Our enemies, for their own further security, as well as to bring the town into the most complete dependence on the army and navy, spare no labor or pains; they suffer no owner of powder to take a single grain out of the town's magazine, and there is none to be bought in the town. Two or three days ago, after the men of war had spiked up our cannon at the battery, they robbed us of six good pieces of large cannon, as we were carrying them in a gondola through the mill pond to Watertown. They take and keep the guns and cutlasses out of carts and wagons going over the Neck; and no doubt, if they thought they could disarm the town they would do it instantly. [He then mentions that their friends in Connecticut urged them to act before General Gage should receive the additional regiments which he expected —but that the people of Boston “would not undertake any thing material before they heard from the grand council of America, which 171we hope will remain forever.”]1 He then expresses a wish that the congress would consider their case, and says, “we are not suspicious that it can possibly be disagreeable to the grand congress that we should do everything in our power towards our defence; but to lie still so long as in any measure to disable us to secure ourselves by and bye, when we can now prevent it, would be very unwise, and it may be fatal to the town.” “It is necessary for us, as far as we can, to prepare for the worst that can happen; that we may not be unhappily surprised when the worst shall come. Look into Europe and see how tyranny flourishes; and if the tyrants will but join their forces, in a little time not one free state will be left on the other side of the Atlantic—which God forbid!

In conclusion he says, “I2 do most heartily hope and desire, the body of representatives of all the colonies, may have eternity, for the glory of God, and the happiness of the American world. This is the prayer of the faith of your and their most cordial brother and friend.”

Your favor of the first of August I received Yesterday by a private Hand.1 I most sincerly simpathize with you and the rest of my Brethren in America for the cruel hardships you labour under, but severe as your Trials are I am thoroughly convinced, that Unanimity and firmness among Yourselves will ensure you success in the end. Little did I think when I wrote you last, that such Violent and I may say Oppressive Measures would be adopted by any administration, and even some of the friends of the Ministry have been Astonished, at their going such lengths. It will not be long before the Grievances you feel in America, will be most severely felt in this Country, in the 172decline of our Manufactories and Commerce—however you have many warm and zealous friends on this side the Water, and I hope as we are just upon the Eve of a New Parliament, that your Grievances will soon be redressed by a repeal of those Acts which are contrary to the Chartered rights of America. Great Britain and her Colonies are entitled alike to a free Constitution, and an inability to enjoy Property is the Characteristic of Slavery. Taxation and Representation must go Hand in Hand, otherwise the People cannot be free. I hope to hear good Tidings from the Congress, as it is composed of such Wise and Able Men, I make no doubt, but they will devise such Measures as will be for the Welfare of the Colonies and ultimately tend for the good of the Parent Country, and that a line may be drawn to prevent all farther disputes. You will Oblige me very much, if you will favour me with any particulars of the Meeting, and of any remarkable incidents which may occur in your Province.

Inclosed I send you two Letters from Mrs. Macaulay, one for yourself and the other for Mrs. Warren.2 She has been much indisposed for many Months past but is now much better, and I hope will be able soon to go on with her Work. America has not got two warmer friends in this Country than Mrs. Macaulay, and her Own Brother Mr. Alderman Sawbridge.

Mr. Burgh has just Published his Second Volume of Political Disquisitions,3 and I have embraced the Opportunity of sending you a Copy together with a few of the Bp of St Asaph's Intended Speech upon the Bill for altering the Charters4 and some other Pamphlets, in a Box to the Care of my friend Mr. Henry Bromfield of Boston. It will give me much pleasure to hear they prove acceptable to you and I shall esteem it a happiness to have the honor of hearing from you whenever Opportunity offers, and am with my warmest Wishes for America, Dear Sir, Your Affectionate friend and most Obedient Servant