Juable fupport of the liberties of Europe. Twice have they been on the very verge of falling a facrifice to France in this caufe; and we can never believe, that their old affection to Great Britain can have been alienated, much less that a direct rupture with them can have become neceffary on our part, without grofs mifmanagement in our councils. We can not but form the most serious apprehenfions at seeing the three great Proteftant and free countries, of Great Britain, North America, and Holland, so weak. ening each other by war, as to become an easy prey to the ancient enemy of them all whenever she shall please to turn her arms against them. We are not infenfible of the diftrefsful fituation with respect to the armed neutral powers into which we have been led, ftep by step, by the unfortunate American war; but as we are convinced, that wicked and weak councils have been the fole caufe of that unhappy conteft, fo we are perfuaded, that honest and able minifters might have prevented this, amongft fome of its wretched confequences. But whilst the fame measures which have caufed our unexampled calamities, continue to be pursued and cherished; whilst a fyftem of corruption prevails, which must exclude both ability and integrity from our councils; whilst every intereft of the ftate is facrificed to its fupport, and every attempt at reforma. tion rejected, our condition can change but from bad to worse. It is not for us to pretend to foretel events which are in the hand of Providence; but if caufes are fuffered to produce their natural confequences, we cannot but apprehend, from the prefent conduct of our affairs, every danger to this country, both foreign and domeftic, to which a nation can be exposed. Richmond Harcourt. Portland. Ferrers. Fitzwilliam. Rockinghim. Devonshire. Pembroke. Coventry. Diffentient, for the above reafons; and For, that, inftead of being convinced of the juftice, neceffity, or policy, of a war with Holland, as we ought to be before we give our fanction to that mea fure, it appears to us, as far as the information we poffefs enables us to judge, to be equally contrary to the interefts of both countries, and to the inclinations of all whofe inclinations ought to influence the councils of either. Of fuch in clinations in many refpectable members of the Dutch government, we thought we faw (and we faw it with pleasure) a fufficient indication to encourage us to hope, that it is not yet too late to open a negotiation, by which (if conductedwith the temper and in the language of conciliation) we may avert the evils which the continuance of this unnatural war cannot fail to produce. With this view, it was recommended in the debate, with the earnestness and seriousness suitable to the occafion, not to lose an hour in propofing a ceffation of hoftilities with Holland, for the purpose of meeting, and cultivating a friendly dif pofition, of reconciling commercial differences, and restoring that union of political interefts which has hitherto been thought fundamentally neceffary to the prefervation of the Protestant religion, and of the liberties of Europe. The inattention of his Majefty's minifters to fuch a propofition in the actual circumftances of this country; their difinclination to the objects of it, fo plainly. manifefted by the unprecedented confifcations intended by their proclamation of the 20th of December laft; the lofs of fo valuable an ally, the acceffion of fo confiderable a force to the formidale powers antecedently combined against us, and the just grounds it affords to apprehend the acceffion of other powers to that combination, leave us no other part to take as members of this House, after having ftated our ideas of the extent of the danger, and fuggefted what we conceive to be the best aud only remedy, than to enter our folemn proteft to exculpate ourselves from being acceffory to that accumulation of evils which we forefee, and think might be, but will not be prevented. Wycombe. Camden. Richmond. Ferrers. Portland. Rockingham. Fitzwilliam. Pembroke. BON MOT of LORD NORTH. That pleafantry which Lord North poffeffes in fo remarkable a degree, did not defert him in his late illness:addreffing himself to his phyfician, he faid, "Doctor, I am obliged to you for introducing to me some old acquaintance that I have not met with for many years!" "Who are thefe?" replied the Doctor. "My ribs ! (replied his Lordfhip), which I have not felt before this many a year." London Dec. 1. 1780. A AMERICA. len is a principal mover, have drawn the lines of this flate, established laws and re OUR laft volume contained accounts of gulations, exprefsly contrary to the will or the furrender of Charlestown, with all its dependencies, and an American army of near 6000 men, to the King's forces; - of a French army having taken poft in Rhode island, of Arnold, a major-general in the fervice of the revolted colonies, having quitted that fervice, and joined the King's ftandard; - of Gen. Leflie's being fent by Gen. Clinton from New York, on an expedition to the Chefapeak; of Sir Henry Clinton's continuing to command in chief the King's forces in North America; of the Earl Cornwallis's being commander in chief, under Gen. Clinton, in South Carolina; of Adm. Arbuthnot's being naval commander in chief in North America, and Adm. Rodney in the Weft Indies; and of the Weft Indies being vifited with a terrible storm in October, in which the island of Jamaica fuffered greatly, and that of Barbadoes till more. "New York, Dec. 20. Brig. Gen. Arnold [42. 