"On my return on board my vessel, I was very badly treated by the American officer and crew then on board her, who had already cut to pieces and destroyed every thing they came across, taken the sails from the yards, and cut the cables from the anchors, which they carried on board the privateer, they cried out altogether, you rascals and bougres, get into the boat, or we will sink her, and burn you up with the vessel and cargo. We were accordingly obliged to leave the vessel, without taking with us the most trifling article, excepting the poor clothes we had on our backs. When this happened we were about two or three English miles N.N.E. of Koe and Kalv near Kleven. We arrived in the greatest distress with the boat at Kleven, about seven o'clock in the evening. The crew of the privateer told us, that their vessel belonged to Philadelphia, that they had letters of marque from congress, and that they were from Maelstrand in Sweden; they showed English colours, but would neither tell the names of their vessels, nor captains. On our arrival on shore, we found that they had set fire to our vessel, as well as the Constant Ann, which were not very far from each other, and they burnt till midnight, when one of them disappeared. DAVID RAY. 66 Francis Banks, Robert Swain, William Nicolls, William Abercrombie, Alexander Benny, Alexander Pearson, David Forresdale, John Harper, James Stark." "REPORT of what passed on board the brig Constant Ann of Yarmouth, commanded by captain Charles Lines, coming from Stockholm, laden with iron, planks, pitch, tar, &c. and destined for Yarmouth. "The 2d December, 1781, about noon, we left Kleven, near Mandahl, with fine weather, the wind north east, and put to sea in company with the brig Elliot of Leith, commanded by captain David Ray, on her way from Petersburg home. After we had been at sea about an hour, we sent our pilot ashore; in about three quarters of an hour we saw two brigs and a ship bearing down upon us under full sail. The brig Elliot was then about an English mile ahead of us. As soon as those vessels drew near us, they furled all their light sails, and the two brigs showed English colours, but the ship which was probably commodore showed none; when they fired several cannon and musket shot at us, which made us know they were enemies. Upon this we shaped our course to the east, in order if possible, to gain the port, being only distant about a quarter of a Norway league, and Kleven near Mandahl bore about N. Ñ. E., the people on board the ship, who were so near as to speak to us, called out in the following manner; if you do not instantly bring too, you bougres, we will sink you. We lowered our colours; they came along side, and a part of their crew boarded us with cutlasses and pistols. Afterwards a boat came to us with an officer as captain of the prize, who behaved towards me and my crew in the most inhuman manner, they tied one of my people's hands behind his back, they presented a pistol at my pilot's head, and threatened to blow his brains out, and said they would kill us all if we opened our mouths. They then began to cut away every thing, and take the sails from the yards, and cut the cables from the anchors, and carry all off on board the ship. Having carried every thing on board, they ordered us to launch our own boat, saying, you bougres, if you do not go immediately on board the boat, we will burn you together with the vessel. I repeatedly asked them to ransom me, but in vain. About four in the afternoon we were obliged to quit our vessel in such distress, as to have nothing left us but what we had on our backs, which was of very little value. We all arrived about seven o'clock in the evening at Kleven near Mandahl. Some of the American crew told us, the vessel was called the Norfolk, that she belonged to the congress at Philadelphia, and that she came from Maelstrand. CHARLES LINES. 66 Royal Simonds, William Goldsmith, Thomas Reiley, William Urquhart, William Fairweather." The aforesaid reports having been read in the English language before all the parties present, both captains and crews, each of them took their corporal oath, that all that was contained in the said two reports was the exact truth. Afterwards the two coasting pilots, Gabriel Jorgensen and Nicholas Govertsen of Kleven, presented themselves as witnesses, who, after having taken oath, declared unanimously, "That on Sunday last the 2d December about noon, the former went as a coasting pilot on board of captain Lines, and the latter on board of captain Ray, in the port of Kleven, and that they put these two vessels out to sea with the wind at north east, as soon as they left them they returned ashore in their boats, and observed coming from the eastward along the coast a ship and two brigs, which they thought were English; that shortly after the witnesses saw these vessels bear down on the two English brigs, they had piloted out, captain Ray's vessel being three quarters of a Norwegian league without the shoals, captain Lines being close aboard of them, after which, these