Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. IV

I am far from thinking the suppression of Luxury, an unnecessary article, on the Contrary I most earnestly wish that the people of America may be prevailed upon to live with» the bounds prescribed by their Rank & fortune, and so far as that it would give me great' pleasure to support the undertaking as well as to encourage Husbandry in all its branches. And altho' I am persuaded you will not encourage any schemes which may be disagreable to the Mother Country Yet you must allow that in a Society composed of persons of all Ranks some things may at least be proposed by some of the Members which cannot be pleasing to Gt Britain, and in which I couldn't with the least propriety engage, as a Servant to the Crown.

The Nature of my Department likewise affordsme little time to advert to matters of this nature which I presume you will readily allow when I assure you that so far from having leisure to attend to any domestic concerns, I cannot command the ordinary hours, of refreshment amply enjoyed by every Labourer in the province, & tho' I might give myself more Ease I could not do so consist-

THE SIX NATIONS. 347

ent with myself and with my desire to promote the public Tranquility .

I must request your Acceptance of £10 Curr which I shall Direct M* Darlington of N York to pay into the Treasurers hands, and if circumstanced as J am, I can be of any farther service to your undertaking, I shall most Chearfully comply, to convince you how much I am a Wellwisher to this province