FOOTNOTES:
[1] The Virginia Assembly, in November, 1769, authorized the treasurer to purchase copper in Great Britain for the purpose of importing copper money to the colony (Hening's Statutes, viii, 343).
[2] There are many of these Virginia copper half-pennies, dated 1773, preserved in coin collections. They answer perfectly in appearance to the above description (see Dickeson, American Numismatical Manual, p. 84, and cut on plate viii). Although dated in 1773, it was apparently not until the following year that they were ready to be exported and the proclamation enforcing their acceptance issued.
[1775, August 23.]
[For Suppression of Rebellion in America.]
BY THE KING.
A PROCLAMATION
For suppressing Rebellion and Sedition.
George R.
Whereas many of Our Subjects in divers Parts of Our Colonies and Plantations in North America, misled by dangerous and ill-designing Men, and forgetting the Allegiance which they owe to the Power that has protected and sustained them, after various disorderly Acts committed in Disturbance of the Publick Peace, to the Obstruction of lawful Commerce, and to the Oppression of Our loyal Subjects carrying on the same, have at length proceeded to an open and avowed Rebellion, by arraying themselves in hostile Manner to withstand the Execution of the Law, and traitorously preparing, ordering, and levying War against Us; And whereas there is Reason to apprehend that such Rebellion hath been much promoted and encouraged by the traitorous Correspondence, Counsels, and Comfort of divers wicked and desperate Persons within this Realm: To the End therefore that none of Our Subjects may neglect or violate their Duty through Ignorance thereof, or through any Doubt of the Protection which the Law will afford to their Loyalty and Zeal; We have thought fit, by and with the Advice of Our Privy Council, to issue this Our Royal Proclamation, hereby declaring that not only all Our Officers Civil and Military are obliged to exert their utmost Endeavours to suppress such Rebellion, and to bring the Traitors to Justice; but that all Our Subjects of this Realm and the Dominions thereunto belonging are bound by Law to be aiding and assisting in the Suppression of such Rebellion, and to disclose and make known all traitorous Conspiracies and Attempts against Us, Our Crown and Dignity; And We do accordingly strictly charge and command all Our Officers as well Civil as Military, and all other Our obedient and loyal Subjects, to use their utmost Endeavours to withstand and suppress such Rebellion, and to disclose and make known all Treasons and traitorous Conspiracies which they shall know to be against Us, Our Crown and Dignity; and for that Purpose, that they transmit to One of Our Principal Secretaries of State, or other proper Officer, due and full Information of all Persons who shall be found carrying on Correspondence with, or in any Manner or Degree aiding or abetting the Persons now in open Arms and Rebellion against Our Government within any of Our Colonies and Plantations in North America, in order to bring to condign Punishment the Authors, Perpetrators, and Abettors of such traitorous Designs.
Given at Our Court at St. James's the Twenty-third Day of August, One thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, in the Fifteenth Year of Our Reign.
God save the King.
London: Printed by Charles Eyre and William Strahan, Printers to the King's most Excellent Majesty. 1775.
1 p. folio. Copies in Mass. State Archives, Boston Public Library, and N. Y. Public Library. Entered on Patent Rolls, and in Crown Office Docquet Book, vol. 12; entered in Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 12, p. 83. Printed in "London Gazette," August 26, 1775, and in most of the colonial newspapers. It was reprinted in broadside form in Boston (copies in N. Y. Public Library, Mass. Historical Society, and Mass. State Archives), and in New York (copy in Library of Congress); for the full titles, see Evans' "American Bibliography," nos. 14077 and 14078. The original English issue has been printed in facsimile form in the Boston Public Library "Bulletin" for October, 1892, and as an artotype by Bierstadt of New York, about 1890.
[1775, December 22.]
[Appointing the Distribution of Prizes.]
BY THE KING.
A PROCLAMATION
Appointing the Distribution of Prizes taken during the Continuance of the Rebellion now subsisting in divers Parts of the Continent of North America.
George R.
Whereas by an Act, made in this present Session of Parliament, intituled, An Act to prohibit all Trade and Intercourse with the Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachuset's Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania, the Three Lower Counties on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, during the Continuance of the present Rebellion within the said Colonies respectively; for repealing an Act, made in the Fourteenth Year of the Reign of His present Majesty, to discontinue the Landing and Discharging, Lading or Shipping, of Goods, Wares, and Merchandize, at the Town and within the Harbour of Boston, in the Province of Massachuset's Bay; and also Two Acts, made in the last Session of Parliament, for restraining the Trade and Commerce of the Colonies in the said Acts respectively mentioned; and to enable any Person or Persons, appointed and authorized by His Majesty to grant Pardons, to issue Proclamations, in the Cases, and for the Purposes therein mentioned; It is, amongst other Things, enacted, That all Ships and Vessels of or belonging to the Inhabitants of the said Colonies, together with their Cargoes, Apparel, and Furniture, except as in the said Act are excepted, and all other Ships and Vessels whatsoever, together with their Cargoes, Apparel, and Furniture, which shall be found trading in any Port or Place of the said Colonies, or going to trade, or coming from trading, in any such Port or Place, except as are therein also excepted, shall become forfeited to His Majesty, as if the same were the Ships and Effects of Open Enemies, and shall be so adjudged, deemed, and taken, in all Courts of Admiralty, and in all other Courts whatsoever: And, for the Encouragement of the Officers and Seamen of His Majesty's Ships of War, it is thereby also further enacted, That the Flag Officers, Captains, Commanders, and other commissioned Officers in His Majesty's Pay, and also the Seamen, Marines, and Soldiers on Board, shall have the sole Interest and Property of and in all and every such Ship, Vessel, Goods, and Merchandize, which they shall seize and take, (being first adjudged lawful Prize in any of His Majesty's Courts of Admiralty) to be divided in such Proportions, and after such Manner, as His Majesty shall think fit to order and direct by Proclamation or Proclamations hereafter to be issued for those Purposes: We, taking the Premises into Consideration, do, pursuant to the said Act of Parliament, (with the Advice of Our Privy Council), by this Our Proclamation, order, direct, and appoint, That the neat Produce of all Prizes taken, in Pursuance of the said Act, by Our Ships of War, be divided into Eight equal Parts, and be