majesty added his expectation, +"that they do forthwith comply with this proposal, as the last +signification of our royal pleasure to them on this subject, and if +the said assembly shall not think fit to comply therewith, it is our +will and pleasure, and you are required, immediately, to come over to +this kingdom of Great Britain, in order to give us an exact account of +all that shall have passed on this subject, that we may lay the same +before our parliament."</p> + +<p>The house proceeded, as in the case of governor Burnet, to make a +grant to Mr. Belcher of one thousand pounds currency for defraying the +expense of his voyage, and as a gratuity for his services while the +agent of the colony in England; and, some time after, voted a sum +equal to one thousand pounds sterling to enable him to manage the +public affairs, &c.; but fixed no time for which the allowance was +made. The council concurred in this vote, adding an amendment "and +that the same sum be annually allowed for the governor's support." The +house not agreeing to this amendment, the council carried it so as to +read "that the same sum should be annually paid during his +excellency's continuance in the government, and residence here." This +also was disagreed to and the resolution fell.</p> + +<p>The small-pox being in the town of Cambridge, the assembly was +adjourned to Roxbury.</p> + +<p>Two or three sessions passed with little more, on the part of the +governor, than a repetition of his demand for a fixed salary, and an +intimation that he should be obliged to return to England, and state +the conduct of the house of representatives to the King. Some +unsuccessful attempts were made by his friends to pass a bill fixing +the salary during his administration, with a protest against the +principle, and against that bill's being drawn into precedent. Failing +in this expedient, and finding the house inflexible, he despaired of +succeeding with that body, and turned his attention to the relaxation +of his instructions. <span class="sidenotey">1731</span>He advised an address from the house to his +majesty, praying that he might be permitted to receive the sum which +the legislature had offered to grant him. This was allowed by the +crown; with the understanding that he was still to insist on a +compliance with his instructions. Leave to accept particular grants +was obtained for two or three years successively; and, at length, a +general permission was conceded to accept such sums as might be given +by the assembly.<a name="FNanchor_130_130" id="FNanchor_130_130"></a><a href="#Footnote_130_130" class="fnanchor">[130]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Contest concerning the salary terminated.</div> + +<p>Thus was terminated, the stubborn contest concerning a permanent +salary for the governor. Its circumstances have been given more in +detail than consists with the general plan of this work, because it is +considered as exhibiting, in genuine colours, the character of the +people engaged in it. It is regarded as an early and an honourable +display of the same persevering temper in defence of principle, of the +same unconquerable spirit of liberty, which at a later day, and on a +more important question, tore the British colonies from a country to +which they had been strongly attached.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1733</div> + +<p>The immense quantity of depreciated paper which was in circulation +throughout New England, had no tendency to diminish the complaints of +the scarcity of money. Massachusetts and New Hampshire were restrained +from farther emissions by the instructions to their governors, who +received their appointments from the crown. Connecticut, engaged +chiefly in agricultural pursuits, suffered less from this depreciated +medium than her neighbours, and was less disposed to increase its +evils. Rhode Island, equally commercial with Massachusetts, and +equally fond of paper, chose her own governor, and might therefore +indulge, without restraint, her passion for a system alike +unfavourable to morals and to industry. That colony now issued one +hundred thousand pounds on loan, to its inhabitants, for twenty years. +The merchants of Boston, apprehensive that this capital would transfer +the stock of Massachusetts to Rhode Island, associated against +receiving the new emission; and many of them formed a company which +issued one hundred and ten thousand pounds, redeemable with specie, in +ten years, a tenth part annually, at the then current value of paper. +The association against receiving the new emission of Rhode Island was +not long observed; and the bills of New Hampshire and Connecticut were +also current. Silver immediately rose to twenty-seven shillings the +ounce, and the notes issued by the merchants soon disappeared, leaving +in circulation only the government paper.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1739</div> + +<p>Great uneasiness prevailed through Massachusetts on this subject. The +last instalment of the bills would become due in 1741, and no power +existed to redeem them by new emissions. Serious consequences were +apprehended from calling in the circulating medium without +substituting another in its place, and the alarm was increased by the +circumstance that the taxes had been so lightly apportioned on the +first years, as to require the imposition of heavy burdens for the +redemption of what remained in circulation. The discontents excited by +these causes were manifested in the elections, and were directed +against the governor, who was openly hostile to the paper system.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Land bank.</div> + +<p>The projector of the bank again came forward; and, placing himself at +the head of seven or eight hundred persons, some of whom possessed +property, proposed to form a company which should issue one hundred +and fifty thousand pounds in bills. By this scheme, every borrower of +a sum larger than one hundred pounds, was to mortgage real estate to +secure its re-payment. The borrowers of smaller sums might secure +their re-payment either by mortgage, or by bond with two securities. +Each subscriber, or partner was to pay, annually, three per centum +interest on the sum he should take, and five per centum of the +principal, either in the bills themselves, or in the produce and +manufactures of the country, at such rates as the directors should, +from time to time, establish.</p> + +<p>Although the favourers of this project were so successful at the +elections as to obtain a great majority in the general court, men of +fortune, and the principal merchants, refused to receive these bills. +Many small traders, however, and other persons interested in the +circulation of a depreciated currency, gave them credit. The directors +themselves, it was said, became traders; and issued bills without +limitation, and without giving security for their redemption. The +governor, anticipating the pernicious effects of the institution, +exerted all his influence against it. He displaced such executive +officers as were members of it, and negatived the speaker, and +thirteen members elected to the council, who were also of the company. +<span class="sidenotey">1740</span><span class="sidenote">Company dissolved.</span>General confusion being apprehended, application was made to +parliament for an act to suppress the company. This being readily +obtained, the company was dissolved, and the holders of the bills were +allowed their action against its members, individually.<a name="FNanchor_131_131" id="FNanchor_131_131"></a><a href="#Footnote_131_131" class="fnanchor">[131]</a></p> + +<p>About this time governor Belcher was recalled, and Mr. Shirley was +appointed to succeed him. He found the land bank interest predominant +in the house, and the treasury empty.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1741</div> + +<p>In this state of things, he deemed it necessary to depart from the +letter of his instructions, in order to preserve their spirit. A bill +was passed declaring that all contracts should be understood to be +payable in silver at six shillings and eight pence the ounce, or in +gold at its comparative value. Bills of a new form were issued, +purporting to be for ounces of silver, which were to be received in +payment of all debts, with this proviso, that if they should +depreciate between the time of contract and of payment, a proportional +addition should be made to the debt.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Affairs of New York.</div> + +<p>While these transactions were passing in New England, symptoms of that +jealousy which an unsettled boundary must produce between neighbours, +began to show themselves in Canada and New York. The geographical +situation of these colonies had, at an early period, directed the +attention of both towards the commerce of the lakes. Mr. Burnet, the +governor both of New York and New Jersey, impressed with the +importance of acquiring the command of lake Ontario, had, in the year +1722, erected a trading house at Oswego in the country of the Senecas. +This measure excited the jealousy of the French, who launched two +vessels on the lake, and transported materials to Niagara for building +a large store house, and for repairing the fort at that place. These +proceedings were strongly opposed by the Senecas, and by the +government of New York. Mr. Burnet remonstrated against them as +encroachments on a British province, and also addressed administration +on the subject. Complaints were made to the cabinet of Versailles; but +the governor of Canada proceeded to complete the fort. To countervail +the effects of a measure which he could not prevent, governor Burnet +erected a fort at Oswego; soon after the building of which, while Mr. +Vandam was governor of New York, the French took possession of Crown +Point, which they fortified; and thus acquired the command of lake +Champlain. Obviously as this measure was calculated to favour both the +offensive and defensive operations of France in America, the English +minister, after an unavailing remonstrance, submitted to it.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>War with the southern Indians.... Dissatisfaction of +Carolina with the proprietors.... Rupture with Spain.... +Combination to subvert the proprietary government.... +Revolution completed.... Expedition from the Havanna against +Charleston.... Peace with Spain.... The proprietors +surrender their interest to the crown.... The province +divided.... Georgia settled.... Impolicy of the first +regulations.... Intrigues of the Spaniards with the slaves +of South Carolina.... Insurrection of the slaves.</b></p></div> + +<p> </p> + + +<div class="sidenotey">1715</div> + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">In</span> Carolina, the contests between the inhabitants and the proprietors, +added to the favour with which the Queen heard the complaints of the +dissenters, had turned the attention of the people towards the crown, +and produced a strong desire to substitute the regal, for the +proprietary government. This desire was increased by an event which +demonstrated the incompetency of their government.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">War with the Indians.</div> + +<p>The Yamassees, a powerful tribe of Indians on the north east of the +Savanna, instigated by the Spaniards at St. Augustine, secretly +prepared a general combination of all the southern Indians, against +the province. Having massacred the traders settled among them, they +advanced in great force against the southern frontier, spreading +desolation and slaughter on their route. The inhabitants were driven +into Charleston; and governor Craven proclaimed martial law. He also +obtained an act of assembly empowering him to impress men; to seize +arms, ammunition, and stores; to arm such negroes as could be trusted; +and, generally, to prosecute the war with the utmost vigour. Agents +were sent to Virginia and to England to solicit assistance, and bills +were issued for the payment and subsistence of the army.</p> + +<p>At the same time, the Indians entered the northern part of the +province, and were within fifty miles of the capital. Thus surrounded +by enemies, the governor took the course which was suggested equally +by courage and by prudence. Leaving the less active part of the +population to find security in the forts at Charleston, he marched +with the militia, towards the southern frontier, which was invaded by +the strongest body of Indians; and, at a place called Salt Catchers, +attacked and totally defeated them. The victors pursued them into +their own country, expelled them from it, and drove them over the +Savanna river. The fugitives found protection in Florida, where they +made a new settlement, from which they continued long afterwards, to +make distressing incursions into Carolina.</p> + +<p>The agent who had been sent by the legislature to England to implore +the protection of the proprietors, had received ulterior instructions, +should he not succeed with them, to apply directly to the King. Being +dissatisfied with his reception by the proprietors, he petitioned the +house of commons, who addressed the King, praying his interposition, +and immediate assistance to the colony. The King referred the matter +to the lords commissioners of trade and plantations, whose report was +unfavourable to the application, because the province of Carolina was +a proprietary government. They were of opinion that, if the colony was +to be protected at the expense of the nation, its government ought to +be vested in the crown. On receiving this opinion, the proprietors, in +a general meeting, avowed their inability to protect the province, and +declared that, unless his majesty would graciously please to +interpose, they could foresee nothing but the utter destruction of his +faithful subjects in those parts.</p> + +<p>A government unable to afford protection to the people, was ill +adapted to the situation of Carolina.</p> + +<p>The dissatisfaction growing out of this cause was still farther +augmented by the unpopular, and, in some instances, unwise acts of the +proprietors.</p> + +<p>To relieve the distress produced by war, considerable sums of paper +money had been issued; and the proprietors, on the complaint of the +merchants, of London engaged in the trade of the province, had given +instructions to reduce the quantity in circulation.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1715 to 1717</div> + +<p>The assembly had appropriated the country of the Yamassees, to the use +of such of his majesty's European subjects, as would settle it. +Extracts from the law on this subject being published in England, and +in Ireland, five hundred men from the latter kingdom emigrated to +Carolina. The proprietors repealed this law; and, to the utter ruin of +the emigrants, as well as to the destruction of this barrier against +the savages, ordered the lands to be surveyed, and erected into +baronies, for themselves.</p> + +<p>While the population was confined to the neighbourhood of Charleston, +all the members of the assembly had been elected at that place. As the +settlements extended, this practice became inconvenient; and an act +was passed, declaring that every parish should choose a certain number +of representatives, and that the elections should be held, in each, at +the parish church. As if to destroy themselves in the province, the +proprietors repealed this popular law also.</p> + +<p>Heavy expenses being still incurred for defence against the inroads of +the southern Indians, the people complained loudly of the +insufficiency of that government which, unable itself to protect them, +prevented the interposition of the crown in their favour.</p> + +<p>In this temper, governor Johnson, son of the former governor of that +name, found the province. He met the assembly with a conciliatory +speech, and received an answer expressing great satisfaction at his +appointment. His original popularity was increased by the courage he +displayed in two expeditions against a formidable band of pirates who +had long infested the coast, which he entirely extirpated.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1717</div> + +<p>These expeditions occasioned still farther emissions of paper money. +The governor, being instructed to diminish its quantity, had influence +enough with the assembly to obtain an act for redeeming the bills of +credit, in three years, by a tax on lands and negroes. This tax +falling heavily on the planters, they sought to elude it by obtaining +an act for a farther emission of bills. The proprietors, being +informed of this design, and also of an intention to make the produce +of the country a tender in payment of all debts, at a fixed value, +enjoined the governor not to give his assent to any bill, until it +should be laid before them.</p> + +<p>About the same time, the King, by an order in council, signified his +desire to the proprietors, that they would repeal an act passed in +Carolina, for imposing a duty of ten per centum on all goods of +British manufacture imported into the province. The repeal of this +act, and of one declaring the right of the assembly to name a receiver +of the public money, and of the election law, were transmitted to the +governor, in a letter directing him to dissolve the assembly, and to +hold a new election at Charleston, according to ancient usage.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1718</div> + +<p>The assembly being employed in devising means for raising revenue, +their dissolution was deferred; but the repeal of the law imposing +duties, and the royal displeasure at the clause laying a duty on +British manufactures, were immediately communicated, with a +recommendation to pass another act, omitting that clause.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the governor's instructions were divulged. They excited +great irritation; and produced a warm debate on the right of the +proprietors to repeal a law enacted with the consent of their deputy +in the province.</p> + +<p>About this time, chief justice Trott, who had become extremely +unpopular in the colony, was charged with many iniquitous proceedings; +and the governor, the major part of the council, and the assembly, +united in a memorial representing his malpractices to the proprietors. +<span class="sidenotey">1719</span>Mr. Young was deputed their agent to enforce these complaints.</p> + +<p>Soon after his arrival in London, he presented a memorial to the +proprietors, detailing the proceedings of Carolina, and stating the +objections of the assembly to the right of their lordships to repeal +laws, which had been approved by their deputies.</p> + +<p>This memorial was very unfavourably received, and the members of the +council who had subscribed it, were displaced. The proprietors +asserted their right to repeal all laws passed in the province, +approved the conduct of the chief justice, censured that of the +governor in disobeying their instructions respecting the dissolution +of the assembly, and repeated their orders on this subject.</p> + +<p>However the governor might disapprove the instructions given him, he +did not hesitate to obey them. The new council was summoned, the +assembly was dissolved, and writs were issued for electing another at +Charleston.</p> + +<p>The public mind had been gradually prepared for a revolution, and +these irritating measures completed the disgust with which the people +viewed the government of the proprietors. An opportunity to make the +change so generally desired was soon afforded. <span class="sidenote">War with Spain.</span>A rupture having taken +place between Great Britain and Spain, advice was received from +England of a plan formed in the Havanna for the invasion of Carolina. +The governor convened the council, and such members of the assembly as +were in town, and laid his intelligence before them. He, at the same +time, stated the ruinous condition of the fortifications, and proposed +that a sum for repairing them should be raised, by voluntary +subscription, of which he set the example by a liberal donation.</p> + +<p>The assembly declared a subscription to be unnecessary, as the duties +would afford an ample fund for the object. The repeal of the law +imposing them was said to be utterly void, and would be disregarded.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Combination to subvert the government.</div> + +<p>The members of the new assembly, though they had not been regularly +convened at Charleston, had held several private meetings in the +country to concert measures of future resistance. They had drawn up an +association for uniting the whole province in opposition to the +proprietary government, which was proposed to the militia at their +public meetings, and subscribed almost unanimously. This confederacy +was formed with such secrecy and dispatch, that, before the governor +was informed of it, almost every inhabitant of the province was +engaged in it.</p> + +<p>The members of the assembly, thus supported by the people, resolved to +subvert the power of the proprietors.</p> + +<p>The governor, who resided in the country, had no intimation of these +secret meetings and transactions, until he received a letter from a +committee of the representatives of the people, offering him the +government of the province under the King; it having been determined +to submit no longer to that of the proprietors.</p> + +<p>Mr. Johnson resolved to suppress this spirit of revolt, and hastened +to town in order to lay the letter before his council. They advised +him to take no notice of it, until the legislature should be regularly +convened. On meeting, the assembly declared, "that the laws, pretended +to be repealed, continued to be in force; and that no power, other +than the general assembly, could repeal them: That the writs under +which they were elected were void, inasmuch as they had been issued by +advice of an unconstitutional council: That the representatives +cannot, therefore, act as an assembly, but as a convention delegated +by the people to prevent the utter ruin of the government: And, +lastly, that the lords proprietors had unhinged the frame of the +government, and forfeited their right thereto; and that an address be +prepared to desire the honourable Robert Johnson, the present +governor, to take on himself the government of the province in the +name of the King." The address was signed by Arthur Middleton, as +president of the convention, and by twenty-two members.</p> + +<p>After several unavailing efforts, on the part of the assembly, to +induce Mr. Johnson to accept the government under the King; and, on +his part, to reinstate the government of the proprietors; he issued a +proclamation dissolving the assembly, and retired into the country.</p> + +<p>The proclamation was torn from the hands of the officer, and the +assembly elected colonel James Moore chief magistrate of the colony.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Revolution completed.</div> + +<p>After proclaiming him in the name of the King, and electing a council, +the legislature published a declaration stating the revolution that +had taken place, with the causes which produced it; and then +proceeded, deliberately to manage the affairs of the province.</p> + +<p>While Carolina was effecting this revolution, the agent of the colony +obtained a hearing before the lords of the regency and council in +England, (the King being then in Hanover) who were of opinion that the +proprietors had forfeited their charter. They ordered the attorney +general to take out a <i>scire facias</i> against it, and appointed Francis +Nicholson provisional governor of the province under the King. He was +received with universal joy; and the people of Carolina passed, with +great satisfaction, from the proprietary government to the immediate +dominion of the crown. <span class="sidenote">The proprietors surrender to the crown.</span>This revolution was completed by an agreement +between the crown and seven of the proprietors, whereby, for the sum +of seventeen thousand five hundred pounds sterling, they surrendered +their right and interest both in the government and soil. This +agreement was confirmed by an act of parliament; soon after which John +Lord Carteret, the remaining proprietor, also surrendered all his +interest in the government, but retained his rights of property.<a name="FNanchor_132_132" id="FNanchor_132_132"></a><a href="#Footnote_132_132" class="fnanchor">[132]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1721</div> + +<p>Carolina received with joy the same form of government which had been +bestowed on her sister colonies. The people pleased with their +situation, and secure of protection, turned their attention to +domestic and agricultural pursuits; and the face of the country soon +evidenced the happy effects which result from contented industry, +directed by those who are to receive its fruits. <span class="sidenotey">1732</span><span class="sidenote">The province divided.</span>For the convenience +of the inhabitants, the province was divided; and was, thenceforward, +distinguished by the names of North and South Carolina.<a name="FNanchor_133_133" id="FNanchor_133_133"></a><a href="#Footnote_133_133" class="fnanchor">[133]</a></p> + +<p>About this period, the settlement of a new colony was planned in +England. The tract of country lying between the rivers Savanna and +Alatamaha being unoccupied by Europeans, a company was formed for the +humane purpose of transplanting into this wilderness, the suffering +poor of the mother country. This territory, now denominated Georgia, +was granted to the company; and a corporation, consisting of +twenty-one persons, was created under the name of "trustees for +settling and establishing the colony of Georgia." Large sums of money +were subscribed for transporting, and furnishing with necessaries, +such poor people as should be willing to pass the Atlantic, and to +seek the means of subsistence in a new world. One hundred and sixteen +persons embarked at Gravesend, under the conduct of Mr. James +Oglethorpe, one of the trustees, who, after landing at Charleston, +proceeded to the tract of country allotted for the new colony, and +laid the foundation of the town of Savanna, on the river which bears +that name. <span class="sidenote">Georgia settled.</span>A small fort was erected on its bank, in which some guns +were mounted; and a treaty was held with the Creek Indians, from whom +the cession of a considerable tract was obtained.</p> + +<p>The trustees continued to make great efforts for the accomplishment of +their object, and settled several companies of emigrants in Georgia. +Unfortunately, the wisdom of their regulations did not equal the +humanity of their motives. Totally unacquainted with the country they +were to govern, they devised a system for it, rather calculated to +impede than to promote its population.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1733</div> + +<p>Considering each male inhabitant both as a soldier and a planter, to +be provided with arms and ammunition for defence as well as with +utensils for cultivation, they adopted the pernicious resolution of +introducing such tenures for holding lands as were most favourable to +a military establishment. <span class="sidenote">Impolicy of the first regulation.</span>Each tract granted, was considered as a +military fief, for which the possessor was to appear in arms, and take +the field, when required for the public defence. The grants were in +<i>tail male</i>; and, on the termination of the estate, the lands were to +revert to the trust, to be re-granted to such persons as would most +benefit the colony. Any lands which should not be enclosed, cleared, +and cultivated, within eighteen years, reverted to the trust. The +importation of negroes, and of rum, was prohibited; and those only +were allowed to trade with the Indians, to whom a license should be +given.</p> + +<p>However specious the arguments in support of these regulations might +appear to the trustees, human ingenuity could scarcely have devised a +system better calculated to defeat their hopes.</p> + +<p>The tenure of lands drove the settlers into Carolina where that +property might be acquired in fee simple. The prohibition of slavery +rendered the task of opening the country, too heavy to be successfully +undertaken in that burning climate; and the restriction on their trade +to the West Indies, deprived them of the only market for lumber, an +article in which they abounded.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1734</div> + +<p>Mr. Oglethorpe's first employment was the construction of +fortifications for defence. He erected one fort on the Savanna, at +Augusta, and another on an island of the Alatamaha, called Frederica, +for defence against the Indians and the inhabitants of Florida. The +Spaniards remonstrated against them; and a commissioner from the +Havanna insisted on the evacuation of the country to the thirty-third +degree of north latitude, which he claimed in the name of the King of +Spain; but this remonstrance and claim were equally disregarded.</p> + +<p>The restrictions imposed by the trustees, on the inhabitants of +Georgia, were too oppressive to be endured in silence. They +remonstrated, particularly, against the tenure by which their lands +were held, and against the prohibition of the introduction of slaves. +These complaints, the result of experience, were addressed to persons +ignorant of the condition of the petitioners, and were neglected. The +colony languished; while South Carolina, not unlike Georgia both in +soil and climate, advanced with considerable rapidity. Although +emigration was encouraged by paying the passage money of the +emigrants, by furnishing them with clothes, arms, ammunition, and +implements of husbandry, by maintaining their families for the first +year, and, in some instances, by furnishing them with stock; yet the +unwise policy, which has been mentioned, more than counterbalanced +these advantages; and for ten years, during which time the exports +from Carolina more than doubled, the settlers in Georgia could, with +difficulty, obtain a scanty subsistence.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1737</div> + +<p>The differences between Great Britain and Spain not admitting of +adjustment, both nations prepared for war. The Spaniards strengthened +East Florida; and the British government ordered a regiment, +consisting of six hundred effective men, into Georgia. The command of +the troops, both of Georgia and Carolina, was given to major general +Oglethorpe, who fixed his headquarters at Frederica.</p> + +<p>Before hostilities had commenced, the Spaniards at St. Augustine +engaged in criminal intrigues among the blacks of Carolina. Agents had +been secretly employed in seducing the slaves of that province to +escape to St. Augustine, where liberty was promised them, and where +they were formed into a regiment officered by themselves. Hitherto +these practices had been attended only with the loss of property; but, +about this time, the evil assumed a much more alarming form. <span class="sidenote">Insurrection of the slaves.</span>A large +number of slaves assembled at Stono, where they forced a warehouse +containing arms and ammunition, murdered the whites in possession of +it, and, after choosing a captain, directed their march south +westward, with drums beating and colours flying. On their march, they +massacred the whites, seized all the arms they could find, and forced +such blacks as did not voluntarily join them, to follow their party. +Intoxicated with ardent spirits, and with their short lived success, +they considered their work as already achieved, and halted in an open +field, where the time which might have been employed in promoting +their design, was devoted to dancing and exultation. Fortunately, the +people of the neighbourhood had assembled on the same day, to attend +divine service; and, as was then directed by law, all the men came +armed. They marched immediately against the blacks, whom they +completely surprised. Many were killed, and the residue dispersed or +taken. Thus the insurrection was suppressed on the day of its +commencement; and such of its leaders as survived the battle were +immediately executed.</p> + +<p>During the long repose, which the pacific temper of the duke of +Orleans, Regent of France during the minority of Louis XV. and the +equally pacific temper of sir Robert Walpole, minister of England, +gave to their respective countries, the British colonies in America +had increased rapidly in population and in wealth. Lands were cheap, +and subsistence easily acquired. From New York to Virginia inclusive, +no enemy existed to restrain new settlements, and no fears of +inability to maintain a family, checked the natural propensity to +early marriages. The people were employed in cultivating the earth, +and in spreading themselves over the vast regions which were open to +them; and, during this period, their history furnishes none of those +remarkable events which interest posterity.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>War declared against Spain.... Expedition against St. +Augustine.... Georgia invaded.... Spaniards land on an +island in the Alatamaha.... Appearance of a fleet from +Charleston.... Spanish army re-embarks.... Hostilities with +France.... Expedition against Louisbourg.... Louisbourg +surrenders.... Great plans of the belligerent powers.... +Misfortunes of the armament under the duke D'Anville.... The +French fleet dispersed by a storm.... Expedition against +Nova Scotia.... Treaty of Aix la Chapelle.... Paper money of +Massachusetts redeemed.... Contests between the French and +English respecting boundaries.... Statement respecting the +discovery of the Mississippi.... Scheme for connecting +Louisiana with Canada.... Relative strength of the French +and English colonies.... Defeat at the Little Meadows.... +Convention at Albany.... Plan of union.... Objected to both +in America and Great Britain.</b></p></div> + +<p> </p> + + +<div class="sidenotey">1739</div> + +<div class="sidenote">War with Spain.</div> + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">The</span> increasing complaints of the merchants, and the loud clamours of +the nation, at length forced the minister to abandon his pacific +system; and war was declared against Spain. A squadron commanded by +admiral Vernon was detached to the West Indies, with instructions to +act offensively; and general Oglethorpe was ordered to annoy the +settlements in Florida. He planned an expedition against St. +Augustine, and requested the assistance of South Carolina. That +colony, ardently desiring the expulsion of neighbours alike feared and +hated, entered zealously into the views of the general, and agreed to +furnish the men and money he requested. A regiment, commanded by +colonel Vanderdussen, was immediately raised in Virginia and the two +Carolinas. A body of Indians was also engaged, and captain Price, who +commanded the small fleet on that station, promised his co-operation. +These arrangements being made, and the mouth of St. John's river, on +the coast of Florida, being appointed as the place, of rendezvous +general Oglethorpe hastened to Georgia, to prepare his regiment for +the expedition.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1740</div> + +<p>Those unexpected impediments, which always embarrass military +movements conducted by men without experience, having delayed the +arrival of his northern troops, Oglethorpe entered Florida at the head +of his own regiment, aided by a party of Indians; and invested Diego, +a small fort about twenty-five miles from St. Augustine, which +capitulated after a short resistance. He then returned to the place of +rendezvous, where he was joined by colonel Vanderdussen, and by a +company of Highlanders under the command of captain M'Intosh; a few +days after which, he marched with his whole force, consisting of about +two thousand men, to fort Moosa, in the neighbourhood of St. +Augustine, which was evacuated on his approach. The general now +perceived that the enterprise would be attended with more difficulty +than had been anticipated. In the time which intervened between his +entering Florida and appearing before the town, supplies of provisions +had been received from the country, and six Spanish half gallies +carrying long brass nine pounders, and two sloops laden with +provisions, had entered the harbour. Finding the place better +fortified than had been expected, he determined to invest it +completely, and to advance by regular approaches. In execution of this +plan, colonel Palmer, with ninety-five Highlanders, and forty-two +Indians, remained at fort Moosa, while the army took different +positions near the town, and began an ineffectual bombardment from the +island of Anastasia. The general was deliberating on a plan for +forcing the harbour and taking a nearer position, when colonel Palmer +was surprised, and his detachment cut to pieces. At the same time some +small vessels from the Havanna, with a reinforcement of men and supply +of provisions, entered the harbour through the narrow channel of the +Matanzas.</p> + +<p>The army began to despair of success; and the provincials, enfeebled +by the heat, dispirited by sickness, and fatigued by fruitless +efforts, marched away in large bodies. The navy being ill supplied +with provisions, and the season for hurricanes approaching, captain +Price was unwilling to hazard his majesty's ships on that coast. The +general, labouring under a fever, finding his regiment, as well as +himself, worn out with fatigue, and rendered unfit for action by +disease; reluctantly abandoned the enterprise, and returned to +Frederica.</p> + +<p>The colonists, disappointed and chagrined by the failure of the +expedition, attributed this misfortune entirely to the incapacity of +the general, who was not less dissatisfied with them. Whatever may +have been the true causes of the failure, it produced a mutual and +injurious distrust between the general and the colonists.<a name="FNanchor_134_134" id="FNanchor_134_134"></a><a href="#Footnote_134_134" class="fnanchor">[134]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1742</div> + +<p>The events of the war soon disclosed the dangers resulting from this +want of confidence in general Oglethorpe, and, still more, from the +want of power to produce a co-operation of the common force for the +common defence.</p> + +<p>Spain had ever considered the settlement of Georgia as an encroachment +on her territory, and had cherished the intention to seize every +proper occasion to dislodge the English by force. With this view, an +armament consisting of two thousand men, commanded by Don Antonio di +Ridondo, embarked at the Havanna, under convoy of a strong squadron, +and arrived at St. Augustine in May. The fleet having been seen on its +passage, notice of its approach was given to general Oglethorpe, who +communicated the intelligence to governor Glenn of South Carolina, and +urged the necessity of sending the troops of that province to his +assistance.</p> + +<p>Georgia being a barrier for South Carolina, the policy of meeting an +invading army on the frontiers of the former, especially one +containing several companies composed of negroes who had fled from the +latter, was too obvious not to be perceived: yet either from prejudice +against Oglethorpe, or the disposition inherent in separate +governments to preserve their own force for their own defence, +Carolina refused to give that general any assistance. Its attention +was directed entirely to the defence of Charleston; and the +inhabitants of its southern frontier, instead of marching to the camp +of Oglethorpe, fled to that city for safety. In the mean time, the +general collected a few Highlanders, and rangers of Georgia, together +with as many Indian warriors as would join him, and determined to +defend Frederica.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Georgia invaded.</div> + +<p>Late in June, the Spanish fleet, consisting of thirty-two sail, +carrying above three thousand men, crossed Simon's bar into Jekyl +sound, and passing Simon's fort, then occupied by general Oglethorpe, +proceeded up the Alatamaha, out of the reach of his guns; after which, +the troops landed on the island, and erected a battery of twenty +eighteen pounders.</p> + +<p>Fort Simon's being indefensible, Oglethorpe retreated to Frederica. +His whole force, exclusive of Indians, amounted to little more than +seven hundred men, a force which could only enable him to act on the +defensive until the arrival of reinforcements which he still expected +from South Carolina. The face of the country was peculiarly favorable +to this system of operations. Its thick woods and deep morasses +opposed great obstacles to the advance of an invading enemy, not well +acquainted with the paths which passed through them. Oglethorpe turned +these advantages to the best account. In an attempt made by the +Spanish general to pierce these woods in order to reach Frederica, +several sharp rencounters took place; in one of which he lost a +captain and two lieutenants killed, and above one hundred privates +taken prisoners. He then changed his plan of operations; and, +abandoning his intention of forcing his way to Frederica by land, +called in his parties, kept his men under cover of his cannon, and +detached some vessels up the river, with a body of troops on board, to +reconnoitre the fort, and draw the attention of the English to that +quarter.</p> + +<p>About this time, an English prisoner escaped from the Spaniards, and +informed general Oglethorpe that a difference existed between the +troops from Cuba, and those from St. Augustine, which had been carried +so far that they encamped in separate places. This intelligence +suggested the idea of attacking them while divided; and his perfect +knowledge of the woods favoured the hope of surprising one of their +encampments. In execution of this design, he drew out the flower of +his army, and marched in the night, unobserved, within two miles of +the Spanish camp. There, his troops halted, and he advanced, himself, +at the head of a select corps, to reconnoitre the situation of the +enemy. While he was using the utmost circumspection to obtain the +necessary information without being discovered, a French soldier of +his party discharged his musket, and ran into the Spanish lines. +Discovery defeating every hope of success, the general retreated to +Frederica.</p> + +<p>Oglethorpe, confident that the deserter would disclose his weakness, +devised an expedient which turned the event to advantage. He wrote to +the deserter as if in concert with him, directing him to give the +Spanish general such information as might induce him to attack +Frederica; hinting also at an attempt meditated by admiral Vernon on +St. Augustine, and at late advices from Carolina, giving assurances of +a reinforcement of two thousand men. He then tampered with one of the +Spanish prisoners, who, for a small bribe, promised to deliver this +letter to the deserter, after which, he was permitted to escape. The +prisoner, as was foreseen delivered the letter to his general, who +ordered the deserter to be put in irons; and, was, in no small degree, +embarrassed to determine whether the letter ought to be considered as +a stratagem to save Frederica, and induce the abandonment of the +enterprise; or as real instructions to direct the conduct of a spy. +While hesitating on the course to be pursued, his doubts were removed +by one of those incidents, which have so much influence on human +affairs.</p> + +<p>The assembly of South Carolina had voted a supply of money to general +Oglethorpe; and the governor had ordered some ships of force to his +aid. These appeared off the coast while the principal officers of the +Spanish army were yet deliberating on the letter. They deliberated no +longer. <span class="sidenote">Spanish army re-embarks in confusion.</span>The whole army was seized with a panic; and, after setting +fire to the fort, embarked in great hurry and confusion, leaving +behind several pieces of heavy artillery, and a large quantity of +provisions and military stores.</p> + +<p>Thus was Georgia delivered from an invasion which threatened the total +subjugation of the province.</p> + +<p>The ill success of these reciprocal attempts at conquest, seems to +have discouraged both parties; and the Spanish and English colonies, +in the neighbourhood of each other, contented themselves, for the +residue of the war, with guarding their own frontiers.</p> + +<p>The connexion between the branches of the house of Bourbon was too +intimate for the preservation of peace with France, during the +prosecution of war against Spain. Both nations expected and prepared +for hostilities. War had commenced in fact, though not in form, on the +continent of Europe; but as they carried on their military operations +as auxiliaries, in support of the contending claims of the elector of +Bavaria, and the queen of Hungary, to the imperial throne, they +preserved in America a suspicious and jealous suspension of hostility, +rather than a real peace.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1744</div> + +<p>This state of things was interrupted by a sudden incursion of the +French into Nova Scotia.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Hostilities with France.</div> + +<p>The governor of Cape Breton having received information that France +and Great Britain had become principals in the war, took possession of +de Canseau with a small military and naval force, and made the +garrison, and inhabitants prisoners of war. This enterprise was +followed by an attempt on Annapolis, which was defeated by the timely +arrival of a reinforcement from Massachusetts. These offensive +operations stimulated the English colonists to additional efforts to +expel such dangerous neighbors, and to unite the whole northern +continent bordering on the Atlantic, under one common sovereign.</p> + +<p>The island of Cape Breton, so denominated from one of its capes, lies +between the 45th and 47th degree of north latitude, at the distance of +fifteen leagues from Cape Ray, the south western extremity of +Newfoundland. Its position rendered the possession of it very material +to the commerce of France; and the facility with which the fisheries +might be annoyed from its ports, gave it an importance to which it +could not otherwise have been entitled. Thirty millions of +livres,<a name="FNanchor_135_135" id="FNanchor_135_135"></a><a href="#Footnote_135_135" class="fnanchor">[135]</a> and the labour of twenty-five years, had been employed on +its fortifications. From its strength, and still more from the +numerous privateers that issued from its ports, it had been termed the +Dunkirk<a name="FNanchor_136_136" id="FNanchor_136_136"></a><a href="#Footnote_136_136" class="fnanchor">[136]</a> of America. On this place, governor Shirley meditated an +attack.</p> + +<p>The prisoners taken at Canseau, and others who had been captured at +sea and carried to Louisbourg, were sent to Boston. The information +they gave, if it did not originally suggest this enterprise, +contributed greatly to its adoption. They said that Duvivier had gone +to France to solicit assistance for the conquest of Nova Scotia, in +the course of the ensuing campaign; and that the store ships from +France for Cape Breton, not having arrived on the coast until it was +blocked up with ice, had retired to the West Indies.</p> + +<p>In several letters addressed to administration, governor Shirley +represented the danger to which Nova Scotia was exposed, and pressed +for naval assistance. These letters were sent by captain Ryal, an +officer of the garrison which had been taken at Canseau, whose +knowledge of Louisbourg, of Cape Breton, and of Nova Scotia, enabled +him to make such representations to the lords of the admiralty, as +were calculated to promote the views of the northern colonies.</p> + +<p>The governor was not disappointed. Orders were dispatched to commodore +Warren, then in the West Indies, to proceed towards the north, early +in the spring; and to employ such a force as might be necessary to +protect the northern colonies in their trade and fisheries, as well as +to distress the enemy. On these subjects, he was instructed to consult +with Shirley, to whom orders of the same date were written, directing +him to assist the King's ships with transports, men, and provisions.</p> + +<p>Such deep impression had the design of taking Louisbourg made on the +mind of Shirley, that he did not wait for intelligence of the +reception given to his application for naval assistance. He was +induced to decide on engaging in the enterprise, even without such +assistance, by the representations of Mr. Vaughan, son of the +lieutenant governor of New Hampshire, a man of a sanguine and ardent +temper, who could think nothing impracticable which he wished to +achieve. Mr. Vaughan had never been at Louisbourg, but had learned +something of the strength of the place, from fishermen and others; and +the bold turn of his mind suggested the idea of surprising it. There +is something infectious in enthusiasm, whatever be its object; and +Vaughan soon communicated his own convictions to Shirley.<a name="FNanchor_137_137" id="FNanchor_137_137"></a><a href="#Footnote_137_137" class="fnanchor">[137]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1745</div> + +<p>The governor informed the general court that he had a proposition of +great importance to communicate, and requested that the members would +take an oath of secrecy, previous to his laying it before them. This +novel request being complied with, he submitted his plan for attacking +Louisbourg. It was referred to a committee of both houses; the +arguments for and against the enterprise were temperately considered; +and the part suggested by prudence prevailed. The expedition was +thought too great, too hazardous, and too expensive.</p> + +<p>The report of the committee was approved by the house of +representatives, and the expedition was supposed to be abandoned; but, +notwithstanding the precaution taken to secure secrecy, the subject +which had occupied the legislature was divulged,<a name="FNanchor_138_138" id="FNanchor_138_138"></a><a href="#Footnote_138_138" class="fnanchor">[138]</a> and the people +took a deep interest in it. Numerous petitions were presented, praying +the general court to re-consider its vote, and to adopt the +proposition of the governor. Among the several arguments urged in its +favour, that which the petitioners pressed most earnestly, was the +necessity of acquiring Louisbourg, to save the fisheries from ruin.</p> + +<p>The subject being re-considered, a resolution in favour of the +enterprise was carried by a single voice, in the absence of several +members known to be against it. Yet all parties manifested equal zeal +for its success. A general embargo was laid, and messengers were +despatched to the several governments as far south as Pennsylvania, +soliciting their aid. These solicitations succeeded only in the +northern provinces. There being at that time no person in New England +who had acquired any military reputation, the chief command was +conferred on colonel Pepperel, a merchant, who was also a large land +holder, and was highly respected throughout Massachusetts.<a name="FNanchor_139_139" id="FNanchor_139_139"></a><a href="#Footnote_139_139" class="fnanchor">[139]</a></p> + +<p>All ranks of men combined to facilitate the enterprise, and those +circumstances which are beyond human control, also concurred to favour +the general wish.</p> + +<p>The governors of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, whose orders forbade +their assent to a farther emission of bills of credit, departed from +their instructions to promote this favourite project; the people +submitted to impressments of their property; and a mild winter gave no +interruption to their warlike preparations.</p> + +<p>The troops of Massachusetts,<a name="FNanchor_140_140" id="FNanchor_140_140"></a><a href="#Footnote_140_140" class="fnanchor">[140]</a> New Hampshire, and Connecticut, +amounting to rather more than four thousand men, assembled at Canseau +about the middle of April; soon after which, to the great joy of the +colonial troops, admiral Warren arrived, with a considerable part of +his fleet. The army then embarked for Chapeau-rouge bay, and the fleet +cruised off Louisbourg.</p> + +<p>After repulsing a small detachment of French troops, the landing was +effected; and, in the course of the night, a body of about four +hundred men led by Vaughan, marched round to the north east part of +the harbour, and set fire to a number of warehouses containing +spirituous liquors and naval stores. The smoke being driven by the +wind into the grand battery, caused such darkness that the men placed +in it were unable to distinguish objects; and, being apprehensive of +an attack from the whole English army, abandoned the fort and fled +into the town.</p> + +<p>The next morning, as Vaughan was returning to camp with only thirteen +men, he ascended the hill which overlooked the battery, and observing +that the chimneys in the barracks were without smoke, and the staff +without its flag, he hired an Indian, with a bottle of rum, to crawl +through an embrasure, and open the gate. Vaughan entered with his men +and defended the battery against a party then landing to regain +possession until the arrival of a reinforcement.</p> + +<p>For fourteen nights successively, the troops were employed in dragging +cannon from the landing place to the encampment, a distance of near +two miles, through a deep morass. The army, being totally unacquainted +with the art of conducting sieges, made its approaches irregularly, +and sustained some loss on this account.</p> + +<p>While these approaches were making by land, the ships of war which +continued to cruise off the harbour, fell in with and captured the +Vigilant, a French man of war of sixty-four guns, having on board a +reinforcement of five hundred and sixty men, and a large quantity of +stores for the garrison. Soon after this, an unsuccessful, and, +perhaps, a rash attempt was made on the island battery by four hundred +men; of whom sixty were killed, and one hundred and sixteen taken +prisoners. All these prisoners, as if by previous concert, exaggerated +the numbers of the besieging army, a deception which was favoured by +the unevenness of the ground, and the dispersed state of the troops; +and which probably contributed to the surrender of the place. The +provincial army did indeed present a formidable front, but, in the +rear, all was frolic and confusion.</p> + +<p>The Vigilant had been anxiously expected by the garrison, and the +information of her capture excited a considerable degree of +perturbation. This event, with the erection of some works on the high +cliff at the light house, by which the island battery was much +annoyed, and the preparations evidently making for a general assault, +determined Duchambon, the governor of Louisbourg, to surrender; and, +in a few days, he capitulated.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Louisbourg surrenders.</div> + +<p>Upon entering the fortress, and viewing its strength, and its means of +defence, all perceived how impracticable it would have been to carry +it by assault.<a name="FNanchor_141_141" id="FNanchor_141_141"></a><a href="#Footnote_141_141" class="fnanchor">[141]</a></p> + +<p>The joy excited in the British colonies by the success of the +expedition against Louisbourg was unbounded. Even those who had +refused to participate in its hazards and expense, were sensible of +its advantages, and of the lustre it shed on the American arms. +Although some disposition was manifested in England, to ascribe the +whole merit of the conquest to the navy, colonel Pepperel received, +with the title of baronet, the more substantial reward of a regiment +in the British service, to be raised in America; and the same mark of +royal favour was bestowed on governor Shirley. Reimbursements too were +made by parliament for the expenses of the expedition. It was the only +decisive advantage obtained by the English during the war.</p> + +<p>The capture of Louisbourg, most probably, preserved Nova Scotia. +Duvivier, who had embarked for France to solicit an armament for the +conquest of that province, sailed, in July, 1745, with seven ships of +war, and a body of land forces. He was ordered to stop at Louisbourg, +and thence to proceed in the execution of his plan. Hearing, at sea, +of the fall of that place, and that a British squadron was stationed +at it, he relinquished the expedition against Nova Scotia, and +returned to Europe.</p> + +<p>The British empire on the American continent consisted, originally, of +two feeble settlements unconnected with, and almost unknown to each +other. For a long time the southern colonies, separated from those of +New England by an immense wilderness, and by the possessions of other +European powers, had no intercourse with them, except what was +produced by the small trading vessels of the north, which occasionally +entered the rivers of the south. Neither participated in the wars or +pursuits of the other; nor were they, in any respect, actuated by +common views, or united by common interest. The conquest of the +country between Connecticut and Maryland, laid a foundation, which the +settlement of the middle colonies completed, for connecting these +disjoined members, and forming one consolidated whole, capable of +moving, and acting in concert. This gradual change, unobserved in its +commencement, had now become too perceptible to be longer overlooked; +and, henceforward, the efforts of the colonies, were in a great +measure combined, and directed to a common object.