Morris: Letter-Book of Capt. Alexander McDonald 8i 



danger, and God knows what trouble forbids my incouraging you 

 to move from where you are, if you can but remain with any 

 degree of ease or Comfort, and more particularly as I have some 

 hopes of being able Coming to see you this Summer as I hope a 

 varst Number of troops will be Landed there as well as in a great 

 many other parts of America — but I shall Say nothing about 

 Polleticks — the deluded Americans will be Convinced of their 

 Error. Proposals are going to be made to them which if they 

 will Agree to, good and well, and if they refuse them, it is not only 

 Great Brittain but all europe that stands ready to Crush them : 

 this they will not beheve 'til they find it's too Late — for gods sake 

 fail not to write often if you can find any Opportunity of putting 

 them aboard of the man of war." 



After regretting his inability to have his wife and children with 

 him at Halifax, Captain McDonald adds: "Surely the people 

 [on Staten Island] has not got so barberously mad as to Molest 

 or hurt a poor innocent woman and still more Innocent poor 

 Children and Especially till they know how Matters are to be 

 settled in America. Should you form a Resolution of Coming 

 to me with the Children, I have given directions to the Command- 

 ing officer of His Majestys Ships in the harbor of New Yorke to 

 Send you all the assistance In his power, and procure you a passage 

 in any of his Majestys Ships that Should Come this way; it's to 

 be hoped you will be allowed to depart in peace and dispose of as 

 much of your Effects as you dont chuse to Carry along with You. 

 You may bring as much Corn, oats, wheat or flour. Gammons, & 

 fowls, of all Sorts as you can possibly get aboard. David & 

 Donald & Gilbert if he chuses shall Come along with You. all this 

 is only in Case you should Chuse to Come, but if you could live 

 happy and at peace where you are, I would Like it better as I 

 think it was best for you, for a Little time 'til I am able to know^ 

 how Matters are Like to go. . . Kiss the Children for me and 

 with my best wishes and kind respects to all friends, I ever am 

 my Dearest Your affectionate Husband & most obedient Very 

 humble Servt." 



