Joseph Warren to Arthur Lee

Adams, favoured me with the sight of your last letter. I am sincerely glad of your return to England, as I think your assistance was never more wanted there than at present. It is truly astonishing that the Administration should have a doubt of the resolution of the Americans to make the last appeal, rather than submit to wear the yoke prepared for their necks. We have waited with a degree of patience which is seldom to be met with; but I will venture to assert that there has not been any great allay of cowardice, though both friends and enemies seem to suspect us of want of courage. I trust the event, which I confess I think is near at hand, will confound our enemies and rejoice those who wish well to us. It is time for Britain to take some serious steps towards a reconciliation with her Colonies. The people here are weary of watching the measures of those who are endeavouring to enslave them; they say they have been spending their time for ten years, in counteracting the plans of their adversaries; and many of them begin to think that the difference between them will never be amicably settled; but that they shall always be subject to affronts from the caprice of every British Minister. They even sometimes speak of an open rupture with Great Britain, as a state preferable to the present uncertain condition of affairs; and although it is true that the people have yet a very warm affection for the British

Nation, yet it sensibly decays. They are loyal subjects to the King; but they conceive that they do not swerve from their allegiance, by opposing any measures taken by any man or set of men, to deprive them of their liberties. They conceive that they are the King' s enemies, who would destroy the Constitution; for the King is annihilated when the Constitution is destroyed.

It is not yet too late to accommodate the dispute amicably; but I am of opinion that if once General

Gage should lead his Troops into the country, with a design to enforce the late Acts of Parliament, Great Britain may take her leave, at least of the New England Colonies, and, if I mistake not, of all America. If there is any wisdom in the Nation, God grant it may be speedily called forth. Every day, every hour, widens the breach. A Richmond, a Chatham, a Shelburne, a Camden

, with their noble associates, may yet repair it; and it is a work which none but the greatest of men can conduct. May you be successful and happy in your labours for the publick safety.

I am, sir, with great respect, your very humble servant,

JOSEPH WARREN.