distributed in Manner following; that is to say, To the Captain or Captains of any of Our Ships of War, who shall be actually on Board at the Taking of any Prize, Three Eighth Parts; but in case any such Prize shall be taken by any of Our Ship or Ships of War, under the Command of a Flag or Flags, the Flag Officer or Officers, being actually on Board, or directing and assisting in the Capture, shall have One of the said Three Eighth Parts, the said One Eighth Part to be paid to such Flag or Flag Officers, in such Proportions, and subject to such Regulations, as are herein-after for that Purpose mentioned: To the Captains of Marines and Land Forces, Sea Lieutenants and Master, on Board any such Ships, One Eighth Part, to be equally divided amongst them: To the Lieutenants and Quarter Masters of Marines, and Lieutenants, Ensigns, and Quarter Masters of Land Forces, Boatswain, Gunner, Purser, Carpenter, Master's Mate, Chirurgeon, Pilot, and Chaplain, on Board any such Ship, One Eighth Part, to be equally divided amongst them: To the Midshipmen, Secretary to Flag Officers, Captain's Clerk, Master Sail Maker, Carpenter's Mates, Boatswain's Mates, Gunner's Mates, Master at Arms, Corporals, Yeomen of the Sheets, Coxswain, Quarter Masters, Quarter Master's Mates, Chirurgeon's Mates, Yeomen of the Powder Room, and Serjeants of Marines or Land Forces, on Board any such Ships, One Eighth Part, to be equally divided amongst them; To the Trumpeters, Quarter Gunners, Carpenter's Crew, Steward, Cook, Armourer, Steward's Mate, Cook's Mate, Gunsmith, Cooper, Swabber, Ordinary Trumpeter, Barber, Able Seamen, Ordinary Seamen, and Marine or other Soldiers, and all other Persons doing Duty, or assisting on Board any such Ships, Two Eighth Parts, to be equally divided amongst them. And in case any Sea Captain, inferior Commission or Warrant Sea Officers, belonging to any Ship of War, for whom any Shares of Prizes are hereby allowed, be absent at the Time of the Capture of any Prize, the Share of such Sea Captain, inferior Commission or Warrant Sea Officer, shall be cast into the Shares hereby allowed to the Trumpeters, Quarter Gunners, Carpenter's Crew, Steward, Cook, Armourer, Steward's Mate, Cook's Mate, Gunsmith, Cooper, Swabber, Ordinary Trumpeter, Barber, Able Seamen, Ordinary Seamen, and Marine or other Soldiers, and other Persons doing Duty, or assisting on Board any such Ships, to be equally divided amongst them. Provided, That if any Officer or Officers on Board any of Our Ships of War, at the Time of taking any such Prizes, shall have more Commissions or Offices than one, he or they shall be intitled only to the Share or Shares of the said Prizes which, according to the above-mentioned Distribution, shall belong to his or their respective superior Commissions or Offices. And We do hereby strictly enjoin all and every Commander and Commanders of any Ships of War, taking any Prize, as soon as may be, to transmit, or cause to be transmitted, to the Commissioners of Our Navy, a true List of the Names of all the Officers, Seamen, Marines, Soldiers, or others, who were actually on Board Our Ships of War, under his or their Command, at the taking such Prize; which List shall contain the Quality of the Service of each Person on Board, and be subscribed by the Captain or Commanding Officer, and Three or more of the Chief Officers on Board. And We do hereby require and direct the Commissioners of Our Navy, or any Three or more of them, to examine, or cause to be examined, such Lists by the Muster Books of such Ships of War, and Lists annexed thereto, to see that such Lists do agree with the said Muster Book, and annexed Lists, as to the Names, Qualities, or Ratings of the Officers, Seamen, Marines, Soldiers, and others belonging to such Ship of War; and, upon Request, forthwith to grant a Certificate of the Truth of any List transmitted to them, to the Agents nominated and appointed by the Captors, pursuant to the said Act, to take care or dispose of such Prize; and also, upon Application to them, to give, or cause to be given, unto the Agents who shall, at any Time or Times, be appointed as aforesaid by the Captors, all such Lists from the Muster Books of any such Ships of War, and annexed Lists, as the said Agents shall find requisite for their Direction in paying the Produce of such Prizes, and to be otherwise aiding and assisting to the said Agents, as shall be necessary. And as touching the said One Eighth Part, herein before mentioned to be granted to the Flag or Flag Officers, who shall be actually on Board at the taking of any Prize, or shall be directing and assisting therein, We have thought fit, and do, by these Presents, publish, order, and declare, That the following Regulations be observed; First, That a Flag Officer commanding in Chief, where there is but One Flag Officer upon Service, shall have to his own Use the said One Eighth Part of the Prizes taken by Ships under his Command: Secondly, That a Flag Officer sent to command at Jamaica, or elsewhere, shall have no Right to any Share of the Prizes taken, by Ships employed there, before he arrives at the Place to which he is sent, and actually takes upon him the Command: Thirdly, That when an inferior Flag Officer is sent out to reinforce a superior Flag Officer at Jamaica, or elsewhere, the said superior Flag Officer shall have no Right to any Share in the Prizes taken by them before they arrive within the Limits of his Command, and actually receive some Orders from him: Fourthly, That a Chief Flag Officer returning home from Jamaica, or elsewhere, shall have no Share of the Prizes taken by the Ships left behind to act under another Command: Fifthly, That if a Flag Officer is sent to command in the Out-ports of this Kingdom, he shall have no Share of the Prizes taken by Ships that sailed from that Port, by Order from the Admiralty: Sixthly, That when more Flag Officers than One serve together, the Eighth Part of the Prizes taken by any Ships of the Fleet, or Squadron, shall be divided in the following Proportions; videlicet, If there be but Two Flag Officers, the Chief shall have Two Third Parts of the said One Eighth Part, and the other shall have the remaining Third Part; but if the Number of Flag Officers be more than Two, the Chief shall have only One Half, and the other Half shall be divided equally among the other Flag Officers: Seventhly, That Commodores, with Captains under them, shall be esteemed as Flag Officers, with respect to their Right to an Eighth Part of Prizes taken, whether commanding in Chief, or serving under Command.
Given at our Court at St. James's, the Twenty-second Day of December, One thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, in the Sixteenth Year of Our Reign.
God save the King.
London: Printed by Charles Eyre and William Strahan, Printers to the King's most Excellent Majesty. 1775.
1 p. folio. Copies in Antiq., and P. C. Entered on Patent Rolls, and in Crown Office Docquet Book, vol. 12; entered in Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 12, p. 267. Printed in "London Gazette," December 23, 1775.
[1776, October 30.]
[Fast Day in England.]
