Extract of a Letter from the Chairman of the Committee at Falmouth to Samuel Freeman, Dated April 12, 1775

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Last night we had a letter from the Committee at Boston, wherein they say they should be extremely uneasy to find any omission of duty "in behalf of this Province and the other Colonies, as the eyes of the whole Continent are upon us. The tools of power wish for an opportunity to charge us with negligence, and are watching for it, to make a division between this Province and the other Colonies. We, therefore, again recommend to you, as our firm opinion, that you conform strictly and religiously to the Association of the Continental Congress in every respect, without favour or affection to any person whatever. We are of opinion, to suspend the publication of your Resolves respecting Captain Coulson, till we hear from you whether he has complied with the request of the Committee, conformable to the Resolution of the Continental Congress." Coulson no sooner arrived, but the next day had the Canso Man-of-War up to Town, and his old Bristol Sloop alongside of his new Ship, taking out the goods. But it seems he cannot get any of our people to help him; and I do not think he will be able to get his Ship loaded and rigged, unless he gets the Man-of-War' s men to do it. And I hear that Captain Mowat has been pressing men; some he releases, and some retains; and it is suggested by some, that his design is to supply Captain Coulson with men from his own Ship. We shall do all we can to prevent any other person from breaking the Association. I do not think it will be amiss for you to acquaint some of the Committee of Inspection in Boston of Captain Coulson' s conduct, with which the People in general, in Town and Country, are very much dissatisfied.

We rejoice in your zeal and firmness in so trying a time as this, and we pray God to support you in so good a cause as the preservation of our liberties, civil and religious.