Island and not only so but to harass our Coast as much as possible. They have once and again taken off Cattle, &c., and burnt houses contiguous to the water.Gen. Silliman is indefatigable in posting guards along the shore, that is, within his department, but of what avail are indefatigable officers with fatigable men. The Militia seem tired of the Business. It is with difficulty that they are got together at any time. Two Battalions are now raising for the defense of the shore. What success they meet with in recruiting I know not. This ought to have been done six months ago. Your dutiful son,

REV. AND HON'D SIR*

*

ANDREW ELIOT.

FAIRFIELD, May 21st, 1778.

I have much regretted that I could proceed no further than Hartford. Had it not been for the Association Meeting which is to be held the next week at Stanwick (where a general attendance is expected), and I appointed preacher, I should have gone on to Boston.

On Monday preceding our general Election we set out for Wethersfield, where we arrived Tuesday P. M. That evening and the following day we spent very agreeably at Mr. Marsh's, in company with a number of the clergy and other gentle

men.

The next day I went over to Hartford. Mr. Whittlesey of New Haven preached a very suitable sermon from 2 Sam., xxiii: 3-" He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God." There was a great concourse of people within and without the meeting-house. I was much pleased with the good order and decency that prevailed during the exercise, and afterwards. Dr. Rogers gave us a lecture in the afternoon.

sons.

Many were displeased at having a lecture for various reaFor my own part I was not satisfied of the propriety of the Scheme, and had determined not to go, but being in company with the Governor and his officers, and his Excellency rising, to attend the Sermon while the Committee was

counting the votes, it would not do for me to stay behind. The Dr. preached an excellent sermon from these words"Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is the reproach of any people."

Connecticut makes this anniversary much more of a Festival than Massachusetts used to do. Not only the lower sort, but persons of the first rank throughout the State, whether in office or not, put on their best attire and indulge in diversions suited to their various tastes, throughout the day and the evening. This is no bad symptom for the present Constitution of Government. The regard paid to such an Anniversary shows the prevailing disposition, and indicates the value which the people have for the privileges they enjoy.

When diversions are innocent in themselves, and are not carried to excess-when they are not attended with too great expense, and do not lead to Levity, dissipation, and vice, they are allowable and salutary. But when to the variety of amusements peculiar to the country-the moderate use of which is not prejudicial—are added Stage Plays, it appears to me an alarming circumstance. Could you think it?On Monday Evening in Election Week-In Hartford, the Capital of the State-in the Court House-the place where the Fathers of the Senate meet-at the most public time, and in the most public manner, was acted Tancred & Sigismunda, by the Junior Sophister Class of Yale College, who had been forbidden to act the same at Glastonbury (where they have lately studied) and who embraced the opportunity of vacation and secured the Court house for the purpose. To this succeeded a farce of their own composing in which Gen'ls Burgoyne & Prescot were introduced. To keep up the characters of these Generals, especially Prescot, they were obliged (I believe not to their sorrow), to indulge in very indecent and profane language.

The audience consisted of the Gentry of Hartford and the vicinity, and a number of strangers, among whom were Dr. Rodgers and Mr. Tennent. Those Rev'd Gentlemen were very much offended at the profane language introduced.

Better for them and for the interests of religion that they had been elsewhere.

When Royal Governors in grand parade and pomp came over time after time-when Commissioners and Custom house officers, a corrupt, luxurious and dissipated tribe abounded in every part of New England-the voice of many was, and fitly enough, that the representation of Stage Playsthe encouraging a theatre was destructive to a young Country-they were too expensive diversions, and tended to hurt the morals of young and unprincipled persons—and no company dare exhibit for any time, for fear of the Grand Jury. Alas! that in one of the "first pages of our New History," these things should be publicly tolerated. What adds to the illegality of the affair is that the actors were not only dressed agreeable to the characters they assumed as Men, but female apparel and ornaments were put on some, contrary to an express statute. Besides it cost the lads £60 to prepare for

the exhibition.

Election being over, we returned to Wethersfield, where we spent the remainder of the week. I preached for Mr. Marsh on the Lord's day, and on Monday set out for home, where we arrived Tuesday P. M.; Polly much the better for her jour

Our public affairs are in a much better situation than they were, on account of the Interposition of France—separate from that we have not much better prospects. A selfish, avaricious, anti-patriotic spirit, and a love of pleasure too much prevails in America, which swallows up what public virtue is left among the inhabitants. There is no people, however, that will allow themselves or their neighbors to be so bad as Massachusetts.

Mankind are generally blind to their own faults, eagleeyed with regard to the faults of others. I heartily wish that your State had acceded to the regulating act.

I am fully of your mind that the grand hinge on which American affairs have turned in Europe was Burgoyne's defeat-accomplished principally by New England Militia.

While I was at Wethersfield, a rich prize, containing 85

pipes of wine came into Connecticut River-it was taken by two Boats manned by 14 or 15 men. They opened the head of one of the pipes on Election day at Middletown. body was welcome to a draught.

Every

In our absence there was a considerable alarm at Fairfield. A Ship, Brig, and tender came near the town. They cut out a fine new Brig from Newfield Harbour about 5 or 6 miles from us. Their boats came in a very silent manner-they made quick dispatch, which shows they were afraid to come very far or to stay very long. I hope there will be no more such alarms, but expect them daily. Our people have been to the opposite shore, ofttimes taken wood and provision boats-made prize of one of their tenders. I am apprehensive of their endeavoring to make reprisals upon us. A kind providence has preserved us hitherto. I humbly trust he will continue his protection. Oh! for chippy, lasting peace.

REV. AND HON'D SIR :-Yours of the 4th inst. came duly to hand. I hear no further animadversions on the affair of Stage Plays, but hope that such proceedings will be nipped in the bud. The College is coming together at New Haven, where the Scholars will be more under the eye of their Governors. Dr. Stiles is to be here in July. Great are the expectations concerning him. The College is to equal, if not outvie all other seminaries upon the continent. In my apprehension it will not greatly flourish until this comes again in vogue-Cedant arme toge,-and until the direction of it should be wholly by clergymen. They want an equal number of the Laity to be concerned-accordingly a Scheme was proposed by the Assembly-that the Corporation continuing as heretofore, the same number of laymen should be chosen by and from that body, to have equal power with the corporation-the President to be elected by this joint Body, but to be a clergyman-the other Officers to be elected in the sam

manner from any Profession-except the Professor of Divinity, who is to be elected by the corporation and under their sole direction-with some other articles of less importance. The divinity chair is at present filled by Dr. Daggett, who, let his merits be ever so great, I find is not very acceptable to the community. This deposition from the President's Office must indeed be mortifying if he has any sensibility. Were I in his case, I should retire to any employment that would keep me from starving. Whether they will be able to keep the College together is a matter of uncertainty, depending entirely on the enemy's motions.

All things are now quiet among us, save that a sloop was cut out of Harbor about 17 miles from us on Wednesday, loaded with 300 barrels of flour-and a fleet has been passing eastward thro' the Sound for some days past. Whether to take off troops from Rhode Island or to carry more there, is uncertain. A division of the Squadron lay opposite to us the last night. Admiral Gambier has arrived at New York with some ships, but I believe few reinforcements are yet come. I cannot learn where it is likely the ensuing campaign will commence. Some say in New England, others that it will be up the North river-others in the Carolinas. Gen. Gates is marching down from Albany. It is said that he is going on the White Plains. The event of all is with an all-wise Providence. Pity for Britain that she ever began the War.

Mr. Whittlesey's sermon is in the press, and there it is like to be for some time. Our Election Sermons do not come out till near six months after they are preached. I will send you a copy as soon as published.