The Virginia Gazette

The following letter, dated January 30, 1775, came by the Earl of Dunmore, Captain Lawrence, just arrived from London.

"From unquestionable authority I learn, that about a fortnight ago, dispatches were sent from hence by a sloop of war to Gen. Gage, containing among other things, a royal proclamation declaring the inhabitants of Massachusetts Bay, and some others in the different colonies, actual rebels; with a blank commission to try and execute such of them as he can get hold of; with this is sent a list of names to be inserted in the commission, as he may judge expedient. I do not know them all, but Messrs. Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, and John Hancock, of Massachusetts Bay; John Dickinson, of Philadelphia; Peyton Randolph, of Virginia; and Henry Middleton of South Carolina, are particularly named with many others.

"This black list the General will, no doubt, keep to himself and unfold it gradually, as he finds it convenient. Four regiments from Ireland, one of them light dragoons, are under sailing orders for Boston, with several capital ships of war, from hence, and six cutters to obstruct the American trade, and prevent all European goods from going there, particularly arms and ammunition, which makes it expedient, without a moment's delay, to be provided with such things as you may want.

"Last Friday night, the 27th instant, in a Privy Council, the American measures were all settled by the Ministry; part of them is, to pass an act of Parliament, inflicting pains and penalties on particular persons, and provinces in America, to countenance the infamous Proclamation and commission already sent to General Gage; also it is determined to take away the charters of Rhode Island and Connecticut. I have not been able to learn the whole; though in general I am informed, it is denouncing utter destruction to American liberty. Depend upon all this to be fact."