[Extract]
p Swallow Packet

the people of this province are so alarmed by Lord North's conciliatory plan which they conceive is intended more effectually to enslave them, that they are, from the example of General [Thomas] Gage when he Seized Arms & Amunition which were private property, taking Such measures as "prudence & necessity" dictate ー they have removed all the provincial Muskets Bayonets &c. which belong indeed to them Selves, from the public Armory to places more accessible to themselves & they have also taken into their possession all the Gun powder which was in the public Magazines Besides. I Say they, from common report, as well as from probability ー they do not Stop here, but are concerting measures for enlarging their Stock of Arms & Amunition & probably will not fail ー a poor figure Some people think the Carolina Militia would make in the field ー I hope they will never appear there in opposition to British Troops ー I hope British Troops will never provoke them to fly to the last resource ー be that as it may ー there appears a general determination against a tame Submission ー & the[y] Will, will in the worst event by arms, remain unconquered ー yet I think I can answer at the hazard of my fortune & Life that not a Man in this province wishes for independence upon Great Britain or but wishes to return to, & remain in that State of dependence & Subordination which had for more than a Century been found to promote the honour & dignity of the Mother Country ー the Interest & happiness of both parties ー Your Administration have been egregiously imposed upon by false information & they Seem now though Sensible of their errors, determined to persevere in them ー Let them go on & work the destruction of the Kingdom in which they reside ー God forbid! ー I have Still hopes that Wisdom will interpose & Save them.