[Extract]

We have not had a syllable of news from the Northward, since what Mr. [Arthur] Middleton wrote you ー that man is worth his Weight in Diamonds. The Packet you left here did not sail till last monday,² & was conveyed to some distance by the Tamar, which returned into Rebellion Road on Thursday ー the very day on which [Clement] Lampriere returned to Beaufort successful from the errand on which he was last ordered.³. . . Yesterday Evening the Gunner of Fort Johnson (one [George] Walker) had a decent Tarring & Feathering for some insolent speech he had made: there is hardly a street through which he was not paraded nor a Tory house where they did not halt, particularly [Alexander] Innes's, [James] Simpson's, [William] Wregg's, [George] Milligan's, [Thomas] Irving's &c &c⁴  At Fen Bull's they stopt, call'd for Grog; had it; made Walker drink D-------n to Bull, threw a bag of feathers into his Balcony, & desired he would take care of it 'till his turn came; & that he would charge the Grog to the Acct of Ld North, finally the wretch was discharged at Milligan's door. The people were in such a humour that I believe there was scarce a non-subscriber who did not tremble, & Wells had his Shop close shut.⁵

The order of the General Congress respecting Armed Vessels pleased us so well that every member of the Committee took notice of it in my reading. But I wish'd for you on that occasion. I thank you for the List of Members of Congress, among which I rejoice to see your name.