Part 1

THE HISTORY OF THE RISE, PROGRESS, AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE United States of America: INCLUDING AN ACCOUNT OF THE LATE WAR, AND OF THE THIRTEEN COLONIES, FROM THEIR ORIGIN TO THAT PERIOD.

BY WILLIAM GORDON, _D. D._

_Qiud verum*** curo, et rogo et omnis in hoc sum._ HORAT. 1 Ep. 1 Lib.

THE THIRD AMERICAN EDITION.

VOL. II.

_NEW-YORK_: PRINTED FOR SAMUEL CAMPBELL, NO. 124, PEARL-STREET, BY JOHN WOODS. M.DCCC.I

THE GENERAL CONTENTS OF THE SEVERAL LETTERS IN VOL. II.

LETTER I. P. 11–42.

New-Hampshire convention take up civil government, p. 11. The critical situation of the American army before Boston, p. 14. General Lee is sent on to New-York, p. 15. The inhabitants of Tryon county disarmed, p. 16. General Montgomery killed in an attack upon Quebec, p. 22. Preparations for taking possession of Dorchester Heights, p. 25. The Americans possess themselves of the same, p. 26. General Howe resolves upon evacuating Boston, p. 28—evacuates it, p. 30. The hardships experienced by the inhabitants of the town, p. 33. Norfolk in Virginia, burnt, p. 35. The North-Carolina insurgents subdued, p. 36. The acts of congress, p. 38. Commodore Hopkins’s naval expedition, p. 40.

LETTER II. P. 42–61.

The general voice of the Europeans rather favorable to the Americans, p. 43. A dreadful tempest on the coasts of Newfoundland, p. 45. General Conway opposes administration, p. 47. The duke of Grafton unexpectedly quits it, p. 48. Governor Penn examined before the house of lords, p. 50. The address of the representatives of Nova-Scotia to the king and parliament, p. 52. The bill for prohibiting all intercourse with the Thirteen United Colonies strenuously opposed, p. 53. Sir Peter Parker and earl Cornwallis sail for America, p. 55. The British king’s treaties with the German princes, p. 56—protested against, p. 58. Lord Howe and general Howe constituted his majesty’s commissioners for restoring peace to the colonies, p. 59. The sentiments of the French relative to the American contest, p. 61.

LETTER III. P. 61–92.

The blockade of Quebec continued, p. 62. The Americans conclude upon retreating from before it, p. 63. The American fort at the Cedars surrendered, p. 65. General Thomson goes against the British at Three-Rivers; is defeated and taken, p. 66. The Americans retreat from Canada, p. 68. Capt. Mugford takes the Hope, ordnance store ship, p. 71. The British ships of war are driven from Nantasket, p. 72. A number of highlanders, with lieut. col. Campbell, taken in Boston Bay, p. 74. Measures taken to draw the New-Yorkers into independency, _ibid._ Acts of congress, p. 75. Resolutions respecting independency moved and seconded in congress, p. 77. Mr. Payne’s pamphlet stiled Common Sense, p. 78. A scheme for destroying general Washington’s army at New-York, p. 79. Sir Peter Parker and general Clinton’s design against Charleston, in South-Carolina, p. 80. Pennsylvania and Maryland agree to independence, p. 87. The declaration of independence, _ibid._

LETTER IV. P. 93–106.

Lord Howe arrives off Staten-Island, and sends a letter to George Washington, esq. p. 94. General Howe lands the royal army on Long-Island, p. 97—surprises and defeats the Americans, p. 98. The Americans conclude upon evacuating the island, p. 101. The wretched state of the armies under generals Washington and Gates, p. 104.

LETTER V. P. 107–149.

Some members of congress have a conference with lord Howe, p. 107. General Washington’s distressing situation, p. 108. The Americans evacuate New-York, p. 112. A terrible fire at New-York, p. 113. Great animosities in the American army, _ibid._ Congress adopt a new code for the government of the army, p. 114. General Howe lands on Frog’s-Neck, p. 116. The Americans, by the advice of general Lee, evacuate New-York island, p. 117. The battle of the Brunx, or White-Plains, p. 119. General Howe advances toward King’s-bridge, p. 121. General Washington crosses the North-River, p. 123. The royal army takes Fort Washington, p. 124. Fort Lee abandoned by general Greene, p. 126. General Washington retreats to Newark, and through the Jerseys, across the Delaware into Pennsylvania, p. 127. General Lee taken, p. 130. A summary of the captures made by general Howe during the campaign, p. 131. General Lee’s letter to the French minister, p. 132. The Carolinians engage in a successful war with the Cherokees, p. 133. Acts of congress, p. 137. They appoint commissioners to the court of France, p. 139—agree upon a scheme of a lottery, p. 142. General Gates fixes upon general Arnold to command the American fleet on Lake Champlain, p. 143. Arnold engages the British fleet and is defeated, p. 145. The wind keeps back Sir Guy Carlton from improving his victory, p. 146—his humanity to the American prisoners, p. 148.

