set him on longing for such an order of men in America. If a Republican Government, as it was managed in England, where, by the way, it never did in our knowledge exist, failed to give peace and security there, it has been more fortunate in Holland. And doubtless the fitness or inadequacy of peculiar forms of Government are ever relative to the circumstances of the people for whom they are designed.

The danger of our falling into civil wars among ourselves I view at a remote distance as yet; and all that can be harped on the string of religious domination is perfectly idle, for the major voice of the Continent would be, “no particular establishment whatever,” if it was now put to vote; and as there seems little danger of this Country growing more ignorant while it maintains its liberty, there is no little probability of graceless zealots, or ignorant bigots, disturbing the community much about their peculiar modes of faith. I believe none but enemies to the civil and religious rights and liberties of America have any reason to dread their power.

I most sincerely wish that my countrymen, of every sect and denomination, would take pains to “search the Scriptures,” i. e. the writings of the learned and good, who have set life and death, political as well as spiritual, before their eyes; and gain a capacity to judge for themselves in matters of such importance as the liberty of themselves and posterity. Every man is obliged to know the law, at his peril; and who can have any serviceable knowledge of municipal law, unless he studies natural and politick law, on which municipal law is founded? Two moderate octavos, published by Burlamaqui, will instruct him in these important elements of the science, without which he is really incapable of enjoying the benefits of civil society. When men talk of their aversion to politicks, I cannot avoid pitying their misled apprehensions of the term, contemning their laziness, or detesting their wickedness. Every freeman, says Blackstone, ought to be in some measure his own governour: and how shall he either govern or obey, with any degree of understanding, if ignorant of the very first principles of the rule of his conduct? Thus much, says the same author, is incumbent on persons even of inferior condition, who have neither time nor capacity to enlarge their views. But those on whom nature and fortune have bestowed more abilities and greater leisure cannot be easily excused; even to suppose such ignorant in their branch of learning is treated by Mr. Locke (whom he quotes) as a strange absurdity. Would every one who can read peruse Lord Somers’s Judgment of Nations, (a two shilling pamphlet,) and Locke on Government, (about the same bulk,) they would need no more excitement to study their birthrights,

ABNER BRIGGS TO NEW-YORK COMMITTEE.

To the Honourable the Committee of Safety for the City of NEW-YORK.

The humble Petition of ABNER BRIGGS, in behalf of the United Inhabitants of the Island of NANTUCKET, sheweth:

Whereas the inhabitants of said Island are greatly distressed for the want of provisions, and have been necessitated to apply to some part of the Continent for a supply; and knowing their situation to be such as would attract the attention and compassion of any one properly acquainted with the truly deplorable state in which they at present are, first made application to the Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Falmouth. Leave was accordingly very readily granted to have it exported from thence, not doubting but it might be safely conveyed, as per the resolves of said Committee, which herewith please to receive. But the brave American Army being in the parts adjacent, and consequently ought to be sufficiently supplied, require all the provisions that can be conveniently spared from those parts. Should your Honours kindly grant leave to have a small vessel, of about thirty tons burden, loaded at this place, for the supply of the said inhabitants of Nantucket, your petitioner will give sufficient bonds, to any amount, that he will with the greatest care first convey the said cargo of provisions to the aforesaid Town of Falmouth, and there will give sufficient bonds to deliver the same at Nantucket.

N. B. The above petition has been presented to the Committee, who refer it to the consideration of the honourable the Provincial Congress, for their sentiments on the matter.

CHRISTIAN BERGH AND OTHERS TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

New-York Jail, October 11, 1775.

To the Gentlemen of the Congress.

The humble Petition of TIMOTHY DOUGHTY, CHRISTIAN BERGH, Jun., and ADAM BERGH, sheueth:

That your petitioners have been confined almost six weeks, expecting to be brought to trial for a certain misdemeanor laid to their charge; and your petitioners have expended all their money, and must now suffer, without they have a speedy delivery. Your said petitioners also have large families (of twenty children) at home, not able to maintain themselves, because of their infancy. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the gentlemen of the Congress will take the same into consideration, and give your petitioners a speedy hearing, or at least permit your petitioners the liberty of the Town, so that they may go to their acquaintance, and obtain a living with them until such time as they shall be called upon to have their hearing. Your petitioners promise not to leave the Town till they shall be duly discharged; they also will appear every day at the Hall, if it is required; and your petitioners will ever pray.

CHRISTIAN BERGH, JUN.,
ADAM BERGH,
TIMOTHY DOUGHTY.

COL. JOSEPH REED TO COL. GLOVER AND STEPHEN MOYLAN.

Cambridge, October 11, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: Yours of the 9th instant came safely to hand. It is some disappointment to us that the vessels cannot be got ready sooner, as we have just received very important advices respecting the despatch of a number of transports from England, which may be hourly expected on the coast. The General, therefore, directs that you will immediately set every hand to work that can be procured, and not a moment of time be lost in getting them ready. One of you will also proceed immediately to New-bury, and take up a fourth vessel on the same service. There are carpenters, guns, &c., to be had there in great plenty; and let the same expedition be used to this vessel. On the day the vessels are ready to sail you will give us notice, that we may despatch the crews. In the equipment of the two first vessels let the agents lay in provisions for six weeks, with water accordingly, for seventy men.

Should Mr. Moylan be gone to Portsmouth, Colonel Glover is directed to forward the express with this letter, that he may immediately return to Newburyport to take up the fourth vessel, which he will do on the best terms, and let us know what he will want to equip the vessel for the sea. The General approves of the steps taken respecting those already engaged.

I am, Gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble servant.

J. REED.

To Colonel Glover and Stephen Moylan, Esq., Salem or Marblehead.