I AM exceeding happy to inform you, that at twelve this noon Lord L—— arrived express from Sir H— C——, with the pleasing news, that, on the 12th of April, Charles Town with its dependencies capitulated to his Majesty’s arms, with the loss of 200 men on our side: by which fortunate event, five ships of war, besides many frigates, and one thousand seamen, were captured; and seven thousand military, which compose the garrison.—You will have pleasure, I am sure, in finding so little blood shed—and in the hope of its accelerating the so-much-wished-for peace. Inclosed is a list of the prisoners, which is from Lord Lincoln’s account—at least I am confidently told so—and more than that, it is said the late terrible riot was on a plan concerted between the French and Americans—upon which their whole hope of success was founded—they expected universal bankruptcy would be the consequence, with despair and every sad concomitant in its train. By God’s goodness, we have escaped. May we deserve so great mercy!
Prays sincerely yours,
I. SANCHO.
The Gazette will not be out in time, but you shall have one to-morrow without fail.—As soon as this news was announced, the Tower and Park guns confirmed it—the guards encamped in the Parks fired each a grand feu de joye—to-night we blaze in illuminations—and to-morrow get up as poor and discontented as ever. I wish, dear Sir, very much to hear Mrs. S—— is quite recovered—it would indicate more than a common want of feeling, were not my wife and self anxious for the health and repose of such very rare friends.—Indulge us, do, dear Sir, with a single line, that we may joy in your joy upon her amendment, or join our wishes with yours to the God of mercy and love, for her speedy recovery.—I inclose you an evening paper—there is not much in it. Upon consideration, I have my doubts concerning the French and Americans being so deep in the plan of our late riots;—there requires, I think, a kind of supernatural knowledge to adjust their motions so critically—but you can judge far better than my weak intellects;—therefore I will not pretend to affirm any thing for truth, except my sincere desire to approve myself most gratefully
Your obliged servant,
IGN. SANCHO.
LETTER CXXXVIII.
TO J—— S——, ESQ.
June 16, 1780.
DEAR SIR,
AS a supplement to my last—this is to tell you a piece of private news—which gives ministry high hopes in the future. General Washington, who was anxiously watching Sir H. Clinton, no sooner saw with certainty his intention, but he struck his camp, and made the most rapid march to New York—they expected it;—but, as he was in superior force, they felt their danger.—Sir H. Clinton, as soon as he could possibly settle the garrison of Charles Town, embarked with seven thousand men, and got to New York in time to save it;—and if he can possibly bring Washington to a battle, it is thought the fate of America will be soon decided.—Thank God! the sky clears in that quarter—but we look rather louring at home.—Ministry wish now too plainly to disarm the subjects. Last year, under dread of French invasion, the good people were thanked for their military favour.—Master tradesmen armed their journeymen and apprentices—and the serjeants of the guards absolutely made little fortunes in teaching grown gentlemen of all descriptions their exercise—in fancied uniforms, and shining arms, they marched to the right, wheeled to the left, and looked battle-proof;—but now, it seems, they are not only useless, but offensive. How the affair will end, God only knows!—I do not like its complexion.—Government has ordered them to give up their arms. If they do, where is British liberty? If they refuse, what is Administration? Many are gentlemen of large property—Inns of Court Members, Lawyers, &c. dangerous people.—Time will unveil the whole—May its lenient powers pour the balm of healing councils on this once glorious spot!—and make it as heretofore the nurse of freedom—Europe’s fairest example—the land of truth, bravery, loyalty, and of every heart-gladdening virtue! That you and Mrs. S—— may, surrounded with friends, and in the enjoyment of every good, live to see the completion of my wishes—is the concluding prayer of,