[Extract]

[James] Wallace, I hear, continues a thorn in your side; burning and destroying wherever he can get an opportunity. It is to me a most astonishing thing that the Committee of Newport are desirous of nourishing such a serpent in the bosom of the country. If his depredations were to cease in all parts of the country, there might be some small reason for listening to his propositions. But, for him to obtain his supplies, and grant an indemnity only to the town of Newport, is sacrificing the rest of the Province to the benefit of that town only; for he will be continually committing piracies upon all the islands and shores that he can get footing upon. I think Wallace's conduct has been such, from the insults and abuses he has offered to Government, that it is highly dishonourable to have any further intercourse or commerce with him. Besides, these separate treaties weaken the chain of connection and injure the general interests of the Continent. We must expect to make partial sacrifices for the publick good. I love the Colony of Rhode-Island, and have ever had a very great affection for the town of Newport; but I am not so attached to either as to be willing to injure the common cause for their particular benefit.

It is a very great unhappiness that such a division of sentiment in political matters prevails in the Colony; it distracts her councils and weakens her exertions. The Committee in the town of Newport, you say, seem inclined to counteract the prevailing sentiment in the Government. It is astonishing that ancient prejudices and selfish motives should prevail, at a time when every thing that is dear and valuable is at stake. I hear some of the inhabitants of Newport are very jealous of the views of the town of Providence; fearing that the latter has in view the destruction of Newport, for their own private advantage. I cannot harbour a thought so derogatory to the patriotism of the people of Newport, as to suppose that such a fear can have any real existance. Can the inhabitants of Newport suppose that the Legislature of the Colony acts upon such absurd principles as to make a sacrifice of one town for the benefit of another?