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Domestic News
October 28, 1774
The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle
Portsmouth, Greenland, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
A letter from New York dated around August 25 expresses American colonial defiance against British troops, rejecting subjugation, predicting soldier desertions, and inviting deserters to join for land and freedom amid rising tensions.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
LONDON, August 25.
Part of a Letter from a Gentleman at New-York to his Friend at Edinburgh.
"You have sent a number of Troops in hostile array against us, intending, as we apprehend, to frighten us to comply with those measures which your Ministry propose; but this will not answer the purpose you intend thereby. America will not enjoy the emoluments of slavery, nor suffer a military power to relay the mandates of government to her. We have yet one shift left us, to die gloriously with the sword in our hand, and our face to our foes. We are sorry to add, that if we die, we fall, murdered by false brethren, for the sake of gratifying their ambition.
"Your regular troops will undoubtedly at first be much superior to our militia. but if ever it shall be our misfortune to resist unto blood, the consideration of what we have to lose, and the justness of our cause, will support us against this disadvantage. Time will teach us the art of war, and you cannot destroy us all in one day:--if we fall it is for a good Cause: on your side it is tyranny and oppression. And, Sir, you ought to remember how many of your own soldiers have already deserted, and how many more will desert.
Immediate possession of lands, and other enjoyments, are undoubtedly to be preferred to the chance of war which is glorious and uncertain; this your soldiers know, & we shall certainly give all encouragement to deserters. You can only recruit your army from Britain or Ireland, and every new armament which you send here will be an increase to the Colonies, and an addition to our numbers.
Soldiers need not be afraid to desert, for they will not be delivered up to a Court Martial, and they shall have every privilege that free subjects can enjoy.
"We wish that you would send more troops speedily, An HUNDRED THOUSAND if you please; we have lands and freedom for them all; as soon as they come here we will provide for them; the meanest amongst them shall be independent, and live like Princes; the hostile weapons of slaughter shall give place to rural peace and country felicity.
We welcome all your regiments, and hope they never will return to Britain, but continue among the sons of liberty here. Our friendship and love I hope will conquer them all, and in ages to come the sons of those whom your Ministry have sent against us, shall together with our offspring, live in peace, and hold all Europe at defiance."
Part of a Letter from a Gentleman at New-York to his Friend at Edinburgh.
"You have sent a number of Troops in hostile array against us, intending, as we apprehend, to frighten us to comply with those measures which your Ministry propose; but this will not answer the purpose you intend thereby. America will not enjoy the emoluments of slavery, nor suffer a military power to relay the mandates of government to her. We have yet one shift left us, to die gloriously with the sword in our hand, and our face to our foes. We are sorry to add, that if we die, we fall, murdered by false brethren, for the sake of gratifying their ambition.
"Your regular troops will undoubtedly at first be much superior to our militia. but if ever it shall be our misfortune to resist unto blood, the consideration of what we have to lose, and the justness of our cause, will support us against this disadvantage. Time will teach us the art of war, and you cannot destroy us all in one day:--if we fall it is for a good Cause: on your side it is tyranny and oppression. And, Sir, you ought to remember how many of your own soldiers have already deserted, and how many more will desert.
Immediate possession of lands, and other enjoyments, are undoubtedly to be preferred to the chance of war which is glorious and uncertain; this your soldiers know, & we shall certainly give all encouragement to deserters. You can only recruit your army from Britain or Ireland, and every new armament which you send here will be an increase to the Colonies, and an addition to our numbers.
Soldiers need not be afraid to desert, for they will not be delivered up to a Court Martial, and they shall have every privilege that free subjects can enjoy.
"We wish that you would send more troops speedily, An HUNDRED THOUSAND if you please; we have lands and freedom for them all; as soon as they come here we will provide for them; the meanest amongst them shall be independent, and live like Princes; the hostile weapons of slaughter shall give place to rural peace and country felicity.
We welcome all your regiments, and hope they never will return to Britain, but continue among the sons of liberty here. Our friendship and love I hope will conquer them all, and in ages to come the sons of those whom your Ministry have sent against us, shall together with our offspring, live in peace, and hold all Europe at defiance."
What sub-type of article is it?
Rebellion Or Revolt
Military
Politics
What keywords are associated?
American Colonies
British Troops
Soldier Desertion
Colonial Resistance
Revolutionary Sentiment
Where did it happen?
New York
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
New York
Event Date
August 25
Event Details
A letter from a gentleman in New-York to his friend in Edinburgh defies British military intentions, rejects subjugation, anticipates resistance, encourages soldier desertions with promises of land and freedom, and welcomes more troops to join the colonies.