John Connolly to John Gibson

v3:72

Portsmouth, August 9, 1775.

DEAR SIR: I am safely arrived here, and am happy to the greatest degree in having so fortunately escaped the narrow inspection of my enemies, the enemies to their country, to good order, and to Government. I should esteem myself defective in point of friendship towards you, should I neglect to caution you to avoid an over zealous exertion of what is now so ridiculously called patriotick spirit; but, on the contrary, to deport yourself with that moderation for which you have been always remarkable, and which must, in this instance, tend to your honour and advantage. You may be assured from me, that nothing but the greatest unanimity now prevails at home, and that the innovating spirit amongst us here is looked upon as ungenerous and undutiful; and that the utmost exertions of the powers of Government, if necessary, Will be used to Convince the infatuated people of their folly. I could, I assure you, Sir, give you such convincing proofs of what I assert, and from which every reasonable person may conclude the effects, that nothing but madness could operate upon a man so far as to overlook his duty to the present Constitution, and to form unwarrantable associations with enthusiasts, whose ill-timed folly must draw upon them inevitable destruction.

His Lordship desires you to present his hand to Captain White Eye' s, and to assure him that he is very sorry that he had not the pleasure of seeing him at the treaty, or that the situation of affairs prevented him from coming down.

Believe me, dear Sir, that I have no motive in writing my sentiments thus to you, farther than to endeavour to steer you clear of the misfortunes which, I am confident, must involve but unhappily too many.

I have sent you an address from the people of Great Britain to the people of America, and I desire you to consider it attentively, which will, I flatter myself, convince you of the idleness of many declarations, and of the absurdity of an intended slavery.

Give my love to George, and tell him he shall hear from me, and I hope to his advantage.

Interpret the enclosed speech to Captain White Eyes from his Lordship . Be prevailed upon to shun the popular errour, and judge for yourself; act as a good subject, and expect the rewards due to your services.

I am, dear Sir, your sincere friend and servant,

JOHN CONNOLLY.

To Mr˙ John Gibson, near Fort Dunmore.