by the by that several bills from Mr. Treasurer Ashe came to hand before your warrant, and they were paid on my giving my approbation.2 I laid the intelligence you gave me relative to Indian affairs before the Congress, who were just then in deliberation on that subject. Gen. Hand, an experienced officer, is ordered to the frontier to direct the necessary operations for their defence. He has directions to embody the militia of Pennsylvania and Virginia in such numbers and divisions as he shall find necessary, and to repel, or invade the Indians if the circumstances of the war require it. you will be startled at this power: but it was given at the request of Pennsylvania and Virginia, whose peculiar circumstances had made it necessary. Your vigilance, Sir, has anticipated any measures necessary for the security of our frontiers, and as I am better satisfied to rely on your powers for all the exertions of our State, than to admit. extraordinary interpositions 3 of Congress, I contented myself with marely assenting to the measures recommended by Pennsylvania and Virginia, without requiring them to extend to us. While our own militia is to perform the services, I believe it will be also agreeable to my country, as well as to me, that they should be under the command of their own officers, and under the direction of our own magistrates, especially while your Excellency presides. When I am to consent to the contrary, it must be under express instructions, or when inevitable and very sudden necessity allows no time to consult, and no choice of alternatives; and even then I should rely on such circumstances to excuse me to candid constituents, but not to justify me to this tribunal. . . . 3a In your favour of the 16th you have prophesied what has since in a great measure come to pass. All particular jealousies are for the present. laid to sleep, and long and uninterrupted may their slumber be. We are more wisely employed in giving vigor to our military operations, and in correcting abuses in our department [s]. . . . I am very much concerned for the apprehensions you express relative to the indolence of our officers. Many abuses are complained of from every quarter in the recruiting service, and it is at length found to proceed from the idea that the civil power of the States had no control over them. This is what I had suggested very soon after my arrival at Congress,* but it was always reluctantly listened to, until the abuse was complained of from many quarters, and attributed to the same cause. I brought in a 2 See the Journals, Feb. 5; also Burke to Caswell, Feb. 5, Mar. II (paragraphs omitted from nos. 337, 400, ante). Caswell's letter of Feb. 16 is in N. C. State Recs., XI. 392. A letter of Feb. 26 (evidently that to which Burke refers) is ibid., XI. 396. See also Caswell to Jacob Blount, Feb. 26, ibid., XI. 397; Caswell to Samuel Johnston, Mar. 5, ibid., XI. 408; and Caswell to Burke, Apr. 20, ibid., XI. 456. See the Journals, Feb. 27, Mar. 25, Apr. 9-11. Leading up to this action were letters of George Morgan, agent for Indian affairs at Pittsburgh, Feb. 12, 17, Mar. 2, 9, 15, 24, and a letter from Governor Henry of Virginia, Mar. 28. See the Journals, Feb. 24, 27, Mar. 19, 25, Apr. 7, 8, 22, 26; cf. ibid., Jan. 6, 8. See also Pa. Arch., first ser., V. 258-261, 286-288, 443, 488, 528, 540, and no. 746, post. Col. Edward Hand was made brigadier-general Apr. 1. A protest by a group of North Carolina officers against his promotion is in N. C. State Recs., XI. 750, 751. See also ibid., p. 562. 3a The text in N. C. State Recs. reads "exterpositions". Similarly, a few lines below, the text reads "alternations" instead of alternatives. Cf. Burke's abstract of debates, Feb. 25 (no. 382, ante). Resolution for correcting the abuse through the interventions of the States, and was very happy in finding no opposition made on the old ground. It produced a reference to a Committee, and the result was the Resolutions which the President transmits to you, and of which the inclosed is a copy. I doubt not your vigorous exertions to root out all the evils in that department, which may be found in the State over which you preside. The Resolution, with respect to servants was originally followed by a clause, requiring compensation to be made to owners and masters; but it fell through, on an equal division; those voting against it, who were most interested in the affirmative. The day (Viz 15th May) is not well calculated for your State: but that Resolution is expected and intended to have its effect in the States, nearer to the field of action, and that day was deemed remote enough for that purpose. Upon the whole, Sir, I hope it will every where have as great effect as it can." We have for a few days been alarmed here, tho', I believe without foundation. No consternation followed upon this occasion, but measures were calmly taken to oppose the enemy. The Congress are sensible of the impropriety of their last flight, and I believe they will not again fall into the like error. I have added all in my power to confirm them in this disposition, and the timid members have encountered such poignant ridicule from many quarters, that I believe they deem the approach of the enemy less formidable than another series of like encounters. I, for my own part, intend to stay in the city, and give my best assistance for its defence, unless it shall be determined to abandon it altogether.