ing made it absolutely necessary to adopt some temporary regulations for the preservation of the public peace and safety; and your appointment of me to carry these things into execution, at a time so practical and important to the welfare of this country, requires an exertion of the greatest prudence and abilities. Mr. Speaker and gentlemen of the congress— Being sensible that colony matters of great importance will claim your attention at this meeting, I will not take up too much of your time from the public business. Some further regulations respecting the courts of justice, the state of the continental battalions, and the better ordering of the militia of this province, will necessarily be the subject of your disquisi At a time, when our rights and privileges are invaded, when the fundamental principles of the constitution are subverted, and those mentions. whose duty should teach them to protect and defend us, are become our betrayers and murderers; it calls aloud on every virtuous member of the community to stand forth, and stem the prevailing torrent of corruption and lawless power. The many and frequent instances of your attachment towards me, and an ardent desire to promote the welfare of my country, have induced me to accept of this weighty and important trust; for your interest only I desire to act; and relying on your aid and assistance in every difficulty, I shall always most confidently expect it. You must be convinced of the many difficulties we labor under, arising from the number that still remain among us, under the shelter of an affected neutrality. The arguments alleged for their conduct, appear too weak to merit a refutation. This is no time to talk of moderation; in the present instance it ceases to be a virtue. An appeal, an awful appeal, is made to Heaven, and thousands of lives are in jeopardy every hour. Our northern brethren point to their wounds, and call for our most vigorous exertions; and God forbid that so noble a contest should end in an infamous conclusion. You will not, therefore, be biassed by any suggestions from these enemies of American lib on the forwardness and zeal of this infant colony.-You must evidently perceive the necessity of making some further laws respecting these non-associates; and though there may be some who appear at present forward to sign the association, yet it becomes us to keep a watchful eye on the motive and conduct of these men, lest the public good should be endangered through this perfidy and pretended friendship. Some venial disaffected men may endeavor to persuade the people to submit to the man-erty, or regard any censure they may bestow dates of despotism; but surely every freeman would consider the nature, and inspect the designs and execution of that government, under which he may be called to live. The people of this province, in opposing the designs of a cruel and corrupt ministry, have surmounted what appeared insuperable difficulties; and notwithstanding the artifice and address that for a long time were employed to divert their attention from the common cause, they, at length by imperceptible degrees, succeeded, and declared their resolutions to assert their liberties and to maintain them, at all events, in concurrence with the other associated colonies.-For my part, I most candidly declare that, from the origin of these unhappy disputes, I heartily approved of the conduct of the Americans. My approbation was not the result of prejudice or partiality, but proceeded from a firm persuasion of their having acted agreeable to constitutional principles, and the dictates of an upright disinterested conscience. We must all acknowledge our great obligations to our ancestors, for the invaluable liberties we enjoy; it is our indispensable duty to transmit them inviolate to posterity; and to be negligent, in an affair of such moment, would be an indelible stain of infamy on the present æra. Animated with this principle, I shall think myself amply rewarded, if I can be so fortunate as to render any service to the cause of freedom and posterity. By the resolves of the general congress, the inhabitants of the united colonies are permitted to trade to any part of the world, except the dominions of the king of Great Britain and in consequence of which, it will be necessary to fix on some mode of proceedings, for the clearance of vessels and other matters relative thereto; and perhaps you may think it further requisite, to appoint proper officers to despatch this business, that the adventures in trade may meet with as little obstruction as possible. And I would at the same time recommend to your consideration, the exorbitant prices of goods, and other necessaries of life, in the town of Savannah, and every part of the province. This certainly requires some immediate regulations, as the poor must be greatly distressed by such alarming and unheard of extortions. With respect to Indian affairs, I hoped to have the pleasure of assuring you, from the state of the proceedings of the commissioners, that they were in every respect friendly and warmly attached to our interest, and that there was the greatest reason to expect a continuance of the same friendly disposition; But I have received some accounts rather unfavorable. As this is of the highest consequence to