Repeated memorials had been presented to their legislature, which had been received with promises of attention, but had been regularly neglected.

"At length," said they, "we have lost all confidence in our legislature.

Reason and experience forbid that we should have any.

Few of us have private fortunes; many have families who already are suffering every thing that can be received from an ungrateful country.

Are we then to suffer all the inconveniences, fatigues, and dangers of a military life, while our wives and our children are perishing for want of common necessaries at home;--and that without the most distant prospect of reward, for our pay is now only nominal?
We are sensible that your excellency can not wish nor desire this from us.
"We are sorry that you should imagine we meant to disobey orders.