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Montreal, October 19, 1775.
DEAR SIR: I had the pleasure to write you from Quebeck, the 18th ultimo, per the Cellery, Captain Hardie, since which I have been much alarmed by a letter from Boston, dated the 5th ultimo, advising of Halifax being taken, but I was soon relieved, by a letter from Mr˙ Butler, dated the 1st of September, which was soon followed by others of the 16th and 21st, by which I learn, to my great comfort, that the Province was not in any immediate danger; nor do I conceive these people will be so mad as to send a body of men where, let their success be ever so
The Adamant is nearly loaded. I hope to sail from Quebeck about the 10th of next month, and to arrive in England before Parliament shall adjourn for the holydays. Let me entreat you to remit the balance of Mr˙ Louberbuckler' s account; every shilling is a relief at this time of general distress.
My good wishes attend Mrs˙ Franklin and the children;
and I pray you to believe that I am, dear Sir, your faithful
humble servant,
BROOK WATSON.
To Lieutenant-Governour Franklin.
Intercepted Letters from Brook Watson
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great, they cannot winter them. Indeed, the Admiral' s orders to destroy their vessels will, if executed, effectually prevent their crossing the Bay of Fundy. It is my opinion General Gage cannot winter the Army in Boston, and that he soon will be obliged to quit it. If so, part of them must winter at Halifax, and part at Quebeck, where they are indeed much wanted; for such is the wretched state of this unhappy Province, that Colonel Allen, with a few despicable wretches, would have taken this City on the 25th ultimo, had not its inhabitants marched out to give them battle. They fought, conquered, and thereby saved the Province for a while. Allen, with his banditti, were mostly taken prisoners; he is now in chains on board the Gaspee. This little action has changed the face of things;
the Canadians before were nine-tenths for the Bostonians;
they are now returned to their duty. Many in arms for the King; and the Parishes which have been otherwise are daily demanding their pardon, and taking arms for the crown. St˙ John' s is still invested. They have in the fort eight hundred men, well fortified and appointed; there is little danger of its being taken; yet I cordially wish for a few Battalions of the King' s troops to chase them out of the Country. Our weather has been remarkably fine and mild, or they would soon be moving.