the peace and welfare of the colony, I would here suggest, whether it would not be necessary to enter into some resolves, in order to prevent any future misunderstanding between them and our back settlers; and to this I think I may add, that the putting the province in the best posture of defence, would be an object very requisite at this juncture. a commission, which was offered to him. At the commencement of the war, he enlisted in the second South Carolina regiment of infantry, commanded by colonel Moultrie. He distinguished himself in a particular manner, at the attack which was made upon fort Moultrie, on Sullivan's Island, on the 28th of June, 1776. In the warmest part of that contest, the flagstaff was severed by a cannon ball, and the flag fell to the bottom of the ditch on the outside of the works. This accident was considered by the anxious inhabitants in Charleston, as putting an end to the contest by striking the The continental congress have always been American flag to the enemy. The moment solicitous to promote the increase and im- Jasper made the discovery that the flag had provement of useful knowledge, and with the fallen, he jumped from one of the embrasures, highest satisfaction contemplating the rapid and mounted the colors, which he tied to a progress of the arts and sciences in America, sponge-staff, and re-planted them on the parahave thought proper to recommend the en-pet, where he supported them until another couraging the manufactory of salt-petre, sul-flag-staff was procured. The subsequent acphur, and gunpowder.--The process is extremely easy, and I should be very glad to see any of the good people of this province exerting themselves in the manufacture of these useful and necessary articles. If they once consider | it is for the public good, they will need no other inducement. Mr. Speaker, and gentlemen of the congress -Remember in all your deliberations you are engaged in a most arduous undertaking. Generations yet unborn may owe their freedom and happiness to your determination, and may bestow blessings or execrations on your memory, in such manner as you discharge the trust reposed in you by your constituents. Thoughts like these will influence you to throw aside every prejudice, and to exert your utmost efforts to preserve unanimity, firmness and impartiality in all your proceedings. ARCHIBALD BULLOCK. SERGEANT JASPER. The following biographical sketch of sergeant JASPER, whose name has been given to one of the counties of Georgia, in commemoration of his gallant deeds and signal services during the revolutionary war, is extracted from the second volume of M'Call's history of Georgia. "The conduct of sergeant Jasper, meets particular notice in the history of Georgia, and his name is entitled to a page in the history of fame, while many others, high in rank, might justly be forgotten. He was a man of strong mind, but as it had not been cultivated by education, he modestly declined the acceptance of tivity and enterprise of this patriot, induced colonel Moultrie to give him a sort of roving commission, to go and come at pleasure, confident that he was always usefully employed. He was privileged to select such men from the regiment as he should choose to accompany him in his enterprises. His parties consisted generally of five or six, and he often returned with prisoners before Moultrie was apprised of his absence. Jasper was distinguished for his humane treatment, when an enemy fell into his power. His ambition appears to have been limited to the characteristics of bravery, humanity and usefulness to the cause in which he was engaged. When it was in his power to kill, but not to capture, it was his practice to permit a single prisoner to escape. By his cunning and enterprise, he often succeeded in the capture of those who were lying in ambush for him. He entered the British lines, and remained several days in Savannah, in disguise, and after informing himself of their strength and intentions, returned to the American camp with useful information to his commanding officer. In one of these excursions, an instance of bravery and humanity is recorded by the biographer of general Marion, which would stagger credulity, if it was not well attested.While he was examining the British camp at Ebenezer, all the sympathy of his heart was awakened by the distresses of a Mrs. Jones, whose husband, an American by birth, had taken the king's protection, and been confined in irons for deserting the royal cause, after he had taken the oath of allegiance. Her well founded belief was, that nothing short of the life of her husband would atone for the offence with which he was charged. Anticipating the awful scene of a beloved husband expiring upon | resort to an act so desperate of execution; the gibbet, had excited inexpressible emotions how much more laudable was this, where the of grief and distraction. spring to action was roused by the lamentations of a female unknown to the adventurers. "Jasper secretly consulted with his companion sergeant Newton, whose feelings for the distressed female and her child were equally excited with his own, upon the practicability of releasing Jones from his impending fate. Though they were unable to suggest a plan of operation, they were determined to watch for the