[Extract]

We jointly lament the loss of a Quincy and a Warren, two characters as great in proportion to their age, as any I have known in America . . .²

I have a great opinion of your knowledge and judgement from long experience, concerning the channels and islands in Boston harbour; but I confess your opinion that the harbour might be blocked up, and seamen and soldiers made prisoners at discretion, was too bold and enterprising for me, who am not very apt to startle at a daring proposal; but I believe I may safely promise you powder enough, in a little time, for any purpose whatever . . .

I hope, Sir, we shall never see a total stagnation of commerce for any length of time. Necessity will force open our ports; trade, if I mistake not, will be more free than usual. Your friend, Dr. [Benjamin] Franklin, to whom I read your letter, and who desires his kind compliments to you, has been employed in directing the construction of row-gallies for this City. The Committee of Safety for this Province have ordered twenty of them to be built;³ some of them are finished. I have seen one of them; it has twelve oars on each side. They rowed up the river the first time, four miles in an hour against a tide which ran down four miles an hour. The Congress have recommended to the Colonies to make provision for the defence of their navigation, in their harbours, rivers, and on their sea coasts.⁴ Of a floating battery I have no idea ー am glad you are contriving one.