Charlestown, April 27, 1775
[Extract]
Gentlemen, The General Committee thinking it of the highest Importance that the Committees in the interior Parts of the Colony, and that, through them, the People at large, should from Time to Time be informed of all such Affairs and Transactions as have any Relation to the American Cause; they have for the Management of so necessary a Service nominated a Committee of Intelligence.
We are very sorry that at our entering upon that Service we are to announce to you that there is but little Probability of deciding the present unhappy Public Disputes, by the pacific Measures we have hitherto pursued. However, even this Circumstance, we hope, will be of Service to our Cause; for we have no Doubt, but that the Ministry having thus turned a deaf Ear to the Complaints of the Colonies, these will be confirmed in their Resolution to complain in a louder Tone, and be ANIMATED to meet those Difficulties and Dangers they can now no longer avoid, with Honour to themselves, and Safety to their Liberties.
On the 9th of February the two Houses of Parliament addressed the King. In Substance, they declared to His Majesty that America was in a State of actual Rebellion; they desired the King, by all possible Means, to enforce the late Acts of Parliament against America; and they assured him that in such a Measure they would support him with their Lives and Fortunes. The King acquiesced, and some Days after desired from Parliament an Addition to his military Forces ー it was granted without Hesitation. In consequence of these Measures, Reinforcements of Troops and Ships are ordered to Boston; where, when they shall be arrived, General [Thomas] Gage may have under his Command about 10,000 Men. But what are 10,000 Men against THE UNITED POWERS OF AMERICA!
Amidst this Gloom, some Rays of Light break in, and cheer us in this Extremity of Affairs. The City of London has declared in our Favour; in a few Hours, some of her Mercants subscribed 26,000 l. Sterling for the Relief of America, and public Subscriptions for the same Purpose are industriously promoted. London, and other considerable Towns, have petitioned Parliament, and continue to exert themselves vigorously in our Behalf. The most illustrious Noblemen, and the most eloquent Orators, are loud in our Defence.