Extract of a Letter from Ireland to an Acquaintance in New York dated September 1, 1775

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Though most of the people here wish well to the cause in which you are engaged, and would rejoice to find you continue firm and steadfast, yet it is the prevailing opinion, especially among the friends to Government, (so called,) that you will be at last frightened into submission to ministerial measures. They are raising recruits throughout this Kingdom. The men are told they are only going to Edinburgh to learn military discipline, and are then to return. The common people are industriously kept from the knowledge of publick affairs. They know nothing but what the great people please to let them. Newspapers, since the Stamp Act, are so high, the poor and middling people cannot purchase them, nor even an almanack; not one of which is to be found within sixty miles, except among the great folks; however, so few-are sold, that it is thought there will be no more printed, unless the act is repealed, which is expected next session.

It is most grievous to bear the innumerable burdens they have imposed upon the people here. It is intended to send several Bishops to America, (one at least to every city,) with salaries of four hundred Pounds sterling each, to be paid by the people where they are stationed. It is expected that New-York will be the first to submit to any terms that shall be offered; and great pains have been taken to spread a general belief that the people in all the Colonies are mere cowards, ready to run at the sight of an army. The newspapers that are most circulated are filled with such stuff,

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but not a word of any thing spirited on your part, so that our people are altogether ignorant of the true state of affairs with you.

Dear countrymen and fellow-sufferers, who have been so happy as to have your lot in a land of liberty, though now persecuted and your rights invaded, suffer not your most precious inheritance, your liberty and property, your noble Constitution, to be torn from you. You are contending for what is of more value than life; fear not to risk your lives freely in defence of it. Keep your presses free, that the people may know all that concerns them and all that is doing against them. By every means in your power keep corruption from influencing any of your offices of publick trust; you cannot possibly be too much guarded against this terrible evil, which has almost undone us here. Let not arbitrary power and despotism have any footing among you. Many in this Country, who groan under it, would be glad to give their utmost assistance, and hope to be over with you before the contest is ended.

It is my opinion that if you continue firm, you will, without doubt, succeed in your glorious struggle; justice will give strength to your arms, and weaken those of your enemies. God himself is on your side, and will cause them to fall before you. Meanwhile, let me caution you against the least appearance of submission. You can hardly conceive the ill effects of every thing that may feed the hopes of your enemies; even base complaisance in this case is criminal, for like drowning men they are ready to catch at straws, and, if possible, interpret every thing you say or do in favour of their own designs, whereby they are encouraged to continue their efforts to subdue you. It behooves you, therefore, to be resolute, plain, and absolute, in your refusal of every proposal that implies giving up one tittle of your rights and liberties, or might bring them into the least danger, and resist every attempt against them with all your might. The least slackness or compliance on your part will embolden them to proceed in their endeavours to enforce their laws, to tax and enslave you. May God guide and protect you. Amen.

I am a sincere friend to the natural rights and liberty of mankind, and yours, &c.

M. W.

P. S. It is reported that Charles Stuart is preparing to make an attempt to obtain the Crown of Scotland. I wait for further intelligence.

Letter from a Gentleman in Ireland to one in New-York. It is the prevailing opinion that the Americans will at last be frightened into submission. Great pains have been taken to spread a general belief that they are mere cowards, and will run at the sight of an Army, it behooves them, therefore, to be plain and absolute, in refusing to give up one tittle of their rights and liberties. [1775-09-01] Anonymous. [S4-V3-p0619] [Document Details][Complete Volume]