</p> + +<p>France, as well as England, had extended her views with her +settlements; and, after the fall of Louisbourg, the governments of +both nations meditated important operations for the ensuing campaign +in America.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Great plans of the belligerents.</div> + +<p>France contemplated, not only the recovery of Cape Breton and Nova +Scotia, but the total devastation of the sea coast, if not the entire +conquest of New England.</p> + +<p>Britain, on her part, calculated on the reduction of Canada, and the +entire expulsion of the French from the American continent.</p> + +<p>Shirley repaired to Louisbourg, after its surrender, where he held a +consultation with Warren and Pepperel on the favourite subject of +future and more extensive operations against the neighbouring +possessions of France. <span class="sidenotey">1746</span>From that place he wrote pressingly to +administration, for reinforcements of men and ships to enable him to +execute his plans. The capture of Louisbourg gave such weight to his +solicitations that, in the following spring, the duke of New Castle, +then secretary of state, addressed a circular letter to the governors +of the provinces as far south as Virginia, requiring them to raise as +many men as they could spare, and hold them in readiness to act +according to the orders that should be received. Before this letter +was written, an extensive plan of operations had been digested in the +British cabinet. It was proposed to detach a military and naval +armament which should, early in the season, join the troops to be +raised in New England, at Louisbourg; whence they were to proceed up +the St. Lawrence to Quebec. The troops from New York, and from the +more southern provinces, were to be collected at Albany, and to march +against Crown Point, and Montreal.</p> + +<p>This plan, so far as it depended on the colonies, was executed with +promptness and alacrity. The men were raised, and waited with +impatience for employment; but neither troops, nor orders, arrived +from England. The fleet destined for this service, sailed seven times +from Spithead; and was compelled as often, by contrary winds, to +return.</p> + +<p>Late in the season, the military commanders in America, despairing of +the succours promised by England, determined to assemble a body of +provincials at Albany, and make an attempt on Crown Point. While +preparing for the execution of this plan, they received accounts +stating that Annapolis was in danger from a body of French and Indians +assembled at Minas; upon which, orders were issued for the troops of +Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, to embark for Nova +Scotia. Before these orders could be executed, intelligence was +received which directed their attention to their own defence.</p> + +<p>It was reported that a large fleet and army, under the command of the +duke D'Anville, had arrived in Nova Scotia, and the views of conquest, +which had been formed by the northern colonies, were converted into +fears for their own safety. For six weeks, continual apprehensions of +invasion were entertained; and the most vigorous measures were taken +to repel it. From this state of anxious solicitude, they were at +length relieved by the arrival of some prisoners set at liberty by the +French, who communicated the extreme distress of the fleet.</p> + +<p>This formidable armament consisted of near forty ships of war, seven +of which were of the line; of two artillery ships; and of fifty-six +transports laden with provisions and military stores, carrying three +thousand five hundred land forces, and forty thousand stand of small +arms, for the use of the Canadians and Indians. <span class="sidenote">The French fleet dispersed by a storm.</span>The fleet sailed in +June, but was attacked by such furious and repeated storms, that many +of the ships were wrecked, and others dispersed. In addition to this +disaster, the troops were infected with a disease which carried them +off in great numbers. While lying in Chebucto, under these +circumstances, a vessel which had been dispatched by governor Shirley +to admiral Townshend at Louisbourg, with a letter stating his +expectation that a British fleet would follow that of France to +America, was intercepted by a cruiser, and brought in to the admiral. +These dispatches were opened in a council of war, which was +considerably divided respecting their future conduct. This +circumstance, added to the calamities already sustained, so affected +the commander in chief, that he died suddenly. The vice-admiral fell +by his own hand; and the command devolved on Monsieur le Jonguiere, +governor of Canada, who had been declared <i>chef d'escadre</i> after the +fleet sailed.</p> + +<p>The design of invading New England was relinquished, and it was +resolved to make an attempt on Annapolis. With this view the fleet +sailed from Chebucto, but was again overtaken by a violent tempest +which scattered the vessels composing it. Those which escaped +shipwreck returned singly to France.<a name="FNanchor_142_142" id="FNanchor_142_142"></a><a href="#Footnote_142_142" class="fnanchor">[142]</a></p> + +<p>"Never," says Mr. Belknap, "was the hand of divine providence more +visible than on this occasion. Never was a disappointment more severe +on the part of the enemy, nor a deliverance more complete, without +human help, in favour of this country."</p> + +<p>As soon as the fears excited by this armament were dissipated, the +project of dislodging the French and Indians, who had invaded Nova +Scotia, was resumed. Governor Shirley detached a part of the troops of +Massachusetts on this service; and pressed the governors of Rhode +Island and New Hampshire, to co-operate with him. The quotas furnished +by these colonies were prevented by several accidents from joining +that of Massachusetts, which was inferior to the enemy in numbers. The +French and Indians, under cover of a snow storm, surprised the English +at Minas; who, after an obstinate resistance, in which they lost +upwards of one hundred men, were compelled to capitulate, and to +engage not to bear arms against his Most Christian Majesty, in Nova +Scotia for one year. De Ramsay, who commanded the French, returned +soon afterwards to Canada.</p> + +<p>No farther transactions of importance took place in America during the +war, which was terminated by the treaty of Aix la Chapelle. By this +treaty, it was stipulated that all conquests made during the war +should be restored; and the colonists had the mortification to see the +French re-possess themselves of Cape Breton.</p> + +<p>The heavy expenses which had been incurred by the New England +colonies, and especially by Massachusetts, had occasioned large +emissions of paper money, and an unavoidable depreciation. Instead of +availing themselves of peace, to discharge the debts contracted during +war, they eagerly desired to satisfy every demand on the public +treasury, by farther emissions of bills of credit, redeemable at +future and distant periods. Every inconvenience under which commerce +was supposed to labour, every difficulty encountered in the interior +economy of the province, was attributed to a scarcity of money; and +this scarcity was to be removed, not by increased industry, but by +putting an additional sum in circulation. The rate of exchange, and +the price of all commodities, soon disclosed the political truth that, +however the quantity of the circulating medium may be augmented, its +aggregate value cannot be arbitrarily increased; and that the effect +of such a depreciating currency must necessarily be, to discourage the +payment of debts, by holding out the hope of discharging contracts +with less real value than that for which they were made; and to +substitute cunning and speculation, for honest and regular industry. +Yet the majority had persevered in this demoralising system. The +depreciation had reached eleven for one; and the evil was almost +deemed incurable, when the fortunate circumstance of a reimbursement +in specie, made by parliament for colonial expenditures on account of +the expeditions against Louisbourg and Canada, suggested to Mr. +Hutchinson, speaker of the house of representatives in Massachusetts, +the idea of redeeming the paper money in circulation, at its then real +value.</p> + +<p>This scheme, at first deemed Utopian, was opposed by many well meaning +men who feared that its effect would be to give a shock to the trade +and domestic industry of the province; and who thought that, as the +depreciation had been gradual, justice required that the appreciation +should be gradual also.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Paper money redeemed.</div> + +<p>With great difficulty, the measure was carried; and the bills of +credit in circulation, were redeemed at fifty shillings the ounce. The +evils which had been apprehended were soon found to be imaginary. +Specie immediately took the place of paper. Trade, so far from +sustaining a shock, nourished more than before this change in the +domestic economy of the colony; and the commerce of Massachusetts +immediately received an impulse, which enabled it to surpass that of +her neighbours who retained their paper medium.<a name="FNanchor_143_143" id="FNanchor_143_143"></a><a href="#Footnote_143_143" class="fnanchor">[143]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Renewal of contests with the French colonies respecting +boundary.</div> + +<p>The treaty of Aix la Chapelle did not remove the previously existing +controversies between the colonies of France and England respecting +boundary. These controversies, originating in the manner in which +their settlements had been made, and at first of small consequence, +were now assuming a serious aspect. America was becoming an object of +greater attention; and, as her importance increased, the question +concerning limits became important also.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1749</div> + +<p>In settling this continent, the powers of Europe, estimating the right +of the natives at nothing, adopted, for their own government, the +principle, that those who first discovered and took possession of any +particular territory, became its rightful proprietors. But as only a +small portion of it could then be reduced to actual occupation, the +extent of country thus acquired was not well ascertained. Contests +respecting prior discovery, and extent of possession, arose among all +the first settlers. England terminated her controversy with Sweden and +with Holland, by the early conquest of their territories; but her +conflicting claims with France and with Spain, remained unadjusted.</p> + +<p>On the south, Spain had pretensions to the whole province of Georgia, +while England had granted the country as far as the river St. Matheo, +in Florida.</p> + +<p>On the north, the right of France to Canada was undisputed; but the +country between the St. Lawrence and New England had been claimed by +both nations, and granted by both. The first settlement appears to +have been made by the French; but its principal town, called Port +Royal, or Annapolis, had been repeatedly taken by the English; and, by +the treaty of Utrecht, the whole province, by the name of Nova Scotia, +or Acadié, according to its ancient limits had been ceded to them.</p> + +<p>But the boundaries of Nova Scotia, or Acadié, had never been +ascertained. Though the treaty of Utrecht had provided that +commissioners should be appointed by the two crowns, to adjust the +limits of their respective colonies, the adjustment had never been +made. France claimed to the Kennebec; and insisted "that only the +peninsula which is formed by the bay of Fundy, the Atlantic ocean, and +the gulf of St. Lawrence," was included in the cession of "Nova +Scotia, or Acadié, according to its ancient limits." England, on the +other hand, claimed all the country on the main land south of the +river St. Lawrence. Under the treaty of Aix la Chapelle, commissioners +were again appointed to settle these differences, who maintained the +rights of their respective sovereigns with great ability, and +laborious research; but their zeal produced a degree of asperity +unfavourable to accommodation.</p> + +<p>While this contest for the cold and uninviting country of Nova Scotia +was carried on with equal acrimony and talents, a controversy arose +for richer and more extensive regions in the south and west.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Discovery of the Mississippi.</div> + +<p>So early as the year 1660, information was received, in Canada, from +the Indians, that, west of that colony, was a great river, flowing +neither to the north, nor to the east. The government, conjecturing +that it must empty itself either into the gulf of Mexico or the south +sea, committed the care of ascertaining the fact to Joliet, an +inhabitant of Quebec, and to the Jesuit Marquette. These men proceeded +from lake Michigan up the river of the Foxes, almost to its source, +whence they travelled westward to the Ouisconsing, which they pursued +to its confluence with the Mississippi. They sailed down this river to +the 33d degree of north latitude, and returned by land, through the +country of the Illinois, to Canada.</p> + +<p>The mouth of the Mississippi was afterwards discovered by la Salle, an +enterprising Norman, who, immediately after his return to Quebec, +embarked for France, in the hope of inducing the cabinet of Versailles +to patronise a scheme for proceeding by sea to the mouth of that river +and settling a colony on its banks.</p> + +<p>Having succeeded in this application, he sailed for the gulf of +Mexico, with a few colonists; but, steering too far westward, he +arrived at the bay of St. Bernard, about one hundred leagues from the +mouth of the Mississippi. In consequence of a quarrel between him and +Beaulieu, who commanded the fleet, the colonists were landed at this +place. La Salle was, soon afterwards, assassinated by his own men; and +his followers were murdered or dispersed by the Spaniards and the +Indians.</p> + +<p>Several other attempts were made by the French to settle the country; +but, by some unaccountable fatality, instead of seating themselves on +the fertile borders of the Mississippi, they continually landed about +the barren sands of Biloxi, and the bay of Mobile. It was not until +the year 1722, that the miserable remnant of those who had been +carried thither at various times, was transplanted to New Orleans; nor +until the year 1731, that the colony began to flourish.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Scheme for connecting Louisiana with Canada.</div> + +<p>It had received the name of Louisiana, and soon extended itself by +detached settlements, up the Mississippi and its waters, towards the +great lakes.<a name="FNanchor_144_144" id="FNanchor_144_144"></a><a href="#Footnote_144_144" class="fnanchor">[144]</a> As it advanced northward, the vast and interesting +plan was formed of connecting it with Canada by a chain of forts.</p> + +<p>The fine climate and fertile soil of upper Louisiana enabling it to +produce and maintain an immense population, rendered it an object +which promised complete gratification to the views of France; while +the extent given to it by that nation, excited the most serious alarm +among the colonies of Britain.</p> + +<p>The charters granted by the crown of England to the first adventurers, +having extended from the Atlantic to the South Sea, their settlements +had regularly advanced westward, in the belief that their title to the +country in that direction, could not be controverted. The settlements +of the French, stretching from north to south, necessarily interfered +with those of the English. Their plan, if executed, would completely +environ the English. Canada and Louisiana united, as has been aptly +said, would form a bow, of which the English colonies would constitute +the chord.</p> + +<p>While Great Britain claimed, indefinitely, to the west, as +appertaining to her possession of the sea coast; France insisted on +confining her to the eastern side of the Apalachian, or Alleghany, +mountains; and claimed the whole country drained by the Mississippi, +in virtue of her right as the first discoverer of that river. The +delightful region which forms the magnificent vale of the Mississippi +was the object for which these two powerful nations contended; and it +soon became apparent that the sword must decide the contest.</p> + +<p>The white population of the English colonies was supposed to exceed +one million of souls, while that of the French was estimated at only +fifty-two thousand.<a name="FNanchor_145_145" id="FNanchor_145_145"></a><a href="#Footnote_145_145" class="fnanchor">[145]</a></p> + +<p>This disparity of numbers did not intimidate the governor of New +France—a title comprehending both Canada and Louisiana; nor deter him +from proceeding in the execution of his favourite plan. The French +possessed advantages which, he persuaded himself, would counterbalance +the superior numbers of the English. Their whole power was united +under one governor, who could give it such a direction as his judgment +should dictate. The genius of the people and of the government was +military; and the inhabitants could readily be called into the field, +when their service should be required. Great reliance too was placed +on the Indians. These savages, with the exception of the Five Nations, +were generally attached to France, and were well trained to war. To +these advantages was added a perfect knowledge of the country about to +become the theatre of action.</p> + +<p>The British colonies, on the other hand, were divided into distinct +governments, unaccustomed, except those of New England, to act in +concert; were jealous of the power of the crown; and were spread over +a large extent of territory, the soil of which, in all the middle +colonies, was cultivated by men unused to arms.</p> + +<p>The governors of Canada, who were generally military men, had, for +several preceding years, judiciously selected and fortified such +situations as would give them most influence over the Indians, and +facilitate incursions into the northern provinces. The command of Lake +Champlain had been acquired by the erection of a strong fort at Crown +Point; and a connected chain of posts was maintained from Quebec, up +the St. Lawrence, and along the great lakes. It was intended to unite +these posts with the Mississippi by taking positions which would +favour the design of circumscribing and annoying the frontier +settlements of the English.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center"> </p> + +<p><a name="image-0005" id="image-0005"></a></p> +<p style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/288.jpg" width="580" height="335" alt="Great Meadows" /></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"><b>Great Meadows and the Site of Fort Necessity</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>On this battleground in the western Pennsylvania wilderness, which +marked the beginning of the French and Indian War, July 3, 1754, a +force of 400 men under young Major Washington was defeated by 900 +French and Indian allies, and for the first and last time in his +military career Washington surrendered. He stipulated, however, that +he and his troops were to have safe conduct back to civilization, and +agreed not to build a fort west of the Allegheny Mountains for a year. +Washington was then twenty-two years old.</i></p></div> + +<p> </p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1750</div> + +<p>The execution of this plan was, probably, accelerated by an act of the +British government. The year after the conclusion of the war, several +individuals both in England and Virginia who were associated under the +name of the Ohio company, obtained from the crown a grant of six +hundred thousand acres of land, lying in the country claimed by both +nations. The objects of this company being commercial as well as +territorial, measures were taken to derive all the advantages expected +from their grant, in both these respects, by establishing trading +houses, and by employing persons to survey the country.</p> + +<p>The governor of Canada, who obtained early information of this +intrusion, as he deemed it, into the dominions of his most christian +majesty, wrote to the governors of New York and Pennsylvania, +informing them that the English traders had encroached on the French +territory by trading with their Indians; and giving notice that, if +they did not desist, he should be under the necessity of seizing them +wherever they should be found. At the same time the jealousy of the +Indians was excited by impressing them with fears that the English +were about to deprive them of their country.</p> + +<p>His threat having been disregarded, the governor of Canada put it in +execution by seizing the British traders among the Twightwees, and +carrying them prisoners to Presque-isle, on Lake Erie; where he was +erecting a strong fort. About the same time, a communication was +opened from Presque-isle, down French creek, and the Alleghany river, +to the Ohio. This communication was kept up by detachments of troops, +posted at proper distances from each other, in works capable of +covering them from an attack made only with small arms.<a name="FNanchor_146_146" id="FNanchor_146_146"></a><a href="#Footnote_146_146" class="fnanchor">[146]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1753</div> + +<p>This territory having been granted as part of Virginia, to the Ohio +company, who complained loudly of these aggressions, Dinwiddie, the +lieutenant governor of that province, laid the subject before the +assembly, and dispatched MAJOR WASHINGTON, the gentleman who +afterwards led his countrymen to independence, with a letter to the +commandant of the French forces on the Ohio; requiring him to withdraw +from the dominions of his Britannic majesty.</p> + +<p>This letter was delivered at a fort on the river Le Boeuf, the western +branch of French creek, to Monsieur le Guarduer de St. Pierre, the +commanding officer on the Ohio, who replied that he had taken +possession of the country by the directions of his general, then in +Canada, to whom he would transmit the letter of the lieutenant +governor, and whose orders he should implicitly obey.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1754</div> + +<p>Preparations were immediately made, in Virginia, to assert the rights +of the British crown; and a regiment was raised for the protection of +the frontiers. Early in the spring, Major Washington had advanced with +a small detachment from this regiment into the country to be contended +for, where he fell in with and defeated a party of French and Indians +who were approaching him in a manner indicating hostile designs. On +being joined by the residue of his regiment, the command of which had +devolved on him, he made great exertions to pre-occupy the post at the +confluence of the Alleghany and Monongahela rivers; but, on his march +thither, was met by a much superior body of French and Indians, <span class="sidenote">Defeat at the Little Meadows.</span>who +attacked him in a small stockade hastily erected at the Little +Meadows, and compelled him, after a gallant defence to capitulate. The +French had already taken possession of the ground to which Washington +was proceeding, and, having driven off some militia, and workmen sent +thither by the Ohio company, had erected thereon a strong +fortification called fort Du Quêsne.</p> + +<p>The earl of Holderness, secretary of state, perceiving war to be +inevitable, and aware of the advantages of union, and of securing the +friendship of the Five Nations, had written to the governors of the +respective colonies recommending these essential objects; and, at the +same time, ordering them to repel force by force; and to take +effectual measures to dislodge the French from their posts on the +Ohio.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Convention at Albany.</div> + +<p>At the suggestion of the commissioners for the plantations, a +convention of delegates from the several colonies met at Albany, to +hold a conference with the Five Nations on the subject of French +encroachments, and to secure their friendship in the approaching war. +Availing himself of this circumstance governor Shirley had recommended +to the other governors to instruct their commissioners on the subject +of union. Ample powers for this object were given to the delegates of +Massachusetts; and those of Maryland were instructed to observe what +others should propose respecting it. But no direct authority for +concerting any system to call out and employ the strength of the +colonies, was given by any other of the governments.</p> + +<p>The congress, consisting of delegates from New Hampshire, +Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, +with the lieutenant governor and council of New York, after +endeavouring to secure the friendship of the Five Nations by large +presents, directed a committee, consisting of one member for each +colony, to draw and report a plan of union.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Plan of union.</div> + +<p><a name="p291" id="p291">A</a> plan<a name="FNanchor_147_147" id="FNanchor_147_147"></a><a href="#Footnote_147_147" class="fnanchor">[147]</a> was reported which was approved on the 4th of July. Its +essential principles were, that application be made for an act of +parliament authorising the formation of a grand council to consist of +delegates from the several legislatures, and a president general, to +be appointed by the crown, and to be invested with a negative power. +This council was to enact laws of general import; to apportion their +quotas of men and money on the several colonies; to determine on the +building of forts; to regulate the operations of armies; and to +concert all measures for the common protection and safety.</p> + +<p>The delegates of Connecticut alone dissented from this plan. That +cautious people feared that the powers vested in the president general +might prove dangerous to their welfare.</p> + +<p>In England, the objections were of a different character. The colonies +had, in several instances, manifested a temper less submissive than +was required; and it was apprehended that this union might be the +foundation of a concert of measures opposing the pretensions of +supremacy maintained by the mother country.</p> + +<p>This confederation, therefore, notwithstanding the pressure of +external danger, did not prevail. It was not supported in America, +because it was supposed to place too much power in the hands of the +King; and it was rejected in England from the apprehension that the +colonial assemblies would be rendered still more formidable by being +accustomed to co-operate with each other.</p> + +<p>In its stead, the minister proposed that the governors, with one or +two members of the councils of the respective provinces, should +assemble to consult, and resolve on measures necessary for the common +defence, and should draw on the British treasury for the sums to be +expended, which sums should be afterwards raised by a general tax, to +be imposed by parliament on the colonies.</p> + +<p>This proposition being entirely subversive of all the opinions which +prevailed in America, was not pressed for the present; and no +satisfactory plan for calling out the strength of the colonies being +devised, it was determined to carry on the war with British troops, +aided by such reinforcements as the several provincial assemblies +would voluntarily afford.<a name="FNanchor_148_148" id="FNanchor_148_148"></a><a href="#Footnote_148_148" class="fnanchor">[148]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>General Braddock arrives.... Convention of governors and +plan of the campaign.... French expelled from Nova Scotia, +and inhabitants transplanted.... Expedition against fort Du +Quêsne.... Battle of Monongahela.... Defeat and death of +general Braddock.... Expedition against Crown Point.... +Dieskau defeated.... Expedition against Niagara.... +Frontiers distressed by the Indians.... Meeting of the +governors at New York.... Plan for the campaign of 1756.... +Lord Loudoun arrives.... Montcalm takes Oswego.... Lord +Loudoun abandons offensive operations.... Small-pox breaks +out in Albany.... Campaign of 1757 opened.... Admiral +Holbourne arrives at Halifax.... Is joined by the earl of +Loudoun.... Expedition against Louisbourg relinquished.... +Lord Loudoun returns to New York.... Fort William Henry +taken.... Controversy between lord Loudoun and the assembly +of Massachusetts.</b></p></div> + +<p> </p> + + +<div class="sidenotey">1755</div> + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">The</span> establishment of the post on the Ohio, and the action at the +Little Meadows, being considered by the British government as the +commencement of war in America, the resolution to send a few regiments +to that country was immediately taken; <span class="sidenote">General Braddock.</span>and early in the year, general +Braddock embarked at Cork, at the head of a respectable body of troops +destined for the colonies.</p> + +<p>An active offensive campaign being meditated, general Braddock +convened the governors of the several provinces, on the 14th of April, +in Virginia, who resolved to carry on three expeditions.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Plan of the campaign.</div> + +<p>The first, and most important, was against fort Du Quêsne. This was to +be conducted by general Braddock in person at the head of the British +troops, with such aids as could be drawn from Maryland and Virginia.</p> + +<p>The second, against Niagara and fort Frontignac, was to be conducted +by governor Shirley. The American regulars, consisting of Shirley and +Pepperel's regiments, constituted the principal force destined for the +reduction of these places.</p> + +<p>The third was against Crown Point. This originated with Massachusetts; +and was to be prosecuted entirely with colonial troops, to be raised +by the provinces of New England, and by New York. It was to be +commanded by colonel William Johnson of the latter province.<a name="FNanchor_149_149" id="FNanchor_149_149"></a><a href="#Footnote_149_149" class="fnanchor">[149]</a></p> + +<p>While preparations were making for these several enterprises, an +expedition, which had been previously concerted by the government of +Massachusetts, was carried on against the French in Nova Scotia.</p> + +<p>It has been already stated that the limits of this province remained +unsettled. While the commissioners of the two crowns were supporting +the claims of their respective sovereigns in fruitless memorials, the +French occupied the country in contest, and established military posts +for its defence. Against these posts this enterprise was to be +conducted.</p> + +<p>On the 20th of May, the troops of Massachusetts, together with +Shirley's and Pepperel's regiments, amounting in the whole to about +three thousand men, embarked, at Boston, under the command of +lieutenant colonel Winslow. The fleet anchored about five miles from +fort Lawrence, where a reinforcement was received of three hundred +British troops and a small train of artillery. The whole army, +commanded by lieutenant colonel Monckton, immediately after landing, +marched against Beau Sejour, the principal post held by the French in +that country. At the river Mussaquack, which the French considered as +the western boundary of Nova Scotia, some slight works had been thrown +up with the intention of disputing its passage. After a short +conflict, the river was passed with the loss of only one man; and, in +five days, Beau Sejour capitulated. <span class="sidenote">French expelled from Nova Scotia.</span>Other small places fell in +succession, and, in the course of the month of June, with the loss of +only three men killed, the English acquired complete possession of the +whole province of Nova Scotia.</p> + +<p>The recovery of this province was followed by one of those distressing +measures which involve individuals in indiscriminate ruin, and +aggravate the calamities of war.</p> + +<p>Nova Scotia having been originally settled by France, its inhabitants +were, chiefly, of that nation. In the treaty of Utrecht, it was +stipulated for the colonists that they should be permitted to hold +their lands on condition of taking the oaths of allegiance to their +new sovereign. With this condition they refused to comply, unless +permitted to qualify it with a proviso that they should not be +required to bear arms in defence of the province. Though this +qualification, to which the commanding officer of the British forces +acceded, was afterwards disallowed by the crown, yet the French +inhabitants continued to consider themselves as neutrals. Their +devotion to France, however, would not permit them to conform their +conduct to the character they had assumed. In all the contests for the +possession of their country, they were influenced by their wishes +rather than their duty; and three hundred of them were captured with +the garrison of Beau Sejour.</p> + +<p>Their continuance in the country, during the obstinate conflict which +was commencing, would, it was feared, endanger the colony; and to +expel them from it, leaving them at liberty to choose their place of +residence, would be to reenforce the French in Canada. A council was +held by the executive of Nova Scotia aided by the admirals Boscawen +and Morty, for the purpose of deciding on the destiny of these +unfortunate people; <span class="sidenote">The inhabitants transported.</span>and the severe policy was adopted of removing them +from their homes, and dispersing them through the other British +colonies. This harsh measure was immediately put in execution; and the +miserable inhabitants of Nova Scotia were, in one instant, reduced +from ease and contentment to a state of beggary. Their lands, and +moveables, with the exception of their money and household furniture, +were declared to be forfeited to the crown; and, to prevent their +return, the country was laid waste, and their houses reduced to +ashes.<a name="FNanchor_150_150" id="FNanchor_150_150"></a><a href="#Footnote_150_150" class="fnanchor">[150]</a></p> + +<p>As soon as the convention of governors had separated, general Braddock +proceeded from Alexandria to a fort at Wills' creek, afterwards called +fort Cumberland, at that time the most western post in Virginia or +Maryland; from which place the army destined against fort Du Quêsne +was to commence its march. The difficulties of obtaining wagons, and +other necessary supplies for the expedition, and delays occasioned by +opening a road through an excessively rough country, excited +apprehensions that time would be afforded the enemy to collect in such +force at fort Du Quêsne, as to put the success of the enterprise into +some hazard.</p> + +<p>Under the influence of this consideration, it was determined to select +twelve hundred men, who should be led by the general in person to the +point of destination. The residue of the army, under the command of +colonel Dunbar, was to follow, with the baggage, by slow and easy +marches.</p> + +<p>This disposition being made, Braddock pressed forward to his object, +in the confidence that he could find no enemy capable of opposing him; +and reached the Monongahela on the eighth of July.</p> + +<p>As the army approached fort Du Quêsne, the general was cautioned of +the danger to which the character of his enemy, and the face of the +country, exposed him; and was advised to advance the provincial +companies in his front, for the purpose of scouring the woods, and +discovering ambuscades. But he held both his enemy and the provincials +in too much contempt, to follow this salutary counsel. Three hundred +British troops comprehending the grenadiers and light infantry, +commanded by colonel Gage, composed his van; and he followed, at some +distance, with the artillery, and the main body of the army, divided +into small columns.</p> + +<p>Within seven miles of fort Du Quêsne, immediately after crossing the +Monongahela the second time, in an open wood, thick set with high +grass, as he was pressing forward without fear of danger, his front +received an unexpected fire from an invisible enemy. <span class="sidenote">Battle of Monongahela.</span>The van was +thrown into some confusion; but, the general having ordered up the +main body, and the commanding officer of the enemy having fallen, the +attack was suspended, and the assailants were supposed to be +dispersed. This delusion was soon dissipated. The attack was renewed +with increased fury; the van fell back on the main body; and the whole +army was thrown into utter confusion.</p> + +<p>The general possessed personal courage in an eminent degree; but was +without experience in that species of war, in which he was engaged; +and seems not to have been endowed with that rare fertility of genius +which adapts itself to the existing state of things, and invents +expedients fitted to the emergency. In the impending crisis, he was +peculiarly unfortunate in his choice of measures. Neither advancing +nor retreating, he exerted his utmost powers to form his broken +troops, under an incessant and galling fire, on the very ground where +they had been attacked. In his fruitless efforts to restore order, +every officer on horseback except Mr. Washington, one of his +aides-de-camp, was killed or wounded. At length, after losing three +horses, the general himself received a mortal wound; upon which his +regulars fled in terror and confusion. Fortunately, the Indian enemy +was arrested by the plunder found on the field, and the pursuit was +soon given over. The provincials exhibited an unexpected degree of +courage, and were among the last to leave the field.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Death of Braddock.</div> + +<p>The defeated troops fled precipitately to the camp of Dunbar, where +Braddock expired of his wounds. Their panic was communicated to the +residue of the army. As if affairs had become desperate, all the +stores, except those necessary for immediate use, were destroyed; and +the British troops were marched to Philadelphia, where they went into +quarters. The western parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, +were left exposed to the incursions of the savages; the frontier +settlements were generally broken up; and the inhabitants were driven +into the interior. So excessive was the alarm, that even the people of +the interior entertained apprehensions for their safety, and many +supposed that the seaboard itself was insecure.</p> + +<p>The two northern expeditions, though not so disastrous as that against +fort Du Quêsne, were neither of them successful. That against Crown +Point was so retarded by those causes of delay to which military +operations conducted by distinct governments are always exposed, that +the army was not ready to move until the last of August. At length +general Johnson reached the south end of lake George, on his way to +Ticonderoga, of which he designed to take possession.</p> + +<p>An armament fitted out in the port of Brest for Canada, had eluded a +British squadron which was stationed off the banks of Newfoundland to +intercept it; and, with the loss of two ships of war, had entered the +St. Lawrence. After arriving at Quebec the baron Dieskau, who +commanded the French forces, resolved, without loss of time, to +proceed against the English. At the head of about twelve hundred +regulars, and about six hundred Canadians and Indians, he marched +against Oswego. On hearing of this movement, general Johnson applied +for reinforcements; and eight hundred men were ordered by +Massachusetts to his assistance. An additional body of two thousand +men was directed to be raised for the same object, and the +neighbouring colonies also determined to furnish reinforcements.</p> + +<p>Dieskau did not wait for their arrival. Perceiving that Johnson was +approaching lake George, and being informed that the provincials were +without artillery, he determined to postpone his designs upon Oswego, +and to attack them in their camp.</p> + +<p>On being informed that Dieskau was approaching, Johnson detached +colonel Williams, with about one thousand men, to reconnoitre and +skirmish with him. This officer met the French about four miles from +the American camp, and immediately engaged them. He fell early in the +action; and his party was soon overpowered and put to flight. <span class="sidenote">Dieskau defeated.</span>A second +detachment, sent in aid of the first, experienced the same fate; and +both were closely pursued to the main body, who were posted behind a +breast-work of fallen trees. At this critical moment, within about one +hundred and fifty yards of this work, the French halted for a short +time. This interval having given the Americans an opportunity to +recover from the first alarm, they determined on a resolute defence.</p> + +<p>When the assailants advanced to the charge, they were received with +firmness. The militia and savages fled; and Dieskau was under the +necessity of ordering his regulars to retreat. A close and ardent +pursuit ensued; and the general himself, being mortally wounded and +left alone, was taken prisoner.</p> + +<p>During the engagement, a scouting party from fort Edward, under +captains Folsom and McGennis, fell in with the baggage of the enemy +and routed the guard which had been placed over it. Soon afterwards, +the retreating army of Dieskau approached, and was gallantly attacked +by the Americans. This unexpected attack from an enemy whose numbers +were unknown, completed the confusion of the defeated army, which, +abandoning its baggage, fled towards the posts on the lake.<a name="FNanchor_151_151" id="FNanchor_151_151"></a><a href="#Footnote_151_151" class="fnanchor">[151]</a></p> + +<p>The repulse of Dieskau, magnified into a splendid victory, had some +tendency to remove the depression of spirits occasioned by the defeat +of Braddock, and to inspire the provincials with more confidence in +themselves. General Johnson, who was wounded in the engagement, +received very solid testimonials of the gratitude and liberality of +his country. Five thousand pounds sterling, and the title of baronet, +were the rewards of his service.</p> + +<p>This success was not improved. The hopes and expectations of the +public were not gratified; and the residue of the campaign was spent +in fortifying the camp. Massachusetts pressed a winter campaign; but +when her commissioners met those of Connecticut and the lieutenant +governor and council of New York, it was unanimously agreed that the +army under general Johnson should be discharged, except six hundred +men to garrison fort Edward, on the great carrying place between the +Hudson and lake George, and fort William Henry on that lake.</p> + +<p>The French took possession of Ticonderoga, and fortified it.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Expedition against Niagara.</div> + +<p>The expedition against Niagara and fort Frontignac, was also defeated +by delays in making the preparations necessary for its prosecution. +Shirley did not reach Oswego till late in August. After ascertaining +the state of the garrison, he determined to abandon that part of the +enterprise which respected fort Frontignac, and to proceed against +Niagara. While employed in the embarkation of his troops on the lake, +the rains set in with such violence as to suspend his operations until +the season was so far advanced that the attempt against Niagara was +also relinquished, and Shirley returned to Albany.<a name="FNanchor_152_152" id="FNanchor_152_152"></a><a href="#Footnote_152_152" class="fnanchor">[152]</a></p> + +<p>Thus terminated the campaign of 1755. It opened with so decided a +superiority of force on the part of the English, as to promise the +most important advantages. But, if we except the expulsion of the +French from Nova Scotia, no single enterprise was crowned with +success. Great exertions were made by the northern colonies, but their +efforts were productive of no benefit. From the want of one general +superintending authority in their councils, which could contemplate +and control the different parts of the system, which could combine all +their operations, and direct them with effect towards the attainment +of the object pursued, every thing failed. Such delays and +deficiencies were experienced that, though a considerable force was in +motion, it could not be brought to the point against which it was to +act, until the season for action was over; nor execute the plans which +were concerted until the opportunity had passed away.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center"> </p> + +<p><a name="image-0006" id="image-0006"></a></p> +<p style="text-align: center"> +<img src="images/304.jpg" width="349" height="620" alt="General Braddock's Grave" /></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"><b>General Braddock's Grave</b></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"><i>Showing the monument recently erected</i></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>It is not generally appreciated that this British commander was +chosen to head the expedition to destroy the French power in America, +in 1754-5, because of his distinguished army record. In the Battle of +Fontency, for instance, he was colonel in command of the famous +Coldstream Guards, who covered themselves with glory; and shortly +before embarking for America he was made major-general of the line. +Braddock had won his promotion solely through gallantry and at a time +when a lieutenant-colonelcy in this crack British regiment sold for +£5000 Sterling.</i></p> + +<p><i>Despite his fatal mistake in not heeding the advice of his aide, +Washington, in conducting his expedition against Fort Duquesne +(Pittsburgh), Braddock regarded Washington and Franklin as the +greatest men in the colonies. Meeting the French and Indians on July +9, 1755, the British were routed and Braddock was fatally wounded, +after having four horses shot under him. Dying four days later at +Great Meadows, where he is buried, he bequeathed his favorite +surviving horse and body servant to Washington, then a colonel.</i></p></div> + +<p> </p> + +<p>The system adopted by the British cabinet, for conducting the war in +America, left to the colonial governments to determine, what number of +men each should bring into the field; but required them to support +their own troops, and to contribute to the support of those sent from +Great Britain to their assistance. But this system could not be +enforced. The requisitions of the minister were adopted, rejected, or +modified, at the discretion of the government on which they were made; +and, as no rule of apportionment had been adopted, each colony was +inclined to consider itself as having contributed more than its equal +share towards the general object, and as having received, less than +its just proportion, of the attention and protection of the mother +country. This temper produced a slow and reluctant compliance on the +part of some, which enfeebled and disconcerted enterprises, for the +execution of which the resources of several were to be combined.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Distress of the frontiers.</div> + +<p>In the mean time the whole frontier, as far as North Carolina, was +exposed to the depredations of the savages, who were, almost +universally, under the influence of the French. Their bloody +incursions were made in all directions, and many settlements were +entirely broken up.</p> + +<p>It is a curious and singular fact that, while hostilities were thus +carried on by France and England against each other in America, the +relations of peace and amity were preserved between them in Europe. +Each nation had, in consequence of the military operations in 1754, +determined to fit out a considerable armament to aid the efforts made +in its colonies; and, when it was understood that admiral Boscawen was +ordered to intercept that of France, the Duc de Mirepoix, the French +ambassador at London, complained of the proposed measure, and gave +formal notice that the King his master would consider the first gun +fired at sea, as a declaration of war. On receiving intelligence of +the capture of a part of the squadron by Boscawen, the French minister +at the court of St. James was recalled without asking an audience of +leave; upon which, letters of marque and reprisal were issued by the +British government. This prompt and vigorous measure had much +influence on the war, which was declared, in form, the following +spring.</p> + +<p>General Shirley, on his return to Albany after the close of the +campaign in 1755, received a commission appointing him commander in +chief of the King's forces in North America. A meeting of all the +governors was immediately called at New York, for the purpose of +concerting a plan for the ensuing campaign. Operations equally +extensive with those proposed for the preceding campaign were again +contemplated. To ensure their success, it was determined to raise ten +thousand men, for the expedition against Crown Point; six thousand, +for that against Niagara; and three thousand, for that against fort Du +Quêsne. To favour the operations of this formidable force, it was +farther determined that two thousand men should advance up the +Kennebec, destroy the settlement on the Chaudière, and, descending to +the mouth of that river, keep all that part of Canada in alarm.</p> + +<p>In the mean time, it was proposed to take advantage of the season when +the lake should be frozen, to seize Ticonderoga, in order to +facilitate the enterprise against Crown Point. This project was +defeated by the unusual mildness of the winter; and, about the middle +of January, general Shirley repaired to Boston in order to make the +necessary preparations for the ensuing campaign.</p> + +<p>Such was the solicitude to accomplish the objects in contemplation, +and so deep an interest did the colonists take in the war, that every +nerve was strained, to raise and equip the number of men required.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1756</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Command bestowed on Lord Loudoun.</div> + +<p>Having made in Massachusetts all the preparations for the next +campaign, so far as depended on the government, Shirley repaired to +Albany, where he was superseded<a name="FNanchor_153_153" id="FNanchor_153_153"></a><a href="#Footnote_153_153" class="fnanchor">[153]</a> by major general Abercrombie; +who, soon afterwards, yielded the command to the earl of Loudoun. +Early in the year, that nobleman had been appointed to the command of +all his majesty's forces in North America; and extensive powers, civil +as well as military, had been conferred on him. But he did not arrive +at Albany until midsummer.</p> + +<p>In the spring, the provincial troops destined for the expedition +against Crown Point, were assembled in the neighbourhood of lake +George. They were found not much to exceed seven thousand men; and +even this number was to be reduced in order to garrison posts in the +rear. This army being too weak to accomplish its object, major general +Winslow, who commanded it, declared himself unable to proceed on the +expedition without reinforcements. The arrival of a body of British +troops, with general Abercrombie, removed this difficulty; but another +occurred which still farther suspended the enterprise.</p> + +<p>The regulations respecting rank had given great disgust in America; +and had rendered it disagreeable and difficult to carry on any +military operations which required a junction of British and +provincial troops. When consulted on this delicate subject, Winslow +assured general Abercrombie of his apprehensions that, if the result +of the junction should be to place the provincial troops under British +officers, it would produce general discontent, and perhaps desertion. +His officers concurred in this opinion; and it was finally agreed that +British troops should succeed the provincials in the posts then +occupied by them, so as to enable the whole colonial force to proceed +under Winslow, against Crown Point.</p> + +<p>On the arrival of the earl of Loudoun, this subject was revived. The +question was seriously propounded, "whether the troops in the several +colonies of New England, armed with his majesty's arms, would, in +obedience to his commands signified to them, act in conjunction with +his European troops; and under the command of his commander in chief?" +The colonial officers answered this question in the affirmative; but +entreated it as a favour of his lordship, as the New England troops +had been raised on particular terms, that he would permit them, so far +as might consist with his majesty's service, to act separately. This +request was acceded to; but before the army could be put in motion, +the attention both of the Europeans and provincials, was directed to +their own defence.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Montcalm takes Oswego.</div> + +<p>Monsieur de Montcalm, an able officer, who succeeded Dieskau in the +command of the French troops in Canada, sought to compensate by +superior activity, for the inferiority of his force. While the British +and Americans were adjusting their difficulties respecting rank, and +deliberating whether to attack Niagara or fort Du Quêsne, Montcalm +advanced at the head of about five thousand Europeans, Canadians, and +Indians, against Oswego. In three days he brought up his artillery, +and opened a battery which played on the fort with considerable +effect. Colonel Mercer, the commanding officer, was killed; and, in a +few hours, the place was declared by the engineers to be no longer +tenable. The garrison, consisting of the regiments of Shirley and +Pepperel, amounting to sixteen hundred men, supplied with provisions +for five months, capitulated, and became prisoners of war. A +respectable naval armament, then on the lake, was also captured.</p> + +<p>The fort at Oswego had been erected in the country of the Five +Nations, and had been viewed by them with some degree of jealousy. +Montcalm, actuated by a wise policy, destroyed it in their presence; +declaring at the same time, that the French wished only to enable them +to preserve their neutrality, and would, therefore, make no other use +of the rights of conquest, than to demolish the fortresses which the +English had erected in their country to overawe them.</p> + +<p>The British general, disconcerted at this untoward event, abandoned +all his plans of offensive operations. General Winslow was ordered to +relinquish his intended expedition, and to fortify his camp, and +endeavour to prevent the enemy from penetrating into the country by +the way of South bay, or Wood creek. Major general Webb, with fourteen +hundred men, was posted at the great carrying place; and, to secure +his rear, sir William Johnson, with one thousand militia, was +stationed at the German flats.</p> + +<p>These dispositions being made, the colonies were strenuously urged to +reinforce the army. It was represented to them that, should any +disaster befall Winslow, the enemy might be enabled to overrun the +country, unless opposed by a force much superior to that in the +field.<a name="FNanchor_154_154" id="FNanchor_154_154"></a><a href="#Footnote_154_154" class="fnanchor">[154]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Small-pox in Albany.</div> + +<p>During this state of apprehensive inactivity, the small-pox broke out +in Albany. This enemy was more dreaded by the provincials than +Montcalm himself. So great was the alarm, that it was found necessary +to garrison the posts in that quarter, entirely with British troops, +and to discharge all the provincials except a regiment raised in New +York.</p> + +<p>Thus terminated for a second time, in defeat and utter disappointment, +the sanguine hopes which the colonists had formed of a brilliant and +successful campaign. After all their expensive and laborious +preparations, not an effort had been made to drive the invaders of the +country even from their out-post at Ticonderoga.</p> + +<p>The expedition to lake Ontario had not been commenced; and no +preparations had been made for that against fort Du Quêsne. The +colonies of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, far from +contemplating offensive operations, had been unable to defend +themselves; and their frontiers were exposed to all the horrors of +Indian warfare.</p> + +<p>The expedition up the Kennebec was also abandoned. Thus, no one +enterprise contemplated at the opening of the campaign, was carried +into execution.<a name="FNanchor_155_155" id="FNanchor_155_155"></a><a href="#Footnote_155_155" class="fnanchor">[155]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1757</div> + +<p>About the middle of January, the governors of the northern provinces +were convened in a military council at Boston. The earl of Loudoun +opened his propositions to them with a speech in which he attributed +all the disasters that had been sustained, to the colonies; and in +which he proposed that New England should raise four thousand men for +the ensuing campaign. Requisitions proportionably large were also made +on New York and New Jersey.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Campaign of 1757.