HISTORY or VERMONT. m 



began the business thus : " I am now under^ 

 taking a task which I hope you will receive with 

 the same good intention, that inclines me to 

 make it. I have often been infiormed that you, 

 and most of the inhabitants 8[ Vermont, are 

 opposed to the wild and chimerical scheme of 

 the Americans, in attempting to separate this 

 continent from Great Britain, and to establish 

 an independent state of their own ; and that you 

 would willingly assist in uniting America again 

 lo Great Britain, and restoring that happy con- 

 stitution we have so wantonly and unadvisedly 

 destroyed. If I have been rightly informed, 

 and these should be your sentiments and incli- 

 nation, I beg you will communicate to me, 

 without reserve, whatever proposals you would 

 wish to make to the commander in chief ; and 

 I hereby promise that I will faithfully lay them 

 before him, according to your directions, and 

 flatter myself, I can do it to as good effect as 

 any person whatever. I can make no proposals 

 to you, until I know your sentiments, but think 

 upon your taking an active part, and embody- 

 ing the inhabitants of Vermont in favor of the 

 crown of England, to act as the commander in 

 chief shall direct, that you may obtain a sepa^ 

 rate government, under the king and constitu- 

 tion of England, and the men, formed into regir 

 ments under such officers as you shall recom- 

 mend, be on the same footing as all the pro. 

 vincial corps are. If you should think proper 

 to send a friend of your own, here, Avith propo-r 

 sals to the general, he shall be protected, and 

 well treated here, and allowed to return when- 

 ever he pleases."* On the receipt of tliis let? 



* Copy of P.ofcinson's letter, by E. Al^cnv 



