Extract of a Letter from New-York to a Gentleman in Boston, Dated April 3, 1775

v2:255

I am really under the greatest anxiety for the fate of you and your distressed citizens, as such great quantities of military stores have been carried from hence to your Town, as well as boards, hay, straw, bran, harness, &c˙, &c˙, which, added to the three hundred horses that we are told are sent for to Canada, portends the worst of designs. It is suspected that the Troops really mean to take the field, and attempt to open the Courts under the new regulation, or make a forced march to Worcester. Others imagine that they will march out five or ten miles at a time, in order to compel you to commence hostilities first; whilst some think that nothing will be attempted till the Parliament has decided on the grand controversy. However, I am not clear out that orders to prosecute the Ministry' s intention, till the Parliament decides otherwise, may have been sent; and should your noble spirits be subdued, there is no doubt but the Parliament itself would justify such a conduct, though at the expense of much blood and treasure. For Heaven' s sake be watchful, as all, under God, depends on your conduct at this time. A vessel with nails, boards, &c˙, for the Army, is ashore at Hell-Gate.