But we en Still, it was not until September in the same year that a regular prospectus was offered, for 1 yet fea ed the want of matter, as well as the severe labor that I'was sensible would become necessary to obtain it, if to be obtained at all. This prospectus contained these paragraphs: "Believing, as we do, that the simplicity of the truth, as held forth by those who devised and executed the severance of this country from the power of a despot, has been widely departed fron, no effort on our part shall be wanting to encourage a spirit to seek after and hold on to the prinriples which appear' essential to the preservation of the rights and liberties of the people of the United States; under an assurance that vigilance is the condition on which freedom is granted to us. ter upon the undertaking before us with considerable diffidence-fearful of the want of a just discriminatio, and also of time for research and reflection to do justice to the weighty concern. It seemed however, to be imposed on us as a duty, and we will execute the task as well as we can. “The materials, though the stock is pretty large, are not yet sufficient for the extensive work contemplated. The editor of the Register has, for several years, been a collector of scraps and rare things--several gentlemen have liberally contributed articles which they would not have parted with except on an occasion like this; and others have promised us liberiy to overhaul their neglec!es! stores of old papers: but much useful matter nust be in the hands of those with whom we have not yet communicated on the subject; and every patriot is invited to give his aid to this collection, designed 10 record the feelings of the times that tried men's souls.” Letters may be sent to the editor at his cost for postage, and originals will be carefully returned, if requested. When copies from many. scripts are presented, it might be well to peralit us to state the source from whence they were derive d, if necessary.” The terms were also set fo:th-it was promised that the volume should contain between four and five hundred pages, and cost, in sheets, the sum of three dollars. A view to pecuniary profit was disavowed—it had nothing to do with the origin or progress of the work, and if a reasonable, allowance for inoney and time expended is afforded by its sale, it will be as much as ever has been expected. I had no sooner fairly committed myself than I regretted it—the patriots of the revolution did not make speeches to be unattended to by their brethren iv congress and fill up the columns of newspapers*. They only spoke when they had something to say, and preferred acting to talking-very unlike the legislators of the present time. I plainly saw that great difficulties would oppose themselves to the fulfilment of my promise I feared that more was expected of me than any man could do for the facts that were manifest to my mind could not be appreciated by all: my pride, (an honest one, I trust), was alarmed-but, in obedience to a fixed rule that I have adopted for my own conduct, I resolved to meet the difficulty presented and conquer it by perseverance-if I could. To give some idea of the quantity of books and papers that have been looked into to effect this compilation, I think that I do not exagge ate when I say that they were sufficient to load a cart, and hours ort hours have been spent in the service without the least profit. Perhaps, I was unlucky or unwise that my attention was not directed to the proper sources; it may be se—but of this I ain satisfied, that very few of the soul-stirring” speeches of the revolutionary period remain to warm the hearts of a grateful posterity: they were pronounced to be heard, not published. With this bief narrative, I subunit the work to the liberality of my countryinen, American republicans—in the firm belief that, if I have not accomplished all that was hoped for by some, it will appear that others are agreeably disappointed; and I am satisfied that good will result from the publication of this collection: it will rescue from oblivion many things that were bastening to it, and lay the foundation, perhaps, of a more extensive and enuclı more perfect work, which I shall always keep in my view. In explanation it is necessary further to observe, that the leading object of this volume. was to shew the feelings that prevailed in the revolution, not