596.], with upwards of 2000 men, all embarked on board transports, and ready to fail (only waiting for a fair wind), were lying in Sandy-hook at the date of this letter. The corps that compofe this army, confift of the Scotch re giment the 80th, or Edinburgh Royal volunteers, of two battalions, making 900 men; the Queen's rangers, mounting 500 men; Arnold's regiment, and two Provincial battalions. 400 bridies and faddles, and other accoutrements, were put on board the transports belonging to the fleet, as it is intended, when they arrive at their destination, to raife four troops of horse, each to confift of ico men. A number of large cannon for battering is on board the ftorefhips. Port mouth, and the province of Virginia, are the places the above expedition is intended for." withes of Congrets, and have gone so far as to defend the appointment of their own governor and civil officers, against the militia of the High and Mighty Congrefs, fent there to fupprefs all civil or military regulations made by these new people. New York, Dec. 10. The late accounts received from Albany inform us, that Colonel Ethan Allen, with upwards of 600 effective men, had joined the royal garrifon at Ticonderoga. The inhabitants of the district of Vermont had taken arms to defend themselves against a defcent expected upon their country from the rebels, preparations for which were making at Albany; where the enemy prefumed to threaten an attack in the winter feafon upon Fort St John, to destroy the British shipping laid up at that place. This intelligence perfectly agrees with accounts which we have received from different parts in the courfe of the laft fortnight; and as it is derived from very credible perfons, we hope foon to find it realifed by fome happy events that may refult from Col. Allen's acceding to the intereft of government, and taking an active part againft Congrefs; who, with their accustomed chicane and perfidy, have attempted to deceive all the inhabitants of Vermont." "New York, Dec. 28. The Board of Directors of Affociated Loyalifts have published, with the approbation of Sir Henry Clinton, a declaration, containing the following benefits and rewards, as an encouragement to all thofe who are inclined to affociate under their direction, for the purpose of annoying the revolted provinces, and diftreffing their trade. 1. That all perfons willing and able to bear arms for the fuppreffion of the prefent rebellion, and who engage to form Nothing (according to accounts re- under the direction of the Board, agreeceived from America towards the end of ably to this eftablishment, will be fubJanuary) has more difconcerted or given ject to the command of thofe officers who lo much vexation to the Congrefs, as the may be recommended by the Board, and eftablishment, against their will or ap- commiflioned by the Commander in probation, of a new state, called Vermont, Chief, during fuch term only as they may which is fituated on the frontier-parts of previously agree upon. New Hampshire, Connecticut, and NewYork, of extensive territory, fertile foil, and tolerably well peopled. A fet of the leading people in this quarter of America, joined by many of the New-Hampshire men, among whom the famous Ethan Al 2. That the Affociators are to be furnifhed with fuch ordnance and ftores, mall arms and ammunition, as may be judged proper for the fervice. 3. That they will be fupplied with rations of provifions when they are going upon upon service, and during their continuance thereon. 4. That all captures made by the Af fociators, when not acting in conjunction with any of his Majefty's land and fea forces, will be their entire property, and diftributed among them in fuch fhares as fhall be settled by the Board, and fpecified in the articles of affociation. 5. That they are to be furnished by the Commander in Chief of his Majefty's fhips on the North-American ftation with fuch shipping, to be manned by themselves, as may be thought neceffary for the fervice, from among the tranf ports or other veffels in his Majefty's pay, and not commanded by the King's officers. 6. That their mariners will not be impreffed into any other fervice during their continuance in the Directors employment. 7. That the prifoners they take, will be exchanged only for fuch Associated Loyalifts as the Board may name for that purpose. 8. That the fick and wounded of the Loyalifts fo affociated, will have the help and benefit of the King's hospitals. 9. That fuch as may at any time be called to serve the royal army as guides, will be allowed wages during their fervice. 10. That every Affociator who shall continue to act under the Directors orders during the rebellion, will receive a gratuitous grant of two hundred acres of land in North America. Added to these advantages, the Directors have also authority to declare, that the Commander in Chief has affured them, that if experience thould point out the utility of any new powers, the Board may firmly rely on his readiness to encourage the zeal of the Affociated Loyalists, and on his best endeavours to fulfil the expectations the King is pleafed to entertain of their abilities and intentions; and that, being defirous to give them every aid and fupport in his power, he will be ready to liften to any propo fals the Board may judge of advantage to the business his Majefty has been graclously pleased to commit to their direc tion.' Gen. Clinton and Adm. Arbuthnot, Commiffioners for reftoring peace in America, &c. [42. 