The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

548 W A S IH I N GT O N' S W R I T I N G S. [APPENDIx.
No. XVII. p. 395.
INSTRUCTIONS TO SIR HENRY CLINTON.
When Lord North's conciliatory bills were passing through parliament, there seems to have been some hope on the part of the
ministers, that they would be favorably received by the Americans.
Preparations were at the same time made, however, for carrying on
the war in case the negotiation should fail. The following is the
substance of the instructions from Lord George Germain to Sir Henry
Clinton, as transcribed from the original despatches in the State
Papc? Office.
On the 8th of March, Lord George Germain wrote to General
Clinton, that the resignation of General Howe had been accepted by
the King, and that General Clinton was appointed as his successor.
In the same letter he gave notice, that commissioners would shortly
go out with proposed terms of conciliation, which there was reason to
believe would bring about a settlement of the difficulties, and lead to
a peace.' But should the attempt not succeed," said Lord George Germain,
"the King is determined, in conformity with the general voice of the
nation, to prosecute the war with vigor, and the means will be provided. The following are the intentions of the government respecting'
the next campaign. Every possible effort will.be made to send out
reinforcements. Several new corps have been voted by parliament,
and, as there is great activity in recruiting, it is hoped that in the
course of the summer ten or twelve thousand British soldiers will be
ready, and also a regiment or two of Germans. The war must be
pursued on a different plan from that on which it has hitherto been
conducted. Care must be taken to provide for the security of the
King's possessions in America. An additional force must be sent
from England to Canada, as well to secure that province, as to annoy
the colonies on that side, and oblige the enemy to keep a body of
troops in that quarter. Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and the Floridams
must be strengthened. A British regiment, and two German regiments, making about three thousand men, are to be sent to Canada;
a detachment of artillery to Newfoundland, where a corps is likewise
to be raised for the defence of the Island; three regiments to Halifax;