will enable them to clear the good people of this county from the aspertions of that letter, and justify them in the eyes of the public. Signed by order of the committee.
To R. H.
Gentlemen. — With sorrow and contrition for my weakness and folly, I confess myself the author of the letter, from which an extract was pub lished in the 3d No. of Humphreys' Ledger, said to be from Kent county, on Delaware ; but at the same time to declare it was published without my consent, and not without some alterations.
I am now convinced that the political sentiments therein contained, were founded on the grossest error; more especially that malignant insinuation, that "if the king's standard were now erected, nine out of ten would repair to it," could not have been suggested, but from the deepest infatuation. True indeed it is, the people of this county have ever shewn a zealous attachment to his majesty's person and government, and whenever he raised his standard in a just cause, were ready to flock to it : but let the severe account I now render to an injured people, witness to the world, that none are more ready to oppose tyranny or to be first in the cause of liberty, than the inhabitants of Kent county.
Conscious that I can render no satisfaction adequate to the injury I have done my country, I can only beg the forgiveness of my countrymen, upon those principles of humanity, which may induce them to consider the frailty of human nature — and I do profess and promise, that I will never again oppose those laudable measures, necessarily adopted by my countrymen, for the preservation of American freedom : but will co-operate with them to the utmost of my abilities, in their virtuous struggle for liberty (so far as is consistent with my religious principles.)
Resolved unanimously, that the committee do think the above recantation fully satisfactory.
May 9th, 1775.
Gentlemen. — Whatever the public opinion may be of what I have heretofore said respecting the contest between Great Britain and the colonies, I do solemnly assure you that I have never had any thing in view, but a reconciliation between them, upon the full establishment of all the constitutional rights and privileges of America. Which rights and privileges I am determined to defend with my life and property