®. . . I inclose you the paper of the last date, which contains every intelligence I can give you. The dispatches from France mentioned in it contain little more than that it is the current opinion in Brittain, that ten thousand men will be sent the ensuing summer against Virginia and Maryland, under the command of General Burgoin. You will be pleased to excuse any inaccuracies in this scrawl, which I write in a crowd of disputing Delegates, in the Library adjoining the Congress room. 437. THE MASsachusetts DELEGATES TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (?).1 [April 16 (?), 1777.] The Intelligence which Congress has very lately receivd of the Enemies repeated Depredations in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, gave occasion to the passing of the following Resolution: 2 5 See the Journals, Apr. 12, 14. Cf. Burke to Caswell, Apr. 1, N. C. State Recs., XI. 437. 6 See Burke's abstract, Feb. 26 (no. 384, ante). 7 "Last night two French Gentlemen arrived in town, who came passengers in the Morris. We hear they have brought dispatches to the Congress from our Ambassadors at the Court of France." Pennsylvania Packet, Apr. 15. See nos. 439, 440, post. [437] N. Y. Pub. Lib., Samuel Adams Papers (draft). 2 See the Journals, Apr. 16. Cf. nos. 438, 442, 444, post. But such has been the Attention of the Massachusetts Bay to the Safety of all these united States, as renders it needless for us to enlarge upon the Necessity of their turning an immediate Attention to the Reliefe of one in their own Neighborhood, which bears a large Share in the Calamities of War. We request that you would lay the Resolution before the General Assembly, as an Apology for this Letter; for, supposing them to have before this Time been made fully acquainted with the Circumstances of Rhode Island, we will not doubt but they are taking such vigorous measures in consequence as to superceed all Necessity for the Resolve which furnishes this particular Occasion of our professing ourselves with much Respect Sir Your very humble Servts. Sir 438. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES BOWDOIN.1 PHILADELPHIA April 16, 1777 Congress have this day passed a Resolution in the offensive Stile. The Character of New England is concerned in the execution of it. I hope in God, that little Banditti of the Halt and blind in Rhode Island will be destroyed in all events. . . . . if it costs us Thousands of Lives it ought to be done. But I believe by an expedition prudently conducted they may be driven off or made Prisoners without any considerable Loss.2 439. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN.' April 16, 1777 An unfortunate Vessell has arrived from France, the brave Fellow who commanded her is blown to Pieces in her. A French Nobleman who came in her got on Shore and brought the Letters. We have Letters from our Commissioners of the Sixth of Feby., much in the same Strain with the former of Jany. 17, tho not quite so encouraging. They say there is an universal Apprehension that We shall submit. They had not heard of the Turn of Affairs at Trenton. 3 To this point the writing is that of Samuel Adams; the remainder is in the writing of James Lovell. [438]1 Mass. Arch., CXCVI. 421. 2 See no. 437, ante. [439]1 Warren-Adams Letters, I. 313. 2 Cf. the letter to Mrs. Adams, Apr. 13 (Familiar Letters, p. 259); also Richard Henry Lee to Patrick Henry, Apr. 15, Letters (ed. Ballagh), I. 273. 3 See Wharton, Rev. Dipl. Corr., II. 261-265. Cf. nos. 421, 422, 436, ante, and nos. 440, 470, 473, post; also Samuel Adams to James Warren, Apr. 17, Warren-Adams Letters, I. 314. Although the letters in this period from the commissioners abroad were from time to time read in Congress, it was not yet the practice to record the reading in the journals. On Apr. 17, the day following the date of this letter, a step was taken toward placing the business of this correspondence on a better basis, the name of the committee of secret correspondence being changed to committee of foreign affairs. At the same time a secretary to the committee was chosen in the person of Thomas Paine, who 440. RICHARD HENRY LEE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.1 Your letter to the Committee was immediately laid before Congress,2 and in consequence thereof Gen. Schuyler was ordered to carry your ideas into execution with all possible dispatch. The Troops are therefore ordered to Bristol without delay, and thither will go all such as come from the Southward. You have only to order them from Bristol to Head Quarters at your pleasure. The inclosures now sent are from France by the last Ship.3. Sir 441. FRANCIS LEWIS TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE NEW YORK Yesterday Mr. Phil. Livingston shew'd me Resolves of the Honble Convention, dated 29th Ulto. requesting my attendance at their Board to which I shall pay due regard, but it will be out of my power to proceed for Kingston immediately, for the reasons communicated to your Committee of Correspondence and to which beg your refference, besides had drawn attention to himself by his pamphlet Common Sense. Following an account of the appearance of Paine's pamphlet and a discussion of its effect, John Adams relates in his Autobiography (Works, II. 509) something of the circumstances of his appointment: Notwithstanding these doubts, I felt myself obliged to Paine for the pains he had taken, and for his good intentions to serve us, which I then had no doubt of. I