forth. There is the greatest reason to think that if the Southern Colonies were base enough to bargain with these tyrants, they might, by sacrificing you, make what terms they please for themselves. It has been indirectly proposed to them, but they have magnanimously rejected all idea of such distinction. They have determined to stand and fall with you; and, on these principles, have taxed themselves most heavily for the establishment of an army, equal to the purposes of the general defence. But as you were more immediately attacked, as this is the scene of action, but above all, as they have ever placed the greatest confidence in your zeal and valour, they did not think it necessary to raise any bodies, in the other Provinces, for this particular service, which more naturally fell to your lot. Had they supposed it possible that you could be backward or lukewarm, they possibly would have looked out for other means of defence; but as they never entertained a thought so dishonourable to the character of New-England men, no such preparation is made.

We will suppose, for an instance, that a considerable or greater part of you should withdraw yourselves from the service, at this crisis, when victory is, as it were, in your hands, and only waits for your grasping. We will suppose that the post we at present occupy, fortified and secured by such infinite labour, should be abandoned in consequence of your desertion. Would it sit easy upon your consciences, when your villages are plundered and burnt, your wives and children abused or grossly treated, and your whole Provinces laid waste with fire and sword? Would it sit easy on your consciences, we demand, to reflect that these calamities can be only imputed to your want of constancy and perseverance? But to descend from the greater obligation you stand in towards your Country, it may be said that the ease and affluence of your circumstances, as soldiers, might alone prompt you to remain. Never were soldiers whose duty has been so light, never were soldiers whose pay and provision has been so abundant and ample. In fact, your interest and comfort have been so carefully consulted, even to the lowest article, by the Continental Congress, that there is some reason to dread that the enemies to New-England’s reputation may hereafter say, it was not principle that saved them, but that they were bribed into the preservation of their liberties.

To conclude, soldiers, concerns of the last importance to you depend on the post you now take. Your reputation and property, your safety, your very existence, is at stake. If you withdraw yourselves from the service, those instruments of ministerial villany will be at liberty to stalk at large, to satiate and glut their brutality, avarice, and cruelty, and the name of a New-England man, now so respectable in the world, become equally contemptible and odious, who, with the certain means of defence in their hands, rather than undergo a few fatigues of war, could patiently see themselves robbed of every thing that men hold most dear; but if you firmly adhere to the righteous standard under which you are arranged, not only your characters will have the highest rank amongst the nations of the earth, but your rights and liberties will be secured against the attempts of tyranny, to the latest posterity.

TO THE WORTHY OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS IN THE AMERICAN ARMY.

Honour will crown every defender of liberty.

GENTLEMEN: Your exertions in the cause of freedom, guided by wisdom, and animated by zeal and courage, have gained you the love and confidence of your grateful countrymen; and they look to you, who are experienced veterans, and trust that you will still be the guardians of America. As I have the honour to be an American, and one among the free millions who are defended by your valour, I would pay the tribute of thanks, and express my gratitude, while I solicit you to continue in your present honourable and important station. I doubt not America will always find enough of her sons ready to flock to her standard and support her freedom: but experience proves that experienced soldiers are more capable of performing the duties of the camp, and better qualified to face the enemy, than others; and, therefore, every friend to America will be desirous that most of the gentlemen who compose the present Army may continue in the service of their Country until liberty, peace, and safety, are established. Although your private concerns may call for your assistance at home, yet the voice of your Country is still louder; and it is painful, to heroick minds, to quit the field when liberty calls, and the voice of injured millions cries, to arms! to arms! Never was a cause more important or glorious than that which you are engaged in. Not only your wives, your children, and distant posterity, but humanity at large, the world of mankind, are interested in it; for if tyranny should prevail in this great Country, we may expect liberty will expire through the world; therefore, more human glory and happiness may depend upon your exertions than ever yet depended upon any of the sons of men! He that is a soldier, in defence of such a cause, needs no title. His post is a post of honour; and although not an Emperor, yet he shall wear a crown of glory, and blessed will be his memory!

The savage and brutal barbarity of our enemies, in burning Falmouth, is a full demonstration that there is not the least remains of virtue, wisdom, or humanity, in the British Court, and that they are fully determined, with fire and sword, to butcher and destroy, beggar and enslave, the whole American people. Therefore, we expect soon to break off all kind of connection with Britain, and form into a grand Republick of the American United Colonies; which will, by the blessing of Heaven, soon work out our salvation, and perpetuate the liberties, increase the wealth, the power, and the glory, of this western world. Notwithstanding the many difficulties we have to encounter, and the rage of our merciless enemies, we have a glorious prospect before us, big with every thing good and great. The further we enter into the field of independence, our prospect will expand and brighten, and a complete Republick will soon complete our happiness. “Blindness seems to have happened to Britain, that the fullness of America might come in;” and we have every encouragement to “stand fast in the liberties wherewith Heaven has made us free.” Persevere, ye guardians of liberty! May success be your constant attendant until the enemies of freedom are no more; and all future generations, as they successively tread the stage of time, and taste the joys of liberty, will rise up and call you blessed.

A FREEMAN.

Cambridge, November 24, 1775.

ADDRESS OF THE BOROUGH OF NEW-WINDSOR.

Address of the High Steward, Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of New-Windsor, in the County of Berks, transmitted to the Right Honourable Lord Viscount Weymouth, one of His Majesty’s principal Secretaries of State, and presented to His Majesty.

To the King’s Most Excellent Majesty.

The humble Address of the High Steward, Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of NEW-WINDSOR, in the County of BERKS.

Most Gracious Sovereign:

At this juncture of publick affairs, while we observe the hostile proceedings of your Colonies in America, and the bold attempt made by them to become independent of the British Legislature; and, at the same time, when we consider how much they have been encouraged in this their rebellious behaviour, by many factious spirits at home, we cannot, on this occasion, remain silent spectators of these transactions without betraying a great want of duty to your Majesty, as well as inattention to the welfare of our Country.

Permit us, Sire, therefore, to approach your sacred Majesty, and to declare our utter detestation of the unnatural conduct of your American subjects, and of the traitorous designs of those at home, who abet and countenance their opposition to your Majesty’s Government.

When we reflect, as we frequently do, upon the peculiar blessings we enjoy under your Majesty’s wise and just administration, (and greater blessings, we believe, none of our ancestors ever experienced under any monarch who hath swayed the British sceptre,) we cannot but lament that your Majesty’s repose should be disturbed by such mischievous commotions, exerted in the remote parts of your Empire; and knowing so well the tender care of your Majesty, for the prosperity of all your subjects, we cannot but