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Copies of Letters and Papers from the Earl of Dartmouth to the Different Governors of Provinces; Brought Over from Falmouth in the Swallow Packet, and Seized in the Post Office of Charlestown, Part 6 His Excel. Gov. Martin, North Carolina. Whitehall, May 3d, 1775. Sir:Your letters of the 26th of January and 10th of March, Nos. 27 and 28, the latter of which I received only yesterday, contain matter of very great importance. The addresses from the four counties of Guilford, Dobbs, Rowan and Surry, breathe a spirit of loyalty to the King, and attachment to the authority of Great Britain, which cannot be too much encouraged; and it will be necessary that you lose no time, in acquainting the inhabitants of those counties, that these testimonies of their duty and affection, have been most graciously received by his Majesty. That his Majesty cannot fail to afford them those marks of his royal favor, which such a meritorious conduct appears to deserve; and, that as soon as the necessary forms will admit, his Majesty's clemency towards the insurgents in 1770, will be extended in a proclamation, of general pardon to all except Horman Husbands. In the mean time, it is his Majesty's pleasure, that you do pursue every step that may improve so favorable a symptom in the present state of general frenzy, and perhaps you will not find it difficult, through the channel of some respectable persons in those counties, to procure proper associations of the people in support of the Government. Such a measure cannot fail to cast a damp upon the machinations of faction, and disconcert any desperate measure, they may have in contemplation. I hope, we may yet avoid, the fatal necessity of drawing the sword; but it is prudent to provide, as far as we are able, against every possible mischief; and therefore, you will do well, to consider in time, whether it may not be practicable in such an event, to embody and lead forth, in support of Government, such of the men in those counties, as are able to bear arms. If matters should come to this issue, it is the King's pleasure, that you hold out to gentlemen of interest and leading amongst them assurances of his Majesty's favor in granting them such commissions, as shall be suitable to their rank and station; and every other encouragement and advantage allowed to any other troops in his Majesty's service, as far as is consistent with the established rules of the army. I confess to you, sir, that this appears to me to be a matter of so much importance, that I cannot too earnestly recommend it to your attention; and that no time may be lost, in case of absolute necessity. I have received his Majesty's commands, to write to General Gage, to apprise him of this favorable circumstance; and to instruct him, that he do, upon application from you, send some able and discreet officer to you, in order to concert the means of carrying so essential a service into effect; and if necessary to lead the people forth, against any rebellious attempts, to disturb the public peace. There are several other matters in your letters, which will require consideration and instruction; but, as the mail for Charlestown will be made up to-night, I can only for the present add, that I am, sir, your most obt. hum. servt. DARTMOUTH (From Documentary History of the American Revolution, by Gibbes, Volume 1, pp. 97-98) Doc ID: Gibbes, v. 1, p. 097 Date: 5/03/1775 |
Last modified: 7/10/03/CLN.
URL: http://www.southcarolinahistoricalsociety.org/displays/RevWar/archives-online/Gibbes__v__1__p__097.html