CAMBRIDGE, April 20, 1775.

SIR:--The unhappy situation into which this colony is thrown gives
the greatest uneasiness to every man who regards the welfare of the
empire, or feels for the distresses of his fellow-men: but even now
much may be done to alleviate those misfortunes which cannot be
entirely remedied; and I think it of the utmost importance to us,
that our conduct be such as that the contending parties may
entirely rely upon the honor and integrity of each other for the
punctual performance of any agreement that shall be made between
them. Your Excellency, I believe, knows very well the part I have
taken in public affairs: I ever scorned disguise. I think I have
done my duty: some will think otherwise; but be assured, sir, as
far as my influence goes, everything which can reasonably be
required of us to do shall be done, and everything promised shall
be religiously performed. I should now be very glad to know from
you, sir, how many days you desire may be allowed for such as
desire to remove to Boston with their effects, and what time you
will allow the people in Boston for their removal. When I have
received that information, I will repair to congress, and hasten,
as far as I am able, the issuing a proclamation. I beg leave to
suggest, that the condition of admitting only thirty wagons at a
time into the town appears to me to be very inconvenient, and will
prevent the good effects of a proclamation intended to be issued
for encouraging all wagoners to assist in removing the effects from
Boston with all possible speed. If Your Excellency will be pleased
to take the matter into consideration, and favor me, as soon as may
be, with an answer, it will lay me under a great obligation, as it
so nearly concerns the welfare of my friends in Boston. I have many
things which I wish to say to Your Excellency, and most sincerely
wish that I had broken through the formalities which I thought due
to your rank, and freely told you all I knew or thought of public
affairs; and I must ever confess, whatever may be the event, that
you generously gave me such opening, as I now think I ought to have
embraced: but the true cause of my not doing it was the vileness
and treachery of many persons around you, who, I supposed, had
gained your entire confidence.