to give a history of events; hence, all matters of the latter class have been rejected, except as immediately necessary to shew the effects of feeling. The volume, also, might have been more acceptable if a greater degree of order had been observed as to dates, &c.; but it was almost impossible to approach regularity, in this respect, as well from the nature of things as from the occasional attention, only, that I was able to give to the work--but any inconvenience on this account is obviated by the copious index, o table of contents prefixed Two articles have been, unfortunately, inserted iwice---but, as they are of an excellent quality, I shall not be sorry for it, if the error causes them to be twice read. Many notices of proceedings, &c. are given only to indicate the general conduct of the people on such occasions as they have reference to. *The earl of Dartmouth asked an American in London, (whose name we cannot call to mind at present), of how many members the congress consisted? the reply was "fifty-two.” “Why that is the number of cards in a pack," said his lordship-"how many knaves are thert?" "Not one,” returned the republican "please tu recollect that knaves are court cards!" A. move the troops from Boston, 211; his speech Adams, John-letters to him from J. Palmer, on lord Suffolk's propo-ition to empioy the J. Trumbull, R Cranch, S. Cooper, &:. 322, sav-ges, 276; his remarks on the declaration 323; his letter to the editor, enclosing a of dendenre 371 copy of major Hawley's hroken hints' 324; Cheeseman, cap. bis gallantry at Quebec 370 to gov. Bullock, Juin 1, 1776, 327; to Mr. Christie, James, banislied from Maryland 222 Chase, same dale, rhid; to Mrs. Ada'ns, Juli 3, Church, Benjamin, his oration at Boston, 1773, 8 1776 328 329; respecting con, l'ucker 41,3; Churches, destruction of 361 Mr A when an anbassador, found as a pri. Clarke, gen. George Rogers, an instance of his vate among the marines, 414 as: Onisliing firmness 380 Adams, Samuel, 477 Confederation, Dreyton's speech on the articles of Address of the provincial congress of Massachu. and his project of a new bond of union, 98, 104 setts to the inhabitants of Great Britain, 205; Congrass-Virginia delegates to 201; meeting of to the independent sons of Massachusetts, 297; address to the inhabitants of the United 432- see the several states, &c. States, 1779, 407; held at New York, in 1765, Americ, estimate of the military force of, 211 451; ma if so of, 1778 476 American and French soldiers, their comforts, 345 Connecticut-gov. Trumbull's reply to W Tryon Andre, major, his affair with Arnold, 302 210; his letter to gov. Gage, 437; revolu. Arms of the Unite' Siates, a descrin jo 1 of, 486 tionary pensioners of, highly interesting, 363. Army of the revolution-statements of its firce, 364; election sermon 476 condition, pay, & &. 211, 433; vluntary Conscience, Livingston's remarks on liberty of, 306 contributions to sippor: it, 486 Con ributions, (voluntary), to furnish supplies Arnold, at New London, 330; his character, 331; for the army 486 his letter to gen. Washington after bis trea Cornwallis-address of the abbe Bandole on his son, 391; procession with his effigy, 391 capture, 268; a letter from gen. Washington, Asaph, St. the bishop of-his speech, 160 as to the plans taid to capture him, 272; exAsgill, the case of, 317; leiters of his mother, 318 traci from Wraxall's memoirs respecting his Austin, Jonathan W. his oration at Boston, 1778, 31 surrender, 277; further particulars 345, 362 B. Court martial on a spy 369 Bandole, M. l'abbe, his thanksgiving address on Cropper, gen. notice of bis services and death 416 the capture of Cornwallis, 268 Cunningham, the infamous capt. bis confession 274 Barlow's oration, 384 D. Barney, capt. bis fight with the General Monk, Dartmouth, the earl of--a letter addressed to 144 361; furtber particulars, 414 Davis, coi. bis journal kept at Yorktown 465 Barry, capt, mentioned, 415 Dawes, Thomas, bis oration at Boston, 1781, Boston, the town of-notice of many interesting Declaration of rights, the draughtof Geo. Mason, things that occurred therein, 464, 468, 470, of Va. 123; of independence in Mecklenburg, 471, 479 to 486 and 489; battle between the N. C. 1775, 132, 135 rope.makers and soldiers, 480; Whig club, Delaware: petition to establish a militia, 1775, 484; massacre of the 5th of March, with re. 257; letter