From Diary of the American Revolution, Vol I. Compiled by Frank Moore and published in 1859.
January 19. –The Governor of Connecticut called his counsel together on the 4th instant; their deliberations are kept very secret; but we are told they have ordered three hundred barrels of gunpowder, and lead in proportion, to be purchased at the public expense. The militia in the whole colony is mustered every week, and in most towns they have a deserter from his Majesty’s forces, by way of drill sergeant. Nothing but a spirit of independence would suffer matters to be carried to such extremities, as make all prudent inhabitants fear that our parchment will soon totter. 1
1 Extract of a letter from Hartford, Jan. 13; Rivington’s Gazette, Jan. 19.