The Newport Gazette

PHILADELPHIA, April 21.

Copy of a letter from London, dated Feb. 23, 1778.

Sir,

I am much obliged to you for your very intelligent letter of the 27th December. It has given me a much better idea of the present war in America, than any account I have yet seen, and I am in hopes from what you say, that the army will reap great advantages by being comfortably quartered during the winter; and I apprehend it cannot be much harassed by Washington's army. I am under great obligation, to a friend of mine for affording me an opportunity of writing you by this man of war, which carries dispatches to the General. Interested as you are in the event of this rebellion, and knowing your warm attachment to this country, I am afraid the dispatches which now go will seem very displeasing, and that you will be apt to think your friend Lord North has lost that usual fortitude of mind for which I have heard you so often extol him. But be not too hasty in pronouncing judgment. Many concurring, and, I may add, unfortunate circumstances, have forced him to pursue those measures which he would willingly have avoided. You know how unwillingly his Lordship took the reins of government: It was at a time when some of the most able men in the kingdom had absolutely abandoned them. The disturbances in America were then fast growing into rebellion. The minority in both Houses of parliament, were not only encouraging the Americans privately in their opposition to legal government, but they espoused their cause openly in both houses. Lord Chatham rejoiced that America had resisted. When the outrages of the Americans rose so high, that parliament found it absolutely necessary to declare them in rebellion, the minority still gave their countenance to their rebellious proceedings: They have, during the war, thrown every obstacle in the way of the minister, to retard the operations. The principles of these men have pervaded more or less through every department. In short; they have hung like a millstone round the neck of the Minister. The unfortunate defeat of the brave General Burgoyne was matter of triumph to the opposition. It had a different effect on the nation at large. It roused the sleeping lion and from every quarter of these kingdoms his Majesty had an offer of the purses and persons of his loyal subjects. This alarmed the factious minority, and it was necessary to ring the alarm bell. They objected in parliament to the mode of raising new levies. They pretended to be apprehensive of an invasion, and of course bawled forth the impropriety of sending any more of the old regiments out of the kingdom. They complained that a proper use had not been made of the force already sent to America: That there was not, nor had not been any terms held out to the rebels, should they incline to submit. That it was proper to declare on what footing they should be received, if they returned to their allegiance, and many arguments of the like nature, which were only thrown out as stumbling blocks to the minister. Lord North, sensible that the minority did not mean what they expressed, determined to attack them in their own way, and therefore moved for the two bills which now go by this conveyance. It is not expected that the Congress will resist their claim of Independence. But as they have now an offer in explicit terms of what they pretend they have been alone contending for, they must either accept of these terms, or show their cloven foot, which they have attempted to conceal under the cloak of contending for their legal and constitutional rights. The consequence of which will be a total overthrow of all opposition in this country. It is likewise expected that some good consequences will arise on your side of the water from these measures. We are confidently assured that many people are heartily tired of the tyranny of the Congress. At any rate, be not alarmed, but reassured, that every vigorous measure is now pursuing to compel America to submission. And whatever may be the issue of the terms now offered, the people in America who have manifested their loyalty to the King, and their attachment to the constitution, will be properly attended to. The Commissioners you may be assured, will have a proper reverence.