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Supplement to the London Gazette Extraordinary Copy of the summons sent to Major-general Lincoln, the 10th of April, 1780 Camp before Charles town, Apr. 10, 1780 SIR, (a.) Henry Clinton, K. B. general and commander in chief of His Majesty's forces in the colonies lying on the Atlantic, from Nova Scotia, &c. &c. and Vice-admiral Arbuthnot, commander in chief of His Majesty's ships, &c. in North America, &c. &c. regretting the effusion of blood, and the distresses which must now commence, deem it consonant to humanity to warn the town and garrison of Charles town of the havock and desolation with which they are threatened from the formidable force surrounding them by land and sea. An alternative is offered at this hour to the inhabitants of saving their lives and property, (contained in the town) or of abiding by the fatal consequences of a cannonande and storm. Should the place in a fallacious security, or its commander in a wanton indifference to the fate of its inhabitants, delay the surrender. Or should public stores or shipping be destroyed, the resentment of an exasperated soldiery may intervene; but the same mild and compassionate offer can never be renewed. The respective commanders, who hereby summon the town, do not apprehend so rash a part as farther resistance will be taken; but rather that the gates will be opened, and themselves received with a degree of confidence which will forbade farther reconciliation. (Signed) H. CLINTON. M. ARBUTHNOT. (From A History of the Campaigns of 1780 and 1781, in the Southern Province of North America?, by Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, pp56-67.) Tarleton, Ch 1., [G], p. 56 4/10/1780 |
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