For the question, 20, against ditto, 5.

And it was further ordered that all the lead, powder and other military stores belonging to this State be forthwitli removed to the White Phiins.''^

The journey between New York and the Plains was performed by the members on horseback, Pierre van Cortland r, the president, riding at their head. As expresses ovjsrtook them from General Washington the house was called to order on horseback, and several resolutions passed.

"It was at White Plains on the 9th of July, the Provincial Congress received the Declaration of Independence ; there it was read, in front of the court house,"'^ and there they solemnly in convention promised at the risk of their lives and fortunes to

» American Archives, fourth series, vol. ii. 529.

b Extract from address of J. W, Tompkins, Esq., 1845.

« Journal of N. Y. Provincial Congress, vol. i. 512.

d The declaration was read by John Thomas, Esq., and seconded by Michael

36^. HISTORY or THE

join with ihe other colonies in supporting it. The letter of John Hancock, enclosing to them, that declaration, after acknowledging their dependence for success npon the Ruler of the universe, with almost a prophet's vision announced the important consequences which would flow from that declaration.''^ The old court house, honored by this fearless step in (he cause of independence, " and so intimately associated with the wisdom and virtue of such men as Jay, Morris, Clinton, Woodhull, Hobart, Van Cortlandt, Livingston, and Rutgers, was burnt on the night of the 5th of November, by a New England major, without orders, together with every dwelling at White Plains.''^