BY THE KING.
A PROCLAMATION
For a general Fast.
George R.
We, taking into Our most serious Consideration the just and necessary Measures of Force which We are obliged to use against Our rebellious Subjects in Our Colonies and Provinces in North America; and putting Our Trust in Almighty God, that he will vouchsafe a Special Blessing on Our Arms, both by Sea and Land, have resolved, and do, by and with the Advice of Our Privy Council, hereby command, That a Publick Fast and Humiliation be observed throughout that Part of Our Kingdom of Great Britain called England, Our Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick upon Tweed, upon Friday the Thirteenth Day of December next; that so both We and Our People may humble Ourselves before Almighty God, in order to obtain Pardon of Our Sins; and may, in the most devout and solemn Manner, send up Our Prayers and Supplications to the Divine Majesty, for averting those heavy Judgements, which Our manifold Sins and Provocations have most justly deserved, and for imploring his Intervention and Blessing speedily to deliver Our loyal Subjects within Our Colonies and Provinces in North America from the Violence, Injustice, and Tyranny of those daring Rebels who have assumed to themselves the Exercise of Arbitrary Power, to open the Eyes of those who have been deluded by specious Falshoods, into Acts of Treason and Rebellion, to turn the Hearts of the Authors of these Calamities, and finally to restore Our People in those distracted Provinces and Colonies to the happy Condition of being free Subjects of a free State; under which heretofore they flourished so long and prospered so much: And We do strictly charge and command, that the said Publick Fast be reverently and devoutly observed by all Our loving Subjects in England, Our Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick upon Tweed, as they tender the Favour of Almighty God, and would avoid his Wrath and Indignation; and upon Pain of such Punishment, as We may justly inflict upon all such as contemn and neglect the Performance of so religious a Duty. And for the better and more orderly solemnizing the same, We have given Directions to the most Reverend the Archbishops, and the Right Reverend the Bishops of England to compose a Form of Prayer suitable to this Occasion, to be used in all Churches, Chapels, and Places of Publick Worship; and to take Care the same be timely dispersed throughout their respective Dioceses.
Given at Our Court at St. James's, the Thirtieth Day of October, One thousand seven hundred and seventy-six, in the Seventeenth Year of Our Reign.
God save the King.
London: Printed by Charles Eyre and William Strahan, Printers to the King's most Excellent Majesty. MDCCLXXVI.
1 p. folio. Copy in B. M. Entered on Patent Rolls; entered in Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 13, p. 172. Printed in "London Gazette," November 2, 1776. A proclamation with practically the same wording was issued by the Lord Lieutenant and Council of Ireland, November 7, 1776 (copy in Dublin P. R. O.), in consequence of an order of the Privy Council (Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 13, p. 174).
[1776, October 30.]
[Fast Day in Scotland.]
BY THE KING.
A PROCLAMATION
For a General Fast.
George R.
We taking into Our most serious Consideration the just and necessary Measures of Force, which We are obliged to use against Our rebellious Subjects in Our Colonies and Provinces in North America, and putting Our Trust in Almighty God that he will vouchsafe a special Blessing on Our Arms both by Sea and Land, have resolved, and do, by and with the Advice of Our Privy Council, hereby command, That a Publick Fast and Humiliation be observed throughout that Part of Our Kingdom of Great Britain called Scotland, upon Thursday the Twelfth Day of December next, that so both We and Our People may humble Ourselves before Almighty God, in order to obtain Pardon of Our Sins, and may, in the most devout and solemn Manner, send up Our Prayers and Supplications to the Divine Majesty, for averting those heavy Judgments which Our manifold Sins and Provocations have most justly deserved, and for imploring His Intervention and Blessing speedily to deliver Our Loyal Subjects within Our Colonies and Provinces in North America, from the Violence, Injustice, and Tyranny of those daring Rebels, who have assumed to themselves the Exercise of Arbitrary Power; to open the Eyes of those who have been deluded by specious Falsehoods into Acts of Treason and Rebellion; to turn the Hearts of the Authors of these Calamities; and finally to restore Our People, in those distracted Provinces and Colonies, to the happy Condition of being Free Subjects of a Free State, under which heretofore they flourished so long, and prospered so much. And We do strictly charge and command, that the said Publick Fast be reverently and devoutly observed by all Our loving Subjects in Scotland, as they tender the Favour of Almighty God, and would avoid His Wrath and Indignation, and upon Pain of such Punishment as we may justly inflict on all such as contemn and neglect the Performance of so Religious a Duty. Our Will is therefore, and We charge, That incontinent this Our Proclamation seen, ye pass to the Market Cross of Edinburgh, and all other Places needful, and there, in Our Name and Authority, make Publication hereof, that none pretend Ignorance. And Our Will and Pleasure is, That Our Solicitor do cause printed Copies hereof to be sent to the Sheriffs of the several Shires, Stewarts of Stewarties, and Bailiffs of Regalities, and their Clerks, whom We ordain to see the same published: And We appoint them to send Doubles hereof to the several Paroch Kirks within their Bounds, that upon the Lord's Day immediately preceding the Day abovementioned, the same may be published and read from the Pulpits, immediately after Divine Service.
Given at Our Court at St. James's the Thirtieth Day of October, One thousand seven hundred and seventy-six, in the Seventeenth Year of Our Reign.
God Save the King.
No printed copy found. Entered on Patent Rolls; entered in Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 13, p. 173. Printed in "London Gazette," November 2, 1776.
[1778, January 23.]
[Fast Day in England.]
BY THE KING.
A PROCLAMATION
For a general Fast.
George R.
