86 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREW*.
improving the house thai belongs to old Conk, his servant took it upon him to cut up their coast and t II 1 1 <_r ashea upon it. The Lads made ;i muster, and chose a committee t<> wait upon the General, who admitted them, and heard their complaint, which was couch'd in very genteel terms, complaining that their fathers before 'em had improv'd it as a coast lor time immemorial, &ca. He order'd liis servant to repair the damage, and acquainted the Governor with the affair, who observ'd that it was impossible to beat the notion of Liberty out of the people, as it was rooted in 'em. from their Childhood.
March 18th. Your favor of the 27th ultimo by Mr. Phillips was handed me yesterday, and being St. Patrick's day I conld not see Captain Hamilton till this day, who told me that he did not acquaint Mr. Griffin that lie should have to draw upon his father soon, as be is so unhappy as not to have a father, and further made many excuses, that cash was scarce, and there was no getting his pay without a con- siderable loss, and it was impossible for him to pay any part at present, hut it was likely he should be able to pay the whole in the course of the Spring — that the note was for money he lost at play a few evening- before he came away, though he did not mean hut that it was as justly due and that he esteemed it the same as though he'd had the cadi from Mr. Griffin; but said that Griffin [promised] him that the note should not go out of his hands, and only requested it of him as a mem.
Have repeatedly sent to Mr. Prideaux, wdio as often as lie is seen either makes promi>es or excuses. Shall endeavor to follow him close, but hope ere long they will hoth be with you again.
As printed extracts of Letters that came by the packet to New York was brought us last night from Providence, giving us great hopes to expect a full completion of our wishes in regard to publick affairs, they were reprinted here and out early this morning. The tories say they were made by S. Adams last night. Others, that they are the same letters that were received in the Stamp Act time — and others say, if they are genuine, merchants' letters are not worth regarding — but unhappy for them, the whole is confirm'd by the post just arriv'd.
An express came to the governor with letters by the packet on Wensday evening, but nothing transpired but to a few of his refugee councellor's, who have been observ'd ever since to be much crest-fallen. Old B — le, was heard to exclaim yesterday — " We shall lose the day. Good God! what will become of us ? " — A certain Reverend Doctor of the Established Church in this town has lately said that he would
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