His Majesty's Ship Rose Rhode Island, June 15, 1775
Sir,
I have received your letter of the 14th inst.; although I am unacquainted with you, or what station you act in; suppose you write in behalf of some body of people; therefore, previous to my giving an answer, I must desire to know whether or not, you, or the people on whose behalf you write, are not in open rebellion to your lawful sovereign, and the acts of the British legislature!
I am, sir your most humble and most obedient servant.
Jas. Wallace
1. Bartlett, ed., Records of Rhode Island, VII, 338.