The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

Extract of a Letter from Reading.

Destruction of the Dock-Yard at Portsmouth was not the only Object our natural Enemies, assisted by the Ministry, had in view; it was at the same Time determined, by the Permission of General C---y, to destroy Woolwich and seize the Tower. Sir George G--l-e had engaged to burn the India House, and Alderman H-r-y had 200 Barrels of Gunpowder under the Bank. In a Word, nothing would have been wanting to complete the Ruin of this devoted Kingdom, but to set Fire to the Thames, and that likewise would have been attempted, had not the Vigilance of your patriotick Chief Magistrate, and active Conservator, destroyed all Possibility of that Hellish Scheme's succeeding.

You may have a Curiosity to know something of Mr. Britain. He is a spirited, lively, ingenious young Man, of the quickest Parts and most refined Invention; the desperate State of the Nation, occasioned by the Villainy of the Ministry, drove him lately to some little Acts of Imprudence in the Forgery Way, which Government, it is believed, will be mean enough to take Advantage of; but we are in Hopes here, that he will be supported and protected by all true Patriots, in which Case you need not doubt, my dear Friend, but that he will make a most capital Figure in the History of this Country. In Return, pray send us some Anecdotes of Mr. Dudley, and oblige yours, M.S.