Letter from New-York to a Gentleman in London

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Among the Letters written at this time by persons in New-York to their Correspondents in Great Britain, were the following:

Notwithstanding the boasted resolutions of many of the principal people of this Colony to stand forth in defence of their rights and liberties, we are well assured that most of them are sorry for embarking in the cause so far, and that they only want an opportunity to throw off the mask, to join with the friends of Government. If the Minister was wicked enough to load us with the heaviest imposition, I doubt not but he would be able to "carry his designs into execution, by means of a few men-of-war; for the spirit of the inhabitants here died away as soon as it was known that General Gage, with a fleet of ships, arrived at Boston, to shut up the ports and remove the courts of judicature. I heartily wish that an end were put to all disputes between us and our mother country, that trade and commerce might flourish again, for whilst these contentions last, the merchants of your city must feel the effects of it as well as us. The Spaniards alone have had the advantage, and they are ready to receive us under their protection; but I hope the people are more loyal than to accept of their offers.

NEW-YORK, May 30, 1774.