LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 63
ber 15th. The Committee of ways and means have been flinging up a dyke to prevent the water from flowing upon the brick yards on the Neck, and as the 59th incampment lays near them, the Soldiery are preparing the ground to set up pickets across the Neck, to prevenl the Soldier.- from deserting, as they embrace every oppor- tunity and go off very fast, being sure of protection in the country. Yesterday in the afternoon, they carried their line across the dyke, and began to cut through it ; winch being observ'd, the people at work there immediately dispatch'd a messenger to the Select men, when Samuel Austin went and forbid the commanding officer to pro- ceed at his peril ; upon which a very warm contest ensued, when Austin step'd into the breach and declar'd lie would lose his lite be- fore another spade should lie stuck in the ground, and that unless the officer would promise upon his honor that he would desist, whiles he, Austin, waited upon the General, he would bring the country upon them immediately. The officer complied, and he accordingly waited upon the Governor, who directly order'd the principal engineer to take horse and immediately order the breach to be till'd up again and put in the same condition as before.
We are all wishing for a re-establishment of peace and harmony, both the Soldiery and Inhabitants, but am afraid, Bill, it is further off than we imagine, as they are taking up transports in England to send over six more regiments. God grant there may not be any blood shed ! in the sincerity of which wish I subscribe myself your affectionate friend and brother.
P. S. You don't mention having received the letter I sent you by Mr. Glover, though you have acknowledg'd the receipt of two suc- ceeding ones.
October IQth, Sunday. The chief felicity of Man's life, in my opinion, consists in being bless'd with a virtuous mind, domestic hap- piness, and the good will of the community where he re-ides, together with a competent fortune. The last concomitant may be deem'd by some as no ways necessary to happiness, but as a good mind and generous heart are ever inseparable, it must afford a peculiar satis- faction to one so bless'd, to have it in his power to relieve the necessi- ties of those whom the Almighty has thought fit to place in a station of life thai may require it — and the good will of our neighbours, as well as peace at home, are essential requisites for the enjoyment of those blessings that all mankind are seeking after, and may tend to compose our minds to such a frame as is highly necessary for our future well being.
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