</div> + +<p>The ill success which had, thus far, attended the combined arms of +Great Britain and her colonies, did not discourage them. Their +exertions to bring a powerful force into the field were repeated; and +the winter was employed in preparations for the ensuing campaign. The +requisitions of lord Loudoun were complied with; and he found himself, +in the spring, at the head of a respectable army. Some important +enterprise against Canada, when the armament expected from Europe +should arrive, was eagerly anticipated; and the most sanguine hopes of +success were again entertained.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Admiral Holbourne arrives. Is joined by Lord Loudoun.</div> + +<p>In the beginning of July, Admiral Holbourne reached Halifax with a +powerful squadron, and reinforcement of five thousand British troops +commanded by George Viscount Howe, and, on the 6th of the same month, +the earl of Loudoun sailed from New York with six thousand regulars. A +junction of these formidable armaments was effected without +opposition, and the Loudoun colonists looked forward with confidence +for a decisive blow which would shake the power of France in America.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">The expedition against Louisbourg relinquished.</div> + +<p>The plan of this campaign varied from that which had been adopted in +the preceding years. The vast and complex movements heretofore +proposed, were no longer contemplated, and offensive operations were +to be confined to a single object. Leaving the posts on the lakes +strongly garrisoned, the British general determined to direct his +whole disposable force against Louisbourg; and fixed on Halifax as the +place of rendezvous for the fleet and army.</p> + +<p>After assembling the land and naval forces at this place, information +was received that a fleet had lately arrived from France, and that +Louisbourg was so powerfully defended as to render any attempt upon it +hopeless. In consequence of this intelligence the enterprise was +deferred until the next year; the general and admiral returned to New +York in August; and the provincials were dismissed.</p> + +<p>The French general, feeling no apprehension for Louisbourg, determined +to avail himself of the absence of a large part of the British force, +and to obtain complete possession of lake George. With an army +collected chiefly from the garrisons of Crown Point, Ticonderoga, and +the adjacent forts; amounting, with the addition of Indians, and +Canadians, to nine thousand men, the marquis de Montcalm laid siege to +fort William Henry. That place was well fortified, and garrisoned by +three thousand men; and derived additional security from an army of +four thousand men at fort Edwards, under the command of major general +Webb. <span class="sidenote">Fort William Henry taken.</span>Notwithstanding the strength of the place and its means of +defence, Montcalm urged his approaches with so much vigour, that +articles of capitulation, surrendering the fort, artillery, and +stores, and stipulating that the garrison should not serve against his +Most Christian Majesty or his allies for the space of eighteen months, +were signed within six days after its investment.</p> + +<p>When this important place was surrendered, the commander in chief had +not returned from Halifax. General Webb, alarmed for fort Edward, +applied for reinforcements; and the utmost exertions were made to +furnish the aids he required. The return of the army to New York on +the last of August, dispelled all fear of an invasion, and enabled the +general, who contemplated no farther active operations, to dismiss the +provincials.</p> + +<p>Unsuccessful in all his attempts to gather laurels from the common +enemy, the earl of Loudoun engaged in a controversy with +Massachusetts; in the commencement of which, he displayed a degree of +vigour which had been kept in reserve for two campaigns. This +controversy is thus stated by Mr. Minot.</p> + +<p>Upon information from the governor that a regiment of Highlanders was +expected in Boston, the general court provided barracks for the +accommodation of one thousand men at Castle Island. Soon afterwards, +several officers arrived from Nova Scotia to recruit their regiments. +Finding it impracticable to perform this service while in the barracks +at the castle, they applied to the justices of the peace to quarter +and billet them, as provided by act of parliament. The justices +refused to grant this request, on the principle that the act did not +extend to the colonies. When informed of this refusal, lord Loudoun +addressed a letter to the justices, insisting peremptorily on the +right, as the act did, in his opinion, extend to America, and to every +part of the King's dominions, where the necessities of the people +should oblige him to send his troops. He concluded a long dissertation +on the question in the following decisive terms, "that having used +gentleness and patience, and confuted their arguments, without effect, +they having returned to their first mistaken plan, their not complying +would lay him under the necessity of taking measures to prevent the +whole continent from being thrown into a state of confusion. As +nothing was wanting to set things right, but the justices doing their +duty (for no act of the assembly was necessary or wanting for it) he +had ordered the messenger to remain only forty-eight hours in Boston; +and if on his return he found things not settled, he would instantly +order into Boston the three battalions from New York, Long Island, and +Connecticut; and if more were wanting, he had two in the Jerseys at +hand, besides those in Pennsylvania. As public business obliged him to +take another route, he had no more time left to settle this material +affair, and must take the necessary steps before his departure, in +case they were not done by themselves."</p> + +<p>The general court passed a law for the purpose of removing the +inconveniences of which the officers complained; but, this law not +equalling the expectations of lord Loudoun, he communicated his +dissatisfaction in a letter to the governor, which was laid before the +assembly, who answered by an address to his excellency in which the +spirit of their forefathers seemed to revive. They again asserted that +the act of parliament did not extend to the colonies; and that they +had for this reason enlarged the barracks at the castle, and passed a +law for the benefit of recruiting parties, as near the act of +parliament as the circumstances of the country would admit; that such +a law was necessary to give power to the magistrates, and they were +willing to make it, whenever his majesty's troops were necessary for +their defence. They asserted their natural rights as Englishmen; that +by the royal charter, the powers and privileges of civil government +were granted to them; that their enjoyment of these was their support +under all burdens, and would animate them to resist an invading enemy +to the last. If their adherence to their rights and privileges should, +in any measure, lessen the esteem which his lordship had conceived for +them, it would be their great misfortune; but that they would have the +satisfaction of reflecting that, both in their words and actions, they +had been governed by a sense of duty to his majesty, and faithfulness +to the trust committed to them.</p> + +<p>This address being forwarded to lord Loudoun, he affected to rely on +their removing all difficulties in future, and not only countermanded +the march of the troops, but condescended to make some conciliatory +observations respecting the zeal of the province in his majesty's +service. For these the two houses made an ample return in a message to +the governor, in which they disavowed any intention of lessening their +dependence on parliament; and expressly acknowledged the authority of +all acts which concerned, and extended to, the colonies.</p> + +<p>This explicit avowal of sentiments so different from those which +Massachusetts had long cherished respecting her connexion with the +mother country, would induce a belief that she had recently become +more colonial in her opinions. This was probably the fact; but Mr. +Minot, who may be presumed to have been personally acquainted with the +transaction, does not attribute to that cause entirely, the +conciliating temper manifested at the close of a contest, which had +commenced with such appearances of asperity. Massachusetts had made +large advances for the prosecution of the war, for which she expected +reimbursements from parliament; and was not willing, at such a +juncture, to make impressions unfavorable to the success of her +claims.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Preparations for the campaign of 1758.... Admiral Boscawen +and general Amherst arrive at Halifax.... Plan of the +campaign.... Expedition against Louisbourg, Ticonderoga, and +Crown Point.... General Abercrombie repulsed under the walls +of Ticonderoga.... Fort Frontignac taken.... Expedition +against fort Du Quêsne.... Preparations for the campaign of +1759.... General Amherst succeeds general Abercrombie.... +Plan of the campaign.... Ticonderoga and Crown Point +taken.... Army goes into winter quarters.... French repulsed +at Oswego.... Defeated at Niagara.... Niagara taken.... +Expedition against Quebec.... Check to the English army.... +Battle on the Plains of Abraham.... Death of Wolfe and +Montcalm.... Quebec capitulates.... Garrisoned by the +English under the command of general Murray.... Attempt to +recover Quebec.... Battle near Sillery.... Quebec besieged +by Monsieur Levi.... Siege raised.... Montreal +capitulates.... War with the southern Indians.... Battle +near the town of Etchoe.... Grant defeats them and burns +their towns.... Treaty with the Cherokees.... War with +Spain.... Success of the English.... Peace.</b></p></div> + +<p> </p> + + +<div class="sidenotey">1758</div> + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">The</span> affairs of Great Britain in North America wore a more gloomy +aspect, at the close of the campaign of 1757, than at any former +period. By the acquisition of fort William Henry, the French had +obtained complete possession of the lakes Champlain and George. By the +destruction of Oswego, they had acquired the dominion of those lakes +which connect the St. Lawrence with the waters of the Mississippi, and +unite Canada to Louisiana. By means of fort Du Quêsne, they maintained +their ascendency over the Indians, and held undisturbed possession of +the country west of the Allegheny mountains; while the English +settlers were driven to the Blue Ridge. The great object of the war in +that quarter was gained, and France held the country for which +hostilities had been commenced. With inferior numbers, the French had +been victorious in every campaign, and had uniformly gained ground on +the English colonies. Nor were they less successful elsewhere. The +flame of war which was kindled in America, had communicated itself to +Europe and Asia. In every quarter of the world where hostilities had +been carried on, the British arms were attended with defeat and +disgrace.</p> + +<p>But this inglorious scene was about to be succeeded by one of +unrivalled brilliancy. From the point of extreme depression to which +their affairs had sunk, the brightest era of British history was to +commence. Far from being broken by misfortune, the spirit of the +nation was high; and more of indignation than dismay was inspired by +the ill success of their arms. The public voice had, at length, made +its way to the throne, and had forced, on the unwilling monarch, a +minister who has been justly deemed one of the greatest men of the age +in which he lived.</p> + +<p>Mr. Pitt had been long distinguished in the House of Commons, for the +boldness and the splendour of his eloquence. His parliamentary +talents, and the independent grandeur of his character, had given him +a great ascendency in that body, and had made him the idol of the +nation. In 1756, he had been introduced into the cabinet, but could +not long retain his place. The public affection followed him out of +office; and, the national disasters continuing, it was found +impracticable to conduct the complicated machine of government without +his aid. In the summer of 1757, an administration was formed, which +conciliated the great contending interests in parliament; and Mr. Pitt +was placed at its head. The controlling superiority of his character +gave him the same ascendency in the cabinet which he had obtained in +the house of commons; and he seemed to dictate the measures of the +nation. Only a short time was required to show that qualities, seldom +united in the same person, were combined in him; and his talents for +action seemed to eclipse even those he had displayed in debate. His +plans partaking of the proud elevation of his own mind, and the +exalted opinion he entertained of his countrymen, were always grand; +and the means he employed for their execution, were always adequate to +the object. Possessing the public confidence without limitation, he +commanded all the resources of the nation, and drew liberally from the +public purse; but the money was always faithfully and judiciously +applied to the public service. Too great in his spirit, too lofty in +his views, to become the instrument of faction; when placed at the +head of the nation, he regarded only the interest of the nation; and, +overlooking the country or the party, which had given birth to merit, +he searched for merit only, and employed it wherever it was found. +From the elevation of the house of Brunswick to the British throne, a +great portion of the people, under the denomination of tories, had +been degraded, persecuted, and oppressed. Superior to this narrow and +short sighted policy, Mr. Pitt sought to level these enfeebling and +irritating distinctions, and to engage every British subject in the +cause of his country. Thus commanding both the strength and the wealth +of the kingdom, with perhaps greater talents, he possessed certainly +greater means, than any of his predecessors.<a name="FNanchor_156_156" id="FNanchor_156_156"></a><a href="#Footnote_156_156" class="fnanchor">[156]</a></p> + +<p>In no part of his majesty's dominions was the new administration more +popular than in his American colonies. Deeply and peculiarly +interested in the events of the war, they looked for a change of +fortune from this change of men, and cheerfully made every exertion, +of which they were capable, for the ensuing campaign. The circular +letter of Mr. Pitt assured the several governors that, to repair the +losses and disappointments of the last inactive campaign, the cabinet +was determined to send a formidable force, to operate by sea and land, +against the French in America; and he called upon them to raise as +large bodies of men, within their respective governments, as the +number of inhabitants might allow. Arms, ammunition, tents, +provisions, and boats, would, he said, be furnished by the crown; and +he required the colonies to clothe and pay their men; assuring them, +at the same time, that it should be recommended to parliament to make +them compensation.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Great preparations for the campaign.</div> + +<p>The legislature of Massachusetts agreed to furnish seven thousand men; +Connecticut five thousand; and New Hampshire three thousand. These +troops, great as were their numbers, when compared with the population +of the country, were in the field early in May; and the transports for +carrying those of Massachusetts to Halifax, were ready to sail in +fifteen days after they were engaged. Near one-third of the effective +men of that province, are said to have been in military service; and +the taxes were so heavy that, in the capital, they amounted to +two-thirds of the income of real estate.<a name="FNanchor_157_157" id="FNanchor_157_157"></a><a href="#Footnote_157_157" class="fnanchor">[157]</a></p> + +<p>In the mother country too, the utmost activity was transfused into +every department. Her fleets blocked up in the French ports the men +and stores designed for Canada, and captured, on the seas, most of +those which had been able to make their way into the ocean. <span class="sidenote">Admiral Boscawen and General Amherst arrive.</span>At the +same time, a powerful armament, equipped with unusual expedition, +sailed from her ports. Early in the spring, admiral Boscawen arrived +at Halifax with a formidable fleet, and twelve thousand British +troops, under the command of general Amherst.</p> + +<p>The earl of Loudoun had returned to England, and the command of the +British and American forces in the colonies, had devolved on general +Abercrombie. That officer found himself at the head of the most +powerful army ever seen in the new world. His whole numbers, +comprehending troops of every description, have been computed by Mr. +Belsham at fifty thousand men, of whom twenty thousand were +provincials.</p> + +<p>The objects of the campaign were no longer defeated by delays. The +preparations for action were made during the winter, and military +operations commenced in the spring.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Plan of the campaign.</div> + +<p>Three expeditions were proposed. The first was against Louisbourg; the +second against Ticonderoga and Crown Point; and the third against fort +Du Quêsne.<a name="FNanchor_158_158" id="FNanchor_158_158"></a><a href="#Footnote_158_158" class="fnanchor">[158]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Expedition against Louisbourg.</div> + +<p>The army destined against Louisbourg, consisting of fourteen thousand +men, was commanded by major general Amherst; and the fleet, consisting +of twenty ships of the line and eighteen frigates, by admiral +Boscawen. On the 24th of May, the troops embarked at Halifax; and, on +the 2d of June, arrived before Louisbourg.</p> + +<p>The use made by Great Britain of her naval superiority was felt in no +part of the possessions of his Most Christian Majesty more sensibly +than in Louisbourg. The garrison of that important place was composed +of only two thousand five hundred regulars, aided by six hundred +militia. The harbour was defended by five ships of the line; one ship +of fifty guns; and five frigates, three of which were sunk across the +mouth of the basin.</p> + +<p>Soon after investment of the place, one of the large ships was set on +fire by a bomb from a battery on the light house point, and blown up. +The flames were communicated to two others which shared the same fate. +The English admiral then sent a detachment of six hundred seamen, in +boats, into the harbour, under captains La Forcey and Balfour, to make +an attempt on the two remaining ships of the line, which still kept +possession of the basin. This service was executed with great +gallantry. One, which was aground, was destroyed, and the other was +towed off in triumph.</p> + +<p>The harbour being in possession of the English, and several +practicable breaches made in the works, the place was no longer deemed +defensible, and the governor was under the necessity of capitulating. +The garrison became prisoners of war, and Louisbourg, with its +artillery, provisions and military stores; and also Island Royal, St. +Johns, and their dependencies, were surrendered to the English, who +encountered no farther difficulty in taking possession of the whole +island.<a name="FNanchor_159_159" id="FNanchor_159_159"></a><a href="#Footnote_159_159" class="fnanchor">[159]</a></p> + +<p>This important acquisition was made with the loss of between five and +six hundred men, killed and wounded. The joy it diffused throughout +the colonies, long familiarised to disaster, was in proportion to +their former disappointments.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Against Ticonderoga.</div> + +<p>The expedition against Ticonderoga and Crown Point was conducted by +general Abercrombie in person. His army, consisting of near sixteen +thousand effectives, of whom nine thousand were provincials, was +attended by a formidable train of artillery, and possessed every +requisite to ensure success.</p> + +<p>On the 5th of July, he embarked on lake George, and reached the +landing place early the next morning. A disembarkation being effected +without opposition, the troops were immediately formed into four +columns, the British in the centre, and the Provincials on the flanks; +in which order they marched towards the advanced guard of the French, +composed of one battalion posted in a log camp, which, on the approach +of the English, made a precipitate retreat.</p> + +<p>Abercrombie continued his march towards Ticonderoga, with the +intention of investing that place; but, the woods being thick, and the +guides unskilful, his columns were thrown into confusion, and, in some +measure, entangled with each other. In this situation lord Howe, at +the head of the right centre column, fell in with a part of the +advance guard of the French, which, in retreating from lake George, +was likewise lost in the wood. He immediately attacked and dispersed +them; killing several, and taking one hundred and forty-eight +prisoners, among whom were five officers.</p> + +<p>This small advantage was purchased at a dear rate. Though only two +officers, on the side of the British, were killed, one of these was +lord Howe himself, who fell on the first fire. This gallant young +nobleman had endeared himself to the whole army. The British and +provincials alike lamented his death; and the assembly of +Massachusetts passed a vote for the erection of a superb cenotaph to +his memory, in the collegiate church of Westminster, among the heroes +and patriots of Great Britain.</p> + +<p>Without farther opposition, the English army took possession of the +post at the Saw Mills, within two miles of Ticonderoga. This fortress, +which commands the communication between the two lakes, is encompassed +on three sides by water, and secured in front by a morass. The +ordinary garrison amounting to four thousand men, was stationed under +the cannon of the place, and covered by a breast-work, the approach to +which had been rendered extremely difficult by trees felled in front, +with their branches outward, many of which were sharpened so as to +answer the purpose of chevaux-de-frize. This body of troops was +rendered still more formidable by its general than by its position. It +was commanded by the marquis de Montcalm.</p> + +<p>Having learned from his prisoners the strength of the army under the +walls of Ticonderoga, and that a reinforcement of three thousand men +was daily expected, general Abercrombie thought it advisable to storm +the place before this reinforcement should arrive. Being informed by +an engineer directed to reconnoitre the works, that they were +unfinished, and were practicable, he resolved, without waiting for his +artillery, to storm the lines; and the dispositions for an assault +were instantly made.</p> + +<p>The rangers, the light infantry, and the right wing of the +provincials, were ordered to form a line out of cannon shot of the +intrenchments, with their right extending to lake George, and their +left to lake Champlain. The regulars who were to storm the works, were +formed in the rear of this line. The piquets were to begin the attack, +and to be sustained by the grenadiers; and the grenadiers by the +battalions. The whole were ordered to march up briskly, to rush upon +the enemy's fire, and to reserve their own until they had passed the +breast-work.</p> + +<p>The troops marched to the assault with great intrepidity; but their +utmost efforts could make no impression on the works. The impediments +in front of the intrenchments retarded their advance, and exposed +them, while entangled among the boughs of the trees, to a very galling +fire. The breast-work itself was eight or nine feet high, and much +stronger than had been represented; so that the assailants, who do not +appear to have been furnished with ladders, were unable to pass it. +After a contest of near four hours, and several repeated attacks, +general Abercrombie ordered a retreat.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">General Abercrombie repulsed under the walls of +Ticonderoga.</div> + +<p>The army retired to the camp from which it had marched in the morning; +and, the next day, resumed its former position on the south side of +lake George.<a name="FNanchor_160_160" id="FNanchor_160_160"></a><a href="#Footnote_160_160" class="fnanchor">[160]</a></p> + +<p>In this rash attempt, the killed and wounded of the English amounted +to near two thousand men, of whom not quite four hundred were +provincials. The French were covered during the whole action, and +their loss was inconsiderable.<a name="FNanchor_161_161" id="FNanchor_161_161"></a><a href="#Footnote_161_161" class="fnanchor">[161]</a></p> + +<p>Entirely disconcerted by this unexpected and bloody repulse, General +Abercrombie relinquished his designs against Ticonderoga and Crown +Point. Searching however for the means of repairing the misfortune, if +not the disgrace, sustained by his arms, he readily acceded to a +proposition made by colonel Bradstreet, for an expedition against fort +Frontignac. This fortress stands on the north side of Ontario, at the +point where the St. Lawrence issues from that lake; and though a post +of real importance, had been left, in a great degree, undefended.</p> + +<p>The detachment designed for this service was commanded by colonel +Bradstreet. It consisted of three thousand men, of whom two hundred +were British, and was furnished with eight pieces of cannon, and three +mortars.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Fort Frontignac taken.</div> + +<p>Colonel Bradstreet embarked on the Ontario at Oswego, and on the 25th +of August, landed within one mile of the fort. In two days, his +batteries were opened at so short a distance that almost every shell +took effect; and the governor, finding the place absolutely untenable, +surrendered at discretion. The Indians having deserted, the prisoners +amounted only to one hundred and ten men. A great quantity of military +stores, together with nine armed vessels, mounting from eight to +eighteen guns, also fell into the hands of the English.<a name="FNanchor_162_162" id="FNanchor_162_162"></a><a href="#Footnote_162_162" class="fnanchor">[162]</a></p> + +<p>After destroying the fort and vessels, and such stores as could not be +brought off, colonel Bradstreet returned to the army which undertook +nothing farther during the campaign.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Expedition against Fort Du Quêsne.</div> + +<p>The demolition of fort Frontignac and of the stores which had been +collected there, contributed materially, to the success of the +expedition against fort Du Quêsne. The conduct of this enterprise had +been entrusted to general Forbes, who marched from Philadelphia, about +the beginning of July, at the head of the main body of the army, +destined for this service, in order to join colonel Bouquet at +Raystown. So much time was employed in preparing to move from this +place, that the Virginia regulars, commanded by colonel Washington, +were not ordered to join the British troops until the month of +September. It had been determined not to use the road made by +Braddock, but to cut a new one from Raystown to fort du Quêsne. About +the time this resolution was formed, and before the army was put in +motion, major Grant was detached from the advanced post at Loyal +Hannan with eight hundred men, to reconnoitre the fort and the +adjacent country. This gentleman invited an attack from the garrison, +the result of which was that upwards of three hundred of the +detachment were killed and wounded, and major Grant himself was made a +prisoner.<a name="FNanchor_163_163" id="FNanchor_163_163"></a><a href="#Footnote_163_163" class="fnanchor">[163]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Fort Du Quêsne evacuated.</div> + +<p>Early in October general Forbes moved from Raystown; but the +obstructions to his march were so great that he did not reach fort Du +Quêsne until late in November. The garrison, being deserted by the +Indians, and too weak to maintain the place against the formidable +army which was approaching, abandoned the fort the evening before the +arrival of the British, and escaped down the Ohio in boats. The +English placed a garrison in it, and changed its name to Pittsburg, in +compliment to their popular minister. The acquisition of this post was +of great importance to Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Its +possession had given the French an absolute control over the Indians +of the Ohio, who were accustomed to assemble at that place, for the +purpose of making their destructive incursions into those colonies. +Their route was marked by fire and the scalping knife; and neither age +nor sex could afford exemption from their ferocity. The expulsion of +the French gave the English entire possession of the country, and +produced a complete revolution in the disposition of the Indians +inhabiting it. Finding the current of success to be running against +their ancient friends, they were willing to reconcile themselves to +the most powerful; and all the Indians between the lakes and the Ohio +concluded a peace with the English.</p> + +<p>Although the events of 1758 did not equal the expectations which had +been formed from the force brought into the field, the advantages were +decisive. The whole country constituting the original cause of the +war, had changed masters, and was in possession of the English. The +acquisition of the island of Cape Breton opened the way to Quebec; and +their success in the west enabled them to direct all their force +against Canada. The colonists, encouraged by this revolution in their +affairs, and emboldened, by the conquests already made, to hope for +others still more extensive, prepared vigorously on the application of +Mr. Pitt, for the farther prosecution of the war.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">General Amherst succeeds General Abercrombie.</div> + +<p>Late in the year 1758, general Abercrombie was succeeded in the +command of the army by major general Amherst, who formed the bold plan +of conquering Canada in the course of the ensuing campaign.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1759</div> + +<p>The decided superiority of Great Britain at sea, and the great +exertions of France in other quarters of the world, still prevented +the arrival of such reinforcements as were necessary for the +preservation of his most christian majesty's possessions in North +America. <span class="sidenote">Plan of the campaign.</span>To take advantage of this weakness, the English proposed to +enter Canada by three different routes, with three powerful armies; +and to attack all the strongholds by which that country was defended.</p> + +<p>It was determined that one division of the army, to be commanded by +brigadier general Wolfe, a young officer who had signalised himself in +the siege of Louisbourg, should ascend the St. Lawrence, and lay siege +to Quebec. A strong fleet was to escort the troops destined for this +enterprise, and to co-operate with them.</p> + +<p>Major general Amherst was to lead the central and main army against +Ticonderoga and Crown Point. After making himself master of these +places, he was to proceed over lake Champlain, and by the way of +Richelieu, to the St. Lawrence, and down that river, so as to effect a +junction with general Wolfe before the walls of Quebec. From their +combined force, the conquest of the capital of Canada was expected.</p> + +<p>The third army was to be commanded by general Prideaux. Its first +destination was against Niagara. After the reduction of this place, +Prideaux was to embark on lake Ontario, and proceed down the St. +Lawrence against Montreal. Should Montreal fall into his hands before +the surrender of Quebec, he was to join the grand army at that +place.<a name="FNanchor_164_164" id="FNanchor_164_164"></a><a href="#Footnote_164_164" class="fnanchor">[164]</a></p> + +<p>It could not be expected that a plan so extensive and so complex, +should succeed in all its parts; and it was greatly to be apprehended, +that the failure of one part might defeat the whole. But it suited the +daring spirit which eminently distinguished the officers then +commanding the British forces, and was entered upon with zeal and +activity.</p> + +<p>As the other two expeditions, especially that against Quebec, were +supposed to depend greatly on the celerity with which the movements of +the main army should be made, general Amherst began his preparations +in the commencement of winter, for the enterprise he was to undertake. +Early in the spring, he transferred his head quarters from New York to +Albany, where his troops were assembled by the last of May. +Notwithstanding his continued exertions, the summer was far advanced +before he could cross lake George; <span class="sidenote">Ticonderoga abandoned.</span>nor did he reach Ticonderoga until +the 22d of July. The lines drawn around that place were immediately +abandoned, and the English took possession of them.</p> + +<p>The French troops in this quarter being unequal to the defence of the +posts they held, their object seems to have been to embarrass and +delay the invading army; but not to hazard any considerable diminution +of strength, by persevering in the defence of places until the retreat +of the garrison should become impracticable. The hope was entertained, +that by retreating from post to post, and making a show of intending +to defend each, the advance of the English might be retarded, until +the season for action on the lakes should pass away; while the French +would be gradually strengthened by concentration, and thus enabled to +maintain some point, which would arrest the progress of Amherst down +the St. Lawrence.</p> + +<p>In pursuance of this plan, as soon as the English had completed their +arrangements for taking possession of lake Champlain, the garrison of +Ticonderoga retreated to Crown Point.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">and Crown Point.</div> + +<p>Early in the month of August, Amherst advanced to Crown Point, which +was abandoned on his approach; and the garrison retired to isle Aux +Noix, at the northern extremity of lake Champlain. The French had +collected between three and four thousand men at this place, in an +entrenched camp, defended by artillery, and protected by several armed +vessels on the lake. After making great exertions to obtain a naval +superiority, General Amherst embarked his army on lake Champlain; but, +a succession of storms compelling him to abandon the farther +prosecution of the enterprise, he returned to Crown Point, where the +troops were put into winter quarters.<a name="FNanchor_165_165" id="FNanchor_165_165"></a><a href="#Footnote_165_165" class="fnanchor">[165]</a></p> + +<p>In the beginning of July, general Prideaux, embarked on lake Ontario +with the army destined against Niagara. Immediately after his +departure from Oswego, that place, which was defended by twelve +hundred men under the command of colonel Haldiman, was vigorously +attacked by a body of French and Indians, who were repulsed with some +loss.</p> + +<p>In the mean time, Prideaux proceeded towards Niagara, and landed +without opposition, about three miles from the fort. The place was +invested in form, and the siege was carried on by regular approaches. +In its progress, General Prideaux was killed by the bursting of a +cohorn, and the command devolved on general Johnson. Great efforts +were made to relieve this important place. A considerable body of +troops drawn from the neighbouring garrisons, aided by some Indian +auxiliaries, advanced on the English army, with the determination to +risk a battle, in order to raise the siege. Early in the morning of +the 24th, the approach of this party was announced, and a strong +detachment marched out to meet it. The action, which immediately +commenced, was not of long duration. The French were forsaken by their +savage allies, and victory soon declared in favour of the English.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Niagara capitulates.</div> + +<p>This battle decided the fate of Niagara. The works of the besiegers +had been pushed within one hundred yards of the walls, and a farther +attempt to defend the place being hopeless, a capitulation was signed, +by which the garrison, amounting to rather more than six hundred men, +became prisoners of war.</p> + +<p>Although important advantages were gained by the British arms in Upper +Canada, yet, as neither division of the army, in that quarter, +succeeded so completely as to co-operate with general Wolfe, serious +fears were entertained for the fate of that officer. The enterprise +conducted by him being of the greatest hazard and of the deepest +interest, its success was to decide, whether the whole campaign would +terminate in a manner favourable to the future conquest of Canada.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Expedition against Quebec.</div> + +<p>As soon as the waters were sufficiently freed from ice to be +navigable, Wolfe embarked eight thousand men with a formidable train +of artillery, at Louisbourg, under convoy of admirals Saunders and +Holmes. Late in June, he anchored about half way up the island of +Orleans, on which he landed, without opposition.</p> + +<p>From this position, he could take a near and accurate view of the +obstacles to be surmounted, before he could hope for success in his +enterprise. These were so great, that even his bold and sanguine +temper perceived more to fear than to hope; and, in a celebrated +letter written to Mr. Pitt, and afterwards published, he declared that +he could not flatter himself with being able to reduce the place.<a name="FNanchor_166_166" id="FNanchor_166_166"></a><a href="#Footnote_166_166" class="fnanchor">[166]</a></p> + +<p>Quebec stands on the north side of the St. Lawrence, and on the west +of the St. Charles, which rivers unite immediately below the town. It +consists of an upper and a lower town; the latter is built upon the +strand, which stretches along the base of the lofty rock, on which the +former is situated. This rock continues, with a bold and steep front, +far to the westward, parallel to, and near the river St. Lawrence. On +this side, therefore, the city might well be deemed inaccessible. On +the other, it was protected by the river St. Charles, in which were +several armed vessels, and floating batteries, deriving additional +security from a strong boom drawn across its mouth. The channel of +this river is rough and broken, and its borders intersected with +ravines. On its left, or eastern bank, was encamped a French army, +strongly entrenched, and amounting, according to the English accounts, +to ten thousand men.<a name="FNanchor_167_167" id="FNanchor_167_167"></a><a href="#Footnote_167_167" class="fnanchor">[167]</a> The encampment extended from St. Charles, +eastward, to the Montmorency, and its rear was covered by an almost +impenetrable wood. To render this army still more formidable, it was +commanded by a general, who had given signal proofs of active courage, +and consummate prudence. The marquis de Montcalm, who, when strong +enough to act offensively, had so rapidly carried Oswego, and fort +William Henry, and who, when reduced to the defensive, had driven +Abercrombie with such slaughter from the walls of Ticonderoga, was now +at the head of the army which covered Quebec, and was an antagonist, +in all respects, worthy of Wolfe.</p> + +<p>The British general perceived these difficulties in their full extent, +but, his ardent mind glowing with military enthusiasm, sought only how +to subdue them.</p> + +<p>He took possession of Point Levi, on the southern side of the St. +Lawrence, where he erected several heavy batteries, which opened on +the town, but were at too great a distance to make any considerable +impression on the works. Nor could his ships be employed in this +service. The elevation of the principal fortifications placed them +beyond the reach of the guns of the fleet; and the river was so +commanded by the batteries on shore, as to render a station near the +town ineligible.</p> + +<p>The English general, sensible of the impracticability of reducing +Quebec, unless he should be enabled to erect his batteries on the +north side of the St. Lawrence, determined to use his utmost +endeavours to bring Montcalm to an engagement. After several +unavailing attempts to draw that able officer from his advantageous +position, Wolfe resolved to pass the Montmorency, and to attack him in +his entrenchments.</p> + +<p>In consequence of this resolution, thirteen companies of British +grenadiers, and part of the second battalion of royal Americans, were +landed near the mouth of the Montmorency, under cover of the cannon of +the ships; while two divisions, under generals Townshend and Murray, +prepared to cross that river higher up. The original plan was to make +the first attack on a detached redoubt close to the water's edge, +apparently unprotected by the fire from the entrenchments, in the hope +that Montcalm might be induced to support this work, and thereby +enable Wolfe to bring on a general engagement.<a name="FNanchor_168_168" id="FNanchor_168_168"></a><a href="#Footnote_168_168" class="fnanchor">[168]</a></p> + +<p>On the approach of the British troops, this redoubt was evacuated. +Observing some confusion in the French camp, Wolfe determined to avail +himself of the supposed impression of the moment, and to storm the +lines. With this view, he directed the grenadiers and royal Americans +to form on the beach, where they were to wait until the whole army +could be arranged to sustain them. Orders were at the same time +dispatched to Townshend and Murray to be in readiness for fording the +river.</p> + +<p>The grenadiers and royal Americans, disregarding their orders, rushed +forward, with impetuous valour on the entrenchments of the enemy. They +were received with so steady and well supported a fire, that they were +thrown into confusion, and compelled to retreat. <span class="sidenote">The English army repulsed.</span>The general advancing +in person with the remaining brigades, the fugitives formed again in +the rear of the army; but the plan of the attack was effectually +disconcerted, and the English commander gave orders for re-passing the +river, and returning to the island of Orleans.</p> + +<p>Convinced by this disaster of the impracticability of approaching +Quebec on the side of the Montmorency, Wolfe again turned his whole +attention to the St. Lawrence. To destroy some ships of war lying in +the river, and at the same time to distract the attention of Montcalm +by descents at different places, twelve hundred men were embarked in +transports under the command of general Murray, who made two vigorous, +but unsuccessful attempts, to land on the northern shore. In the third +he was more fortunate. In a sudden descent on Chambaud, he burnt a +valuable magazine filled with military stores, but was still unable to +accomplish the main object of the expedition. The ships were secured +in such a manner as not to be approached by the fleet or army. Murray +was recalled; and on his return brought with him the intelligence that +Niagara was taken, that Ticonderoga and Crown Point had been +abandoned, and that general Amherst was making preparations to attack +the isle Aux Noix.<a name="FNanchor_169_169" id="FNanchor_169_169"></a><a href="#Footnote_169_169" class="fnanchor">[169]</a></p> + +<p>This intelligence, though joyfully received, promised no immediate +assistance; and the season for action was rapidly wasting away.<a name="FNanchor_170_170" id="FNanchor_170_170"></a><a href="#Footnote_170_170" class="fnanchor">[170]</a> +Nor was it easy for Wolfe to avoid contrasting the success of the +British arms under other auspices, with the ill fortune attending his +own.</p> + +<p>A council of war having determined that all their future efforts +should be directed towards effecting a landing above the town, the +troops were withdrawn from the island of Orleans, and embarked on +board the fleet. Some of them were landed at Point Levi, and the +residue carried higher up the river.<a name="FNanchor_171_171" id="FNanchor_171_171"></a><a href="#Footnote_171_171" class="fnanchor">[171]</a></p> + +<p>Montcalm could not view this movement without alarm. That part of +Quebec, which faces the country, had not been well fortified; and he +was apprehensive that a landing might be effected high up the river, +and the town approached on its weak side. At the same time, he could +not safely relinquish his position, because the facility of +transportation which the command of the water gave the English, would +enable them to seize the ground he then occupied, should his army be +moved above the town.</p> + +<p>Thus embarrassed, he detached Monsieur de Bougainville with fifteen +hundred men, to watch the motions of the English, and to prevent their +landing.</p> + +<p>In this state of things Wolfe formed the bold and hazardous plan of +landing in the night, a small distance above the city, on the northern +bank of the river; and, by scaling a precipice, accessible only by a +narrow path, and therefore but weakly guarded, to gain the heights in +the rear of the town.</p> + +<p>This resolution being taken, the admiral moved up the river, several +leagues above the place where the landing was to be attempted, and +made demonstrations of an intention to disembark a body of troops at +different places. During the night, a strong detachment, in flat +bottomed boats, fell silently down with the tide to the place fixed on +for the descent. This was made an hour before day-break, about a mile +above cape Diamond, Wolfe being the first man who leaped on shore. The +Highlanders and light infantry, who composed the van, under the +particular command of colonel Howe, had been directed to secure a four +gun battery defending an entrenched path by which the heights were to +be ascended, and to cover the landing of the remaining troops. The +violence of the current forced them rather below the point of +disembarkation; a circumstance which increased their difficulties. +However, scrambling up the precipice, they gained the heights, and +quickly dispersed the guard. The whole army followed up this narrow +pass; and, having encountered only a scattering fire from some +Canadians and Indians, gained the summit by the break of day, when the +several corps were formed under their respective leaders.<a name="FNanchor_172_172" id="FNanchor_172_172"></a><a href="#Footnote_172_172" class="fnanchor">[172]</a></p> + +<p>The intelligence that the English had gained the heights of Abraham +was soon conveyed to Montcalm, who comprehended at once the full force +of the advantage obtained by his adversary, and prepared for the +engagement which could no longer be avoided. Leaving his camp at +Montmorency, he crossed the St. Charles, for the purpose of attacking +the English army.<a name="FNanchor_173_173" id="FNanchor_173_173"></a><a href="#Footnote_173_173" class="fnanchor">[173]</a></p> + +<p>This movement was made in the view of Wolfe, who immediately formed +his order of battle. His right wing was commanded by general Monckton, +and his left by general Murray. The right flank was covered by the +Louisbourg grenadiers, and the rear and left by the light infantry of +Howe. The reserve consisted of Webb's regiment, drawn up in eight +subdivisions, with large intervals between them.</p> + +<p>Montcalm had formed his two wings of European and colonial troops in +nearly equal numbers. A column of Europeans composed his centre; and +two small field pieces were brought up to play on the English line. In +this order he marched to the attack, advancing in his front about +fifteen hundred militia and Indians, who kept up an irregular and +galling fire under cover of the bushes.</p> + +<p>The movements of the French indicating an intention to flank his left, +general Wolfe ordered the battalion of Amherst, and the two battalions +of royal Americans, to that part of his line; where they were formed +<i>en potence</i> under general Townshend, presenting a double front. +Disregarding the fire of the militia and Indians, he ordered his +troops to reserve themselves for the column advancing in the rear of +these irregulars.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Battle on the plains of Abraham.</div> + +<p>Montcalm had taken post on the left of the French army, and Wolfe on +the right of the British; so that the two generals met each other, at +the head of their respective troops; and there the battle was most +severe. The French advanced briskly to the charge, and commenced the +action with great animation. The English reserved their fire until the +enemy were within forty yards of them, when they gave it with immense +effect. The action was kept up for some time with great spirit. <span class="sidenote">Death of Wolfe,</span>Wolfe, +advancing at the head of his grenadiers with charged bayonets, +received a mortal wound and soon afterwards expired. Undismayed by the +loss of their general, the English continued their exertions under +Monckton, on whom the command devolved. He also received a ball +through his body, and general Townshend took command of the British +army. <span class="sidenote">and of Montcalm.</span>About the same time Montcalm received a mortal wound, and +general Senezergus, the second in command, also fell. The left wing +and centre of the French began to give way; and, being pressed close +by the British, were driven from the field.</p> + +<p>On the left and rear of the English, the action was less severe. The +light infantry had been placed in houses; and colonel Howe, the better +to support them, had taken post still farther to the left, behind a +copse. As the right of the French attacked the English left, he +sallied from this position, upon their flanks, and threw them into +disorder. In this critical moment, Townshend advanced several platoons +against their front, and completely frustrated the attempt to turn the +left flank.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Victory of the English.</div> + +<p>In this state of the action, Townshend was informed that the command +had devolved on him. Proceeding instantly to the centre, he found that +part of the army thrown into some disorder by the ardour of pursuit; +and his immediate efforts were employed in restoring the line. +Scarcely was this effected, when Monsieur de Bougainville, who had +been detached as high as cape Rouge to prevent a landing above, and +who, on hearing that the English had gained the plains of Abraham, +hastened to the assistance of Montcalm, appeared in the rear at the +head of fifteen hundred men. Fortunately for the English, the right +wing of the French, as well as their left and centre, had been +entirely broken, and driven off the field. Two battalions and two +pieces of artillery being advanced towards Bougainville, he retired; +and Townshend did not think it advisable to risk the important +advantages already gained, by pursuing this fresh body of troops +through a difficult country.<a name="FNanchor_174_174" id="FNanchor_174_174"></a><a href="#Footnote_174_174" class="fnanchor">[174]</a></p> + +<p>In this decisive battle, nearly equal numbers appear to have been +engaged. The English however possessed this immense advantage:—they +were all veterans; while not more than half the French were of the +same description. This circumstance would lead to an opinion that some +motive, not well explained, must have induced Montcalm to hazard an +action before he was assured of being joined by Bougainville.</p> + +<p>The French regulars were almost entirely cut to pieces. The loss of +the English was not so considerable as the fierceness of the action +would indicate. The killed and wounded were less than six hundred men; +but among the former, was the commander in chief. This gallant +officer, whose rare merit, and lamented fate, have presented a rich +theme for panegyric to both the poet and historian, received a ball in +his wrist in the commencement of the action; but, wrapping a +handkerchief around his arm, he continued to encourage his troops. +Soon afterwards he received a shot in the groin, which he also +concealed; and was advancing at the head of the grenadiers, when a +third bullet pierced his breast. Though expiring, it was with +reluctance he permitted himself to be carried into the rear, where he +displayed, in the agonies of death, the most anxious solicitude +concerning the fate of the day. Being told that the enemy was visibly +broken, he reclined his head, from extreme faintness, on the arm of an +officer standing near him; but was soon roused with the distant cry of +"they fly, they fly." "Who fly?" exclaimed the dying hero. On being +answered "the French." "Then," said he, "I depart content;" and, +almost immediately expired. "A death more glorious," adds Mr. Belsham, +"and attended with circumstances more picturesque and interesting, is +no where to be found in the annals of history."</p> + +<p>The less fortunate, but not less gallant Montcalm expired on the same +day. The same love of glory, and the same fearlessness of death, which +so remarkably distinguished the British hero, were equally conspicuous +in his competitor for victory and for fame. He expressed the highest +satisfaction on hearing that his wound was mortal; and when told that +he could survive only a few hours, quickly replied, "so much the +better, I shall not then live to see the surrender of Quebec."<a name="FNanchor_175_175" id="FNanchor_175_175"></a><a href="#Footnote_175_175" class="fnanchor">[175]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Quebec capitulates.</div> + +<p>The first days after the action were employed by general Townshend in +making preparations for the siege of Quebec. But before his batteries +were opened, the town capitulated; on condition that the inhabitants +should, during the war, be protected in the free exercise of their +religion, and the full enjoyment of their civil rights, leaving their +future destinies to be decided by the treaty of peace.</p> + +<p>Quebec was garrisoned by about five thousand English, under the +command of general Murray; and the fleet sailed from the St. Lawrence.</p> + +<p>The English minister, aware of the importance of completing the work +thus fortunately begun, was not of a temper to relax his exertions. +His letters to the governors of the several colonies contained +declarations of his intention to employ a strong military force for +the ensuing year, and exhortations to them to continue their efforts +for the annihilation of the French power in Canada. These exhortations +were accompanied with assurances that he would again apply to +parliament to reimburse their future extraordinary expenses; and were +productive of the desired effect. The several assemblies voted the +same number of troops, and amount of supplies, as had been furnished +the preceding year.</p> + +<p>In the mean time the governor of New France, and the general of the +army, made great exertions to retrieve their affairs, and to avert the +ruin which threatened them.</p> + +<p>The remaining European troops were collected about Montreal; where +they were reinforced with six thousand militia, and a body of Indians. +Monsieur de Levi, on whom the command had devolved, determined to +attempt the recovery of Quebec, before the opening of the St. Lawrence +should enable the English to reinforce the garrison, and to afford it +the protection of their fleet. But the out-posts being found too +strong to admit of his carrying the place by <i>a coup de main</i>, he was +under the necessity of postponing the execution of this design, until +the upper part of the St. Lawrence should open, and afford a +transportation by water, for his artillery and military stores.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1760</div> + +<p>In the month of April these were embarked at Montreal, under convoy of +six frigates; which, sailing down the St. Lawrence, while the army +marched by land, reached Point au Tremble in ten days.</p> + +<p>To avoid the hardships and dangers of a siege in a town too extensive +to be defended by his sickly garrison, and inhabited by persons known +to be hostile, Murray took the bold resolution of hazarding a battle. +Having formed this determination, he led out his garrison to the +heights of Abraham, <span class="sidenote">Battle near Sillery.</span>and attacked the French near Sillery. He was +received with unexpected firmness; and, perceiving that his utmost +efforts could make no impression, he called off his army, and retired +into the city. In this fierce encounter, the English loss amounted to +near one thousand men; and they represent that of the French to have +been not less considerable.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Quebec besieged.</div> + +<p>Monsieur de Levi improved his victory to the utmost. His trenches were +opened before the town, on the same evening; but such was the +difficulty of bringing up his heavy artillery, that near a fortnight +elapsed before he could mount his batteries, and bring his guns to +bear on the city. The batteries had been opened but a few days, when +the garrison was relieved from its perilous situation, by the arrival +of a British fleet.</p> + +<p>Quebec being secure, Monsieur de Levi raised the siege, and retired to +Montreal.</p> + +<p>During these transactions, general Amherst was taking measures for the +annihilation of the remnant of French power in Canada. He determined +to employ the immense force under his command for the accomplishment +of this object, and made arrangements, during the winter, to bring the +armies from Quebec, lake Champlain, and lake Ontario, to act against +Montreal.