Letter from London to a Gentlman of New-York

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London, February 10, 1775.

SIR: As it is too natural for us to believe what we wish, I fear my descriptions of the state of affairs relative to America have been hitherto exhibited to you in colours too tender. I must now acquaint you that all hopes of conciliation between England and her Colonies are entirely at an end; both the King and the Parliament have announced your destruction. Fleets and Armies are preparing with the utmost diligence for that purpose. Fifteen hundred chests of Arms have been shipped within these few days; enough, I am credibly informed, for seventy-eight thousand men. The Army that is destined against you will be commanded by Generals Howe, Burgoyne, and Clinton; the number of Troops they are to command is supposed to be fourteen thousand, so that it is supposed the surplus of the above quantity of Arms is designed for those among you who may be base enough to desert their country' s cause; be then convinced you have now nothing to trust to but the God of Battles. In the mean time, let me assure you, that the people of Old England, I mean the Merchants and Manufacturers, and indeed the main body of the whole Nation, are most heartily with you. Besides the City of London, and others, the principal Corporations of England, you have also the wealthiest and most esteemed of our Nobility warmly in your favour, no less than thirty-four in number.

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After this, nothing need be said to urge you to a sense of your long and unmerited sufferings, and rouse your courage to a degree worthy the name of Americans, nobly fighting in defence of their wives, their children, their properties, their most sacred religion and liberty, the glorious birthright of man. For Heaven sake, then, suffer no delay, but to your tents; Oh! Israel, your appeal my dear sir, is now to God only. Let firmness and unanimity preside among you; lift up the standard of the Holy One, who led your fathers into that new world.

The near connection I have with the Court, and the great opinion I have of you, and the knowledge I have of those facts, is a good reason for this letter. Every day brings new troubles, and all possible care will be taken to deceive or frighten you; but fight like men, and I will warrant you to come off with victory. I refer you to Lord Chatham' s Speech. In the House of Lords of yesterday, he has pledged himself to that House, that America comes off with victory; and the first drop of blood spilt in America, will seal the destruction of Old England, and that the Government will be transferred to New England; a glorious prophecy! The doors of both the Houses of Parliament are shut, for fear that the arguments in your favour should be sent to you.

By the best authority I send you this; we all look up to America for our future blessing. Take the privilege of the Post Office into your own hands before it be seized. Some horrid dark designs are in agitation against New-York. The Standard is set up in many City Clubs. Your success is most ardently prayed for by all the good people in this Kingdom. Adieu.