1774.] TO JOHN BARTRAM. 459 



cabinets afford ; many very curious materials of which, I am highly 

 indebted to your bounty for. 



We have had an exceeding tempestuous time, for a fortnight 

 past, attended with violent rains ; otherwise, the winter has been 

 mild upon the whole, the severe weather seldom lasting above two 

 or three days, and then changing with a southwest wind. 



We have also had one of our spring cries already : that of 

 Primroses which the lower class of people, at this season, usually 

 plunder the woods of, a few miles from the city : for yet, my dear 

 sir, there are a few woods left ; though in my remembrance many 

 fine ones have been grubbed up and turned into pasture, to supply 

 the enormous increase of horses, which luxury and riches have 

 found necessary for their use. 



Things seem to be wearing a very serious face here, in regard to 

 the Colonies. In respect to the business at Boston, concerning the 

 Tea, that was certainly the act of a lawless rabble, and in that light 

 only, I believe, the administration views it. Indeed, it is the 

 general belief here, that much of the present disposition of the 

 Colonies has originated from the incendiary arts of some interested 

 people here, not American born ; but who delight to inflame, and 

 hope to find their account in fishing in troubled waters. The 

 times are certainly eventful and distempered ; and I should be 

 very glad that something consistent could be adopted to heal the 

 breach, agreeable to the wishes of America, and yet not derogatory 

 to the honour of the mother country. 



I remain, with great respect and regard, dear sir, your affec- 

 tionate friend, 



Michael Colllnson. 



Manchester Buildings, September 22d, 1774. 



My dear Friend : 



Your very kind favour of the 7th June, is before me ; and I am 

 to thank you for its very obliging contents. 



In regard to the critical situation of America, I sincerely join 

 with you in sentiments ; and I am sure I most sensibly feel for the 

 distresses of the innocent part of its inhabitants. But, in certain 

 situations, it is very difficult to separate the punishment of the 

 guilty from the innocent. 



As to the conduct of the Bostonians, it ought, I think, to excite 



