New York April 20th 1770
Sir,
The Tale of Richardson which you mention in your
favor of the 22d. Inst., shews what is to be expected on the
Trial
of Capt. Preston and the Soldiers of the 29th. Regt:. In my Accounts
of the unhappy Transactions of the 5th: of March, I have not
omitted to take the Situation of the Town, and temper of the
People, the Effort to inflame them to a Hint of Revenge, and the
Endeavour used to overawe the Judges. That these Circumstances
rendered it next to impossible, that those unfortunate People
could have a fair and impartial Tryal, or any Chance for their
Lives, whether culpable or not: unless Government should interfere,
and postpone Executions, till Reports were made to the King, that
His Majesty might be able to judge, how far they are real objects
of Royal Mercy. But my Letters unfortunately go home late,
and the Tryals will come on, before any order can be received relative to
[The following line is a subscription (recipient's name at bottom of
page):] Honble. Lieut. Govt. Hutchinson
Justice demands delay, but I am not able to Judge, how far the
Law will admit of it, and therefore may act improperly in entreating
you, as far as consistent with your Duty and Power, to get the
Tryal delayed, as long as it shall be possible
I hear nothing for certain about America, tho' generaly agreed
all the Dutys complained of, Tea excepted, will be taken off. The
Majority, as well as the Minority, greatly divided in their Opinion
about America, some for enforcing Obedience to their Laws at all
Events, others, tho' few in number, Agree with the Americans in their
Sentiments about Taxation. A third Party is between these two
Extremes, admits the Right, but would wave the Exercise of it,
and Endeavour to heal by Moderate Measures.
You will permit me to trouble you, on a Subject which
perhaps may be of no Consequence, tho' I think it deserves some
Attention when all Circumstances are considered. I have been
informed, and have Reason to believe my Information good,
that a Person in London, who is employed by the People of Boston
has
ago, and if approved of was to bespeak a Number of cash, sufficient
for 4000 Foot Soldier. The Motto on the Caps, Vim vi repellere
licet. It is not easy to find out for what good purpose so
particular a Commission has been given, and on that Account I
beg the Favour of you to make some Inquiry into the origin and
Occasion of it; and that it may be done with as much Caution and
Secrecy as possible, that it may not appear any evil Designs are
expected? or from whom the Information comes. The Person who
gave me the Intelligence, desired his Name might not be mentioned
I have the honour to be with perfect Regard & Esteem,
Your most obedient
humble Servant,
General Gage
30 April 1770
private
Copy
to Hutchinson