and has shewn the most tender regard to the liberties of this country, but in this he has acted the part of an English-man What is England without America? Her Liberty and Commerce, which are her two capital pillars, are both supported by this country. There cannot be a greater errour than to suppose that the present commotions in America are owing to the arts of demagogues; every man thinks and acts for himself in a country where there is an equal distribution of property and knowledge. It is to no purpose to attempt to destroy the opposition to the omnipotence of Parliament by taking off our Hancocks, Adamses, and Dickinsons. Ten thousand Patriots of the same stamp stand ready to fill their places. Would to Heaven our rulers would consider these things in time; one more rash and unjust action on your side the water may divide us beyond the possibility of an union. For God's sake try to rouse up the ancient spirit of the Nation: we love you; we honour you as brethren and fellow-subjects; we have shared in your dangers and glories; only grant us the liberty you enjoy, and we shall always remain one people. Let the bond of our union be in the Crown of Great Britain.

I am, sir, yours, &c.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN IN LONDON, TO HIS CORRESPONDENT IN VIRGINIA, DATED DECEMBER 26, 1774.

It is with great pleasure I inform you that the firmness, unanimity, and moderation of the proceedings in America have turned the tide so much in our favour here, that the Ministry seem much inclined to repeal the Acts of which we complain. The Petition of the Congress, after two Councils held upon it, was received; and the answer was, that his Majesty received it very graciously, and, from its importance, would lay it before his two Houses of Parliament, as soon as they met. They are adjourned for the holidays.

Lord Chatham commends both the Petition and the rest of the proceedings of the Congress in the highest terms. He thinks an authentick renunciation of the right to tax America on the part of the Parliament, and a recognition of their supreme power on our part, should accompany the repeal, as a solid foundation for future confidence and affection. It is certain that the least appearance of remission or disunion on the part of America will encourage the Ministry to do what they most ardently wish, namely, to leave the business so unsettled that they may revive the dispute in some other form, to the infinite distress, if not total destruction of America. It becomes the Americans, then, by persevering in the measures which have already operated so happily, to fix their rights upon so solid a foundation as to shield them from doubt or invasion hereafter.

The demands of the Congress are so moderate, and so essential, that, in my judgment, not an iota of them can with safety be retracted; and it is the opinion of our wisest friends here that unanimity and firmness will be irresistible.

You have acted suaviter in modo, fortiter in re: Continue that, and be assured of success.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN IN LONDON, TO HIS CORRESPONDENT IN WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA, DATED DECEMBER 26, 1774.

The unanimity, firmness, and moderation of the Resolutions of the General Congress, and the universal approbation both these and their Addresses meet with here, has roused the Merchants, and disconcerted the Ministers. As yet, however, they appear unresolved; unwilling to retract, and unable to proceed. In my opinion, however, the Closet power that rules this unhappy country will not permit them to retreat without violence. It is therefore my duty to say, that nothing but a continuance of that union and firmness which have happily shaken their resolution, will effectually change their conduct, and give us redress.

Lord North's late language in the House of Commons is humble to a degree, but he is a very treacherous man; and the political wisdom of the present times being to dupe and, deceive, by personal falsehood, it becomes us to be upon our guard. Three of the gentlemen appointed by the Congress to deliver their Petition, presented it through the hands of the Secretary of State, and were answered, that his Majesty received it very graciously, and, from its importance, he would lay it before his two Houses of Parliament as soon as they met. They are adjourned till the 24th of February.

The buzz of the Court is, that Lord North and Lord Dartmouth will give place to the Lords Gower and Hills-borough, and all the Acts complained of will be repealed, except the Admiralty Acts and the Declaratory Act. The opinion, however, of all our friends is, that firmness and unanimity on your part, in demanding a full redress, and a solemn ratification of your rights, cannot be resisted.

As the King has declared his intention to lay the Petition before the Parliament we have thought that an immediate obedience to the orders of the Congress, for publishing their Petition, might be construed by our enemies into disrespect to the King, and factious views, which it has been their constant endeavour to fix upon us. It is therefore determined to defer the publication till it is laid before Parliament. The effect of the Addresses upon men's minds needs no addition at present, but may want reanimation at a future day, which the Petition is well calculated to effect.

ARTHUR LEE TO RICHARD H. LEE.

London, December 26, 1774.

MY DEAR BROTHER: It is with great pleasure I inform you that the Proceedings of the General Congress, and the vigorous preparations for effectual resistance, have rendered our cause so popular, and so intimidated Administration, that they seem determined to give us redress. The King received the Congress Petition very graciously, and is to lay it before his two Houses of Parliament as soon as the adjournment for the holidays is over. It is whispered from Court that Lord Gower and Lord Hills-borough will be put into the places of Lord North and Lord Dartmouth, and that all the Acts will be repealed, except those for establishing Admiralty, &c., Courts, and declaring the right. Should this be true you will see with what ill will this partial relief is given, and that they are determined to continue our apprehensions, by advancing our worst enemies, and preserving those Acts as the seeds of contention. But you will certainly be of opinion, with all our friends here, that nothing but a full and solemnly ratified redress ought to satisfy us, and that, the same resolution, unanimity, and firmness which have, extorted a part, will compel the whole. I have waited on Lord Chatham with the Petition, on which, and on all the proceedings of the Congress, he bestows the highest commendation. He is clearly for a full, solemn, authentick settlement of the dispute upon the conditions proposed by the Congress, and will assuredly support it with all his abilities. I think I shall get the heads of opposition to unite with him, as I find them much disposed to it. This junction, with the voice of the people here, and the firmness of America, will, I trust, compel our oppressors to absolute submission. My love to Mrs. Lee, and respects at Mount Airy. Adieu.

To Richard H. Lee.

ARTHUR LEE.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN EDINBURGH, FROM AN OFFICER IN THE ARMY, DATED BOSTON, DECEMBER 26, 1774.

In my last of the 9th instant, I acquainted you of the associations forming in several Towns in the country by the friends of Government, whom the factious party are pleased to call Tories, and themselves Whigs. I find by your letter, that it has been reported that we lose numbers, but I can assure you by the returns from the time of our arrival until the 24th instant, we have not lost two hundred men by all the casualties an Army is liable to; and many of those that did desert are returned to their colours, notwithstanding the temptation they had to be debauched, and some have suffered death by the sentence of a General Court Martial. However, desertion is now at an end; our Army is in high spirits, and, at present, this Town is pretty quiet. We get plenty of provisions, cheap and good in their kind; we only regret that necessity obliges us to enrich, by purchasing from a set of people we would wish to deprive of so great an advantage. Our parade is a very handsome one; three hundred and seventy men mount daily, and more are expected soon; a Field Offi-