8th [May 1776] Had News from England of the
Resolutions of the Ministry to enforce
their Measures the ensueing Summer
by the Help of 25,000 New Troops from
England, & 20,000 Hessians, Hanoveri-
ans Brunswickers &c from Germany
12,000 of whom are destined for this place
12,000 for Boston, 10,000 for Quebeck &
11,000 for the Southern Provinces-- these
Forces are also to bring with them 27
Commissioners to grant Pardons & to
delude our Friends the People of England
with a Pretence that Peaceable & honour
able Terms of Accommodation are off=
-ered but that we would not accept; would
it not have been more honourable, for them
if they had any Intentions of an Accommo=
-dation to have lain hold of the Oppertunity
offered in the last Petition of the Congress?
But this would not serve their Turn! But George
must meanly beg the Assistance of his
Brother Robbers & Cuthroats, & by cringing
& fawning to all Europe he hath been
able to procure 20000 Men, & these with
the Whole Armament of England are
Assist the Commissioners to treat with