</p> + +<p>The preparations being completed, the commander in chief marched at +the head of upwards of ten thousand British and provincials, from the +frontiers of New York to Oswego, where he was joined by sir William +Johnson, with one thousand Indians. He embarked his army at that +place, and proceeded down the St. Lawrence to Montreal.</p> + +<p>Murray, who had been directed to advance up the river to the same +point, with as many men as could be spared from Quebec, appeared below +the town on the very day that Amherst approached it from above. The +two generals found no difficulty in disembarking their troops, and the +whole plan of co-operation had been so well concerted that, in a short +time, they were joined by colonel Haviland with the detachment from +Crown Point.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Montreal capitulates.</div> + +<p>The junction of these armies presenting before Montreal a force not to +be resisted, the governor offered to capitulate. In the month of +September, Montreal, and all other places within the government of +Canada, then remaining in the possession of France, were surrendered +to his Britannic majesty. The troops were to be transported to France, +and the Canadians to be protected in their property, and the full +enjoyment of their religion.<a name="FNanchor_176_176" id="FNanchor_176_176"></a><a href="#Footnote_176_176" class="fnanchor">[176]</a></p> + +<p>That colossal power, which France had been long erecting in America, +with vast labour and expense; which had been the motive for one of the +most extensive and desolating wars of modern times; was thus entirely +overthrown. The causes of this interesting event are to be found in +the superior wealth and population of the colonies of England, and in +her immense naval strength; an advantage, in distant war, not to be +counterbalanced by the numbers, the discipline, the courage, and the +military talents, which may be combined in the armies of an inferior +maritime power.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center"> </p> + +<p><a name="image-0007" id="image-0007"></a></p> +<p style="text-align: center"><img src="images/352.jpg" width="589" height="352" alt="Death of Wolfe" /></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"><a href="images/352b.jpg">[Enlarge]</a></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"><b>The Death of Wolfe on the Plains of Abraham</b></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"><i>From the painting by Benjamin West, in the Capitol at Ottawa, Canada</i></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Surrounded by his devoted officers, General James Wolfe died in the +hour of victory over the French General Montcalm, in which the English +captured Quebec, September 13, 1759, and decided the destiny of North +American civilization. General Wolfe lived to hear the cry "They +run!", and expired with the words "Now God be praised, I will die in +peace."</i></p> + +<p><i>In this canvas, painted in 1771, West departed from the venerated +custom of clothing pictorial characters in Greek or Roman costume. Sir +Joshua Reynolds, who had endeavored to dissuade him, later said, "I +retract my objections. I foresee that this picture will not only +become one of the most popular, but will occasion a revolution in +art."</i></p></div> + +<p> </p> + +<p>The joy diffused throughout the British dominions by this splendid +conquest, was mingled with a proud sense of superiority which did not +estimate with exact justice, the relative means employed by the +belligerents. In no part of those dominions was this joy felt, in a +higher degree, or with more reason, than in America. In that region, +the wars between France and England had assumed a form, happily +unknown to other parts of the civilised world. Not confined, as in +Europe, to men in arms; women and children were its common victims. It +had been carried by the savage to the fire side of the peaceful +peasant, where the tomahawk and scalping knife were applied +indiscriminately to every age, and to either sex. The hope was now +fondly indulged that these scenes, at least in the northern and middle +colonies, were closed for ever.</p> + +<p>The colonies of South Carolina and Georgia had been entirely exempted +from the sharp conflicts of the north. France having been unable to +draw Spain into the war, their neighbours in Florida remained quiet; +and the Indians on their immediate frontiers were in the English +interest. As the prospect of establishing peace in the north seemed to +brighten, this state of repose in the south sustained a short +interruption.</p> + +<p>When the garrison of fort Du Quêsne retired down the Ohio into +Louisiana, the French employed their address in the management of +Indians, to draw the Cherokees from their alliance with Great Britain. +Their negotiations with these savages were favoured by the irritations +given to their warriors in Virginia, where they had been employed +against the French, and the Indians in the French interest.</p> + +<p>Their ill humour began to show itself in 1759. Upon its first +appearance, governor Lyttleton prepared to march into their country at +the head of a respectable military force. Alarmed at these hostile +appearances, they dispatched thirty-two of their chiefs to Charleston, +for the purpose of deprecating the vengeance with which their nation +was threatened. Their pacific representations did not arrest the +expedition. The governor not only persisted in the enterprise, but, +under the pretext of securing the safe return of the Indian +messengers, took them into the train of his army, where they were, in +reality, confined as prisoners. To add to this indignity, they were, +when arrived at the place of destination, shut up together in a single +hut.</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding the irritation excited by this conduct, a treaty was +concluded, in which it was agreed that the chiefs detained by the +governor should remain with him as hostages, until an equal number of +those who had committed murder on the frontiers, should be delivered +in exchange for them; and that, in the meantime, the Indians should +seize and deliver up every white or red man coming into their country, +who should endeavour to excite them to war against the English. After +making this accommodation, the governor returned to Charleston, +leaving his hostages prisoners in fort Prince George.</p> + +<p>Scarcely had the army retired, when the Cherokees began to contrive +plans for the relief of their chiefs. In an attempt to execute these +plans, they killed the captain of the fort and wounded two officers. +Orders were immediately given to put the hostages in irons; an +indignity so resented by these fierce savages, that the first persons +who attempted to execute the orders were stabbed. The soldiers enraged +at this resistance, fell on the hostages and massacred them.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">War with the southern Indians.</div> + +<p>Inflamed to madness by this event, the whole nation flew to arms; and, +according to their established mode of warfare, wreaked their fury on +the inhabitants of the country in indiscriminate murder.</p> + +<p>Mr. Bull, on whom the government of the province had devolved, +represented the distresses of South Carolina in such strong terms to +general Amherst, that colonel Montgomery was ordered into that colony +with a detachment of regular troops. He arrived in April; but, as all +the forces would be required in the north, in order to complete the +conquest of Canada, he was directed to strike a sudden blow, and to +return to New York in time for the expedition against Montreal.</p> + +<p>The utmost exertions were made by the colony in aid of colonel +Montgomery, and he entered the Cherokee country with all the forces +that could be collected. Their lower towns were destroyed; <span class="sidenote">Battle near Etchoe.</span>but, near +the village of Etchoe, the first of their middle settlements, in an +almost impenetrable wood, he was met by a large body of savages, and a +severe action ensued. The English claimed the victory, but without +much reason. They were so roughly handled, that colonel Montgomery +withdrew his army, and retired to fort Prince George, at which place +he prepared to embark for New York.</p> + +<p>The consternation of the province was the greater, as serious fears +were entertained that the Creeks and Choctaws, might be induced by the +French to join the Cherokees. Colonel Montgomery was pressed in the +most earnest manner, not to leave the province; and was, with +difficulty, prevailed on to permit four companies to remain, while, +with the main body of his detachment, he returned to New York.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1761</div> + +<p>Mean while, the war continued to rage. The savages surrounded fort +Loudoun; and the garrison amounting to four hundred men, was compelled +by famine to surrender, on condition of being permitted to march into +the settlements. The Indians, who regard conventions no longer than +they are useful, attacked the garrison on its march, killed a number, +and made the residue prisoners. Carolina again applied to general +Amherst for assistance, who having completed the conquest of Canada, +had leisure to attend to the southern colonies. Late in May, a strong +detachment, commanded by colonel Grant, arrived at fort Prince George; +and the colony raised a body of provincials, and of friendly Indians, +to join him.</p> + +<p>Early in June, he marched for the Cherokee towns. Near the place where +the action had been fought the preceding year by Montgomery, the +Indians again assembled in force, and gave battle in defence of their +country. The action commenced about eight in the morning, and was +maintained with spirit until eleven, when the Cherokees began to give +way. They were pursued for two or three hours, after which Grant +marched to the adjacent village of Etchoe, which he reduced to ashes. +<span class="sidenote">Indians defeated.</span>All the towns of the middle settlement shared the same fate. Their +houses and corn fields were destroyed, and the whole country laid +waste. Reduced to extremity, they sued sincerely for peace; and, in +the course of the summer, the war was terminated by a treaty.<a name="FNanchor_177_177" id="FNanchor_177_177"></a><a href="#Footnote_177_177" class="fnanchor">[177]</a></p> + +<p>It was not in America only that the vigour presiding in the councils +of Britain shed lustre on the British arms. Splendid conquests were +also made in Asia and Africa; and in Europe, her aids of men and money +enabled the greatest monarch of his age to surmount difficulties which +only Frederick and Mr. Pitt could have dared to encounter.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1762</div> + +<p>At length, Spain, alarmed at the increase of British power in America, +and apprehensive for the safety of her own dominions, determined to +take part against Great Britain; and, early in the year 1762, the two +crowns declared war against each other. It was prosecuted, on the part +of Great Britain, with signal success; and, in the course of the year, +Martinique, Granada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and all the Caribbee +Islands were wrested from France; and the very important city of +Havanna, which in a great degree commands the gulf of Mexico, was +taken from Spain.</p> + +<p>This course of conquest, which no force in possession of France and +Spain seemed capable of checking, while any of their distant +possessions remained to be subdued, was arrested by preliminary +articles of peace signed at Paris.</p> + +<p>By this treaty, his Christian Majesty ceded to Britain, all the +conquests made by that power on the continent of North America, +together with the river and port of Mobile; and all the territory to +which France was entitled on the left bank of the Mississippi, +reserving only the island of New Orleans. And it was agreed that, for +the future, the confines between the dominions of the two crowns, in +that quarter of the world, should be irrevocably fixed by a line drawn +along the middle of the Mississippi, from its source as far as the +river Iberville, and thence, by a line drawn along the middle of that +river, and of the lakes Maurepas and Pont Chartrain.</p> + +<p>The Havanna was exchanged with Spain for the Floridas. By establishing +these great natural boundaries to the British empire in North America, +all causes of future contest respecting that continent, with any +potentate of Europe, were supposed to be removed.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Opinions on the supremacy of parliament, and its right to +tax the colonies.... The stamp act.... Congress at New +York.... Violence in the towns.... Change of +administration.... Stamp act repealed.... Opposition to the +mutiny act.... Act imposing duties on tea, &c. resisted in +America.... Letters from the assembly of Massachusetts to +members of the administration.... Petition to the King.... +Circular letter to the colonial assemblies.... Letter from +the earl of Hillsborough.... Assembly of Massachusetts +dissolved.... Seizure of the Sloop Liberty.... Convention at +Fanueil Hall.... Moderation of its proceedings.... Two +British regiments arrive at Boston.... Resolutions of the +house of Burgesses of Virginia.... Assembly dissolved.... +The members form an association.... General measures against +importation.... General court convened in Massachusetts.... +Its proceedings.... Is prorogued.... Duties, except that on +tea, repealed.... Circular letter of the earl of +Hillsborough.... New York recedes from the non-importation +agreement in part.... Her example followed.... Riot in +Boston.... Trial and acquittal of Captain Preston.</b></p></div> + +<p> </p> + + +<div class="sidenotey">1763</div> + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">The</span> attachment of the colonies to the mother country was never +stronger than at the signature of the treaty of Paris.<a name="FNanchor_178_178" id="FNanchor_178_178"></a><a href="#Footnote_178_178" class="fnanchor">[178]</a> The union +of that tract of country which extends from the Atlantic to the +Mississippi, and from the gulf of Mexico to the north pole, was deemed +a certain guarantee of future peace, and an effectual security against +the return of those bloody scenes from which no condition in life +could afford an exemption.</p> + +<p>This state of things, long and anxiously wished for by British +America, had, at length, been effected by the union of British and +American arms. The soldiers of the parent state and her colonies had +co-operated in the same service, their blood had mingled in the same +plains, and the object pursued was common to both people.</p> + +<p>While the British nation was endeared to the Americans by this +community of danger, and identity of interest, the brilliant +achievements of the war had exalted to enthusiasm their admiration of +British valour. They were proud of the land of their ancestors, and +gloried in their descent from Englishmen. But this sentiment was not +confined to the military character of the nation. While the excellence +of the English constitution was a rich theme of declamation, every +colonist believed himself entitled to its advantages; nor could he +admit that, by crossing the Atlantic, his ancestors had relinquished +the essential rights of British subjects.</p> + +<p>The degree of authority which might rightfully be exercised by the +mother country over her colonies, had never been accurately defined. +In Britain, it had always been asserted that Parliament possessed the +power of binding them in all cases whatever. In America, at different +times, and in different provinces, different opinions had been +entertained on this subject.</p> + +<p>In New England, originally settled by republicans, habits of +independence had nourished the theory that the colonial assemblies +possessed every legislative power not surrendered by compact; that the +Americans were subjects of the British crown, but not of the nation; +and were bound by no laws to which their representatives had not +assented. From this high ground they had been compelled reluctantly to +recede. The Judges, being generally appointed by the governors with +the advice of council, had determined that the colonies were bound by +acts of parliament which concerned them, and which were expressly +extended to them; and the general court of Massachusetts had, on a +late occasion, explicitly recognised the same principle. This had +probably become the opinion of many of the best informed men of the +province; but the doctrine seems still to have been extensively +maintained, that acts of parliament possessed only an external +obligation; that they might regulate commerce, but not the internal +affairs of the colonies.</p> + +<p>In the year 1692, the general court of Massachusetts passed an act, +denying the right of any other legislature to impose any tax whatever +on the colony; and also asserting those principles of national +liberty, which are found in Magna Charta. Not long afterwards, the +legislature of New York, probably with a view only to the authority +claimed by the governor, passed an act in which its own supremacy, not +only in matters of taxation, but of general legislation, is expressly +affirmed. Both these acts however were disapproved in England; and the +parliament asserted its authority, in 1696, by declaring "that all +laws, bye laws, usages, and customs, which shall be in practice in any +of the plantations, repugnant to any law made or to be made in this +kingdom relative to the said plantations, shall be void and of none +effect." And three years afterwards, an act was passed for the trial +of pirates in America, in which is to be found the following +extraordinary clause: "Be it farther declared that, if any of the +governors, or any person or persons in authority there, shall refuse +to yield obedience to this act, such refusal is hereby declared to be +a forfeiture of all and every [<i>sic</i>] the charters granted for the +government and propriety of such plantations."</p> + +<p>The English statute book furnishes many instances in which the +legislative power of parliament over the colonies was extended to +regulations completely internal; and it is not recollected that their +authority was in any case openly controverted.</p> + +<p>In the middle and southern provinces, no question respecting the +supremacy of parliament, in matters of general legislation, ever +existed. The authority of such acts of internal regulation as were +made for America, as well as of those for the regulation of commerce, +even by the imposition of duties, provided those duties were imposed +for the purpose of regulation, had been at all times admitted. But +these colonies, however they might acknowledge the supremacy of +parliament in other respects, denied the right of that body to tax +them internally.</p> + +<p>Their submission to the act for establishing a general post office, +which raised a revenue on the carriage of letters, was not thought a +dereliction of this principle; because that regulation was not +considered as a tax, but as a compensation for a service rendered, +which every person might accept or decline. And all the duties on +trade were understood to be imposed, rather with a view to prevent +foreign commerce, than to raise a revenue. Perhaps the legality of +such acts was the less questioned, because they were not rigorously +executed, and their violation was sometimes designedly overlooked. A +scheme for taxing the colonies by authority of parliament had been +formed so early as the year 1739, and recommended to government by a +club of American merchants, at whose head was sir William Keith, +governor of Pennsylvania. In this scheme, it was proposed to raise a +body of regulars, to be stationed along the western frontier of the +British settlements, for the protection of the Indian traders; the +expense of which establishment was to be paid with monies arising from +a duty on stamped paper and parchment in all the colonies. This plan, +however, was not countenanced by those in power; and seems never to +have been seriously taken up by the government until the year 1754. +The attention of the minister was then turned to a plan of taxation by +authority of parliament; and it will be recollected that a system was +devised and recommended by him, as a substitute for the articles of +union proposed by the convention at Albany. The temper and opinion of +the colonists, and the impolicy of irritating them at a crisis which +required all the exertions they were capable of making, suspended this +delicate and dangerous measure; but it seems not to have been totally +abandoned. Of the right of parliament, as the supreme legislature, of +the nation, to tax as well as govern the colonies, those who guided +the councils of Britain seem not to have entertained a doubt; and the +language of men in power, on more than one occasion through the war, +indicated a disposition to put this right in practice when the +termination of hostilities should render the experiment less +dangerous. The failure of some of the colonies, especially those in +which a proprietary government was established, to furnish, in time, +the aids required of them, contributed to foster this disposition. +This opposition of opinion on a subject the most interesting to the +human heart, was about to produce a system of measures which tore +asunder all the bonds of relationship and affection that had subsisted +for ages, and planted almost inextinguishable hatred in bosoms where +the warmest friendship had long been cultivated.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1764</div> + +<p>The unexampled expenses of the war required a great addition to the +regular taxes of the nation. Considerable difficulty was found in +searching out new sources of revenue, and great opposition was made to +every tax proposed. Thus embarrassed, administration directed its +attention to the continent of North America. The system which had been +laid aside was renewed; and, on the motion of Mr. Grenville, first +commissioner of the treasury, a resolution passed without much debate, +declaring that it would be proper to impose certain stamp duties in +the colonies and plantations, for the purpose of raising a revenue in +America, payable into the British exchequer. This resolution was not +carried into immediate effect, and was only declaratory of an +intention to be executed the ensuing year.<a name="FNanchor_179_179" id="FNanchor_179_179"></a><a href="#Footnote_179_179" class="fnanchor">[179]</a></p> + +<p>Other resolutions were passed at the same time, laying new duties on +the trade of the colonies, which being in the form of commercial +regulations, were not generally contested on the ground of right, +though imposed expressly for the purpose of raising revenue. Great +disgust, however, was produced by the increase of the duties, by the +new regulations which were made, and by the manner in which those +regulations were to be executed. The gainful commerce long carried on +clandestinely with the French and Spanish colonies, in the progress of +which an evasion of the duties imposed by law had been overlooked by +the government, was to be rigorously suppressed by taxes amounting to +a prohibition of fair trade; and their exact collection was to be +enforced by measures not much less offensive in themselves, than on +account of the object to be effected.<a name="FNanchor_180_180" id="FNanchor_180_180"></a><a href="#Footnote_180_180" class="fnanchor">[180]</a></p> + +<p>Completely to prevent smuggling, all the officers in the sea service, +who were on the American station, were converted into revenue +officers; and directed to take the custom house oaths. Many vexatious +seizures were made, for which no redress could be obtained but in +England. The penalties and forfeitures, too, accruing under the act, +as if the usual tribunals could not be trusted, were made recoverable +in any court of vice-admiralty in the colonies. It will be readily +conceived how odious a law, made to effect an odious object, must have +been rendered by such provisions as these.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1765</div> + +<p>The resolution concerning the duties on stamps excited a great and +general ferment in America. The right of parliament to impose taxes on +the colonies for the purpose of raising a revenue, became the subject +of universal conversation, and was almost universally denied. +Petitions to the King, and memorials to both houses of parliament +against the measure, were transmitted by several of the provincial +assemblies to the board of trade in England, to be presented to his +majesty immediately; and to parliament, when that body should be +convened. The house of representatives of Massachusetts instructed +their agent to use his utmost endeavours to prevent the passage of the +stamp act, or any other act levying taxes or impositions of any kind +on the American provinces. A committee was appointed to act in the +recess of the general court, with instructions to correspond with the +legislatures of the several colonies, to communicate to them the +instructions given to the agent of Massachusetts, and to solicit their +concurrence in similar measures. These legislative proceedings were, +in many places, seconded by associations entered into by individuals, +for diminishing the use of British manufactures.<a name="FNanchor_181_181" id="FNanchor_181_181"></a><a href="#Footnote_181_181" class="fnanchor">[181]</a></p> + +<p>The administration, perceiving the opposition to be encountered by +adhering to the vote of the preceding session, informed the agents of +the colonies in London that, if they would propose any other mode of +raising the sum required<a name="FNanchor_182_182" id="FNanchor_182_182"></a><a href="#Footnote_182_182" class="fnanchor">[182]</a>, their proposition would be accepted, +and the stamp duty laid aside. The agents replied that they were not +authorised to propose any substitute, but were ordered to oppose the +bill when it should be brought into the house, by petitions +questioning the right of parliament to tax the colonies. This reply +placed the controversy on ground which admitted of no compromise. +Determined to persevere in the system he had adopted, and believing +successful resistance to be impossible, Mr. Grenville brought into +parliament his celebrated act for imposing stamp duties in America; +and it passed both houses by great majorities, but not without +animated debate. So little weight does the human mind allow to the +most conclusive arguments, when directed against the existence of +power in ourselves, that general Conway is said to have stood +alone<a name="FNanchor_183_183" id="FNanchor_183_183"></a><a href="#Footnote_183_183" class="fnanchor">[183]</a> in denying the right claimed by parliament.</p> + +<p>This act excited serious alarm throughout the colonies. It was +sincerely believed to wound vitally the constitution of the country, +and to destroy the most sacred principles of liberty. Combinations +against its execution were formed; and the utmost exertions were used +to diffuse among the people a knowledge of the pernicious consequences +which must flow from admitting that the colonists could be taxed by a +legislature in which they were not represented.</p> + +<p><a name="p370" id="p370">The</a> assembly of Virginia was in session when the intelligence was +received; and, by a small majority, passed several resolutions +introduced by Mr. Henry, and seconded by Mr. Johnson,<a name="FNanchor_184_184" id="FNanchor_184_184"></a><a href="#Footnote_184_184" class="fnanchor">[184]</a> one of +which asserts the exclusive right of that assembly to lay taxes and +impositions on the inhabitants of that colony.<a name="FNanchor_185_185" id="FNanchor_185_185"></a><a href="#Footnote_185_185" class="fnanchor">[185]</a></p> + +<p>On the passage of these resolutions, the governor dissolved the +assembly; and writs for new elections were issued. In almost every +instance, the members who had voted in favour of the resolutions were +re-elected, while those who had voted against them were generally +excluded.</p> + +<p>The legislatures of several other colonies passed resolutions similar +to those of Virginia. The house of representatives of Massachusetts, +contemplating a still more solemn and effectual expression of the +general sentiment, recommended a congress of deputies from all the +colonial assemblies, to meet at New York the first Monday in October. +Circular letters communicating this recommendation, were addressed to +the respective assemblies wherever they were in session. New Hampshire +alone, although concurring in the general opposition, declined sending +members to the congress; and the legislatures of Virginia and North +Carolina were not in session.<a name="FNanchor_186_186" id="FNanchor_186_186"></a><a href="#Footnote_186_186" class="fnanchor">[186]</a></p> + +<p>In the meantime, the press teemed with the most animating exhortations +to the people, to unite in defence of their liberty and property; and +the stamp officers were, almost universally, compelled to resign.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Congress at New York.</div> + +<p><a name="p371" id="p371">At</a> the time appointed, the commissioners from the assemblies of +Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, +Pennsylvania, the three lower counties on the Delaware, Maryland, and +South Carolina assembled at New York; and, having chosen Timothy +Ruggles, of Massachusetts, their chairman, proceeded on the important +objects for which they had convened. The first measure of congress was +a declaration<a name="FNanchor_187_187" id="FNanchor_187_187"></a><a href="#Footnote_187_187" class="fnanchor">[187]</a> of the rights and grievances of the colonists. This +paper asserts their title to all the rights and liberties of natural +born subjects within the kingdom of Great Britain; among the most +essential of which are, the exclusive power to tax themselves, and the +trial by jury.</p> + +<p>The act granting certain stamp and other duties in the British +colonies was placed first on the list of grievances. Its direct +tendency they said, was, by taxing the colonists without their +consent, and by extending the jurisdiction of courts of admiralty, to +subvert their rights and liberties. They also addressed a petition to +the King, and a memorial to each house of parliament.</p> + +<p>These papers were drawn with temperate firmness. They express, +unequivocally, the attachment of the colonists to the mother country; +and assert the rights they claim in the earnest language of +conviction.</p> + +<p>Having, in addition to these measures, recommended to the several +colonies to appoint special agents, with instructions to unite their +utmost endeavours in soliciting a redress of grievances; and directed +their clerk to make out a copy of their proceedings for each colony, +congress adjourned.<a name="FNanchor_188_188" id="FNanchor_188_188"></a><a href="#Footnote_188_188" class="fnanchor">[188]</a></p> + +<p>To interest the people of England against the measures of +administration, associations were formed for the encouragement of +domestic manufactures, and against the use of those imported from +Great Britain. To increase their quantity of wool, the colonists +determined to kill no lambs, and to use all the means in their power +to multiply their flocks of sheep. To avoid the use of stamps, +proceedings in the courts of justice were suspended; and a settlement +of all controversies by arbitration was strongly recommended.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Violence in the large towns.</div> + +<p>While this determined and systematic opposition was made by the +thinking part of the community, some riotous and disorderly meetings +took place, especially in the large towns, which threatened serious +consequences. Many houses were destroyed, much property injured, and +several persons, highly respectable in character and station, were +grossly abused.</p> + +<p>While these transactions were passing in America, causes entirely +unconnected with the affairs of the colonies, produced a total +revolution in the British cabinet. The Grenville party was succeeded +by an administration unfriendly to the plan for taxing the colonies +without their consent. General Conway, one of the principal +secretaries of state, addressed a circular letter to the several +governors, in which he censured, in mild terms, the violent measures +that had been adopted, and recommended to them, while they maintained +the dignity of the crown and of parliament, to observe a temperate and +conciliatory conduct towards the colonists, and to endeavour, by +persuasive means, to restore the public peace.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1766</div> + +<p>Parliament was opened by a speech from the throne, in which his +majesty declared his firm confidence in their wisdom and zeal, which +would, he doubted not, guide them to such sound and prudent +resolutions, as might tend at once to preserve the constitutional +rights of the British legislature over the colonies, and to restore to +them that harmony and tranquillity which had lately been interrupted +by disorders of the most dangerous nature.</p> + +<p>In the course of the debate in the house of commons, on the motion for +the address, Mr. Pitt, in explicit terms, condemned the act for +collecting stamp duties in America; and avowed the opinion that +parliament had no right to tax the colonies. He asserted, at the same +time, "the authority of that kingdom to be sovereign and supreme in +every circumstance of government and legislation whatever." He +maintained the difficult proposition "that taxation is no part of the +governing, or legislative power; but that taxes are a voluntary gift +and grant of the commons alone;" and concluded an eloquent speech, by +recommending to the house, "that the stamp act be repealed, +<i>absolutely</i>, <i>totally</i>, and <i>immediately</i>."</p> + +<p>The opinions expressed by Mr. Pitt were warmly opposed by the late +ministers. Mr. Grenville said, "that the disturbances in America were +grown to tumults and riots; he doubted, they bordered on open +rebellion; and, if the doctrine he had heard that day should be +confirmed, he feared they would lose that name to take that of +revolution. The government ever them being dissolved, a revolution +would take place in America." He contended that taxation was a part of +the sovereign power;—one branch of legislation; and had been +exercised over those who were not represented. He could not comprehend +the distinction between external and internal taxation; and insisted +that the colonies ought to bear a part of the burdens occasioned by a +war for their defence.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Stamp act repealed.</div> + +<p>The existing administration, however, concurred in sentiment with Mr. +Pitt, and the act was repealed; but its repeal was accompanied with a +declaratory act, asserting the right of Great Britain to bind the +colonies in all cases whatsoever.</p> + +<p>The intelligence of this event was received in America with general +manifestations of joy. The assertion of the abstract principle of +right gave many but little concern, because they considered it merely +as a salve for the wounded pride of the nation, and believed +confidently that no future attempt would be made to reduce it to +practice. The highest honours were conferred on those parliamentary +leaders who had exerted themselves to obtain a repeal of the act; and, +in Virginia, the house of Burgesses voted a statue to his majesty, as +an acknowledgment of their high sense of his attention to the rights +and petitions of his people.</p> + +<p>Though all the colonies rejoiced at the repeal of the stamp act, the +same temper did not prevail in all of them. In the commercial cities +of the north, the regulations of trade were nearly as odious as the +stamp act itself. Political parties too had been formed, and had +assumed a bitterness in some of the colonies, entirely unknown in +others. These dispositions were not long concealed. The first measures +of Massachusetts and of New York demonstrated that, in them, the +reconciliation with the mother country was not cordial.</p> + +<p>The letter of secretary Conway, transmitting the repeal of the act +imposing a duty on stamps, enclosed also a resolution of parliament +declaring that those persons who had suffered injuries in consequence +of their assisting to execute that act, ought to be compensated by the +colony in which such injuries were sustained. This was chiefly in +Massachusetts. The resolution of parliament was laid before the +general court of that province, by governor Bernard, in a speech +rather in the spirit of the late, than the present +administration;—rather calculated to irritate than assuage the angry +passions that had been excited. The house of representatives resented +his manner of addressing them; and appeared more disposed to inquire +into the riots, and to compel those concerned in them to make +indemnities, than to compensate the sufferers out of the public purse. +But, after a second session, and some intimation that parliament would +enforce its requisition, an act of pardon to the offenders, and of +indemnity to the sufferers, was passed; but was rejected by the King, +because the colonial assembly had no power, by their charter, to pass +an act of general pardon, but at the instance of the crown.<a name="FNanchor_189_189" id="FNanchor_189_189"></a><a href="#Footnote_189_189" class="fnanchor">[189]</a></p> + +<p>In New York, where general Gage was expected with a considerable body +of troops, a message was transmitted by the governor to the +legislature, desiring their compliance with an act of parliament +called "the mutiny act," which required that the colony in which any +of his majesty's forces might be stationed, should provide barracks +for them, and necessaries in their quarters. The legislature postponed +the consideration of this message until the troops were actually +arrived; and then, after a second message from the governor, +reluctantly and partially complied with the requisitions of the act.</p> + +<p>At a subsequent session, the governor brought the subject again before +the assembly, who determined that the act of parliament could be +construed only to require that provision should be made for troops on +a march, and not while permanently stationed in the country.<a name="FNanchor_190_190" id="FNanchor_190_190"></a><a href="#Footnote_190_190" class="fnanchor">[190]</a> The +reason assigned for not furnishing the accommodations required by the +governor, implies the opinion that the act of parliament was +rightfully obligatory; and yet the requisitions of the mutiny act were +unquestionably a tax; and no essential distinction is perceived +between the power of parliament to levy a tax by its own authority, +and to levy it through the medium of the colonial legislatures; they +having no right to refuse obedience to the act. It is remarkable that +such inaccurate ideas should still have prevailed, concerning the +controlling power of parliament over the colonies.</p> + +<p>In England it was thought to manifest a very forbearing spirit, that +this instance of disobedience was punished with no positive penalties; +and that the ministers contented themselves with a law prohibiting the +legislature of the province from passing any act, until it should +comply, in every respect, with the requisitions of parliament. The +persevering temper of Massachusetts not having found its way to New +York, this measure produced the desired effect.</p> + +<p>Two companies of artillery, driven into the port of Boston by stress +of weather, applied to the governor for supplies. He laid the +application before his council, who advised that, "in pursuance of the +act of parliament" the supplies required should be furnished. They +were furnished, and the money to procure them was drawn from the +treasury by the authority of the executive.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1767</div> + +<p>On the meeting of the legislature, the house of representatives +expressed in pointed terms their disapprobation of the conduct of the +governor. Particular umbrage was given by the expression "<i>in +pursuance of an act of parliament</i>." "After the repeal of the stamp +act, they were surprised to find that this act, equally odious and +unconstitutional, should remain in force. They lamented the entry of +this reason for the advice of council the more, as it was an +unwarrantable and unconstitutional step which totally disabled them +from testifying the same cheerfulness they had always shown in +granting to his majesty, of their free accord, such aids as his +service has from time to time required."<a name="FNanchor_191_191" id="FNanchor_191_191"></a><a href="#Footnote_191_191" class="fnanchor">[191]</a> Copies of these messages +were transmitted by governor Bernard to the minister, accompanied by +letters not calculated to diminish the unpleasantness of the +communication.</p> + +<p>The idea of raising revenue in America, was so highly favoured in +England, especially by the landed interest, that not even the +influence of administration could have obtained a repeal of the stamp +act, on the naked principle of right. Few were hardy enough to +question the supremacy of parliament; and the act receding from the +practical assertion of the power to tax the colonists, deeply wounded +the pride of the King, and of the nation.</p> + +<p>The temper discovered in some of the colonies was ill calculated to +assuage the wound, which this measure had inflicted, on the haughty +spirit of the country; and is supposed to have contributed to the +revival of a system, which had been reluctantly abandoned.</p> + +<p>Charles Townshend, chancellor of the exchequer, said boastingly in the +house of commons, "that he knew how to draw a revenue from the +colonies without giving them offence."<a name="FNanchor_192_192" id="FNanchor_192_192"></a><a href="#Footnote_192_192" class="fnanchor">[192]</a> Mr. Grenville eagerly +caught at the declaration, and urged this minister to pledge himself +to bring forward the measure, at which he had hinted. During the +sickness and absence of lord Chatham, the cabinet had decided on +introducing a bill for imposing certain duties on tea, glass, paper, +and painter's colours, imported into the colonies from Great Britain; +and appropriating the money in the first instance, to the salaries of +the officers of government. This bill was brought into parliament, and +passed almost without opposition.</p> + +<p>The friends of America, in England, had distinguished between internal +and external taxation; and the same distinction had been made in the +colonies. But the discussions originating in the stamp act, while they +diffused among the colonists a knowledge of their political rights, +had inspired also more accurate ideas respecting them.</p> + +<p>These duties were plainly intended, not to regulate commerce, but to +raise revenue, which would be as certainly collected from the +colonists, as the duties on stamps could have been. The principle of +the two measures was the same. Many of the Americans were too +intelligent to be misguided by the distinction between internal and +external taxation, or by the precedents quoted in support of the +right, for which parliament contended. This measure was considered as +establishing a precedent of taxation for the mere purpose of revenue, +which might afterwards be extended at the discretion of parliament; +and was spoken of as the <i>entering wedge</i>, designed to make way for +impositions too heavy to be borne. The appropriation of the money did +not lessen the odium of the tax. The colonists considered the +dependence of the officers of government, on the colonial legislature, +for their salaries, as the best security for their attending to the +interests, and cultivating the affections of the provinces.<a name="FNanchor_193_193" id="FNanchor_193_193"></a><a href="#Footnote_193_193" class="fnanchor">[193]</a> Yet +the opinion that this act was unconstitutional, was not adopted so +immediately, or so generally, as in the case of the stamp act. Many +able political essays appeared in the papers, demonstrating that it +violated the principles of the English constitution and of English +liberty, before the conviction became general, that the same principle +which had before been successfully opposed, was again approaching in a +different form.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1768</div> + +<p>The general court of Massachusetts, perceiving plainly that the claim +to tax America was revived, and being determined to oppose it, +addressed an elaborate letter to Dennis de Berdt, agent for the house +of representatives, detailing at great length, and with much weight of +argument, all the objections to the late acts of parliament. Letters +were also addressed to the earl of Shelburne and general Conway, +secretaries of state, to the marquis of Rockingham, lord Camden, the +earl of Chatham, and the lords commissioners of the treasury. These +letters, while they breathe a spirit of ardent attachment to the +British constitution, and to the British nation, manifest a perfect +conviction that their complaints were just.</p> + +<p>Conclusive as the arguments they contained might have appeared to +Englishmen, if urged by themselves in support of their own rights, +they had not much weight, when used to disprove the existence of their +authority over others. The deep and solemn tone of conviction, +however, conveyed in all these letters, ought to have produced a +certainty that the principles assumed in them had made a strong +impression, and would not be lightly abandoned. It ought to have been +foreseen that with such a people, so determined, the conflict must be +stern and hazardous; and, it was well worth the estimate, whether the +object would compensate the means used to obtain it.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Petition to the King.</div> + +<p>The assembly also voted a petition to the King, replete with +professions of loyalty and attachment; but stating, in explicit terms, +their sense of the acts against which they petitioned.</p> + +<p><a name="p383" id="p383">A</a> proposition was next made for an address to the other colonies on +the power claimed by parliament, which, after considerable debate, was +carried in the affirmative; and a circular letter to the assemblies of +the several provinces, setting forth the proceedings of the house of +representatives, was prepared and adopted.<a name="FNanchor_194_194" id="FNanchor_194_194"></a><a href="#Footnote_194_194" class="fnanchor">[194]</a></p> + +<p>To rescue their measures from the imputation of systematic opposition +to the British government, the house, without acknowledging the +obligation of the mutiny act, complied with a requisition of the +governor to make a farther provision for one of the King's garrisons +within the province. The governor, soon afterwards, prorogued the +general court with an angry speech, not calculated to diminish the +resentments of the house directed against himself; resentments +occasioned as much by the haughtiness of his manners, and a persuasion +that he had misrepresented their conduct and opinions to ministers, as +by the unpopular course his station required him to pursue.<a name="FNanchor_195_195" id="FNanchor_195_195"></a><a href="#Footnote_195_195" class="fnanchor">[195]</a></p> + +<p>The circular letter of the house of representatives of Massachusetts +was well received in the other colonies. They approved the measures +which had been taken, and readily united in them. They, too, +petitioned the King against the obnoxious acts of parliament, and +instructed their several agents to use all proper means to obtain +their repeal. Virginia transmitted a statement of her proceedings<a name="FNanchor_196_196" id="FNanchor_196_196"></a><a href="#Footnote_196_196" class="fnanchor">[196]</a> +to her sister colonies; and her house of Burgesses, in a letter to +Massachusetts, communicating the representation made to parliament, +say, "that they do not affect an independency of their parent kingdom, +the prosperity of which they are bound, to the utmost of their +abilities, to promote; but cheerfully acquiesce in the authority of +parliament to make laws for the preserving a necessary dependence, and +for regulating the trade of the colonies; yet they cannot conceive, +and humbly insist, it is not essential to support a proper relation +between the mother country, and colonies transplanted from her, that +she should have a right to raise money from them without their +consent, and presume they do not aspire to more than the right of +British subjects, when they assert that no power on earth has a right +to impose taxes on the people, or take the smallest portion of their +property without their consent given by their representatives in +parliament."<a name="FNanchor_197_197" id="FNanchor_197_197"></a><a href="#Footnote_197_197" class="fnanchor">[197]</a></p> + +<p>On the first intimation of the measures taken by Massachusetts, the +earl of Hillsborough, who had been appointed to the newly created +office of secretary of state for the department of the colonies, +addressed a circular to the several governors, to be laid before the +respective assemblies, in which he treated the circular letter of +Massachusetts, as being of the most dangerous tendency, calculated to +inflame the minds of his majesty's good subjects in the colonies, to +promote an unwarrantable combination, to excite an open opposition to +the authority of parliament, and to subvert the true principles of the +constitution.<a name="FNanchor_198_198" id="FNanchor_198_198"></a><a href="#Footnote_198_198" class="fnanchor">[198]</a></p> + +<p>His first object was to prevail on the several assemblies openly to +censure the conduct of Massachusetts; his next, to prevent their +approving the proceedings of that colony. The letter, far from +producing the desired effect, rather served to strengthen the +determination of the colonies to unite in their endeavours to obtain a +repeal of laws universally detested. On manifesting this disposition, +the assemblies were generally dissolved;—probably in pursuance of +instructions from the crown.</p> + +<p>When the general court of Massachusetts was again convened, governor +Bernard laid before the house of representatives, an extract of a +letter from the earl of Hillsborough, in which, after animadverting in +harsh terms on the circular letter to the colonies, he declared it to +be "the King's pleasure" that the governor "should require the house +of representatives, in his majesty's name, to rescind the resolution +on which the circular letter was founded, and to declare their +disapprobation of, and dissent from, that rash and hasty proceeding."</p> + +<p>This message excited considerable agitation; but the house, without +coming to any resolution on it, requested the governor to lay before +them the whole letter of the earl of Hillsborough, and also copies of +such letters as had been written by his excellency to that nobleman, +on the subject to which the message referred.</p> + +<p>The copies were haughtily refused; but the residue of the letter from +the earl of Hillsborough was laid before them. That minister said, +"if, notwithstanding the apprehensions which may justly be entertained +of the ill consequence of a continuance of this factious spirit, which +seems to have influenced the resolutions of the assembly at the +conclusion of the last session, the new assembly should refuse to +comply with his majesty's reasonable expectation, it is the King's +pleasure that you immediately dissolve them."</p> + +<p>This subject being taken into consideration, a letter to the earl was +reported, and agreed to by a majority of ninety-three to thirteen, in +which they defended their circular letter in strong and manly, but +respectful terms; and concluded with saying, "the house humbly rely on +the royal clemency, that to petition his majesty will not be deemed by +him to be inconsistent with a respect to the British constitution as +settled at the revolution by William III., and that to acquaint their +fellow subjects involved in the same distress, of their having so +done, in full hopes of success, even if they had invited the union of +all America in one joint supplication, would not be discountenanced by +their gracious sovereign, as a measure of an inflammatory nature. That +when your lordship shall in justice lay a true state of these matters +before his majesty, he will no longer consider them as tending to +create unwarrantable combinations, or excite an unjustifiable +opposition to the constitutional authority of parliament; that he will +then truly discern who are of that desperate faction which is +continually disturbing the public tranquillity; and that, while his +arm is extended for the protection of his distressed and injured +subjects, he will frown upon all those who, to gratify their own +passions, have dared to attempt to deceive him."<a name="FNanchor_199_199" id="FNanchor_199_199"></a><a href="#Footnote_199_199" class="fnanchor">[199]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Legislature of Massachusetts dissolved.</div> + +<p>A motion to rescind the resolution on which their circular letter was +founded, passed in the negative, by a majority of ninety-two to +seventeen; and a letter to the governor was prepared, stating their +motives for refusing to comply with the requisition of the earl of +Hillsborough. Immediately after receiving it, he prorogued the +assembly, with an angry speech; and, the next day, dissolved it by +proclamation.<a name="FNanchor_200_200" id="FNanchor_200_200"></a><a href="#Footnote_200_200" class="fnanchor">[200]</a></p> + +<p>While the opposition was thus conducted by the legislature with +temperate firmness, and legitimate means, the general irritation +occasionally displayed itself at Boston, in acts of violence denoting +evidently that the people of that place, were prepared for much +stronger measures than their representatives had adopted.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Seizure of the sloop Liberty.</div> + +<p>The seizure of the sloop Liberty belonging to Mr. Hancock, by the +collector of the customs, occasioned the assemblage of a tumultuous +mob, who beat the officers and their assistants, took possession of a +boat belonging to the collector, burnt it in triumph, and patrolled +the streets for a considerable time. The revenue officers fled for +refuge, first to the Romney man of war, and afterwards to Castle +William. After the lapse of some time, the governor moved the council +to take into consideration some measure for restoring vigour and +firmness to government. The council replied "that the disorders which +happened were occasioned by the violent and unprecedented manner in +which the sloop Liberty had been seized by the officers of the +customs." And the inhabitants of Boston, in a justificatory memorial, +supported by affidavits, insisted that the late tumults were +occasioned, principally, by the haughty conduct of the commissioners +and their subordinate officers, and by the illegal and offensive +conduct of the Romney man of war.<a name="FNanchor_201_201" id="FNanchor_201_201"></a><a href="#Footnote_201_201" class="fnanchor">[201]</a></p> + +<p>The legislature however did not think proper to countenance this act +of violence. A committee of both houses, appointed to inquire into the +state of the province, made a report which, after reprobating the +circumstances attending the seizure, to which the mob was ascribed, +declared their abhorrence of a procedure which they pronounced +criminal; desired the governor to direct a prosecution against all +persons concerned in the riot; and to issue a proclamation offering a +reward to any person who should make discoveries by which the rioters +or their abettors should be brought to condign punishment.</p> + +<p>This report, however, seems to have been intended, rather to save +appearances, than to produce any real effect. It was perfectly +understood that no person would dare to inform; or even to appear, as +a witness, in any prosecution which might be instituted. Suits were +afterwards brought against Mr. Hancock and others, owners of the +vessel and cargo; but they were never prosecuted to a final +decision.<a name="FNanchor_202_202" id="FNanchor_202_202"></a><a href="#Footnote_202_202" class="fnanchor">[202]</a></p> + +<p>This riot accelerated a measure, which tended, in no inconsiderable +degree, to irritate still farther the angry dispositions already +prevalent in Boston.</p> + +<p>The governor had pressed on administration the necessity of stationing +a military force in the province, for the protection of the officers +employed in collecting the revenue, and of the magistrates, in +preserving the public peace. In consequence of these representations, +orders had already been given to general Gage to detach, at least, one +regiment on this service, and to select for the command of it, an +officer on whose prudence, resolution, and integrity, he could rely. +The transactions respecting the sloop Liberty rendered any attempt to +produce a countermand of these orders entirely abortive; and, probably +occasioned two regiments, instead of one, to be detached by general +Gage.