Halifax Aug 6th. 1777

Dear Sir,

I have to acknowledge the favor of yours of the 10th. Ult. with the newspaper. I assure you no reverse of fortune can possibly damp my spirits or occasion any despondency, so thoroughly am I convinced that Time and America must overcome all opposition. I am happy in finding my thoughts to agree with yours, as to the mode to be pursued in carrying on the War, and wish, from my soul, that the Congress may have the wisdom to adopt the counsels of my friend. But Envy, most accursed Demon, linked with self-interest, frequently blasts the best intentions.

Before now, I make no doubt that you have heard of a most accursed plot in favor of the British Tyrant. It was to have broken out with the assistance of the leading men in every County, and afterwards none were to be spared but such as repaired to their Standard.

Heaven blasted the design, and our prisons confine some of their leaders, though some of the most atrocious are not yet taken.

The great Mr. Brimage is in Edenton jail, being one of the heads of these Cut-throats, also his father-in-law, one Black, John Stewart likewise, a brother of Tom.

I make no doubt but hanging about a dozen, will have exceedingly good effect, in this State, and give stability to our new Government. They seem to have been designed for this purpose by Providence—

Mr. Eaton on my application to him tells me that Mrs. Burke wrote to him not to finish the carriage and that now it was quite out of his power, owing to the want of workmen and materials, so that your wisest step will be to get one where you can, for I assure you it is become very difficult here.

I shall take the utmost care of your letters, and send them by the first opportunity. You may beleive me, when I tell you, that I am with esteem and affection,

Your Sincere Friend,

Allen Jones—