LETTER VI. P. 150–178.

The infatuation of the enemy saved the Americans when they retreated across the Delaware, p. 150. General Washington crosses into the Jerseys, defeats a body of Hessians at Trenton, and returns to Pennsylvania, p. 152. Returns to Trenton, p. 154—deceives lord Cornwallis; marches for Princeton; and there attacks the fourth British brigade, p. 156—proceeds to Morristown, while Cornwallis hastens back to Brunswick with all speed, p. 159. Acts of congress and their instructions to their ministers, p. 163. Their resolves for supporting the credit of their paper emissions, and making the same a lawful tender, p. 163. The enormities of the royal troops in the Jerseys and at New-York, p. 165. The whole country of the Jerseys rendered hostile by means of them, p. 166. The American troops guilty of great plundering, p. 168. The American stores at Peek’s-kill destroyed by the British, p. 170. The states attempt the regulating of prices, p. 171. The treatment of the American prisoners at New-York, p. 172—the consequences of it, p. 175. The American cruisers make considerable captures, p. 176.

LETTER VII. P. 178–189.

The naval preparations of the house of Bourbon, p. 178. Lord John Cavendish’s pointed speech against the measures of government, p. 179. The answer of ministry, p. 179. The bill for empowering the crown to secure persons accused or suspected of high treason, or of piracy, meets with opposition, p. 183. John the Painter, alias James Aitkin, p. 184. Mr. Arthur Lee’s correspondence with Mr. Beaumarchais, p. 185. The general assembly of the church of Scotland addresses his majesty, p. 189.

LETTER VIII. P. 190–271.

The committee of congress appointed to enquire into the conduct of the enemy, make their report, p. 191. Governor Tryon sent upon an expedition to Danbury, p. 195. Colonel Meigs’s expedition to Sagg-harbour, p. 198. General Howe takes the field, but soon returns to Brunswick, p. 199—removes to Amboy, p. 201—advances unexpectedly from Amboy toward general Washington, p. 202—embarks his army from Staten-Island, _ibid._ General Scuyler supersedes Gates in the command of the northern army, p. 203. General Burgoyne proceeds with the royal troops from Canada to Crown-point, and issues out a singular proclamation, p. 204—invests the American posts, p. 206. General St. Clair concludes upon evacuating Tyconderoga and Mount Independence, _ibid._—his rear guard attacked by general Frazer, p. 208—he joins Scuyler at Fort Edward, p. 210. The state of Scuyler’s army, p. 211. General Prescot surprised and carried off from Rhode-Island by lieut. col. Barton, p. 213. Sir William Howe sails from Sandy-Hook while Washington is greatly perplexed about his destination, _ibid._—lands his troops at Elk ferry in Maryland, while Washington marches with his troops toward the Brandywine, p. 215. Acts of congress, p. 216. Some account of the marquis de la Fayette, p. 218. General Gates elected to command the northern army, and to relieve Scuyler, p. 219. General Sullivan’s expedition to Staten-Island, p. 220. The report of the committee of congress respecting the quakers, p. 222. Sir W. Howe attacks the Americans at the Brandywine, and defeats them, p. 224. General Washington having retreated to Philadelphia, quits the city, with a full resolution of passing the Scuylkill and giving Sir William battle, p. 227—re-crosses the Scuylkill, p. 229. General Wayne attacked by general Grey, _ibid._ Sir William Howe deceives the American commander, crosses the Scuylkill unexpectedly, and enters Philadelphia, _ibid._—Lord Howe conducts the fleet to the Delaware, p. 230. General Washington surprises the British troops at German-town, p. 232. St. Leger invests Fort Stanwix, p. 237—the militia marching to relieve are surprised and beaten, p. 238. Arnold undertakes to relieve it, and succeeds, p. 239. Burgoyne sends a body of Germans to surprise the American stores at Bennington, p. 242—they are defeated by Stark, who commands the New-Hampshire militia, p. 243. Letters between Burgoyne and Gates, p. 245. An account of Miss M’Crea’s death, _ibid._ Lincoln sends colonel Brown to lake George to release the American prisoners, and destroy the British stores, p. 247. The Americans under general Gates engage the British under Burgoyne, p. 248. Sir H. Clinton attacks and takes forts Montgomery and Clinton, p. 253. A second engagement between Burgoyne and Gates, p. 255. The distress and calamity of the royal army, p. 258. The funeral of general Frazer, p. 259. The Americans accidentally prevented, when about attacking the royal troops under great disadvantages, p. 261——Burgoyne is baffled in his design of gaining Fort Edward, p. 263—enters upon a treaty with Gates, p. 264—signs the convention, p. 265. Æsopus burnt by the troops under Vaughan, p. 268. The convention troops pass through the center of the Americans, as they begin their march to Boston, without meeting with the least insult, p. 269.

