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GENTLEMEN: At this time of general confusion through the Colonies, nothing can give greater pleasure to every well-wisher to his Country, than the unanimity that takes place through the Continent, more especially at this City; as it is evident (from a number of private letters from London) that Administration have put the greatest dependance on the Yorkers breaking with the other Colonies. But notwithstanding all the endeavours of designing men, I have the pleasure to inform you, that by the notable struggles of the sons of freedom, all difficulties are surmounted, and nothing can equal the determined spirit of the people here. Yesterday about six or seven thousand men were out on the plain, among whom were some families who have been in the opposition; one and all unanimously voted to defend their liberties, &c˙, at all hazards. They have stopped clearing to the Custom-House, have taken all the city arms and ammunition from the Hall and Magazine; every preparation is making to completely arm the inhabitants; great numbers of people are employed hauling the cannon from the City to King' s bridge, about fourteen
Letter from a Gentleman now at New-York, to the Committee of Correspondence in Portsmouth, New-Hampshire, Dated April 30, 1775
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miles, where they will immediately intrench. All denominations are under arms, and in high spirits. It is the opinion of almost every one in this place that the Acts of Parliament would have been repealed, had it not been for the encouragement given Administration by this place, that the Colonies would break their union. No people can be more despised, nor more frightened than those here who have been inimical to their Country, particularly the eleven Members of the House. Mr˙ Rivington has made a recantation; President Cooper has decamped; and it was with much difficulty the people were prevented from taking the lives of those who they have considered as traitors to their Country. All Government seems to be laid aside. The City is now to be regulated by a Committee of Safety, consisting of one hundred worthy men. Though there was a number of large vessels, loaded with wheat and flour, and cleared out, and many partly loaded ˙˙˙ It was nobly done; immediately stopt every vessel. The New-England men are held in the highest esteem for their bravery, and people here are determined to supply provisions, and march to their assistance when called for. The die is thrown, and every man of us, whether we are hearty in the cause or not, must abide by the cast; and as we are all considered as rebels, (not by the Nation, but by a ˙˙˙ Ministry,) let us one and all (which they are determined on this way) stand forth boldly; which will most certainly, under God, insure us success, and that soon.