“On the contrary, as often as any news arrives "of the discontents in America, there is but one 66 cry- —“ we must send an army, or a fleet, and

"reduce them to reason."

"IT is said of a choleric people, that with them "it is but a word and a blow. I flatter myself, "that Great-Britain is not so choleric, and that "she will never go so far as to strike her colonies,

or if she should ever think herself obliged to go "so far, at least that the word will precede the "blow, and that she will speak reason to them.

"To do this clearly, and with the greatest appearance of success, in dissipating their prejudi"ces and rectifying their errors, if they have any, "it is necessary to be informed, what are their prejudices and errors; and before being able to "refute them, or to admit their reason or their arguments, it is assuredly needful to know them.

"IT is with this view, that I propose to re-print "here the following letters, lately published in "America and I hope their publication will "draw forth a satisfactory answer, if they can be "answered. In that case, I shall have accomplished my object, &c."

66

IN 1769, they were translated into French, and published at Paris.

To fhew how those letters were received on this continent, it may be sufficient to insert the following address, selected out of many, from newspapers published at the time.

BOSTO N, March 21, 1768.

At a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of this town met at Faneuil-Hall, on Monday the 14th inft. for the choice of town officers for the ensuing year, upon a motion made, and seconded, it was voted that the THANKS of the town be given to the ingenious AUTHOR of a course of letters published at Philadelphia, and in this place, figned A FARMER; wherein the rights of the American subjects are clearly stated, and fully vindicated; and Dr. Benjamin Church, *John Hancock, Esq. †Mr. Samuel Adams, Dr. Joseph Warren, and John Rowe, Esq. were appointed a committee to prepare and publish a letter of thanks accordingly.

March 24.

At an adjournment of the meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of this town, the following letter was reported by the committee appointed for that purpose, viz.

To the ingenious AUTHOR of certain patriotic letters, subscribed A FARMER.

MUCH RESPECTED SIR!

WHEN the rights and liberties of the numer

ous and loyal inhabitants of this extensive continent are in imminent danger-when the inveterate

John Hancock, afterwards president of congress, and governor of Massachusetts.

+ Samuel Adams, afterwards member of congress, and governor of Mas

sachusetts.

Joseph Warren, afterwards general Warren, who fell gloriously fighting for the liberties of his country, in the ever memorable battle of Bunker'sHill.

enemies of these colonies are not more assiduous to forge fetters for them, than diligent to delude the people, and zealous to persuade them to an indolent acquiescence. At this At this alarming period, when to reluct is deemed a revolt, and to oppose such measures as are injudicious and destructive, is construed as a formal attempt to subvert order and government; when to reason is to rebel; and a ready submission to the rod of power, is solicit ed by the tenders of place and patronage, or urged by the menace of danger and disgrace: It is to YOU, worthy SIR! that America is obliged, for a most seasonable, sensible, loyal and vigorous vin. dication of her invaded rights and liberties: It is to YOU the distinguished honour is due; that when many of the friends of liberty were ready to fear its utter subversion; armed with truth, supported by the immutable laws of nature, the common inheritance of man, and leaning on the pillars of the British constitution; you seasonably brought your aid, opposed impending ruin, awakened the most indolent and inactive to a sense of danger, reanimated the hopes of those, who had before exerted themselves, in the cause of freedom, and instructed America in the best means to obtain redress.

NOR is this western world alone indebted to your wisdom, fortitude and patriotism; Great-Britain also may be confirmed by you, that to be truly

great and successful, she must be just: that to oppress America, is to violate her own honours, defeat her brightest prospects, and contract her. spreading empire.

To such eminent worth and virtue, the inhabitants of the town of Boston, the capital of the province of the Massachusetts-Bay, in full town meeting assembled, express their earliest gratitude: actuated themselves by the same generous principles, which appear with so much lustre in your useful labours, they will not fail warmly to recommend, and industriously to promote that union among the several colonies, which is so indispensably necessary for the security of the whole,

THOUGH Such superior merit must assuredly, in the closest recess, enjoy the divine satisfaction of having served, and possibly saved this people; though veiled from our view, you modestly shun the deserved applause of millions; permit us to intrude upon your retirement, and salute the FARMER, as the friend of Americans, and the common benefactor of mankind.

The above letter was read, and unanimously accepted by the town, and ordered to be published in the several news-papers.

Attest. WILLIAM COOPER, Town-Clerk.