witnesses observed that the vessels coming from eastward, fired several guns, which led them to conclude that they were enemies, as they were afterwards convinced, when they saw them board and search them. "The witnesses arrived afterwards at Kleven, and from the rocks they noticed that the "The Sieur Giertsen afterwards declared, that not being able to obtain any explanations respecting the names of these American vessels, and captains, he had nevertheless heard to-day, that these three vessels had been in the port of Flekeroe, situated about four leagues from this to the eastward, and that they sailed from there on Sunday last in the morning, and that he proposes, by means of the syndic of the pilots, to make inquiry after the names of the vessels and captains, and of the other circumstances, and for this purpose has requested that the conclusion of this deposition be deferred till next Saturday, which has been granted. vessels remained for some time together, un- | board of them the two coasting pilots, David til the evening that they saw the two brigs in Jorgensen and Nicholas Goversten, and that flames, driving at the mercy of the wind, then shortly after these two brigs left the port of at north east, and that they were burning late Kleven, he saw from the rocks, the same as at night. These witnesses moreover declare, the two coasting pilots have declared; so that on the evening of the said Sunday, the that his testimony entirely agrees with theirs. captains Lines and Ray came to the port of The witness, moreover, declares that he obKleven in their boats with their crews, being served the two brigs burning very late at sixteen persons, and that they went to the night, until they disappeared, as also, that on syndic Peter Johnson, to whom they bitterly the evening of the same day, the two captains complained of the violence and barbarity with Lines and Ray, came with their crews, sixteen which they had been treated, as set forth in persons in all, rowing towards the port of the two reports. The Sieur Giertsen, after- Kleven, and came to the house of the witness, wards presented as witnesses the three coast- to whom they related with many complaints ing pilots belonging to Osmend, Pedersen, what had happend to them, agreeable to the Olae, Srendsen, and Martin Carlsen, Tragde, reports presented and read before the witness. each of whom in particular, took their personal oath, to tell the truth and to conceal nothing. After which they unanimously declared, that on Sunday last the 2d December, about noon, after having piloted out a ship from the port of Tragdeford, and on their return with their boat, they saw coming along the coast from the eastward, with the wind at north east, a ship and two brigs, and at the same time, they saw two brigs going out of the port of Kleven, that these vessels on coming near each other, the witnesses saw the vessels from the eastward fire several guns at the two brigs which came out of Kleven, the foremost of which, being about three quarters of a Norway league, outside of the shoals, "On the 8th December following, this triand the other close aboard of them; that there-bunal extraordinary was continued at the upon the witnesses approached these vessels house of Madame Bierson, attended by a sufin their boat, and having come under the ficient number of justices, before whom the sternmost of the two brigs from Kleven, they Sieurs Giertsen presented himself, who desaw a boat put over the side of the ship from clared that having taken the most exact inthe eastward, whose people boarded captain formation at the port of Flekeroe, he learnt Lines' brig, after which, one of them got on that of the three American vessels, the ship the poop of the said vessel, and called to the was called the Norfolk, Captain Lines; and witnesses in the English language, and told the two brigs the Ariel, captain Maller, and them that if they offered to come along side, the Virginia, captain Hodgkinson, all from or aboard, that they would fire on them. The Philadelphia: but in the last place arrived witnesses saw at the same time, a boat from from Maelstrand in the port of Flekeroe, one of the brigs from the eastward, go on which place they left on Sunday last in the board the furthest brig from Kleven; they morning, the 2d December; and as this inalso observed the two brigs from Kleven hoist formation exactly corresponds with the reports English colours, which they struck shortly of the English confirmed by oaths; and as the after. The witnesses have likewise declared, port of Flekeroe is situated about four Northat to the best of their judgment, they be-way leagues to the eastward of Kleven; and lieve that the three vessels from the eastward that these Americans sailed on the same Sunare American. The witnesses finally say, that after having left these vessels and gone ashore, that they know and have heard, that the two brigs from Kleven were set on fire, and that their crew had come on shore in their boats at Kleven. day morning with the wind at north east along the coast, consequently