which the sons of liberty have of the press, gives them the superiority in point of influence, over their antagonists in the periodical publications of the day. As the Boston port bill prohibits all water carriage, beside shutting up the port, the merchants are under the necessity of adopting the expensive mode of bringing their goods from Salem or Marblehead, all the way round, through Cambridge and Roxbury, to Boston. Had they been allowed to bring them to Charlestown by land, and thence to cross them over by water, they would have saved a fourth of the way. But it is pleasing to observe what trade is going forward, notwithstanding the embarrassments with which it is clogged. Boston is exhibiting a scene of patience, fortitude, and perseverance, which will make them renowned in history. Though liberal contributions have been made, are raising, and will be raised, for the succour of sufferers; yet it may be easily conceived, that in a town containing several thousand inhabitants, who have subsisted chiefly by commerce and the various kinds of business subservient to it, and where the maintenance of many families depends merely upon the locality, the cutting off of that grand source of their employment and subsistence, must occasion great distresses notwithstanding every relief. Even the rich are not exempt from the general calamity, as a very considerable part of their property consists in wharfs, warehouses, stores, and those numerous erections which are destined to the purposes of commerce, but are now no longer profitable. The people at large have been for some time preparing to defend their rights with the point of the sword. They see that they are either to be terrified or driven into submission, by an armed force; and are for providing against both. The countrymen, in returning from Boston, are daily bringing out guns, knapsacks, &c. Every one appears desirous of being well accoutred. They have arms in general, the militia law requiring it of all within a certain age. Note—They are fond of shooting, are accustomed to it from early life, and are special marksmen. They are perfecting themselves in their exercise. Handling the musket and training, are the fashionable amusements of the male inhabitants, while the females encourage them to proceed. The sound of drums and fifes is constantly saluting your ears. Husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters, lovers, the young and the old, seem possessed of, or rather to be possessed by a martial spirit, and are fired with an enthusiastic zeal for liberty. In most places, but particularly in _Berkshire_ and _Worcester_ counties, where the influence of government was supposed to prevail most, nothing is to be seen or heard of, except the purchasing of arms and ammunition, the casting of balls, and the making of all those preparations which testify the most immediate danger, and determined resistance.