Your Favour by Mr. Palfrey,1 I received this Evening, and it was the more agreable because it resolved a Question I had often asked and never before could obtain an Answer, vizt. whether the Judge Advocate was come with the Army to N. York.

Am very Sorry to hear that Boston is in so defenceless a Condition. 144That Harbour must be made impenetrable at all Events. I think our People will exert themselves. But I could have wished that more Troops had been left there at least for a Time.

It gives me Pleasure to learn that N. York is put in so good a Posture of Defence. But I wish I could hear that the Inhabitants, were better pleased with their military Visitants.

There is one Event, which I think would essentially alter the political Character and Conduct of those People, and that is the Institution of a new Government.

This Point must be accomplished, in that, and every other Colony. South Carolina, has nobly led the Way, and I hope, and from the best Intelligence believe, that North Carolina and Virginia will follow the Example, with equal Wisdom and Magnanimity. The Jerseys too have the Same Thing in Contemplation. This Province and Maryland will be the last. But not the least resolute when they do adopt the Measure.

I wish you would make this a Subject of Conversation as much as you can, both among the Gentlemen of the Army and the Citizens, and convince all, of the Expediency, Practicability and Necessity of this Measure. Believe me there is nothing upon which the Salvation of America more depends.

When this Step is taken, the new Legislatures, would exert themselves, with tenfold Alacrity in every warlike Preparation by Sea and Land. They would Study and labour to better Purpose, in manufacturing, Salt Petre, Powder, Arms, Cloathing and every Thing they want.

Besides it would cement the Whiggs and discourage the Tories.

It would introduce order in the Place of Confusion.

In short the Advantages are innumerable and the Disadvantages, none.

How is it possible for People to hear the Crier of a Court pronounce G—d save the King, and for Jurors to Swear well and truly to try an Issue between our Soverign Lord the King, and a Prisoner, or to keep his Majestys secrets, in these days I cant conceive. Dont the Clergy pray that he may vanquish and overcome all his Enemies, yet? Who do they mean by his Enemies? Your Army?

Have People no Consciences, or do they look upon all Oaths to be Custom house oaths?

You must not mention my Name. You know the Reason. It will do more good to come from yourself.

The New York Congress, has done very well, in their Resolutions 145about Salt Petre and Powder,2 and their Council of safety I think have done very well.

The Friends of Liberty in that City and Colony have great Merit. They have struggled with many Embarrassments. They ought to be treated with great Respect. And indeed the Lukewarm, the moderate, the Timid, and even the Trimmers and Tories should be gained by gentle Treatment, where that will do.

I wish to know if Major Austin and Mr. Rice are at N. York—and also to know What Regiments are left in Boston. Who are the Colonells.

Write me by every Post;—dont omit one.

When I had the last pleasure of your company at Watertown I told you, I would write you when Our Attack upon the Kings Troops should afford matter of Some importance. But alass their fears of their demerits, made em flee when no man pursued 'em, and may they eat the fruit of their doings and be fill'd with their own Devices. But to the Purpose.

What in the name of Common Sense, are you Gentlemen of the Continentall Congress about.

A few words and Spightfull, is my Maxim. I. E. what will be so call'd.1 St. Paul, tho sometimes a Little inclin'd to Toryism was a very sensible Gentleman. And he expressly damns the fearfull as well as the unbelieving. And tho I know all your Counsels are Overruled by the Wonderfull Councellor, And even our chicane (I allude the last pityfull address)2 nay our downright Blunders are and have been most happily Overruled for the good of our most righteous Cause; and I doubt not the same happy Government will Continue. But that Same Overruling Providence (at the kind Instance of Bror. Joseph Greenleaf Esq;)3 Orders that I should write even this I won't Say (tho you may) insignificant Letter.

It appears to me, from a hundred things which I have no need to mention to you, That it is as certain that the Colonies Will be 146wholly divorced from that Accursed Kingdom calld Great Britain, as that there will be any eclipses of the Sun or Moon this year. Pray tell the fearfull of your Members if you have any such, and prove it to 'em that a Seperation first or last must be the Necessary Consequence of a hundred facts that have turned up already; then you will have nothing to do, but to Convince 'em that the present time to make a final declaration of Independence is the best. But as I know you must come to it, I think the Same of you, as I should think of a Sinner who I knew would repent of his Sins before he dies. So that I am perfectly resignd to whatever you great little gods shall do. For as much as the Lord reigns I will rejoyce. One Thing I must rely upon, that is that the Congress will tollerate all Religions both Natural and reveal'd and establish none. I have infallible proof that it is your duty, viz that The Lord of Lords and the GOD of good doth the same thing. Farewell. These for yr. Friend,