the outrages must have been evidently committed by them and by no others. The appellant therefore hopes that he has given sufficient testimony that these three American vessels have com subjects and vessels of his Britannic majesty within his Danish majesty's territory, and against the rights of nations. "Afterwards appeared as witness, the syn-mitted the said outrages and barbarity, on the dic of the coasting pilots, Peter Johnson of Kleven, who after taking personal oath, declared that on Sunday last, the 2d December, about noon, the two English brigs commanded "After which the appellant requested this by captains Charles Lines and David Ray, juridical deposition to be concluded, and dewent out of the port of Kleven, and had on|manded the act and formal copies thereof. "It was accordingly done, passed and made | this house, to take such measures as shall apout at the bailiwic, by virtue of these presents, pear most conducive to the restoration of harwhich I hereby certify under my signature, mony between Great Britain and the revolted and have affixed my seal the day and year colonies; and that his efforts shall be directed aforesaid. F. FREDRICKSEŇ. (L. 8.) in the most effectual manner against our European enemies, until such a peace can be obtained as shall consist with the permanent welfare and prosperity of his kingdoms: this house being convinced that nothing can, in the present circumstances of this country, so essentially promote those great objects of his majesty's paternal care for his people, as the measures which his faithful commons have most humbly recommended to his majesty. "Ordered, That the said address be present "I the undersigned interpreter to the king and the council of prizes for the northern languages, certify that this translation is actually conformable to the original Danish compared by me. In testimony of which, I have signed the present at Paris, February 5, 1782. "TOBIESEN DUBY." Copy from the printed Votes of the Com-ed," &c. mons, 27th Feb. 1782. 66 Resolved, That after the solemn declaration of the opinion of this house, in their hum"RESOLVED, That it is the opinion of this ble address, presented to his majesty on Friday house, that the farther prosecution of offensive last, and his majesty's assurance of his grawar on the continent of North America, for cious intention in pursuance of their advice, the purpose of reducing the revolted colonies to take such measures as shall appear to his to obedience by force, will be the means of majesty to be most conducive to the restoration weakening the efforts of this country against of harmony between Great Britain and the reher European enemies, tends, under the pre-volted colonies, so essential to the prosperity sent circumstances, dangerously to increase the mutual enmity, so fatal to the interests both of Great Britain and America; and by preventing a happy reconciliation with that country, to frustrate the earnest desire, graciously expressed by his majesty, to restore the blessings of public tranquillity. of both, this house will consider as enemies to his majesty and this country, all those who shall endeavour to frustrate his majesty's paternal care, for the ease and happiness of his people, by advising, or by any means attempting, the farther prosecution of offensive war on the continent of North America, for the Resolved, That an humble address he pre-purpose of reducing the revolted colonies to sented to his majesty, that the further prosecu- obedience by force." tion of offensive war on the continent of North America, tends, &c. &c. 66 March 4. Mr. Speaker reported to the house, that the house attended his majesty on Friday last with their address; to which his majesty was pleased to give his most gracious answer: "Gentlemen of the House of Commons, "There are no objects nearer my heart than the ease, happiness, and prosperity of my people. "You may be assured that, in pursuance of your advice, I shall take such measures as shall appear to me most conducive to the restoration of harmony between Great Britain and the revolted colonies, so essential to the prosperity of both; and that my efforts shall be directed in the most effectual manner against our European enemies, until such a peace can be obtained, as shall consist with the interests and permanent welfare of my kingdoms. "Resolved, nemine contradicente, "That an humble address be presented to his majesty, to return his majesty the thanks of this house, for his most gracious answer to their address, presented to his majesty on Friday last, and for the assurances his majesty has most graciously been pleased to give them, of his intention, in pursuance of the advice of 66 Colonel Hartley to Dr. Franklin. "SOHO SQUARE, Feb. 28, 1782. DEAR SIR,-As I know how anxious my brother is to embrace every opportunity of expressing those sentiments of peace and universal philanthropy, which do you both so much honour, and of testifying his regard for yourself, I am sorry he is not returned to town before Mr. Alexander's departure. His absence from town has been