Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman in London, to his Friend in North-Carolina, Dated March 29, 1775

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The gloomy aspect of your Country, and America in general, mentioned in your last, is truly alarming. I feel for Mr˙ * * *, and wish he would make this his retreat. Let me advise you to leave your uncertain situation, and bring your family over. If you object to this, pray sell your slave-estate at any rate. This early hint will give you an opportunity of doing this to advantage. Last week a friend wished me joy on having the good fortune to sell my slaves and American estate; for, says he, "I was lately whispered by the Minister, that all slaves on the Continent would be seized as forfeited by the Provinces, and sold in the French and Spanish Islands, the profits arising to reimburse the great expense of Ships, Troops, &c˙, sent to America." This will tend to the great disappointment of our West-India Planters, who will expect to stock the sugar-works from the Continent. Your lands must be cultivated by the poor, as in these Kingdoms.