University of Virginia Library

TO WILLIAM BRADFORD, JR.

Dear Sir,—I am once more got into my native
land, and into the possession of my customary employments,
solitude and contemplation; though I
must confess not a little disturbed by the sound of
war, blood and plunder, on the one hand, and the
threats of slavery and oppression on the other. From
the best accounts I can obtain from our frontiers, the
savages are determined on the extirpation of the inhabitants,
and no longer leave them the alternative
of death or captivity. The consternation and timidity
of the white people, who abandon their possessions
without making the least resistance, are as difficult to
be accounted for as they are encouraging to the enemy.
Whether it be owing to the unusual cruelty of the
Indians, the want of necessary implements or ammunition
for war, or to the ignorance and inexperience

of many who, since the establishment of
peace, have ventured into those new settlements, I
can neither learn, nor with any certainty conjecture.
However, it is confidently asserted that there is not an
inhabitant for some hundreds of miles back which
have been settled for many years except those who
are [forted?] in or embodied by their military commanders.
The state of things has induced Lord
Dunmore, contrary to his intentions at the dissolution
of the Assembly, to issue writs for a new election of
members, whom he is to call together on the 11th of
August.

As to the sentiments of the people of this Colony
with respect to the Bostonians, I can assure you I
find them very warm in their favor. The natives are
very numerous and resolute, are making resolves in
almost every county, and I believe are willing to fall
in with the other Colonies in any expedient measure,
even if that should be the universal prohibition of
trade. It must not be denied, though, that the
Europeans, especially the Scotch, and some interested
merchants among the natives, discountenance such proceedings
as far as they dare; alledging the injustice
and perfidy of refusing to pay our debts to our generous
creditors at home. This consideration induces
some honest, moderate folks to prefer a partial prohibition,
extending only to the importation of goods.

We have a report here that Governor Gage has
sent Lord Dunmore some letters relating to public
matters in which he says he has strong hopes that he
shall be able to bring things at Boston to an amicable
settlement. I suppose you know whether there be

any truth in the report, or any just foundation for
such an opinion in Gage.

It has been said here by some, that the appointed
fast was disregarded by every Scotch clergyman,
though it was observed by most of the others who
had timely notice of it. I cannot avouch it for an
absolute certainty, but it appears no ways incredible.

I was so lucky as to find Dean Tucker's tracts[1] on
my return home, sent by mistake with some other
books imported this spring. I have read them with
peculiar satisfaction and illumination with respect to
the interests of America and Britain. At the same
time his ingenious and plausible defence of parliamentary
authority carries in it such defects and misrepresentations,
as confirm me in political orthodoxy
—after the same manner as the specious arguments
of Infidels have established the faith of inquiring
Christians.

I am impatient to hear from you; and do now
certainly [earnestly?] renew the stipulation for that
friendly correspondence which alone can comfort me
in the privation of your company. I shall be punctual
in transmitting you an account of everything that can
be acceptable, but must freely absolve you from as
strict an obligation, which your application to more
important business will not allow, and which my
regard for your ease and interests will not suffer me
to enjoin.