The Earl of Chatham to the Earl of Shelburne.
Hayes, Dec. 18th, 1777.
My Lord,—I cannot, though at dinner-time, suffer your Lordship's servants to return without expressing my humble thanks for the favour of your very obliging and interesting communication. How decisive and how expressive are the ways of Providence! The sentiments and the conduct of the American Colonists, full of nobleness, dignity, and humanity! On the side of the Royalists, native English spirit, not to be extinguished—thank God—by enslaving principles, and peremptory nonsensical orders! When will national blindness fall from our eyes, and the gutta serena be taken off that sight which should behold all with an equal view? If Vaughan has made good his retreat, it is a better fate than I expected; perhaps better than his merciless conduct deserved. I think Howe's situation most critical, Carleton's almost desperate. But more time, which is everything in extreme cases, is perhaps afforded him. I expect that he will use it well, and that firmness and resource will be called forth to save a very valuable Province, absurdly and unjustly distracted and alienated by an ill-understood plan of illiberal Tory principles.
I saw Mr. Walpole here on last Monday, when I learnt all that your Lordship's communication from him contains. I am much obliged for the imparting it, and I beg leave to express the fullest sense of your Lordship's goodness in taking such a trouble.
I rejoice that the Americans have behaved in victory like men who were actuated by principle: not by motives of a less elevated nature. Every hour is big with expectations. Howe's army is besieged, and I expect a disgraceful and ruinous catastrophe to that devoted body of troops: the last remains of the all-conquering forces of Great Britain. If the Undoers of their country ought to be pitied, in any case, my Lord, I may be well entitled to some compassion. I am all gout, but I hold out: going abroad for air. I have not much of the cordial of hope, and trust