most favorable opportunity and make the effort. The departure of Jones, and several others (all in irons,) to Savannah, for trial, un- | der a guard, consisting of a sergeant, corporal, and eight men, was ordered upon the succeeding morning. Within two miles of Savannah, about thirty yards from the main road, is a spring of fine water, surrounded by a deep and thick underwood, where travellers often halt to refresh themselves with a cool draught from this pure fountain. Jasper and his companion considered this spot the most favorable for their enterprise. They accordingly passed the guard and concealed themselves near the spring. When the enemy came up they halted, and only two of the guard remained with the prisoners, while the others leaned their guns against trees in a careless manner and went to the spring. Jasper and Newton sprang from their place of concealment, seized two of the mus-ther, and tell him I have worn it with honor. kets, and shot the sentinels. The possession of all the arms placed their enemy in their power, and compelled them to surrender. The irons were taken off, and arms put in the hands of those who had been prisoners, and the whole party arrived at Purysburgh the next morning and joined the American camp. There are but few instances upon record, where personal exertions, even for self-preservation from certain prospects of death, would have induced Subsequent to the gallant defence at Sullivan's Island, colonel Moultrie's regiment was presented with a stand of colors by Mrs. Elliot, which she had richly embroidered with her own hands, and as a reward for Jasper's particular merits, governor Rutledge presented him with a very handsome sword. During the assault against Savannah, two officers had been killed and one wounded endeavoring to plant these colors upon the enemy's parapet of the Spring hill redoubt. Just before the retreat was ordered, Jasper endeavored to replace them upon the works, and while he was in the act, received a mortal wound and fell into the ditch.-When a retreat was ordered he recollected the hon[orable conditions upon which the donor presented the colors to his regiment, and among the last acts of his life, succeeded in bringing them off. Major Horry called to see him soon after the retreat, to whom, it is said, he made the following communication: • I have got my furlough. That sword was presented to me by governor Rutledge, for my services in the defence of fort Moultrie-give it to my fa If he should weep, tell him his son died in the hope of a better life. Tell Mrs. Elliot that I lost my life in supporting the colors which she presented to our regiment. If you should ever see Jones, his wife, and son, tell them that Jasper is gone, but that the remembrance of the battle which he fought for them brought a secret joy to his heart, when it was about to stop its motion forever.' He expired a few minutes after closing this sentence." CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. INTERESTING PROCEEDINGS. FRAGMENT OF AN ELOQUENT SPEECH, Made in the general congress of America, by one of the delegates in 1775-author un known. FROM ALMON'S REMEMBRANCER. The great God, sir, who is the searcher of all things will witness for me, that I have spoken to you, from the bottom and purity of my heart. We have heard that this is an arduous consid eration. And surely, sir, we have considered it earnestly. I may think of every gentleman here, as I know of myself, that, for seven years past, this question has filled the day with anxious thought, and the night with care. The God to whom we appeal, must judge us. If the grievances, of which we complain, did not come upon us unprovoked and unexpected— when our hearts were filled with respectful affection for our parent state, and with loyalty to our king-let slavery, the worst of human ills, be our portion. Nothing less than seven years of insulted complaints and reiterated wrongs, could have shaken such rooted sentiments. Unhappily for us, submission and slavery are the same; and we have only the melancholy alternative left-of ruin or resist ance. The last petition* of this congress to the king contained all that our unhappy situation could suggest. It represented our grievances; implored redress, and professed our readiness to contribute for the general want, to the utmost of our abilities, when constitutionally required. The apparently gracious reception it met with, promised us a due consideration of it; and that consideration relief. But, alas! Sir, it seems at that moment the very reverse was intended. For it now appears, that in a very few days after this specious answer to our agents, a circular letter was privately written by the same secretary of state to the governors of the colonies, before parliament had been consulted, pronouncing the congress illegal, our grievances pretended, and vainly commanding them to prevent our meeting again. Perhaps, sir, the ministers of a great nation, never before committed an act of such narrow policy and treacherous duplicity. They found * In 1774, presented last Christmas. Their War, like other evils, is often wholesome. The waters that stagnate, corrupt. The storm that works the ocean into rage, renders it salutary.