We, taking into Our most serious Consideration the just and necessary Measures of Force which We are obliged to use against Our Rebellious Subjects in Our Colonies and Provinces in North America; and putting Our Trust in Almighty God, that He will vouchsafe a special Blessing on Our Arms, both by Sea and Land, have resolved, and do, by and with the Advice of Our Privy Council, hereby command, That a Publick Fast and Humiliation be observed throughout that Part of Our Kingdom of Great Britain called England, Our Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick upon Tweed, upon Friday the Twenty-seventh Day of February next; that so both We and Our People may humble Ourselves before Almighty God, in order to obtain Pardon of Our Sins; and may, in the most devout and solemn Manner, send up Our Prayers and Supplications to the Divine Majesty for averting those heavy Judgements, which Our manifold Sins and Provocations have most justly deserved, and for imploring his Intervention and Blessing speedily to deliver Our loyal Subjects within Our Colonies and Provinces in North America from the Violence, Injustice, and Tyranny of those daring Rebels who have assumed to themselves the Exercise of Arbitrary Power, to open the Eyes of those who have been deluded by specious Falsehoods into Acts of Treason and Rebellion, to turn the Hearts of the Authors of these Calamities, and finally to restore Our People in those distracted Provinces and Colonies to the happy Condition of being free Subjects of a free State, under which heretofore they flourished so long and prospered so much: And We do strictly charge and command, That the said Publick Fast be reverently and devoutly observed by all Our loving Subjects in England, Our Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick upon Tweed, as they tender the Favour of Almighty God, and would avoid his Wrath and Indignation; and upon Pain of such Punishment as We may justly inflict on all such as contemn and neglect the Performance of so religious a Duty. And for the better and more orderly solemnizing the same, We have given Directions to the Most Reverend the Archbishops, and the Right Reverend the Bishops of England, to compose a Form of Prayer suitable to this Occasion, to be used in all Churches, Chapels, and Places of Publick Worship; and to take Care the same be timely dispersed throughout their respective Dioceses.
Given at Our Court at St. James's, the Twenty-third Day of January, One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight, in the Eighteenth Year of Our Reign.
God save the King.
London: Printed by Charles Eyre and William Strahan, Printers to the King's most Excellent Majesty. MDCCLXXVIII.
1 p. folio. Copy in P. C. Entered on Patent Rolls, and in Crown Office Docquet Book, vol. 12, entered in Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 14, p. 458. Printed in "London Gazette," January 24, 1778. A proclamation with practically the same wording was issued by the Lord Lieutenant and Council of Ireland, January 31, 1775 (copy in Dublin P. R. O.), in consequence of an order of the Privy Council (Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 14, p. 461).
[1778, January 23.]
[Fast Day in Scotland.]
BY THE KING.
A PROCLAMATION
For a General Fast.
George R.
We, taking into Our most serious Consideration the just and necessary Measures of Force which We are obliged to use against Our Rebellious Subjects in Our Colonies and Provinces in North America; and putting Our Trust in Almighty God, that He will vouchsafe a special Blessing on Our Arms, both by Sea and Land, have resolved, and do, by and with the Advice of Our Privy Council, hereby command, That a Publick Fast and Humiliation be observed throughout that Part of Our Kingdom of Great Britain called Scotland, upon Thursday the Twenty sixth Day of February next; that so both We and Our People may humble Ourselves before Almighty God, in order to obtain Pardon of Our Sins; and may, in the most devout and solemn Manner, send up Our Prayers and Supplications to the Divine Majesty, for averting those heavy Judgments, which Our manifold Sins and Provocations have most justly deserved, and for imploring His Intervention and Blessing, speedily to deliver Our loyal Subjects, within Our Colonies and Provinces in North America, from the Violence, Injustice and Tyranny of those daring Rebels, who have assumed to themselves the Exercise of Arbitrary Power; to open the Eyes of those who have been deluded by specious Falsehoods into Acts of Treason and Rebellion; to turn the Hearts of the Authors of these Calamities; and finally to restore Our People in those distracted Provinces and Colonies to the happy Condition of being Free Subjects of a Free State, under which heretofore they flourished so long and prospered so much. And We do strictly charge and command, That the said Publick Fast be reverently and devoutly observed by all Our loving Subjects in Scotland, as they tender the Favour of Almighty God, and would avoid His Wrath and Indignation; and upon Pain of such Punishment as We may justly inflict on all such as contemn and neglect the Performance of so religious a Duty. Our Will is therefore, and We charge, That incontinent this Our Proclamation seen, ye pass to the Market Cross of Edinburgh, and all other Places needful, and there, in Our Name and Authority, make Publication hereof, that none pretend Ignorance. And Our Will and Pleasure is, That Our Solicitor do cause printed Copies hereof to be sent to the Sheriffs of the several Shires, Stewarts of Stewarties, and Bailif's of Regalities, and their Clerks, whom We ordain to see the same published; and We appoint them to send Doubles hereof to the several Paroch Kirks within their Bounds, that upon the Lord's Day immediately preceding the Day above mentioned, the same may be published and read from the Pulpits immediately after Divine Service.
Given at Our Court at St. James's, the Twenty-third Day of January, One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight, in the Eighteenth Year of Our Reign.
God save the King.
No printed copy found. Entered on Patent Rolls, and in Crown Office Docquet Book, vol. 12; entered in Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 14, p. 460. Printed in "London Gazette," January 24, 1778.
[1778, September 16.]
[Regarding the Distribution of Prizes.]
BY THE KING.
A PROCLAMATION
For granting the Distribution of Prizes during the present Hostilities.
George R.
