morals of the people. If it is undeniable that universal profligacy makes a nation ripe for divine judgments, and is the natural mean of bringing them to ruin, reformation of manners is of the utmost necessity in our present distress. At the same time, as it has been observed by many eminent writers, that the censorial power, which had for its object the manners of the publick in the ancient free States, was absolutely necessary to their continuance, we cannot help being of opinion, that the only thing which we have now to supply the place of this, is the religious discipline of the several sects with respect to their own members; so that the denomination or profession which shall take the most effectual care of the instruction of its members, and maintain its discipline in the fullest vigour, will do the most essential service to the whole body. For the very same reason, the greatest service which magistrates or persons in authority can do with respect to the religion or morals of the people, is to defend and secure the rights of conscience in the most equal and impartial manner.

Fourthly: We cannot but recommend, and urge in the warmest manner, a regard to order and publick peace; and as in many places, during the confusions that prevail, legal proceedings have become difficult, it is hoped that all persons will conscientiously pay their just debts, and to the utmost of their power serve one another, so that the evils inseparable from a civil war, may not be augmented by wantonness and irregularity.

Fifthly: We think it of importance at this time, to recommend to all of every rank, but especially to those who may be called to action, a spirit of humanity and mercy. “Every battle of the warriour is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood.” It is impossible to appeal to the sword without being exposed to many scenes of cruelty and slaughter; but it is often observed, that civil wars are carried on with a rancour and spirit of revenge, much greater than those between independent states. The injuries received or supposed in civil wars, wound more deeply than those of foreign enemies; it is, therefore, the more necessary to guard against this abuse, and recommend that meekness and gentleness of spirit, which is the noblest attendant on true valour. That man will fight most bravely who never fights until it is necessary, and who ceases to fight as soon as the necessity is over.

Lastly: We would recommend to all the Societies under our care, not to content themselves with attending devoutly on general fasts, but to continue habitually in the exercise of prayer, and to have frequent occasional voluntary meetings for solemn intercession with God on the important trial. Those who are immediately exposed to danger, need your sympathy; and we learn from the Scriptures, that fervency and importunity are the very characters of that prayer of the righteous man which a vaileth much.

We conclude with our most earnest prayer, that the God of Heaven may bless you in your temporal and spiritual concerns, and that the present unnatural dispute may be speedily terminated by an equitable and lasting settlement on constitutional principles.

Signed in the name, presence, and by appointment of the Synod:

BENJAMIN HAIT, Moderator.

New-York, May 12, 1775.

ETHAN ALLEN TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

Ticonderoga, July 20, 1775.

RESPECTABLE GENTLEMEN: When I reflect on the unhappy controversy which hath many years subsisted between the Government of New-York and the settlers on the New-Hampshire Grants, and also contemplate on the friendship and union that hath lately taken place between the Government and those its former discontented subjects in making a united resistance against ministerial vengeance and slavery, I cannot but indulge fond hopes of reconciliation. To promote this salutary end I shall contribute my influence, assuring your Honours, that your respectful treatment, not only to Mr. Warner and myself, but to the Green Mountain Boys in general, in forming them into a battalion, are by them duly regarded, and I will be responsible that they will retaliate this favour by boldly hazarding their lives, if need be, in the common cause of America.

I hope no gentleman in the Congress will retain any preconceived prejudices against me, as, on my part, I shall not against any of them; but as soon as opportunity may permit and the publick cause not suffer thereby, shall hold myself in readiness to settle all former disputes and grievances on honourable terms.

I am, Gentlemen, with the greatest respect, your devoted, most obedient humble servant,

ETHAN ALLEN.

To the Honourable Provincial Congress, New-York.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM WATERTOWN TO A GENTLEMAN IN PHILADELPHIA, DATED JULY 20, 1775.

Our new Assembly met yesterday, and only chose a Speaker and a Clerk. I shall now endeavour to inform you what has happened in the military way since my last. The attempt on Long-Island, the taking off all the stock, and afterwards returning to burn the buildings, &c., (which you will have in the papers,) was certainly a bold intrepid manœuvre, and as such, astonished our enemies. The barges full of armed men were afraid to attack our whale-boats at a proper distance, and the armed vessels, either agitated by fear, or destitute of judgment, did it without execution. The next thing that took place was, the possessing and fortifying a post by Brown’s house, on the neck, near their lines; this has been effected with the loss of only one man, and he not employed there, though they worked in open sight of them, and exposed to an incessant fire from their cannon, which our people treated with the extremest contempt, not so much as leaving their work or firing a shot. No general movement has taken place. There was an appearance of one the day before yesterday, on the Roxbury side, but they disappointed General Thomas, who commands there, and made an excellent disposition to receive them. Roxbury is amazingly strong. I believe it would puzzle ten thousand troops to go through it, I mean of the best in the world. I am just told that our boats have this day been at the Light-House, and burnt it, in spite of the firing from the men-of-war and a number of boats. I hear it was executed by three hundred Rhode-Islanders, without any loss. It is said they are more afraid of our whale boats than we are of their men-of-war; and a few armed vessels, I am well convinced, would produce great consequences. Captain Derby, who went to England with the account of the battle of the nineteenth of April, returned two days ago. He was there eight days, and came away before General Gage’s packet arrived. He says trade and stocks were amazingly affected in that short time. Lord Dartmouth sent for him three times, but he refused to go; and when he threatened him, he decamped, got on board, and came off without clearing or entering. By a letter from London by him, I fancy General Gage is to expect no re-enforcement this fall. The troops are very sickly in Boston, and greatly reduced.

TO ALL SEAFARING PEOPLE.

Preston, at Boston, July 20, 1775.

This is to give notice, that the Light-House on Thatcher’s Island, (commonly called Cape Anne Lights) and the Light-House at the entrance of Boston Harbour, are burnt and destroyed by the Rebels.

And further notice is given, that all seafaring people be careful that they are not deceived by false lights, which the Rebels threaten to hang out, in order to decoy vessels into destruction. By command of the Admiral:

G. GEFFERINA.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN LONDON, DATED SALEM, JULY 20, 1775.

I have just time to acquaint you, that within these few days we have had offers from some maritime Powers, secretly conveyed to us, that if we wanted assistance from either of them, in money or men-of-war, we shall be supplied, upon condition that when peace is restored to these unhappy Colonies, we open a trade with them, and exclude our Mother Country from any share of it. Their offers are at present rejected. The Spaniards have now in the West-Indies a fleet of men-of-war of great force, and the Spanish Islands are full of soldiers, waiting in expectation that we shall embrace their offers. But I hope Government will find out some means to bring about a reconciliation;