from Dr. Tilton to Dr. Elmer oit Actions, 481; persons proscribed at, 374 the stare of things, 1775, 257;Correspondence «Bosion orations”-in commemoration of the 5th of the same, respecting toryısın in Sussex co. of March, 1770, when a number of citizens 258, 259; letter of Z. G. to the coinmittee at were killed by a party of British troops, viz. Dover, 257; proceedings of the cominittee by James Lovell, Joseph Warren, (two), respecting certain tea, 258; of the same, wiile Broj. Church, Jno. Hancock, Peter Thatcher, the satisfaction tendered to them, on account B · jamin Hitcl.born, Jonathan W. Austin, of a disaffected article published, 2605; arrest William Tudor, Jonathan Mason, Thornas of a member of the legislature, by the light Dawes, jun. Geo. Richards Minoi, and Thos. infantry company of Dover, and proceedings Welsb, I to 59 thereon, 261; correspoodence of Cæsar and Botta, Mr. extracts from his history 490 'Thomas Rodney, &c. 338-345 Brackenridge's eulogium on those who had fillen Delaware river, passage of 361 in defence of their couniry,delivered 1779, 119 Drayton, Wm. Henry, charges delivered by him Brandt, col. bis incursion, 1779, 367 in 1776, 72, 81, 92; his speech in the general Bullock, gov, a speech delivered by him 159 assembly, 1778, 98; his projeci, 10-4; bis ade Bu ker's hill, incidents of the batlle at, 471 dress tu lord liowe and gen). Howe 115 Burgoyne, gen. his correspondence with gen. Drayton's memoirs, an extract from 467 Le, 206; his thundering proclamation, 1777, Dickinson, John, a letter from him, 1779, 343; 26.; lauching reply thereto, 263;' proposals bis speech in congress 493 for his exchange, humorous, 261 Dunmore,lord, bis letter in gen.llowe, 1775, 138; Burke. Edmund, his great speech in favor of con. bis wicked proclasa ion, 1775 373 ciliation with the colonies, 1775, 223 to 248 E. Basbnell's machine, 469 Effingham, lord, resigns his command in the C. British army, &c. 421 Canada, address to the people of 425 Ellery, William, one of the signers of the decla. Carpenters' Hall, a speech delivered at 202 ration of independence 415 Chainpe, Jobn, interesting history of 300 Estaing, the count de-his declaration in the Champlaio-American and British forces on 450 Dame of the king, to the ancient French in Charges, judicial-of Jolin Jay, 1777, 62; W. H America 408 Drayton 72, 81, 92 Eulogium, by julge Brackenridge, (1779) on Charleston, proceedings at on arrival of stamps 467 those who had fallen in the contest with Chatham, lord--a speech delivered ytim on 'he Great Britaja 119 so vereignty of Great Britain, 189; do. to re Exporis, resolves in Virginia respecting 193 F. Ledyard, col. and others of their fate, &c. at 330 Lee, gen. his correspondence with gen. Burgoyne, 427 490 469 Letter from a lady to a British officer 305; from marks on holding Canada as a 'check' 487 Lexington, the battle of, mentioned in a letter from a lady, 305; some curious particulars 406 of the affair, 326; receipt of the news 470 Livingston, gov. of New Jersey, his able and spi- to the legislature, 1777, 270; his remarks on the liberty of conscience 306 M. 273 420 Manufactures, &c. recommended, 181, 182, 184, 469 334 488 Martin, gov. of N. Carolina, his proclamation, 134 Maryland-a letter from addressed to the earl 331, 366 of Dartmouth, 144; various proceedings re- specting the importation of British goods, 1769, 167; do. in relation to the Boston port 463 bill, 172, 173; patriotic recommendations for a meeting of deputies respecting manufac- tures and home industry, 181; case of James Christie, 222; address to count Rochambeau, 398; address of the general assembly to the 411 471 Mason, Jonathan, his oration at Boston, 1780 41 320 George, of Va.-many interesting parti- 26 culars of, with a copy of his draugbt of a de. claration of rights, and extracts from several 123 Massachusetts-gen. Gage's proclamation, 1775, 136; proclamation of the general court, Jan. 1776, 142; address of the legislature to gen. 361 Washington and his reply, 143; Boston in- structions, 156; Malden do. 156; proceedings specting in Maryland, 167, 169; do in Va. 198 the Boston port bill, 172, 173, 174, 179, 180, 432 proceedings respecting the civil government vincial congress to the inhabitants of Great 303 Britain, 2005; gov. Hutchinson's speech to the 317 by the same, 253; resolutions adopted May 477 28, 1773, 294; letter to the speakers