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have a hard in these affairs, and dare not join to fight against him; neither do any thing to encourage others. Second reason is, I am now going in my fifty-sixth year, and am very fat and not fit for ac tion. Third reason is, I have a giddiness in my head, that is so bad on me at times, that I have dropt in the road as though I was shot with a bullet. The fourth reason, why, about two years ago I had the flux for seven months very bad, and now, to this day, when 1 overheat myself, I catch cold, and it returns upon me again, and will many times lay me up for seven or eight days together; so I think that these reasons with the first and principal one, would be enough for any reasonable men, which I take you all to be, to have me excused. But if you are not satisfied with these reasons, I am ready and willing to come on the least notice, only please to let me know by a line or two, and I will wait on you any time whenever you will please to call on me at any other time--I should have come to day, only I was engaged another way before I heard of the advertisement, for I never saw it.

This from your friend and well wisher to you all, and all your honest undertakings; and may the God of peace instruct you all and give you grace, is the sincere prayer of me.

Z. G.

Dover, January 26th, 1775. Gentlemen-At a meeting of the committee of inspection for Kent county, on Delaware, (on 26th inst.) information was given, by a member of the committee, of two barrels of tea, containing 2261b. which he had discovered on board J. II's. sloop, at a landing place in said county; that he had been obliged to put the tea into his own store, to secure it from the populace, as there was great reason to believe it had been unduly imported, since the 1st of December last, in a brig late from Jamaica, belonging to J. H. who is now in this county, and confesses himself to be the owner of the tea.

Mr. H. then took his leave, and the commit tee for this county unanimously resolved, that the tea should be kept in store, until the above state of the case was communicated to the committee of inspection for the city of Philadelphia, and that said committee be requested to enquire into the matter, and detect the remainder of the said chest of tea, if unduly imported; and if otherwise, that by a speedy answer they will enable the commit. tee to return an innocent man's property. Signed by order of the committee.

TORIES IN SUSSEX.

To Dr. James Tilton.

Sir-This informs you, that an indictment was found by the grand jury of Sussex county, against a number of zealous friends to their country, for, as is said, insulting a certain J. C. The particulars

are as follows: J. C. some time in the month of

September, came to Lewis, and in an open, profane manner, cursed the honorable continental congress, and all those that would not curse it; calling upon the supreme Being in a most solemn manner to d—p the congress, and all that would not d-d it; that d-d set would ruin the country. For which expressions and such like, it was thought proper he should be had up before the committee of inspection, as guilty of treason against the liberties of America, and also the congress; for the congress acting suitable to the power delegated, that body ought to be esteemed as king, and therefore whatever is said against that body should be deemed treason. C. being had up before the committee, and the facts before mentioned sufficiently proved, one of the audience said "it sounded like a death warrant." C. in an insulting, swearing-way, said, "put it in execution." However, upon mature consideration of the committee, some of which was no better than C a sort of recantation was drawn up and signed by C. but by no means satisfactory to Mr. H. being called upon by the committee, ac' the people. Upon which, some concluded we should knowledged the tea to be his property, and said it proceed in the new mode of making converts, by was a part of a large chest he had bought of Duf- bestowing upon C. a coat of tar and feathers; but field and Hepburn, wt. 3. 0. 23, Tare 70ib. of which after some hesitation, and much persuasion, were he produced a bill dated January 11th, 1775. He prevented from using any violent measures, unless declared he believed the tea to be duly imported, beating the drum a few rods, and two boys throw; and had taken the above parcel which the com- ing an egg a piece unknown to the men—which, as mittee had taken into custody, out of the chest, and packed it in barrels, for no other reason than because it was more conveniently hoisted in and out of the vessel; but gave no reason for the immo derate quantity, though very unfit for the place where he alleged it was to be sold,

soon as they were observed, was immediately stopped. No threatening or abusive language was made use of to intimidate or affright him. This is as near the state of the matter as I can recollectthis they have made a riot of, and J. M. esquire, as king's attorney, has acted in this matter.