-Heaven has given us nothing unmixed. The rose is not without the thorn. War calls forth the great virtues and efforts, which would sleep in the gentle bosom of peace. Paulum sepulta distat inertia celaia virtus." It opens resources which would be concealed under the inactivity of tranquil times. It rouses and enlightens. It produces a people of animation, energy, adventure, and greatness. Let us consult history: Did not the Grecian republics prosper amid continental warfare? prosperity, their power, their splendor, grew from the all-animating spirit of war-did not the cottages of shepherds, rise into imperial Rome, the mistress of the world, the nurse of heroes, the delight of Gods! through the invigorating operation of unceasing wars !—“ Per damna, per cædes, ab ipso duxit opes animumque ferro." How often has Flanders been the theatre of contending powers, conflicting hosts, and blood! Yet what country is more flourishing and fertile? Trace back the history of our parent state. Whether you view her arraying Angles against Danes; Danes against Saxons; Saxons against Normans; the barons against the usurping princes, or the civil wars of the red and white roses, or that between the people and the tyrant Stuart-you see her in a state of almost continual warfare. In almost every reign, to the commencement of that of Henry the VIIth, her peaceful bosom (in her | reduce us, by fire and sword, by the savages poet's phrase) was gored with iron war. It "Those noble English, who could entertain The beautiful fabric of her constitutional liberty was reared and cemented in blood. From this fulness of her strength those scions issued, which taking deep root in this delightful land, have reared their heads, and spread their branches like the cedar of Lebanon. Why fear we then, to pursue, through apparent evil-real good? The war, upon which we are to enter, is just and necessary.' Fustum est bellum, ubi necessarium; et pia arma, quibus nulla, nisi in armis, relinquitur spes." It is to protect these regions, brought to such beauty through the infinite toil and hazard of our fathers and ourselves, from becoming the prey of that more desolating cruel spoiler than war, pestilence, or famine,—absolute rule and endless extortion. Our sufferings have been great-our endurance long. Every effort of patience, complaint, and supplication, has been exhausted. They seem only to have hardened the hearts of the ministers who oppress us, and double our distresses. Let us therefore consult only how we shall defend our liberties with dignity and success. Our parent state will then think us worthy of her, when she sees that with her liberty we inherit her rigid resolution of maintaining it against all invaders. Let us give her reason to pride herself in the relationship. And thou, great liberty! inspire our souls. A DAY OF HUMILIATION AND PRAYER, ORDERED BY CONGRESS, ON IN CONGRESS, March 16, 1776. The congress, considering the warlike preparations of the British ministry to subvert our invaluable rights and privileges, and to of the wilderness and our own domestics, to the most abject and ignominious bondage; desirous, at the same time, to have people of all ranks and degrees duly impressed with a solemn sense of God's superintending Providence, and of their duty devoutly to rely in all their lawful enterprises on his aid and direction, do earnestly recommend that Friday, the 17th day of May next, be observed by the said colonies as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer; that we may with united hearts, confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions, and by a sincere repentance and amendment of life, appease his righteous displeasure, and, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, obtain his pardon and forgiveness, humbly imploring his assistance to frustrate the cruel purposes of our unnatural enemies; and by inclining their hearts to justice and benevolence, prevent the further effusion of kindred blood. But, if continuing deaf to the voice of reason and humanity, and inflexibly bent on desolation and war, they constrain us to repel their hostile invasions by open resistance, that it may please the Lord of Hosts, the God of armies, to animate our officers and soldiers with invincible fortitude, to guard and protect them in the day of battle, and to crown the continental arms by sea and land, with victory and success. Earnestly beseeching him to bless our civil rulers, and the representatives of the people in their several assemblies and conventions; to preserve and strengthen their union; to inspire them with an ardent disinterested love of their country; to give wisdom and stability to their councils; and direct them to the most efficacious measures for establishing the rights of America on the most honorable and permanent basis; that he would be graciously pleased to bless all the people in these colonies with health and plenty; and grant that a spirit of incorruptible patriotism, and of pure undefiled religion, may universally prevail: and this continent be speedily restored to the blessings of peace and liberty, and enabled to transmit them inviolate to the latest posterity. And it is recommended to Christians of all denominations, to assemble for public worship, and abstain from servile labor on the said day. By order of the congress. JOHN HANCOCK, President. |