I am afraid the most wicked machinations of Governor Dunmore have by this time involved you in the horrors of war. What the Ministry intend against you and the rest of America, cannot be exactly ascertained before the meeting of the Parliament. Probably they have not yet determined upon the exact mode of executing their vengeance. You will do wisely, however, in preparing for the utmost extremity that the most unprincipled and deepest revenge can suggest. It is said, and I believe with truth, that the war is to be carried into Virginia, as well as in the northern Provinces, next spring. This winter will be employ'd in providing every means that can shield you from the destruction to which your merciless enemies have destined you. Some precautions will be taken, relative to your Negroes. Some fortifications, in the places by nature most inaccessible, for Magazines and Refuge will be made. Cannot the Capes, by the co-operation of the two Colonies, be rendered impassable? Should not alarm Houses be erected there as well as the mouths of the Rivers? No precautions can be too great against the dangers that threaten you, especially as no one can tell what foreign foes, taking the advantage of the present state of things, may invade you.

The utmost industry of the Ministry is employed to inflame men's minds here, especially by publishing General Gage's accusations of savageness and barbarity in carrying on the war on the part of the Provincials. These accusations, like those of [Francis] Bernard and [Thomas] Hutchinson, are made in such general terms, as admit not of a specific refutation, and in a general denial, his word is more like to gain credit than that of those he accuses.

Whatever may be the real sentiments of People here in this question, it is not easy to conceive more quietism than prevails in general. The interested on each side declare themselves, but the bulk of the Nation is perfectly silent. We therefore see the Jacobites and Nonjurors addressing for coercive measures, the Merchants and Manufacturers petitioning for conciliation, while the Counties and large Cities in general (London excepted), remain unmovd. The increase of taxes, which another year's continuance of violent measures must produce, will excite much clamour, which will not be diminished by the interruption of Commerce.

Our good friends at Glasgow, are by their Agents here endeavoring to procure a proposition from the Merchants, in conjunction with them, to supply Administration with Money for carrying on the war, provided the forfeited lands in America are secured to them. This money is what the Virginians chiefly have supplied them with, in contemplation of the approaching troubles, by treble Remittances. This is Scotch gratitude.

Thirty thousand men, is said to be the Estimate of the whole force intended against America, next year; and indeed it is difficult to conceive, where troops and taxes will be found for such an Army. Wherever the storm falls it will be heavy. But that such a force can shake one Province, much less the whole Continent, is to me incredible. I am afraid a total disconnexion between the two Countries will be the consequence of these hostile measures. Common danger, however, if it should occur, would unite them again. The ensuing Session of Parliament, will decide whether we are to have actual War or not. For should opposition be stronger and in earnest, I cannot but think the calamities we dread will yet be prevented. However this is more to be hoped than trusted to. Parliament is to meet on the 26th of next month. If anything could make us doubt a providence it would be that the lust of Tyrants is suffered perpetually to blot the face of the earth with blood and misery. It seems that Liberty is never to be procured, or maintained, but by the Sword. Be vigilant in providing for your safety against the probable attempts of next Spring; and let not the Philistines come upon you unprepar'd. The union of America once secur'd, her vigilance must render all attempts upon her Liberties abortive.

God bless and preserve You and Yours; and send us a happy issue out of these distresses and dangers.