To the Ladies of Pennsylvania.

Dear Ladies,

United as we are by interest and affection, we flatter ourselves we, need make no apologies for addressing you on this occasion; so far from thinking them necessary, we doubt not you will receive, as a sisterly freedom, the liberty we take in communicating our sentiments to you. Gives us leave, in the first place, to condole with you on the unhappy change that a few past years have produced on this extensive continent; our political hemisphere, which till of late, we always beheld serenely bright, is now full of clouds, that we much fear will burst in tempests over our heads. We propose not, ladies, to enter into the much agitated subject of American grievances; of this, alas! You will undoubtedly hear too much for your peace of mind. Your husbands, your fathers, and all your dearest friends of the other sex, have no doubt frequently discussed, in your presence, this momentous point; on the determinations of such friends we may safely rely. Let us then, dear ladies, cooperate with them in their honest endeavours to extricate America from the evils that threaten her. Much, very much, depends on the public virtue the ladies will exert at this critical juncture; permit us, therefore, to exhort you to be firm in withstanding luxuries of every kind; but above all, as the most pernicious of all, that you will (as we have universally done) banish India Tea from your tables, and in its stead, substitute some of the aromatic herbs  which our fruitful soil abounds. We mean not to boast of the conduct of the Virginian in this arduous trial, they know they do nothing more than their indispensable duty, in the sacrifices they have made, and are further willing to make; neither do we doubt but the good ladies of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and all of America, will be so far instrumental in bringing about a redress of the evils complained of, that history may be hereafter filled with their praises, and teach posterity to venerate their virtues. We have the honour to subscribe ourselves your affectionate countrywomen, of Virginia.

Williamsburg, August 7, 1774