John Fothergill (1712-1780), English physician, noted for giving one of the first descriptions of diphtheria in English, writes to Philadelphia Quaker merchant James (1723-1809), a founder of the Society for the Relief of Free Negroes, with news from England of the growing conflict. "...Lord How[e] is on the point of leaving this country to take upon him the command in America. We hope he will carry out with him such instruction as may ____ to a reconciliation. His known regard for both countrys and his good qualitys are strong presumptions in his favour & I hope every thing he may have to offer will on these accounts be heard and considered dispassionately..." He later states that "I convey this to my honoured friend Lt. General Burgoyne at Quebeck, who I know will forward it if he can. I believe there is no man wishes more ardently for peace than himself both for the sake of America and Great Britain. If war ___ the lot of that unhappy country you will have two generous enemys in himself and Lord Howe. But I fervently wish that all these hostile operations may be rendered unnecessary by an accommodation equally beneficial to each country..." Burgoyne indeed assisted the delivery of the letter, and has written on the addressed portion, "To all officers of his Majesty's service civil or military Permit this letter to pass. J. Burgoyne, Lt. Genl."