circumstances, which were, at most, only within the verge of possibility.

When the captured troops began their march to Boston, the Americans lined the road and hill on each side. When passing through the centre of them, they were looked at, in this reverse of fortune, with a generous sedateness; not even the least gesture was made use of by way of insult. On their arrival at Boston they were quartered in the barracks on Winter and Prospect Hills. The general court of Massachusetts passed proper resolutions for the accommodation of prisoners; but from the feebleness of their authority, at that time, over the property of their fellow citizens, it was difficult to provide immediately for so large a number of officers and soldiers, in such a manner as their convenience required, or as from the articles of the convention they had a right to expect. The officers remonstrated to general Burgoyne, that six or seven of them were crowded together in one room, without any regard to their respective ranks, in violation of the 7th article of the convention. Notice of this being forwarded to general Gates, he sent general Burgoyne's letter to congress. Taking hold of the declaration of the general, that "the pub lic faith was broken," and eager to justify the measures they were desirous of adopting, they concluded from thence, that the captured troops, on their embarkation, would make a junction with the British garrisons in America. The declaration of the general, whilst in the power of congress, was construed by them, as destroying the security which they before had in his personal honor; alleging, that, in every event, he might adduce his previous notice to justify his future conduct. They therefore postponed the embarkation of the troops, making a nice distinction between the suspension and abrogation of the convention; and alleged, that ground for suspecting an intention to vioiate it, was a justifying reason for suspending its execution on their part, till it was properly ratified by the court of Great Britain. General Burgoyne explained the intention and construction of the passage objected to in his letter, and pledged himself that his officers would join with him in signing any instrument that might be thought necessary for confirming the convention; but congress would never recede from their resolution. It was easily seen, that the measure which they had adopted was not so lightly taken as to be easily given up; and that explanations and securities could produce no effect on their determination.

The capture of Burgoyne gave new strength to the minority of the British parliament; prevented the gov

ernment there from acting with collected force, which an union of sentiments would have enabled it to do ; encouraged the Americans by well grounded hopes of final success, and soon procured them powerful friends in Europe.

The American privateers and continental shipping sent in a number of British prizes into their own harbors this year, and insulted the coast of Britain in a manner never before ventured upon by her hardiest enemies; so as to produce the appointment of a convoy, for the first time ever known, to protect the linen ships from Dublin and Newry. The General Mifflin privateer, after making repeated captures, arrived at Brest, and saluted the French admiral, who returned the salute in form, as to the vessel of a sovereign and independent state. Though lord Stormont, on his threatening to return immediately to Great Britain, unless satisfaction should be given, obtained an order for American privateers and their prizes to leave the French ports, the same was evaded. However, the king's ships captured many valuable prizes in the West Indies and on the American coast. But the balance of property was greatly in favor of the Americans. The continental frigate Hancock, of 32 guns, mostly twelve pounders, commanded by captain Manly, was taken on the 8th of July, by sir George Collier, of his majesty's ship the Rainbow. The Hancock's complement was 290 men, nearly as many as the Rainbow's. The Flora frigate, likewise, gave chace to the Fox of 28 guns, on the 7th of July, and afterwards captured her. The Fox had been taken some time before by captain Manly, on the banks of Newfoundland.

On the first of December the ship Flamand, captain Landais, arrived at Portsmouth from Marseilles with a rich supply of warlike stores. Among other articles were 48 pieces of brass cannon, four pounders, with carriages complete, and 2000 balls; 19 nine inch mortars, with 250 bombs; a quantity of intrenching tools ; 3000 fusees; 1100 of another quality for dragoons; 18,000 pounds of gun powder, and 61,000 of brimstone.

During this year and some time after, the views of a few factious men were bent on rendering the commander in chief unpopular, and thus pave the way for bis removal from the command of the American army. But his fellow citizens had such unlimited and well grounded confidence in his patriotism and abilities, that the machinations of his enemies tended, in the end, only to establish more firmly that authority which they Industriously labored to subvert.

The plan seems to have been to engage the Massachusetts assembly and Virginia house of Burgesses, to give instructions to their delegates in congress, to move for an inquiry into the causes of the ill success of the campaign of 1776: and then contrive that such resolves should be agreed to, as would either remove general Washington or produce his resignation.