saw he had a capacity and a ready pen; and, understanding he was poor and destitute, I thought we might put him into some employment where he might be useful and earn a living. Congress appointed a Committee of Foreign Affairs, not long after, and they wanted a clerk. I nominated Thomas Paine, supposing him a ready writer and an industrious man. Dr. Witherspoon, the President of New Jersey College, and then a delegate from that State, rose and objected to it with an earnestness that surprised me. The Doctor said he would give his reasons; he knew the man and his communication; when he first came over, he was on the other side, and had written pieces against the American cause; that he had afterwards been employed by his friend, Robert Aitkin, and finding the tide of popularity run rapidly, he had turned about; that he was very intemperate, and could not write until he had quickened his thoughts with large draughts of rum and water; that he was, in short, a bad character, and not fit to be placed in such a situation. General Roberdeau spoke in his favor; no one confirmed Witherspoon's account, though the truth of it has since been sufficiently established. Congress appointed him; but he was soon obnoxious by his manners, and dismissed." (See the Journals, Jan. 6-8, 9, 11, 12, 16, 1779.) [440] Library of Congress, Letters to Washington, XX. 328; Letters of Richard Henry Lee (ed. Ballagh), I. 276. 2 The committee referred to, consisting of Wilson, Clymer, Lee, Clark, and John Adams, was appointed Apr. 9 (see also the Journals, Apr. 10). Washington's letter, dated Apr. 12 (Library of Congress, Letters to Washington), was read in Congress Apr. 16. Cf. his letter to the President of Congress, Apr. 12, Writings (ed. Ford), V. 321. See nos. 432, 433, ante, and nos. 445, 453, 455, 464, post. 3 The enclosures included extracts from letters of Arthur Lee to the committee of secret correspondence, Feb. 11, 14 (Wharton, Rev. Dipl. Corr., II. 266, 270). See nos. 436, 439, ante. [441] N. Y. State Lib., Revolutionary Papers, X. 101; Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., II. 425. 2 The letter referred to is dated Apr. 16, and is addressed to Robert R. Livingston and William Allison (Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., II. 424): "As I left my baggage at some matters of moment in Committees of which I am a member that requires my attendence for a few days. these necessary requisitions compleated, I shall be as expeditious as possible in my attendance upon the Honble. Board. PHILA. 17th. April 1777. The Honble Abm. Ten Broeck Esqr Sir 442. ROGER SHERMAN TO THE GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT 1 PHILADELPHIA April 17th. 1777 Congress is desirous if possible to Subdue the Enemy that are in this Country before a reinforcement can Arrive. the Small pox has greatly retarded the recruits Joyning the Army. We had information some time ago that preparations were making to attack the Enemy on Rhode Island and dislodge them. why it has not been executed we have not been informed.2. The Enclosed News Paper contains a list of Surgeons and Physicians appointed for the Hospitals. among whom is Doctr. Phillip Turner; Doctr. Foster gives him a very good Character in a letter to a member of Congress-Your Honr. will have a Copy of the regulations of the Hospitals and the Pay of the persons to be Employed in the public Papers. The pay I think is very high, but Physicians in the Southern States are used to high Pay3 I wish some of the other Delegates of Connecticut would attend Congress. the Confederation will be entered on Next Monday and finished as soon as possible. I write in haste as the Honble. Mr. Collens of Rhode Island by whom I send this waits. Baltimore, and having also other business to transact there, relative to the Montgomery's prizes, I shall be obliged to go to Baltimore previous to my attending the Convention." (See ibid., I. 902.) The Montgomery was a New York vessel under the command of Capt. William Rogers. Lewis adds: "The brigantine with salt, (one of Capt. Rogers' prizes,) was at Baltimore acquitted by a jury. I have appealed from their verdict to Congress, but have not yet been furnished with proper papers from Baltimore to proceed." See the Journals, Apr. 24, June 24; also Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I. 411, 414, 680, 803, 805, 845, 858, 915, 955, 991, 992, 1001. Cf. no. 402, ante. The resolution of the New York convention, Mar. 29, to which Lewis refers, requested the attendance upon the convention not only of Francis Lewis but also of Lewis Morris and William Floyd. At the same time Philip Livingston and James Duane were directed to repair to Congress, and William Duer was chosen a delegate to that body (Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I. 855; cf. Morris to Ten Broeck, Apr. 19, ibid., II. 435). The Journals do not however show that Floyd was at this time in attendance at Congress. 3 Lewis was a member of the following standing committees: medical, secret (afterward the commercial), and marine. [442] Hist. Soc. of Pa., Conarroe Coll., I. 13; Library of Congress, Force Trans., Trumbull, VI. 77; Brotherhead, Book of the Signers (1861), p. 75; Pa. Mag. of Hist. and Biog., XL. 488. 2 Sherman here summarizes the resolution of Apr. 16. Cf. nos. 437, 438, ante, and no. 444, post. 3 Cf. no. 431, note 4, ante. * See the Journals, Apr. 8, 21. Cf. nos. 431, 434, ante, and nos. 462, 465, post. |