<a name="FNanchor_203_203" id="FNanchor_203_203"></a><a href="#Footnote_203_203" class="fnanchor">[203]</a></p> + +<p>It seems to have been supposed that a dissolution of the assembly of +Massachusetts would dissolve also the opposition to the measures of +administration; and that the people, having no longer constitutional +leaders, being no longer excited and conducted by their +representatives, would gradually become quiet, and return to, what was +termed, their duty to government. But the opinions expressed by the +house of representatives were the opinions of the great body of the +people, and had been adopted with too much ardour to be readily +suppressed. The most active and energetic part of society had embraced +them with enthusiasm; and the dissolution of the assembly, by creating +a necessity for devising other expedients, hastened the mode of +conducting opposition at least as efficacious, and afterwards +universally adopted.</p> + +<p>At a town meeting of the inhabitants of Boston, a committee was +deputed for the purpose of praying the governor to convene another +general assembly. He replied that no other could be convened until his +majesty's commands to that effect should be received. This answer +being reported, the meeting resolved "that to levy money within that +province by any other authority than that of the general court, was a +violation of the royal charter, and of the undoubted natural rights of +British subjects.</p> + +<p>"That the freeholders, and other inhabitants of the town of Boston +would, at the peril of their lives and fortunes, take all legal and +constitutional measures to defend all and singular the rights, +liberties, privileges, and immunities, granted in their royal charter.</p> + +<p>"That as there was an apprehension in the minds of many of an +approaching war with France, those inhabitants who were not provided +with arms should be requested duly to observe the laws of the +province, which required that every freeholder should furnish himself +with a complete stand."</p> + +<p>But the important resolution was "that, as the governor did not think +proper to call a general court for the redress of their grievances, +the town would then make choice of a suitable number of persons to act +for them as a committee in a convention, to be held at Faneuil Hall in +Boston, with such as might be sent to join them from the several towns +in the province."</p> + +<p>These votes were communicated by the select men, in a circular letter +to the other towns in the province, which were requested to concur, +and to elect committee men, to meet those of Boston in convention.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Convention assembles in Boston.</div> + +<p>The measure was generally adopted; and a convention met, which was +regarded with all the respect that could have been paid to a +legitimate assembly.<a name="FNanchor_204_204" id="FNanchor_204_204"></a><a href="#Footnote_204_204" class="fnanchor">[204]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Its moderation.</div> + +<p>The country in general, though united on the great constitutional +question of taxation, was probably not so highly exasperated as the +people of Boston; and the convention acted with unexpected moderation. +They disclaimed all pretensions to any other character than that of +mere individuals, assembled by deputation from the towns, to consult +and advise on such measures as might tend to promote the peace of his +majesty's subjects in the province, but without power to pass any acts +possessing a coercive quality.</p> + +<p>They petitioned the governor to assemble a general court, and +addressed a letter to the agent of the province in England, stating +the character in which they met, and the motives which brought them +together. After expressing their opinions with temper and firmness on +the subjects of general complaint, and recommending patience and order +to the people, they dissolved themselves, and returned to their +respective homes.<a name="FNanchor_205_205" id="FNanchor_205_205"></a><a href="#Footnote_205_205" class="fnanchor">[205]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Two regiments arrive.</div> + +<p>The day before the convention rose, the two regiments which had been +detached by general Gage arrived, under convoy, in Nantasket road. The +council had rejected an application of the governor to provide +quarters for them, because the barracks in the castle were sufficient +for their accommodation; and, by act of parliament, the British troops +were not to be quartered elsewhere until those barracks were full. +General Gage had directed one regiment to be stationed in Boston; but, +on hearing a report that the people were in a state of open revolt, he +gave additional orders, which left the whole subject to the discretion +of the commanding officer; who was induced, by some rash threats of +opposing the disembarkation of the troops to land both regiments in +that place. The ships took a station which commanded the whole town, +and lay with their broad sides towards it, ready to fire, should any +resistance be attempted. The troops landed under cover of their +cannon, and marched into the common with loaded muskets and fixed +bayonets;<a name="FNanchor_206_206" id="FNanchor_206_206"></a><a href="#Footnote_206_206" class="fnanchor">[206]</a> a display of military pomp, which was believed by the +inhabitants to have been intended for the purpose either of +intimidation, or of irritation.</p> + +<p>The select men, as well as the council, having refused to provide +quarters for the troops, the governor ordered the state house to be +opened for their reception; and they took possession of all the +apartments in it, except that which was reserved for the council. The +people were filled with indignation at seeing the chamber of their +representatives crowded with regular soldiers, their counsellors +surrounded with foreign troops, and their whole city exhibiting the +appearance of a garrisoned town. With the difference of manners +between the soldiers and the inhabitants, and the strong prejudices +reciprocally felt against each other, it is not wonderful that +personal broils should frequently occur, and that mutual antipathies +should be still farther increased.<a name="FNanchor_207_207" id="FNanchor_207_207"></a><a href="#Footnote_207_207" class="fnanchor">[207]</a></p> + +<p>While these measures were pursuing in America, every session of +parliament was opened with a speech from the King, stating that a +disposition to refuse obedience to the laws, and to resist the +authority of the supreme legislature of the nation, still prevailed +among his misguided subjects in some of the colonies. In the addresses +to the throne, both houses uniformly expressed their abhorrence of the +rebellious spirit manifested in the colonies, and their approbation of +the measures taken by his majesty for the restoration of order and +good government.</p> + +<p>To give a more solemn expression to the sense of parliament on this +subject, the two houses entered into joint resolutions, condemning the +measures pursued by the Americans; and agreed to an address, approving +the conduct of the crown, giving assurances of effectual support to +such farther measures as might be found necessary to maintain the +civil magistrates in a due execution of the laws within the province +of Massachusetts Bay, and beseeching his majesty to direct the +governor of that colony to obtain and transmit information of all +treasons committed in Massachusetts since the year 1767, with the +names of the persons who had been most active in promoting such +offences, that prosecutions might be instituted against them within +the realm, in pursuance of the statute of the 35th of Henry VIII.<a name="FNanchor_208_208" id="FNanchor_208_208"></a><a href="#Footnote_208_208" class="fnanchor">[208]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1769</div> + +<p>The impression made by these threatening declarations, which seem to +have been directed particularly against Massachusetts, in the hope of +deterring the other provinces from involving themselves in her +dangers, was far from being favourable to the views of the mother +country. The determination to resist the exercise of the authority +claimed by Great Britain not only remained unshaken, but was +manifested in a still more decided form.</p> + +<p>Not long after these votes of parliament, the assembly of Virginia was +convened by lord Botetourt, a nobleman of conciliating manners, who +had lately been appointed governor of that province. The house took +the state of the colony into their immediate consideration, <span class="sidenote">Resolutions of the house of Burgesses of Virginia.</span>and passed +unanimously several resolutions asserting the exclusive right of that +assembly to impose taxes on the inhabitants within his majesty's +dominion of Virginia, and their undoubted right to petition for a +redress of grievances, and to obtain a concurrence of the other +colonies in such petitions. "That all persons charged with the +commission of any offence within that colony, were entitled to a trial +before the tribunals of the country, according to the fixed and known +course of proceeding therein, and that to seize such persons, and +transport them beyond sea for trial, derogated in a high degree from +the rights of British subjects, as thereby the inestimable privilege +of being tried by a jury from the vicinage, as well as the liberty of +summoning and producing witnesses on such trial, will be taken from +the party accused."</p> + +<p>An address to his majesty was also agreed on, which states in the +style of loyalty and real attachment to the crown, the deep conviction +of the house of Burgesses of Virginia, that the complaints of the +colonists were well founded.<a name="FNanchor_209_209" id="FNanchor_209_209"></a><a href="#Footnote_209_209" class="fnanchor">[209]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Assembly dissolved.</div> + +<p>Intelligence of these proceedings having reached the governor, he +suddenly dissolved the assembly. This measure did not produce the +desired effect. The members convened at a private house, and, having +chosen their speaker, moderator, proceeded to form a non-importing +association, which was signed by every person present, and afterwards, +almost universally throughout the province.<a name="FNanchor_210_210" id="FNanchor_210_210"></a><a href="#Footnote_210_210" class="fnanchor">[210]</a></p> + +<p>From the commencement of the controversy, the opinion seems to have +prevailed in all the colonies, that the most effectual means of +succeeding in the struggle in which they were engaged, were those +which would interest the merchants and manufacturers of Great Britain +in their favour. Under the influence of this opinion, associations had +been proposed in Massachusetts, as early as May 1765, for the +non-importation of goods from that country. The merchants of some of +the trading towns in the other colonies, especially those of +Philadelphia, refused, at that time, to concur in a measure which they +thought too strong for the existing state of things; and it was laid +aside. But, in the beginning of August, it was resumed in Boston; and +the merchants of that place entered into an agreement not to import +from Great Britain any articles whatever, except a few of the first +necessity, between the first of January 1769, and the first of January +1770; and not to import tea, glass, paper, or painter's colours, until +the duties imposed on those articles should be taken off. This +agreement was soon afterwards adopted in the town of Salem, the city +of New York, and the province of Connecticut; but was not generally +entered into through the colonies, until the resolutions and address +of the two houses of parliament which have already been mentioned, +seemed to cut off the hope that petitions and memorials alone, would +effect the object for which they contended.<a name="FNanchor_211_211" id="FNanchor_211_211"></a><a href="#Footnote_211_211" class="fnanchor">[211]</a></p> + +<p>The proceedings of the house of Burgesses of Virginia had been +transmitted to the speakers of the several assemblies throughout the +continent. <span class="sidenote">Measures against the importation of British goods.</span>In the opinion of the neighbouring colonies, the occasion +required efficacious measures; and an association, similar to that +which had been formed by their elder sister, was entered into by +Maryland, and the Carolinas. The inhabitants of Charleston went so far +as to break off all connexion with Rhode Island and Georgia, which had +refused to adopt the non-importation agreement. This vigorous measure +was not without its influence; and those provinces, soon afterwards, +entered into the association.<a name="FNanchor_212_212" id="FNanchor_212_212"></a><a href="#Footnote_212_212" class="fnanchor">[212]</a></p> + +<p>In Portsmouth in New Hampshire, where governor Wentworth possessed +great influence, some repugnance to this measure was also discovered; +but, being threatened with a suspension of their intercourse with the +other colonies, the merchants of that place concurred in the general +system.</p> + +<p>All united in giving effect to this agreement. The utmost exertions +were used to improve the manufactures of the country; and the fair +sex, laying aside the late fashionable ornaments of England, exulted, +with patriotic pride, in appearing dressed in the produce of their own +looms. Committees chosen by the people superintended importations; and +the force of public opinion went far to secure the agreement from +violation.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">General court in Massachusetts.</div> + +<p>The necessities of government requiring a supply of money, the general +court of Massachusetts was again convened. The members of the former +house of representatives were generally re-elected, and brought with +them the temper which had occasioned their dissolution. Instead of +entering on the business for which they were called together, they +engaged in a controversy with the governor concerning the removal of +the ships of war from the harbour, and of the troops from the town of +Boston, to which they contended, his power, as the representative of +the crown was adequate.</p> + +<p>The governor, ascribing this temper to the influence of the +metropolis, adjourned the general court to Cambridge; but this measure +served to increase the existing irritation. The business recommended +to them remained unnoticed; their altercations with the governor +continued; and they entered into several warm resolutions enlarging +the catalogue of their grievances, in terms of greater exasperation +than had appeared in the official acts of any legislature on the +continent.<a name="FNanchor_213_213" id="FNanchor_213_213"></a><a href="#Footnote_213_213" class="fnanchor">[213]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">It is prorogued.</div> + +<p>Not long after the passage of these resolutions, the house explicitly +refused to make the provision required by the mutiny act for the +troops stationed in Massachusetts; upon which, the legislature was +prorogued until the first of January.<a name="FNanchor_214_214" id="FNanchor_214_214"></a><a href="#Footnote_214_214" class="fnanchor">[214]</a></p> + +<p>The committees, appointed to examine the cargoes of vessels arriving +from Great Britain, continued to execute the trust reposed in them. +Votes of censure were passed on such as refused to concur in the +association, or violated its principles; and the names of the +offenders were published, as enemies to their country. In some cases, +the goods imported in contravention of it, were locked up in +warehouses; and, in some few instances, they were re-shipped to Great +Britain.</p> + +<p>Not long after the strong resolutions already noticed had been agreed +to by parliament, while their effect was unfolding itself in every +part of the American continent, an important revolution took place in +the British cabinet. The duke of Grafton was placed at the head of a +new administration. He supported, with great earnestness, a +proposition to repeal the duties imposed for the purpose of raising +revenue in the colonies; but his whole influence was insufficient to +carry this measure completely. <span class="sidenote">Administration resolved on a partial repeal of duties.</span>It was deemed indispensable to the +maintenance of the legislative supremacy of Great Britain, to retain +the duty on some one article; and that on tea was reserved while the +others were relinquished.</p> + +<p>Seldom has a wise nation adopted a more ill judged measure than this. +The contest with America was plainly a contest of principle, and had +been conducted entirely on principle by both parties. The amount of +taxes proposed to be raised was too inconsiderable to interest the +people of either country. But the principle was, in the opinion of +both, of the utmost magnitude. The measure now proposed, while it +encouraged the colonists to hope that their cause was gaining strength +in Britain, had no tendency to conciliate them.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Circular letter of the earl of Hillsborough.</div> + +<p>In pursuance of this resolution of the cabinet, a circular letter was +written by the earl of Hillsborough to the several governors, +informing them "that it was the intention of his majesty's ministers +to propose, in the next session of parliament, taking off the duties +on glass, paper, and painter's colours, in consideration of such +duties having been laid contrary to the true spirit of commerce; and +assuring them that, at no time, had they entertained the design to +propose to parliament to lay any further taxes on America for the +purpose of raising a revenue."<a name="FNanchor_215_215" id="FNanchor_215_215"></a><a href="#Footnote_215_215" class="fnanchor">[215]</a></p> + +<p>This measure was soon communicated in letters from private individuals +in England to their correspondents in Massachusetts. The merchants of +Boston, apprehensive that an improper opinion concerning its operation +might be formed, resolved that the partial repeal of the duties did +not remove the difficulties under which their trade laboured, and was +only calculated to relieve the manufacturers of Great Britain; and +that they would still adhere to their non-importation agreement.<a name="FNanchor_216_216" id="FNanchor_216_216"></a><a href="#Footnote_216_216" class="fnanchor">[216]</a></p> + +<p>The communication of the earl of Hillsborough to the several +governors, was laid before the respective assemblies as they convened, +in terms implying an intention to renounce the imposition, in future, +of any taxes in America. But this communication seems not to have +restored perfect content in any of the colonies.</p> + +<p>The Virginia legislature was in session on its arrival, and governor +Botetourt laid it before them. Their dissatisfaction with it was +manifested by a petition to the King re-asserting the rights +previously maintained; and by an association, signed by the members as +individuals, renewing their non-importation agreement, until the duty +on tea should be repealed.<a name="FNanchor_217_217" id="FNanchor_217_217"></a><a href="#Footnote_217_217" class="fnanchor">[217]</a></p> + +<p>Yet several causes combined to prevent a rigid observance of these +associations. The sacrifice of interest made by the merchants could be +continued only under the influence of powerful motives. Suspicions +were entertained of each other in the same towns; and committees to +superintend the conduct of importers were charged with gross +partiality. The different towns too watched each other with +considerable jealousy; and accusations were reciprocally made of +infractions of the association to a great extent. Letters were +published purporting to be from England, stating that large orders for +goods had been received; and the inconvenience resulting from even a +partial interruption of commerce, and from the want of those +manufactures which the inhabitants had been accustomed to use, began +to be severely and extensively felt. In Rhode Island and Albany, it +was determined to import as usual, with the exception of such articles +as should be dutiable. On the remonstrances of other commercial +places, especially of Boston, these resolutions were changed; and the +hope was entertained that the general system on which the colonies +relied, would still be maintained.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">New York recedes in part from the non-importation +agreement.</div> + +<p>These hopes were blasted by New York. That city soon manifested a +disposition to import as usual, with the exception of those articles +only which were subject to a duty. At first, the resolution thus to +limit the operation of the non-importation agreement, was made to +depend on its being acceded to by Boston and Philadelphia. These towns +refused to depart from the association as originally formed, and +strenuously urged their brethren of New York to persevere with them in +the glorious struggle. This answer was communicated to the people, and +their opinion on the question of rescinding, or adhering to, was taken +in from their respective wards. This determination excited the most +lively chagrin in New England and Philadelphia. Their remonstrances +against it were, however, ineffectual; and the example was soon +followed throughout the colonies.<a name="FNanchor_218_218" id="FNanchor_218_218"></a><a href="#Footnote_218_218" class="fnanchor">[218]</a></p> + +<p>The people of New York alleged, in justification of themselves, that +the towns of New England had not observed their engagements fairly; +and that the merchants of Albany had been in the practice of receiving +goods from Quebec. But no sufficient evidence in support of these +assertions was ever produced.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1770</div> + +<p>About this time a circumstance occurred, which produced the most +serious agitation. The two regiments stationed in Boston, to support, +as was said, the civil authority, and preserve the peace of the town, +were viewed by the inhabitants with very prejudiced eyes. <span class="sidenoteb">March.</span><span class="sidenote">Riot in Boston.</span>Frequent +quarrels arose between them; and at length, an affray took place in +the night, near the gates of the barracks, which brought out captain +Preston, the officer of the day, with a part of the main guard, +between whom and the townsmen blows ensued; on which some of the +soldiers fired, and four of the people were killed.</p> + +<p>The alarm bells were immediately rung, the drums beat to arms, and an +immense multitude assembled. Inflamed to madness by the view of the +dead bodies, they were with difficulty restrained from rushing on the +29th regiment, which was then drawn up under arms in King street. The +exertions of the lieutenant governor, who promised that the laws +should be enforced on the perpetrators of the act, and the efforts of +several respectable and popular individuals, prevented their +proceeding to extremities, and prevailed on them, after the regiment +had been marched to the barracks, to disperse without farther +mischief. Captain Preston, and the soldiers who had fired, were +committed to prison for trial. On the next day, upwards of four +thousand citizens of Boston assembled at Faneuil Hall; and, in a +message to the lieutenant governor, stated it to be "the unanimous +opinion of the meeting, that the inhabitants and soldiers can no +longer live together in safety; that nothing can rationally be +expected to restore the peace of the town, and prevent farther blood +and carnage, but the immediate removal of the troops; and they +therefore most fervently prayed his honour that his power and +influence might be exerted for their instant removal."</p> + +<p>The lieutenant governor expressed his extreme sorrow at the melancholy +event which had occurred; and declared that he had taken measures to +have the affair inquired into, and justice done. That the military +were not under his command, but received their orders from the general +at New York, which orders it was not in his power to countermand. +That, on the application of the council for the removal of the troops, +colonel Dalrymple, their commanding officer, had engaged that the +twenty-ninth regiment, which had been concerned in the affair, should +be marched to the castle, and there placed in barracks until farther +orders should be received from the general; and that the main guard +should be removed, and the fourteenth regiment laid under such +restraints, that all occasions of future disturbance should be +prevented. This answer was voted to be unsatisfactory; and a committee +was deputed to wait on the lieutenant governor, and inform him that +nothing could content them but an immediate and total removal of the +troops.</p> + +<p>This vote was laid before the council by Mr. Hutchinson, who had +succeeded Mr. Bernard in the government of the province. The council +declared themselves unanimously of opinion "that it was absolutely +necessary for his Majesty's service, the good order of the town, and +the peace of the province, that the troops should be immediately +removed out of the town of Boston."</p> + +<p>This opinion and advice being communicated to colonel Dalrymple, he +gave his honour that measures should be immediately taken for the +removal of both regiments. Satisfied with this assurance, the meeting +secured the tranquillity of the town by appointing a strong military +watch, and immediately dissolved itself.</p> + +<p>This transaction was very differently related by the different +parties. Mr. Gordon, whose history was written when the resentments of +the moment had subsided, and who has collected the facts of the case +carefully, states it in such a manner as nearly, if not entirely, to +exculpate the soldiers. It appears that an attack upon them had been +pre-concerted; and that, after being long insulted with the grossest +language, they were repeatedly assaulted by the mob with balls of ice +and snow, and with sticks, before they were induced to fire. <span class="sidenote">Trial of captain Preston and the soldiers.</span>This +representation is strongly supported by the circumstances, that +captain Preston, after a long and public trial, was acquitted by a +Boston jury; and that six of the eight soldiers who were prosecuted, +were acquitted, and the remaining two found guilty of manslaughter +only. Mr. Quincy, and Mr. John Adams, two eminent lawyers, and +distinguished leaders of the patriotic party, defended the accused, +without sustaining any diminution of popularity. Yet this event was +very differently understood through the colonies. It was generally +believed to be a massacre, equally barbarous and unprovoked; and it +increased the detestation in which the soldiers were universally held.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><b>Insurrection in North Carolina.... Dissatisfaction of +Massachusetts.... Corresponding committees.... Governor +Hutchinson's correspondence communicated by Dr. Franklin.... +The assembly petition for his removal.... He is succeeded by +general Gage.... Measures to enforce the act concerning +duties.... Ferment in America.... The tea thrown into the +sea at Boston.... Measures of Parliament.... General +enthusiasm in America.... A general congress proposed.... +General Gage arrives.... Troops stationed on Boston neck.... +New counsellors and judges.... Obliged to resign.... Boston +neck fortified.... Military stores seized by general +Gage.... Preparations for defence.... King's speech.... +Proceedings of Parliament.... Battle of Lexington.... +Massachusetts raises men.... Meeting of Congress.... +Proceedings of that body.... Transactions in Virginia.... +Provincial congress of South Carolina.... Battle of Breed's +hill.</b></p></div> + +<p> </p> + + +<div class="sidenotey">1770</div> + +<p><span class="lgsmcap">In</span> the middle and southern colonies, the irritation against the mother +country appears to have gradually subsided and no disposition was +manifested to extend opposition farther than to the importation of +tea. <span class="sidenote">Insurrection in North Carolina.</span>Their attention was a good deal directed to an insurrection in +North Carolina, where a number of ignorant people, supposing +themselves to be aggrieved by the fee bill, rose in arms for the +purpose of shutting up the courts of justice, destroying all officers +of government, and all lawyers, and of prostrating government itself. +Governor Tryon marched against them, defeated them in a decisive +battle, quelled the insurrection, and restored order.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Dissatisfaction of Massachusetts.</div> + +<p>In Massachusetts, where the doctrine that parliament could not +rightfully legislate for the colonies was maintained as a corollary +from the proposition that parliament could not tax them, a gloomy +discontent was manifested. That the spirit of opposition seemed to be +expiring, without securing the rights they claimed, excited +apprehensions of a much more serious nature in the bosoms of that +inflexible people, than the prospect of any conflict, however +terrible. This temper displayed itself in all their proceedings.</p> + +<p>The legislature, which the governor continued to convene at Cambridge, +remonstrated against this removal as an intolerable grievance; and, +for two sessions, refused to proceed on business. In one of their +remonstrances, they asserted the right of the people to appeal to +heaven in disputes between them and persons in power, when power shall +be abused.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Corresponding committees.</div> + +<p><a name="p410" id="p410">From</a> the commencement of the contest, Massachusetts had been +peculiarly solicitous to unite all the colonies in one system of +measures. In pursuance of this favourite idea, a committee of +correspondence was elected by the general court, to communicate with +such committees as might be appointed by other legislatures.<a name="FNanchor_219_219" id="FNanchor_219_219"></a><a href="#Footnote_219_219" class="fnanchor">[219]</a> +Similar committees were soon afterwards chosen by the towns<a name="FNanchor_220_220" id="FNanchor_220_220"></a><a href="#Footnote_220_220" class="fnanchor">[220]</a> +throughout the province, for the purpose of corresponding with each +other; and the example was soon followed by other colonies.</p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1772</div> + +<p>While this system of vigilance was in progress, a discovery was made +which greatly increased the ill temper of New England. Doctor +Franklin, the agent of Massachusetts, by some unknown means, <span class="sidenote">Governor Hutchinson's correspondence.</span>obtained +possession of the letters which had been addressed by governor +Hutchinson, and by lieutenant governor Oliver, to the department of +state. He transmitted these letters to the general court. They were +obviously designed to induce government to persevere in the system +which was alienating the affections of the colonists. The opposition +was represented as being confined to a few factious men, whose conduct +was not generally approved, and who had been emboldened by the +weakness of the means used to restrain them. More vigorous measures +were recommended; and several specific propositions were made, which +were peculiarly offensive. Among these was a plan for altering the +charters of the colonies, and rendering the high officers dependent +solely on the crown for their salaries.<a name="FNanchor_221_221" id="FNanchor_221_221"></a><a href="#Footnote_221_221" class="fnanchor">[221]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenotey">1773</div> + +<div class="sidenote">Petition for the removal of the governor and lieutenant +governor.</div> + +<p>The assembly, inflamed by these letters, unanimously resolved, "that +their tendency and design were to overthrow the constitution of the +government, and to introduce arbitrary power into the province." At +the same time, a petition to the King was voted, praying him to remove +governor Hutchinson and lieutenant governor Oliver, for ever, from the +government of the colony. This petition was transmitted to Doctor +Franklin, and laid before the King in council. After hearing it, the +lords of the council reported "that the petition in question was +founded upon false and erroneous allegations, and that the same is +groundless, vexatious, and scandalous, and calculated only for the +seditious purposes of keeping up a spirit of clamour and discontent in +the provinces." This report, his majesty was pleased to approve.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Hutchinson succeeded by Gage.</div> + +<p>Governor Hutchinson however was soon afterwards removed, and general +Gage appointed to succeed him.</p> + +<p>The fears of Massachusetts, that the spirit which had been roused in +the colonies might gradually subside, were not of long continuance. +The determination not to import tea from England, had so lessened the +demand for that article, that a considerable quantity had accumulated +in the magazines of the East India company. They urged the minister to +take off the import American duty of three pence per pound, and +offered, in lieu of it, to pay double that sum on exportation. <span class="sidenote">Measures to enforce the duties.</span><span class="sidenotey">1774</span>Instead +of acceding to this proposition, drawbacks were allowed on tea +exported to the colonies; and the export duty on that article was +taken off. These encouragements induced the company to make shipments +on their own account; and large quantities were consigned to agents in +Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Charleston, and other principal places +on the continent.<a name="FNanchor_222_222" id="FNanchor_222_222"></a><a href="#Footnote_222_222" class="fnanchor">[222]</a></p> + +<p>The crisis was arrived; and the conduct of the colonies was now to +determine whether they would submit to be taxed by parliament, or meet +the consequences of a practical assertion of the opinions they had +maintained. The tea, if landed, would be sold; the duties would, +consequently, be paid; and the precedent for taxing them established. +The same sentiment on this subject appears to have pervaded the whole +continent at the same time. This ministerial plan of importation was +considered by all, as a direct attack on the liberties of the people +of America, which it was the duty of all to oppose. <span class="sidenote">Ferment in America.</span>A violent ferment +was excited in all the colonies; the corresponding committees were +extremely active; and it was almost universally declared that whoever +should, directly or indirectly, countenance this dangerous invasion of +their rights, was an enemy to his country. The consignees were, +generally, compelled to relinquish their consignments; and, in most +instances, the ships bringing the tea were obliged to return with it.</p> + +<p>At Boston, a town meeting appointed a committee to wait on the +consignees to request their resignation. This request not being +complied with, another large meeting<a name="FNanchor_223_223" id="FNanchor_223_223"></a><a href="#Footnote_223_223" class="fnanchor">[223]</a> assembled at Faneuil Hall, +who voted, with acclamation, "that the tea shall not be landed, that +no duty shall be paid, and that it shall be sent back in the same +bottoms." With a foreboding of the probable consequences of the +measure about to be adopted, and a wish that those consequences should +be seriously contemplated, a leading member<a name="FNanchor_224_224" id="FNanchor_224_224"></a><a href="#Footnote_224_224" class="fnanchor">[224]</a> thus addressed the +meeting:</p> + +<p>"It is not, Mr. Moderator, the spirit that vapours within these walls +that must stand us in stead. The exertions of this day will call forth +events which will make a very different spirit necessary for our +salvation. Whoever supposes that shouts and hosannahs will terminate +the trials of the day, entertains a childish fancy. We must be grossly +ignorant of the importance and value of the prize for which we +contend; we must be equally ignorant of the power of those who have +combined against us; we must be blind to that malice, inveteracy, and +insatiable revenge, which actuate our enemies, public and private, +abroad and in our bosoms, to hope that we shall end this controversy +without the sharpest, sharpest conflicts;—to flatter ourselves that +popular resolves, popular harangues, popular acclamations, and popular +vapour, will vanquish our foes. Let us consider the issue. Let us look +to the end. Let us weigh and consider, before we advance to those +measures, which must bring on the most trying and terrible struggle +this country ever saw."<a name="FNanchor_225_225" id="FNanchor_225_225"></a><a href="#Footnote_225_225" class="fnanchor">[225]</a></p> + +<p>The question was again put, and passed unanimously in the affirmative. +The captain of the vessel, aware of the approaching danger, was +desirous of returning, and applied to the governor for a clearance. +Affecting a rigid regard to the letter of his duty, he declined giving +one, unless the vessel should be properly qualified at the custom +house. This answer being reported, the meeting was declared to be +dissolved; and an immense crowd repaired to the quay, <span class="sidenote">Tea thrown into the sea.</span>where a number +of the most resolute, disguised as Mohawk Indians, boarded the vessel, +broke open three hundred and forty-two chests of tea, and discharged +their contents into the ocean.<a name="FNanchor_226_226" id="FNanchor_226_226"></a><a href="#Footnote_226_226" class="fnanchor">[226]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Measures of parliament.</div> + +<p>These proceedings were laid before parliament in a message from the +crown, and excited a high and general indignation against the +colonies. Both houses expressed, almost unanimously, their approbation +of the measures adopted by his Majesty; and gave explicit assurances +that they would exert every means in their power, to provide +effectually for the due execution of the laws, and to secure the +dependence of the colonies upon the crown and parliament of Great +Britain. The temper both of the parliament and of the nation was +entirely favourable to the high-handed system of coercion proposed by +ministers; and that temper was not permitted to pass away unemployed. +A bill was brought in "for discontinuing the lading and shipping of +goods, wares, and merchandises, at Boston or the harbour thereof, and +for the removal of the custom-house with its dependencies to the town +of Salem." This bill was to continue in force, not only until +compensation should be made to the East India company for the damage +sustained, but until the King in council should declare himself +satisfied as to the restoration of peace and good order in Boston. It +passed both houses without a division, and almost without +opposition.<a name="FNanchor_227_227" id="FNanchor_227_227"></a><a href="#Footnote_227_227" class="fnanchor">[227]</a></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"> </p> + +<p><a name="image-0008" id="image-0008"></a></p> +<p style="text-align: center"><img src="images/416.jpg" width="433" height="351" alt="Boston Tea Party" /></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"><a href="images/416b.jpg">[Enlarge]</a></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"><b>The Boston Tea Party</b></p> + +<p style="text-align: center"><i>From the painting by Robert Reid, in the Massachusetts State House</i></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>In this picture, a leading modern American artist has succeeded +admirably in depicting the band of Boston citizens who, disguised as +Indians, boarded three British ships in Boston Harbor, December 16, +1773, and threw their cargoes of tea overboard, in defying England to +impose on the American colonies a tax on tea for the benefit of the +straitened East India Company; 342 chests, valued at about £18,000 +were destroyed in this manner, without a sound from a great mob of +onlookers thronging the wharves. The mob dispersed quietly as soon as +the last chest went overboard.</i></p></div> + +<p> </p> + +<p>Soon afterwards, a bill was brought in "for better regulating the +government of the province of Massachusetts Bay." This act entirely +subverted the charter, and vested in the crown the appointment of the +counsellors, magistrates, and other officers of the colony, who were +to hold their offices during the royal pleasure. This bill also was +carried through both houses by great majorities; but not without a +vigorous opposition, and an animated debate.<a name="FNanchor_228_228" id="FNanchor_228_228"></a><a href="#Footnote_228_228" class="fnanchor">[228]</a></p> + +<p>The next measure proposed was a bill "for the impartial administration +of justice in the province of Massachusetts Bay. It provided that in +case any person should be indicted, in that province, for murder or +any other capital offence, and it should appear by information given +on oath to the governor, that the fact was committed in the exercise +or aid of magistracy in suppressing riots, and that a fair trial could +not be had in the province, he should send the person so indicted to +any other colony, or to Great Britain to be tried." This act was to +continue in force for four years.<a name="FNanchor_229_229" id="FNanchor_229_229"></a><a href="#Footnote_229_229" class="fnanchor">[229]</a></p> + +<p>A bill was also passed for quartering soldiers on the inhabitants; and +the system was completed, by "an act making more effectual provision +for the government of the province of Quebec." This bill extended the +boundaries of that province so as to comprehend the territory between +the lakes, the Ohio, and the Mississippi; and established a +legislative council to be appointed by the crown, for its +government.<a name="FNanchor_230_230" id="FNanchor_230_230"></a><a href="#Footnote_230_230" class="fnanchor">[230]</a></p> + +<p>Amidst these hostile measures, one single conciliatory proposition was +made. Mr. Rose Fuller moved that the house resolve itself into a +committee to take into consideration the duty on the importation of +tea into America, with a view to its repeal. This motion was seconded +by Mr. Burke, and supported with all the power of reasoning, and all +the splendour of eloquence which distinguished that consummate +statesman; but reason and eloquence were of no avail. It was lost by a +great majority. The earl of Chatham, who had long been too ill to +attend parliament, again made his appearance in the house of lords. He +could have been drawn out, only by a strong sense of the fatal +importance of those measures into which the nation was hurrying. But +his efforts were unavailing. Neither his weight of character, his +sound judgment, nor his manly eloquence, could arrest the hand of fate +which seemed to propel this lofty nation, with irresistible force, to +measures which terminated in its dismemberment.<a name="FNanchor_231_231" id="FNanchor_231_231"></a><a href="#Footnote_231_231" class="fnanchor">[231]</a></p> + +<p>It was expected, and this expectation was encouraged by Mr. +Hutchinson, that, by directing these measures particularly against +Boston, not only the union of the colonies would be broken, but +Massachusetts herself would be divided. Never was expectation more +completely disappointed. All perceived that Boston was to be punished +for having resisted, only with more violence, the principle which they +had all resisted; and that the object of the punishment was to coerce +obedience to a principle they were still determined to resist. They +felt therefore that the cause of Boston was the cause of all, that +their destinies were indissolubly connected with those of that devoted +town, and that they must submit to be taxed by a parliament, in which +they were not and could not be represented, or support their brethren +who were selected to sustain the first shock of a power which, if +successful there, would overwhelm them all. The neighbouring towns, +disdaining to avail themselves of the calamities inflicted on a sister +for her exertions in the common cause, clung to her with increased +affection; <span class="sidenote">General enthusiasm.</span>and that spirit of enthusiastic patriotism, which, for a +time, elevates the mind above all considerations of individual +acquisition, became the ruling passion in the American bosom.</p> + +<p>On receiving intelligence of the Boston port bill, a meeting of the +people of that town was called. They perceived that "the sharpest, +sharpest conflict" was indeed approaching, but were not dismayed by +its terrors. Far from seeking to shelter themselves from the +threatening storm by submission, they grew more determined as it +increased.</p> + +<p>Resolutions were passed, expressing their opinion of the impolicy, +injustice, inhumanity, and cruelty of the act, from which they +appealed to God, and to the world; and also inviting the other +colonies to join with them in an agreement to stop all imports and +exports to and from Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies, until +the act should be repealed.<a name="FNanchor_232_232" id="FNanchor_232_232"></a><a href="#Footnote_232_232" class="fnanchor">[232]</a></p> + +<p>It was not in Boston only that this spirit was roused. Addresses were +received from every part of the continent, expressing sentiments of +sympathy in their afflictions, exhorting them to resolution and +perseverance, and assuring them that they were considered as suffering +in the common cause.</p> + +<p>The legislature of Virginia was in session when intelligence of the +Boston port bill reached that province. The house of Burgesses set +apart the first of June, the day on which the bill was to go into +operation, for fasting, prayer, and humiliation, to implore the divine +interposition to avert the heavy calamity which threatened the +destruction of their civil rights, the evils of a civil war; and to +give one heart and one mind to the people, firmly to oppose every +invasion of their liberties. Similar resolutions were adopted in +almost every province; and the first of June became, throughout the +colonies, a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, in the course of +which sermons were preached to the people, well calculated to inspire +them with horror, against the authors of the unjust sufferings of +their fellow subjects in Boston.</p> + +<p>This measure occasioned the dissolution of the assembly. The members, +before separation, entered into an association, in which they declared +that an attack on one colony to compel submission to arbitrary taxes, +is an attack on all British America, and threatens ruin to the rights +of all, unless the united wisdom of the whole be applied in +prevention. <span class="sidenote">A general congress proposed.</span>They, therefore, recommended to the committee of +correspondence, to communicate with the several committees of the +other provinces, on the expediency of appointing deputies from the +different colonies, to meet annually in congress, and to deliberate on +the common interests of America. This measure had already been +proposed in town meetings, both in New York and Boston.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">General Gage arrives in Boston.</div> + +<p>While the people of Boston were engaged in the first consultations +respecting the bill directed particularly against themselves, general +Gage arrived in town. He was received, notwithstanding the deep gloom +of the moment, with those external marks of respect which had been +usual, and which were supposed to belong to his station.</p> + +<p>The general court convened by the governor at Salem, passed +resolutions, declaring the expediency of a meeting of committees from +the several colonies; and appointed five gentlemen as a committee on +the part of Massachusetts. The colonies from New Hampshire to South +Carolina inclusive, adopted this measure; and, where the legislatures +were not in session, elections were made by the people. The +legislature of Massachusetts also passed declaratory resolutions +expressing their opinion on the state of public affairs, and +recommending to the inhabitants of that province to renounce, totally, +the consumption of East India teas, and to discontinue the use of all +goods imported from the East Indies and Great Britain, until the +grievances of America should be completely redressed.</p> + +<p>The governor, having obtained intelligence of the manner in which the +house was employed, sent his secretary with directions to dissolve the +assembly. Finding the doors shut, and being refused admittance, he +read the order of dissolution aloud on the staircase. The next day, +the governor received an address from the principal inhabitants of +Salem, at that time the metropolis of the province, which marks the +deep impression made by a sense of common danger. No longer +considering themselves as the inhabitants of Salem, but as Americans, +and spurning advantages to be derived to themselves from the distress +inflicted on a sister town, for its zeal in a cause common to all, +they expressed their deep affliction for the calamities of Boston.</p> + +<p>About this time rough drafts of the two remaining bills relative to +the province of Massachusetts, as well as of that for quartering +troops in America, were received in Boston, and circulated through the +continent. They served to confirm the wavering, to render the moderate +indignant, and to inflame the violent.</p> + +<p>An agreement was framed by the committee of correspondence in Boston, +entitled "a solemn league and covenant," whereby the subscribers bound +themselves, "in the presence of God," to suspend all commercial +intercourse with Great Britain, from the last day of the ensuing month +of August, until the Boston port bill, and the other late obnoxious +laws should be repealed. They also bound themselves, in the same +manner, not to consume, or purchase from any other, any goods whatever +which should arrive after the specified time; and to break off all +dealings with the purchasers as well as with the importers of such +goods. They renounced, also, all intercourse and connexion with those +who should refuse to subscribe to that covenant, or to bind themselves +by some similar agreement; and annexed to the renunciation of +intercourse, the dangerous penalty of publishing to the world, the +names of all who refused to give this evidence of attachment to the +rights of their country.</p> + +<p>General Gage issued a proclamation in which he termed this covenant +"an unlawful, hostile, and traitorous combination, contrary to the +allegiance due to the King, destructive of the legal authority of +parliament, and of the peace, good order, and safety of the +community." All persons were warned against incurring the pains and +penalties due to such dangerous offences; and all magistrates were +charged to apprehend and secure for trial such as should be guilty of +them. But the time when the proclamation of governors could command +attention had passed away; and the penalties in the power of the +committee of correspondence were much more dreaded than those which +could be inflicted by the civil magistrate.<a name="FNanchor_233_233" id="FNanchor_233_233"></a><a href="#Footnote_233_233" class="fnanchor">[233]</a></p> + +<p>Resolutions were passed in every colony in which legislatures were +convened, or delegates assembled in convention, manifesting different +degrees of resentment, but concurring in the same great principles. +All declared that the cause of Boston was the cause of British +America; that the late acts respecting that devoted town were +tyrannical and unconstitutional; that the opposition to this +ministerial system of oppression ought to be universally and +perseveringly maintained; that all intercourse with the parent state +ought to be suspended, and domestic manufactures encouraged; and that +a general congress should be formed for the purpose of uniting and +guiding the councils, and directing the efforts, of North America.</p> + +<p>The committees of correspondence selected Philadelphia for the place, +and the beginning of September as the time, for the meeting of this +important council.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Congress assembles.</div> + +<p><a name="p425" id="p425">On</a> the fourth of September, the delegates from eleven<a name="FNanchor_234_234" id="FNanchor_234_234"></a><a href="#Footnote_234_234" class="fnanchor">[234]</a> provinces +appeared at the place appointed; and, the next day, they assembled at +Carpenter's Hall, when Peyton Randolph, late speaker of the house of +Burgesses of Virginia, was unanimously chosen president. The +respective credentials of the members were then read and approved; and +this august assembly, having determined that each colony should have +only one vote; that their deliberations should be conducted with +closed doors; and that their proceedings, except such as they might +determine to publish, should be kept inviolably secret; entered on the +solemn and important duties assigned to them.<a name="FNanchor_235_235" id="FNanchor_235_235"></a><a href="#Footnote_235_235" class="fnanchor">[235]</a></p> + +<p>Committees were appointed to state the rights claimed by the colonies, +which had been infringed by acts of parliament passed since the year +1763; to prepare a petition to the King, and addresses to the people +of Great Britain, to the inhabitants of the province of Quebec, and to +the twelve colonies represented in congress.</p> + +<p>Certain resolutions<a name="FNanchor_236_236" id="FNanchor_236_236"></a><a href="#Footnote_236_236" class="fnanchor">[236]</a> of the county of Suffolk in Massachusetts, +having been taken into consideration, it was unanimously resolved +"that this assembly deeply feels the suffering of their countrymen in +Massachusetts Bay, under the operation of the late unjust, cruel, and +oppressive acts of the British parliament; that they most thoroughly +approve the wisdom and fortitude with which opposition to these wicked +ministerial measures has hitherto been conducted; and they earnestly +recommend to their brethren, a perseverance in the same firm and +temperate conduct, as expressed in the resolutions determined upon, at +a meeting of the delegates for the county of Suffolk, on Tuesday the +sixth instant; trusting that the effect of the united efforts of North +America in their behalf, will carry such conviction to the British +nation of the unwise, unjust, and ruinous policy of the present +administration, as quickly to introduce better men, and wiser +measures."</p> + +<p>It was resolved, unanimously, "that contributions from all the +colonies, for supplying the necessities, and alleviating the +distresses of our brethren in Boston, ought to be continued, in such +manner, and so long, as their occasions may require."</p> + +<p>The merchants of the several colonies were requested not to send to +Great Britain any orders for goods, and to direct the execution of +those already sent to be suspended, until the sense of congress on the +means to be taken for preserving the liberties of America, be made +public. In a few days, resolutions were passed, suspending the +importation of goods from Great Britain, or Ireland, or any of their +dependencies, and of their manufactures from any place whatever, after +the first day of the succeeding December; and against the purchase or +use of such goods. It was also determined that all exports to Great +Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies, should cease on the 10th of +September, 1775 less American grievances should be redressed before +that time. An association, corresponding with these resolutions, was +then framed, and signed by every member present. Never were laws more +faithfully observed, than were these resolutions of congress; and +their association was, of consequence, universally adopted.</p> + +<p><a name="p427" id="p427">Early</a> in the session, a declaration<a name="FNanchor_237_237" id="FNanchor_237_237"></a><a href="#Footnote_237_237" class="fnanchor">[237]</a> of rights was made in the +shape of resolutions. This paper merits particular attention, because +it states precisely the ground then taken by America. It is observable +that it asserted rights which were not generally maintained, at the +commencement of the contest; but the exclusive right of legislation in +the colonial assemblies, with the exception of acts of the British +parliament <i>bona fide</i> made to regulate external commerce, was not +averred unanimously.</p> + +<p>The addresses prepared, the various papers drawn up, and the measures +recommended by this congress, form the best eulogy of the members who +composed it. Affection to the mother country, an exalted admiration of +her national character, unwillingness to separate from her, a +knowledge of the hazards and difficulties of the approaching contest, +mingled with enthusiastic patriotism, and a conviction that all which +can make life valuable was at stake, characterise their proceedings.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Address to the people of Great Britain.