W

Now, if such offenders as C. are permitted to intestine enemies as foreign foes? But by what la bring us under the cognizance of the civil law,-of the land can we do it?-by none, and therefore we all the friends to liberty here in Sussex, may as well give up as contend any longer; for, we are too weak to oppose ministerial tools." This from your's, to serve,

SAMUEL M’MASTERS.

Lewes, November 14th, 1775.

appeal to the law of nature. By this law the representatives of a people in committee, publish an enemy and make him infamous forever; and by this law, the people at large tar and feather toties and trai ors The sole object of natural law is justice; and agreeable to it, in Mr. C's case, the only question should be, has his punishment been more than Dr. Tilton's reply. adequate to his crimes? If he has discovered him. Sir-Your's of the 14th inst. came safe to hand. self unfriendly to his country, and especially to I am not a little surprised at the contents of it. America, his light escape could be owing to noth have beard a great deal of Sussex toryism, but ima ing but great partiality or uncommon humanity in gined, if you had really such among you, they would his countrymen. And as to those men, who would have acted more ingeniously than by playing off now take advantage of the civil law, against those the civil law, as an engine against the sons of liber-who were the instruments of justice on C. in behalf ty. The recent success of Mr. H. I should have of their country, I take it for granted they have a thought, would have taught them better. Your plentiful stock of ignorance or an uncommon share grand jury must certainly have been infatuated of boldness and wickedness; and I will venture with very undue prejudices, or they never could to add, that were they in any part of the United have countenanced such an indictment as you men Colonies, besides Sussex, they would in the one tion. case meet with proper instruction, and in the other suitable correction.

I can.

I

Letter from Dr. T. to J. W. on the same subject.
Dover, 26th November, 1775.
Dear brother-It is not common for me to trou-

I wish I was able to give you such advice as would be profitable to your deluded countrymen; but when I consider that I am writing to a man younger than myself, and who has perhaps as little influence in Sussex as I have in Kent, I conceive Ible you with political letters. Mrs. M. however, cannot testify my esteem, for a lover of liberty, bet informs me of a late transaction, in Lewes, in which ter, than by communicating my sentiments, on our think you so nearly interested, that I am conpresent troubles, in as short and plain a manner as strained to communicate a few thoughts of mine on the subject; not from a vain pride of differing in I lay it down as a maxim, that the claim of Eng opinion with my elder brother, but from a sincere land on America "to tax her in all cases whatsoe- wish that you may improve any hints of mine that ver," is affrontive to common sense, not to be tole-are right, to your own advantage and the public rated, but spurned at by freemen, and to be resist-good. I am told you sat with a number of others ed to the last extremity whenever attempted to be and advised among the rest, that sone young men put in execution. It is found equally true, by our should be indicted for mobbing J. C. a noted eneexperience, that the civil or municipal laws of the my to his country; that you being the first who provinces, are not sufficient to defend us against left the room, was as good as mobbed yourself, by the unjust and cruel means used to bring us under the inhabitants of Lewes, who resented such treatunjust and arbitrary taxation. What resource then ment from their magistrates. This being a true had America left her? Why-she appealed to the state of the case, I am obliged to think you have law of nature, which having a like respect to all, if been guilty of an error. I know you wish we!! founded only in justice and truth. In doing this, to your country, but men of the best designs may however, the Americans have not violated the consometimes be wrong in the means of accomplishstitution of England (as their enemies have suging them. You cannot be ignorant that the law of gested,) for that being founded in liberty cannot the land is insufficient to protect us against the be repugnant to the eternal and immutable laws of violence of Great Britain, and that therefore Ametruth and justice. By the law of nature then, an rica has long since recurred to the law of nature, the constitution of England, we are perfectly righ by virtue of which she hath strengthened her hands in defending our rights and liberties. The law of -As we have no law of the land by which we can nature is above all others, and constantly governs punish tories and traitors, the natural law of nein the last exigency of affairs. In our present cessity takes place.-Natural law has justice alone struggle is it not equally necessary to guard against for its object, and in Mr. C's case, the sole ques

tion ought to be, has he received more than he de nittee of inspection for this county, your letter served? I am sure you will say he deserved ten wherein you confess yourself to be the author of times as much. Why then would you take advan- the Kentish le ter (co ninɔnly so called) published tage of the civil law in his behalf? If you shouldn 34 No. of Humphreys' Ledger.

