Letters of Delegates to Congress: Volume: 3

William Hooper to James Iredell

My dear Friend

Philadelphia

January 6th 1776

So great has been my proportion of scribbling publick letters, that I have not had an opportunity to pay that respect to my private connections to which they have so just a Claim, to you to whom I owe it as a duty, as well as a testimony of Sincere reciprocal esteem.

That day, I hope, is not at a great distance, when retired from the bustle of publick life, I shall enjoy all the sweets of domestick retirement & private friendship. I am weary of politicks, it is a study that corrupts the human heart, degrades the Idea of human nature, and drives men to expedients that morality must condemn. Deep stratagems, dark disguise, Fiction, falsehood, are but the fair side of the picture of a perfect, politician-a Machiavel-a Hobbs-a Richlieu-a North. No, my Friend, the Science of politicks is not to be learned in the principles of the laws of nature and Nations, it is wrote only in the recesses of the mind of princes, and Vice assumes another name, when it ministers to the strength and importance of the state. The black part of the Character is ascribed to this and Virtues if any there are, are the personal property of the prince. Hide the picture ! 'tis a horrid one.

We have met with nothing of much importance lately from the Continental Armies. A scarcity of Gunpowder has for some time past kept them inactive, that Want is now plentifully supplied, and I suppose e'er long we shall hear of the happy effects. To what are we reduced, that we can hear of bloodshed without remorse; and amidst the horror of this unnatural War derive consolation from a conquest sealed with the blood of our fellow subjects. Yes, Britain, It is the Criterion of thy existence; thy greatness totters. Luxury & Wealth with every vice in their train, are hurrying thee down the precipice, & liberty shuddering at thy fate is seeking an Asylum westward. Oh Heaven still check her approaching Ruin, restore her to reason, restore her to the Affection of her American Subjects. May she long flourish the guardian of freedom and when that Change comes and come it must, that America must become the seat of Empire, may Britain gently verge down the decline of life, and sink away in the Arms of her American Sons. A Fleet is begun here at the Continental Expense, Should it's success be great it will much exceed my expectations. It has a formidable power to cope with, the luxury of Britain has not yet enervated its seamen. However if this War continues, which God forbid, A Navy we must have. That of the United Provinces was trifling in its commencement, its increase and importance shewed the propriety of it. Some small armed Vessels about Boston have made some valuable acquisitions.

This City scarce feels the interruption of trade. The Manufacturers, Mechanicks & Seamen find employment in the publick works. And the Merchants find means to dispose of their Commodities which are necessary to procure the means of Offence & defence. The Eastern Colonies furnish Soldiers and the necessaries for subsisting them, so that much of the Continental money will center with them. Their poor are employed and none left for clamor. The Southern Colonies will feel it first. The American Army raised & immediately to be raised is as follows, In Massachussetts 27 battalions. (i.e. New England.) In New York 4. In Canada l. (Canadians) In Jersey 2. In Philadelphia 6. In Delawar Counties l. In Virginia 6. In North Carolina 2. In So. Carolina 3. Georgia I-besides the provincial establishment in each province. Philadelphia is to be made the seat of action early in the spring, so say private letters.

I am extremely sorry that Polluck has been made the mark of publick vengeance, I am told that he was examined and acquitted by the Committee of Safety. Is it true! Oh the licentiousness of .the times. Surely persecution never begot Converts, such Violence hurts the cause

Remember me most respectfully to your Lady & the family. I wrote Mr. Johnston via Virginia-by an Express. By a Vessel which sails tomorrow for Wilmington, I wish to hear from him. Compls to Mr. Smith, Mr. Jas. Charlton & all friends. I have only room to add what I do with great truth & sincerity, that I am your sincere friend,
Will Hooper
RC (NcD).