258 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Whereas, it is represented that many of the loyal inhabitants of this Island have been compelled by the leaders in rebellion, to take up arms against His Majesty’s Government, Notice is hereby given to all persons so forced into rebellion, that on delivering themselves up at said quarters of the Army, they will be received as faithful subjects, have permits peaceably to return to their respective dwellings, and meet with full protection for their persons and property. All those who choose to take up arms for the restoration of order and good government within this Island, shall be disposed of in the beat manner, and have every encouragement that can be expected.

Given under my band at Read Quarters on Long Island, Aug. 23,1776.
WM. HOWE.
By His Excellency’s command, ROB’T MACKENSIE, Sec.

A few persons availed themselves of this offer; but the majority, although by no means averse to British rule, were probably unwilling to declare themselves until they were certain which would prove the winning side.

In the city of New York, during the night succeeding the landing, all was confusion and alarm. The camp and its various outposts were the scene of vigilant activity and preparation, for a rumor had spread that vessels had been detached from the British fleet, with the intention of circumnavigating Long Island, and by thus stealing a passage through the Sound and East River, to cut off all communication with the Westchester main. Under the supposition, also, that the enemy would immediately march upon the American lines at Brooklyn, Washington had that same evening sent over six regiments to re-enforce those defences; and early next morning, in the momentary expectation of an attack, he addressed an earnest appeal to the troops at Brooklyn, reanimating their hopes and encouraging them to make a bold stand.1 Cornwallis, meanwhile, was resting

1 The following extract Iis from the General’s Orderly-book, August 23d : “The enemy have now landed on Long Island, and the hour is fast approaching in which the honor and success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding country, will depend. Remember, officers and soldiers, that you are freemen, fighting for the blessings of liberty; that slavery will be your portion, and that of your posterity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men. Remember how your courage and spirit have been despised and traduced by your cruel invaders; though they have found, by dear experience at Boston, Charlestown, and other places, what a few brave men, contending in