New Bern, 28th January, 1775.
Dear Sir,
It was a long time posterior to the date that I received your kind letter,—occasioned either by the delay of it on the way or by my absence from New Bern or by both—according as is very frequent in this continent, it, some where or other, had been treated very unhandsomely. The Letter and its cover had strayed from each other; the last was first delivered & the other some days afterwards. This however might be accident, from its wearing in some gentleman's pocket—and I hope was not from any design.
As I hope (tho' having been so much disappointed in that matter that I cannot promise myself a certainty) to see you some of these months, I shall defer, till an opportunity of conversation, the full answer to your kind observation:—but must say here, that I am quite disposed to think with you respecting a particular dependance; forming my opinion as you do,—not from any peculiar partial distrust, but from a comprehensive consideration of the nature of the thing.
My sentiments and candor do full justice to What you say on Our Politics: well educated, enlarged and wise minds, I do apprehend, must think alike or nearly alike on that subject—but the violences to the Northward—the illiberal wild impolitic and profane violence transacted there, cannot be for Sacred Liberty—which induces only what is wise and virtuous. No! it is folly all madness and wickedness! But, not to run into declamation,—calmly and seriously, I am more and more convinced that there are many very vile men in popular consideration to the northward; Hypocrites and traitors to the cause they ostensibly defend. I wish I could send you a number of N. England papers I have been perusing, but they are not my own. However I send you four Pamphlets. A. W. is said to be Dr. Cooper at New York; the Vindicator one of the Delegates.
Governor Martin has, since he came in, lost his charming little Boy Sam; the darling not only of his parents but of all who knew him. The family are in the deepest distress on this melancholy occasion. I sympathize with them, and deplore their loss with heart felt sorrow.
Pray write me as often and as fully as convenient and agreeable; the oftener and the more amply you write, the greater shall I consider the favor.
Some people say the Governor will be towards your place in a month or six weeks—I cannot assure this, but if so I shall probably accompany him.
P. S. Pray is Dick Henderson out of his head?
The Governor has appointed me to succeed Edwards as Auditor; it may be worth somewhat this next court.