Extract of a Letter from James Habersham to Messrs. Clark and Milligan, London

v2:337

Savannah, Georgia, April 17, 1775

The fiery patriots in Charleston have stopped all dealings with us, and will not suffer any Goods to be landed there from Great Britain; and I suppose the Northern Provinces will follow their example.

The people on this Continent are generally almost in a State of madness and desperation; and should not conciliatory measures take place on your side, I know not what may be the consequence. I fear an open rebellion against the Parent State, and consequently amongst ourselves. Some of the inflammatory resolutions and measures taken and published in the Northern Colonies, I think too plainly portend this. However, I must and do, upon every occasion, declare that I would not choose to live here longer than we are in a state of proper subordination to, and under the protection of, Great Britain; although I cannot altogether approve of the steps she has lately taken, and do most cordially wish that a permanent line of Government, was drawn and pursued by the mother and her children and may God give your Senators wisdom to do it, and heal the breach; otherwise, I cannot think of the event but with horrour and grief. Father against son, and son against father, and the nearest relations and friends combating with each other! I may perhaps say with truth, cutting each other' s throats. Dreadful to think of, much more to experience. But I will have done with this disagreeable subject, and am, gentlemen, your humble servant,

P˙ S. I find the American Merchants in London, have begun to stir in this matter; and I hope their application will meet with success, as no good can ensue to Great Britain and her Colonies from this contest, but much hurt to both. I am for peace on constitutional grounds.