Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman of Philadelphia

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The late Proclamation forbidding the exportation of Gun powder and Fire-arms to America seemed intended to take away from the Colonies the power of defending themselves by force. I think it my duty to inform you that the said Proclamation will be rendered ineffectual by a manufactory of Gunpowder, which has lately been set on foot in this Province, the materials of which may be procured in great perfection, and at an easier rate than they can be imported from Great Britain, among ourselves. There are, moreover, Gunsmiths enough in this Province to make one hundred thousand stand of Arms in one year, at twenty-eight Shillings sterling a piece, if they should be wanted. It may not be amiss to make this intelligence as publick as possible, that our rulers may see the impossibility of enforcing the late Acts of Parliament by Arms, Such is the wonderful martial spirit which is enkindled among us, that we begin to think the whole force of Great Britain could not subdue us. We trust no less to the natural advantages of our country than to our numbers and military preparations, in the confidence and security of which we boast. The four New England Colonies, together with Virginia and Maryland, are completely armed and disciplined, the Province of Pennsylvania will follow their example; in a few weeks our Militia will amount to no less than sixty thousand men.

Nothing but a total repeal of the Acts of Parliament of which we complain can prevent a civil war in America. Our opposition has now risen to desperation. It would be as easy to allay a storm in the ocean by a single word, as to subdue the free spirit of the Americans without a total redress of their grievances. May a spirit of wisdom descend at last upon our Ministry, and rescue the British Empire from destruction. We tremble at the thoughts of a seperation from Great Britain. All our glory and happiness have been derived from you, but we are in danger of being shipwrecked upon your rocks. To avoid these, we are willing to be tossed, without a compass or guide, for a while upon an ocean of blood.

Wishing you success in your disinterested labours to promote the happiness of this country, I am, sir, with much esteem for your firmness, your most obedient servant.