Whereas, by Our Order in Council dated the Twenty-ninth Day of July last, We have ordered that general Reprisals be granted against the Ships, Goods, and Subjects of the French King, and that as well Our Fleets and Ships, as also all other Ships and Vessels that shall be commissionated by Letters of Marque, or general Reprisals, or otherwise, by Our Commissioners for executing Our Office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, shall and may lawfully seize all Ships, Vessels and Goods, belonging to the French King, and bring the same to Judgement in any of Our Courts of Admiralty within Our Dominions: We, being desirous to give due Encouragement to all Our faithful Subjects who shall lawfully seize the same, and having declared in Council, by Our Order of the Seventh of last Month, Our Intentions concerning the Distribution of all Manner of Captures, Seizures, Prizes and Reprisals, of all Ships and Goods, during the present Hostilities, do now make known to all Our loving Subjects, and all others whom it may concern, by this Our Proclamation, by and with the Advice of Our Privy Council, that Our Will and Pleasure is, That the Neat Produce of all Prizes taken, the Right whereof is inherent in Us, and Our Crown, be given to the Takers in the Proportion and Manner of Proceeding herein-after set forth: that is to say, That all Prizes taken by Ships and Vessels having Commissions of Letters of Marque and Reprisals, may be sold and disposed of by the Merchants, Owners, Fitters, and others to whom such Letters of Marque and Reprisals are granted, for their own Use and Benefit, after final Adjudication, and not before. And We do hereby further Order and direct, that the Neat Produce of all Prizes which are or shall be taken by any of Our Ships or Vessels of War, shall be for the entire Benefit and Encouragement of Our Flag Officers, Captains, Commanders, and other Commissioned Officers in Our Pay, and of the Seamen, Marines, and Soldiers, on Board Our said Ships and Vessels at the Time of the Capture; and that such Prizes may be lawfully sold and disposed of by them and their Agents, after the same shall have been to Us finally adjudged lawful Prize, and not otherwise. The Distribution shall be made as follows; the Whole of the Neat Produce being first divided into Eight equal Parts;
The Captain or Captains of any of Our said Ships and Vessels of War, who shall be actually on Board at the Taking of any Prize, shall have Three Eighth Parts; but in case any such Prize shall be taken by any of Our Ships or Vessels of War, under the Command of a Flag or Flags, the Flag Officer or Officers being actually on Board or directing and assisting in the Capture, shall have One of the said Three Eighth Parts; the said One Eighth Part to be paid to such Flag or Flag Officers in such Proportions, and subject to such Regulations, as are herein-after mentioned:
The Captains of Marines and Land Forces, Sea Lieutenants, and Master on Board, shall have One Eighth Part, to be equally divided amongst them:
The Lieutenants and Quarter Masters of Marines, and Lieutenants, Ensigns, and Quarter Masters of Land Forces, Secretaries of Admirals or of Commodores, with Captains under them, Boatswains, Gunners, Purser, Carpenter, Master's Mates, Chirurgeon, Pilot, and Chaplain on Board, shall have One Eighth Part, to be equally divided amongst them:
The Midshipmen, Captain's Clerk, Master Sailmaker, Carpenter's Mates, Boatswain's Mates, Gunner's Mates, Master at Arms, Corporals, Yeomen of the Sheets, Cockswain, Quarter Masters, Quarter Masters Mates, Chirurgeon's Mates, Yeomen of the Powder Room, Serjeants of Marines, and Land Forces on Board, shall have One Eighth Part, to be equally divided amongst them:
The Trumpeters, Quarter Gunners, Carpenter's Crew, Stewards, Cook, Armourer, Steward's Mate, Cook's Mate, Gunsmith, Cooper, Swabber, Ordinary Trumpeter, Barber, Able Seamen, Ordinary Seamen, and Marines, and other Soldiers, and all other Persons doing Duty and assisting on Board, shall have Two Eighth Parts, to be equally divided amongst them:
Provided, That if any Officer being on Board any of Our Ships of War, at the Time of taking any Prize, shall have more Commissions or Offices than One, such Officer shall be intitled only to the Share or Shares of the Prizes which, according to the above-mentioned Distribution, shall belong to his superior Commission or Office. And We do hereby strictly enjoin all Commanders of Our Ships and Vessels of War taking any Prize, as soon as may be, to transmit, or cause to be transmitted, to the Commissioners of Our Navy, a true List of the Names of all the Officers, Seamen, Marines, Soldiers, and others, who were actually on Board Our Ships and Vessels of War under their Command at the Time of the Capture; which List shall contain the Quality of the Service of each Person on Board, and be subscribed by the Captain or Commanding Officer, and Three or more of the Chief Officers on Board. And we do hereby require and direct the Commissioners of Our Navy, or any Three or more of them, to examine, or cause to be examined, such Lists by the Muster Books of such Ships and Vessels of War, and Lists annexed thereto, to see that such Lists do agree with the said Muster Books and annexed Lists, as to the Names, Qualities, or Ratings of the Officers, Seamen, Marines, Soldiers, and others belonging to such Ships and Vessels of War, and upon Request forthwith to grant a Certificate of the Truth of any List transmitted to them, to the Agents nominated and appointed by the Captors, to take care and dispose of such Prize; and also upon Application to them (the said Commissioners) they shall give, or cause to be given, to the said Agents, all such Lists from the Muster Books of any such Ships of War, and annexed Lists, as the said Agents shall find requisite for their Direction in paying the Produce of such Prizes, and otherwise shall be aiding and assisting to the said Agents in all such Matters as shall be necessary. We do hereby further will and direct, that the following Regulations shall be observed concerning the One Eighth Part herein-before mentioned to be granted to the Flag, or Flag Officers, who shall actually be on Board at the taking of any Prize, or shall be directing or assisting therein: First, That a Flag Officer, Commander in Chief, when there is but One Flag Officer upon Service, shall have to his own Use the said One Eighth Part of the Prizes taken by Ships and Vessels under his Command: Secondly, That a Flag Officer, sent to command at Jamaica, or elsewhere, shall have no Right to any Share of Prizes taken by Ships or Vessels employed there, before he arrives at the Place to which he is sent, and actually takes upon him the Command: Thirdly, That when an inferior Flag Officer is sent out to reinforce a superior Flag Officer at Jamaica, or elsewhere, the superior Flag Officer shall have no Right to any Share or Prizes taken by the inferior Flag Officer, before the inferior Flag Officer shall arrive within the Limits of the Command of the superior Flag Officer, and actually receive some Order from him: Fourthly, That a Chief Flag Officer returning home from Jamaica, or elsewhere, shall have no Share of the Prizes taken by the Ships or Vessels left behind to act under another Command: Fifthly, That if a Flag Officer is sent to command in the Out-ports of this Kingdom, he shall have no Share of the Prizes taken by Ships or Vessels which have sailed from that Port by Order from the Admiralty: Sixthly, That when more Flag Officers than One serve together, the Eighth Part of the Prizes taken by any Ships or Vessels of the Fleet or Squadron, shall be divided in the following Proportions; viz. If there be but Two Flag Officers, the Chief shall have Two Third Parts of the said One Eighth Part, and the other shall have the remaining Third Part; but if the Number of Flag Officers be more than Two, the Chief shall have only One Half, and the other Half shall be equally divided amongst the other Flag Officers: Seventhly, That Commodores with Captains under them shall be esteemed as Flag Officers with respect to the Eighth Part of Prizes taken, whether commanding in Chief or serving under Command. And We do hereby further order, That in the Case of Cutters, Schooners, and other armed Vessels commanded by Lieutenants, the Share of such Lieutenants shall be Three Eighth Parts of the Prize, unless