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SECTION VIII.

[1782.]

As before observed, after the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, there was but little fighting. In England the tide of public opinion was set decidedly against making any further efforts to subjugate the "rebels." The policy which had been pursued by Lord North was universally condemned. It had broken the ties and severed from the British Empire thirteen of her colonies, which had become united, and had been acknowledged as an independent people by several of the most powerful nations in Europe. There was now no hope of conciliation; all attempts with that object in view had failed, and there was no alternative but to continue the war, or to treat with the United States as an Independent sovereignty and as an equal in the scale of nations. This was very galling to English pride. It was said that when John Adams was first presented to George the third, as Minister from the United States, the king was much embarrassed. He little thought, perhaps, that such would be the final result of Lord North's policy-that he should ever be compelled to acknowledge the "rebel" advocate of the Declaration of Independence, as an accredited minister at his court. But such was the fact; now, one of the rebels stood before him in a character which his own dignity, as well as the courtesy and custom of nations, compelled him to respect. John Bull was humbled, he felt it, he showed it in his actions for some time.

But to return to Rhode Island, as we have before observed, the town of Newport was left in a most wretched condition by the British army; houses had been torn down and used for

fuel; churches had been desecrated; the beautiful forests on the island had been cut down, and orchards of fruit trees had been destroyed,—in fact this ancient town, the pride of New England and the paradise of America, was but a wreck and shadow compared with what it was before the invasion. So great had been the destruction of property, that the General Assembly, at their June session this year, appointed a committee to estimate the damages wantonly done by the enemy to the inhabitants. This committee after investigation, made a report that the "property destroyed was estimated at one hundred twenty-four thousand, seven hundred and ninety-eighi pounds, thirteen shillings and five pence, silver money." They presented a schedule of losses of individuals making up that amount. Such had been the ravages of the British army on Rhode Island!

As before observed, there was not much want of a military force this year, but still the General Assembly ordered two companies-Captains Dayton's and Miller's-to be stationed on the Island; these companies were on duty at Newport until the winter of '82. There was also a Guard of forty men enlisted for four months, under the command of Ensign Pierce, which received pay and rations as other troops during the sum

mer.

In November the French army returned from the westward. The General Assembly ordered suitable accommodations for its passage through the state, and every attention was paid to the officers and soldiers that gratitude could suggest. Very different were the connection and feelings between the Americans and the French from those between the English and the Hessians. We looked upon the French as friends, who came to our rescue in the hour of need, and who assisted us in our glorious struggle. But the English looked upon the Hessians as hirelings, bought, as Earl Chatham said, "in the shambles of a foreign market," and when their services were no longer wanted, they were sent home as a slave to his master. Such were the poor ignorant Hessians; they were taught to believe, on their arrival here, that the Americans were cannibals, and

if they allowed themselves to be taken prisoners, they would soon be devoured.*

On the arrival of the French army from the west, the General Assembly appointed a committee, who, headed by the Governor, waited upon the Commander with the following address:

To His Excellency, COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU, Commander of the Army of his most Christian Majesty, in the United States.

The Governor, Council, and Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, in General Assembly convened, being excited by the sincerest attachment and respect, present their most affectionate and cordial acknowledgments to your Excellency and the officers of the troops composing the army under your command, for the great and eminent services rendered since your first arrival in this state.

Nothing can equal our admiration at the manner in which you have participated with the army of the United States in the fatigues, toils, and the glory which have attended the allied armies, but the magnanimity of the father of his people and the protector of the rights of mankind.

An inquietude at the prospect of your removal would be inexpressible, but from the fullest conviction of the wisdom that directs the councils of his most Christian Majesty.

May Heaven reward your exertions in the cause of humanity, and for the particular regard you have paid to the rights of citizens, and may your laurels be crowned by the smiles of

* While the British were in possession of Newport, they established a small guard on Canonicut Island; in this guard were several Hessians: it so happened that this guard was captured by the Americans, and made prisoners of war. When the prisoners were marched to the boats, it was observed that one of the Hessians appeared to be dreadfully agitated, and continued so for some time; upon ascertaining the cause of this, was found that this poor Hessian expected to be devoured alive. He had been told and he believed, that if taken, he would be eaten by the Americans, who were cannibals! This poor Hessian found out his mistake, and instead of being exchanged, preferred to live here, and his descendants are now among us, respectable inhabitants.

the best of Kings and the grateful feelings of a most generous people.

Done at the General Assembly, at East Greenwich, this 27th day of November, A. D., 1782, and in the seventh year of Independence.

I have the honor to be, in behalf of the Council and Representatives, with great esteem and respect, your Excellency's Most ob't and very humble Serv't.,

WILLIAM GREENE, Governor.

By order.

SAMUEL WARD, Secretary.

To which address Rochambeau made the following reply:

Providence, Nov. 28, 1782.

To the Governor, Council, and Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

GENTLEMEN,

It is with inexpressible pleasure that I and the troops under my command, have received the marks of esteem and of acknowledgment which you are so good as to give to the services which we have been happy enough to render to the United States jointly with the American army, under the orders of General Washington.

This State is the first we have been acquainted with. The friendly behavior of its inhabitants now, and at our arrival here, will give them always a right to our gratitude.

The confidence you have in the wisdom and views of our Sovereign, as to the disposition and march of the troops, must likewise assure you that on no occasion whatever he will separate his interests from those of his faithful allies.

LE COMTE DE ROCHAMBEAU.

During the winter following, the French army were encamped in the vicinity of this City, in North Providence, between the two Pawtucket turnpikes,-relics of their camp are still to be seen. Every exertion was made to render their encampment comfortable, and we believe their winter quarters

were satisfactory. In the ensuing spring they embarked at Boston for their native country.

Although in the New England and Middle States no fighting was expected, yet it was necessary that the Rhode Island regiment should be kept full, and that important posts should be kept well garrisoned. Enlistments were therefore ordered for "nine months" for this purpose.

We have the "Muster and size Roll" of those who were enlisted in Rhode Island for this period, and who were stationed at Ticonderoga, until their times expired. Each town in the state had its quota assigned to it, and the following is a list of the names of those who enlisted, and the towns from whence they came. The roll also contains a complete description of every recruit and the places of nativity, casualties, &c., but these must be omitted.

Muster and Size Roll of Recruits enlisted for the Town of Newport for the campaign of 1782.

Muster and Size Roll for the Town of Portsmouth.

James Allen,

Samuel Billings,

William Purlivant.

Muster and Size Roll for the Town of Tiverton.

Muster and Size Roll for the Town of Little Compton.