My dear Sir

The express who come [with] this will inform you by a letter to the Provincial Council of North Carolina addressed by their delegates, that Genl [Henry] Clinton is at New York in the Mercury of 26 Guns bound to Hampton in Virginia with 3 transports of 200 light troops, there to join 7 Regts from England & from thence proceed to North Carolina, & in all probability to Cape fear; as they go upon Govr [Josiah] Martins requisition they will probably proceed immediately to join him ー I flatter myself you will prepare for their reception.

Much attention should be paid to prevent our Pilots convoying the Ships ー to prevent their obtaining fresh provisions ー Might not our Rivers be obstructed, Narrow passes secured, bridges taken up ー Mud batteries thrown up, Some Cannon placed advantageously ー Must not every man a friend to the Cause, and capable of duty turn out with his musquet, Do we pot now play a Game, where Slavery or Liberty are the Stakes ー but why do I teys [tease] you who are much better capacitated to judge of the proper measures to be pursued than I am ー but suffer me ー Must you not have Brigd Generals, in districts and Superiour Officers over the whole ー Must not very large bodies be placed immediately along the Sea Coasts ー Where I to advise the whole force of the Colony should be collected ready for immediate exertion when called upon, & bid adieu to plough shares pruning hooks till the Sword can find its Scabard with safety & honor to its [bea]rer ー My first wish is to be free ー My second to be reconciled to G. B. God grant that both may soon take place ー

Measures must be taken immediately e'er this the Troops of the Enemy are in your Country May you Stand forth like Men & fight the Cause of Liberty the Cause of the living God.

Adieu My dear Friend When we meet may we meet in peace & happiness [&c.]

[P.S.] [Charles] Lee is in New York with 1000 Conne[c]t Troops the Phoenix of 40, Asia of 64 Mercury of 26 Guns lying before the Town ー I fear New York will not long have a being ー Pray write Harnet [Cornelius Hartnett] & Maclain concerning the Pilots ー