The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

BOSTON. March 21. 1768.

At an Adjournment of the Meeting of the Free-holders 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 numerous and loyal Inhabitants of this extensive Continent are in imminent Danger --when the inveterate Enemies of those 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 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; then to reason is to rebel: and a ready Submission to the Rod of Power, is sollicited by the Tenders of Place and Patronage, or urged by the Menace of Danger and Disgrace: Tis to YOU, worthy SIR! that America is obliged for a most seasonable, sensible, loyal and vigorous Vindication of her invaded Rights and Liberties: Tis 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, re-animated 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 convinced 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 warmest 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:

Tho' such superiour Merit must assuredly, in the closest Recess, enjoy the divine Satisfaction of having served, and possibly saved this People; tho' veiled from our View, You modestly shun the deserved Applause of Millions; permit Us to intrude upon your Retirements 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, & ordered to be published in the several News-Papers.

Attest. WILLIAM COOPER, Town-Clerk.