49.], published a declaration at New York, dated Jan. 3. offering a pardon to all the deluded fub jects of the colonies who fhall furrender themselves to commanders of forces or governors, named in the declaration, any time before the 1ft of Auguft next, excepting fuch perfons as have been inftrumental, under the ufurped forms of trial, in executing and putting to death any of his Majesty's loyal fubjects. The American governor of New York, having ordered a court-martial on Jacob Shell and John M'Muller, charged with fecretly lurking in their state, they were found guilty, and hanged, on the 27th of October, at Albany. Charlestown, Nov. 26. On the 14th of September laft, a party of Americans, under the command of Lt-Col. Clarke, of the militia of Georgia, croffed the ri ver Savannah, about fixty miles above Augufta, made a rapid march down to that town, and attacked the detachment of the British army ftationed there, under the command of Lt-Col. Brown, killed and wounded a great many of the regular troops, and about feventy of the Indians. The whole of the British troops muft inevitably have fallen into the hands of the Americans, had not a reinforcement arrived from Ninety-fix, a ftation in South Carolina, about fifty miles diftant from Augusta, which obliged Col. Clarke to retreat; which he did with the lofs of about twenty-three men killed and wounded; but not without carrying off a great fupply of ammunition, and the greatest part of the goods depofited there as prefents for the Indians. After Clarke's retreat, fome few prifoners were taken; eleven of whom were hanged on the spot, without even the formality of a trial; fome were given up to the favage barbarity of the Indians; who were firft fcalped, and afterwards put to death. Shuddering humanity recoils on itself, and the cheek of honour reddeneth with indignation at the recital. While this tragedy was acting, I kept clofe at home; not thinking it prudent even to be a spectator on the occafion." "Savannah, in Georgia, Oct. 5. We hear from Augufta, that thirteen men have been lately hanged there, for having joined Clarke in his attack upon Col. Brown, after taking the oaths of allegiance to the British government." "New York, Nov. 29. The enterprise of the rebels against Augufta miscarried, through the firmnefs of Col. Brown, fapported by the opportune arrival of Col. one Col. Cruger, on which occafion the re- "Charlestown, Nov. 8. In confequence of the powers in me vefted by the Rt Hon. Earl Cornwallis [42.643.], and warrants received from his Lordship and the Commandant of Charlestown, I do hereby make public to all whom it may concern, That I have given the neceffary orders for the feizure of the estates, both real and perfonal, of thofe perfons whofe names are under mentioned, excepting fuch property in Charlestown as is fecured to those who were in the town at the time of capitulation. And I do hereby ftrictly prohibit all and every perfon or perfons from attempting to conceal, remove, or in any way injure the faid property, on pain of being punished, as aiding and abetting rebellion. JOHN CRUDEN. EE John Rutledge John Harleston, jun. By the Antelope packet, which failed from Charlestown on the 18th of January, dispatches were received from the Earl Cornwallis, Maj.-Gen. Leslie, and LtCol. Balfour, addressed to Lord George Germain ;-of which the following three extracts and letter have appeared in the London gazette. From the Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, dated, Camp, at Wynnefborough, Dec. 3.1780. "I had the honour to inform your Excellency, that Major Ferguson had taken infinite pains with fome of the miHe obtained my litia of Ninety-fix. permiffion to make an incurfion into Tryon county, whilft the fickness of my army prevented my moving. As he had only militia and the small remains of his own corps, without baggage or artillery, and as he promised to come back if he heard of any superior force, I thought he could do no harm, and might help to keep alive the fpirits of our friends in North Carolina, which might be damped by the flowness of our motions. The event proved unfortunate without any fault of Major Ferguson's. A numerous and unexpected enemy came from the mountains: as they had good horses their movements were rapid. Major Fergufon was tempted to ftay near the mountains longer than he intended, in hopes of cutting off Col. Clarke on his return from Georgia. He was not aware that the enemy was fo near him; and in endeavouring to execute my orders of passing the Catawba, and joining me at Charlotte-town, he was attacked by a very fuperior force, and totally defeated on King's Mountain. [42.688.] Wynnesborough, my present pofition, is an healthy fpot, well fituated to protect the greatest part of the northern frontier, and to affift Camden and Ninety-fix. Sumpter having paffed the Broad river, and joined Branan, Clarke, &c. I detached Major M'Arthur with the 1ft battalion of the 71ft, and the 63d regiment, after having fent my aid-de-camp, Lieut. Money, to take the command of it, to Brierly's ferry on Broad river, in order to cover our mills, and to give fome check From the Earl Cornwallis, dated, Wynnef- to the enemy's march to Ninety-fix. At borough, Dec. 18. 