LETTER IX. P. 272–304.

Count Donop repulsed in the attack upon Red-bank, p. 272. The American and British force under Washington and Howe, p. 273. Mud-Island, p. 274——reduced p. 276. The American army at White Marsh, p. 277—hut at Valley-forge, p. 278—their distress, _ibid._ Complaints of prisoners being ill used, p. 280. Mr. president Hancock takes leave of congress, p. 282. The confederation, p. 285. Acts of congress, p. 293—resolve to recal Mr. Silas Deane, p. 294—resolve respecting a loan from France and Spain, p. 296—respecting the deputy clothier general at Boston, p. 297. The convention troops at Cambridge, and the resolutions of congress for their detention, p. 298. Naval captures, p. 303.

LETTER X. P. 305–328.

A design to remove general Washington from the command of the American army, p. 305. Congress receive a packet of blank papers, p. 308. The distresses of the Americans at Valley-forge, p. 310. Washington’s thoughts upon providing halfpay for the officers, _ibid._ Defects in the American medical department, p. 314. Acts of congress, p. 317. They receive the treaties concluded between the king of France and the United States, p. 320—address the inhabitants of the United States, p. 322. The South-Carolinians new model their temporary form of government, p. 324. The Randolph frigate blown up, p. 325. The Mischianza in honor of Sir W. Howe, p. 327. The marquis de la Fayette, with 2500 men, narrowly escapes being cut off by the British forces, _ibid._

LETTER XI. P. 328–343.

The conduct of the French, p. 329. Upon the news of the Saratoga convention, the American commissioners are received by the court in their public character, p. 331. Preliminaries of a treaty are delivered to them, p. 332. The London merchants raise money for the relief of the American prisoners, _ibid._ Ministerial attempts for raising a body of troops by a voluntary supply from the people, p. 333. The treaties between France and the United States are signed, p. 335. Lord North’s conciliatory propositions, p. 336. General Gates’s letter to the earl of Thanet, p. 337. The French rescript informing the British court of the treaty between France and the United States, and the same laid before the house of commons, p. 338. The American commissioners have a public audience of the French king, p. 339. Lord Chatham seized with a fainting, while engaged in speaking against the acknowledgment of American independence, p. 340. Count d’Estaing sails from Toulon, p. 341. An act passed for relieving the papists, _ibid._ Admiral Keppel sails on a cruise off Ushant, p. 342.

LETTER XII. P. 343–350.

Accounts of admiral Keppel, p. 343. He engages the French fleet under count d’Orvilliers, p. 347—returns to Plymouth, p. 348.

LETTER XIII. P. 350–397.

The British commissioners for restoring peace arrive at Philadelphia, p. 351. The British army under Sir Henry Clinton evacuate that city, p. 352. The American army pursue them, p. 354. Sir H. Clinton changes the disposition of his troops, p. 355. General Lee, with the advanced American corps, ordered to fall upon the rear of the British, p. 356. Some firing between them, p. 359. Lee’s corps retreat, p. 360. Washington meets the troops, and orders them to make a stand, p. 361. The British are checked, p. 363—and at length compelled to give way, _ibid._ They arrive at Sandy-Hook, p. 364. General Lee has charges exhibited against him, and is tried, p. 365. Lord Howe arrives at Sandy-Hook with the fleet from Philadelphia, p. 367. Count d’Estaing’s fleet anchors without the Hook, p. 368. The count sails for Newport, p. 369. General Sullivan, with a body of Americans, crosses over to Rhode-Island, p. 371. A violent storm prevents an engagement between lord Howe and count d’Estaing, _ibid._ The French decline prosecuting the expedition against Newport, p. 372. Sullivan’s troops engage the British, p. 373—and then retreat from off the island, p. 375. The British expedition against Bedford, p. 376. Governor Johnstone’s attempts to corrupt certain members of congress, p. 377. Congress resolve to hold no intercourse with him, _ibid._ The British commissioners appeal to the people, p. 378—publish a valedictory manifesto and proclamation, p. 379. Acts of congress, p. 381. Mr. Gerard, the French plenipotentiary, has a public audience, p. 381. The choice of Dr. Franklin, by congress, for their minister plenipotentiary at the court of France, and their instructions to him, p. 382. The Indian expeditions against the Connecticut settlers at Wyoming, p. 385. Colonel Clarke’s expedition into the Indian country, p. 390. The British expedition to Egg-harbour, p. 391. Quarrels between the Americans and French at Charleston, in South-Carolina, and at Boston, p. 393. Count d’Estaing and his officers entertained at Boston, ibid.—he sails from thence, p. 395. President Laurens’s letter to governor Houston, p. 397.

