from the King and Parliament of Great Britain, and all hopes of a reconciliation between her and the United Colonies being now at an end, and being conscious that their treatment has been such as loyal subjects did not deserve, and to which, as freemen, we are determined not to submit; by the unanimous approbation and direction of the whole freeholders, and all the other inhabitants of this County, we advise and instruct you cheerfully to concur and give your best assistance in our Convention, to push to the utmost a war offensive and defensive, until you are certified that such proposals of peace are made to our General Congress as shall by them be judged just and friendly. And because the advantages of a trade will better enable us to pay the taxes, and procure the necessaries for carrying on a war, and in our present circumstances this cannot be had without a Declaration of Independence; therefore, if no such proposals of peace shall be made, we judge it to be a dictate of the first law of nature, to continue to oppose every attempt on our lives and properties; and we give it, you in charge, to use your best endeavours that the Delegates which are sent to the General Congress be instructed immediately to cast off the British yoke, and to enter into a commercial alliance with any nation or nations friendly to our cause. And as King George the Third, of Great Britain, &c., has manifested deliberate enmity towards us, and, under the character of a parent, persists in behaving as a tyrant, that they, in our behalf, renounce allegiance to him forever; and that, taking the God of Heaven to be our King, and depending upon His protection and assistance, they plan out that form of Government which may the most effectually secure to us the enjoyment of our civil and religious rights and privileges, to the latest posterity.

“In all other things, gentlemen, that may come before you in Convention, we rely upon your known fidelity and zeal; resolving and giving you our faith, that we will, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, to the utmost of our abilities, support and defend you, our country, and our sister Colonies, in the glorious cause in which we are now engaged.”

Ordered, That the above Resolves be published in the Virginia Gazette.

By order:

WILLIAM JAMESON, Clerk.

GEORGE LUX TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Baltimore, April 23, 1776.

HONOURABLE SIR: I have been unwell for ten days past, nay, have been most of the time confined to my bed with a fever, of which I am not yet well enough recruited to venture upon a ride to Annapolis. I hope the honourable Council of Safety will excuse my non-attendance for the, above reasons. I was confined to my bed at the time our Committee received the letters referred to in my citation, and heard nothing of it until Sunday morning. I have, agreeable to the order of your honourable Board, copied the papers referred to in your summons; your honourable Board will excuse the incorrectness with which they are copied, as it is caused solely by my sickness, for I am at this moment hardly able to hold my pen.

I am, with respect, honourable sir, your most obedient servant,

GEORGE LUX.

To the Honourable Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., President of the Council of Safety, at Annapolis.

BALTIMORE COMMITTEE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

GENTLEMEN: This Committee, on the late alarm, appointed Mr. Robert Purviance, Mr. David Stewart, and Captain George Woolsey, to superintend the fitting out of the Schooner Resolution as a tender, or armed vessel, for Captain Nicholson. As they have nearly completed her, and are in advance a considerable sum, you will please to furnish them with six or eight hundred pounds, as is convenient.

We are, gentlemen, your most humble servants,

To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland.

THOMAS JOHNSON, JUN., TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Philadelphia, April 23, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Mr. Wallace and Mr. Green set off to-morrow morning. By one of them we intend to write you fully; but as the post may possibly be in before these gentlemen, we think it necessary to advise you that all your Deputies here from Maryland approve the conduct of the Council of Safety and resolve to support it. The letter to the President gave high offence to some of the very hot gentlemen. No resolution is yet formed on it—but probably will to-day. R. Alexander and Thomas Stone join in respects to you and your brethren.

I am, dear sir, your very affectionate servant,

THOMAS JOHNSON, JUN.

To Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Philadelphia, April 23, 1776.

SIR: I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 19th of April, enclosing several papers, all which were immediately laid before Congress.

The important intelligence they contain makes it necessary that the most vigorous measures should be adopted, as well to defend our troops against the Canadians themselves, as to insure success to the expedition. The Congress being determined on the reduction of Quebeck, and the security of that country, for reasons too obvious to be mentioned, have left nothing undone which can in any way contribute to that end. Whatever may be the causes of the late insurrection, good policy requires that, while we endeavour to prevent everything of the kind for the future, we should also maid: provision in case it should happen. Accordingly, Congress has come into sundry resolves, calculated to quiet the minds of the Canadians, and to remove the sources of their uneasiness and discontent. They have likewise ordered that six more battalions be sent into Canada from the Army at New-York, as you will see by the enclosed resolve. Whether any further additional troops will be wanted in that country, is a matter of some uncertainty with Congress. Should you, from your knowledge of facts, state of Canada, the possibility that General Howe will attempt to relieve General Carleton, and, comparing all circumstances together, be of opinion that an additional force is necessary, you will please to signify it to Congress; and at the same time inform them whether, in that case, such additional force can be spared from the Army now in New-York.

I transmit herewith sundry resolves of Congress for your direction; and have the honour to be, with every sentiment of esteem, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To His Excellency General ashington, at New-York.

P. S. The enclosed letter for Commodore opkins, I leave unsealed for your perusal only; after which 1 beg the favour of you to seal and forward it by Fessenden, or a fresh express.

I have paid Mr. Fessenden twelve dollars, which you will please to note on settlement with him.

J. H.

ON THE PRESENT STATE OF PUBLICK AFFAIRS.

Having attentively perused the various political publications which have been lately printed, I confess I have been astonished at the strange and extraordinary doctrines which some of them contain; and it naturally led me to consider whether I am to swallow in the gross, and pay an implicit obedience to their novel sentiments, or whether it is not my duty as a man, and as a friend to my native country, to judge for myself how they will affect me and my countrymen in general. I shall, therefore, in a brief manner, (if it is possible to be brief on so interesting a subject,) give some of my sentiments on the present unhappy situation of pub-lick affairs.

Much pains have been taken by some writers to make us believe that nothing but the vilest intentions that ever entered into the hearts of the worst of men are to be expected from the people of Great Britain; that if Commissioners are coming, they are coming to bribe, to deceive, and betray us; that the very thought of reconciliation