Sabeans and Chaldeans. Be it so, I will say, "Blessed be the name of the Lord."

FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.

Charleston, S. C. March 14, 1776.

MY DEAR CHILD.

It ap

THE Sound of war increases, and the danger seems to be drawing nearer and nearer. pears now, beyond doubt, that the administration are determined to try the issue of another year's persecution. We must expect a visit very soon. In these circumstances, every man here holds his life by the most precarious tenure; and our friends abroad should prepare themselves for learning that we are numbered among the dead.

FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.

Charleston, S. C. Aug. 17, 1776.

MY DEAR DAUGHTER,

YOUR brother will tell you a great deal of American news, and particularly of the escape we have had from enemies who talked of nothing less than eating us up. The conversation in

the fleet was, that they would breakfast at Sullivan's Island, dine at Fort Johnson, and sup in Charleston. Charity, therefore, would incline us to admit, that Sir Peter's coming against us with so formidable a power, as two ships of fifty guns each, four of twenty-eight, one of twentysix, one of twenty, and a bomb-ketch, might have been from motives of mercy. It might have been thought, that we should been frightened into submission, without spilling blood; but the battle is not always to the strong. All the mischiefs which have happened, and all that shall still happen to the contending parties, are to be charged to wicked and foolish counsellors. I pray God to raise up wiser and better men, who may devise means for effecting a friendly intercourse between Great Britain and these now" United, free, and independent states,' and for promoting the mutual happiness of both parties. It is not impossible, but that the separation lately announced, may produce great benefit to both. I am persuaded, you will not give offence to any body, by interposing your opinions concerning these matters: to relate to you what has happened, cannot be amiss, which is all I mean. You will in silence submit the future progress and final determination to the wise order of that superintending Being, who holds the scales of justice in his hand; who never fails to help those who confide in him and

do right; who hath set bounds to the bared arm of the mightest monarch on earth, as he hath to the seemingly irresistible power of the ocean. "Hitherto shalt thou come, and here shalt thy proud waves be staid." Your part will be to join with the sons and daughters of piety, and pray incessantly for peace. Peace to all the world, especially to the country in which you reside-and that to which you more particularly belong; and you will lament that it is your father's unhappy lot to be engaged in war, in civil war, God's severest scourge upon mankind.

:

I have no doubt, my dear daughter, but that you will take every advantage which the country you are in affords, for the improvement of your mind and your address. The latter is of more importance to a lady than is sometimes thought to you, in particular, your friends should recommend it. God knows through what scenes you are to pass. If, instead of affluence, of which you had lately a prospect, and to which you have still a just claim, if servitude is to be your portion, qualify yourself for an upper place. Fear not servitude, encounter it if it shall be necessary, with a spirit becoming a woman of an honest and a pious heart-a woman who has not been affectedly nor fashionably religious. It is my duty, my dear, to repeat, it will be your wisdom to listen to this alarm.

The events of war are uncertain, and there has been much talk of forfeited estates:-poor deluded highlanders, who are now our prisoners, were enlisted under assurance of getting possession of our farms, plantations, and town estates. Hessians and Hanoverians, and other foreign troops, have been bought by similar promises, and no doubt some of them will fight strong for the spoil. Negro slaves and barbarous Indians have been taught to exclaim, "Down with the Americans; and their estates will be free plunder!" Thus cruelly beset, howbeit, my heart neither fails nor misgives me; I see it my duty to guard against every thing which may happen, and to sound repeated warnings to those who are dearer to me, and of more value to the world, than my life.

You will take care of my Polly too. I need not tell you to be dutiful to your uncle and aunt; to love and reverence them as tender parents. They may be reduced to very great straits. There my heart is most wrung; but I must forbear; the subject overpowers me; God, in whom I trust, will protect you all. Adieu, my dear daughter, write as often as you can, and in some measure lessen the anxiety which arises from the uncertainty of your being restored to your faithful friend, your affectionate father,

HENRY LAURENS.

APPENDIX, No. II.

RELIGIOUS EXERCISES.

Thursday, Dec. 23, 1773.

BEING THIS DAY FOURTEEN YEARS AND SEVEN WEEKS OLD.

I Do this day, after full consideration, and se rious deliberation, and after earnest prayer for the assistance of Divine Grace, resolve to surrender and devote my youth, my strength, my soul, with all I have, and all I am, to the service of that great and good God, who has preserved and kept me all my life until now, and who in infinite compassion has given me to see the folly of my ways, and by faith to lay hold on a dear Redeemer, and obtain peace to my soul through his precious blood.

MARTHA LAURENS