occasioned by his being obliged to go into Gloucestershire for some papers relating to family concerns, and as I am sure nothing on his part will be neglected, towards forwarding the great object of peace, I regret his absence the less, because it affords me an opportunity of saying how entirely I agree with him in opinion, and particularly in the respect and esteem I bear to a person who has so ardently wished to prevent the effusion of blood, and the dreadful effects of this fatal and destructive war; a person who was, who would have been, permit me, dear sir, to add, perhaps who is, (would the conduct of this country permit him with justice to be so) the real, the sincere friend of it. "That Belusion, founded in falsehood, first made this country forget itself; its honour, and its justice, and pursue this accursed and have therefore taken that week for a little destructive war, is certain; happy will it be private business in the country, and if lord if the dereliction of it at last, shall show that North should happen to wish to see me, my its continuance has not already extinguished brother keeps watch, and is to send express in the breast of America every former degree for me. Public report will tell you, that on of friendship and affection. That reason is Friday last there was a division in the house, beginning to return, and this country to see on an American question, one hundred and its errors, I hope, from a majority of the house ninety-four to one hundred and ninety-three. of commons having yesterday agreed to a re- I cannot answer for the dispositions of minissolution against the American war, and I be- ters, but in point of justice I ought to say, lieve almost all the people of England are that I think, and as far as I can judge from against the war. I hope this will lay the the conferences which I have had, that I have foundation of peace between the two coun- found good dispositions towards peace. I do tries, and that the horrors of war may be not pledge myself, because I may be deceived; succeeded by lasting and general tranquilli- however that is my opinion; and I say thus ty. The event is in the hand of Providence much lest my silence should appear suspialone, but the endeavour to contribute to such cious and create alienation in other parties. I blessed purposes is not only in the power of think I have seen good dispositions from the men, but the attempt carries with it its own re- first commencement of my conferences on ward. Should success not be the consequence, peace. My brother sends me word, that Mr. the consciousness of having exerted oneself Alexander is to return by the next mail, I in such a cause will afford the most pleasing therefore write this to send either by him or at reflections, and make a man repose in peace least in the same packet. I have had much conupon his pillow, whatever may be the dis-versation with him, and he will tell you, that traction and confusion around him. You, sir, feel this in the greatest degree, and may those sentiments of justice, of freedom, and liberality, which have marked your character, receive the reward they so justly merit, and by the happy return of a general peace, may such sentiments revive in each British and Ameri can breast to the mutual advantage of both "W. H. HARTLEY." David Hartley to Dr. Franklin. "Feb. 28. 1782. "MY DEAR FRIEND,-I have not as yet any thing to communicate to you. I have upon many occasions recommended the road to peace in the most earnest way. I am not without hopes. I think I may venture to say that the arguments which I have stated have made an impression. I have not expected to receive the final answer from lord North till after the parliamentary arrangements of the year are settled. I am just for three or four days in the country, upon a little business, but upon a furlough, as I may say, with the knowledge of lord North, who, during the budget week, cannot possibly want to see me. I I have done my utmost to serve the cause of God bless you and prosper our pacific endea- "D. HARTLEY." Edmund Burke, M. P. to Dr. Franklin. [In answer to one requesting him to negotiate the exchange of Mr. Laurens for general Burgoyne.] "DEAR SIR,-Your most obliging letter demanded an early answer. It has not received the acknowledgment which was so justly due to it. But Providence has well supplied my deficiencies; and the delay of the answer has made it much more satisfactory, than at the time of my receipt of your letter I dared to promise myself it could be. I congratulate you, as the friend of America; I trust, as not the enemy of England; I am sure, as the friend of mankind; on the resolution of the house of commons, carried by a majority of nineteen, at two o'clock this morning in a very full house. It was the declaration of two hundred and thirty-four; I think it was the opinion of the whole. I trust it will lead to a speedy peace between the two branches of the English nation, perhaps to a general peace; and that our happiness may be an introduction to that of the world at large. I most sincerely congratulate