GLC01798
Ezra Stiles to Catharine Macaulay
Newport, Rhode Island, 15 April 1775.
Autograph letter signed, 3 pages + docket.
Dear
Madam
Newport
Apr.
15.
1775
The Resolutions of Parliament instead of intimidating only add Fuel to the Flame,
invigorate & strengthen the Resolutions of the Americans. We have the united Wisdom of the
Continent incessantly exercised in deliberating, projecting & resolving the public Measures
adapted to the present momentous Exigency: and if deserted by our Brethren in Great Britain,
and abandoned by the World, we confidently trust in our God that he will deliver us. We hoped
the unhappy & unnatural Differences would have been amicably adjusted & settled upon
Principles of public Justice, Equity, Benevolence. If otherwise, America is ready for the last
Appeal, which however shocking and tremendous, is by the Body of the Colonies judged less
terrible than the Depredations of Tyranny & arbitrary Power. There are 120 Thousand stands of
Arms in good Repair in the hands of the comon People of New England only; and Amunition
may a
mt
. for more Battles than one, nor are they at a loss for whole [illegible] of further Supplies
of Powder & Arms. We have certainly Six hundred Barrels of Powder with a Quantity of Small
Arms within a few days arrived into this Colony only. And there is pretty certain Intelligence,
that notwithstanding the Vigilance of the Navy, above six Thousand Barrels of Powder have
been imported into the continental Colonies, particularly Virginia, Maryland & New England,
the half year past, is incredible. It will not be the Loss of several Battles that can conquer &
subdue the Spirit of a hardy People fighting pro Aris & Focis, for Property, Religion & Liberty.
I pray God that Things may never come to real Action, for after that, the Wound can never be
healed.
We are set forth a Spectacle to God, Angels & Men. Not only Britain, but all Europe are
Spectators of the Conflict, the arduous struggle for Liberty. We consider ourselves as laying the
foundation of a glorious future-Empire, and acting a part for the Contemplation of Ages.
America is ambitious of conducting with that Prudence, Wisdom, Counsel, and true Greatness,
which may comend them to the Admiration of Posterity and the World. These Motives [2] are
transfused throughout the Body of the People, and operate with great Efficacy. The Motive is
