THE ADDRESS
Of the INHABITANTS of CHARLESTOWN.

SIR,

REFLECTING on the many brilliant actions that have so eminently distinguished the British arms in the Southern Colonies, which, had they been aided by a proper system of policy, would have effected the establishment of peace: We think it our duty, upon the eve of your departure, thus publicly to express our thanks to you for the conspicuous part you have taken in them.

Addresses to men in office, procured by the influence of those who have basked in the sun-shine of their authority, are the offsprings of flattery and dissimulation, having neither merit for their basis nor truth for their object.

Unbiased by such motives, ours to you, Sir, flows solely from the grateful sense we entertain of your merit, and of the ardent zeal which you have ever shewn in the cause of our sovereign.

The eminent services you have rendered in the course of the present war are not to be enumerated here; these will find a more durable monument in the annals of Britain; but permit us to say, your gallant defence of Ninety-Six must be ever remembered with admiration and applause.

By uncommon exertions you have rendered the Provincial Line as respectable for military talents, as they have always been for loyalty to their King, and regard for the constitution of their country.

Accept Sir, our best wishes for your safe passage; may you find an ample field for the display of your abilities, and may you continue to receive the universal tribute of applause justly due to the honest Soldier and virtuous Citizen.

Charlestown, 25th July 1782.

COLONEL CRUGER's ANSWER.

Gentlemen,

I AM infinitely obliged to you for this honourable testimony of your approbation of my conduct in the discharge of my duty to my King and Country.

Applause from so respectable a body of his Majesty's Loyal Subjects, is to me truly flattering, and greatly compensates for my utmost services, which have, and ever shall be, zealously exerted in that just cause, in which we are jointly embarked.

BE please Gentlemen to accept my most sincere thanks for your very friendly wishes, and permit me to assure you that they prosperity of the virtuous loyal Citizen, will ever by an object nearest my heart.

[Signed]     J. H. CRUGER

To the Inhabitants of Charlestown,
Charlestown, July 26, 1782.

The Royal Gazette, (New York), August 14, 1782.

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