n, but as the terms therein proposed
are such as I hold incompatible with the freedom of Americans, it can
be no rule of conduct for me. However, should I not hear farther from
you before twelve o'clock to-morrow by which time I shall have an
opportunity of consulting my officers here, and perhaps Col. Martin,
who is in the neighborhood of Cross Creek, you may expect a more
particular answer; meantime you may be assured that the feelings of
humanity will induce me to shew that civility to such of your people
as may fall into our hands, as I am desirous should be observed
towards those of ours, who may be unfortunate enough to fall into
yours. I am, Sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,

James Moore.
Camp at Rockfish, Feb. 19, 1776."

General Moore, on the succeeding day sent the following to General
MacDonald:

"Sir: Agreeable to my promise of yesterday, I have consulted the
officers under my command respecting your letter, and am happy in
finding them unanimous in opinion with me. We consider ourselves
engaged in a cause the most glorious and honourable in the world, the
defense of the liberties of mankind, in support of which we are
determined to hazard everything dear and valuable and in tenderness
to the deluded people under your command, permit me, Sir, through you
to inform them, before it is too late, of the dangerous and
destructive precipice on which they stand, and to remind them of the
ungrateful return they are about to make for their favorable
reception in this country. If this is not sufficient to recall them
to the duty which they owe themselves and their posterity inform them
that they are engaged in a cause in which they cannot succeed as not
only the whole force of this country, but that of our neighboring
provinces, is exerting and now actually in motion to suppress them,
and which much end in their utter destruction. Desirous, however, of
avoiding the effusion of human blood, I have thought proper to send
you a test recommended by the Continental Congress, which if they
will yet subscribe we are willing to receive them as friends and
countrymen. Should this offer be rejected, I shall consider them as
enemies to the constitutional liberties of America, and treat them
accordingly.

I cannot conclude without reminding you, Sir, of the oath which you
and some of your officers to