[Extract]

Part of the Troops now Orderd for Embarkation here and Ireland, are to rendezvous at New York, to make it a Place of Arms securing the Defection of that Province from the general Alliance in the Cause of Freedom, and every Thing that is dear to Man: and to prevent the Communication between Virginia, Maryland, and the other Southern Colonies, with New England, when General [Thomas] Gage with such Assistance as he may get from New York, is to subdue those Colonies by a Garrison and Place of Arms, with the Assistance of Quebeck to rule with a Rod of Iron all the Slaves of America.

Without the Concurrance of new York, this Scheme can never be carried into Execution, of which every Gentleman and Man of Knowledge in the Kingdom is fully convinced therefore on your Virtue, in a great Measure, it depends whether America shall be free, or be reduced to the most abject and oppressive Servitude; worse than that of Egyptian Bondage; in which you must inevitably be involved, if you lend your Aid to enslave your Brethern in the other Colonies.

I have to inform you that the Bill for preventing the four Colonies and Provinces of New England from Fishing, getting any Provisions from the other Colonies, carrying on any Commerce whatsoever to any Part of the World, except to Great Britain, Ireland or the British West Indies will finally pass the House of Commons to morrow, and is to take place the first of next July. ー You may also depend that in a few Days another Bill will be brought in to prohibit any of the other Colonies from carrying on any Trade whatever with each other, or to any other part of the World, except to Great Britain, Ireland, or the British West Indies, which will probably take place in July also: therefore you will act accordingly, and let this be publickly known.²ー