land with his lady and family. As to the present state of Virginia, I refer you to them. Tears stand in my eyes when I think or write of this once happy, thrice happy land of liberty.

All is anarchy and confusion. A brave people struggling in opposition to the acts of the British Parliament. We are all in arms, exercising and training old and young to the use of the gun. No person goes abroad without his sword, or gun, or pistols. The sound of war echoes from north to south. Every plain is full of armed men, who all wear a hunting shirt, on the left breast of which are sewed, in very legible letters, “Liberty or Death.” May God put a speedy and happy end to this grand and important contest between the mother and her children. The Colonies do not wish to be independent; they only deny the right of taxation in the Parliament. They would freely grant the King whatever he pleases to request of their own Assemblies, provided the Parliament has no hand in the disposing of it.

This dispute has put an end to all trade and commerce. The Country is on the brink of destruction. The rising glory of America is totally eclipsed, and, unless some prudent means be fallen on to bring about a reconciliation, I tremble for the consequences. The troubles of the year 1745 were but like a flea-bite to the present commotions. Never was there heard of such an unanimity as prevails through this extensive Empire in the glorious cause of liberty. All ranks and conditions of men have laid aside all sorts of extravagance in living and dressing, vieing with one another who shall wear most of their own manufactory. You would hardly believe the quantity of cotton cloth that is annually manufactured here could be made. I do assure you no women in any part of the world can be more industrious than those in Virginia. They labour under one great disadvantage; which is, their being entirely ignorant of the ways of making of linen, which they will severely feel next year, this warm climate requiring more of that article than any other.

WILLIAM TENNENT TO THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY FOR
SOUTH-CAROLINA.

Long Cane, September 1, 1775.

This comes by Captain George Reid’s wagon from the Long Canes, where I am at present. I parted from Mr. Drayton on Monday morning; he steered his course to Augusta, and thence designed for the camp at Amelia. I thought it necessary to visit the settlements on this side of Saluda. Met a large congregation yesterday, and found the people divided in their sentiments. Spoke at least two hours to them, to good effect. The prevailing party here is for American measures, by the agency of some of our worthy members; but they need confirmation. I have therefore appointed three meetings, at which I expect to see the greater number of the disaffected. I shall then cross over into Fletchall’s Regiment once more, to be at an election appointed at Ford’s, on Enoree, where we expect great opposition, if not violence, from Cunningham’s party. Brown will bring them to blood if he can, but I still hope it may be prevented. I consider myself as running great risks, but think it my duty.

Our visit has given their party a great shock, divided their friends, and strengthened our interest much. One of their chiefs confessed to me, at Little River, that he brought up the thanks of the Governour to Mr. Cunningham, for what he had done and is doing. The Governour’s intrigue here is as evident as the light of the sun. The evidences of their design, by the Indians, is no doubt clear to the Council, from the papers sent down already.

The inhabitants here are in great terrour, as far as they have heard of their danger, and that because they have no ammunition. The leaders have frequently dropped in company that they intend to form a camp. I am sure they will find a smaller number ready to befriend them than they imagine. But their dependance is upon the savages to join their army, and that the rest of the inhabitants will be forced to join them, to save their families from a massacre. I am taking proper measures, in this District, to prevent the horrible conspiracy. Three volunteer companies are formed; one under Major Terry, who now seems animated in the cause; another under Captain Pickins; a third under Captain James McCall. More of the like kind is going on as fast as may be. The great difficulty is the want of ammunition. They evidently have a design upon Fort Charlotte, and our friends cannot collect to defend it, unless they are supplied; I have therefore promised them a supply. If you, therefore, gentlemen, think it proper, it will be of the greatest utility to send up one hundred or one hundred and fifty pounds weight of powder, and some lead, by the bearer, Samuel Reid, who will effectually secrete it until delivered safe into the hands of the volunteer Companies, to be subject to the order of the Council in case it is not used for the defence of the Colony. It will be effectually secured, and a small delay may be greatly dangerous. The same measure will be necessary on the other side of Broad River.

I could wish that Virginia might be alarmed and ready, and that a categorical answer might be demanded of the Cherokees before the time of danger. The Creeks are in some danger from one Thompson, an emissary, now among them. I shall visit Fort Charlotte before I return, and hope to let you hear more particularly on these subjects next week.

PHILADELPHIA COUNTY COMMITTEE.

Philadelphia County, September 1, 1775.

In Committee, Resolved, That it be recommended to the Township Committees and the Captains of the different Companies, and they are hereby enjoined to make returns to this Committee of the Associators, Non-Associators, &c., in their respective Districts, agreeable to the directions of the Committee of Safety, on Friday, the 22d instant; and that the Colonels of each Battalion in this County do, at the same time, return the names of the Officers of their respective Battalions, with their ranks and seniority in Battalion.

The Committee adjourned to Friday, the 22d instant, to meet at the house of Jacob Neaff, at ten o’clock in the forenoon.

NEW-YORK COMMITTEE.

The Committee met Friday, September 1, 1775. Present: Henry Remsen, Chairman, and thirty-five Members.

The Deposition of George Van Schamp, relative to Sergeant Graham’s conduct in Boston, received and read.

The Memorial of Stephen Skinner, Esq., received and read, praying leave to land some Trunks and Bedding, the property of Miss Johnson, Miss Kemble, and Mrs. Lee.

Ordered, That leave be given accordingly, and that Mr. O. Templeton and Mr. John Broome be a Sub-Committee to examine the same.

Ordered, That the Chairman be requested to write a letter of thanks to the different Committees in New-Jersey and Orangetown, for their polite behaviour to Captain Dobbs.

New-York Committee Chamber, September 1, 1775.

Whereas this Committee, by their Resolution of the 1st of May last, and the Continental Congress, by their Resolve of the 27th of said month, ordered, that no Provisions should be exported to Quebeck, Nova-Scotia, Georgia, Newfoundland, or any part of the fishing coast or fishing islands to the eastward of Nantucket: And whereas it appears to this Committee, by the Depositions of Charles De Kay, master, and Thomas Millroy, mate of the Sloop Sally, whereof John Christian Drewidts and Moses Delis Dernier are owners, that they, the said John Christian Drewidts and Moses Delis Dernier, did load the said sloop with Provisions; and the said Moses Delis Dernier did proceed with her, so loaded, to Nova-Scotia, and there disposed of the same, in violation of the Resolve of the said Continental Congress: And whereas it further appears, by the Deposition of Captain Jenking, late master of the Sloop Elizabeth, whereof Thomas Ludlow was owner, that the said Thomas Ludlow did load the said sloop in the Port of New-York, with Provisions; and with her so loaded, did proceed to the Island of Newfoundland, and there disposed of the same, in violation of the aforesaid Resolve.

Resolved, 1st, That the Depositions of the said Charles De Kay, Thomas Millroy, and Richard Jenking, be published in the newspapers in this City.