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To his Excellency Thomas Gage Esqr. Capt. General and Governor in Chief in and over his Majestys Province of the Massachusetts Bay &c.ー

We the inhabitants of Marshfield, in legal town meeting assembled the 20th day of February AD. 1775, beg leave to return your Excellency our most grateful acknowledgements for your seasonable assistance and protection, in sending a detachment of his Majesty's troops to secure and defend the loyal people of this Town, from the threats and violence of an infatuated and misguided people.ー

We assure your Excellency (whatever may have been surmised to contrary) that there were sufficient grounds and reasons for making application;and we are fully convinced that this movement has preserved and promoted, not only the peace and tranquility of this Town in particular, but of the county in general; owing in a great degree to the prudence, firmness, and good conduct of Capt [Nesbitt] Balfour who, (with pleasure as well as justice we say it) has done every thing in his power, to obtain those laudable ends & purposes.ー

Thankfully we acknowledge our obligation to our Sovereign, for his great goodness and wisdom, in placing at the head of affairs in this Province, in this day of difficulty, confusion, and discord, a Gentleman of your Excellency's well known humanity, moderation, capacity and intrepedity; and shall constantly implore the supreme Governor of the Universe, to assist and direct you in the faithful discharge, of the various functions of your exalted station, with fidelity to your King, with honor to yourself, and with happiness to the people committed to your charge.ー

With pleasure we embrace this oppertunity, of expressing our utter detestation and abhorence, of all assemblies and combinations of men (by whatever specious names they may call themselves) who have, or shall rebelliously attempt, to alter or oppose the wise constitution and government of great Britain.ー

Furthermore we beg leave to inform your Excellency, that in the most critical and dangerous times, we have always manifested and preserved our loyalty to the King, and obedience to his laws; carefully avoiding all unconstitutional covenants and engagements whatsoever, that might warp us from our duty to God, our King and country; and as we are determined to persevere in the same course, we flatter ourselves, that our endeavours and exertions, will meet with our most gracious Sovereign's approbation, as well as your Excellency's; and that under his and your gentle and humane government, and kind protection, we may peaceably and quietly set under our vines and figtrees, and have none to molest or make us afraid.