Richard Henry Lee to Samuel Adams

I fear the friends of liberty and virtue may wonder at the few efforts that have been made by this Colony since the dissolution of the late patriotic Congress. But tho we have not yet had an opportunity of publickly expressing our sentiments, I think the general private conduct has not been exceptionable. Among all ranks and Classes of people (a very few interested foreign Traders excepted) there appears great unanimity, and firmness of zeal in support of the American cause.

A ship from London, owned by a much favored Merchant here, has been forced to return without being suffered to take a single hogshead of Tobacco, because she had brought a few chests of tea; and every measure is taking to enforce the Continental association. Hitherto we have had no Colony Congress, because our Assembly was to have met early in November, but Lord Dunmores excursions on our frontiers occasioned a prorogation until the 2d. instant, at which time many reasons concurred to induce a firm belief that a meeting would then take place. However a few days past, we have been surprised with a further prorogation to the first thursday in May next. This has been followed by a call from our late worthy President, Mr. Randolph, upon the several Counties to choose Deputies to a Colony Convention on the 20th. of March. A compliance with this now occupies our attention, and will certainly be unanimously obeyed. It seems that this latter prorogation is in consequence of a letter from Ld. Dartmouth forbidding the calling of any more Assemblies, unless the exegencies of an Indian war should render it necessary. How perfectly coincident is this, with the conduct of the Tyrant Stewart race, whose wicked and ruinous policy made them fear to meet their people, and rendered it necessary to deprive the community of the aid resulting from wise and collected councils. The event of their despotism is well known. - May we not hope that the same causes will produce similar effects and that ruin may recoil on the heads of the detestable contrivers of the present unjust and destructive system of Colony Administration? The cause of Liberty must be under the protection of Heaven, because the Creator surely wills the happiness of his Creatures; & having joined the faculty of reasoning with our natures, he has made us capable of discerning that the true dignity and happiness of human nature are only to be found in a state of freedom. You have no doubt seen the speech to Parliament, and from thence may judge what our Ministerial enemies propose for us.

A letter from London 6th. of december says "the present intention of the Ministry is to declare all meetings and associations in America illegal and treasonable - To guard the Coast against all Traffic and Communication with Holland, France, and Spain. To corrupt N. York, and to employ a military force, chiefly from Canada if necessary. Having their designs before you, your attention will be bent to defeat them with all earnestness which the greatest question in the world demands"

Added to this, I understand they propose to forfiet and confiscate all the estates of all those who meet, associate, or combine against the Commerce of Gt. Britain! Should such Acts pass, will it not be proper for all America to declare them essentially vile and void, and that whoever takes or claims any Estate so said to be forfieted, shall be deemed a public Enemy and that it shall be meretorious in any person to put such Claimant to death? This would probably deter, and defeat the wicked design. I find the Ministerial Manoeuver of dissolving the Parliament, has, notwithstanding the timely warning of Junius, answered their purpose so far as to rest the matter now on the firmness of our own virtue, or on the general exertion of the people of England. Tho’ the latter should fail us, I hope the former will be immovable.

The opportunity that conveys this, brings a small testimony of our esteem, in this County, for the patriotic virtues of Boston, and we shall be glad to hear by return of this Vessel that the contribution has been duly received. If any late intelligence from G.B. has reached you, be so kind as favor me with it by Capt. Layton who returns immediately here. Is the fortification on the Neck compleated, how many Ships & of what size in your Harbor, and how many Soldiers in Town? Are your people in good Spirits, and does the business of discipline go on well? I think a certain Mr. Ruggles with you, whose Body itches so much for the stroke of Knighthood, should be first stricken with rods, and then find his fate on that Tree where Traitors to their Country should all hang. I am with very singular esteem Sir Your most affectionate friend and Countryman.