The committee took the same into consideration,

Signed by order of the committee.
To R. H.

answer in the language of the most unfriendly to this country, "least the civil authority should be brought into contempt,” a moment's reflection will and have unanimously resolved that it is unsatis. shew you the absurdity of such reasoning. Can factory, and you are requested to attend the comthe dignity of civil authority be supported by actmittee at their next meeting on Tuesday the 9th ing in concert with villians? and would you wish inst. at French Battell's, in Dover, and render such to be accounted the avenger of justice? But I need satisfaction to the committee, as will enable them not enlarge, as no instance can be adduced where to clear the good people of this county from the asthe Americans have punished an innocent person pertions of that letter, and justify them in the eyes for crimes like C's.-- Mr. H's fate will serve to shew of the public. you the sens of the Philadelphians, respecting your conduct. His crime is nothing more than an ex ertion of civil power in opposition to the rights of nature. He was cared.—I don't mention this to To the committee of inspection for Kent county, on Dereproach you with folly, but as a basis to that adlaware. vice I wish you to take, viz: that you may use your GENTLEMEN.-With sorrow and contrition for utmost influence if possible, to quash the indict- my weakness and folly, I confess myself the author ments. I am persuaded the reputation of your of the letter, from which an extract was published county and your own personal safety, are concerned in the 3d No. of Humphreys' Ledger, said to be in the event of this matter. For tho' Sussex should from Kent county, on Delaware; but at the same approve or submit to such conduct, I am confident time to declare it was published without my conevery other part of the United Colonies will consent, and not without some alterations. demn and despise it. For my own part, I have I am now convinced that the political sentiments heard many bad reports of Sussex, but I assure therein contained, were founded on the grossest you this fills me with more displeasure than any error; more especially that malignant insinuation, public transaction of your county, I have ever at that "if the king's standard were now erected, nine out of ten would repair to it," could not have been suggested, but from the deepest infatuation. True indeed it is, the people of this county have ever shewn a zealous attachment to his majesty's person and government, and whenever he raised his standard in a just cause, were ready to flock to it: but let the severe account I now render to an injured people, witness to the world, that none are more ready to oppose tyranny or to be first in the cause of liberty, than the inhabitants of Kent coun⚫ ty.

tended to.

RECANTATION OF AN ARTICLE PUBLISHED.

I acknowledge to have wrote a piece, and did not sign it, since said to be an extract of a letter from Kent county, on Delaware, published in Hum phreys' Ledger, No. 3. It was not dated from any place, and is some altered from the original. 1 folded it up and directed the same to J. F. and Sons. I had no intention to have it published; and further, I let them know the author thought best it should not be published; nor did I think they would.-I am sincerely sorry I ever wrote it, as also for its being published, and hope I shall be excused for this, my first breach in this way, and I intend it shall be the last.

To the committee of correspondence
for Kent county, on Delaware.

R. H.

Conscious that I can render no satisfaction ade. quate to the injury I have done my country, I can only beg the forgiveness of my countrymen, upon those principles of humanity, which may induce them to consider the frailty of human nature-and I do profess and promise, that I will never again oppose those laudable measures, necessarily adopted by my countrymen, for the preservation of Ame SIR. The president of the committee of corres- ~ican freedom: but will co-operate with them to the pondence, by and with the advice of such other of utmost of my abilities, in their virtuous struggle the members of that committee as he was able to or liberty (so far as is consistent with my reli collect and consult, this day laid before the com-gious principles.) R. H.