such Lieutenants shall be under the Command of a Flag Officer or Officers; in which Case the Flag Officer or Officers shall have One of the said Three Eighths, to be divided among such Flag Officer or Flag Officers in the Manner herein-before directed in the Case of Captains serving under Flag Officers: Secondly, We direct that the Share of the Master or other Person acting as Second in Command, and the Pilot, (if there happens to be One on Board) shall be One Eighth Part, to be divided into Three equal Parts; of which Two Thirds shall go to the Master, or other Person acting as Second in Command, and the remaining One Third to the Pilot; but if there is no Pilot, then such Eighth Part to go wholly to the Master or Person acting as Second in Command: That the Share of the Chirurgeon, or Chirurgeon's Mate, (where there is no Chirurgeon) Midshipmen, and Clerk and Steward, shall be One Eighth; That the Share of the Boatswain's, Gunner's, and Carpenter's Mates, Yeomen of the Sheets, Sailmaker, Quarter Master, and Quarter Master's Mate, shall be One Eighth; and the Share of the Seamen, Marines, and other Persons on Board, assisting in the Capture, shall be Two Eighth Parts. But it is Our Intention nevertheless, that the above Distribution shall only extend to such Captures as shall be made by any Cutter, Schooner, or armed Vessel, without any of His Majesty's Ships or Vessels of War being present or within Sight of, and adding to the Encouragement of the Captors, and Terror of the Enemy: But in Case any of His Majesty's Ships or Vessels of War shall be present, or in Sight, that then the Officers, Pilots, Petty Officers, and Men on Board such Cutters and Schooners, or armed Vessels, shall share in the same Proportion as is allowed to Persons of the like Rank and Denomination on Board His Majesty's Ships and Vessels of War. Lastly, it is Our Will and Pleasure, That this Our Declaration, and Order in Council thereupon, shall extend not only to Captures from the French King, his Subjects, and others inhabiting his Countries, but also shall extend in the like Manner to all Ships and Goods now taken, and not finally adjudged and condemned, and divided, or to be taken hereafter, under the Act of Parliament of the Sixteenth Year of Our Reign, whereby it is enacted, That, for the Encouragement of Our Officers of Our Ships of War, the Flag Officers, Captains, Commanders, and other Commissioned Officers in Our Pay, and the Seamen, Marines, and Soldiers on Board, shall have the sole Interest and Property of and in all and every such Ships and Goods as therein are recited, which they shall seize and take; but being first adjudged, that is to say, finally adjudged lawful Prize, and which are by the said Act declared forfeited to Us, and to be divided and disposed of in such Proportion and after such Manner as We, Our Heirs and Successors, shall by Proclamation or Proclamations order and direct.
Given at Our Court at St. James's, the Sixteenth Day of September, One thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight, in the Eighteenth Year of Our Reign.
God save the King.
London: Printed by Charles Eyre and William Strahan, Printers to the King's most Excellent Majesty. 1778.
1 p. folio. Copies in Antiq., and P. C.; also in John Carter Brown Library. Entered on Patent Rolls, and in Crown Office Docquet Book, vol. 12; entered in Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 15, p. 515. Printed in "London Gazette," September 19, 1778.
[1779, January 1.]
[Fast Day in England.]
BY THE KING.
A PROCLAMATION
For a General Fast.
George R.
We, taking into Our most serious Consideration the just and necessary Hostilities in which We are engaged with the French King, and the unnatural Rebellion carrying on in some of Our Provinces and Colonies in North America, and putting Our Trust in Almighty God, that he will vouchsafe a special Blessing on Our Arms both by Sea and Land, have resolved, and do, by and with the Advice of Our Privy Council, hereby Command, That a Public Fast and Humiliation be observed throughout that Part of Great Britain called England, Our Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick upon Tweed, upon Wednesday the Tenth Day of February next; that so both We and Our People may humble Ourselves before Almighty God, in order to obtain Pardon of Our Sins; and may, in the most devout and solemn Manner, send up Our Prayers and Supplications to the Divine Majesty, for averting those heavy Judgments which Our manifold Sins and Provocations have most justly deserved; and imploring His Blessing and Assistance on Our Arms; and for restoring and perpetuating Peace, Safety, and Prosperity, to Us and Our Kingdoms: And We do strictly Charge and Command, That the said Public Fast be reverently and devoutly observed by all Our loving Subjects in England, Our Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick upon Tweed, as they tender the Favour of Almighty God, and would avoid His Wrath and Indignation; and upon Pain of such Punishment as We may justly inflict on all such as contemn and neglect the Performance of so religious and necessary a Duty. And, for the better and more orderly solemnizing the same, We have given Directions to the Most Reverend the Archbishops, and the Right Reverend the Bishops of England, to compose a Form of Prayer suitable to this Occasion, to be used in all Churches, Chapels, and Places of Public Worship; and to take Care the same be timely dispersed throughout their respective Dioceses.
Given at Our Court at St. James's, the First Day of January, One thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine, in the Nineteenth Year of Our Reign.
God save the King.
No printed copy found. Entered on Patent Rolls, and in Crown Office Docquet Book, vol. 12; entered in Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 16, p. 181. Printed in "London Gazette," January 2, 1779. A proclamation with practically the same wording was issued by the Lord Lieutenant and Council of Ireland, January 11, 1779 (copy in Dublin P. R. O.), in consequence of an order of the Privy Council (Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 16, p. 184).
[1779, January 1.]
[Fast Day in Scotland.]
BY THE KING.
A PROCLAMATION
For a General Fast.
George R.
We, taking into Our most serious Consideration the just and necessary Hostilities in which We are engaged with the French King, and the unnatural Rebellion carrying on in some of Our Provinces and Colonies in North America, and putting Our Trust in Almighty God, that he will vouchsafe a special Blessing on Our Arms both by Sea and Land, have resolved, and do, by and with the Advice of Our Privy Council, hereby command, That a Publick Fast and Humiliation be observed, throughout that Part of Our Kingdom of Great Britain called Scotland, on Tuesday the Ninth Day of February next; that so both We and Our People may humble Ourselves before Almighty God, in order to obtain Pardon of Our Sins; and may, in the most devout and solemn Manner, send up Our Prayers and Supplications to the Divine Majesty, for averting those heavy Judgements which Our manifold Sins and Provocations have most justly deserved, and imploring his Blessing and Assistance on Our Arms, and for restoring and perpetuating Peace, Safety, and Prosperity, to Us and Our Kingdoms: And We do strictly Charge and Command, That the said Publick Fast be reverently and devoutly observed by all Our loving Subjects in Scotland, as they tender the Favour of Almighty God, and would avoid his Wrath and Indignation; and upon Pain of such Punishment as We may justly inflict on all such as contemn and neglect the Performance of so religious and necessary a Duty. Our Will is therefore, and We charge, That incontinent this Our Proclamation seen, ye pass to the Market Cross of Edinburgh, and all other Places needful, and there, in Our Name and Authority, make Publication hereof, that none pretend Ignorance. And Our Will and Pleasure is, That Our Solicitor do cause printed Copies hereof to be sent to the Sheriffs of the several Shires, Stewarts of Stewarties, and Bailiffs of Regalities, and their Clerks, whom We ordain to see the same published; and We appoint them to send Doubles hereof to the several Paroch Kirks within their Bounds, that upon the Lord's Day immediately preceding the Day above-mentioned, the same may be published and read from the Pulpits, immediately after Divine Service.