LETTER XIV. P. 396–417.

The American colonel Butler’s expedition, p. 396. The British colonel Butler’s expedition to Cherry-Valley, p. 398.—Two Quakers executed for high treason against the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, _ibid._ The plan for reducing Canada considered and laid aside, p. 399. The British operations against Georgia, p. 400. Mr. Silas Deane and congress, p. 403. Mr. Payne addresses him under the signature of Common Sense, p. 405. Mr. Gerard alarmed by the publications; and the resolves of congress concerning them, p. 406. The affairs of the United States in a deplorable condition, p. 408. The committee of congress report the communication of Mr. Gerard, p. 409. The count de Vergennes’ policy, p. 410. Gen. Lincoln sent to South-Carolina, _ibid._— proceeds to Georgia, p. 411. The South-Carolina tories routed, p. 412. General Ashe surprised and defeated, p. 414. A number of loyal refugees at New-York imbodied, p. 416.—Dominica taken by the French, _ibid._

LETTER XV. P. 418–426.

Admiral Keppel tried and honorably acquitted, p, 418. Sir Hugh Palliser tried and acquitted, p. 419. Admiral Barrington with a body of British troops engaged in an expedition against St. Lucie, and takes it, notwithstanding count d’Estaing’s efforts to save it, p. 420. Riots at Glasgow and Edinburgh, p. 423. The British cruisers seize Dutch vessels, p. 424. Gen. Munro takes Pondicherry, p. 426.

LETTER XVI. P. 427–448.

Upon gen. Lincoln’s marching far up the Savannah, general Prevost enters South-Carolina, and pushes for Charlestown, p. 427—he retreats from before the place, p. 429. Lincoln attacks a part of the British army at Stono-Ferry, p. 430. General Marthew makes a descent on Virginia, p. 431. Sir Henry Clinton takes Stoney-Point, p. 432. Colonel Clarke’s expedition against lieut. gov. Hamilton of Detroit, p. 433. Gov. Tryon’s expedition against New-Haven, Fairfield and Norwalk, p. 434. General Wayne re-takes Stoney-Point, p. 436. Acts of congress, p. 438. The minister of France has a conference with congress, p. 439. Major Lee’s expedition against the British post at Powle’s Hook, p. 446. St. Vincents taken by the French, p. 447.

LETTER XVII. P. 448–458.

The French fleet sails from Brest and joins the Spanish, p. 448. The Spanish ambassador presents a manifesto to the British secretary, p. 449. The combined fleet steer for Plymouth, p. 450—abandon the British coasts, p. 451. Grenada taken by the French, p. 452. Admiral Byron engages count d’Estaing, 453. Captain Paul Jones engages Captain Pearson, p. 454. Sir Joseph Yorke presents a memorial to their High Mightinesses, p. 456. The state of Ireland, p. 457. Gibralter invested, p. 459.

THE RISE, PROGRESS, AND CONCLUSION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

LETTER I.

_Roxbury, April 26, 1776._

You have been informed of the measures which the promoters of independency adopted for the ripening of that event; in the advice which congress were prevailed upon to give to the New-Hampshire, the South-Carolina, and Virginia conventions.

