[158] First published in the _Freeman's Journal_, May 22, 1782. Sir Henry Clinton was superseded as Commander-in-Chief of the British armies in America by Sir Guy Carleton, who took command May 5, 1782. [159] "Devil's."--_Ed. 1786._ [160] In 1775 Lord Howe was appointed Admiral of the British fleet in North America and leader of the commission to effect if possible a reconciliation with the colonists. With him were sent two major-generals, Clinton and Burgoyne, to conduct the war with vigor if war were found to be inevitable. The three leaders arrived in Boston May 25, 1775. [161] "Damn'd."--_Ed. 1786._ [162] "Commission'd to steal, and commission'd to lie."--_Ed. 1786._ SIR GUY CARLETON'S ADDRESS TO THE AMERICANS[163] From Britain's famed island once more I come over, (No island on earth is in prowess above her) With powers and commissions your hearts to recover! Our king, I must tell you, is plagued with a phantom (Independence they call it) that hourly doth haunt him, And relief, my dear rebels, you only can grant him. Tom Gage and Sir Harry, Sir William, (our boast) Lord Howe, and the rest that have travelled the coast, All failed in their projects of laying this ghost: So unless the damned spectre myself can expel It will yet kill our monarch, I know very well, And gallop him off on his lion to hell. But I heartily wish, that, instead of Sir Guy, They had sent out a seer from the island of Skie, Who rebels, and devils, and ghosts could defy: So great is our prospect of failing at last, When I look at the present, and think of the past, I wish with our heroes I had not been classed; For though, to a man, we are bullies and bruisers, And covered with laurels, we still are the losers, 'Till each is recalled with his Tory accusers: But the war now is altered, and on a new plan; By negociation we'll do what we can-- And I am an honest, well-meaning old man; Too proud to retreat, and too weak to advance, We must stay where we are, at the mercy of chance, 'Till Fortune shall help us to lead you a dance. Then lay down your arms, dear rebels--O hone! Our king is the best man that ever was known, And the greatest that ever was stuck on a throne: His love and affection by all ranks are sought; Here take him, my honies, and each pay a groat-- Was ever a monarch more easily bought? In pretty good case and very well found, By night and by day we carry him round: He must go for a groat, if we can't get a pound. Break the treaties you made with Louis Bourbon; Abandon the Congress, no matter how soon, And then, all together, we'll play a new tune. 'Tis strange that they always would manage the roast, And force you their healths and the Dauphin's to toast; Repent, my dear fellows, and each get a post: Or, if you object that one post is too few, We generous Britons will help you to two, With a beam laid across--that will certainly do.