Sir

I have received a message, signed by you, from a set of people who style. themselves a General Committee. The presumption of such an address, from a body assembled by no legal authority, and whom I must consider as in actual and open rebellion against their Sovereign, can only be equalled by the outrages, which obliged me to take refuge on board the King's ships in the harbour.

It deserves no answer, nor should I have given it any, but to mark the hardiness with which you have advanced, that I could so far forget my duty to my Sovereign and my country, as to promise I would take no active part in bringing the subverters of our glorious constitution, and the real liberties of the people, to a sense of their duty. The unmanly acts that have already been used to prejudice me in the general opinion, may still be employed by that Committee; but I never will return to Charlestown, till I can support the King's authority, and protect his faithful and loyal subjects.

Whenever the people of this province will put it in my power to render them essential service, I will, with pleasure, embrace the opportunity; and think it, a very happy one. I am, Sir, Your most humble servant,