The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

Letters from London to Philadelphia.

Extract of a Letter from London, Nov. 1, 1769.

I am very much inclined to believe, that unless you relax somewhat, we shall have no connection together, at least for one twelve-month. There is a rumour of an intention to give you one General Assembly for the whole continent, or perhaps two, and that every thing is to be properly settled when the parliament meets, but it is impossible with our ministry to adjust so weighty a matter in so short a time. I am still of opinion the duties upon glass, paper, and painters colours will be repealed, but as certain that the duty on tea will remain. Our manufacturers are so little sensible of the want of their usual trade with you, that people begin to entertain an idea, that America was never of half the consequence to us that it was generally imagined to be; an opinion that can never be your interest to confirm. The season as I wrote you before, is unfavourable to your resolutions; the Russian war, and other circumstances concur in occasioning an unusual demand for our manufactures. I do not see there are the least dispositions to make representations to parliament for your relief, which ought to convince you, that you were more indebted to the merchants than a sting from a motive of principle, rather than interest, in promoting the repeal of the stamp-act; for I assure you, there is some degree of remembrance of past transactions remaining, which discourages us from acting so strenuously as we might otherwise be inclined to do. had our friends given us our due degree of merit for our former services; you yourselves have taken the field, and I wish you success in every constitutional relief you may aim at obtaining. Your hints are good, with respect to shipping goods, and at a proper season I will profit by them, but cannot now think of making any further provision whatever, for a time that appears so distant. For my own part I declare I see no possibility of any trade to your part of the world, till next spring twelve-month. Thus far with respect to trade, which is now least tho't of.

Affairs here grow very critical; the counties are petitioning for a dissolution of parliament; I think the times wear a gloomy appearance; the nation in general much dissatisfied. and God knows what will content them. But I am of opinion, there will be some bills of attainder passed, before long, upon the heads of one of the two parties. Many suppose us ripe for rebellion, but it is too ridiculous an idea to attempt to refute; the ministry are not strong enough to bring matters to so desperate a crisis.

Extract of a second Letter from London, of the same date.

News, there is little abroad. The town is at present empty, and the Parliament do not meet till the middle of January. Considerable bets are depending at the West-End, that the Lord Chancellor resigns before Saturday se'nnight, and that either Sir F. Norton, or Mr. De Grey succeeds him. A Rumour was spread yesterday, that Sir W. Draper is to be appointed Governor of South-Carolina, which has not since been contradicted. This appointment will not be much in favour of America, as Sir William has lately signalized himself very highly for the Court. The Merchants universal agreement not to import the manufactures of this kingdom, under the present circumstances, will certainly have its influence in procuring a repeal of the Revenue Acts. All ranks of people admire the calm resolution with which the Pennsylvanians have proceeded to assert their rights and liberties; and it is now a general opinion that a total repeal will take place early in the next session, for which event every true lover of both countries is bound to pray.

Extract of a Letter from London Nov. 2.

The trade of pushing forward petitions, for the dissolution of the Parliament, goes on in different parts of the kingdom with more success, (tho' not without opposition) than could have been conceived; so that by the time the Parliament meets, in January, this kingdom will be in the strangest, and most unaccountable situation that can be imagined. No judgement can possibly be formed of such a situation, It will be very fortunate, in my mind, if matters are prevented from coming to the most disagreeable extremities next winter. Hitherto all parties have joined in shewing all possible respect, in words at least, to the King; but he will soon be brought into a very disagreeable dilemma.

With regard to your American Affairs, the Ministry are disposed to afford you the wished for relief. But to go through with this, and some other very ardent tasks, that await them this winter, demands a greater degree of courage, steadiness, and perseverance than they are masters of.--We shall see how they behave--It is said they intend to stand their ground, their head, the Duke of Grafton: means well; but, from his youth and inexperience, it cannot be expected that he can yet have acquired sufficient authority to fill the high station he now holds.

Twenty seven Counties, Cities, and Towns, in England, have already petitioned, or determined to petition, for redress of Grievances.