Excerpts and Selections from the Lee Papers [pp. 170-180]

Selections and Excerpts from the Lee Papers.
every idea inadmissible that proposes a
return to the domination of that Power
which by its own acts of devastation and
slaughter has forced a separation. The
Acts of the British Parliament, lately
transmitted by your Lordship, having
this domination principally in view, require no further comment. But the good
people of N. A., my Lord, not insensible
of what belongs to humanity, can forgive
their enemies, and wish to stop the effusion of human blood. When, therefore,
the King of G. B. shall be seriously disposed to peace, Congress will readily attend to such terms as may consist with
the honour of Independent nations, with
the interest of their Constituents, and
with the sacred regard they mean to pay
to Treaties.
By ORDER OF CONGRESS.
(No. 2.)
TO THEIR EXCELLENCIES THE RIGHT HON.
THE EARL OF CARLISLE, WILLIAM EDEN,
ESQ., GEORGE JOHNSTON, ESQ., CO.VMIS SIONERS FROM HIS BRITTANICK MAJESTY,
PHILADELPHIA.
I have received the letter from your
Excellencies, of the 9th instant, with the
enclosures, and laid them before Congress.
Nothing but an earnest desire to spare
the farther effusion of blood could have
induced them to read a paper containing
expressions so disrespectful to his most
Christian Majesty, the good and great
ally of these States, or to consider propositions so derogatory to the honour of an
independent nation.
The Acts of the British Parliament,
the Coimmission from your Sovereign,
and your letter, suppose the people of
these States to be Subjects of the Crown
of Great Britain, and are founded on the
idea of dependence, which is utterly inadmissible.
I am further directed to inform your
Excellencies, that Congress are inclined
to peace, notwithstanding the unjust
claims from which this war originated,
and the savage manner in which it has
been conducted. They will therefore be
ready to enter upon the consideration of
a treaty 6f peace and commerce, not inconsistent with treaties already subsisting, when the King of Great Britain
shall demonstrate a sincere disposition
for that purpose. The only solid proof of
this disposition will be, an explicit acknowledgment of these States, or the
withdrawing his fleets and armies.
I have the honour to be, your Excellencies' most obedient, humble servant,
HENRY LAURENS, Pres't.
Signed by order of the Unanimous
Voice of Congress. York Town, June
ll1thl, 1778.
Resolved, Unanimously, that Congress
approve the conduct of Gen'l Washington in refusing a passport to Doctor Ferguson.
Published by order of Congress.
CHARLES THOM.PSON, Sec'y.
Copy of a Paper in the Hand-writing of
R. H. Lee, endorsed.
REPORT ABOUT THE WESTERN GARRISONS.
The Committee to whom the letter of
Mr. Geo. Morgan was referred have had
the same under consideration, and have
agreed on the following report:
Resolved, That pursuing the idea of
Congress for quickly reinforcing the Army, the Governor of Virginia be desired
by letter from Mr. President to order Col.
Woods and the West Augusta Battalions
to march immediately by the nearest
route to join Gen'l Washington in New
Jersey, leaving proper recruiting officers
behind to complete the battalions, if they
are not already full, and to follow on with
their recruits; and that for the defence
of the Western frontier of Virginia
against Indian incursions.
That the Forts Pitt and Randolph be
each garrisoned at Continental expense,
with a company of an hundred men, comnmanded by one Captain, two Lieutenants,
one Ensign, and the usual inferior noncomm'd ofieers.
1860.]
179