The following passages in two of the general's letters to a correspondent, who applied to him on this subject, are too valuable to be omitted. In the first letter, dated Valley Forge, January 23d, 1778, he writes "Wheth er a serious design of placing general Lee (before captivation) at the head of the army, had ever entered into the head of a member of congress or not, I never was at the trouble of inquiring. I am told a scheme of that kind is now on foot by some, in behalf of another gentleman-whether true or false-serious or merely to try the pulse-I neither know nor care. Neither interested, nor ambitious views led me into the service. I did not solicit the command; but accepted it after much entreaty, with all that diffidence, which a conscious want of ability and experience, equal to the discharge of so important a trust must naturally excite in a mind not quite devoid of thought: and after I did engage, pursued the great line of my duty, and the object in view (as far as my judgment could direct) as pointedly as the needle to the pole. So soon as the public gets dissatisfied with my services, or a person is found better qualified to answer her expectation, I shall quit the helm with as much pleasure, and retire to a private station with as much content, as ever the wearied pilgrim felt upon his safe arrival at the holy land, or haven of hope; and shall wish most devoutly, that those who come after may meet with more prosperous gales than I have done, and less difficulty. If the expectation of the public has not been answered by my endeavors, I have more reasons than one to regret it; but at present I shall only add, that a day may come when the public cause is no longer to be benefited by a concealment of our circumstances, and till this period arrives, I shall not be among the first to disclose such truths as may injure it, however my character in the mean while may suffer." On the 15th of February he had occasion for writing-"I can assure you that no person ever heard me drop an expression that had a tendency to resignation. The same principles that led me to embark in the opposition to the arbitrary claims of Great Britain, operate with additional force at this day; nor is it my desire to withdraw my services, while they are considered of importance in the present con

test. But to report a design of this kind, is among the arts which those, who are endeavoring to affect a change, are practising to bring it to pass."

-0000

CHAP. XII.

Treaty between France and America-Lord North's Conciliatory Bills-Rejected by Congress The French Treaty received by Congress, and accepted with joyTheir Address to the People-The Alliance between France and America announced in the British House of Commons-Louis XVI. admits the American Deputies to a public audience-Debates in the British Parliament on acknowledging the Independence of America-Proceedings of the hostile fleets-The Royal Commissioners hold a conference with a Committee of Congress-Their proceedings-Fail in their negociations-Philadelphia evacuated-The Battle of Freehold-The French fleet arrives in America-Indecisive proceedings of the hostile fleets and armies-Sullivan lands on Rhode Island, and evacuates it-Predatory excursions of the British-The Indians and Tories, their cruel depredations—The Americans retaliate, in their Expeditions against themCaptain Willings' expedition into West Florida-The British take Savannah, and apparently reduce the state of Georgia-Deplorable situation of the United StatesM. Gerard desires Congress not to prolong the war by too high demands General Lincoln appointed to command at the Southward-Prevost defeats the Americans at Briars' Creek-His attempt on Charleston-The British make an inroad with a land and sea force into Virginia -The British take the forts at Verplank and Stoney Point-Governor Tryon's destructive expedition into Connecticut-General Wayne storms Stoney PointMajor Lee takes the British post at Poulas Hook, but is unable to retain it-The Americans unsuccessful in Penobscott-Their fleet destroyed.

Soon after the intelligence of the capture of Bargoyne's army reached Europe, the king of France concluded at Paris treaties of alliance and commerce with the United States. This important transaction was the fruit of long negociation. The colonists had taken up arms uninfluenced by the enemies of Great Britain, and conducted their opposition for several months after they had raised troops, without any reference to foreign powers. As they began the contest with no other view than to obtain a redress of grievances, they show

་

ed no inclination, in the first period of their opposition, to involve the mother country in a war, nor to ask aid from her enemies. But when the policy of Great Britain attempted to deprive the Americans of arms, it became indispensible for them to seek foreign connexions. For this purpose, Silas Deane was sent to Paris, early in the year 1776, as a political and commerical agent, with instructions to solicit the friendship of the French king, Louis XVI. and to procure military stores. Soon after his arrival, he was instructed to sound count de Vergennes, the French minister for foreign affairs, on the subject of the American contro. versy. In the month of June, Mr. Deane obtained a supply of arms, ammunition, and soldiers' clothing, sufficient for loading three vessels. It is not yet publicly known what agency the court of France had in furnishing these supplies, or whether they were sold or given as presents. However; the business was so conducted, that it might assume such a complexion as circumstances might render expedient. And, during the whole negociation, Great Britain was amused with declarations of the most pacific dispositions on the part of France, whilst the Americans were supplied with the means of defence.

Congress having agreed upon the plan of the treaty which they intended to propose to his most Christian majesty, elected Dr. Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee to solicit its acceptance. It was resolved, that no member should be at liberty to divulge any thing more of these transactions than "that congress had taken such steps as they judged necessary for obtaining foreign alliances." The secret committee was directed to make an effectual lodgement of £10,000 sterling, subject to the order of these commissioners. Dr. Franklin, who was employed as agent in the business, and afterwards as minister plenipotentiary at the court of France, enjoyed a greater proportion of foreign fame, than any other native of America. He was eminently distinguished as a politician, and a scholar, and, if possible, more so as a man and a citizen. His genius was vast and comprehensive, and could with equal ease investigate the mysteries of philosophy and the labyrinths of politics. Shortly after his appointment he sailed for France. His high rank in literature and his agreeable manners, had procured him the highest respect and veneration when in that country, on his travels, in 1767; and now his increased fame smoothed the way for his reception in a public character. The three agents having rendezvoused at Paris, opened their business in a private audience with count de Vergennes