That our riches, and former virtue, make us a prey to an enemy, whose tender mercies are cruelties.
That in short, our situation is beyond description deplorable.

That the powers civil and military are daily relaxing, and disaffection prevailing.

That we can neither stay at our houses, go out, nor come in with safety.

That we can neither plough, plant, sow, reap nor gather.

That we are fast falling into poverty, distress, and into the hands of our enemy.