58 A. E. T'eiTill — Relations hetifeen Bermuda a?id the 



the friendh^ aid of the Bermudian people, is the only logical explan- 

 ation of the sudden chanare in its attitude. 



Before Gen, Washington heard of the success of this first expe- 

 dition lie made an urgent appeal* to Gov. Cooke of Rhode Island 

 to send one of the armed vessels of that colony to Bermuda. This 

 plan was approved by the Governor and Committee of Rhode Island, 

 and the vessel was dispatched Sei)t, 12, 1775, in command of Capt. 

 Abraham Whipple, who carried with him a circular letter from 

 General Washington, dated Sept. G, 1775, to the inhabit-ants of Ber- 

 muda,f asking them to aid, so far as they safely could, in this enter- 

 prise, and promising in return to use his influence with Congress to 

 secure the sending of much needed provisions, and obtain other 

 favors for them. The following is an extract from General Wash- 

 ington's letter : — 



" We are informed that there is a very large magazine in your island under a 

 very feeble guard. We would not wish to involve you in an opposition in which, 

 from your situation, we should be unable to support you ; we know not, therefore, 

 to what extent to solicit your assistance, in availing ourselves of this supply; but 

 if your favoiir and friendship to North Amei'ica and its liberties have not been 

 misrepresented, I persuade myself you may, consistently with your own safety, 

 promote and fiirther this scheme, so as to give it the fairest prospect of success. 

 Be assured that in this ease the whole power and exertion of my influence will be 

 made with the honorable Continental Congress, that your island may not only 

 be supplied with provisions, but experience every other mark of affection and 

 friendship which the grateful citizens of a free country can bestow on its 

 brethren and benefactors." 



III. Bermuda Privaieers. 



Notwithstanding the friendly relations, there were in Bermuda 

 plenty of people who held the same views as the loyalists in America. 

 Some fitted out privateers to prey upon American commerce and 

 enrich themselves, as the Governor, George J. Bruere, advised. A 

 privateer's commission was given, Jan. 10, 1778, to Capt. Bridger 

 Goodrich, in command of the "Hammond " of 100 tons, 8 guns, and 

 20 men, to "cruise against the American colonies." It was armed 



* In his letter, dated " Camp at Cambridge, 4 Aug., 1775," General Wash- 

 ington mentioned the great and pressing need of gunpowder for the army and 

 the very precarious snpply. He also said: ""No quantity, however small, is 

 beneath notice, and, should any arrive, I beg it may be forwarded as soon as 

 jiossible." 



\ This letter luis been ptiblished in full in several books. See J. Sparks, 

 "Writings of George Washington," iii, p. 77. Also Stark's Bermuda Guide, 

 pp. :55-37, 1898. 



