The Virginia Gazette

PROVIDENCE, NOVEMBER 13.

On Monday last the Hon. Major General Gates departed from this place, on his way to join the grand army, when a number of the principal inhabitants of the town waited upon him as far as Pawtuxet, where, upon taking their leave, they presented him with the following address, viz.

IN behalf of the town of Providence, the place you have honoured with your head quarters, during your command in this department, we beg leave to congratulate you on the splendid instances of success, attending your arms during the present war. Sublime must be the feelings of a breast, conscious of superior worth, in acquiring laurels amidst the severest toils of the military life. The unthought tribute of thousands, skilled in the arduous task, must give to self approbation a charm that virtue will approve. To the historic page, founded on impartial truth, we leave the just encomiums due to your military character; but claim a right to esteem you as a friend to mankind, and guardian to the immunities of citizens. In this amiable point of view, we have fully experienced the goodness of your heart, and feel the warmest gratitude in that behalf. While the officers and soldiers have acknowledged you their father and friend, the bosom of the citizen has glowed with the tenderest emotions, convinced that your whole ambition is directed to the noblest ends of political society.

While we deeply regret the absence of so worthy a friend, we cannot but be happy in reflecting that you are called by the most illustrious Chief, to more important services than await you here.

Permit us then to wish you every felicity that is attendant upon a great commander, and virtuous citizen. That your name may continue to be revered by the brave and good; and that the acknowledgments of unbiased millions may perpetuate your merits, when you shall be summoned to move in a more exalted and celestial sphere, is the cordial prayer of, dear General, your most obedient and very humble servants.

To which the General replied,

THAT he had ever been happy in his connection in the town of Providence in particular, and the State of Rhode Island in general, and found himself under many obligations for the polite manner in which he has been treated by them; that as his great object always the publick good, he hoped still to continue to deserve the approbation of all virtuous citizens.