May 2d, 1775.

May 9th, 1775.

THO'S. NIXON, Jr. Clerk.

Resolved unanimously, that the committee do, guard for one night, and next day, by advice of a think the above recantation fully satisfactory. number of gentlemen in whom we could confide, they were set at liberty, on their giving bond with security that they would submit their conduct to a strict enquiry before your honorable house, and not presume to sit or do any one act as members, until honorably acquitted of all charges and every degree of suspicion, by you. In all this we apprehend, we have acted consistent with the first prin

SATISFACTION TENDERED.

GENTLEMEN. - Whatever the public opinion may be of what I have heretofore said respecting the contest between Great Britain and the colonies, I

do solemnly assure you that I have never had any ciples of nature and humanity. And as we flatter thing in view but a reconciliation between them, ourselves with your approbation, we hope and exupon the full establishment of all the constitution. pect that a scrutiny will be made into the conduct al rights and privileges of America. Which rights of these suspicious persons, and that in wisdom and privileges I am determined to defend with my you will judge of them, and relieve your petitionlife and property against all invasions whatsoever. ers and the public in general of their apprehenThis you will please to make known to my sions concerning them. in this county.

brethren

I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your humble servant,

To the committee of observation

for Kent county, on Delaware,

Arrest of a member of the legislature.

R. S.

We cannot omit the present opportunity, with humility and confidence, to make known to your honors many grievances of our own and neighboring county, by which the cause of virtue and liber. ty has, and will greatly suffer-and may be ruined; unless by the intreaties of your petitioners and

[The following petition sufficiently expiains the other good men, we can prevail on your honors to circumstances of the case.]

look liligently and carefully into the ways and The petition and remonstrance of the light infantry conduct of a number of designing and interested company of Dover, to the honorable house of re men, who, like the parliament of Great Britain, presentatives, for the goverment of the coun- under the pretext of law, rule or order, most asties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex, on Dela-siduously oppose and hinder, to the utmost of their ware, now sitting at New Castle, humbly sheweth: power, the strenuous endeavors of the good and That T. R. of Sussex county, esq. having for a virtuous in all their public measures, on behalf of long time past been of ill fame, and published by our threatened liberty. When under covert of audiverse committees in several newspapers as an thority or the specious garb of moderation, the enemy to his country, and the said T. R. presum first laws of nature and justice are violated, if we ing to pass through our county, and at a critical do but murmur we are reprobated as violent incen. conjuncture to sit in your honorable house, as one diaries, and loaded with opprobrious epithets. By of our representatives, we thought ourselves bound the dint of influence, a number of persons, the most in duty, as we regarded the honor of your honora notoriously opposed to the cause of liberty, and ble house, and the true interest and safety of the who have made public concessions for the most public, to take said T. R. into custody until your daring offences, are made officers in our militia, honorable house could take order in the matter and thus have influence among the people. But Whereupon an attempt being made to arrest Mr this reproach is not the most intolerable to comR. col. M. of Sussex county also, drew his sword, plain of. Men of the most dangerous characters and tho' he was made well acquainted with the have crept into our very councils; and, if it were reasons and principles upon which it was thought possible, would contaminate the very source and necessary to arrest Mr. R. he swore he would de- fountain of all our hopes and expectations. fend him at the risk of his life. Upon this, he was We pray your honors, that, after diligent enquiry immediately disarmed, and his violent conduct, together with the well known connexion between and being well satisfied of the truth of these our the two men, inducing the company to consider allegations, you will take the means of our redress Mr. M. as in the same predicament with Mr. Rinto your serious consideration, and that you will they after mature deliberation, resolved to give give that aid to public virtue and liberty which them both a like treatment, by keeping them in your known wisdom and patriotism will naturally safe custody until your advice and pleasure should suggest.

be known. They were accordingly detained under And your petitioners as in duty bound shall pray.

