New York, May 8, 1775.
I have an opportunity by Captain Beale to write you a line. We all
arrived last night in this city. It would take many sheets of paper to
give you a description of the reception we found here. The militia were
all in arms, and almost the whole city out to meet us. The Tories are
put to flight here as effectually as the Mandamus Council at Boston.
They have associated to stand by Continental and Provincial Congresses,
etc., etc., etc. Such a spirit was never seen in New York.
Jose Bass met with a misfortune in the midst of some of the unnecessary
parade that was made about us. My mare, being galled with an ugly
buckle in the tackling, suddenly flinched and started in turning short
round a rock, in a shocking bad road, overset the sulky, which
frightened her still more. She ran and dashed the body of the sulky all
to pieces. I was obliged to leave my sulky, slip my baggage on board Mr.
Cushing's carriage, buy me a saddle, and mount on horseback. I am
thankful that Bass was not killed. He was in the utmost danger, but not
materially hurt.
I am sorry for this accident, both on account of the trouble and expense
occasioned by it. But in times like these such little accidents should
not afflict us.
Let me caution you, my dear, to be upon your guard against the multitude
of affrights and alarms which, I fear, will surround you. Yet I hope the
people with you will grow more composed than they were.
Our prospect of a union of the colonies is promising indeed. Never was
there such a spirit. Yet I feel anxious, because there is always more
smoke than fire--more noise than music.
Our province is nowhere blamed. The accounts of the battle are
exaggerated in our favor. My love to all. I pray for you all, and hope
to be prayed for. Certainly there is a Providence; certainly we must
depend upon Providence, or we fail; certainly the sincere prayers of
good men avail much. But resignation is our duty in all events. I have
this day heard Mr. Livingston in the morning, and Mr. Rogers this
afternoon--excellent men, and excellent prayers and sermons.