Extract of a Letter Received in London From Philadelphia, Dated June 20, 1775

v2:1033

We hear that the Congress intend to make two proposals, to the following effect:

First. That they will submit to an absolute restriction of their trade for the benefit of Great Britain, upon condition that nothing further shall be required of them, it being in their opinion a more advantageous offer than any other they can make to the Mother Country; or,

Second. That it shall be agreed between Great Britain and the Colonies, that the latter shall raise her full, equal, and just proportion of revenue for the support of the whole Empire, in a similar manner as the assessment is upon Scotland. That if England raises twenty thousand Pounds for every forty thousand Pounds levied on Scotland, so America will bear her share. On this system the Colonies cannot be taxed one farthing, without Great Britain paying also a like proportion. In consideration of tills, all restraints on the American trade to be taken off.

One of these proposals must be accepted, or arms will be the alternative. Colonel Washington, on his appointment to be Commander-in-Chief, refused any stipulated salary, saying, he would not receive one farthing more than his expenses. One thousand Riflemen are raised by order of the Congress; Pennsylvania sends four hundred, Maryland two hundred, and Virginia four hundred. Colonel Ward, of New-England, is second in command, and Gates (formerly a Major in His Majesty' s service) is Adjutant-General.