but scanty, and uncertain. Some clothing is arrived; this, added to what the governor procured, renders the troops pretty comfortable, and the army very contented and easy, especially as we have it now in our power to issue rum eight times in a month. North-Carolina hath had few other soldiers than non-jurors, and disaffected, and those for different terms of service.

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"N. GREENE."

September 22d. When I found the supplies of money from the United States would prove so inadequate, 1 determined to check all other expenses, and to think only of feeding the army. We have lately had an arrival of linens, which the clothier says are sufficient to make thir-: ty-thousand shirts; but he is so indebted to the poor people who have worked for him, and who are starving for the want of their wages, that he cannot procure credit to get them made. Money I have none; and could he run in debt still further, it would only increase the mischief, for I see no prospect of payment.

"R. MORRIS."

Quotations of similar purport might be multiplied; but these are sufficient to shew the wretched state of the armies, as well as the deranged state of the finances of the country. Who that views with attention the above stated facts, can fail to see, and acknowledge, the special agency of Divine Providence, in crowning with success the American arms, and thus opening the way for the restoration of peace, at such an eventful moment, when the resources of the country were exhausted, and the hearts of the soldiers ready to sink under the accumulated weight of their sufferings? Let those of us who witnessed these eventful scenes, eye the hand of that God who ruled the destinies of America, and adore that wisdom, power and

goodness, that rescued her from the all devouring grasp of her enemies, and raised her to the summit of national peace, happiness, and glory.

On the 2d of August, Sir Guy Carleton, and Admiral Digby, communicated by letter the following tidings to General Washington.-"We are acquainted Sir, by authority, that negociations for a general peace have commenced at Paris, and that Mr. Grenville is invested with full pow ers to treat with all the parties at war, and is now at Paris in the execation of his commission. With respect to Mr. Laurens, we are to acquaint you, that he has been enlarged, and discharged from all engagements without any consideraious whatever ;* after which he declared of his own accord, that he considered Lord Cornwallis as free from his parole. We are further acquainted, that transports have been prepared in England, for conveying all the American prisoners to this country, to be exchanged here; and we are directed to urge, by every consideration of humanity, the most speedy exchange."

This news was soon confirmed by the arrival of two cartel ships at Marblehead, with 583 American prisoners. These prisoners stated that their sufferings had been great in England, until the fall of General Burgoyne, and that after that time they had been treated with humanity, and even kindness.

No class of people felt their sufferings increased by the return of peace, except the loyalists, tories, or refugees, as they were termed. This class of people felt themselves neglected by all parties, and had good reason to complain, being outcasts in creation, and outlaws in society.

On the 14th of September, Congress resolved that the sum of four millions of dollars, exclusive of the money

* Mr. Laurens was appointed commissioner to the court of France, and taken on his passage off the Banks of Newfoundland, September, 1780 : carried to London and confined in the tower.

Mr. Adams may obtain in Holland, by the loan now négociating, be borrowed in Europe, on the faith of the United States.

Soon after this they resolved, "that Dr. Franklin should be informed, that notwithstanding the contents of his letter of the 25th of June, it is the direction of Congress, that he use his influence to effect the aforesaid loans."

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Congress next proceeded to resolve, October, 4th, “ that they would inviolably adhere to their treaty of alliance with his most christian majesty, and conclude neither a separate peace with Great Britain; nor enter into the discussion of any overtures for pacification; but in confidence, and in concert with his most christian majesty."

On the 13th of May, the Chevalier De la Luzerne, at a public audience, announced to Congress the birth of a Dauphin of France, by communicating a letter from his most christian majesty.

Congress expressed their thanks to the minister for the joyful tidings, and ordered them to be communicated to Gen. Washington, and Gen. Greene, with directions that the same be published to both armies, with suitable demonstrations of joy. They next ordered the secretary for foreign affairs to announce the joyful event to the governors, and presidents of all the states, that the joy might be come universal throughout the United States. Congress gave a public dinner to the French mnister and his suit, upon the occasion, occompanied with the discharge of cannon, and a feu-de-joy of musquetry; this scene of hilarity closed with a most brilliant display of fire-works in the evening; and the same scenes of hilarity and joy became general throughout the nation.

On the 11th of July, the town of Savannah was evacuated by the British, agreeable to a resolution of the ministry, to show to America, and the world, their sincere dis position for peace, by abandoning all their conquests in

the United States. The town was left in good order by the enemy, and a general harmony prevailed upon the oc

casion.

Congress pursued the plan of loans from France, Spain and Holland, and through their ministers liberal supplies were obtained. All further operations in South-Carolina ceased, and Charleston was evacuated on the 14th of December, 1782, with the most perfect order, and in two days the regular police of the city, and the government of the state were restored.

The French troops, rendered so illustrious at the seige of York-Town, now took up their march for Boston, where they embarked for France.

The conquest of Minorca, and the siege of Gibraltar by the forces of Spain are worthy of notice for their brilliant display of military tactics; but they must be omitted, as not coming within the limits or design of this work.

The subject of peace now became general in Europe and America. Negociations were opened at Paris under Dr. Franklin and Mr. Jay, as ministers of America; the Count De Aranda, minister for Spain; the Count De Vergennes, on the part of France; with Mr. Fitzherbert and Mr. Oswald on the part of Great-Britain. Mr. Adams was at this time negociating a commercial treaty with Holland.

Many points laboured. The negociation spun out; the English ministers could not be prevailed upon to take the starting point and acknowledge the independence of the United States, until they had sent to their court and received positive instructions.

The fisheries next laboured with England, and France did not favour the views of America upon that subject. During this struggle in this council, Mr. Adams left Holland, at the request of Mr. Jay, and repaired to Paris, and upon a consultation agreed to negociate separately with the British minister, if the Count De Vergennes did not yield

the claims of the United States on the fislieries, &c. This movement succeeded, and brought the negociations to a favourable issue.

At this critical juncture (March) a new scene opened to the commander in chief of the American armies. The troops before New-York became infected with a general mutiny, founded upon a demand for arrearages of pay and adequate indemnification for their services and sufferings, with sufficient guarantee, before they were disbanded. The general, alarmed at this dangerous conspiracy, re quested the general and field officers, with one officer from each company, and a proper representation from the staff of the army, to assemble on Saturday the 15th. At the same time he used all his influence to soften the violence of their passions.

The

The officers met according to appointment, and elected Gen. Gates for their president. His excellency Gen. Washington addressed the council in a short, but dignified speech, which touch'd their honors, touch'd their feelings, touch'd their interests, and touch'd their hearts. council voted an address of thanks to his excellency, and retired; relying with full confidence on the assurances of his excellency, and the wisdom, and liberality of Congress. The mutiny was quelled.

Gen. Washington laid the whole affair before Congress in his letter of the 18th, in which he urged his desires, in .the strongest terms, that the army might be gratified. Congress met the wishes of the general, and his brave com. panions in arms promptly, and voted on the 22d, "that the officers should be entitled to receive to the amount of five year's full pay in money, or securities on interest at six per cent per annum, instead of half-pay for life." This was satisfactory.

On the 24th it was announced in Congress, by a letter from the Marquis La Fayette, bearing date February 5th,