The Virginia Gazette

PHILADELPHIA October 1.

Explanation of a late Declaration.

By Richard viscount Howe of the kingdom of Ireland, and William Howe, Esq; general of his majesty's forces in America, the king's commissioners for deluding the good people of America by insidious offers of peace, or shedding their blood without mercy.

DECLARATION.

ALTHOUGH the Congress, whom the much injured Americans have deputed to direct their opposition to the establishment of tyranny, and an unconstitutional government over these provinces) have disavowed every purpose of reconciliation not consonant with that liberty to which they have the most clear and undeniable right, the king's commissioners aforesaid think fit to declare, that they are equally desirous to confer with his majesty's subjects (if any so weak and abandoned are to be found) upon the means of establishing a permanent tyranny over every colony, and fix them the everlasting slaves of the British empire.

The king being most graciously pleased to direct a revision of such of his royal instructions as may seem not to lay a sufficient restraint upon the freedom of legislation in any of the colonies, and to concur in the revisal of all acts by which his subjects there may think themselves aggrieved, 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 tyrannick 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.

R. HOWE.

W. HOWE.