Cross Roads, March 3d, 1776 county, could not avoid taking notice of them. AfGENTLEMEN.-We, the members of assembly for ter a mature hearing and judgment of his conduct, Kent county, taking into consideration the con- the committee published him in the newspapers, as finement of Messrs. R. and M now in your cus- an enemy to his country. It was upon this ground, toly, take the liber y to inform you that the conthe light infantry company of Dover seized upon tinuing these supposed offenders any longer under R. on his way to take his seat in the house a restraint of their liberty, may give interruption of representatives, at New Castle; and demanded to the business of legislation in this government of the legislature, that he should not be permitted which may be injurious, especially at this time; we to sit as a representative of the people, while coare therefore of opinion that you should release vered with charges of so malignant a dye. Instead them from their imprisonment, and permit them t› of regarding the iniquities of this culprit, Diony. pursue their journey to New Castle, upon their sins talked in a high strain of the breach of privigiving bond with security to submit the enquiry |lege of the house. An order issued, summoning the into their respective offences to the house of assem infantry to attend the house, which they instantly bly, and abide by, and perform whatsoever shall be obeyed. Mention was even made of imprisoning enjoined them by the house.

We are, gentlemen, &c.

CESAR RODNEY
WILLS KILLEN

JOHN HASLETT

THOMAS RODNEY
VINCENT LOCKERMAN

To the gentlemen of the light infantry company.

them for so daring an offence. But the spirit of New Castle county did not at that time, favor this measure. It was suggested, they must find means of confining a regiment or more of their militia, or they would not detain the infantry long. For many days after the examination of the witnesses, which went chiefly to an enquiry into the offence of the infantry, there was no open discussion as usual in the house. At the ringing of the bell, a [The result of this business is thus detailed in a minority of patriotic members met regularly: but pamphlet published in 1788. entitled "the biogra- Dionysius, in secret cabal, threatened some memphical history of Diovrsius, tyrant of Delaware, by bers, and allured others with promises, until he TIMOLEON."] brought his measures to bear. Finally it was re. "But to explain the attachment and connection solved, that R. and his associate (who had also of Dionysius with R and the other representatives been arrested for standing in his defence) should from Sussex, it will be necessary to give some ac take their seats; and the light infantry were discount of this county, and their election at Lewes. missed." in October, 1775. This R. was a man of property, and had been a leader in the proprietary faction for some years. Perfectly unprincipled, and sub. servient to direction, he of course at this time, be came a leader in opposition to independence. With all the industry of interested tools, he, and his as sociates of the same connection, prejudiced a majority of the people of Sussex against independence. Upon this principle it was, that R. and others of the same political creed, were elected representatives of the people.

The whigs bore all this with a degree of patience peculiar to Delaware. R. rendered fearless by his success, and the forbearance of the whigs, proceed. ed boldly in his villanies. By every means in his

PROCLAMATION.

By John Burgoyne, esq. lieutenant general of his majesty's armies in America, colonel of the queen's regiment of light dragoons, governor of Fort William in North Britain, one of the representatives of the commons of Great Britain, and commanding an army and fleet employed on an expedition from Canada, &c. &c.

The forces entrusted to my command, are designed to act in concert, and upon a common principle, with the numerous armies and fleets which already display in every quarter of America, the Power, the justice, and, when properly sought, the mercy of the king.

power, he seduced the people to break through The cause in which the British arms is thus exthe non-importation agreement. In particular, he erted, applies to the most affecting interests of purchased a large quantity of tea, and dealt it out the human heart; and the military servants of the to all whom he could persuade to use it. Having crown, at first called forth for the sole purpose of by this time a degree of contempt for all opposi restoring the rights of the constitution, now com■ tion, there was so little reserve in these transac-bine with love of their country, and duty to thei tions, that the committee of observation of the sovereign, the other extensive incitements, which

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