To judge aright of the present alarming state of affairs, you must observe, that it does not arise from the discontent of a turbulent or oppressed nobility or gentry, so that by bringing over a few of the leaders, the rest will follow of course, or persist only to their own ruin; nor does it depend upon the resolution or perseverance of a body of merchants and dealers, so that every man, habitually studious of his immediate interest, will tremble at the thought of those consequences which may essentially affect it: nor will a few lucrative jobs or contracts split the colonists into numberless factions. On the contrary, the great force of the opposition consists in the landholders throughout America. The British lands in this continent, are, in general, and more especially in the New-England colonies, the Jerseys, and in part of New-York and Pennsylvania, portioned out in such freeholds as afford that mediocrity of condition to the possessors, which is sufficient to raise strong bodies and vigorous minds; but seldom that superabundance which proves so fatal to both, in old and refined countries. The American freeholders, from many circumstances, are more enthusiastic lovers of liberty, than ever were the English yeomanry. The body of them are too bold to be despised without danger, and now that they are united, too numerous to be bribed. Human nature being the same in every quarter of the globe, had moderation instead of compulsion been employed, several who are at present zealous leaders, might have been secured, and ministry (in colonies of such different manners, interests, and principles, and on these accounts strongly inclined to variance with each other) might have carried many points which they will now find it difficult or impossible to do, since they have united them, by evidencing a design of subjugating each to a mode of government to which all, without exception, are averse in the highest degree. The Boston committee of correspondence received the most encouraging answers to their letters; and were assured that the town of Boston was considered _as suffering in the common cause_. They had more than the strongest expressions to console them, they had the substantial evidence of facts. Ministry promised themselves mighty advantages from making _Salem_ the seat of government, with the privilege of an open port, while the neighboring one, in itself of much greater consequence, was shut. But the merchants and freeholders of the town discovered a most noble spirit, which will prove a sore disappointment to them. If it was expected that incurable envy, jealousy, or animosity, would be excited between the two towns, and that the refractory capital being abandoned and left alone to ruminate upon her forlorn situation, would soon be reclaimed and brought to a full sense of her duty; the very reverse will mortify.