</div> + +<p>"When," they say in the address to the people to the people of Great +Britain, "a nation led to greatness by the hand of liberty, and +possessed of all the glory that heroism, munificence, and humanity, +can bestow, descends to the ungrateful task of forging chains for her +friends and children, and, instead of giving support to freedom turns +advocate for slavery and oppression, there is reason to suspect she +has either ceased to be virtuous, or been extremely negligent in the +appointment of her rulers.</p> + +<p>"In almost every age, in repeated conflicts, in long and bloody wars, +as well civil as foreign, against many and powerful nations, against +the open assaults of enemies, and the more dangerous treachery of +friends, have the inhabitants of your island, your great and glorious +ancestors, maintained their independence, and transmitted the rights +of men and the blessings of liberty to you their posterity.</p> + +<p>"Be not surprised therefore that we, who are descended from the same +common ancestors, that we, whose forefathers participated in all the +rights, the liberties, and the constitution, you so justly boast of, +and who have carefully conveyed the same fair inheritance to us, +guaranteed by the plighted faith of government, and the most solemn +compacts with British sovereigns, should refuse to surrender them to +men, who found their claims on no principles of reason, and who +prosecute them with a design, that by having <i>our</i> lives and property +in their power, they may with the greater facility enslave <i>you</i>."</p> + +<p>After stating the serious condition of American affairs, and the +oppressions, and misrepresentations of their conduct, which had +induced the address; and their claim to be as free as their fellow +subjects in Britain; they say, "are not the proprietors of the soil of +Great Britain lords of their own property? Can it be taken from them +without their consent? Will they yield it to the arbitrary disposal of +any men, or number of men whatever? You know they will not.</p> + +<p>"Why then are the proprietors of the soil of America less lords of +their property than you are of yours, or why should they submit it to +the disposal of your parliament, or any other parliament or council in +the world, not of their election? Can the intervention of the sea that +divides us cause disparity of rights, or can any reason be given why +English subjects, who live three thousand miles from the royal palace, +should enjoy less liberty than those who are three hundred miles +distant from it?</p> + +<p>"Reason looks with indignation on such distinctions, and freemen can +never perceive their propriety."</p> + +<p>After expatiating on the resources which the conquest of America would +place in the hands of the crown for the subjugation of Britain, the +address proceeds, "we believe there is yet much virtue, much justice, +and much public spirit in the English nation. To that justice we now +appeal. You have been told that we are seditious, impatient of +government, and desirous of independency. Be assured that these are +not facts but calumnies. Permit us to be as free as yourselves, and we +shall ever esteem a union with you to be our greatest glory, and our +greatest happiness;—we shall ever be ready to contribute all in our +power to the welfare of the empire;—we shall consider your enemies as +our enemies, and your interest as our own.</p> + +<p>"But if you are determined that your ministers shall wantonly sport +with the rights of mankind:—if neither the voice of justice, the +dictates of the law, the principles of the constitution, nor the +suggestions of humanity, can restrain your hands from shedding human +blood in such an impious cause, we must then tell you that we will +never submit to be hewers of wood or drawers of water for any ministry +or nation in the world.</p> + +<p>"Place us in the same situation that we were at the close of the late +war, and our former harmony will be restored."<a name="FNanchor_238_238" id="FNanchor_238_238"></a><a href="#Footnote_238_238" class="fnanchor">[238]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Petition to the King.</div> + +<p>The petition to the King states succinctly the grievances complained +of, and then proceeds to say:</p> + +<p>"Had our creator been pleased to give us existence in a land of +slavery, the sense of our condition might have been mitigated by +ignorance and habit. But thanks be to his adorable goodness, we were +born the heirs of freedom, and ever enjoyed our right under the +auspices of your royal ancestors, whose family was seated on the +British throne, to rescue and secure a pious and gallant nation from +the popery and despotism of a superstitious and inexorable tyrant. +Your majesty, we are confident, justly rejoices that your title to the +crown is thus founded on the title of your people to liberty; and, +therefore, we doubt not but your royal wisdom must approve the +sensibility that teaches your subjects anxiously to guard the blessing +they received from divine providence, and thereby to prove the +performance of that compact, which elevated the illustrious house of +Brunswick to the imperial dignity it now possesses.</p> + +<p>"The apprehensions of being degraded into a state of servitude, from +the pre-eminent rank of English freemen, while our minds retain the +strongest love of liberty, and clearly foresee the miseries preparing +for us and for our posterity, excites emotions in our breasts, which, +though we cannot describe, we should not wish to conceal. Feeling as +men, and thinking as subjects, in the manner we do, silence would be +disloyalty. By giving this faithful information, we do all in our +power to promote the great objects of your royal cares—the +tranquillity of your government, and the welfare of your people.</p> + +<p>"Duty to your majesty and regard for the preservation of ourselves and +our posterity,—the primary obligations of nature and society, command +us to entreat your royal attention; and, as your majesty enjoys the +signal distinction of reigning over freemen, we apprehend the language +of freemen cannot be displeasing. Your royal indignation, we hope, +will rather fall on those designing and dangerous men, who, daringly +interposing themselves between your royal person and your faithful +subjects, and for several years past incessantly employed to dissolve +the bonds of society, by abusing your majesty's authority, +misrepresenting your American subjects, and prosecuting the most +desperate and irritating projects of oppression, have at length +compelled us, by the force of accumulated injuries, too severe to be +any longer tolerable, to disturb your majesty's repose by our +complaints.</p> + +<p>"These sentiments are extorted from hearts that much more willingly +would bleed in your majesty's service. Yet so greatly have we been +misrepresented, that a necessity has been alleged of taking our +property from us without our consent, to defray the charge of the +administration of justice, the support of civil government, and the +defence, protection, and security of the colonies."</p> + +<p>After assuring his majesty of the untruth of these allegations, they +say, "yielding to no British subjects in affectionate attachment to +your majesty's person, family, and government, we too dearly prize the +privilege of expressing that attachment, by those proofs that are +honourable to the prince that receives them, and to the people who +give them, ever to resign it to any body of men upon earth.</p> + +<p>"We ask but for peace, liberty, and safety. We wish not a diminution +of the prerogative, nor do we solicit the grant of any new right in +our favour. Your royal authority over us, and our connection with +Great Britain, we shall always carefully and zealously endeavour to +support and maintain."</p> + +<p>After re-stating in a very affecting manner the most essential +grievances of which they complain, and professing that their future +conduct, if their apprehensions should be removed, would prove them +worthy of the regard they had been accustomed, in their happier days +to enjoy, they add:</p> + +<p>"Permit us then most gracious sovereign, in the name of all your +faithful people in America, with the utmost humility to implore you, +for the honour of Almighty God, whose pure religion our enemies are +undermining; for your glory which can be advanced only by rendering +your subjects happy, and keeping them united; for the interest of your +family, depending on an adherence to the principles that enthroned it; +for the safety and welfare of your kingdom and dominions, threatened +with almost unavoidable dangers and distresses; that your majesty, as +the loving father of your whole people, connected by the same bonds of +law, loyalty, faith, and blood, though dwelling in various countries, +will not suffer the transcendent relation formed by these ties, to be +farther violated, in uncertain expectation of effects that, if +attained, never can compensate for the calamities, through which they +must be gained."<a name="FNanchor_239_239" id="FNanchor_239_239"></a><a href="#Footnote_239_239" class="fnanchor">[239]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Address to the American people.</div> + +<p>The address to their constituents is replete with serious and +temperate argument. In this paper, the several causes which had led to +the existing state of things, were detailed more at large; and much +labour was used to convince their judgments that their liberties must +be destroyed, and the security of their property and persons +annihilated, by submission to the pretensions of Great Britain. The +first object of congress being to unite the people of America, by +demonstrating the sincerity with which their leaders had sought for +reconciliation on terms compatible with liberty, great earnestness was +used in proving that the conduct of the colonists had been uniformly +moderate and blameless. After declaring their confidence in the +efficacy of the mode of commercial resistance which had been +recommended, the address concludes with saying, "your own salvation, +and that of your posterity, now depends upon yourselves. You have +already shown that you entertain a proper sense of the blessings you +are striving to retain. Against the temporary inconveniences you may +suffer from a stoppage of trade, you will weigh in the opposite +balance, the endless miseries you and your descendants must endure, +from an established arbitrary power. You will not forget the honour of +your country, that must, from your behaviour, take its title in the +estimation of the world to glory or to shame; and you will, with the +deepest attention, reflect, that if the peaceable mode of opposition +recommended by us, be broken and rendered ineffectual, as your cruel +and haughty ministerial enemies, from a contemptuous opinion of your +firmness, insolently predict will be the case, you must inevitably be +reduced to choose, either a more dangerous contest, or a final, +ruinous, and infamous submission.</p> + +<p>"Motives thus cogent, arising from the emergency of your unhappy +condition, must excite your utmost diligence and zeal, to give all +possible strength and energy to the pacific measures calculated for +your relief. But we think ourselves bound in duty to observe to you, +that the schemes agitated against the colonies have been so conducted, +as to render it prudent that you should extend your views to mournful +events, and be in all respects prepared for every contingency. Above +all things, we earnestly entreat you, with devotion of spirit, +penitence of heart, and amendment of life, to humble yourselves, and +implore the favour of Almighty God; and we fervently beseech his +divine goodness to take you into his gracious protection."<a name="FNanchor_240_240" id="FNanchor_240_240"></a><a href="#Footnote_240_240" class="fnanchor">[240]</a></p> + +<p>The letter to the people of Canada required no inconsiderable degree +of address. The extent of that province was not so alarming to its +inhabitants as to their neighbours; and it was not easy to persuade +the French settlers, who were far the most numerous, that the +establishment of their religion, and the partial toleration of their +ancient jurisprudence, were acts of oppression which ought to be +resisted. This delicate subject was managed with considerable +dexterity, and the prejudices of the Canadians were assailed with some +success.</p> + +<p>Letters were also addressed to the colonies of St. Johns, Nova Scotia, +Georgia, and the Floridas, inviting them to unite with their brethren +in a cause common to all British America.<a name="FNanchor_241_241" id="FNanchor_241_241"></a><a href="#Footnote_241_241" class="fnanchor">[241]</a></p> + +<p>After completing the business before them, and recommending that +another Congress should be held at the same place on the tenth of the +succeeding May, the House dissolved itself.</p> + +<div class="sidenoteb">October.</div> + +<p>The proceedings of Congress were read throughout America, with +enthusiastic admiration. Their recommendations were revered as +revelations, and obeyed as laws of the strongest obligation. Absolute +unanimity could not be expected to exist; but seldom has a whole +people been more united; and never did a more sincere and perfect +conviction of the justice of a cause animate the human bosom, than was +felt by the great body of the Americans. The people, generally, made +great exertions to arm and discipline themselves. Independent +companies of gentlemen were formed in all the colonies; and the whole +face of the country exhibited the aspect of approaching war. Yet the +measures of Congress demonstrate that, although resistance by force +was contemplated as a possible event, the hope was fondly cherished +that the non-importation of British goods would induce a repeal of the +late odious acts. It is impossible to account for the non-importation +agreement itself. Had war been considered as inevitable, every +principle of sound policy required that imports should be encouraged, +and the largest possible stock of supplies for an army be obtained.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">New counsellors and judges.</div> + +<p>With the laws relative to the province, governor Gage received a list +of thirty-two new counsellors, a sufficient number of whom, to carry +on the business of the government, accepted the office, and entered on +its duties.</p> + +<p>All those who accepted offices under the new system, were denounced as +enemies to their country. The new judges were unable to proceed in the +administration of justice. When the court houses were opened, the +people crowded into them in such numbers that the judges could not +obtain admittance; and, on being ordered by the officers to make way +for the court, they answered that they knew no court, independent of +the ancient laws and usages of their country, and to no other would +they submit.<a name="FNanchor_242_242" id="FNanchor_242_242"></a><a href="#Footnote_242_242" class="fnanchor">[242]</a> <span class="sidenote">Obliged to resign.</span>The houses of the new counsellors were surrounded by +great bodies of people, whose threats announced to them that they must +resign their offices, or be exposed to the fury of an enraged +populace. The first part of the alternative was generally embraced.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Boston neck fortified.</div> + +<p>In this irritable state of the public mind, and critical situation of +public affairs, it was to be expected that every day would furnish new +matter of discontent and jealousy. General Gage deemed it a necessary +measure of security, to fortify Boston neck; and this circumstance +induced the inhabitants to contemplate seriously an evacuation of the +town, and removal into the country. Congress was consulted on this +proposition; but was deterred from recommending it, by the +difficulties attending the measure. It was however referred to the +provincial congress, with the declaration that, if the removal should +be deemed necessary, the expense attending it ought to be borne by all +the colonies.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Military stores seized by general Gage.</div> + +<p>The fortification of Boston neck was followed by a measure which +excited still greater alarm. The time for the general muster of the +militia approached. Under real or pretended apprehensions from their +violence, the ammunition and stores which were lodged in the +provincial arsenal at Cambridge, and the powder in the magazines at +Charlestown, and some other places which was partly private and partly +provincial property, were seized, by order of the governor, and +conveyed to Boston.</p> + +<p>Under the ferment excited by this measure, the people assembled in +great numbers, and were with difficulty dissuaded from marching to +Boston, and demanding a re-delivery of the stores. Not long +afterwards, the fort at Portsmouth in New Hampshire was stormed by an +armed body of provincials; and the powder it contained was transported +to a place of safety. A similar measure was adopted in Rhode Island.</p> + +<p>About the same time a report reached Connecticut that the ships and +troops had attacked Boston, and were actually firing on the town. +Several thousand men immediately assembled in arms, and marched with +great expedition a considerable distance, before they were undeceived.</p> + +<p>It was in the midst of these ferments, and while these indications of +an opinion that hostilities might be expected daily were multiplying +on every side, that the people of Suffolk assembled in convention, and +passed the resolutions already mentioned, which in boldness surpass +any that had been adopted.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Provincial congress in Massachusetts.</div> + +<p>Before the general agitation had risen to its present alarming height, +governor Gage had issued writs for the election of members to a +general assembly. These writs were afterwards countermanded by +proclamation; but the proclamation was disregarded; the elections were +held; and the delegates, who assembled and voted themselves a +provincial congress, conducted the affairs of the colony as if they +had been regularly invested with all the powers of government; and +their recommendations were respected as sacred laws.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Prepares for defence.</div> + +<p>They drew up a plan for the defence of the province; provided +magazines, ammunition and prepares stores for twelve thousand militia; +and enrolled a number of minute men, a term designating a select part +of the militia, who engaged to appear in arms at a minute's warning.</p> + +<p>On the approach of winter, the general had ordered temporary barracks +to be erected for the troops, partly for their security, and partly to +prevent the disorders which would unavoidably result from quartering +them in the town. Such however was the detestation in which they were +held, that the select men and committees obliged the workmen to desist +from the work, although they were paid for their labour by the crown, +and although employment could, at that time, be seldom obtained. He +was not much more successful in his endeavours to obtain carpenters in +New York; and it was with considerable difficulty that these temporary +lodgments could be erected.</p> + +<p>The agency for purchasing winter covering for the troops was offered +to almost every merchant in New York; but such was the danger of +engaging in this odious employment, that not only those who were +attached to the party resisting the views of administration, but those +also who were in secret friendly to those views, refused undertaking +it, and declared "that they never would supply any article for the +benefit of men who were sent as enemies to their country."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">King's speech to parliament.</div> + +<p>In Great Britain, a new parliament was assembled; and the King, in his +opening speech, informed them, "that a most daring spirit of +resistance and disobedience still prevailed in Massachusetts, and had +broken forth in fresh violences of a very criminal nature; that the +most proper and effectual measures had been taken to prevent these +mischiefs; and that they might depend upon a firm resolution to +withstand every attempt to weaken or impair the supreme authority of +this legislature over all the dominions of the crown."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Proceedings of that body.</div> + +<p>The addresses re-echoed the sentiments of the speech; all amendments +to which were rejected in both houses by considerable majorities.<a name="FNanchor_243_243" id="FNanchor_243_243"></a><a href="#Footnote_243_243" class="fnanchor">[243]</a> +Yet the business respecting America was not promptly introduced. +Administration seems to have hesitated on the course to be adopted; +and the cabinet is said to have been divided respecting future +measures. <span class="sidenotey">1775</span>The few friends of conciliation availed themselves of this +delay, to bring forward propositions which might restore harmony to +the empire. Lord Chatham was not yet dead. "This splendid orb," to use +the bold metaphor of Mr. Burke, "was not yet entirely set. The western +horizon was still in a blaze with his descending glory;" and the +evening of a life which had exhibited one bright unchequered course of +elevated patriotism, was devoted to the service of that country whose +aggrandisement seemed to have swallowed up every other passion of his +soul. Taking a prophetic view of the future, he demonstrated the +impossibility of subjugating America, and urged, with all the powers +of his vast mind, the immediate removal of the troops from Boston, as +a measure indispensably necessary, to open the way for an adjustment +of the existing differences with the colonies. Not discouraged by the +great majority against this motion, he brought forward a bill for +settling the troubles in America, which was rejected by sixty-one to +thirty-two voices.</p> + +<p>The day after the rejection of this bill, lord North moved, in the +house of commons, an address to his Majesty, declaring that, from a +serious consideration of the American papers, "they find a rebellion +actually exists in the province of Massachusetts Bay." In the course +of the debate on this address, several professional gentlemen spoke +with the utmost contempt of the military character of the Americans; +and general Grant, who ought to have known better, declared that "at +the head of five regiments of infantry, he would undertake to traverse +the whole country, and drive the inhabitants from one end of the +continent to the other."</p> + +<p>The address was carried by 288 to 106; and on a conference, the house +of lords agreed to join in it. Lord North, soon after, moved a bill +for restraining the trade and commerce of the New England provinces, +and prohibiting them from carrying on the fisheries on the banks of +Newfoundland.<a name="FNanchor_244_244" id="FNanchor_244_244"></a><a href="#Footnote_244_244" class="fnanchor">[244]</a></p> + +<p>While this bill was pending, and only vengeance was breathed by the +majority, his lordship, to the astonishment of all, suddenly moved, +what he termed his conciliatory proposition. Its amount was, that +parliament would forbear to tax any colony, which should tax itself in +such a sum as would be perfectly satisfactory. Apparent as it must +have been that this proposition would not be accepted in America, it +was received with indignation by the majority of the house; and +ministers found some difficulty in showing that it was in maintenance +of the right to tax the colonies. Before it could be adopted lord +North condescended to make the dangerous, and not very reputable +acknowledgment, that it was a proposition designed to divide America, +and to unite Great Britain. It was transmitted to the governors of the +several colonies, in a circular letter from lord Dartmouth, with +directions to use their utmost influence to prevail on the +legislatures to accede to the proposed compromise. These endeavours +were not successful. The colonists were universally impressed with too +strong a conviction of the importance of union, and understood too +well the real principle of the contest, to suffer themselves to be +divided or deceived by a proposition, conciliatory only in name.</p> + +<p>After the passage of the bill for restraining the trade of New +England, information was received that the inhabitants of the middle +and southern colonies, were supporting their northern brethren in +every measure of opposition. In consequence of this intelligence, a +second bill was passed for imposing similar restrictions on East and +West Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and the +counties on the Delaware. The favourite colonies of New York and North +Carolina were omitted, as being less disaffected than the others. +Fortunately, some time afterwards, the house of commons refused to +hear a petition from the legislature of New York, which alone had +declined acceding to the resolutions of congress, on the suggestion of +the minister that it contained claims incompatible with the supremacy +of parliament. This haughty rejection had some tendency to convince +the advocates of milder measures than had been adopted in their sister +colonies, that there was no medium between resistance and absolute +submission.</p> + +<p>The King's speech, and the proceedings of parliament, served only to +convince the leaders of opposition in America, that they must indeed +prepare to meet "mournful events." They had flattered themselves that +the union of the colonies, the petition of congress to the King, and +the address to the people of Great Britain, would produce happy +effects. But these measures removed the delusion. The provincial +congress of Massachusetts published a resolution informing the people +that there was real cause to fear that the reasonable and just +applications of that continent to Great Britain for peace, liberty, +and safety, would not meet with a favourable reception; that, on the +contrary, the tenor of their intelligence, and general appearances, +furnished just cause for the apprehension that the sudden destruction +of that colony, at least, was intended. They therefore urged the +militia in general, and the minute men in particular, to spare neither +time, pains, nor expense, to perfect themselves in military +discipline; and also passed resolutions for procuring and making fire +arms and bayonets.<a name="FNanchor_245_245" id="FNanchor_245_245"></a><a href="#Footnote_245_245" class="fnanchor">[245]</a></p> + +<p>In the mean time, delegates were elected for the ensuing congress. +Even in New York, where the influence of administration in the +legislature had been sufficient to prevent an adoption of the +recommendations of congress, a convention was chosen for the purpose +of electing members to represent that province in the grand council of +the colonies.</p> + +<p>In New England, although a determination not to commence hostility +appears to have been maintained, an expectation of it, and a settled +purpose to repel it, universally prevailed.</p> + +<p>It was not long before the firmness of this resolution was put to the +test.</p> + +<p>On the night preceding the 19th of April, general Gage detached +lieutenant colonel Smith, and major Pitcairn, with the grenadiers and +light infantry of the army, amounting to eight or nine hundred men, +with orders to destroy some military stores which had been collected +at Concord, about eighteen miles from Boston, notwithstanding the +secrecy and dispatch which were used, the country was alarmed by +messengers sent out by Doctor Warren; <span class="sidenote">Battle of Lexington.</span>and, on the arrival of the +British troops at Lexington, about five in the morning, part of the +company of militia belonging to the town, was found on the parade, +under arms. Major Pitcairn, who led the van, galloped up, calling out, +"disperse, rebels, disperse." He was followed close by his soldiers, +who rushed upon the militia with loud huzzas. Some scattering guns +were fired, which were immediately followed by a general discharge, +and the firing was continued as long as any of the militia appeared. +Eight men were killed, and several wounded.</p> + +<p>After dispatching six companies of light infantry to guard two bridges +which lay at some distance beyond the town, lieutenant colonel Smith +proceeded to Concord. While the main body of the detachment was +employed in destroying the stores in the town, some minute men and +militia, who were collected from that place and its neighbourhood, +having orders not to give the first fire, approached one of the +bridges, as if to pass it in the character of common travellers. They +were fired on, and two of them were killed. The fire was instantly +returned, and a skirmish ensued, in which the regulars were worsted, +and compelled to retreat with some loss. The alarm now becoming +general, the people rushed to the scene of action, and attacked the +King's troops on all sides. Skirmish succeeded skirmish, and they were +driven, from post to post, into Lexington. Fortunately for the +British, general Gage did not entertain precisely the opinion of the +military character of the Americans, which had been expressed in the +house of commons. Apprehending the expedition to be not entirely +without hazard, he had, in the morning, detached lord Percy with +sixteen companies of foot, a corps of marines, and two companies of +artillery, to support lieutenant colonel Smith. This seasonable +reinforcement, happening to reach Lexington about the time of his +arrival at that place, kept the provincials at a distance with their +field pieces, and gave the grenadiers and light infantry time to +breathe. But as soon as they resumed their march, the attack was +re-commenced; and an irregular but galling fire was kept up on each +flank, as well as in front and rear, until they arrived, on the common +of Charlestown. Without delay, they passed over the neck to Bunker's +hill, where they remained secure for the night, under the protection +of their ships of war; and, early next morning, crossed over to +Boston.</p> + +<p>In this action, the loss of the British in killed, wounded, and +prisoners, was two hundred and seventy-three; while that of the +provincials did not exceed ninety. This affair, however trivial in +itself, was of great importance in its consequences. It was the +commencement of a long and obstinate war, and had no inconsiderable +influence on that war, by increasing the confidence which the +Americans felt in themselves, and by encouraging opposition, with the +hope of being successful. It supported the opinion which the colonists +had taken up with some doubt, that courage and patriotism were ample +substitutes for the knowledge of tactics; and that their skill in the +use of fire arms, gave them a great superiority over their +adversaries.</p> + +<p>Although the previous state of things was such as to render the +commencement of hostilities unavoidable, each party seemed anxious to +throw the blame on its opponent. The British officers alleged that +they were fired on from a stone wall, before they attacked the militia +at Lexington; while the Americans proved, by numerous depositions, +that at Lexington, as well as at the bridge near Concord, the first +fire was received by them. The statement made by the Americans is +supported, not only by the testimony adduced, but by other +circumstances. In numbers, the militia at Lexington did not exceed +one-ninth of the British; and it is not probable that their friends +would have provoked their fate while in that perilous situation, by +commencing a fire on an enraged soldiery. It is also worthy of +attention, that the Americans uniformly sought to cover their +proceedings with the letter of the law; and, even after the affair at +Lexington, made a point of receiving the first fire at the bridge +beyond Concord.</p> + +<p>The provincial congress, desirous of manifesting the necessity under +which the militia had acted, sent to their agents, the depositions +which had been taken relative to the late action, with a letter to the +inhabitants of Great Britain, stating that hostilities had been +commenced against them, and detailing the circumstances attending that +event.</p> + +<p>But they did not confine themselves to addresses. They immediately +passed a resolution for raising thirteen thousand six hundred men in +Massachusetts, to be commanded by general Ward; and called on New +Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, for their respective quotas, +to complete an army of thirty thousand men for the common defence. +They also authorised the receiver general to borrow one hundred +thousand pounds on the credit of the colony, and to issue securities +for the re-payment thereof, bearing an interest of six per centum per +annum.</p> + +<p>The neighbouring colonies complied promptly with this requisition; +and, in the mean time, such numbers assembled voluntarily, that many +were dismissed in consequence of the defect of means to subsist them +in the field; and the King's troops were themselves blocked up in the +peninsula of Boston.</p> + +<p>About the same time, that enterprising spirit, which pervaded New +England, manifested itself in an expedition of considerable merit.</p> + +<p>The possession of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and the command of +lakes George and Champlain, were objects of importance in the +approaching conflict. It was known that these posts were weakly +defended; and it was believed that the feeble garrisons remaining in +them were the less to be dreaded, because they thought themselves +perfectly secure. Under these impressions, some gentlemen of +Connecticut, at the head of whom were Messrs. Deane, Wooster, and +Parsons, formed the design of seizing these fortresses by surprise; +and borrowed a small sum of money from the legislature of the colony, +to enable them to carry on the expedition. About forty volunteers +marched from Connecticut towards Bennington, where they expected to +meet with colonel Ethan Allen, and to engage him to conduct the +enterprise, and to raise an additional number of men.</p> + +<p>Colonel Allen readily entered into their views, and engaged to meet +them at Castleton. Two hundred and seventy men assembled at that +place, where they were joined by colonel Arnold, who was associated +with colonel Allen in the command. They reached lake Champlain in the +night of the ninth of May. <span class="sidenote">Ticonderoga surprised.</span>Both Allen and Arnold embarked with the +first division consisting of eighty-three men, who effected a landing +without being discovered, and immediately marched against the fort, +which, being completely surprised, surrendered without firing a gun. +The garrison consisted of only forty-four rank and file, commanded by +a captain and one lieutenant. <span class="sidenote">Crown Point surrenders.</span>From Ticonderoga, colonel Seth Warren +was detached to take possession of Crown Point, which was garrisoned +only by a sergeant and twelve men. This service was immediately +executed, and the fort was taken without opposition.</p> + +<p>At both these places, military stores of considerable value fell into +the hands of the Americans. The pass at Skeensborough was seized about +the same time by a body of volunteers from Connecticut.</p> + +<p>To complete the objects of the expedition, it was necessary to obtain +the command of the lakes, which could be accomplished only by seizing +a sloop of war lying at St. Johns. This service was effected by +Arnold, who, having manned and armed a schooner found in South bay, +surprised the sloop, and took possession of her without opposition.</p> + +<p>Thus, by the enterprise of a few individuals, and without the loss of +a single man, the important posts of Ticonderoga and Crown Point were +acquired, with the command of the lakes on which they stand.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Meeting of congress.</div> + +<p>Intelligence of the capture of Ticonderoga was immediately transmitted +to congress, then just assembled at Philadelphia. The resolutions +passed on the occasion, furnish strong evidence of the solicitude felt +by that body, to exonerate the government, in the opinion of the +people, from all suspicion of provoking a continuance of the war, by +transcending the limits of self defence. Indubitable evidence, it was +asserted, had been received of a design for a cruel invasion of the +colonies from Canada, for the purpose of destroying their lives and +liberties; and it was averred that some steps had actually been taken +towards carrying this design into execution. To a justifiable desire +of securing themselves from so heavy a calamity, was attributed the +seizure of the posts on the lakes by the neighbouring inhabitants; and +it was recommended to the committees of New York and Albany to take +immediate measures for the removal of the cannon and military stores +to some place on the south end of lake George, there to be preserved +in safety. An exact inventory of the stores was directed to be taken, +"in order that they might be safely returned, when the restoration of +the former harmony between Great Britain and the colonies, so ardently +wished for by the latter, should render it prudent, and consistent +with the overruling law of self preservation."</p> + +<p>Measures, however, were adopted to maintain the posts; but, to quiet +the apprehensions of their neighbours, congress resolved that, having +nothing more in view than self defence, "no expedition or incursion +ought to be undertaken or made by any colony, or body of colonists, +against, or into, Canada."</p> + +<p>This resolution was translated into the French language, and +transmitted to the people of that province, in a letter in which all +their feelings, and particularly their known attachment to France, +were dexterously assailed; and the effort was earnestly made to kindle +in their bosoms, that enthusiastic love of liberty which was felt too +strongly by the authors of the letter, to permit the belief that it +could be inoperative with others.</p> + +<p>During these transactions, generals Howe, Burgoyne, and Clinton, +arrived at Boston, soon after which general Gage issued a proclamation +declaring martial law to be in force, and offering pardon to those who +would lay down their arms and submit to the King, with the exception +of Samuel Adams, and John Hancock.</p> + +<p>On receiving intelligence of the battle of Lexington, New York +appeared to hesitate no longer. In that place also, the spirit which +animated the colonies generally, obtained the ascendancy. Yet the +royal party remained formidable; and it was thought advisable to march +a body of Connecticut troops into the neighbourhood, professedly to +protect the town against some British regiments expected from Ireland, +but really with the design of protecting the patriotic party.</p> + +<p>The middle and southern colonies, though not so forward as those of +the north, laid aside the established government, and prepared for +hostilities.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Transactions in Virginia.</div> + +<p>In Virginia, the governor, lord Dunmore, had just returned from a +successful expedition against the Indians, in which he had acquired +considerable popularity. Presuming too much on the favour of the +moment, and dissatisfied with some recommendations concerning the +militia and independent companies made by the colonial convention +which had assembled in Richmond, he employed the captain of an armed +vessel then lying in James river, a few miles from Williamsburg, to +convey to his ship by night, a part of the powder in the magazine, +belonging to the colony.</p> + +<p>This measure, though conducted with great secrecy, was discovered; and +the people of the town assembled next morning in arms, for the purpose +of demanding restitution of the property which had been taken. The +magistrates, having prevailed on them to disperse, presented an +address to the governor, remonstrating against the removal of the +powder, which they alleged to be the more injurious, because it was +necessary for their defence in the event of an insurrection among +their slaves.</p> + +<p>The governor acknowledged that the powder had been removed by his +order, but gave assurances that he would restore it, if an +insurrection of the slaves should render the measure necessary. +Unsatisfactory as this answer was, no farther means were used in +Williamsburg for its recovery.</p> + +<p>This transaction excited a strong sensation in the interior of the +country. Meetings were held in several counties, and the conduct of +the governor was greatly condemned. The independent companies of +Hanover and King William, at the instance of Mr. Patrick Henry, a +member of congress, assembled, and marched for Williamsburg, with the +avowed design of compelling restitution of the powder, or of obtaining +its value. Their march was stopped by the active interposition of Mr. +Braxton, who obtained from the King's receiver general, a bill for the +value of the property that had been removed, with which he returned to +the companies, and prevailed on them to relinquish a farther +prosecution of the enterprise.<a name="FNanchor_246_246" id="FNanchor_246_246"></a><a href="#Footnote_246_246" class="fnanchor">[246]</a></p> + +<p>The alarm occasioned by this movement induced lady Dunmore, to retire +with her family on board the Fowey man of war, lying in James river; +whilst his lordship fortified his palace, which he garrisoned with a +corps of marines; and published a proclamation in which he charged +those who had procured the bill from the receiver general, with +rebellious practices.</p> + +<p>During this state of irritation, lord North's conciliatory proposition +was received; and an assembly was suddenly called, to whose +consideration it was submitted. The governor used all his address to +procure its acceptance; but, in Virginia, as in the other colonies, it +was rejected, because it obviously involved a surrender of the whole +subject in contest.</p> + +<p>One of the first measures of the assembly was to inquire into the +causes of the late disturbances, and particularly to examine the state +of the magazine. Although this building belonged to the colony, it was +in the custody of the governor; and, before admittance could be +obtained; some persons of the neighbourhood broke into it, one of whom +was wounded by a spring gun, and it was found that the powder which +remained had been buried, and that the guns were deprived of their +locks. <span class="sidenote">Governor Dunmore retires to the Fowey ship of war.</span>These circumstances excited so great a ferment that the +governor thought proper to withdraw to the Fowey man of war. Several +letters passed between him and the legislature containing reciprocal +complaints of each other, in the course of which they pressed his +return to the seat of government, while he insisted on their coming on +board the Fowey. They were content that he should, even there, give +his assent to some bills that were prepared, but he refused so to do, +and the assembly dissolved itself; the members being generally elected +to a convention then about to meet in Richmond.</p> + +<p>Thus terminated for ever, the regal government in Virginia.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Provisional congress of South Carolina.</div> + +<p>In South Carolina, so soon as intelligence of the battle of Lexington +was received, a provincial congress was called by the committee of +correspondence. An association was formed, the members of which +pledged themselves to each other to repel force by force, whenever the +continental or provincial congress should determine it to be +necessary; and declared that they would hold all those inimical to the +colonies, who should refuse to subscribe it. The congress also +determined to put the town and province in a posture of defence, and +agreed to raise two regiments of infantry, and one of rangers.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Arrival of lord William Campbell.</div> + +<p>While the congress was in session, lord William Campbell, who had been +appointed governor, arrived in the province, and was received with +those demonstrations of joy which had been usual on such occasions. +The congress waited on him with an address expressing the causes of +their proceedings; in which they declared that no love of innovation, +no desire of altering the constitution of government, no lust of +independence, had the least influence on their councils; but that they +had been compelled to associate and take up arms, solely for the +preservation, and in defence, of their lives, liberties, and property. +They entreated his excellency to make such a representation of the +state of the colony, and of their true motives, as to assure his +majesty that he had no subjects who more sincerely desired to testify +their loyalty and affection, or would be more willing to devote their +lives and fortunes to his real service. His lordship returned a mild +and prudent answer.<a name="FNanchor_247_247" id="FNanchor_247_247"></a><a href="#Footnote_247_247" class="fnanchor">[247]</a></p> + +<p>For some time lord William Campbell conducted himself with such +apparent moderation, as to remain on good terms with the leaders of +the opposition; but he was secretly exerting all the influence of his +station to defeat their views; and was, at length, detected in +carrying on negotiations with the Indians, and with the disaffected in +the interior. These people had been induced to believe that the +inhabitants of the sea coast, in order to exempt their tea from a +trifling tax, were about to engage them in a contest, which would +deprive them of their salt, osnaburgs, and other imported articles of +absolute necessity. The detection of these intrigues excited such a +ferment that the governor was compelled to fly from Charleston, and +take refuge on board a ship of war in the river. The government was +then, as elsewhere, taken entirely into the hands of men chosen by the +people; and a body of provincial troops was ordered into that part of +the country which adhered to the royal cause, where many individuals, +contrary to the advice of governor Campbell, had risen in arms. The +leaders were seized, and their followers dispersed.</p> + +<p>In North Carolina also, governor Martin was charged with fomenting a +civil war, and exciting an insurrection among the negroes. Relying on +the aid he expected from the disaffected, especially from some +Highland emigrants, he made preparations for the defence of his +palace; but the people taking the alarm before his troops were raised, +he was compelled to seek safety on board a sloop of war in Cape Fear +river; soon after which, the committee resolved "that no person or +persons whatsoever should have any correspondence with him, on pain of +being deemed enemies to the liberties of America, and dealt with +accordingly."</p> + +<p>As soon as congress was organised, Mr. Hancock laid before that body +the depositions showing that, in the battle of Lexington, the King's +troops were the aggressors; together with the proceedings of the +provincial congress of Massachusetts on that subject.</p> + +<p>The affairs of America were now arrived at a crisis to which they had +been, for some time, rapidly tending; and it had become necessary for +the delegates of the other provinces finally to determine, either to +embark with New England in war, or, by separating from her, to +surrender the object for which they had jointly contended, and submit +to that unlimited supremacy which was claimed by parliament.</p> + +<p>Even among the well informed, the opinion, that the contest would +ultimately be determined by the sword, had not become general. The +hope had been indulged by many of the popular leaders, that the union +of the colonies, the extent and serious aspect of the opposition, and +the distress which their non-importation agreements would produce +among the merchants and manufacturers of the parent state, would +induce administration to recede from its high pretensions, and restore +harmony and free intercourse. This opinion had derived strength from +the communications made them by their zealous friends in England. The +divisions and discontents of that country had been represented as much +greater than the fact would justify; and the exhortations transmitted +to them to persevere in the honourable course which had been commenced +with so much glory, had generally been accompanied with assurances +that success would yet crown their patriotic labours. Many had engaged +with zeal in the resistance made by America, and had acted on a full +conviction of the correctness of the principles for which they +contended, who would have felt some reluctance in supporting the +measures which had been adopted, had they believed that those measures +would produce war. But each party counted too much on the divisions of +the other; and each seems to have taken step after step, in the hope +that its adversary would yield the point in contest, without resorting +to open force. Thus, on both sides, the public feeling had been +gradually conducted to a point, which would, in the first instance, +have been viewed with horror, and had been prepared for events, which, +in the beginning of the controversy, would have alarmed the most +intrepid. The prevailing sentiment in the middle and southern colonies +still was, that a reconciliation, on the terms proposed by America, +was not even yet impracticable, and was devoutly to be wished; but +that war was to be preferred to a surrender of those rights, for which +they had contended, and to which they believed every British subject, +wherever placed, to be unquestionably entitled. They did not hesitate +therefore which part of the alternative to embrace; and their +delegates united cordially with those of the north, in such measures +as the exigency required. The resolution was unanimous that, as +hostilities had actually commenced, and as large reinforcements to the +British army were expected, these colonies should be immediately put +in a state of defence, and the militia of New York be armed and +trained, and kept in readiness to act at a moment's warning. Congress +also determined to embody a number of men, without delay, for the +protection of the inhabitants of that place, but did not authorise +opposition to the landing of any troops which might be ordered to that +station by the crown. The convention of New York had already consulted +congress on this subject, and had been advised to permit the soldiers +to take possession of the barracks, and to remain there so long as +they conducted themselves peaceably; but, if they should commit +hostilities, or invade private property, to repel force by force. Thus +anxious was congress even after a battle had been fought, not to widen +the breach between the two countries. In addition to the real wish for +reconciliation, sound policy directed that the people of America +should engage in the arduous conflict which was approaching, with a +perfect conviction that it was forced upon them, and not invited by +the intemperate conduct of their leaders. The divisions existing in +several of the States suggested the propriety of this conduct, even to +those who despaired of deriving any other benefit from it, than a +greater degree of union among their own countrymen. In this spirit, +congress mingled with the resolutions for putting the country in a +state of defence, others expressing the most earnest wish for +reconciliation with the mother country, to effect which, that body +determined to address, once more, an humble and dutiful petition to +the King, and to adopt measures for opening a negotiation in order "to +accommodate the unhappy disputes subsisting between Great Britain and +the colonies."</p> + +<p>As no great confidence could be placed in the success of pacific +propositions, the resolution for putting the country in a state of +defence was accompanied with others rendered necessary by that +undetermined state between war and peace, in which America was placed. +All exports to those colonies, which had not deputed members to +congress, were stopped; and all supplies of provisions, and other +necessaries, to the British fisheries, or to the army or navy in +Massachusetts Bay, or to any vessels employed in transporting British +troops to America, or from one colony to another, were prohibited. +Though this resolution was only an extension of the system of +commercial resistance which had been adopted before the commencement +of hostilities, and was evidently provoked by the late act of +parliament, it seems to have been entirely unexpected, and certainly +produced great distress.</p> + +<p>Massachusetts having stated the embarrassments resulting from being +without a regular government, "at a time when an army was to be raised +to defend themselves against the butcheries and devastations of their +implacable enemies," and having declared a readiness to conform to +such general plan as congress might recommend to the colonies, it was +resolved "that no obedience is due to the act of parliament for +altering the charter of that colony, nor to officers who, instead of +observing that charter, seek its subversion." The governor and +lieutenant governor, therefore, were to be considered as absent, and +their offices vacant. To avoid the intolerable inconveniences arising +from a total suspension of government, "especially at a time when +general Gage had actually levied war, and was carrying on hostilities +against his majesty's peaceable and loyal subjects in that colony," it +was "recommended to the convention to write letters to the inhabitants +of the several places which are entitled to representation in the +assembly, requesting them to choose such representatives; and that +such assembly or council exercise the powers of government until a +governor of his majesty's appointment will consent to govern the +colony, according to its charter."<a name="FNanchor_248_248" id="FNanchor_248_248"></a><a href="#Footnote_248_248" class="fnanchor">[248]</a></p> + +<p>These resolutions were quickly followed by others of greater vigour, +denoting more decidedly, a determination to prepare for the last +resort of nations.</p> + +<p>It was earnestly recommended to the conventions of all the colonies to +provide the means of making gun powder, and to obtain the largest +possible supplies of ammunition. Even the non-importation agreement +was relaxed in favour of vessels importing these precious materials. +The conventions were also urged to arm and discipline the militia; and +so to class them, that one-fourth should be minute men. They were also +requested to raise several regular corps for the service of the +continent; and a general resolution was entered into, authorising any +province thinking itself in danger, to raise a body of regulars not +exceeding one thousand men, to be, paid by the united colonies.</p> + +<p>Congress also proceeded to organise the higher departments of the +army, of which, colonel George Washington of Virginia was appointed +commander in chief.<a name="FNanchor_249_249" id="FNanchor_249_249"></a><a href="#Footnote_249_249" class="fnanchor">[249]</a></p> + +<p>Bills of credit to the amount of three millions of dollars were +emitted for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the war, and the +faith of the twelve confederated colonies was pledged for their +redemption. Articles of war for the government of the continental army +were formed; though the troops were raised under the authority of the +respective colonies, without even a requisition from congress, except +in a few instances. <span class="sidenote">Manifesto of congress.</span>A solemn dignified declaration, in form of a +manifesto, was prepared, to be published to the army in orders, and to +the people from the pulpit. After detailing the causes of their +opposition to the mother country, with all the energy of men feeling +the injuries of which they complain, the manifesto exclaims, "but why +should we enumerate our injuries in detail? By one statute, it is +declared that parliament can, of right, make laws to bind us in all +cases whatsoever! What is to defend us against so enormous, so +unlimited a power? Not a single man of those who assume it, is chosen +by us, or is subject to our control or influence: but, on the +contrary, they are, all of them, exempt from the operation of such +laws; and an American revenue, if not diverted from the ostensible +purposes for which it is raised, would actually lighten their own +burdens in proportion as they increase ours. We saw the misery to +which such despotism would reduce us. We, for ten years, incessantly +and ineffectually, besieged the throne as supplicants; we reasoned, we +remonstrated with parliament in the most mild and decent language."</p> + +<p>The manifesto next enumerates the measures adopted by administration +to enforce the claims of Great Britain, and then adds,—"we are +reduced to the alternative of choosing an unconstitutional submission +to the tyranny of irritated ministers, 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, forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received +from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a +right to receive from us. We cannot endure the infamy and guilt of +resigning succeeding generations to that wretchedness which inevitably +awaits them, if we basely entail hereditary bondage upon them.