John Laurens to Francis Kinloch, 6 November, 1774

The Disposition of Lord's in the present Parliament, when we see the House under presure of so severe and uniform an Expence, again ready without any Enquiry to countenance, if not to adopt the [?] of the formal fatal Proceedings.
That whatever may be the mischievous Designs or the inconsiderate Temenity which leads others to this desperate Course, we wish to be known persons who have over disapproved of measures so pernicious in their [ink blot], and their future Tendency, and who are not in harte without Enquiry or Information, to commit ourselves Declarations which may precipitate our Country into all the Calamities of a Civil War.
The Address of the Commons will be much the same as that of the Lords. An Amendment war moved for in the [?] of the Lords Protest that [tear] [tear] made there were only 73 for the Amendment and 21 against [tear] [tear] has yet transpired from the Congress—it has been [?] [tear] importation Agreement will be enter'd into from November [tear] both parties seemed determined to stand their ground_ whether [tear] with convince and bring on a Civil War, or whether matters may take a more favorable Turn. God only knows_ if the first seem favorable, I must away to America. I have a Father, I have a Sister, I have the [?] [?] there_ I have a Country which claims the small [?] I can give_ O my friend, shall I see Our fertile Plains laid wasted [?] out to New Masters? No. We can die but once, and when more gloriously than in defence of our Liberties?
The [?] of my Paper I must Devote to thanking you for the Happiness which you have procured me in an Acquaintance with [?] of Mrs. Boon_ from the little I have seen of them, I am [?] they are possess'd of all amiable and endearing Qualities which I have heard you attribute with the warmth of a Sincere Friend_ Adieu_ You cannot write too soon, too often, or too much to
Your affectionate,
John Laurens.