Preston at Boston 25 feb. 1775
Sir
I am much obliged to you for the letter you did me the Honor to write to me, by Lieut Robertson; and sincerely congratulate you on the very proper behaviour of your Assembly with respect to the Quebec and Boston acts, they were no doubt urged to a very contrary conduct.
Permit me Sir sincerely to wish that their future proceedings may be equally judicious, and that your Honor may experience the high satisfaction to see them lay aside their senseless opposition to their indulgent Mother Country, and Unite in endeavouring to restore Publick Tranquility and a due subjection to the Laws among themselves. It would give me great pleasure to serve Lt. Robertson as he had the honor of your Introducti;n, but the number of Gentlemen I have with very powerful recommendations leave Me No room to imagine any thing can be done for him while I command on this station ー I am with very great respect and esteem Sir [&c.]
Saml Graves
1. The Letters and Papers of Cadwallader Colden (New York, 1923), VII, 266. Hereafter cited as Colden Papers.