Charles Town. 17th Decemr 1774.
p Swallow Packet
Sir After I had left you in Birmingham in October last I had reason to apprehend the people of this as well as of 12 other Colonies on this Continent would voluntarily debar themselves of the benefit of Importing Goods from Great Britain until those oppressive Acts of Parliament which were passed by the late House Should be repealed & therefore I delayed any directions for the investiture of my little Balance in your hands ー upon my arrival here the 11th Inst my apprehensions were confirmed by the united Resolutions of the Inhabitants of these Colonies which you have Seen before this day together with our petition to the King and Address to the good people of Great Britain2 in these circumstances tis neither in my power nor inclination to import any kind of Goods from England & I am much afraid that by the obstinacy of those who are Enemies to both parties we Shall remain in this State for Months perhaps Years for there appears to be determination here to bear all that the hand of power can inflict & to Suffer every temporary Evil in preference to a lame Surrender of our Liberties ー I must therefore request the favour of you to remit the Balance of my Account which I believe is about £58.2/ to William Manning Esqr of St Marys Axe London & when there is an opening for a correspondence you shall hear further from [&c.]
1. Henry Laurens Letter Book, 1774-1775, SCHS.
2. The actions of the First Continental Congress at Philadelphia.