I received by the Deacon two letters[72] from you, this day, from
Hartford. I feel a recruit of spirits upon the reception of them, and
the comfortable news which they contain. We had not heard anything from
North Carolina before, and could not help feeling anxious lest we should
find a defection there, arising more from their ancient feuds and
animosities than from any settled ill-will in the present contest; but
the confirmation of the choice of their delegates by their Assembly
leaves not a doubt of their firmness. Nor doth the eye say unto the
hand, "I have no need of thee." The Lord will not cast off his people,
neither will He forsake his inheritance. Great events are most certainly
in the womb of futurity; and, if the present chastisements which we
experience have a proper influence upon our conduct, the event will
certainly be in our favor. The distresses of the inhabitants of Boston
are beyond the power of language to describe; there are but very few who
are permitted to come out in a day; they delay giving passes, make them
wait from hour to hour, and their counsels are not two hours together
alike. One day, they shall come out with their effects; the next day,
merchandise is not effects. One day, their household furniture is to
come out; the next, only wearing apparel; the next, Pharaoh's heart is
hardened, and he refuseth to hearken to them, and will not let the
people go. May their deliverance be wrought out for them, as it was for
the children of Israel. I do not mean by miracles, but by the
interposition of Heaven in their favor. They have taken a list of all
those who they suppose were concerned in watching the tea, and every
other person whom they call obnoxious, and they and their effects are to
suffer destruction.
Yours,