Page:Letters of John Andrews.djvu/68

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62
LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS.

saw some fine sealing wax, said Mr. Fooks had been looking for some such a long time (it being after he had returned to Philadelphia), that she would take it all, five dollars worth, for him, and he would send the money for it, when she got back to your city—but by intention or forgetfulness it never was sent. Coles' lad, being there in a vessell of his last winter, apply'd to Mr. Fooks for it, who acquainted him that he had already paid Mrs. Le Cand and for it, and that otherways he was largely in advance for her and therefore should not pay it.

October 10th. Am told, there are great dissentions among the Committee at New York, and that they have voted to supply General Gage with whatever he may want; in consequence of which, Carpenters are coming from there to build barracks.—If true, and they are suffer'd to proceed, the matter is settled with us, for it is with the greatest difficulty that the country are restrain'd from coming in even now. As to the Quarel of the New York Committee, it is notorious. Have inclos'd you a New Catalogue of the names of the Addressors and protestors, which are bought up by the country people with the greatest avidity. You'll observe that the Compilers have a better opinion of the little pope than to rank them with such a class of men.

October 13th. Governor Hutchinson having ship'd twelve field pieces on board Captain Robson for the use of this province, which were voted by the house two years since, and the money paid into the Speaker's hands to procure 'em, but a difficulty arising in England in regard to the sending them, which Governor Hutchinson has remov'd since he has been home—but the proprieter in London has consign'd them to William Pepperill, one of the new Councellors, with orders not to deliver them till the money is forthcoming; in consequence of which, am told the General has this day sent a Ship of War to Salem, to order the ship to the Castle immediately upon her arrival at Salem, and there to unlade the Cannon.

October 14th. A Committee from the provincial Congress waited upon the Governor this afternoon, with an address or remonstrance. He treated them very politely, but would not allow it to be read to him. He told them he would consider whether he could admit of an address from a provincial congress. Colonel Lee of Marblehead, their chairman, told him, that admit or not admit, times were such now, that something must be done, and that it was highly necessary that they should be heard and regarded. Upon which his Excellency told him he would take it as a favor it he would leave it for his perusal, and he would endeavor to give them all the satisfaction in his power, consistant with his duty to his Majesty.