Given at Our Court at St. James's, the First Day of January, One thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine, in the Nineteenth Year of Our Reign.
God Save the King.
London: Printed by Charles Eyre and William Strahan, Printers to the King's most Excellent Majesty. MDCCLXXIX.
1 p. folio. Copy in P. C. Entered on Patent Rolls, and in Crown Office Docquet Book, vol. 12; entered in Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 16, p. 182. Printed in "London Gazette," January 2, 1779.
[1779, December 13.]
[Fast Day in England.]
BY THE KING.
A PROCLAMATION
For a General Fast.
George R.
We, taking into Our most serious Consideration the just and necessary Hostilities in which We are engaged, and the unnatural Rebellion carrying on in some of Our Provinces and Colonies in North America, and putting Our Trust in Almighty God, that he will vouchsafe a Special Blessing on Our Arms both by Sea and Land, have resolved, and do, by and with the Advice of Our Privy Council, hereby command, That a Publick Fast and Humiliation be observed throughout that Part of Our Kingdom of Great Britain called England, Our Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick upon Tweed, upon Friday the Fourth Day of February next; that so both We and Our People may humble Ourselves before Almighty God, in order to obtain Pardon of Our Sins; and may, in the most devout and solemn Manner, send up Our Prayers and Supplications to the Divine Majesty, for averting those heavy Judgements which Our manifold Sins and Provocations have most justly deserved, and imploring his Blessing and Assistance on Our Arms, and for restoring and perpetuating Peace, Safety, and Prosperity, to Us and Our Kingdoms: And We do strictly charge and command, That the said Publick Fast be reverently and devoutly observed by all Our loving Subjects in England, our Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick upon Tweed, as they tender the Favour of Almighty God, and would avoid his Wrath and Indignation; and upon Pain of such Punishment as We may justly inflict on all such as contemn and neglect the Performance of so religious and necessary a Duty. And for the better and more orderly solemnizing the same, We have given Directions to the Most Reverend the Archbishops, and the Right Reverend the Bishops of England, to compose a Form of Prayer suitable to this Occasion, to be used in all Churches, Chapels, and Places of Publick Worship, and to take care the same be timely dispersed throughout their respective Dioceses.
Given at Our Court at St. James's, the Thirteenth of December, One thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine, in the Twentieth Year of Our Reign.
God save the King.
London: Printed by Charles Eyre and William Strahan, Printers to the King's most Excellent Majesty. MDCCLXXIX.
1 p. folio. Copy in P. R. O. Entered on Patent Rolls, and in Crown Office Docquet Book, vol. 12; entered in Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 17, p. 453. Printed in "London Gazette," December 14, 1779. A proclamation with practically the same wording was issued by the Lord Lieutenant and Council of Ireland, December 24, 1779 (copy in Dublin P. R. O.), in consequence of an order of the Privy Council (Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 17, p. 455).
[1779, December 13.]
[Fast Day in Scotland.]
BY THE KING.
A PROCLAMATION
For a General Fast.
George R.
We, taking into Our most serious Consideration the just and necessary Hostilities in which We are engaged, and the unnatural Rebellion carrying on in some of Our Provinces and Colonies in North America, and putting Our Trust in Almighty God, that he will vouchsafe a special Blessing on Our Arms both by Sea and Land, have resolved, and do, by and with the Advice of Our Privy Council, hereby command, That a Publick Fast and Humiliation be observed throughout that Part of Our Kingdom of Great Britain called Scotland, on Thursday the Third Day of February next; that so both We and Our People may humble Ourselves before Almighty God, in order to obtain Pardon of Our Sins; and may, in the most devout and solemn Manner, send up Our Prayers and Supplications to the Divine Majesty, for averting those heavy Judgments which Our manifold Sins and Provocations have most justly deserved, and imploring His Blessing and Assistance on Our Arms, and for restoring and perpetuating Peace, Safety, and Prosperity, to Us and Our Kingdoms: And We do strictly charge and command, That the said Publick Fast be reverently and devoutly observed by all Our loving Subjects in Scotland, as they tender the Favour of Almighty God, and would avoid His Wrath and Indignation; and upon Pain of such Punishment as We may justly inflict on all such as contemn and neglect the Performance of so religious and necessary a Duty. Our Will is therefore, and We charge, That incontinent this Our Proclamation seen, ye pass to the Market Cross of Edinburgh, and all other Places needful, and there, in Our Name and Authority, make Publication hereof, that none pretend Ignorance. And Our Will and Pleasure is, That Our Solicitor do cause printed Copies hereof to be sent to the Sheriffs of the several Shires, Stewarts of Stewarties, and Bailiffs of Regalities, and their Clerks, whom We ordain to see the same published: and We appoint them to send Doubles hereof to the several Paroch Kirks within their Bounds, that upon the Lord's Day immediately preceding the Day above mentioned the same may be published and read from the Pulpits, immediately after Divine Service.
Given at Our Court at St. James's, the Thirteenth Day of December, One thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine, in the Twentieth Year of Our Reign.
God Save the King.
No printed copy found. Entered on Patent Rolls, and in Crown Office Docquet Book, vol. 12; entered in Privy Council Register, III Geo., vol. 17, p. 454. Printed in "London Gazette," December 14, 1779.
[1780, December 20.]
[Relations of England to Holland.]
MANIFESTO.
George R.
Through the whole Course of Our Reign, Our Conduct towards the States General of the United Provinces has been that of a sincere Friend and faithful Ally. Had they adhered to those wise Principles which used to govern the Republic, they must have shewn themselves equally sollicitous to maintain the Friendship which has so long subsisted between the two Nations, and which is essential to the Interests of both: But from the Prevalence of a Faction devoted to France, and following the Dictates of that Court, a very different Policy has prevailed. The Return made to Our Friendship, for some Time past, has been an open Contempt of the most solemn Engagements, and a repeated Violation of Public Faith.