you on the event. I wish I could say, that I had accomplished my commission. Difficulties remain. But as Wm. Alexander to Dr. Franklin. "OSTEND, Sunday, 9 at night, March 3, 1782. "MY DEAR SIR,-Although I expect to see you in a day or two after this comes to hand, I cannot let slip the opportunity of Mr. Moore, formerly with Mr. Williams, to inform you that the address, in consequence of the question carried on Wednesday, was carried to the king by the whole opposition on Friday; that the answer, after the common-place phrases and the repetition of the substance of the ad Mr. Laurens is released from his confinement, and has recovered his health tolerably, he may wait, I hope, without a great deal of inconvenience, for the final adjustment of his troublesome business. He is an exceedingly agreeable and honourable man. I am much obliged to you for the honour of his acquaintance. He speaks of you as I do; and is perfectly sensible of your warm and friendly interposition in his favour.-I have the honour to be, with the highest possible esteem and regard, dear sir, your most faithful and obedient hum-dress, was declaring his disposition to comply EDMUND BURKE. ble servant, "London, Charles-street, Feb. 28, 1782." "General Burgoyne presents his best compliments to you, with his thanks for your obliging attentions towards him.” Dr. Franklin to Count de Vergennes. “SIR,-I received the letter your excellency did me the honour of writing to me, the 24th past, enclosing an official paper on the part of the Danish court, relating to the burning of some English vessels on the coast of Norway, by three American ships. I shall not fail to transmit the same immediately to the congress, who will, I make no doubt, inquire into the facts alleged, and do thereupon what shall appear to be just and right, it being their constant and earnest desire, to avoid giving any offence to neutral nations, as will appear by their instructions to all armed vessels, of which I have the honour to present a copy. "In the mean time, as it is natural to expect, that those who exact a rigorous observation of the laws of nations, when their own interest or honour seems affected, should be themselves ready to show an example of their own regard for those laws, where the interest of others is concerned; I cannot but hope, the court of Denmark will at length attend to a demand, long since made by me, but hitherto without effect; that they would restore to the United States, the value of three vessels amounting to fifty thousand pounds sterling. These vessels were fair and good prizes, which had been made by our ships of war, not on the coast of Denmark, but far distant on the high seas, and were sent into Bergen as into a port truly neutral, but there, contrary to the laws of hospitality, as well as the other laws of nations, they were forcibly wrested out of our hands by the government of that place, and delivered back to our enemies. The congress have not lost sight of this violence, but constantly expected justice, from the equity and wisdom of his Danish majesty.-I am with the greatest respects, &c. "B. FRANKLIN." with it; and that of pushing the war with vigour against the ancient enemies of the kingdom, until a safe and honourable peace could be obtained, which was his most earnest wish. This is the sense as delivered to me Friday evening, by a member present. I have several letters for you, which I will deliver on my arrival, and can give you a good deal of the sentiments of parties in England. I left London yesterday. You will have all our public news up to Thursday. The first payment, 15 per cent., was made on the new loan, Friday, and stock was got up at two per cent. thereafter. Mr. Moore goes away just now, so have only time to subscribe myself with the most sincere esteem, dear sir, your most obedient humble servant, "W. ALEXANDER." "R. R. Livingston. PASSY, March 4, 1762. "SIR-Since I wrote the two short letters of which I herewith send you copies, I have heen honoured with yours No. 5, dated the 16th December. "Enclosed I send copies of two letters from M. le Comte de Vergennes, relating to certain complaints from Ostend and Copenhagen against our cruisers. I formerly forwarded a similar complaint from Portugal, to which I have yet received no answer. The ambassador of that kingdom frequently teases me for it. I hope now that by your means these kind of affairs will be more easily attended to; il blood and mischief may be thereby sometimes prevented. "The marquis de la Fayette was at his return hither received by all ranks, with all possible distinction. He daily gains in the general esteem and affection, and promises to be a great man here. He is warmly attached to our cause; we are on the most friendly and confidential footing with each other, and he is really very serviceable to me in my applications for additional assistance. "I have done what I could in recommending Messieurs Duportail and Gouvion as you desired. I did it with pleasure, as I have much esteem for them. "I will endeavour to procure a sketch of |
