Preston Boston 23d June 1775
Sir,
I have received your Letters June 5, 10, 13 and three dated the 16 instant, with Copies of your Correspondence with Governor [John] Wentworth. Upon considering the whole I can draw no other Conclusion than that the New Hampshire People are as perfectly disposed for Rebellion as those of Massachusetts Bay, and that they will endeavour by force or stratagem to drive you away or destroy you. The few good thinking People in Portsmouth no doubt naturally disavow such Outrages and base behaviour, and would gladly restore and support Order and legal Authority, but what are their feeble Efforts opposed to a whole Province under the worst influence?
Governor Wentworth has requested another Ship to be stationed in Piscataqua River; I know it would be of Service for the reason you have given, but I have not a Ship that I can appropriate to that Service, not even a Schooner at present, and I have accordingly acquainted his Excellency that I hope the Scarborough will be equal to every purpose of Government in that River, being satisfied you will do all that lies in your Power for his Majesty's Service, and to protect and accrn;nodate Governor Wentworth.
The Letter inclosed is for Mrs Fenton, I suppose wife of Col Fenton, whom you mention to be in custody of the Rebels. I have acquainted her that you have my Leave to let the Spinkes bring her and her Family to Boston, which I desire you will do, if the Lady has not taken a passage in the Transport already.
I can make no Alteration in my Orders for seizing and sending to Boston all Kinds of Provisions. On the contrary there is every reason for their being executed with the greatest Exactness; The King's Troops must be supplied. The Rebels must be distressed by all means in our Power: And altho' I do not mean to withdraw your discretionary Power of allowing what Provision is really for the use of peaceable and good Subjects, yet surely the Town of Portsmouth hath very little pretension to Indulgence, except for obliging their Governor to move for his Safety to a dismantled Fort and unprovided with necessary Accomodations.
His Majesty's Servants and good Subjects should be discriminated from the Rebels and have what favor can be shewn them, but, in my opinion, they ought no longer to risque themselves in the Power of the People, without the least Security from Lawless and deliberate Acts of Cruelty and Oppression.
Such of the Stores demanded as could be got are sent round. By the next Opportunity send me the State and Condition of his Majesty's Ship under your Command.
I am &c.