The Virginia Gazette

For the better strengthening and confirming the same, it is recommended to the inhabitants at large, to reflect seriously upon their present condition and expectations, and to judge for themselves, whether it be more consistent with their honour and happiness to risk their lives in defence of a glorious independency, or return to the galling yoke of tyrannic usurpation, and be deprived of every security in the enjoyment of their liberty and properties, upon the true principles of a wicked and destructive policy.

HOWE.
W. HOWE.

To his Excellency WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Esq; Governor, Captain General and Commander in Chief in and over the State of New Jersey, and territories thereunto belonging, Chancellor and Ordinary of the same.
The humble address of the Council of the said State.

May it please your Excellency,

We congratulate your Excellency on your appointment to the government, and to return you our most cordial thanks for your truly patriotic speech.

The impartial and disinterested part of the world will agree with your Excellency, that the separation of America from Great Britain is fully justifiable before God and man: A separation at once expedient, inevitable, and essentially necessary to our very existence as freemen. America, indeed, was compelled to break off all union with a nation which, contaminated with luxury, and insatiate with plunder, had concerted a system of despotism for her ruin. All America regrets the necessity, at the same time that all America applauds the rectitude and spirit of the measure.

The British nation too, if not totally immersed in venality and corruption, must applaud an action which accords so eminently with the true spirit of their own constitution. An action, that owes its birth to the same principle, which was so signally displayed in the memorable revolution. What, however, is peculiarly worthy of remark in the progress of the present contest, is, that wonderful preparation of circumstances, and singular combination of causes, which gradually brought on the separation, and disposed the minds of men for an event so truly important.

The constitution framed by the late Convention, although not entirely perfect, has, however, equitably and justly decided on most of the principal points whereon the happiness of this society depends; and therefore hath met with general approbation. Upon so respectable and honourable a bottom the present legislature is founded; which, in the most unbiased manner, hath chosen your Excellency to preside over the State, and, by that choice, hath, at this perilous period, clearly shewn how much they admire your virtues, and what confidence they repose in your abilities.

The several important matters, recommended by your Excellency, merit our serious and deliberate consideration; and, in conjunction with the General Assembly, we shall take such steps, and pass such laws as may appear most conducive to the public weal.

We join your Excellency in sentiment as to the disinterestedness and integrity so indispensable requisite in all our proceedings: Certainly, as public men, we are to know neither friend nor favourite, fear, nor resentment. Sensible that, especially in the infancy of our civil institution, much depends upon the selection of proper persons to occupy the various departments in the State, your Excellency may be assured that we shall be particularly cautious in our choice. Stationed as we are, the guardians and protectors of the State, the general good should be the sole object of attention, and of course, in the appointment of officers, intrinsic merit should be the sole rule of promotion. These, Sir, were the considerations which influenced us in the appointment of such officers as have been already elected; and we trust will continue to be the rule of our conduct.

No time ever required more economy, industry, patriotism, purity of manners, and true devotion, than the present; and the experience of all ages, with the recent example of Great Britain, hath effectually taught us, how essentially necessary it is to the weal of the state to inculcate these excellent qualifications, both by precept and example.

By order of the House,
JOHN STEVENS, V. P.

PRINCETON, Sept. 28, 1776.

To which his EXCELLENCY was pleased to make the following
REPLY.

GENTLEMEN,

I am greatly obliged to you for your kind congratulations on my appointment to the government; and for the favourable sentiments you are pleased to express concerning me. As every office is only honourable in proportion to the public good it enables the person sustaining it to do, and the officer himself in proportion to the good he actually does, I can assure you that the reflection of having promoted the true interest of this State to the extent of my wishes and of your expectation, will afford me more solid satisfaction than can result from any external splendor, or the most illustrious titles.