slave us, while we are actually enslaving others; and that we have great reason to apprehend the enslaving the Africans is one of the crying sins of our land, for which Heaven is now chastising us. We notice, also, with pleasure, the late Act of our General Assembly, imposing a fine of one hundred Pounds on any one who shall import a Negro Slave into this Colony. We could also wish that something further might be done for the relief of such as are now in a state of slavery in the Colonies, and such as may hereafter be born of parents in that unhappy condition.

5. As we look upon the Town of Boston to be suffering in the common cause of American liberty, we would manifest our hearty sympathy with them, in their present calamitous state, and readiness to administer to the relief of their suffering poor, according to our abilities; and do accordingly recommend to the several inhabitants of this Town to contribute liberally of money or provisions. For this purpose we have appointed Captain Daniel Starr, Messrs. John M'Lean, Zadock Benedict, and Andrew Comstock, a Committee to receive such donations, and transmit the same to the Committee appointed to receive them in the Town of Boston. Our being so late in contributing to their relief hath not arisen from our having been unconcerned spectators of their distressed situation; but hearing of the laudable zeal of others we were ready to conclude there was a sufficient present supply, and that our donations would be more needed and more acceptable in some future time.

Voted by a large majority,

MAJOR TAYLOR, Town Clerk.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN IN BOSTON TO HIS FRIEND IN NEW-YORK, DATED DECEMBER 12, 1774.

Two ships of the line, viz: the Asia and Boyne, are arrived here, and the Somerset is now firing guns in the Offing.

The day before yesterday it was moved in Provincial Congress that Arms be immediately taken up against the King's Troops; but one of the Members got up and told them such a move was infamous, when, at the same time, the Members knew that neither Connecticut nor any of the Southern Colonies meant to oppose his Majesty's Arms; on which account the Congress immediately dissolved, and a new one is to be chosen, to meet the tenth of next month.

At Plymouth they are now beating up for Volunteers to attack the Troops; the parties sent for a Parson to pray for them, who refused to comply; but he was obliged to attend on being sent for a second time, on penalty of being shot.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM CAPTAIN WALLACE TO VICE ADMIRAL GRAVES, DATED ON BOARD HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP, ROSE. AT NEW-PORT, RHODE-ISLAND, DECEMBER 12, 1774.

Yesterday I arrived in this Port, with his Majesty's ship under my command, from New-London, on a cruise, of which I had the honour to acquaint you the 8th instant. Since my absence from this place I find the inhabitants (they say here of Providence) have seized upon the King's Cannon that was upon Fort Island, consisting of six 24-pounders, eighteen 18-pounders, fourteen 6-pounders, and six 4-pounders, (the latter they say formerly belonged to a Province Sloop they had here,) and conveyed them to Providence. A procedure so extraordinary caused me to wait upon the Governour to inquire of him, for your information, why such a step had been taken? He very frankly told me they had done it to prevent their falling into the hands of the King, or any of his servants, and that they meant to make use of them to defend themselves against any power that shall offer to molest them. I then mentioned, if, in the course of carrying on the King's service here, I should ask assistance, whether I might expect any from, him, or any others in the Government? He answered, as to himself he had no power, and in respect to any other part of the Government, I should meet with nothing but opposition and difficulty. So much from Governour Wanton. Then I endeavoured to get the best information, of what they were at, from other quarters, and enclosed I send it to you; among some of their votes you will find they intend to procure Powder and Ball, and Military Stores of all kinds, whenever they can get them.

SIR JAMES WRIGHT, BART, TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH.

Savannah, in Georgia, December 13, 1774.

MY LORD: I think it my duty to acquaint your Lord-ship that since the Carolina Deputies have returned from the Continental Congress, as they call it, every means possible have been used to raise a flame again in this Province. Those people, it is said, solemnly undertook that this Province should accede to the Resolves of that Congress, and we have been in hot water ever since; and I suppose the Sons of Liberty here, stimulated by the Carolinians, will take upon them to pass Resolves in the name of the whole Province. I shall endeavour as much as possible to prevent it, but the sanction given to rebellion by the Resolves and Proceedings of that Congress has greatly encouraged the spirit of political enthusiasm which many were possessed of before, and raised it to such a height of phrenzy, that God knows what the consequences may be, or what man, or whose property may escape their resentment. The only consolation I have, my Lord, is, that things cannot continue long in this state, and must come to a point soon; indeed, I hope some determination is come to already, or will before the Parliament rises for the holidays. I have, &c.,

J. WRIGHT.

ARTHUR LEE TO RICHARD H. LEE.

London, December 13, 1774.

MY DEAR BROTHER: The proceedings at the Congress are yet unknown to us, but our last accounts from you signify that the Non-Export will not take place till the present crop is shipped. It is unfortunate that you did not adopt that measure immediately upon the receipt of the late Acts, because the operation of it would have been felt by this time, and would, in all probability, have enforced the repeal of them this session. But now, by that dangerous delay, the present Parliament will be involved like the old one, and the plea of wounded dignity will still impede a retraction. The Merchants too, being in possession of one year's crop, will be enabled to pay the tradesmen, &c, and subsist themselves under a suspension of trade for at least a year, so as to prevent any clamour, and give the Ministry that time to try what fraud and force can do to divest you of your liberties. Thus, by an ill-judged tenderness, towards men who have neither the feelings of humanity or justice for us, but on the contrary would joyfully minister to our oppression, we have strengthened the hands of our enemies, and subjected ourselves to additional hazards and hardships. However, instead of idly lamenting over what is irretrievable, let us consider what should be our conduct in the present situation. If the people flatter themselves that the threat will be sufficient, and that they will not be put to the trial, under that dangerous deception they will again plant Tobacco, and be equally unprepared to stand the contest. The utmost attention should therefore be employed to convince them that it is serious, that nothing but a hearty struggle will preserve their civil and religious liberties. In order to be prepared, they should double their quantity of Corn and Grain, not that they can export it, but that they may enjoy the blessing of plenty to mitigate other hardships, and keep the country in good humour; they should plant great quantities of Cotton, and desist immediately from the use of Mutton and Lamb, which will furnish them against next winter with Wool and Cotton enough to clothe the whole Colony. With provisions cheap and plenty, and warm clothing, you may surely bid defiance to this country. Every thing that will yield Spirit, as Persimmons, Grapes, &c, should be gathered and distilled; Rye and Barley should be cultivated for that purpose. My reason for this is that it will be the plan to cut of all communication between the Colonies, from whence the usual supply of Spirits being prevented, the common Planters, to whom they are absolutely necessary, may be induced to murmur if not resist those meaures of opposition, which our Scotch friends will take care to whisper them are the cause of their distress. As a great