of the assemblies of other colonies, 295; proceed- 320 ings in respect to certain letters, 295; ex. tract from the governor's message and reply, 378 Jan. 1774, 296; message to gov. Gage, same year, 297; address of the provincial congress, Dec. 1774, 298; refusal of a jury to be im. pannelled, 319; Hutchinson's divide et impera 420; recruiting service, 423; address to the der in chief and others, when Philadelphia congress to the people of Great Britain, 1775, 334 tion for a public thanksgiving, 436; test act, (1776) 436 474 Jawhood, a British col. his proposition and the Pennsylvania-Brackenridge's eulogium 119; 463 proceedings at Philadelphia about certain 427 teas imported 170; address of a convention 52 ings on the Boston port bill 179; speech de. 211 livered at Carpenter's Hall 202; declaration 485 of the deputies, June 24, 1776, 252; remon. 326 fined in the free mason's lodge, Sept. 4, 1777, 59 Philadelphia 333 to 335; address of the de. puties of the colony to the people, June, 1776-379; ordinance defining treason 417; 184 Old men's company 420; act respecting per- sons scrupulous of bearing arms, ib. on the monopoly of salt 431 Pensioners, revolutionary, anecdotes of 363, 364; female 417 Petition of the Americans residing in London 332 the Britis, occupied this city 333; glorious 463 act of gratitude of a sheriff 363; ancient state of things at 471 330 Prisoners, the treatment of at New York, by Cun. ningham 274 Privateers 376. 432 432 136; by the general court of Massachusetts ton, 1776, 143; of lord Dunmore, 1775, 373; of congress for a day of fasting, humiliation Washington on the bombardment of New York 454 374 419 Q. 334 477 R. Ramsay, Dr. David, his oration on independence, 1778 64 471 335 317 447 Retaliatory measures recommended by congress, 370 Rhode Island-oath exacted of the people of by 427 Robertson, gen. his correspondence with gov. Livingston respecting certain traitors 268 Rochambeau, count de-addressed by the peo. ple of Baltimore and the general assembly 384 of Maryland, with his replies Rodgers, Dr. extract from one of his sermons 361 339, 340 Thomas, letters from bim 341, 342, 343, 344 1787 404 152 347 S. 376 431 255 Sea fight-an account of the first fought in the 370 404 Sedition-an act of S. Carolina respecting 150 249 extract from Dr. Rodgers on the destruc- gen. Lee 397 tiori of the churches during the war, &c. Tryon, William, his letter to gov. Trumbun me 210 473 rucker, commodore, interesting particulars of 413 215 Tudor, William, his oration at Boston, 1779 36 367 Drayton's charge 72; others by the same naval service of the U. S.-her battles, &c. 370 V. Virginia-interesting facts of George Mason-. his declaration of righ's, and sundry letters 123; Dunmore's letter to Howe 158; pro- ceedings in the convention thereon 139; co. py of the oath extorted by Dunmore 141; pric-edi gs at Norfolk on the Boston port bill 180; do, at Williamsburg, Fredericks. burg, Hanover, & on the removal of ceriain arms and munitions of war, 1775 186; asso- ciation respecting the import of British goods, slaves, seas, &c. and recommending manufacturas 198; ins ructions to the dele. 467 gates to congress 201; do, to the delegates of Cumberland county 211; further instruc- tions to the delegates in congress-respecte ing & hill of rights-oasis drink and the Union fig unfuried, May 15, 1776, 251; de. bate on Henry's motion to pa the coiony in a state of defence, 1775 307; the people called to arms. 1779, 381; the test of 1776, 446; instructions to Messrs. Lewis and Boyer 446 W. Warren, Dr. Joseph-his oration at Boston 1772, oration on the re-interiuent of his remains 349 sion of Boston, 1776, with the address of the 490 to 495 with gen. Lacey 333; interesting let'ers to 451 food 335, 337, 338; to congress shewing his embarrassments, June, 1700, 337; acceptance 275 of the command of the army 350; his letter 370 to congress, 1776, 350; general orders, 1783, 353; circular to the states, 1783. 354; resig- 421 nation of his command 359; first speech io congress under the constitution 359; his or. Ware 361; in want of a pen knife 369; address 482 to the inhabitants of Canada 423, his procla- 434; addressed at New York 477 275 Welsh, Thomas, bis oration at Boston, 1783 55 470 Woman, sentiments of an American, 1780 389 the surrender of Cornwallis 277 345 Y. 393 372 417 Yorktown, interesting particulars of affairs at 465 |