have in their own abilities, and inspired some of the leading members of congress with perhaps too high ideas of what could be done by the militia. On the 10th of May the second general congress had met, notwithstanding the efforts of government to prevent it: it consisted of delegates not only from the twelve colonies that were before represented, but also from that of Georgia. On their meeting, they chose Peyton Randolph for their president, and Charles Thompson for secretary. They proceeded with caution and modera. tion; and when applied to from Massachusetts respecting "the taking up and exercising the powers of civil government," they showed an evident disposition not to set up any forms independent of Great-Britain, and recommended only such regulations as were immediately necessary, and were as conformable as possible to the spirit and substance of their charter. And these were only to last till a governor of his majesty's appointment would consent to govern the colony according to its charter. On the same principles of necessity another assumption of new powers became unavoidable. The great intercourse that daily took place throughout the colonies, pointed out the propriety of establishing a general post-office. This was accordingly done; and Dr. Franklin, who had by royal authority been dismissed from a similar employment about three years before, was appointed the head of the new department. While congress was making arrangements for their proposed continental army, it was thought expedient once more to address the inhabitants of Great-Britain, and to publish a declaration setting forth their reasons for taking arms;-to address the assembly of Jamaica; the inhabitants of Ire land; and also to prefer a second humble petition to the king. These were all drawn in appropriate but spirited language. In their declaration they enumerated the injuries that they had received, and then said, "We are reduced to the alternative of choosing unconditional submission to the tyranny of ministers, or resistance by force. We have counted the cost of this contest, and find nothing so dreadful as voluntary slavery." About this time the continental congress unanimously appointed George Washington, esq. a native of Virginia, to the chief command of the American army. He seemed, as we have already hinted, destined by Heaven to be the saviour of his country. He accepted the appointment with diffidence; refused any pay for eight years of labo rious and anxious service; and by his matchless skill, fortitude, and perseverance, conducted America through indescribable difficulties to independence and peace *. After the appointment of this great man, congress came to the resolution, "That * General Washington replied to the president of congress announcing his appointment, in the following words: "Mr. President, "Though I am truly sensible of the high honour done me in this appointment, yet I feel great distress from a consciousness that my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the extensive and important trust: however, as the congress desire it, I will enter upon the momentous duty, and exert every power I possess in their service, and in support of the glorious cause. I beg they will accept my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of their approbation. "But, lest some unlucky event should. happen unfavourable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room, that I this day declare, with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honoured with. they would maintain and assist him, and adhere to him with their lives and fortunes, in the cause of American liberty." His instructions were general, entreating him "to make it his special care, in discharge of the great trust reposed in him, that the liberties of America received no detriment." Immediately afterwards generals Ward, Lee, Schuyler, Putnam, and Gates, were appointed in subordination to him, and eight brigadiers, viz. Pomeroy, Montgomery, Wooster, Heath, Spencer, Thomas, Sullivan, and Green. Twelve companies of riflemen were raised in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia; and bills of credit were given for two millions of dollars, for the redemption of which the colonies were pledged. In his way to the camp at Cambridge, general Washington was received with the greatest honours; and from this time the affairs of the American army began to assume the appearance of a regular and general opposition to the forces of Great-Britain. In the autumn, a body of troops under general Montgomery besieged and took the garrison of St. John's, which commands the entrance into Canada. The prisoners amounted to seven hundred. He pursued his success, and took Montreal, and designed to push his victories to Quebec. A body of troops commanded by general Arnold was ordered to march to Canada: after suf "As to pay, sir, I beg leave to assure the congress, that as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this arduous employment, at the expense of my domestic ease and happiness, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact account of my expenses. Those, I doubt not, they will discharge, and that is all I desire." fering, in their passage through the wilderness, every hardship, as well as the most distressing hunger, they arrived, and were joined by Montgomery before Quebec. This city, which was commanded by governor Carleton, was besieged: but there being little hope of taking the town by siege, they resolved to storm it. In this attack they proved unsuccessful; and, what was considered as a severe misfortune, general Montgomery was killed. Few men have ever fallen in battle, so generally regretted by both sides as this excellent man. In America he was celebrated as a martyr to the cause of freedom :-in GreatBritain, as a misguided good man, sacrified to what he supposed to be the rights of mankind. His name was mentioned by parliament with singular respect: some of the most powerful speak. ers in that assembly displayed their eloquence in sounding his praise and lamenting his fate. Even the minister acknowledged his worth, while he reprobated the cause for which he fell. After this defeat general Arnold, who now commanded the troops, continued some months before Quebec; and although his troops suffered incredibly by cold and sickness, they intercepted the provisions that were intended for the town and garrison. About the same time the large and flourishing town of Norfolk in Virginia was wantonly burnt by order of lord Dunmore, the then royal governor of that province. Falmouth, a considerable town in Massachusetts, shared the fate of Norfolk; being laid in ashes-by the British admiral. The royal government still existed in name and form; but the real power which the people obeyed and firmly supported, was exercised by a pro vincial congress, a council of safety, and subordinate committees. To conciliate the friendship of the Indians, the popular leaders sent a small supply of powder into the country. They who were opposed to congress, embodied, and robbed the waggons which were employed in its transportation. The inhabitants took arms, some to support the government, but others to defend the American measures. The former acted feebly, and were easily overpowered. They were dispirited by the superior numbers that opposed them; they every where gave way, and were obliged to fly, or feign submission. Solicitations had been made about this time for the king's forces to awe the southern provinces, but without effect, till the proper season was over. One scheme for this purpose was frustrated by a singular device. Private intelligence had been received of an express being sent from sir James Wright, governor of Georgia, to general Gage, to urge immediate as sistance in the south The express was way laid, and the letters seized. One to Gage was kept back, and another forwarded in its room. The seal and hand-writing were so exactly imitated, that the deception was not suspected. The forged letter was acted upon. This led to a conclusion that every thing was quiet, and that there was no need of troops to the southward. While these states were left to themselves, they had time to prepare for extremities, and in the meanwhile the friends of the sovereign were severally crushed. A series of disasters followed the royal cause in the year 1775. General Gage's army was cooped up in Boston, and rendered useless. The people of America generally took the side of congress; and so did the great mass of the wealth, learning, and |