Opinions in England on the Proceedings of the Continental Congress

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Williamsburgh, Virginia, April 13, 1775.

By the last prints from England, we find that the proceedings of the General Congress have had strange effect upon the minds of the people in that quarter. Some esteem and applaud them as a production, of a most masterly nature; whilst others, swayed by the influence of the ministerial party, and their votaries, declare them not even worthy of notice; that the sentiments contained therein spring merely from a distempered imagination, and that they are naught but the effusions of wild, intolerable enthusiasm. But our wonder, on this account, must immediately cease when we consider that America is not yet without her enemies who now reside within her territories; enemies who, notwithstanding they are wholly and entirely dependant upon her for subsistence, that would pleasingly aid, if we may judge from their conduct, in showering every misery upon this unhappy Country.

In the last English paper that we have received are the following paragraphs from some of those pious and deserving advocates (who unfortunately reside in Boston) for the meek and gentle measures of Administration; they are termed authentick, and are addressed to persons of great consequence in England:

"The residence of the General Congress at Philadelphia has entirely debauched the minds of the people of that place, who were heretofore the last to make objection to any measure, of Government, but are now as violent as any other of The Colonies. I am informed by a gentleman in whom I can confide, that every resolution of the Congress will be strictly adhered to. No place on the Continent has shown so great an inclination to disobey the dictates of the General Congress as New-York.

" The Provincial Congress thought it prudent to decamp soon after the arrival of the Scarborough and Asia, and are removed to Worcester from Cambridge. The proceedings have been kept so close that nothing has transpired but what they have put in the papers themselves.

"Associations are forming in several Towns in the country by the well-thinking and better sort of people for their defence, who have been till now obliged to do just as the rabble dictated, very contrary to their own sentiments.

"Our good General has his hands full; you are not unacquainted with, the people he has to deal with. If they are suffered to go on, adieu to all happiness in this Country; but surely the lion will be roused at last. Notwithstanding their boasted numbers, a determined frown even will make them tremble."