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troduction of monarchy were but a natural sequence of the "fall of man." The words "Let them have dominion," clearly show where the sovereign power was to reside.

We ask with mingled feelings of gratitude and pride, when and where, were the principles contained in the Declaration of Independence made the foundation of civil government, for thousands of years anterior to July 4th 1776? Most all the changes of government before that period were based on the right of force, and the spilling of blood, as if blood were necessary to legalize the change; but here is a platform laid in peace, a right to be exercised in a peaceable manner, in the usual mode, by suffrage, whenever the "safety and happiness " of "man," collectively speaking, or in other words, the "people," require it!

But we will not pursue this train of thought; it is not our intention to write a treatise on human governments, or even a commentary on the Declaration of Independence; but such is the doctrine taught and established by this glorious state paper. And what has been the result? Let the reader before mentioned, look from his lofty eminence, and determine; he will see no country like this, no people like this people, possessing the elements of greatness and power almost beyond conception, and the means of happiness but a little short of that enjoyed in the fabled "Elysian fields;" such we say must be his decision.

Now let the reader upon his supposed lofty summit, turn his eyes and look on the other side of the picture-on other nations; those nations, which have been governed in the divine right of Kings, and by religious and political dogmas, for ages, and what will fall within the compass of his vision? he will behold, not intelligence enough among the people, to make political "darkness visible," and but just enough enterprise, to minister to the glory of Crowned Heads and Princes; and the means of living, just enough to prevent the starvation of the masses! Said the Emperor of Austria, a few years ago, "I do not want great and learned men, I want good men for my subjects;" that is, such men as he would call "good,"

or in other words, such as would minister to his wants, and submit unreservedly to his will. And it would seem the Czar of Russia is blessed with the same kind of such good subjects at this present time, mere "serfs," or animals without one redeeming trait, further behind the age than our western Indians. Such will be the result of his observation, and such the contrast between this, and other countries, from his view of the present nations of the earth.

But we will not pursue these reflections further, but return to the French fleet and army at Newport, and the joy and festivities their presence occasioned. Never perhaps in the annals of that beautiful town, was joy so perfect. The Tories had all fled with the British, and warm-hearted patriots only remained.

The General Assembly made every arrangement for the comfortable accommodation of the French troops, suitable hospitals were prepared; at the one on Popasquash, on the "Vassal farm," then owned by the state, the Director General was directed to appropriate a suitable spot for a "burial ground," for the French, and the Deputy Quarter-Master General was directed to enclose it by a fence. The General Assembly also passed an act to raise six hundred and thirty men to cooperate with the French, in an expected attack from the British, to be in service three months. The attack however was not made, although a fleet started from New York, for that purpose. But previous to the arrival of the French, there had been an act passed to enlist for six months, six hundred and ten men, to be under the command of Col. Greene, then stationed on Rhode Island. These troops were called the "short levies," but no rolls have been preserved; we have the names of only those who availed themselves of the provisions of the pension acts.

Our Legislature also, was the first to pass an act, "confirming to the subjects of His Most Christian Majesty, the privileges, rights and immunities, stipulated in the treaty of amity and commerce between France, and the United States of America." The Legislature also passed an act for the Sheriff

of Newport to "take possession and secure" all the property and effects left by the British, on their evacuation, also an act to prevent certain persons therein named, who had left the state, and joined the enemy, from returning. Thus was toryism, which had caused the inhabitants of this state so much trouble, properly rewarded; henceforth, their names were to pass down the stream of time, as enemies to the rights of man, and as opponents to those great principles of liberty, shadowed forth in the Declaration of Independence. These minions preferred "silver and gold," to the precious possession of liberty and independence, and no doubt, would have sold their country for their idol, had it been in their power.

In September of this year, many of the confiscated estates were ordered to be sold: the largest real estate was that belonging to Joseph and William Wanton, on Prudence Island, containing about eight hundred acres. The "Vassal farm," on Popasquash, containing about two hundred and twenty acres, was also ordered to be sold, also the "George Rome" farm in Middletown. In October, an act was passed to raise two hundred and twenty men, for three years, to fill up and complete the continental battalions assigned to this state.

Thus did the General Assembly of this state make every preparation that was necessary for the glorious campaign of 1781,-a campaign which virtually terminated the contest between the United States and their enemy.

The seat of the war this year, was principally at the south. Charleston was taken, and the greater part of South Carolina was subdued. But the great difficulty the enemy always met with, everywhere, was, that when they had conquered a section of country, it would not stay conquered, not much longer than occupied by his troops Thus it was in Georgia; thus it was in South Carolina. Lord Cornwallis thought his work finished in that province, when he saw how many of the inhabitants returned to their allegiance; but he was mistaken, that state did not stay conquered but a short time.

The revival of patriotism in that state, was owing in a great

*We omit the names for obvious reasons.

measure to the women of Charleston. Like the women of Rhode Island, they did every thing to encourage their husbands and brothers; they descended into dungeons and prisons, to minister to the wants of the prisoners. They performed the most menial services, rather than have their husbands submit to the requirements of their enemies. Exile and death were preferable to base submission, and they succeeded, (and ladies always will, in whatever they undertake) in keeping alive the fire of freedom, until the British evacuated the Province, until they in fact found it too warm, to stay longer.

There was also a battle at Springfield, New Jersey, this year, in which a Rhode Island regiment, commanded by Col. Angell, took a conspicuous part in preventing the enemy from crossing a bridge. In the night following, the enemy retreated to Elizabethtown, and from thence over to Staten Island, and the design on Washington's camp was abandoned.

Towards the close of this year, the Admiral of the French fleet, the Chevalier de Ternay died at Newport. The following obituary notice, is from the Newport Mercury.

Newport, Dec. 22nd, "Last Friday morning, died here, his Excellency, Charles Louis de Ternay, Knight of St. John of Jerusalem, late Governor of the Islands of France and Bourbon, and chief commander of the American squadron in the American seas-his talents, zeal, and distinguished services, had merited him the confidence and favor of his government and country-his remains were the next day interred in Trinity church-yard, in this town, attended with military honors, &c. The command of the fleet, by the death of his Excellency, devolves on M. Destouches, Captain and Brigadier of the naval army; an officer, in high estimation among all ranks in the French navy, and who particularly distinguished himself in the battle of Ouessant."

Some years after his death, a large and beautiful marble slab, with a suitable inscription to his memory, enumerating his titles, &c., was sent from France, and set in the north (outside) side of the church, where it still remains. We have

heard many a lady of the old school, within our recollection, speak in raptures of the gallant behavior and polite manners, of the French officers attached to the army and fleet, when at Newport, many of whom, were among the elité of the nobility; and when it is considered that those illustrious strangers, crossed the ocean, on purpose to assist us in our struggles for liberty and independence, it is no wonder that the daughters of Rhode Island, should have bestowed upon them their most gracious smiles.

Among the more admired of the French nobility, by the ladies of Providence, was the "Duke de Luzon." We recollect one old lady in particular, who would expatiate an half hour at a time, on the fascinating manners of this French officer, and his brilliant accomplishments.

SECTION VII.

[1781.]

THE events that took place this year were auspicious, and pointed to a triumphant and glorious conclusion of our struggle for Independence. The French army were stationed at Newport, and while there, there was no danger of any attack from the enemy. But they were to be ordered to the westward, and in anticipation of this, the General Assembly, so early as February, passed an Act to raise twelve hundred men from the militia, to serve one month. In the preamble to the Act, they say the "safety and internal security of the State require it." And after this service from three to five hundred men were kept in service during the summer on Rhode Island, having in view the same object. This was particularly necessary after the departure of the French army.

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