</p> + +<p>"Our cause is just. Our union is perfect. Our internal resources are +great; and, if necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly +attainable. We gratefully acknowledge, as signal instances of the +divine favour towards us, that his providence would not permit us to +be called into this severe controversy, until we were grown up to our +present strength, had been previously exercised in warlike operation, +and possessed of the means of defending ourselves. With hearts +fortified with these animating reflections, we most solemnly, before +God and the world, DECLARE that, exerting the utmost energy of those +powers which our beneficent creator hath graciously bestowed upon us, +the arms we have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in +defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverance, +employ for the preservation of our liberties; being with one mind +resolved to die freemen, rather than to live slaves.</p> + +<p>"Lest this declaration should disquiet the minds of our friends and +fellow subjects in any part of the empire, we assure them that we mean +not to dissolve that union which has so long and so happily subsisted +between us, and which we sincerely wish to see restored. Necessity has +not yet driven us to that desperate measure, or induced us to excite +any other nation to war against them. We have not raised armies with +ambitious designs of separating from Great Britain, and establishing +independent states. We fight not for glory, or for conquest. We +exhibit to mankind the remarkable spectacle of a people attacked by +unprovoked enemies, without any imputation or even suspicion of +offence. <i>They</i> boast of their privileges and civilization, and yet +proffer no milder conditions than servitude or death.</p> + +<p>"In our own native land in defence of the freedom that is our birth +right, and which we ever enjoyed until the late violation of it, for +the protection of our property, acquired solely by the honest industry +of our forefathers, and ourselves, against violence actually offered, +we have taken up arms. We shall lay them down when hostilities shall +cease on the part of the aggressors, and all danger of their being +renewed shall be removed, and not before."</p> + +<p>Some intelligence respecting the movements of the British army having +excited a suspicion that general Gage intended to penetrate into the +country, the provincial congress recommended it to the council of war +to take measures for the defence of Dorchester neck, and to occupy +Bunker's hill, a commanding piece of ground just within the peninsula +on which Charlestown stands. In observance of these instructions, a +detachment of one thousand men, commanded by colonel Prescott, was +ordered to take possession of this ground; but, by some mistake, +Breed's hill, situate nearer to Boston, was marked out, instead of +Bunker's hill, for the proposed intrenchments.</p> + +<p>The party sent on this service worked with so much diligence and +secrecy that, by the dawn of day, they had thrown up a small square +redoubt, without alarming some ships of war which lay in the river at +no great distance. As soon as the returning light discovered this work +to the ships, a heavy cannonade was commenced upon it, which the +provincials sustained with firmness. They continued to labour until +they had thrown up a small breast work stretching from the east side +of the redoubt to the bottom of the hill, so as to extend considerably +their line of defence.</p> + +<p>As this eminence overlooked Boston, general Gage determined to drive +the provincials from it; and for this purpose, detached major general +Howe, and brigadier general Pigot, at the head of ten companies of +grenadiers, and the same number of light infantry with a proper +proportion of field artillery. These troops landed at Moreton's point; +but, perceiving that the Americans waited for them with firmness, they +remained on their ground until the arrival of a reinforcement from +Boston, for which general Howe had applied. During this interval, the +Americans also were reinforced by a detachment under the command of +generals Warren and Pommeroy; and they availed themselves of this +delay to strengthen their defences with some adjoining posts and rails +which they pulled up and arranged in two parallel lines at a small +distance from each other; rilling the space between with hay, so as to +form a complete cover from the musketry of the assailants.</p> + +<p>The British troops, on being joined by their second detachment, +advanced slowly, in two lines, under cover of a heavy discharge of +cannon and howitzers, frequently halting in order to allow their +artillery time to demolish the works. While they were advancing, +orders were given to set fire to Charlestown, a handsome village, +which flanked their line of march, and which was soon consumed.</p> + +<p>It is not easy to conceive a spectacle more grand and more awful than +was now exhibited, nor a moment of more anxious expectation. The scene +of action was in full view of the heights of Boston and of its +neighbourhood, which were covered with spectators taking deep and +opposite interests in the events passing before them. The soldiers of +the hostile armies not on duty, the citizens of Boston, and the +inhabitants of the adjacent country; all feeling emotions which set +description at defiance, were witnesses of the majestic and tremendous +scene.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Battle of Breed's hill.</div> + +<p>The provincials permitted the English to approach unmolested, within +less than one hundred yards of the works, and then poured in upon them +so deadly a fire that their line was broken, and they fell back with +precipitation towards the landing place. By the great exertions of +their officers, they were rallied and brought up to the charge; but +were again driven back in confusion by the heavy and incessant fire +from the works. General Howe is said to have been left, at one time, +almost alone; and it is certain that few officers about his person +escaped unhurt.</p> + +<p>The impression to be made by victory or defeat in this early stage of +the war, was deemed so important that extraordinary exertions were +used once more to rally the English. With difficulty, they were led a +third time to the works. The redoubt was attacked on three sides, +while some pieces of artillery raked the breast work from end to end. +At the same time, a cross fire from the ships, and floating batteries +lying on both sides of the isthmus by which the peninsula is connected +with the continent, not only annoyed the works on Breed's hill, but +deterred any considerable reinforcements from entering the peninsula. +The ammunition of the Americans being nearly exhausted, they were no +longer able to keep up the same incessant stream of fire which had +twice repulsed the assailants; and the redoubt, which the English +mounted with ease, was carried at the point of the bayonet. Yet the +Americans, many of whom were without bayonets, are said to have +maintained the contest with clubbed muskets, until the redoubt was +half filled with the King's troops.</p> + +<p>The redoubt being lost, the breast work was abandoned; and the +hazardous movement was accomplished, of retreating in the face of a +victorious enemy over Charlestown neck; exposed to the same cross +fire, which had deterred the reinforcements from coming to their +assistance.</p> + +<p>The detachment employed on this enterprise consisted of about three +thousand men, composing the flower of the British army; and high +encomiums were bestowed on the resolution they displayed. According to +the returns, their killed and wounded amounted to one thousand and +fifty four,—an immense proportion of the number engaged in the +action. Notwithstanding the danger of the retreat over Charlestown +neck, the loss of the Americans was stated at only four hundred and +fifty men. Among the killed was Doctor Warren, a gentleman greatly +beloved and regretted, who fell just after the provincials began their +retreat from the breast work.</p> + +<p>At the time, the colonial force on the peninsula was generally stated +at fifteen hundred men. It has been since estimated at four thousand.</p> + +<p>Although the Americans lost the ground, they claimed the victory. Many +of the advantages of victory were certainly gained. Their confidence +in themselves was greatly increased; and it was asked, universally, +how many more such triumphs the invaders of their country could +afford?</p> + +<p>The British army had been treated too roughly, to attempt farther +offensive operations. They contented themselves with seizing and +fortifying Bunker's hill, which secured the peninsula of Charlestown; +in which, however, they remained as closely blockaded as in that of +Boston.</p> + +<p>The Americans were much elated by the intrepidity the raw troops had +displayed, and the execution they had done, in this engagement. They +fondly cherished the belief that courage, and dexterity in the use of +fire arms, would bestow advantages amply compensating the want of +discipline. Unfortunately for the colonies, this course of thinking +was not confined to the mass of the people. It seems to have extended +to those who guided the public councils, and to have contributed to +the adoption of a system, which, more than once, brought their cause +to the brink of ruin. They did not distinguish sufficiently between +the momentary efforts of a few brave men, brought together by a high +sense of the injuries which threatened their country, and carried into +action under the influence of keen resentments; and those steady +persevering exertions under continued suffering, which must be +necessary to bring an important war to a happy termination. Nor did +they examine with sufficient accuracy, several striking circumstances +attending the battle which had been fought. It is not easy to read the +accounts given of the action without being persuaded, that, had the +Americans on Breed's hill been supplied with ammunition, and been +properly supported; had the reinforcements ordered to their assistance +entered the peninsula, as soldiers in habits of obedience would have +done, and there displayed the heroic courage which was exhibited by +their countrymen engaged in defence of the works; the assailants must +have been defeated, and the flower of the British army cut to pieces. +It ought also to have been remarked that, while the few who were +endowed with more than a common portion of bravery, encountered the +danger of executing the orders they had received, the many were +deterred by the magnitude of that danger. But it is not by the few +that great victories are to be gained, or a country to be saved.</p> + +<p>Amidst these hostile operations, the voice of peace was yet heard. +Allegiance to the King was still acknowledged; and a lingering hope +remained that an accommodation was not impossible. Congress voted a +petition to his majesty, replete with professions of duty and +attachment; and addressed a letter to the people of England, conjuring +them by the endearing appellations of "friends, countrymen, and +brethren," to prevent the dissolution of "that connexion which the +remembrance of former friendships, pride in the glorious achievements +of common ancestors, and affection for the heirs of their virtues, had +heretofore maintained." They uniformly disclaimed any idea of +independence, and professed themselves to consider union with England +on constitutional principles, as the greatest blessing which could be +bestowed on them.</p> + +<p>But Britain had determined to maintain, by force, the legislative +supremacy of parliament; and America was equally determined, by force, +to repel the claim.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="NOTES" id="NOTES"></a>NOTES.</h2> + + +<h3><a name="NOTE1"></a>NOTE—No. I.—<i>See <a href="#p195">Page 195</a>.</i></h3> + +<p><span class="smcap">The</span> annals of Massachusetts, for this period, exhibit one of those +wonderful cases of popular delusion, which infecting every class of +society, and gaining strength from its very extravagance; triumphing +over human reason, and cruelly sporting with human life; reveal to man +his deplorable imbecility, and would teach him, if the experience of +others could teach, never to countenance a departure from that +moderation, and those safe and sure principles of moral rectitude +which have stood the test of time, and have received the approbation +of the wise and good in all ages. A very detailed and interesting +account of the humiliating and affecting events here alluded to has +been given by Mr. Hutchinson, but is too long to be inserted entire in +this work; they were, however, of too much magnitude while passing, to +be entirely unnoticed even at this day.</p> + +<p>In Great Britain, as well as in America, the opinion had long +prevailed that, by the aid of malignant spirits, certain persons +possessed supernatural powers, which were usually exercised in the +mischievous employment of tormenting others; and the criminal code of +both countries was disgraced with laws for the punishment of +witchcraft. With considerable intervals between them, some few +instances had occurred in New England of putting this sanguinary law +in force; but in the year 1692, this weakness was converted into +frenzy; and after exercising successfully its destructive rage on +those miserable objects whose wayward dispositions had excited the ill +opinion, or whose age and wretchedness ought to have secured them the +pity of their neighbours, its baneful activity was extended to persons +in every situation of life, and many of the most reputable members of +society became its victims.</p> + +<p>The first scene of this distressing tragedy was laid in Salem. The +public mind had been prepared for its exhibition by some publications, +stating the evidence adduced in former trials for witchcraft both in +Old and New England, in which full proof was supposed to have been +given of the guilt of the accused. Soon after this, some young girls +in Boston had accustomed themselves to fall into fits, and had +affected to be struck dead on the production of certain popular books, +such as the <i>assembly's catechism</i>, and <i>Cotton's milk for babes</i>, +while they could read Oxford's jests, or popish and quaker books, with +many others, which were deemed profane, without being in any manner +affected by them. These pretences, instead of exposing the fraud to +instant detection, seem to have promoted the cheat; and they were +supposed to be possessed by demons who were utterly confounded at the +production of those holy books. "Sometimes," says Mr. Hutchinson, +"they were deaf, then dumb, then blind; and sometimes, all these +disorders together would come upon them. Their tongues would be drawn +down their throats, then pulled out upon their chins. Their jaws, +necks, shoulders, elbows, and all their joints would appear to be +dislocated, and they would make most piteous outcries of burnings, of +being cut with knives, beat, &c. and the marks of wounds were +afterwards to be seen." At length an old Irish woman, not of good +character, who had given one of those girls some harsh language, and +to whom all this diabolical mischief was attributed, was apprehended +by the magistracy; and neither confessing nor denying the fact, was, +on the certificate of physicians that she was <i>compos mentis</i>, +condemned and executed.</p> + +<p>Sir William Phipps, the governor, on his arrival from England, brought +with him opinions which could not fail to strengthen the popular +prejudice, and the lieutenant governor supported one which was well +calculated to render it sanguinary. He maintained that though the +devil might appear in the shape of a guilty person, he could never be +permitted to assume that of an innocent one. Consequently, when those +who affected to perceive the form which tormented them designated any +particular person as guilty, the guilt of that person was established, +because he could not, if innocent, be personated by an evil spirit.</p> + +<p>The public mind being thus predisposed, four girls in Salem complained +of being afflicted in the same manner with those in Boston. The +physicians, unable to account for the disorder, attributed it to +witchcraft, and an old Indian woman in the neighbourhood was selected +as the witch. The attention bestowed on these girls gave them great +importance; and not only confirmed them in the imposture, but produced +other competitors who were ambitious of the same distinction. Several +other persons were now bewitched; and not only the old Indian, but two +other old women, the one bedridden, and the other subject to +melancholy and distraction, were accused as witches. It was necessary +to keep up the agitation already excited, by furnishing fresh subjects +for astonishment; and in a short time, the accusations extended to +persons who were in respectable situations. The manner in which these +accusations were received, evidenced such a degree of public +credulity, that the impostors seem to have been convinced of their +power to assail with impunity, all whom caprice or malignity might +select for their victims. Such was the prevailing infatuation, that in +one instance, a child of five years old was charged as an accomplice +in these pretended crimes; and if the nearest relatives of the accused +manifested either tenderness for their situation, or resentment at the +injury done their friends, they drew upon themselves the vengeance of +these profligate impostors, and were involved in the dangers from +which they were desirous of rescuing those with whom they were most +intimately connected. For going out of church when allusions were made +from the pulpit to a person of fair fame, a sister was charged as a +witch; and for accompanying on her examination a wife who had been +apprehended, the husband was involved in the same prosecution, and was +condemned and executed. In the presence of the magistrates these +flagitious accusers affected extreme agony, and attributed to those +whom they accused, the power of torturing them by a look. The +examinations were all taken in writing, and several of them are +detailed at full length in Mr. Hutchinson's history of Massachusetts. +They exhibit a deplorable degree of blind infatuation on one side, and +of atrocious profligacy on the other, which if not well attested, +could scarcely be supposed to have existed.</p> + +<p>Many persons of sober lives, and unblemished characters, were +committed to prison; and the public prejudices had already pronounced +their doom. Against charges of this nature, thus conducted, no defence +could possibly be made. To be accused was to be found guilty. The very +grossness of the imposition seemed to secure its success, and the +absurdity of the accusation to establish the verity of the charge.</p> + +<p>The consternation became almost universal. It was soon perceived that +all attempts to establish innocence must be ineffectual; and the +person accused could only hope to obtain safety, by confessing the +truth of the charge, and criminating others. The extent of crime +introduced by such a state of things almost surpasses belief. Every +feeling of humanity is shocked when we learn that to save themselves, +children accused their parents; in some instances, parents their +children; and in one case, sentence of death was pronounced against a +husband on the testimony of his wife.</p> + +<p>There were examples of persons who under the terrors of examination +confessed themselves guilty, and accused others; but unable afterwards +to support the reproaches of conscience, retracted their confessions +under the persuasion that death would be the consequence of doing so.</p> + +<p>During this reign of popular frenzy, the bounds of probability were so +far transcended, that we scarcely know how to give credit to the well +attested fact, that among those who were permitted to save themselves +by confessing that they were witches, and joining in the accusation of +their parents, were to be found children from seven to ten years of +age! Among the numbers who were accused, only one person was +acquitted. For this he was indebted to one of the girls who would not +join the others in criminating him.</p> + +<p>The examination had commenced in February, and the list of commitments +had swelled to a lamentable bulk by June, when the new charter having +arrived, commissioners of oyer and terminer were appointed for the +trial of persons charged with witchcraft. By this court, a +considerable number were condemned, of whom nineteen, protesting their +innocence, were executed. It is observed by Mr. Hutchinson, that those +who were condemned and not executed had most probably saved themselves +by a confession of their guilt.</p> + +<p>Fortunately for those who were still to be tried, the legislature, +convened under the new charter, created a regular tribunal for the +trial of criminal as well as civil cases, and the court of +commissioners rose to sit no more. The first session of the regular +court for the trial of criminal cases was to be held in January, and +this delay was favourable to reflection and to the recovery of the +public reason. Other causes contributed to this event. There remained +yet in the various prisons of the colony, a vast number of women, many +of whom were of the most reputable families in the towns in which they +had resided. Allusion had been made to many others of the first rank, +and some had been expressly named by the bewitched and confessing +witches. A Mr. Bradstreet, who had been appointed one of the council, +and was son to the old governor of that name; but who as a justice of +the peace was suspected of not prosecuting with sufficient rigour, was +named by the witnesses as a confederate, and found it necessary to +abscond. The governor's lady it is said, and the wife of one of the +ministers who had favoured this persecution, were among the accused; +and a charge was also brought against the secretary of the colony of +Connecticut.</p> + +<p>Although the violence of the torrent of prejudice was beginning to +abate, yet the grand jury in January, found a true bill against fifty +persons, but of those brought to trial, only three were condemned, and +they were not executed. All those who were not tried in January, were +discharged by order of the governor, "and never," says Mr. Hutchinson, +"has such a jail delivery been known in New England. And never was +there given a more melancholy proof of the degree of depravity of +which man is capable when the public passions countenance crime."</p> + +<hr style="width: 35%;" /> + +<h3><a name="NOTE2"></a>NOTE—No. II.—<i>See <a href="#p291">Page 291</a>.</i></h3> + +<p>The PLAN of the Union was as follows, viz.</p> + +<p>"It is proposed that humble application be made for an act of +parliament of Great Britain, by virtue of which one general government +may be formed in America, including all the said colonies: +[Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New +York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, +and South Carolina] within and under which government, each colony may +retain its present constitution, except in the particulars wherein a +change may be directed by the said act, as hereafter follows:</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">PRESIDENT GENERAL AND GRAND COUNCIL.</p> + +<p>That the said general government be administered by a president +general, to be appointed and supported by the crown, and a grand +council, to be chosen by the representatives of the people of the +several colonies, met in their assemblies.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">ELECTION OF MEMBERS.</p> + +<p>That within — months after passing such act, the houses of +representatives that happen to be sitting within that time, or that +shall be especially for that purpose convened, may and shall choose +members for the grand council in the following proportion, that is to +say:</p> + +<div class="centered"> +<table border="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tbody> +<tr><td align="left">Massachusetts Bay</td><td align="right">7</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">New Hampshire</td><td align="right">2</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Connecticut</td><td align="right">5</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Rhode Island</td><td align="right">2</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">New York</td><td align="right">4</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">New Jersey</td><td align="right">3</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Pennsylvania</td><td align="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Maryland</td><td align="right">4</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Virginia</td><td align="right">7</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">North Carolina</td><td align="right">4</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">South Carolina</td><td align="right">4</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"> </td><td align="right">---</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"> </td><td align="right">48</td></tr> +</tbody> +</table></div> + +<p style="text-align: center">PLACE OF FIRST MEETING.</p> + +<p>Who shall meet for the first time at the city of Philadelphia, in +Pennsylvania, being called by the president general as soon as +conveniently may be after his appointment.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">NEW ELECTION.</p> + +<p>That there shall be a new election of the members of the grand council +every three years; and on the death or resignation of any member, his +place shall be supplied by a new choice, at the next sitting of the +assembly of the colony he represented.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">PROPORTION OF THE MEMBERS AFTER THE FIRST THREE YEARS.</p> + +<p>That after the first three years, when the proportion of money arising +out of each colony to the general treasury can be known, the number of +members to be chosen for each colony shall, from time to time, in all +ensuing elections, be regulated by that proportion (yet so as that the +number to be chosen by any one province be not more than seven, nor +less than two).</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">MEETINGS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL AND CALL.</p> + +<p>That the grand council shall meet once in every year, and oftener, if +occasion require, at such time and place as they shall adjourn to at +the last preceding meeting, or as they shall be called to meet at by +the president general, on any emergency; he having first obtained in +writing the consent of seven of the members to such call, and sent due +and timely notice to the whole.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">CONTINUANCE.</p> + +<p>That the grand council have power to choose their speaker: and shall +neither be dissolved, prorogued, nor continued sitting longer than six +weeks at one time; without their own consent, or the special command +of the crown.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">MEMBERS ATTENDANCE.</p> + +<p>That the members of the grand council shall be allowed for their +services, ten shillings sterling per diem, during their session and +journey to and from the place of meeting; twenty miles to be reckoned +a day's journey.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">ASSENT OF PRESIDENT GENERAL AND HIS DUTY.</p> + +<p>That the assent of the president general be requisite to all acts of +the grand council; and that it be his office and duty to cause them to +be carried into execution.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">POWER OF PRESIDENT GENERAL AND GRAND COUNCIL, TREATIES OF PEACE AND +WAR.</p> + +<p>That the president general, with the advice of the grand council, hold +or direct all Indian treaties in which the general interest of the +colonies may be concerned; and make peace or declare war with Indian +nations.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">INDIAN TRADE.</p> + +<p>That they make such laws as they judge necessary for regulating all +Indian trade.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">INDIAN PURCHASES.</p> + +<p>That they make all purchases from the Indians for the crown, of lands +not now within the bounds of particular colonies, or that shall not be +within their bounds, when some of them are reduced to more convenient +dimensions.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">NEW SETTLEMENTS.</p> + +<p>That they make new settlements on such purchases by granting lands in +the king's name, reserving a quit rent to the crown, for the use of +the general treasury.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">LAWS TO GOVERN THEM.</p> + +<p>That they make laws for regulating and governing such new settlements, +until the crown shall think fit to form them into particular +governments.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">RAISE SOLDIERS AND EQUIP VESSELS, &C.</p> + +<p>That they raise and pay soldiers, build forts for the defence of any +of the colonies, and equip vessels of force to guard the coasts and +protect the trade on the ocean, lakes, or great rivers; but they shall +not impress men in any colony, without the consent of the legislature.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">POWER TO MAKE LAWS, LAY DUTIES, &C.</p> + +<p>That for these purposes they have power to make laws, and lay and levy +such general duties, imposts, or taxes, as to them shall appear most +equal and just, (considering the ability and other circumstances of +the inhabitants in the several colonies) and such may be collected +with the least inconvenience to the people; rather discouraging +luxury, than loading industry with unnecessary burdens.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">GENERAL TREASURER AND PARTICULAR TREASURER.</p> + +<p>That they may appoint a general treasurer and particular treasurer in +each government, when necessary; and from time to time may order the +sums in the treasuries of each government into the general treasury, +or draw on them for special payments, as they find most convenient.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">MONEY, HOW TO ISSUE.</p> + +<p>Yet no money to issue but by joint orders of the president general and +grand council, except where sums have been appropriated to particular +purposes, and the president general has been previously empowered by +an act to draw for such sums.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">ACCOUNTS.</p> + +<p>That the general accounts shall be yearly settled, and reported to the +several assemblies.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">QUORUM.</p> + +<p>That a quorum of the grand council, empowered to act with the +president general, do consist of twenty-five members; among whom there +shall be one or more from the majority of the colonies.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">LAWS TO BE TRANSMITTED.</p> + +<p>That the laws made by them for the purposes aforesaid, shall not be +repugnant, but, as near as may be, agreeable to the laws of England, +and shall be transmitted to the king in council, for approbation, as +soon as may be after their passing; and if not disapproved within +three years after presentation, to remain in force.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">DEATH OF THE PRESIDENT GENERAL.</p> + +<p>That in case of the death of the president general, the speaker of the +grand council for the time being shall succeed, and be vested with the +same powers and authorities, to continue until the king's pleasure be +known.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">OFFICERS, HOW APPOINTED.</p> + +<p>That all military commission officers, whether for land or sea +service, to act under this general constitution, shall be nominated by +the president general; but the approbation of the grand council is to +be obtained, before they receive their commissions. And all civil +officers are to be nominated by the grand council, and to receive the +president general's approbation before they officiate.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">VACANCIES, HOW SUPPLIED.</p> + +<p>But in case of vacancy, by death, or removal of any officer, civil or +military, under this constitution, the governor of the province in +which such vacancy happens, may appoint until the pleasure of the +president general and grand council can be known.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center">EACH COLONY MAY DEFEND ITSELF ON EMERGENCY, &C.</p> + +<p>That the particular military as well as civil establishments in each +colony remain in their present state, the general constitution +notwithstanding; and that on sudden emergencies any colony may defend +itself, and lay the accounts of expense thence arising before the +president general and grand council, who may allow and order payment +of the same as far as they judge such accounts reasonable."</p> + +<p style="text-align: right"><i>Minot.</i></p> + +<hr style="width: 35%;" /> + + +<h3><a name="NOTE3"></a>NOTE—No. III.—<i>See <a href="#p370">Page 370</a>.</i></h3> + +<p>These being the first resolutions of any assembly after the passage of +the stamp act, they are inserted.</p> + +<p><i>Whereas</i>, The honourable house of commons in England have of late +drawn into question how far the general assembly of this colony hath +power to enact laws for laying taxes and imposing duties payable by +the people of this his majesty's most ancient colony, for settling and +ascertaining the same to all future times, the house of Burgesses of +the present general assembly have come to the several following +resolutions.</p> + +<p><i>Resolved</i>, That the first adventurers and settlers of this his +majesty's colony and dominion of Virginia, brought with them, and +transmitted to their posterity, and all others his majesty's subjects +since inhabiting in this his majesty's colony, all the privileges and +immunities that have at any time been held, enjoyed, and possessed by +the people of Great Britain.</p> + +<p><i>Resolved</i>, That by two royal charters granted by King James I. the +colonies aforesaid are declared entitled to all the privileges of +denizens, and natural born subjects, to all intents and purposes as if +they had been abiding and born within the realm of England.</p> + +<p><i>Resolved</i>, That the taxation of the people by themselves, or by +persons chosen by themselves, to represent them, who can only know +what taxes the people are able to bear, and the easiest mode of +raising them, and are equally affected by such taxes themselves, is +the distinguished characteristic of British freedom, and without which +the ancient constitution cannot subsist.</p> + +<p><i>Resolved</i>, That his majesty's liege people of this most ancient +colony have uninterruptedly enjoyed the right of being thus governed +by their own assembly in the article of their taxes and internal +police, and that the same hath never been forfeited nor any other way +yielded up, but hath been constantly recognised by the King and people +of Great Britain.</p> + +<p><i>Resolved</i>, Therefore, that the general assembly of this colony have +the sole power to lay taxes and impositions upon the inhabitants of +this colony; and that every attempt to vest such a power in any person +or persons whatsoever, other than the general assembly aforesaid, has +a manifest tendency to destroy British as well as American freedom.</p> + +<hr style="width: 35%;" /> + + +<h3><a name="NOTE4"></a>NOTE—No. IV.—<i>See <a href="#p371">Page 371</a>.</i></h3> + +<p>"The members of this congress, sincerely devoted with the warmest +sentiments of affection and duty, to his majesty's person and +government, inviolably attached to the present happy establishment of +the protestant succession, and with minds deeply impressed by a sense +of the present and impending misfortunes of the British colonies on +this continent; having considered, as maturely as time will permit, +the circumstances of the said colonies, esteem it our indispensable +duty to make the following declarations of our humble opinion, +respecting the most essential rights and liberties of the colonists, +and of the grievances under which they labour, by reason of several +late acts of parliament.</p> + +<p>I. That his majesty's subjects in these colonies, owe the same +allegiance to the crown of Great Britain that is owing from his +subjects born within the realm, and all due subordination to that +august body the parliament of Great Britain.</p> + +<p>II. That his majesty's liege subjects in these colonies, are entitled +to all the inherent rights and liberties of his natural born subjects, +within the kingdom of Great Britain.</p> + +<p>III. That it is inseparably essential to the freedom of a people, and +the undoubted right of Englishmen, that no taxes be imposed on them, +but with their own consent, given personally, or by their +representatives.</p> + +<p>IV. That the people of these colonies are not, and, from their local +circumstances, cannot be represented in the house of commons of Great +Britain.</p> + +<p>V. That the only representatives of these colonies are persons chosen +therein by themselves, and that no taxes ever have been, or can be +constitutionally imposed upon them, but by their respective +legislatures.</p> + +<p>VI. That all supplies to the crown being free gifts from the people, +it is unreasonable, and inconsistent with the principles and spirit of +the British constitution, for the people of Great Britain to grant to +his majesty the property of the colonists.</p> + +<p>VII. That trial by jury is the inherent and invaluable right of every +British subject in these colonies.</p> + +<p>VIII. That the late act of parliament entitled, 'an act for granting +and applying certain stamp duties, and other duties, in the British +colonies and plantations in America,' &c. by imposing taxes on the +inhabitants of these colonies; and the said act, and several other +acts, by extending the jurisdiction of the courts of admiralty beyond +its ancient limits, have a manifest tendency to subvert the rights and +liberties of the colonists.</p> + +<p>IX. That the duties imposed by several late acts of parliament, from +the peculiar circumstances of these colonies, will be extremely +burdensome and grievous; and from the scarcity of specie, the payment +of them absolutely impracticable.</p> + +<p>X. That as the profits of the trade of these colonies ultimately +centre in Great Britain, to pay for the manufactures which they are +obliged to take from thence, they eventually contribute very largely +to all supplies granted to the crown.</p> + +<p>XI. That the restrictions imposed by several late acts of parliament +on the trade of these colonies, will render them unable to purchase +the manufactures of Great Britain.</p> + +<p>XII. That the increase, prosperity, and happiness of these colonies +depend on the full and free enjoyment of their rights and liberties, +and an intercourse with Great Britain mutually affectionate and +advantageous.</p> + +<p>XIII. That it is the right of the British subjects in these colonies +to petition the king, or either house of parliament.</p> + +<p>XIV. That it is the indispensable duty of these colonies, to the best +of sovereigns, to the mother country, and to themselves, to endeavour, +by a loyal and dutiful address to his majesty, and humble applications +to both houses of parliament, to procure the repeal of the act for +granting and applying certain stamp duties, of all clauses of any +other acts of parliament, whereby the jurisdiction of the admiralty is +extended as aforesaid, and of the other late acts for the restriction +of American commerce."</p> + +<p style="text-align: right"><i>Prior Documents.</i></p> + +<hr style="width: 35%;" /> + +<h3><a name="NOTE5"></a>NOTE—No. V.—<i>See <a href="#p383">Page 383</a>.</i></h3> + +<p style="text-align: right"><i>Province of Massachusetts Bay, Feb. 11, 1768.</i></p> + +<p>Sir,</p> + +<p>The house of representatives of this province have taken into their +consideration the great difficulties that must accrue to themselves +and their constituents, by the operation of the several acts of +parliament imposing duties and taxes on the American colonies.</p> + +<p>As it is a subject in which every colony is deeply interested, they +have no reason to doubt but your house is duly impressed with its +importance: and that such constitutional measures will be come into as +are proper. It seems to be necessary, that all possible care should be +taken that the representations of the several assemblies, upon so +delicate a point, should harmonise with each other: the house, +therefore, hope that this letter will be candidly considered in no +other light, than as expressing a disposition freely to communicate +their mind to a sister colony, upon a common concern, in the same +manner as they would be glad to receive the sentiments of your or any +other house of assembly on the continent.</p> + +<p>The house have humbly represented to the ministry their own +sentiments; that his majesty's high court of parliament is the supreme +legislative power over the whole empire: that in all free states the +constitution is fixed: and, as the supreme legislative derives its +power and authority from the constitution, it cannot overleap the +bounds of it, without destroying its foundation; that the constitution +ascertains and limits both sovereignty and allegiance; and therefore, +his majesty's American subjects who acknowledge themselves bound by +the ties of allegiance, have an equitable claim to the full enjoyment +of the fundamental rules of the British constitution; that it is an +essential unalterable right in nature, ingrafted into the British +constitution as a fundamental law, and ever held sacred and +irrevocable by the subjects within the realm, that what a man hath +honestly acquired is absolutely his own, which he may freely give, but +cannot be taken from him without his consent; that the American +subjects may therefore, exclusive of any consideration of charter +rights, with a decent firmness adapted to the character of freemen and +subjects, assert this natural and constitutional right.</p> + +<p>It is moreover their humble opinion, which they express with the +greatest deference to the wisdom of the parliament, that the acts made +there, imposing duties on the people of this province, with the sole +and express purpose of raising a revenue, are infringements of their +natural and constitutional rights; because as they are not represented +in the British parliament, his majesty's commons in Britain by those +acts grant their property without their consent.</p> + +<p>This house further are of opinion, that their constituents, +considering their local circumstances, cannot by any possibility be +represented in the parliament; and that it will forever be +impracticable that they should be equally represented there, and +consequently not at all, being separated by an ocean of a thousand +leagues: that his majesty's royal predecessors, for this reason, were +graciously pleased to form a subordinate legislative here, that their +subjects might enjoy the unalienable right of a representation. Also, +that, considering the utter impracticability of their ever being fully +and equally represented in parliament, and the great expense that must +unavoidably attend even a partial representation there, this house +think, that a taxation of their constituents, even without their +consent, grievous as it is, would be preferable to any representation +that could be admitted for them there.</p> + +<p>Upon these principles, and also considering that were the right in the +parliament ever so clear, yet for obvious reasons it would be beyond +the rule of equity, that their constituents should be taxed on the +manufactures of Great Britain here, in addition to the duties they pay +for them in England, and other advantages arising to Great Britain +from the acts of trade; this house have preferred a humble, dutiful, +and loyal petition to our most gracious sovereign, and made such +representation to his majesty's ministers, as they apprehend would +tend to obtain redress.</p> + +<p>They have also submitted to consideration, whether any people can be +said to enjoy any degree of freedom, if the crown, in addition to its +undoubted authority of constituting a governor, should appoint him +such a stipend as it shall judge proper without the consent of the +people, and at their expense; and whether, while the judges of the +land, and other civil officers, hold not their commissions during good +behaviour, their having salaries appointed for them by the crown, +independent of the people, hath not a tendency to subvert the +principles of equity, and endanger the happiness and security of the +subject.</p> + +<p>In addition to these measures, the house have written a letter to +their agent Mr. de Berdt, the sentiments of which he is directed to +lay before the ministry; wherein they take notice of the hardship of +the act for preventing mutiny and desertion, which requires the +governor and council to provide enumerated articles for the king's +marching troops and the people to pay the expense: and also the +commission of the gentlemen appointed commissioners of the customs to +reside in America, which authorises them to make as many appointments +as they think fit, and to pay the appointees what sums they please, +for whose malconduct they are not accountable: from whence it may +happen, that officers of the crown may be multiplied to such a degree, +as to become dangerous to the liberties of the people, by virtue of a +commission which doth not appear to this house to derive any such +advantages to trade as many have been led to expect.</p> + +<p>These are the sentiments and proceedings of the house, and as they +have too much reason to believe that the enemies of the colonies have +represented them to his majesty's ministers and the parliament as +factious, disloyal, and having a disposition to make themselves +independent of the mother country, they have taken occasion in the +most humble terms, to assure his majesty and his ministers, that, with +regard to the people of this province, and, as they doubt not, of all +the colonies, the charge is unjust.</p> + +<p>The house is fully satisfied, that your assembly is too generous and +enlarged in sentiment to believe, that this letter proceeds from an +ambition of taking the lead, or dictating to the other assemblies; +they freely submit their opinion to the judgment of others; and shall +take it kind in your house to point out to them anything further that +may be thought necessary.</p> + +<p>This house cannot conclude without expressing their firm confidence in +the king, our common head and father, that the united and dutiful +supplications of his distressed American subjects will meet with his +royal and favourable acceptance.</p> + +<hr style="width: 35%;" /> + + +<h3><a name="NOTE6"></a>NOTE—No. VI.—<i>See <a href="#p410">Page 410</a>.</i></h3> + +<p><i>An account of the origin of these committees, and of their mode of +proceeding, is thus given by Mr. Gordon, and is not unworthy of +attention.</i></p> + +<p>"Governor Hutchinson and his adherents having been used to represent +the party in opposition, as only an uneasy factious few in Boston, +while the body of the people were quite contented; Mr. Samuel Adams +was thereby induced to visit Mr. James Warren, of Plymouth. After +conversing upon the subject, the latter proposed to originate and +establish committees of correspondence in the several towns of the +colony, in order to learn the strength of the friends to the rights of +the continent, and to unite and increase their force. Mr. Samuel Adams +returned to Boston, pleased with the proposal, and communicated the +same to his confidents. Some doubted whether the measure would +prosper, and dreaded a disappointment which might injure the cause of +liberty. But it was concluded to proceed. The prime managers were +about six in number, each of whom, when separate, headed a division; +the several individuals of which, collected and led distinct +subdivisions. In this manner the political engine has been +constructed. The different parts are not equally good and operative. +Like other bodies, its composition includes numbers who act +mechanically, as they are pressed this way or that way by those who +judge for them; and divers of the wicked, fitted for evil practices, +when the adoption of them is thought necessary to particular purposes, +and a part of whose creed it is, that in political matters the public +good is above every other consideration, and that all rules of +morality when in competition with it, may be safely dispensed with. +When any important transaction is to be brought forward, it is +thoroughly considered by the prime managers. If they approve, each +communicates it to his own division; from thence, if adopted, it +passes to the several subdivisions, which form a general meeting in +order to canvass the business. The prime managers being known only by +few to be the promoters of it, are desired to be present at the +debate, that they may give their opinion when it closes. If they +observe that the collected body is in general strongly against the +measure they wish to have carried, they declare it to be improper: is +it opposed by great numbers, but not warmly, they advise to a +re-consideration at another meeting, and prepare for its being then +adopted; if the opposition is not considerable, either in number or +weight of persons, they give their reasons, and then recommend the +adoption of the measure. The principal actors are determined on +securing the liberties of their country, or perishing in the attempt.</p> + +<p>"The news of his majesty's granting salaries to the justices of the +superior court, afforded them a fair opportunity for executing the +plan of establishing committees of correspondence through the colony. +The most spirited pieces were published, and an alarm spread, that the +granting such salaries tended rapidly to complete the system of their +slavery.</p> + +<p>"A town meeting was called, and a committee of correspondence +appointed, to write circular letters to all the towns in the province, +and to induce them to unite in measures. The committee made a report, +containing several resolutions contradictory to the supremacy of the +British legislature. After setting forth, that all men have a right to +remain in a state of nature as long as they please, they proceed to a +report upon the natural rights of the colonists as men, christians, +and subjects; and then form a list of infringements and violations of +their rights. They enumerate and dwell upon the British parliament's +having assumed the power of legislation for the colonies in all cases +whatsoever—the appointment of a number of new officers to superintend +the revenues—the granting of salaries out of the American revenue, to +the governor, the judges of the superior court, the king's attorney +and solicitor general. The report was accepted; copies printed; and +six hundred circulated through the towns and districts of the +province, with a pathetic letter addressed to the inhabitants, who +were called upon not to doze any longer, or sit supinely in +indifference, while the iron hand of oppression was daily tearing the +choicest fruits from the fair tree of liberty. The circular letter +requested of each town a free communication of sentiments on the +subjects of the report, and was directed to the select men, who were +desired to lay the same before a town meeting, which has been +generally practised, and the proceedings of the town upon the business +have been transmitted to the committee at Boston. This committee have +their particular correspondents in the several towns, who, upon +receiving any special information, are ready to spread it with +dispatch among the inhabitants. It consists of twenty-one persons of +heterogeneous qualities and professions, &c."</p> + +<p style="text-align: right"><i>Gordon's Hist. Am. War</i>, vol. I. p. 312.</p> + +<hr style="width: 35%;" /> + + + +<h3><a name="NOTE7"></a>NOTE—No. VII.—<i>See <a href="#p425">Page 425</a>.</i></h3> + +<p style="text-align: center">THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE MEMBERS COMPOSING THE FIRST CONGRESS:</p> + +<p style="text-align: center"> +<i>New Hampshire.</i><br /> +<br /> +John Sullivan,<br /> +Nathaniel Fulsom.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Massachusetts Bay.</i><br /> +<br /> +James Bowdoin,<br /> +Thomas Cushing,<br /> +Samuel Adams,<br /> +John Adams,<br /> +Robert Treat Paine.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.</i><br /> +<br /> +Stephen Hopkins,<br /> +Samuel Ward.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Connecticut.</i><br /> +<br /> +Eliphalet Dyer,<br /> +Roger Sherman,<br /> +Silas Deane.<br /> +<br /> +<i>From the city and county of New York, and other counties<br /> +in province of New York.</i><br /> +<br /> +James Duane,<br /> +Henry Wisner,<br /> +John Jay,<br /> +Philip Livingston,<br /> +Isaac Low,<br /> +John Alsop.<br /> +<br /> +<i>From the county of Suffolk, in the province of New York.</i><br /> +<br /> +William Floyd.<br /> +<br /> +<i>New Jersey.</i><br /> +<br /> +James Kinsey,<br /> +William Livingston,<br /> +John Dehart,<br /> +Stephen Crane,<br /> +Richard Smith.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Pennsylvania.</i><br /> +<br /> +Joseph Galloway,<br /> +Charles Humphreys,<br /> +Samuel Rhoads,<br /> +George Ross,<br /> +John Morton,<br /> +Thomas Mifflin,<br /> +Edward Biddle,<br /> +John Dickinson.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware.</i><br /> +<br /> +Cesar Rodney,<br /> +Thomas M'Kean,<br /> +George Read.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Maryland.</i><br /> +<br /> +Robert Goldsborough,<br /> +Thomas Johnson,<br /> +William Paca,<br /> +Samuel Chase,<br /> +Matthew Tilghman.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Virginia.</i><br /> +<br /> +Peyton Randolph,<br /> +Richard Henry Lee,<br /> +George Washington,<br /> +Patrick Henry,<br /> +Richard Bland,<br /> +Benjamin Harrison,<br /> +Edmund Pendleton.<br /> +<br /> +<i>North Carolina.</i><br /> +<br /> +William Hooper,<br /> +Joseph Hughes,<br /> +Richard Caswell.<br /> +<br /> +<i>South Carolina.</i><br /> +<br /> +Henry Middleton,<br /> +John Rutledge,<br /> +Thomas Lynch,<br /> +Christopher Gadsden,<br /> +Edward Rutledge.<br /> +</p> + +<hr style="width: 35%;" /> + + +<h3><a name="NOTE8"></a>NOTE—No. VIII.—<i>See <a href="#p425">Page 425</a>.</i></h3> + +<p><i>These resolutions manifested a degree of irritation which had not +before been displayed. They are introduced in the following manner:</i></p> + +<p>"Whereas the power but not the justice, the vengeance but not the +wisdom of Great Britain, which of old persecuted, scourged, and exiled +our fugitive parents from their native shores, now pursues us their +guiltless children, with unrelenting severity; and whereas this, then +savage and uncultivated desert, was purchased by the toil and +treasure, or acquired by the blood and valour of those our venerable +progenitors; to us they bequeathed the dear bought inheritance; to our +care and protection they consigned it; and the most sacred obligations +are upon us to transmit the glorious purchase, unfettered by power, +unclogged with shackles, to our innocent and beloved offspring. On the +fortitude, on the wisdom, and on the exertions of this important day, +is suspended the fate of this new world, and of unborn millions. If a +boundless extent of continent, swarming with millions, will tamely +submit to live, move, and have their being at the arbitrary will of a +licentious minister, they basely yield to voluntary slavery, and +future generations shall load their memories with incessant +execrations. On the other hand, if we arrest the hand which would +ransack our pockets, if we disarm the parricide which points the +dagger to our bosoms, if we nobly defeat that fatal edict which +proclaims a power to frame laws for us in all cases whatsoever, +thereby entailing the endless and numberless curses of slavery upon +us, our heirs, and their heirs for ever; if we successfully resist +that unparalleled usurpation of unconstitutional power, whereby our +capital is robbed of the means of life; whereby the streets of Boston +are thronged with military executioners; whereby our coasts are lined, +and harbours crowded with ships of war; whereby the charter of the +colony, that sacred barrier against the encroachments of tyranny, is +mutilated, and in effect annihilated; whereby a murderous law is +framed to shelter villains from the hands of justice; whereby the +unalienable and inestimable inheritance, which we derived from nature, +the constitution of Britain, and the privileges warranted to us in the +charter of the province, is totally wrecked, annulled, and vacated: +Posterity will acknowledge that virtue which preserved them free and +happy; and while we enjoy the rewards and blessings of the faithful, +the torrent of panegyrists will roll our reputations to that latest +period, when the streams of time shall be absorbed in the abyss of +eternity.</p> + +<p>"Therefore resolved," &c. &c. &c.</p> + +<hr style="width: 35%;" /> + + + +<h3><a name="NOTE9"></a>NOTE—No. IX.—<i>See <a href="#p427">Page 427</a>.