On the Commencement of the Defensive War, in which We found Ourselves engaged by the Aggression of France, We shewed a tender Regard for the Interests of the States General, and a Desire of securing to their Subjects every Advantage of Trade, consistent with the great and just Principle of Our own Defence. Our Ambassador was instructed to offer a friendly Negotiation, to obviate every Thing that might lead to disagreeable Discussion; and to this Offer, solemnly made by him to the States General, the 2d of November, 1778, no Attention was paid.
After the Number of Our Enemies increased by the Aggression of Spain, equally unprovoked with that of France, We found it necessary to call upon the States General for the Performance of their Engagements. The Fifth Article of the perpetual Defensive Alliance between Our Crown and the States General, concluded at Westminster the 3d of March, 1678, besides the general Engagement for Succours, expressly stipulates, "That that Party of the two Allies that is not attacked, shall be obliged to break with the Aggressor in two Months after the Party attacked shall require it." Yet two Years have passed, without the least Assistance given to Us, without a single Syllable in Answer to Our repeated Demands.
So totally regardless have the States been of their Treaties with Us, that they readily promised Our Enemies to observe a Neutrality, in direct Contradiction to those Engagements; and whilst they have withheld from Us the Succours they were bound to furnish, every secret Assistance has been given the Enemy; and Inland Duties have been taken off, for the sole Purpose of facilitating the Carriage of Naval Stores to France.
In direct and open Violation of Treaty, they suffered an American Pirate to remain several Weeks in one of their Ports; and even permitted a Part of his Crew to mount Guard in a Fort in the Texel.
In the East-Indies, the Subjects of the States General, in Concert with France, have endeavoured to raise up Enemies against Us.
In the West-Indies, particularly at St. Eustatius, every Protection and Assistance has been given to Our Rebellious Subjects. Their Privateers are openly received in the Dutch Harbours; allowed to refit there; supplied with Arms and Ammunition; their Crews recruited; their Prizes brought in and sold; and all this in direct Violation of as clear and solemn Stipulations as can be made.
This Conduct, so inconsistent with all good Faith, so repugnant to the Sense of the wisest Part of the Dutch Nation, is chiefly to be ascribed to the Prevalence of the leading Magistrates of Amsterdam, whose secret Correspondence with Our Rebellious Subjects was suspected, long before it was made known by the fortunate Discovery of a Treaty, the first Article of which is:
"There shall be a firm, inviolable and universal Peace, and sincere Friendship, between their High Mightinesses the Estates of the Seven United Provinces of Holland, and the United States of North America, and the Subjects and People of the said Parties; and between the Countries, Islands, Cities, and Towns, situated under the Jurisdiction of the said United States of Holland, and the said United States of America, and the People and Inhabitants thereof, of every Degree, without Exception of Persons or Places."
This Treaty was signed in September, 1778, by the express Order of the Pensionary of Amsterdam, and other principal Magistrates of that City. They now not only avow the whole Transaction, but glory in it, and expressly say, even to the States General, that what they did "was what their indispensable Duty required."
In the mean Time, the States General declined to give any Answer to the Memorial presented by Our Ambassador; and this Refusal was aggravated by their proceeding upon other Business, nay upon the Consideration of this very Subject to internal Purposes; and while they found it impossible to approve the Conduct of their Subjects, they still industriously avoided to give Us the Satisfaction so manifestly due.
We had every Right to expect, that such a Discovery would have roused them to a just Indignation at the Insult offered to Us, and to themselves; and that they would have been eager to give Us full and ample Satisfaction for the Offence, and to inflict the severest Punishment upon the Offenders. The Urgency of the Business made an instant Answer essential to the Honour and Safety of this Country.[1] The Demand was accordingly pressed by Our Ambassador in repeated Conferences with the Ministers, and in a Second Memorial: It was pressed with all the Earnestness which could proceed from Our ancient Friendship, and the Sense of recent Injuries; and the Answer now given to a Memorial on such a Subject, delivered about Five Weeks ago, is, That the States have taken it ad referendum. Such an Answer, upon such an Occasion, could only be dictated by the fixt Purpose of Hostility meditated, and already resolved, by the States, induced by the offensive Councils of Amsterdam thus to countenance the hostile Aggression, which the Magistrates of that City have made in the Name of the Republic.
There is an End of the Faith of all Treaties with Them, if Amsterdam may usurp the Sovereign Power, may violate those Treaties with Impunity, by pledging the States to Engagements directly contrary, and leaguing the Republic with the Rebels of a Sovereign to whom she is bound by the closest Ties. An Infraction of the Law of Nations, by the meanest Member of any Country, gives the injured State a Right to demand Satisfaction and Punishment: How much more so, when the Injury complained of is a flagrant Violation of Public Faith, committed by leading and predominant Members in the State? Since then the Satisfaction we have demanded is not given, We must, though most reluctantly, do Ourselves that Justice which We cannot otherwise obtain: We must consider the States General as Parties in the Injury which they will not repair, as Sharers in the Aggression which they refuse to punish, and must act accordingly. We have therefore ordered Our Ambassador to withdraw from the Hague, and shall immediately pursue such vigorous Measures as the Occasion fully justifies, and Our Dignity and the essential Interests of Our People require.
From a Regard to the Dutch Nation at large, We wish it were possible to direct those Measures wholly against Amsterdam; but this cannot be, unless the States General will immediately declare, that Amsterdam shall, upon this Occasion, receive no Assistance from them, but be left to abide the Consequences of it's Aggression.
Whilst Amsterdam is suffered to prevail in the general Councils, and is backed by the Strength of the State, it is impossible to resist the Aggression of so considerable a Part, without contending with the Whole. But We are too sensible of the common Interests of both Countries not to remember, in the Midst of such a Contest, that the only Point to be aimed at by Us, is to raise a Disposition in the Councils of the Republic to return to our ancient Union, by giving Us that Satisfaction for the past, and Security for the future, which We shall be as ready to receive as They can be to offer, and to the Attainment of which We shall direct all Our Operations. We mean only to provide for Our own Security, by defeating the dangerous Designs that have been formed against Us. We shall ever be disposed to return to Friendship with the States General, when they sincerely revert to that System which the Wisdom of their Ancestors formed, and which has now been subverted by a powerful Faction, conspiring with France against the true Interests of the Republic, no less than against those of Great Britain.
St. James's, December 20, 1780.
G. R.
No printed copy found, except as published in the "London Gazette Extraordinary," December 21, 1780, from which this transcript was taken.