that I am singly possessed of the means to vindicate a friend of yours and mine—I mean Mr. William Molleson, the most eminent trader to your Province, who hath been more than once unwarrantably traduced in the American prints. For these twelve months past, that gentleman, upon the subject of dispute between this Kingdom and its Colonies, hath not taken a single step without my privity and advice. If, therefore, his conduct hath, in any shape, been erroneous, I am bound in justice to transfer the blame from him to myself. He was the first person to whom I imparted, in confidence, my anxiety at the consequences which I early foreboded from such a dispute. It was about the beginning of last May. He asked my opinion of calling a general meeting of the Merchants in that season. I answered in the negative, alleging that the Resolutions of the Congress to be held in September should first be known, and the Parliament assembled here, whence the only lights could proceed to regulate a conduct without doors, which might promise success; and for that desirable purpose, all attempts should be laid aside which might imply the least mixture of party; that the subject was too serious and important for any tincture of that kind, and that the interval should be filled up by his communication of intelligence to proper quarters from time to time, and endeavour to lay, if possible, a foundation for conciliatory measures. His unwearied vigilance and attention to this plan, the weight which his discreet proceedings acquired, led me once to hope for a happier issue than, to my grief and disappointment, I have seen.

The same feelings at length produced impatience in him; an earlier meeting of the Merchants than I wished, was the effect of his zeal. Upon their express invitation, I had the honour to attend them, and rendered all the little assistance in my power. Mr. Molleson was among the foremost in diligence and activity; and I, who had been his original adviser and partaker in all his proceedings for such a length of time, without interruption, must be a competent witness to the sincerity of his ardour, and his unshaken fidelity of conduct.

Sir, this narrative of mine deserves some regard, because I am known not to be under the influence of any party. What I am, whoever pleases to read may judge. I neither court nor fear any set of men on either side of the Atlantick. Truth is my pursuit; the prosperity of all my wish; and that each may contribute to that end, is my prayer.

As this letter contains no secret, be pleased to use it in any shape, as may best conduce to its design of defeating misrepresentation, and of doing justice. I have the honour to remain, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

RICHARD GLOVER.

To the Hon. Matthew Tilghman, Esquire.

EARL OF DARTMOUTH TO THE GOVERNOUR OF GEORGIA.

Whitehall, May 3, 1775.

SIR: I have received your Letters, numbered from 35 to 41, and have laid them before the King.

The grounds upon which Masters of Ships, who were Midshipmen, and acted as Master’s Mates on board the Fleet in the last war, claim each two thousand acres of Land, in virtue of the Royal Proclamation, refers to facts of which I have no official information. Whenever the Lords of the Admiralty shall, upon a proper application to them by those claimants, certify the facts on which they state their claims, I will not fail to receive His Majesty’s pleasure upon their case. In the mean time, the matter must rest upon the opinion I think very properly adopted by yourself and the Council.

I have already so repeatedly expressed to you my sentiments of the present disorders in America, and the sense I have of your meritorious conduct, in the prudent and proper measures you have pursued for preventing, as far as you are able, the contagion from spreading itself through the Province of Georgia, that I have nothing to add on that subject, but to express my wishes that the steps I have taken for your support will encourage the friends of Government to resist the violences that are threatened, and preserve the publick peace in all events. I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

DARTMOUTH.

Sir James Wright, Baronet.

EARL OF DARTMOUTH TO THE GOVERNOUR OF NORTH-CAROLINA.

Whitehall, May 3, 1775.

SIR: Your Letters of the 26th of January and 10th of March, numbers 27 and 28, the latter of which I received only yesterday, contain matter of very great importance.

The Addresses from the four. Counties of Guilford, Dobbs, Rowan, and Surry, breathe a spirit of loyalty to the King, and attachment to the authority of Great Britain, which cannot be too much encouraged; and it will be necessary that you lose no time in acquainting the inhabitants of those Counties, that these testimonies of their duty and affection have been most graciously received by His Majesty; that His Majesty will not fail to afford them those marks of his royal favour which such a meritorious conduct appears to deserve; and that, as soon as the necessary forms will admit, His Majesty’s clemency towards the insurgents in 1770, will be extended, in a Proclamation of general pardon to all, except Herman Husbands. In the mean time, it is His Majesty’s pleasure that you do pursue every step that may improve so favourable a symptom in the present state of general phrenzy; and perhaps you will not find it difficult, through the channel of some respectable persons in those Counties, to procure proper associations of the people in support of the Government. Such a measure cannot fail to cast a damp upon the machinations of faction, and disconcert any desperate measure they may have in contemplation.

I hope we may yet avoid the fatal necessity of drawing the sword; but it is prudent to provide, as far as we are able, against every possible mischief; and therefore yon will do well to consider in time, whether it may not be practicable, in such an event, to embody and lead forth, in support of Government, such of the men in those Counties as are able to bear arms. If matters should come to this issue, it is the King’s pleasure that you hold out to gentlemen of interest and leading amongst them, assurances of His Majesty’s favour in granting them such commissions as shall be suitable to their rank and station; and every other encouragement and advantage allowed to any Other troops in His Majesty’s service, as far as is consistent with the established rules of the Army.

I confess to you, Sir, that this appears to me to be a matter of so much importance, that. I cannot too earnestly recommend it to your attention, and that no time may be lost, in case of absolute necessity.

I have received His Majesty’s commands to write to General Gage, to apprize him of this favourable circumstance, and to instruct him that he do, upon application from you, send some able and discreet officer to you, in order to concert the means of carrying so essential a service into effect; and, if necessary, to lead the people forth against any rebellious attempts to disturb the publick peace.

There are several other matters in your letters which will require consideration and instruction; but, as the mail for Charlestown will be made up to-night, I can only for the present add, that I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

DARTMOUTH.

His Excellency Gov. Martin, North-Carolina.

AMELIA COUNTY (VIRGINIA) COMMITTEE.

At a meeting of the Committee of the County of Amelia, at the Court-House thereof, on Wednesday, the 3d of May, 1775:

WILLIAM ARCHER, Esquire, was chosen Chairman for the day.

It appearing to this Committee that the Militia of this County, since the expiration of the late Militia Laws, hath been totally neglected; and it being indispensably necessary for the internal security of the County, that the same be properly and regularly disciplined, and that Patrollers in every neighbourhood be constantly kept on duty:

Resolved, That application be made to the Lieutenant of this County, to direct forthwith a general muster of the Militia of the County; that he do his utmost to carry into execution the Law made in the year 1738, for embodying and disciplining the Militia of this Colony; that he give all the countenance and encouragement in his power to the