Chap. VIII.} 1774. Aug. |
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to the king of Poland, he assumed the rank of a ma-
jor-general, which on occasion of his visit was universally acknowledged; so that of all who were likely to draw the sword for America, he had the precedence in military rank.
He paid court to the patriots of Massachusetts, and left them confident of his aid in the impending struggle.
He on his part saw in the New England yeomanry the best materials for an army.
Meantime the delegates of Massachusetts to the general congress were escorted by great numbers as far as Watertown, where many had gathered to bid them a solemn and affectionate farewell.
As they reached Connecticut river, they received a letter of advice from the great patriot of Northampton.
‘We must fight,’ wrote Hawley, ‘we must fight, if we cannot otherwise rid ourselves of British taxation.
The form of government enacted for us by the British parliament is evil against right, utterly intolerable to every man who has any idea or feeling of right or liberty.
There is not heat enough yet for battle; constant and negative resistance will increase it. There is not military skill enough; that is improving and must be encouraged.
Fight we must finally, unless Britain retreats.
But it is of infinite consequence that victory be the end of hostilities.
If we get to fighting before necessary dispositions are made for it, we shall be conquered and all will be lost for ever.
A clear plan for an adequate supply of arms and military stores must be devised.
This is the main thing.
Men, in that case, will not be wanting.
Our salvation depends upon a persevering union.
Every grievance of any one colony must be held as a grievance to the ’
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