notice of the order of council for co-operating with the agent. What reason has America to expect any thing further, when by far the greater number of her agents are unknown here, of no abilities, no rank, or if of any, of a bad character; some of them, menial ploughmen, all of them, servile expectants. Mr. Jenings intended the picture he sent you as a present, and is therefore offended that it is mentioned publicly as a purchase with the subscription money, which is still in his hands. As there is no probability of getting Lord Camden to sit, I could wish the subscribers to be prevailed on to order Lord Shelburne's to be sent, in gratitude for his having divided the lords in favour of their rights. He, I think, will have no objections to gratifying us, for his principles remain unaltered. You will see our agent on the most infamous list of voters for Colonels Lutterel and Brentford, than which nothing can more demonstrate his servile dependence on administration; when applied to, he refused to draw up for the tobacco merchants, a petition against the revenue acts, on a pretence, that as they had not treated him with respect, he would not have any thing to do with them. But his vote will explain his refusal. Should this conduct have any influence in Virginia to his prejudice, as I think in truth, it ought, I need not tell you I should be happy to serve in his place. If Mr. Nicholas would join you, one would imagine the point would be carried. It would certainly enable me to get into parliament, and by that method, promote the interest not only of Virginia, but of all America. Had I been in this character a year ago, I could have made the cause of America the cause of Middlesex, for they are in truth, the same. As nothing is more in my wish than this cause, I should like to have my inclinations seconded by my situation, which, as agent of the Assembly, would be certainly effected. Yours affectionately, Ipswich, September 18th, 1769." ARTHUR LEE. "DEAR BROTHER.-I wrote to you lately, and probably the same conveyance will bring you this letter. It is with much pleasure I can assure you, that Lords Shelburne, Chatham, and Camden, are determined to unite once more in supporting the cause of America against the present weak and wicked administration. I am at present at Lord Shelburne's, in the country, and you may depend on what I say concerning our friends. Every day makes our cause more popular, and I think the ministry will find the opposition too strong to attempt any forcible measure; and you well know how little their artifices will avail them. I have endeavoured, by mixing popular subjects here, with that of America, to bring the signature of Junius Americanus into estimation, and by that means to gain a more easy ear to the discussion of American grievances-I am in hopes of succeeding. Colonel Barré is of opinion, that America stands on excellent ground, and need not be in the least apprehension of what her enemies can do. I have just heard from our brother William that the election has been patriotic, and that . . . . . . has met with the contempt and detestation he merits. My heart is at ease, and I trust we must be free. I think myself much honoured by the name of Virginia, and feel infinite gratitude to the people at large, for the noble spirit with which they have resisted all the attempts of art, and honoured the cause of liberty. I do not know any thing which would gratify my wishes more, than the agency of Virginia. I should devote myself with so much cordiality to its duties, and obey with so much joy, the commands of a spirited people asserting their rights. Farewell, and believe me as I am ever, Bow WOOD, December 3d, 1769," Such was the state of politics in England when the resolutions of the Virginia Assembly were received, and the effect which they produced on the most temperate of the colonies, may be seen from the following letter, addressed to Mr. Lee, by that wise and virtuous patriot, Mr. Dickinson. "SIR-I am very much obliged to you for the papers sent by Mr. Wormley, and sincerely congratulate you, on the noble conduct of your colony. Administration and its unjust tools are certainly prompted, by as detestable a spirit, and directed by as despicable a policy, as ever distracted the British empire. If they have the least virtue or wisdom slumbering in them, I think, it must be roused by reading your resolves and address. But, indeed, from them, we are not to look for justice; our own integrity and prudence must be our guardian; and, if the other colonies persevere, as I hope they will, in emulating the generous example given them, in Virginia, tyranny and folly will, unquestionably, have cause to deplore their shameful and contemptible efforts to extinguish American liberty. I make no doubt, sir, but that it will give you particular pleasure, as you could scarcely expect it, that your ardor has warmed, even this most temperate province. It was, once, the interest of particular men, that this colony should make a great bustle about small matters. It then raged with patriotism. It is now the interest of the same men, that it shall promote submission to administration. It therefore sleeps, lulled by loyalty. The troublesome vigilance and vigour of our neighbours, have repeatedly made us yawn, and give a forced and feeble assent to what they were doing. If you proceed, I do not know but that we shall get quite awake, notwithstanding the large doses of opium, that have been administered to us. Certain it is, that in the last letters written to England, by a committee of merchants, they applaud your behaviour; and yet in that committee there are many persons, who are very fond of public tranquillity. Perhaps these people approved these letters, as believing they would not be published; but I think their join ing in them proceeds from the general approbation of your measures. Our Assembly, indeed, are too humble subjects to give administration any cause to think, they will encourage any discontents on this continent. And therefore though they had an opportunity of taking the lead, as Virginia had done in opposition to some of the vilest acts of despotism, that ever violated the rights of America, yet meekly and peaceably the good men, having well provided against the trespassing spirit of encroaching hogs, left the most dangerous and daring/ outrages against the liberty of themselves, uncensured and unnoticed. Quite different has been the conduct of the Assembly of the lower counties. In a conversation with one of the principal members of that house, we were of opinion, that it would be a just mark of respect to your Assembly, to adopt your resolves verbatim. This has been done; and I hope every Assembly on the continent will concur with you. We shall come in, in the eleventh hour. I am, sir, with great esteem, &c. To Col. RICHARD LEE." وو JOHN DICKINSON, IN the session of 1769, Mr. Lee was chairman of the committee of courts of justice. To it many important subjects were referred, which did not relate directly, to the administration of justice. The industry with which Mr. Lee laboured in any business assigned to him, made him one of the conspicuous amongst those who were denominated "business men. From the beginning of his active career in the Assembly, he had exhibited a rare combination of genius, patience, and labour; thus early preparing himself for those cares, and toils in the committees of the Continental Congress, for the endurance of which, he was as confessedly remarkable, as he was for his wisdom and ability. During this session, he brought in a report, on the subject of opening and improving the navigation of the River Potomac, as far as Fort Cumberland, as it was then called. This re port is here mentioned, not only because it exhibits judgment, and a practical knowledge of the statistical advantages of the country, but because the subject of internal improvement, has become justly popular and interesting. The very object of Mr. Lee's report is at this moment, likely to become a national one, and of incalculable benefit to a large portion of the country. It is believed that Mr. Lee was the first person who digested any plan of the kind, in this country; certainly the first who formed a plan, for the improvement of the navigation of the Potomac River, as high up as Fort Cumberland. |