1780. "As your Lordship will doubtlefs be glad to hear, by every fafe opportunity, the ftate of affairs in the fouthern district, I have the honour of tranfmitting to you copy of my letter to the commander in chief on the 3d of this month. As this letter explains fully our paft operations, and prefent fituation, I have only to add, that Maj. Gen. Leflie is fafely arrived, with his whole fleet, at Charlestown." the fame time I recalled Lt. Col. Tarleton from the low country. Tarleton was fo fortunate as to pafs not only the Wateree, but the Broad river, without Gen. Sumpter's being apprised of it; who having increafed his corps to one thousand, had paffed the Ennoree, and was on the point of attacking our hundred militia at Williams's houfe, fifteen miles from Ninety-fix, and where I believe he would not have met with much refiftance. Lt Col Col. Tarleton would have surprised him on the fouth of Ennoree, had not a deferter of the 634 given notice of his march: he however cut to pieces his rear guard in pafling that river, and purfued his main body with fuch rapidity, that he could not fafely pafs the Tyger, and was obliged to halt on a very strong pofition, at a place called Black Stocks, clofe to it. Tarleton had with him only his cavalry, and the 63d mounted, his infantry and a three-pounder being feveral miles behind. The enemy not being able to retreat with fafety, and being informed of Tarleton's approach, and want of infantry, by a woman who paffed him on the march, and contrived by a nearer road to get to them, were encouraged by their great fuperiority of numbers, and began to fire on the 63d, who were difmounted. Lt-Col. Tarleton, to fave them from confiderable lofs, was obliged to attack, although at fome hazard, and drove the enemy with lofs over the river: Sumpter was dangerously wounded, three of their colonels killed, and about 120 men killed, wounded, or taken. On our fide about 50 were killed and wounded. Lieut Gibfon and Cope of the 63d were amongst the former, and my aid-de camp Lieut. Money, who was a moft promifing officer, died of his wounds a few days after. Lt-Col. Tarleton, as foon as he had taken care of his wounded, purfued and difperfed the remaining part of Sumpter's corps; and then, having affembled fome militia under Mr Cunningham, whom I appointed brigadier-general of the militia of that diftrict, and who has by far the greateft influence in that country, he returned to the Broad river, where he at prefent remains ; as well as Major M'Arthur in the neighbourhood of Brierley's ferry. It is not eafy for Lt-Col. Tarleton to add to the reputation he has acquired in this province; but the defeating 1000 men, pofted on very strong ground, and occupying log-houfes, with 190 cavalry and 80 infantry, is a proof of that fpirit and thofe talents which muft render the molt effential fervices to his country. Lt-Col. Tarleton commends much the good behaviour of the officers and men under his command; and he particularly mentions Lieut. Skinner, of the 16th regiment of infantry, who does duty with the legion, as having diftinguished ́himfelf." From Maj. Gen. Leflie, dated, Charlestown, Dec. 19. 1780. "I did myself the honour of writing to your Lordship, at fea, on board his Majefty's flip the Romulus, the 27th ult. From hard gales, and contrary winds, we did not get here before the 13th inftant. The troops are all arrived in great health : we met with no lofs except our horfes. Com. Gayton paid the greatest attention in keeping his fleet together, and difpofing of his light-armed vefels for the protection of the tranfports. I found orders here to march up the country, with about 1530 men, to join Lord Cornwallis as foon as poffible : the want of borfes and waggons prevented me proceeding on my march until this day." [42.647.] A letter from Lt-Col. Balfour, commandant at Charlestown, dated, Charlestown, Fan. 16. 1781. "My LORD, I am honoured with Lord Cornwallis's directions to addrefs myself to your Lordfhip during his abfence from this province, and to have the honour of informing your Lordship, from time to time, of the itate of the army, and the fituation of affairs here. By the laft difpatches from Lord Cornwallis, which were dated the 11th inftant, the army was then in motion, and advancing towards North Carolina, fo that his Lordship would reach Bullock creek, between the Catawba and Broad rivers, by the 16th; to which I am happy to add, that the troops under his command, were, at that time, in the higheft health. The lateft accounts of the enemy inform us, that Gen. Green, with his army, is at Hayly's ferry, on the eastern banks of the Pedee. In order to co-operate with Lord Cornwallis's views on Cape-Fear river, and to afford provifions and other fupplies for his army, a fmall force of about 300 men, under Major Craig of the 82d regiment, will fail from hence with the packet. Capt. Barkley in the Blonde, with the Delight and Otter floops of war, convoy this corps, and will co-operate with the troops on this expedition; which, I truft, will be fuccessful, and give us poffeffion of Wilmington, and of this very effential communication. It is with pleasure I inform your Lordship, that many of the principal inhabi tants |