</i></h3> + +<p>"Whereas, since the close of the last war, the British parliament, +claiming a power, of right, to bind the people of America by statutes +in all cases whatsoever, hath in some acts expressly imposed taxes on +them; and in others, under various pretences, but in fact for the +purpose of raising a revenue, hath imposed rates and duties payable in +these colonies, established a board of commissioners with +unconstitutional powers, and extended the jurisdiction of courts of +admiralty, not only for collecting the said duties, but for the trial +of causes merely arising within the body of a county.</p> + +<p>"And whereas, in consequence of other statutes, judges, who before +held only estates at will in their offices, have been made dependent +on the crown alone for their salaries, and standing armies kept in +times of peace: And whereas it has lately been resolved in parliament, +that by force of a statute, made in the thirty-fifth year of the reign +of King Henry VIII. colonists may be transported to England and tried +there upon accusations for treasons, and mis prisons and concealments +of treasons committed in the colonies, and by a late statute, such +trials have been directed in cases therein mentioned.</p> + +<p>"And whereas, in the last session of parliament, three statutes were +made; one entitled, 'An act to discontinue in such manner and for such +time as are therein mentioned, the landing and discharging, lading or +shipping of goods, wares, and merchandise, at the town, and within the +harbour of Boston, in the province of Massachusetts Bay in North +America;' another entitled, 'An act for the better regulating the +government of the province of Massachusetts Bay in New England;' and +another act, entitled, 'An act for the impartial administration of +justice, in the cases of persons questioned for any act done by them +in the execution of the law, or for the suppression of riots and +tumults, in the province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England;' and +another statute was then made, 'for making more effectual provision +for the government of the province of Quebec,' &c. All which statutes +are impolitic, unjust, and cruel, as well as unconstitutional, and +most dangerous and destructive of American rights.</p> + +<p>"And whereas, assemblies have been frequently dissolved, contrary to +the rights of the people, when they attempted to deliberate on +grievances; and their dutiful, humble, loyal, and reasonable petitions +to the crown for redress, have been repeatedly treated with contempt +by his majesty's ministers of state; the good people of the several +colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and +Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, +Pennsylvania, New Castle, Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, +Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, justly alarmed at the +arbitrary proceedings of parliament and administration, have severally +elected, constituted and appointed deputies to meet and sit in general +congress, in the city of Philadelphia, in order to obtain such +establishment, as that their religion, laws, and liberties, may not be +subverted: whereupon the deputies so appointed being now assembled, in +a full and free representation of these colonies, taking into their +most serious consideration, the best means of attaining the ends +aforesaid, do in the first place, as Englishmen their ancestors in +like cases have usually done, for asserting and vindicating their +rights and liberties, declare, that the inhabitants of the English +colonies in North America, by the immutable laws of nature, the +principles of the English constitution, and the several charters or +compacts, have the following rights.</p> + +<p>"Resolved, unanimously, 1st, that they are entitled to life, liberty, +and property; and they have never ceded to any sovereign power +whatever, a right to dispose of either without their consent.</p> + +<p>"Resolved, unanimously, 2d, that our ancestors, who first settled +these colonies, were, at the time of their emigration from the mother +country, entitled to all the rights, liberties, and immunities of free +and natural born subjects, within the realm of England.</p> + +<p>"Resolved, unanimously, 3d, that by such emigration they by no means +forfeited, surrendered, or lost any of those rights, but that they +were, and their descendants now are, entitled to the exercise and +enjoyment of all such of them, as their local and other circumstances +enabled them to exercise and enjoy.</p> + +<p>"Resolved, 4th, that the foundation of English liberty and of all free +government, is a right in the people to participate in their +legislative council: and as the English colonists are not represented, +and from their local and other circumstances cannot properly be +represented in the British parliament, they are entitled to a free and +exclusive power of legislation in their several provincial +legislatures, where their right of representation can alone be +preserved, in all cases of taxation and internal polity subject only +to the negative of their sovereign, in such manner as has been +heretofore used and accustomed: but from the necessity of the case, +and a regard to the mutual interest of both countries, we cheerfully +consent to the operation of such acts of the British parliament, as +are, <i>bona fide</i>, restrained to the regulation of our external +commerce, for the purposes of securing the commercial advantages of +the whole empire to the mother country, and the commercial benefits of +its respective members; excluding every idea of taxation internal or +external, for raising a revenue on the subjects in America without +their consent.</p> + +<p>"Resolved, unanimously, 5th that the respective colonies are entitled +to the common law of England, and more especially to the great and +inestimable privilege of being tried by their peers of the vicinage, +according to the course of that law.</p> + +<p>"Resolved, 6th, that they are entitled to the benefit of such of the +English statutes, as existed at the time of their colonisation; and +which they have, by experience, respectively found to be applicable to +their several local and other circumstances.</p> + +<p>"Resolved, unanimously, 7th, that these, his majesty's colonies are +likewise entitled to all the immunities and privileges granted and +confirmed to them by royal charters, or secured by their several codes +of provincial laws.</p> + +<p>"Resolved, unanimously, 8th, that they have a right peaceably to +assemble, consider of their grievances, and petition the King; and +that all prosecutions, prohibitory proclamations, and commitments for +the same, are illegal.</p> + +<p>"Resolved, unanimously, 9th, that the keeping a standing army in these +colonies, in times of peace, without the consent of the legislature of +that colony in which such army is kept, is against law.</p> + +<p>"Resolved, unanimously, 10th, it is indispensably necessary to good +government, and rendered essential by the English constitution, that +the constituent branches of the legislature be independent of each +other; that, therefore, the exercise of legislative power in several +colonies, by a council appointed, during pleasure, by the crown, is +unconstitutional, dangerous, and destructive to the freedom of +American legislation.</p> + +<p>"All and each of which the aforesaid deputies, in behalf of themselves +and their constituents, do claim, demand, and insist on, as their +indubitable rights and liberties; which cannot be legally taken from +them, altered or abridged by any power whatever, without their own +consent, by their representatives in their several provincial +legislatures.</p> + +<p>"In the course of our inquiry, we find many infringements and +violations of the foregoing rights, which, from an ardent desire that +harmony and mutual intercourse of affection and interest may be +restored, we pass over for the present, and proceed to state such acts +and measures as have been adopted since the last war, which +demonstrate a system formed to enslave America.</p> + +<p>"Resolved, unanimously, that the following acts of parliament are +infringements and violations of the rights of the colonists; and that +the repeal of them is essentially necessary, in order to restore +harmony between Great Britain and the American colonies, viz.</p> + +<p>"The several acts of 4 Geo. III. chap. 15, and 34.—5 Geo. III. chap. +25.—6 Geo. III. chap. 52.—7 Geo. III. chap. 41, and chap. 46.—8 +Geo. III. chap. 22; which imposed duties for the purpose of raising a +revenue in America; extend the power of the admiralty courts beyond +their ancient limits; deprive the American subject of trial by jury; +authorise the judge's certificate to indemnify the prosecutor from +damages, that he might otherwise be liable to; requiring oppressive +security from a claimant of ships and goods seized, before he shall be +allowed to defend his property, and are subversive of American rights.</p> + +<p>"Also 12 Geo. III. chap. 24, intitled, 'an act for the better securing +his majesty's dockyards, magazines, ships, ammunition, and stores,' +which declares a new offence in America, and deprives the American +subject of a constitutional trial by a jury of the vicinage, by +authorising the trial of any person charged with the committing of any +offence described in the said act, out of the realm, to be indicted +and tried for the same in any shire or county within the realm.</p> + +<p>"Also the three acts passed in the last session of parliament, for +stopping the port and blocking up the harbour of Boston, for altering +the charter and government of Massachusetts Bay, and that which is +intitled, 'an act for the better administration of justice,' &c.</p> + +<p>"Also, the act passed in the same session for establishing the Roman +catholic religion in the province of Quebec, abolishing the equitable +system of English laws, and erecting a tyranny there, to the great +danger, (from so total a dissimilarity of religion, law, and +government) of the neighbouring British colonies, by the assistance of +whose blood and treasure the said country was conquered from France.</p> + +<p>"Also, the act passed in the same session for the better providing +suitable quarters for officers and soldiers in his majesty's service +in North America.</p> + +<p>"Also, that the keeping a standing army in several of these colonies, +in time of peace, without the consent of the legislature of that +colony in which such army is kept, is against law.</p> + +<p>"To these grievous acts and measures, Americans cannot submit; but in +hopes their fellow subjects in Great Britain will, on a revision of +them, restore us to that state, in which both countries found +happiness and prosperity, we have for the present only resolved to +pursue the following peaceable measures: 1. to enter into a +non-importation, non-consumption, and non-exportation agreement or +association. 2. To prepare an address to the people of Great Britain, +and a memorial to the inhabitants of British America: and, 3. To +prepare a loyal address to his majesty, agreeable to resolutions +already entered into."</p> + +<hr style="width: 35%;" /> + + +<h3>END OF VOLUME I</h3> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><a name="footnotes" id="footnotes"></a></p> + +<h2>FOOTNOTES</h2> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> The expressions of a resolution prepared by general Lee, +and passed in the house of representatives of the United States, on +their being informed of the death of general Washington.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> The general estimate in the United States is, that their +population doubles in twenty-five years.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith. Smith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith. Smith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith. Smith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> Robertson.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Stith. Smith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> Ibid.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> This error might very possibly be produced by the +Indians representing the great western lakes as seas.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> Dr. Robertson must allude to the country below the falls +of the great rivers.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> Charter.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith. Beverly.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith. Beverly.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith. Beverly.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith. Beverly.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith. Beverly.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> Robertson.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> Mr. Stith says the price for a wife was at first, one +hundred, and afterwards, one hundred and fifty pounds of tobacco; and +a debt so contracted was made of higher dignity than any other.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i></p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Stith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> Idem.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> Chalmer. Robertson.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> Robertson.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> Robertson.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_52_52" id="Footnote_52_52"></a><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_53_53" id="Footnote_53_53"></a><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_54_54" id="Footnote_54_54"></a><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> Robertson.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_55_55" id="Footnote_55_55"></a><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> Robertson.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_56_56" id="Footnote_56_56"></a><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_57_57" id="Footnote_57_57"></a><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_58_58" id="Footnote_58_58"></a><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> Robertson. Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_59_59" id="Footnote_59_59"></a><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_60_60" id="Footnote_60_60"></a><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_61_61" id="Footnote_61_61"></a><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_62_62" id="Footnote_62_62"></a><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_63_63" id="Footnote_63_63"></a><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> Hume.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_64_64" id="Footnote_64_64"></a><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_65_65" id="Footnote_65_65"></a><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_66_66" id="Footnote_66_66"></a><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> All the powers of government for nearly three years, +seem to have been in the magistrates. Two were appointed in each town, +who directed all the affairs of the plantation. The freemen appear to +have had no voice in making the laws, or in any part of the government +except in some instances of general and uncommon concern. In these +instances committees were sent from the several towns to a general +meeting. During this term, juries seem not to have been employed in +any case.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_67_67" id="Footnote_67_67"></a><a href="#FNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">[67]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison. Trumbull.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_68_68" id="Footnote_68_68"></a><a href="#FNanchor_68_68"><span class="label">[68]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_69_69" id="Footnote_69_69"></a><a href="#FNanchor_69_69"><span class="label">[69]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_70_70" id="Footnote_70_70"></a><a href="#FNanchor_70_70"><span class="label">[70]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_71_71" id="Footnote_71_71"></a><a href="#FNanchor_71_71"><span class="label">[71]</span></a> Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_72_72" id="Footnote_72_72"></a><a href="#FNanchor_72_72"><span class="label">[72]</span></a> This was an union, says Mr. Trumbull, of the highest +consequence to the New England colonies. It made them formidable to +the Dutch and Indians, and respectable among their French neighbours. +It was happily adapted to maintain harmony among themselves, and to +secure the rights and peace of the country. It was one of the +principal means of the preservation of the colonies, during the civil +wars, and unsettled state of affairs in England. It was the great +source of mutual defence in Philip's war; and of the most eminent +service in civilising the Indians, and propagating the Gospel among +them. The union subsisted more than forty years, until the abrogation +of the charters of the New England colonies by King James II.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_73_73" id="Footnote_73_73"></a><a href="#FNanchor_73_73"><span class="label">[73]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison. Trumbull.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_74_74" id="Footnote_74_74"></a><a href="#FNanchor_74_74"><span class="label">[74]</span></a> Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_75_75" id="Footnote_75_75"></a><a href="#FNanchor_75_75"><span class="label">[75]</span></a> Ibid.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_76_76" id="Footnote_76_76"></a><a href="#FNanchor_76_76"><span class="label">[76]</span></a> In the subsequent year Parliament exempted New England +from all taxes "until both houses should otherwise direct;" and, in +1646, all the colonies were exempted from all talliages except the +excise, "provided their productions should be exported only in English +bottoms."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_77_77" id="Footnote_77_77"></a><a href="#FNanchor_77_77"><span class="label">[77]</span></a> Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_78_78" id="Footnote_78_78"></a><a href="#FNanchor_78_78"><span class="label">[78]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_79_79" id="Footnote_79_79"></a><a href="#FNanchor_79_79"><span class="label">[79]</span></a> Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_80_80" id="Footnote_80_80"></a><a href="#FNanchor_80_80"><span class="label">[80]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_81_81" id="Footnote_81_81"></a><a href="#FNanchor_81_81"><span class="label">[81]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_82_82" id="Footnote_82_82"></a><a href="#FNanchor_82_82"><span class="label">[82]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_83_83" id="Footnote_83_83"></a><a href="#FNanchor_83_83"><span class="label">[83]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_84_84" id="Footnote_84_84"></a><a href="#FNanchor_84_84"><span class="label">[84]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_85_85" id="Footnote_85_85"></a><a href="#FNanchor_85_85"><span class="label">[85]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_86_86" id="Footnote_86_86"></a><a href="#FNanchor_86_86"><span class="label">[86]</span></a> Virginia Laws. Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_87_87" id="Footnote_87_87"></a><a href="#FNanchor_87_87"><span class="label">[87]</span></a> Virginia Laws. Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_88_88" id="Footnote_88_88"></a><a href="#FNanchor_88_88"><span class="label">[88]</span></a> Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_89_89" id="Footnote_89_89"></a><a href="#FNanchor_89_89"><span class="label">[89]</span></a> Chalmer. Trumbull.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_90_90" id="Footnote_90_90"></a><a href="#FNanchor_90_90"><span class="label">[90]</span></a> Hutchison. Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_91_91" id="Footnote_91_91"></a><a href="#FNanchor_91_91"><span class="label">[91]</span></a> Idem.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_92_92" id="Footnote_92_92"></a><a href="#FNanchor_92_92"><span class="label">[92]</span></a> Hutchison. Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_93_93" id="Footnote_93_93"></a><a href="#FNanchor_93_93"><span class="label">[93]</span></a> Hutchison. Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_94_94" id="Footnote_94_94"></a><a href="#FNanchor_94_94"><span class="label">[94]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_95_95" id="Footnote_95_95"></a><a href="#FNanchor_95_95"><span class="label">[95]</span></a> Chalmer. Smith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_96_96" id="Footnote_96_96"></a><a href="#FNanchor_96_96"><span class="label">[96]</span></a> Chalmer. Smith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_97_97" id="Footnote_97_97"></a><a href="#FNanchor_97_97"><span class="label">[97]</span></a> Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_98_98" id="Footnote_98_98"></a><a href="#FNanchor_98_98"><span class="label">[98]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_99_99" id="Footnote_99_99"></a><a href="#FNanchor_99_99"><span class="label">[99]</span></a> Chalmer. History of South Carolina and Georgia.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_100_100" id="Footnote_100_100"></a><a href="#FNanchor_100_100"><span class="label">[100]</span></a> Chalmer. Beverly.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_101_101" id="Footnote_101_101"></a><a href="#FNanchor_101_101"><span class="label">[101]</span></a> Idem.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_102_102" id="Footnote_102_102"></a><a href="#FNanchor_102_102"><span class="label">[102]</span></a> Chalmer. Beverly.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_103_103" id="Footnote_103_103"></a><a href="#FNanchor_103_103"><span class="label">[103]</span></a> Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_104_104" id="Footnote_104_104"></a><a href="#FNanchor_104_104"><span class="label">[104]</span></a> From a paper in possession of the British +administration, it appears that in 1673, New England was supposed to +contain one hundred and twenty thousand souls, of whom sixteen +thousand were able to bear arms. Three-fourths of the wealth and +population of the country, were in Massachusetts and its dependencies. +The town of Boston alone contained fifteen hundred families.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_105_105" id="Footnote_105_105"></a><a href="#FNanchor_105_105"><span class="label">[105]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_106_106" id="Footnote_106_106"></a><a href="#FNanchor_106_106"><span class="label">[106]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_107_107" id="Footnote_107_107"></a><a href="#FNanchor_107_107"><span class="label">[107]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_108_108" id="Footnote_108_108"></a><a href="#FNanchor_108_108"><span class="label">[108]</span></a> Trumbull. Hutchison. Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_109_109" id="Footnote_109_109"></a><a href="#FNanchor_109_109"><span class="label">[109]</span></a> Chalmer. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_110_110" id="Footnote_110_110"></a><a href="#FNanchor_110_110"><span class="label">[110]</span></a> Trumbull. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_111_111" id="Footnote_111_111"></a><a href="#FNanchor_111_111"><span class="label">[111]</span></a> Smith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_112_112" id="Footnote_112_112"></a><a href="#FNanchor_112_112"><span class="label">[112]</span></a> Chalmer. Smith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_113_113" id="Footnote_113_113"></a><a href="#FNanchor_113_113"><span class="label">[113]</span></a> Chalmer. Smith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_114_114" id="Footnote_114_114"></a><a href="#FNanchor_114_114"><span class="label">[114]</span></a> History of Pennsylvania. Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_115_115" id="Footnote_115_115"></a><a href="#FNanchor_115_115"><span class="label">[115]</span></a> Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_116_116" id="Footnote_116_116"></a><a href="#FNanchor_116_116"><span class="label">[116]</span></a> Smith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_117_117" id="Footnote_117_117"></a><a href="#FNanchor_117_117"><span class="label">[117]</span></a> Smith.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_118_118" id="Footnote_118_118"></a><a href="#FNanchor_118_118"><span class="label">[118]</span></a> See + <a href="#NOTE1">note No. I</a>, at the end of the volume.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_119_119" id="Footnote_119_119"></a><a href="#FNanchor_119_119"><span class="label">[119]</span></a> Hutchison. Belknap.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_120_120" id="Footnote_120_120"></a><a href="#FNanchor_120_120"><span class="label">[120]</span></a> Belknap.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_121_121" id="Footnote_121_121"></a><a href="#FNanchor_121_121"><span class="label">[121]</span></a> The quotas assigned by the crown are as follows:</p> + +<div class="centered"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tbody> +<tr><td align="left">To Massachusetts Bay</td><td align="right">350</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Rhode Island and Providence plantations</td><td align="right">48</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Connecticut</td><td align="right">120</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">New York</td><td align="right">200</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Pennsylvania</td><td align="right">80</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Maryland</td><td align="right">160</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Virginia</td><td align="right">240</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"> </td><td align="right">-----</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"> </td><td align="right">Total, 1,198</td></tr> +</tbody> +</table></div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_122_122" id="Footnote_122_122"></a><a href="#FNanchor_122_122"><span class="label">[122]</span></a> Belknap.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_123_123" id="Footnote_123_123"></a><a href="#FNanchor_123_123"><span class="label">[123]</span></a> Belknap. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_124_124" id="Footnote_124_124"></a><a href="#FNanchor_124_124"><span class="label">[124]</span></a> So early as the year 1692, the difference of opinion +between the mother country and the colonies on the great point, which +afterwards separated them, made its appearance. The legislature of +Massachusetts, employed in establishing a code of laws under their new +charter, passed an act containing the general principles respecting +the liberty of the subject, that are asserted in magna charta, in +which was the memorable clause, "no aid, tax, talliage, assessment, +custom, benevolence, or imposition whatsoever, shall be laid, +assessed, imposed, or levied, on any of his majesty's subjects or +their estates, on any pretence whatsoever, but by the act and consent +of the governor, council, and representatives of the people, assembled +in general court." +</p><p> +It is scarcely necessary to add that the royal assent to this act was +refused.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_125_125" id="Footnote_125_125"></a><a href="#FNanchor_125_125"><span class="label">[125]</span></a> History of South Carolina.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_126_126" id="Footnote_126_126"></a><a href="#FNanchor_126_126"><span class="label">[126]</span></a> Chalmer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_127_127" id="Footnote_127_127"></a><a href="#FNanchor_127_127"><span class="label">[127]</span></a> Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_128_128" id="Footnote_128_128"></a><a href="#FNanchor_128_128"><span class="label">[128]</span></a> Hutchison. Belknap.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_129_129" id="Footnote_129_129"></a><a href="#FNanchor_129_129"><span class="label">[129]</span></a> Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_130_130" id="Footnote_130_130"></a><a href="#FNanchor_130_130"><span class="label">[130]</span></a> Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_131_131" id="Footnote_131_131"></a><a href="#FNanchor_131_131"><span class="label">[131]</span></a> Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_132_132" id="Footnote_132_132"></a><a href="#FNanchor_132_132"><span class="label">[132]</span></a> History of South Carolina.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_133_133" id="Footnote_133_133"></a><a href="#FNanchor_133_133"><span class="label">[133]</span></a> Idem.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_134_134" id="Footnote_134_134"></a><a href="#FNanchor_134_134"><span class="label">[134]</span></a> In the same year Charleston was reduced to ashes. A +large portion of its inhabitants passed, in one day, from prosperity +to indigence. Under the pressure of this misfortune, the legislature +applied to parliament for aid; and that body, with a liberality +reflecting honour on its members, voted twenty thousand pounds, to be +distributed among the sufferers.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_135_135" id="Footnote_135_135"></a><a href="#FNanchor_135_135"><span class="label">[135]</span></a> About five and a half millions of dollars.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_136_136" id="Footnote_136_136"></a><a href="#FNanchor_136_136"><span class="label">[136]</span></a> Belknap.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_137_137" id="Footnote_137_137"></a><a href="#FNanchor_137_137"><span class="label">[137]</span></a> Belknap.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_138_138" id="Footnote_138_138"></a><a href="#FNanchor_138_138"><span class="label">[138]</span></a> It is said the secret was kept until a member who +performed family devotion at his lodgings, betrayed it by praying for +the divine blessing on the attempt.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_139_139" id="Footnote_139_139"></a><a href="#FNanchor_139_139"><span class="label">[139]</span></a> Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_140_140" id="Footnote_140_140"></a><a href="#FNanchor_140_140"><span class="label">[140]</span></a> The day before the armament sailed from Massachusetts, +an express boat, which had been dispatched to admiral Warren to +solicit assistance, returned with the unwelcome intelligence that he +declined furnishing the aid required. This information could not +arrest the expedition. Fortunately for its success, the orders from +England soon afterwards reached the admiral, who immediately detached +a part of his fleet; which he soon followed himself in the Superb, of +sixty guns.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_141_141" id="Footnote_141_141"></a><a href="#FNanchor_141_141"><span class="label">[141]</span></a> Belknap. Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_142_142" id="Footnote_142_142"></a><a href="#FNanchor_142_142"><span class="label">[142]</span></a> Hutchison. Belknap.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_143_143" id="Footnote_143_143"></a><a href="#FNanchor_143_143"><span class="label">[143]</span></a> Hutchison.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_144_144" id="Footnote_144_144"></a><a href="#FNanchor_144_144"><span class="label">[144]</span></a> Abbe Raynal.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_145_145" id="Footnote_145_145"></a><a href="#FNanchor_145_145"><span class="label">[145]</span></a> The following estimate is taken from "The History of +the British empire in North America," and is there said to be an +authentic account from the militia rolls, poll taxes, bills of +mortality, returns from governors, and other authorities. +</p> + +<div class="centered"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tbody> +<tr><td align="left"><b>The colonies of</b></td><td align="right"><b>Inhabitants.</b></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Halifax and Lunenberg in Nova Scotia</td><td align="right">5,000</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">New Hampshire</td><td align="right">30,000</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Massachusetts Bay</td><td align="right">220,000</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Rhode Island and Providence</td><td align="right">35,000</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Connecticut</td><td align="right">100,000</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">New York</td><td align="right">100,000</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">The Jerseys</td><td align="right">60,000</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Pennsylvania (then including Delaware)</td><td align="right">250,000</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Maryland</td><td align="right">85,000</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Virginia</td><td align="right">85,000</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">North Carolina</td><td align="right">45,000</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">South Carolina</td><td align="right">30,000</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Georgia</td><td align="right">6,000</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"> </td><td align="right">----------</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"> </td><td align="right">Total 1,051,000</td></tr> +</tbody> +</table></div> + +<p>The white inhabitants of the French colonies were thus estimated:</p> + +<div class="centered"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tbody> +<tr><td align="left"><b>The colonies of   </b></td><td align="right"><b>Inhabitants.</b></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Canada</td><td align="right">45,000</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Louisiana</td><td align="right">7,000</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"> </td><td align="right">-------</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"> </td><td align="right">Total 52,000</td></tr> +</tbody> +</table></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_146_146" id="Footnote_146_146"></a><a href="#FNanchor_146_146"><span class="label">[146]</span></a> Minot Gazette.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_147_147" id="Footnote_147_147"></a><a href="#FNanchor_147_147"><span class="label">[147]</span></a> See + <a href="#NOTE2">note No. II</a>, at the end of the volume.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_148_148" id="Footnote_148_148"></a><a href="#FNanchor_148_148"><span class="label">[148]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_149_149" id="Footnote_149_149"></a><a href="#FNanchor_149_149"><span class="label">[149]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_150_150" id="Footnote_150_150"></a><a href="#FNanchor_150_150"><span class="label">[150]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_151_151" id="Footnote_151_151"></a><a href="#FNanchor_151_151"><span class="label">[151]</span></a> Minot. Belknap. Entic.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_152_152" id="Footnote_152_152"></a><a href="#FNanchor_152_152"><span class="label">[152]</span></a> Minot. Belknap. Entic.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_153_153" id="Footnote_153_153"></a><a href="#FNanchor_153_153"><span class="label">[153]</span></a> He was also recalled from his government.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_154_154" id="Footnote_154_154"></a><a href="#FNanchor_154_154"><span class="label">[154]</span></a> The northern colonies had been enabled to attend to +these representations, and, in some degree to comply with the +requisitions made on them, by having received from the British +government, in the course of the summer, a considerable sum of money +as a reimbursement for the extraordinary expenses of the preceding +year. One hundred and fifteen thousand pounds sterling had been +apportioned among them, and this sum gave new vigour and energy to +their councils.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_155_155" id="Footnote_155_155"></a><a href="#FNanchor_155_155"><span class="label">[155]</span></a> Minot. Belknap. Entic.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_156_156" id="Footnote_156_156"></a><a href="#FNanchor_156_156"><span class="label">[156]</span></a> Fussel.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_157_157" id="Footnote_157_157"></a><a href="#FNanchor_157_157"><span class="label">[157]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_158_158" id="Footnote_158_158"></a><a href="#FNanchor_158_158"><span class="label">[158]</span></a> Minot. Belknap.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_159_159" id="Footnote_159_159"></a><a href="#FNanchor_159_159"><span class="label">[159]</span></a> Minot. Belknap. Belsham. Russel.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_160_160" id="Footnote_160_160"></a><a href="#FNanchor_160_160"><span class="label">[160]</span></a> Letter of general Abercrombie.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_161_161" id="Footnote_161_161"></a><a href="#FNanchor_161_161"><span class="label">[161]</span></a> Minot. Belknap.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_162_162" id="Footnote_162_162"></a><a href="#FNanchor_162_162"><span class="label">[162]</span></a> Letter of colonel Bradstreet.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_163_163" id="Footnote_163_163"></a><a href="#FNanchor_163_163"><span class="label">[163]</span></a> MSS.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_164_164" id="Footnote_164_164"></a><a href="#FNanchor_164_164"><span class="label">[164]</span></a> Minot. Belknap. Belsham. Russel. Entic.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_165_165" id="Footnote_165_165"></a><a href="#FNanchor_165_165"><span class="label">[165]</span></a> Minot. Belknap. Belsham. Russel. New York Gazette.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_166_166" id="Footnote_166_166"></a><a href="#FNanchor_166_166"><span class="label">[166]</span></a> Belsham.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_167_167" id="Footnote_167_167"></a><a href="#FNanchor_167_167"><span class="label">[167]</span></a> These accounts must be exaggerated. According to the +letter of general Townshend, the force engaged on the Plains of +Abraham amounted to three thousand five hundred men; and not more than +fifteen hundred are stated to have been detached under Bougainville.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_168_168" id="Footnote_168_168"></a><a href="#FNanchor_168_168"><span class="label">[168]</span></a> Belsham.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_169_169" id="Footnote_169_169"></a><a href="#FNanchor_169_169"><span class="label">[169]</span></a> Belsham. Russel.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_170_170" id="Footnote_170_170"></a><a href="#FNanchor_170_170"><span class="label">[170]</span></a> Belsham.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_171_171" id="Footnote_171_171"></a><a href="#FNanchor_171_171"><span class="label">[171]</span></a> Belsham.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_172_172" id="Footnote_172_172"></a><a href="#FNanchor_172_172"><span class="label">[172]</span></a> Belsham. Russel.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_173_173" id="Footnote_173_173"></a><a href="#FNanchor_173_173"><span class="label">[173]</span></a> Townshend's letter.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_174_174" id="Footnote_174_174"></a><a href="#FNanchor_174_174"><span class="label">[174]</span></a> Townshend's letter. Belsham. Russel. Gazette.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_175_175" id="Footnote_175_175"></a><a href="#FNanchor_175_175"><span class="label">[175]</span></a> Russel.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_176_176" id="Footnote_176_176"></a><a href="#FNanchor_176_176"><span class="label">[176]</span></a> Minot. Belknap. Belsham. Russel.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_177_177" id="Footnote_177_177"></a><a href="#FNanchor_177_177"><span class="label">[177]</span></a> History of South Carolina and Georgia.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_178_178" id="Footnote_178_178"></a><a href="#FNanchor_178_178"><span class="label">[178]</span></a> After the expulsion of the French from Canada, a +considerable degree of ill humour was manifested in Massachusetts with +respect to the manner in which the laws of trade were executed. A +question was agitated in court, in which the colony took a very deep +interest. A custom house officer applied for what was termed "a writ +of assistance," which was an authority to search any house for +dutiable articles suspected to be concealed in it. The right to grant +special warrants was not contested; but this grant of a general +warrant was deemed contrary to the principles of liberty, and an +engine of oppression equally useless and vexatious, which would enable +every petty officer of the customs to gratify his resentments by +harassing the most respectable men in the province. The ill temper +excited on this occasion was shown by a reduction of the salaries of +the judges; but no diminution of attachment to the mother country +appears to have been produced by it.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_179_179" id="Footnote_179_179"></a><a href="#FNanchor_179_179"><span class="label">[179]</span></a> Belsham.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_180_180" id="Footnote_180_180"></a><a href="#FNanchor_180_180"><span class="label">[180]</span></a> Belsham. Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_181_181" id="Footnote_181_181"></a><a href="#FNanchor_181_181"><span class="label">[181]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_182_182" id="Footnote_182_182"></a><a href="#FNanchor_182_182"><span class="label">[182]</span></a> 100,000<i>l</i>. sterling.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_183_183" id="Footnote_183_183"></a><a href="#FNanchor_183_183"><span class="label">[183]</span></a> Mr. Pitt was not in the house; and Mr. Ingersoll, in +his letter, states that Alderman Beckford joined General Conway. Mr. +Belsham, therefore, who makes this statement, was probably mistaken.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_184_184" id="Footnote_184_184"></a><a href="#FNanchor_184_184"><span class="label">[184]</span></a> See + <a href="#NOTE3">note No. III</a>, at the end of the volume.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_185_185" id="Footnote_185_185"></a><a href="#FNanchor_185_185"><span class="label">[185]</span></a> Prior documents. Virginia Gazette.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_186_186" id="Footnote_186_186"></a><a href="#FNanchor_186_186"><span class="label">[186]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_187_187" id="Footnote_187_187"></a><a href="#FNanchor_187_187"><span class="label">[187]</span></a> See + <a href="#NOTE4">note No. IV</a>, at the end of the volume.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_188_188" id="Footnote_188_188"></a><a href="#FNanchor_188_188"><span class="label">[188]</span></a> Minot. Prior documents.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_189_189" id="Footnote_189_189"></a><a href="#FNanchor_189_189"><span class="label">[189]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_190_190" id="Footnote_190_190"></a><a href="#FNanchor_190_190"><span class="label">[190]</span></a> Minot. Prior documents. Belsham.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_191_191" id="Footnote_191_191"></a><a href="#FNanchor_191_191"><span class="label">[191]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_192_192" id="Footnote_192_192"></a><a href="#FNanchor_192_192"><span class="label">[192]</span></a> Belsham.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_193_193" id="Footnote_193_193"></a><a href="#FNanchor_193_193"><span class="label">[193]</span></a> Prior documents.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_194_194" id="Footnote_194_194"></a><a href="#FNanchor_194_194"><span class="label">[194]</span></a> See + <a href="#NOTE5">note No. V</a>, at the end of the volume.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_195_195" id="Footnote_195_195"></a><a href="#FNanchor_195_195"><span class="label">[195]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_196_196" id="Footnote_196_196"></a><a href="#FNanchor_196_196"><span class="label">[196]</span></a> Prior documents.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_197_197" id="Footnote_197_197"></a><a href="#FNanchor_197_197"><span class="label">[197]</span></a> In this letter the house of Burgesses express their +opinion of the mutiny act in the following terms: "The act suspending +the legislative power of New York, they consider as still more +alarming to the colonies, though it has that single province in view. +If parliament can compel them to furnish a single article to the +troops sent over, they may, by the same rule, oblige them to furnish +clothes, arms, and every other necessary, even the pay of the officers +and soldiers; a doctrine replete with every mischief, and utterly +subversive of all that's dear and valuable; for what advantage can the +people of the colonies derive from choosing their own representatives, +if those representatives, when chosen, be not permitted to exercise +their own judgments, be under a necessity (on pain of being deprived +of their legislative authority) of enforcing the mandates of a British +parliament."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_198_198" id="Footnote_198_198"></a><a href="#FNanchor_198_198"><span class="label">[198]</span></a> Prior documents.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_199_199" id="Footnote_199_199"></a><a href="#FNanchor_199_199"><span class="label">[199]</span></a> Prior documents.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_200_200" id="Footnote_200_200"></a><a href="#FNanchor_200_200"><span class="label">[200]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_201_201" id="Footnote_201_201"></a><a href="#FNanchor_201_201"><span class="label">[201]</span></a> Minot. Prior documents.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_202_202" id="Footnote_202_202"></a><a href="#FNanchor_202_202"><span class="label">[202]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_203_203" id="Footnote_203_203"></a><a href="#FNanchor_203_203"><span class="label">[203]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_204_204" id="Footnote_204_204"></a><a href="#FNanchor_204_204"><span class="label">[204]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_205_205" id="Footnote_205_205"></a><a href="#FNanchor_205_205"><span class="label">[205]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_206_206" id="Footnote_206_206"></a><a href="#FNanchor_206_206"><span class="label">[206]</span></a> Gazette.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_207_207" id="Footnote_207_207"></a><a href="#FNanchor_207_207"><span class="label">[207]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_208_208" id="Footnote_208_208"></a><a href="#FNanchor_208_208"><span class="label">[208]</span></a> Belsham. Prior documents.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_209_209" id="Footnote_209_209"></a><a href="#FNanchor_209_209"><span class="label">[209]</span></a> Gazette. Prior documents.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_210_210" id="Footnote_210_210"></a><a href="#FNanchor_210_210"><span class="label">[210]</span></a> Gazette. Prior documents.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_211_211" id="Footnote_211_211"></a><a href="#FNanchor_211_211"><span class="label">[211]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_212_212" id="Footnote_212_212"></a><a href="#FNanchor_212_212"><span class="label">[212]</span></a> Gazette. Prior documents.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_213_213" id="Footnote_213_213"></a><a href="#FNanchor_213_213"><span class="label">[213]</span></a> Prior documents. Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_214_214" id="Footnote_214_214"></a><a href="#FNanchor_214_214"><span class="label">[214]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_215_215" id="Footnote_215_215"></a><a href="#FNanchor_215_215"><span class="label">[215]</span></a> Prior documents.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_216_216" id="Footnote_216_216"></a><a href="#FNanchor_216_216"><span class="label">[216]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_217_217" id="Footnote_217_217"></a><a href="#FNanchor_217_217"><span class="label">[217]</span></a> Gazette.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_218_218" id="Footnote_218_218"></a><a href="#FNanchor_218_218"><span class="label">[218]</span></a> Minot. Prior documents. Gazette.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_219_219" id="Footnote_219_219"></a><a href="#FNanchor_219_219"><span class="label">[219]</span></a> Almost at the same time, and without concert, the same +measure was adopted in Virginia.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_220_220" id="Footnote_220_220"></a><a href="#FNanchor_220_220"><span class="label">[220]</span></a> See + <a href="#NOTE6">note No. VI</a>, at the end of the volume.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_221_221" id="Footnote_221_221"></a><a href="#FNanchor_221_221"><span class="label">[221]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_222_222" id="Footnote_222_222"></a><a href="#FNanchor_222_222"><span class="label">[222]</span></a> Minot. Belsham.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_223_223" id="Footnote_223_223"></a><a href="#FNanchor_223_223"><span class="label">[223]</span></a> The language said by Mr. Gordon to have been used at +this meeting proves that many of the people of Boston were already +ripe for the revolution. To the more cautious among "<i>the sons of +liberty</i>" who had expressed some apprehensions lest they should push +the matter too far, and involve the colony in a quarrel with Great +Britain, others answered "It must come to a quarrel between Great +Britain and the colony sooner or later; and if so what can be a better +time than the present? Hundreds of years may pass away before +parliament will make such a number of acts in violation as it has done +of late years, and by which it has excited so formidable an opposition +to the measures of administration. Besides, the longer the contest is +delayed, the more administration will be strengthened. Do not you +observe how the government at home are increasing their party here by +sending over young fellows to enjoy appointments, who marry into our +best families, and so weaken the opposition? By such means, and by +multiplying posts and places, and giving them to their own friends, or +applying them to the corruption of their antagonists, they will +increase their own force faster in proportion, than the force of the +country party will increase by population. If then we must quarrel ere +we can have our rights secured, now is the most eligible period. Our +credit also is at stake; we must venture, and unless we do, we shall +be discarded by the sons of liberty in the other colonies, whose +assistance we may expect upon emergencies, in case they find us +steady, resolute, and faithful."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_224_224" id="Footnote_224_224"></a><a href="#FNanchor_224_224"><span class="label">[224]</span></a> Mr. Quincy.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_225_225" id="Footnote_225_225"></a><a href="#FNanchor_225_225"><span class="label">[225]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_226_226" id="Footnote_226_226"></a><a href="#FNanchor_226_226"><span class="label">[226]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_227_227" id="Footnote_227_227"></a><a href="#FNanchor_227_227"><span class="label">[227]</span></a> Belsham.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_228_228" id="Footnote_228_228"></a><a href="#FNanchor_228_228"><span class="label">[228]</span></a> Belsham.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_229_229" id="Footnote_229_229"></a><a href="#FNanchor_229_229"><span class="label">[229]</span></a> Idem.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_230_230" id="Footnote_230_230"></a><a href="#FNanchor_230_230"><span class="label">[230]</span></a> Belsham.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_231_231" id="Footnote_231_231"></a><a href="#FNanchor_231_231"><span class="label">[231]</span></a> Idem.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_232_232" id="Footnote_232_232"></a><a href="#FNanchor_232_232"><span class="label">[232]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_233_233" id="Footnote_233_233"></a><a href="#FNanchor_233_233"><span class="label">[233]</span></a> Belsham. Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_234_234" id="Footnote_234_234"></a><a href="#FNanchor_234_234"><span class="label">[234]</span></a> Those of North Carolina arrived on the fourteenth.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_235_235" id="Footnote_235_235"></a><a href="#FNanchor_235_235"><span class="label">[235]</span></a> See + <a href="#NOTE7">note No. VII</a>, at the end of the volume.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_236_236" id="Footnote_236_236"></a><a href="#FNanchor_236_236"><span class="label">[236]</span></a> See + <a href="#NOTE8">note No. VIII</a>, at the end of the volume.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_237_237" id="Footnote_237_237"></a><a href="#FNanchor_237_237"><span class="label">[237]</span></a> See + <a href="#NOTE9">note No. IX</a>, at the end of the volume.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_238_238" id="Footnote_238_238"></a><a href="#FNanchor_238_238"><span class="label">[238]</span></a> The committee which prepared this eloquent and manly +address, were Mr. Lee, Mr. Livingston, and Mr. Jay. The composition +has been generally attributed to Mr. Jay.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_239_239" id="Footnote_239_239"></a><a href="#FNanchor_239_239"><span class="label">[239]</span></a> The committee which brought in this admirably well +drawn, and truly conciliatory address, were Mr. Lee, Mr. John Adams, +Mr. Johnson, Mr. Henry, Mr. Rutledge, and Mr. Dickinson. The original +composition has been generally attributed to Mr. Dickinson.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_240_240" id="Footnote_240_240"></a><a href="#FNanchor_240_240"><span class="label">[240]</span></a> Mr. Lee, Mr. Livingston, and Mr. Jay, were also the +committee who brought in this address.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_241_241" id="Footnote_241_241"></a><a href="#FNanchor_241_241"><span class="label">[241]</span></a> These letters, as well as that to the inhabitants of +the province of Quebec, were prepared by Mr. Cushing, Mr. Lee, and Mr. +Dickinson.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_242_242" id="Footnote_242_242"></a><a href="#FNanchor_242_242"><span class="label">[242]</span></a> Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_243_243" id="Footnote_243_243"></a><a href="#FNanchor_243_243"><span class="label">[243]</span></a> Belsham.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_244_244" id="Footnote_244_244"></a><a href="#FNanchor_244_244"><span class="label">[244]</span></a> Belsham.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_245_245" id="Footnote_245_245"></a><a href="#FNanchor_245_245"><span class="label">[245]</span></a> Prior documents. Minot.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_246_246" id="Footnote_246_246"></a><a href="#FNanchor_246_246"><span class="label">[246]</span></a> The independent companies of the upper part of the +northern neck, also assembled to the number of about six hundred men, +and proceeded on horseback as far as Fredericksburg, when a council +was held in which Richard Henry Lee, then on his way to congress, +presided, which advised their return to their respective homes.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_247_247" id="Footnote_247_247"></a><a href="#FNanchor_247_247"><span class="label">[247]</span></a> Gordon.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_248_248" id="Footnote_248_248"></a><a href="#FNanchor_248_248"><span class="label">[248]</span></a> Journals of congress.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_249_249" id="Footnote_249_249"></a><a href="#FNanchor_249_249"><span class="label">[249]</span></a> Artemus Ward of Massachusetts, then commanding the +troops before Boston; Colonel Charles Lee, lately an officer in the +British service; and Israel Putnam of Connecticut, were appointed +major generals; Horatio Gates, who had held the rank of major in the +British service, was appointed adjutant general.</p></div> + + + + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life of George Washington, Vol. 1 +(of 5), by John Marshall + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON *** + +***** This file should be named 18591-h.htm or 18591-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/8/5/9/18591/ + +Produced by Linda Cantoni and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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