[Jan. 5, 1776.] The New-Hampshire provincial convention proceeded in their design, and voted, “that this congress take up civil government in form following—We being authorised in particular to establish some form of government, provided that measure be recommended by the continental congress, and a recommendation being transmitted—the sudden departure of his excellency John Wentworth and several of the council leaving us destitute of legislation, and no executive courts being open to punish criminal offenders—therefore protesting that we never meant to throw off our dependence upon Great-Britain, and that we shall rejoice if such a reconciliation, between us and our parent state, can be effected, as shall be approved by the continental congress—do resolve; that the congress do assume the name and power of a house of representatives: that they proceed to choose twelve persons, to be a distinct branch of the legislature, by the name of a council for this colony; and that no act shall be valid unless passed by both branches.” But this procedure was not universally approved. A memorial and remonstrance of the freeholders and inhabitants of Portsmouth was presented to the convention sitting at Exeter. [Jan. 10.] It sets forth, that “the memorialists are greatly alarmed, by the information, that they are about to dissolve their existence as a convention and assume that of a house of representatives, and to proceed to the election of twelve counsellors, who are to act as another branch of legislation for the future government of this colony.” They remonstrate against the procedure from an opinion that the inhabitants will not generally approve it; and wish therefore that the minds of the people may be fully taken on such a momentuous concernment, for that it is their inherent right to know the plan, before adopted and carried into execution. They say also, “it amounts to an open declaration of independency, which we can by no means countenance.” A dissent and protest was brought into convention, [Jan. 12.] by several of the representatives; the purport of it was, “We dissent and protest against the present plan of taking up government for the following reasons—the vote of the continental congress countenancing the same, was obtained by the unwearied importunity of our delegates there, as appears by their letter;—the said vote does not appear to have been unanimous, but we have reason to think otherwise;—New-York and Virginia (which are in similar circumstances with us, and are much larger and more opulent, and we presume much wiser, and to which we would pay all due deference), have not attempted any thing of the kind, nor as we can learn have desired it;—it appears assuming for so small a colony to take the lead in a matter of so great importance;—our constituents never expected us to make a new form of government, but only to set the judicial and executive wheels in motion;—it appears to us, too much like setting up an independency on the mother country.” The convention however proceeded in their plan; but when it was executed, and the body had assumed the form of two houses, they had the consistency to receive petitions [Jan. 18.] from the towns of Portsmouth, Dover, Newington, Rochester, Stratham, North-Hampton, Rye, New-Market, Kensington, Greenland, and part of Brentwood, against taking up government in the new established form. Both houses met in the town-house, the petitions were read, considered, and fully argued by the council for the petitioners. It was voted, [Jan. 27.] that the committee write to the continental congress, and lay the plan of government taken up by the colony before them, and let them know that a number of members of this house dissented from and protested against the same, because of its being supposed to breathe too much of the spirit of independency; and request to know the judgment of the congress thereon. Whatever letter the committee might write was porbably forwarded under cover to one of their own delegates; and by the advice of certain members was not brought before congress as a body, till the day after they had given their sanction to the plan, by admitting upon their journals, on the 29th of February, the credentials of the delegates chosen by the house of representatives on January the 23d.

When Mr. S. Adams saw the instructions given by the capital of New-Hampshire, he was dissatisfied, and fearful, lest if that colony took a wrong step, it should wholly defeat the design, he owned, he had much at heart. He had been alarmed before in the beginning of the month, when a motion was made in congress to this purpose.—“Whereas we have been charged with aiming at independency, a committee shall be appointed to explain to the people at large the principles and grounds of our opposition, &c.” It would not do for Mr. S. Adams evidently to interest himself in opposing the motion, though he was apprehensive that they should get themselves on dangerous ground; but some other delegates prevailed so far as to have the matter postponed; and yet they could not prevent the assigning of a day to consider it. Some little time before, he had conversed with another gentleman, probably a Virginia delegate, about a confederation; when they agreed it must soon be brought on, and that if all the colonies would not come into it, it had better be done by those that incline to it. Mr. Adams promised, he would endeavour to unite the New-England colonies in confederation, if none of the rest would join in it; the other approved of it, and said that if Mr. S. Adams succeeded, he would cast in his lot among them. Many of the principal gentlemen in the Massachusetts have been long urging their delegates at congress to bring forward independency; the more so, for a persuasion that, resistance unto blood having been once made against the governmental measures the British spirit will never be quieted, with any thing short of those concessions and satisfactions, which Americans never make. General Washington has no wish, that the congress would declare the colonies independent: but many other officers, especially among the New-Englanders, are desirous of it; though the situation of their military affairs could of late afford them no reasonable encouragement. They have been obliged to change their army by a new enlistment under the mouths of their enemy’s cannon; and while employed in this operation, had not for some time men enough to defend their lives had the British troops commenced an attack. They had to guard an extent of better than a dozen miles, with few more troops than what were in Boston. Such was the want of muskets, that in order to supply the new enlisted soldiers, they forcibly detained those belonging to the privates whose time was out, and who refused to serve longer; but not without paying for them.