Letter from Lieutenant Governour Colden to the Earl of Dartmouth

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The Congress at Philadelphia broke up last week. They have published an extract of their proceedings, of which I enclose your Lordship a copy. It was received in this place only two days ago, so that there has not been time to discover the general sentiments of the people upon it. It is certain that the measures of the Congress do not meet with rapid applause here; but, on the contrary, the people even in the City appear to be rather dissatisfied. They continue, so far as I can discover, averse to all violent and irritating measures. The Merchants seem to disrelish the Non-Importation Association, and if I am not very much deceived, the Farmers will not bear the Non-Exportation; but at present, it is impossible to say with certainty what steps the people will take in consequence of what has been advised and determined by the Congress.

I think I may continue to assure your Lordship that a great majority in this Province are very far from approving of the extravagant and dangerous measures of the New England Governments, that they abhor the thoughts of a civil war, and desire nothing so much as to have an end put to this unhappy dispute with the mother country.

Our Assembly have not met for some years past, till after the Christmas holidays. Before that time I will endeavour to learn, whether I may expect that they will propose, conciliatory measures.

Nothing material has happened in this place since my last letter to your Lordship. The Merchants are at present endeavouring to sift out each others sentiments upon the Association proposed by the Congress; a certain sign, I take it, that they wish to avoid it. About eighty Artificers went from hence with General Haldimand to work on the Barracks there; and last week Iron Pots and Stores were shipped for the use of the Troops at Boston, without an attempt being made to prevent it.