[Extract]

Sir ー  I did myself the honor of writing to Your Excellency by Capt [John] Tollemache, when I mention'd the very deplorable State in which I found this Province. Since the departure of the Scorpion they have proceeded to fresh Acts of Violence, & all legal Goverment is now at an end. Georgia has also been persuaded to join the other Provinces, owing in a great measure to the power, & influence of the people here, & the defenceless state in which it is left; so that it is a matter of doubt to me, whither Sir Jas Wright, Governor [Josiah] Martin, or myself, is in the worst situation, as our Provinces are in the same state, & we seem equally abandon'd by the whole world. We have recd Acts for restraining Trade, but as we cannot enforce them they are just so much waste paper. ー The only Sloop of War² we have here I must be under a necessity of sending out with the Packet for England, to see her safely clear of the Coast, as there are two Armed Vessels one of them fitted out in this Harbour now waiting to seize the Mail with my Dispatches to Government.

I very sincerely congratulate Your Excellency on the Success of His Majys Troops on Bunkers Hill which I am just informed of by Mr Logie, I wish your Excellency had enabled me to publish a particular Account of that affair, as the infamous falsehoods which are circulated with great industry over this part of the Continent does more mischief than I can express. Lady William joins me in best wishes to Your Excellency & Mrs Gage. I have the Honor to be with much regard, Sir, [&c.]

N.B. Many of the Inhabitants of the back part of this Country are well inclined to Government, & would I am convinced step out on the present Occasion, had they encouragement & support; but I have the mortification of seeing myself unable even to protect my own family from insult. . . .